December 12, 1940 - May 30, 2025
John D. (Danny) Chattin of Spring City/Evensville, TN passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, with members of his family present.
He was born at home on December 12, 1940, in Rhea Springs, TN, the last baby to be born there before it was flooded to form Watts Bar Lake. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Linda Summers Chattin, for 57 years. Although they had no children of their own, he was a dedicated educator for 26 years who influenced the lives of many students. He was known for teaching more than what was contained in the textbook and encouraging students to see the bigger picture in every circumstance.
He also had a career in Security at the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant where he was a certified EMT/First Responder. He rose to the position of acting captain of the security unit before making a career change back into the classroom.
He earned a BA degree from Carson Newman College and during the summer worked at Camp Woodlee, the 4-H Camp he attended as a youngster. He was the life guard, swimming instructor and recreation leader there, among other responsibilities. He would eventually help form the Camp Woodlee Alumni, a group of former campers, who recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, carrying on traditions and sharing the Woodlee camping experience with several generations.
After college he had joined the United States Coast Guard, graduating 2nd in his boot camp class. He then served in the U. S. Coast Guard Reserve for 13 years, ending his career as a Petty Officer First Class.
Danny rode thousands of miles on his various bicycles, often riding more than one per day. He exercised daily and remained healthy into his 74th year until a devastating accident ended his former life and sent him on a ten- year journey filled with challenges as well as good times. He was a faithful member of Yellow Creek Baptist Church from his youth. He served in various capacities but was Treasurer and Moderator of business meetings for years. He attended church even after his accident whenever he could, enjoying fellowship with the people he loved and joining them for church dinners whenever possible. Most of all, he loved and served the Lord.
He was predeceased in death by his father W. F. (Bill) Chattin, his mother Nelle Clack Chattin, his brother Glenn Chattin, and his beloved first sister-in-law and classmate, Helen Roddy Chattin.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Summers, his brother Fred Chattin, sisters-in-law Joyce (Fred) and Aline (Glenn): nephews, grandnephews and nephews-in-law who will serve as pall bearers: nieces, grandnieces and nieces-in-law who are honorary pall bearers.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 2 at 2:00 P.M. at Yellow Creek Baptist Church with Ben Sanders, Dr. Roger Rothwell, Rev. Michael Young, and Rev. Clyde Fitzgerald officiating. The body will lie in state one hour before the service at the church. Interment will follow in Ewing Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 1 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Vaughn Funeral Home.
Flowers are always appreciated but for those who would like to make a memorial donation to the E.K. Woodlee Memorial Youth Camp, you may send a check made out to “Camp Woodlee”, attn Dan Strasser, PO Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402.
Vaughn Funeral Home of Spring City is in charge of the arrangements of John D. (Danny) Chattin and asks that friends share condolences and memories of himwith the family on our website www.vaughn-funeral-home.com.