John Larry Gaw, age 63, resident of Oak Ridge, TN passed away at home surrounded by his wife and family on May 14, 2021 after a long battle with Early Onset Alzheimer’s. John was born on January 23, 1958 in McMinnville, TN to Dr. John Cleavis Gaw and Helen Wales Gaw.
John worked the Oak Ridge Reservation as a Senior Radiological Control Technician through 2011 before retiring. John was proud of his work in helping with the cleanup of the current and former sites. John was an avid dog enthusiast. His family swears there wasn’t a dog he couldn’t take home. He enjoyed weekend antique shopping and craft shows. He loved football and enjoyed watching Payton as he moved from team to team. The majority of his time was spent enjoying his family and his dogs. He was a dedicated, loving husband and stepfather.
John was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Wales Gaw and his father, Dr. John Cleavis Gaw of McMinnville, TN and his sister, Patricia Jane Gaw Krauth of Murfreesboro, TN.
John Larry Gaw is survived by his wife, Mary Ruth Gaw and step daughter Lora Hilemon both of Oak Ridge, TN, his sisters, Marilyn Gail Gaw of Knoxville, TN and Barbara Gaw Sain and husband Dr. Norman Sain, John’s nieces and nephews, Ashli Sain Komistek, Zac and Hunter Sain residing in McMinnville, TN; Chris Krauth and Trisha Harris residing in Murfreesboro, TN; brother-in-law Michael Krauth of Murfreesboro, TN; Sister-in-law Nora Ammons and Patti Bailey residing in Knoxville, TN as well as many other relatives, friends and loved ones. The family would like to extend special thanks to all the staff and caregivers of Amedysis Hospice who supported the family allowing John to remain at home per his wishes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the agency of your choice supporting the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Services will be held at McMinnville Funeral Home on Saturday, June 19, 2021. Visitation with friends and family will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm CT with Memorial Services in the Chapel at 3:00 pm CT where Dr. Ted Gaw will officiate.
