EZRA HENNESSEE

Ezra Hennessee, age 97, of Athens,passed away Thursday, April 4, 2019, at his residence.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was the son of the late Floyd and Minnie Swafford Hennessee and was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Ina Elizabeth Pierce Hennessee; a brother, Grover Hennessee; two sisters, Ophie Hampton and Effie Boles.

 Ezra attended Hillsview School was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He landed on Omaha Beach with the 29th Infantry, later,he was assigned as a driver, driving food and supplies to the front line. He also helped with the USO Shows. On one occasion, he had the opportunity to drive the guest star, Dinah Shore, to the USO Show. He retired from the Martin Marietta K25 Plant, the Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Oak Ridge and was a member of Short Creek Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter,

   Tonya Kay Gleason of Louisville

One son,

   Edwin Lee Hennessee of Athens

Two grandsons: Sam and Matthew Gleason of Louisville

Several nieces and nephews

Special nephew and nieces whom gave special care: Jonathan Pierce, Elizabeth Pierce Oswalt and Patsy Guffey Humphries.

Special thanks to Tennessee Home Health and Amedysis Hospice of Athens.

Funeral services will be 7 pm Saturday in the chapel of Ziegler Funeral Home with Lee Swafford officiating.  Burial will be 2 pm Sunday in Short Creek Cemetery.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Saturday at the funeral home.

If you are unable to attend the visitation or service, sign the guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Ezra Hennessee.