James Leonard "Tank" Stinnett, Sr.

James Leonard “Tank” Stinnett, Sr., age 83, of Louisville, TN, passed away Monday, March 28, 2022, at Blount Memorial Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family as he went to be with his daughter Kimberly (Sissy), son James (Jim), and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on July 14, 1938, Leonard was raised in Alcoa, Tenn., and graduated from Alcoa High School in 1956. Leonard was a U.S. Navy veteran, being a submarine sailor aboard the USS Bugara SS-331. He was a member of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc., the Smoky Mountain and Volunteer Bases. Following his service, Leonard attended the University of Tennessee, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Leonard went on to work at Alcoa, Inc. as a human resources manager, earning his spot in the 25-year club. He was a strong mediator between Alcoa and the United Steelworkers.

Leonard's warm heart and laughter will always be remembered by his family and friends. He loved the Lord, his church, and his family, especially his wife of 65 years, Shirley Stinnett. Leonard was a member of First Baptist Church of Alcoa. Much of his time was spent playing with his great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his son Jim Stinnett, Jr., and his daughter Kimberly Stinnett Mock; his parents, Leon Stinnett and Elmira (Floyd) Adams; Charles and Velma Mills; Margie and Boomer Boring and their daughter Gay; and David Mills.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Stinnett; his grandchildren, Jimmy (Whitney) Stinnett, Megan (John Ross) Turner, and Justin (Nicole) Mock; and his great-grandchildren William, Benjamin, and John Henry Turner, and Mary Alice and Amelia Mae Stinnett; Lois (Richard) Patterson; Betty (Cliff) Stubblefield; Debbie (Stinnett) Greene; Vada Mills; his dear friend Ed Janca; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His family wishes to thank the Blount Memorial Hospital doctors and the nurses on 4 North who worked so hard treating Leonard and comforting his family during this difficult time. We’d also like to thank Leonard’s special friend Richard Patterson who was with Leonard during his illness whenever Leonard or the family needed him.

Leonard’s last request was no services or receiving of friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Leonard’s name.