John "Jack" W. Luther Sr.'s Obituary
John W. Luther Sr. “Jack,” age 92, son of Maynard O. and Gladys H. Luther, was born in Memphis, TN on March 24, 1930. He answered the call to be with Jesus on December 21, 2022.
Jack graduated from Messick High School in Memphis, where he first saw his wife to be, pointed out by one of his friends. Jack replied to his friend, “The one with the skinny legs?”
After High School, Jack was hired by the United States Postal Service, delivering mail in Memphis. At that time, he started dating his future bride, Elizabeth A. Hudson, “Mickey.” One of Mickey’s friends asked her if she had seen the good-looking Mailman on her route. Mickey quickly answered, “That’s my Mailman!”
Jack and Mickey planned a wedding. A short time before they were married, Jack received a letter from the U. S. Navy, requiring him to report for duty on the U.S.S. Monterey during the Korean War. Jack and Mickey had to cancel their church wedding, but married at Mickey’s family home on December 28, 1952. Mickey went to Pensacola, FL with Jack, where he reported for duty on the Air Craft Carrier. Their romance thrived for 61 years. They were blessed with two children, three grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
After his service in the Navy, Jack and Mickey returned to Memphis, where Jack attended Memphis State University and acquired his degree in Industrial Engineering. In 1961, the family of four relocated to the Washington DC area, where Jack worked at USPS Headquarters as an Industrial Engineer. In 1971, Jack received a transfer back to Memphis, where he and Mickey were reunited with their aging parents and siblings. Jack entered USPS Management in the District Office, then the Southern Regional Office.
Jack had a love for golf. He started caddying at the age of 8, earing 25-cents per 9 holes. He enjoyed golf throughout his life. He always loved sports and attending sporting events. Jack and Mickey purchased their first season tickets to Memphis State University’s basketball/football games in the 70’s. Jack attended his last Memphis basketball and football games in November 2022. Jack and Mickey created a family of forever Memphis fans. The tradition will thrive.
Jack and Mickey loved to travel and cruise. There were so many spectacular family vacations, even continuing after the kids were grown.
Most importantly, Jack and Mickey raised their children in the way of the Lord. Both parents attended Bible Study Fellowship, Mickey becoming a leader. They attended First Evangelical Church, where Jack became an Elder. Jack and Mickey loved God’s word, and led the family living the word. Jack was very slow to anger, and forgave within minutes.
Jack loved people. He was more of a listener, than a talker. Most of his accomplishments, awards, and service were probably unknown to his closest friends, even family. Jack was never boastful, always humble. He threw away golf trophies and deeply tucked away awards and certificates in drawers at home. He was never comfortable being the center of attention. Jack was more than willing to do the grunt work, making phone calls, keeping the books, making cookies and popcorn etc. in his church, friend groups and neighborhood association. His direct reports at the Postal Service always said they loved working for Jack. They stated he rarely delegated anything he thought he could do himself. Friends were and still are forever friends. He loved to tease and smile with everyone. He loved to play with all the kids in his life. He got in trouble along with the kids, when horseplay got a little over the top. Mickey would say, “Jack, Johnny and Judy hold it down!”
Jack repeatedly apologized and thanked caregivers for taking care of him. He had fun with them too! He enjoyed his stay at Towne Village, participating in many activities, meeting and joking with residents. The family will forever be grateful for the caregivers, who often communicated to both family and Jack how very much they loved him.
Jack is survived by his children, John Luther Jr., of Arley, Alabama, and his daughter, Judy Luther of Memphis. He is also survived by two grandchildren, a great grandchild, and many very special nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Lee Hudson Gilliland of Memphis. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his grandchild, John David Luther, and five siblings, Maynard “Moe” Luther Jr., Harry “Hal” Luther, Robert “Bobby” Luther, Betty Emerson, and Martha Hensley.
Visitation, Funeral Service and interment will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 27th, 5-7 pm. The funeral service will take place on Jack and Mickey’s Anniversary, Wednesday, December 28th at 10:00 am with interment following.
Friends may make donations to St. Jude.
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