Jack “Jackie” Surratt Laughlin passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, January 26, 2017. Jack affectionately known as “Papa” was born in Jackson, TN on June 18, 1935. He was educated in local schools, and began his career with the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad on March 22, 1952 at an early age to provide for his family. He worked as a clerk and eventually became a conductor with ICG before retiring with 33 years of service. In addition to his work, Jack served his community as a 50-year Mason with Jackson Masonic Lodge 332 and a faithful member of North Jackson Baptist Church, as well as, Englewood Baptist Church in his later life. He served his country as a member of the TN Army National Guard. Family and family gatherings were very important to Jack and many memories were made at what became known as “Laughlin Hill”. Jack had a heart of gold and welcomed everyone into his home for a meal or to listen to him sing and play his guitar. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife Beverly and spending time with all of his family and friends all of which were important parts of his life.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lessie Laughlin, his wife of 64 years, Beverly Lynn Butler Laughlin, his son, Jack Michael (Mike) Laughlin, and a special niece, Scarlett Pickens Johnston.
He is survived by his children, Judy Davis (Ray), Melinda Stewart (Bill), and Danny Laughlin (Kim); daughter-in-law, Janet Laughlin, nine grandchildren, Stephanie Lovelace (Zach), Julie Talley (Brad), Lauren Sundy, Kathryn Reed (Kaleb), Daniel Laughlin, Sarah Cronin (Ryan), Clayton Stewart, Bailey Laughlin and James Russell Laughlin; six great grandchildren, Preslie and Brantley Kate Lovelace, Hayes and Hudson Talley, Hallie and Jack Sundy. Jack is also survived by his three siblings, Peggy Henry, Dickie Laughlin and Becky Pickens. He leaves behind two special nephews, Jody Pickens and Phillip Pickens.
SERVICES: A visitation will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Arrington Funeral Directors and on Saturday, January 28, 2017 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the chapel of Englewood Baptist Church. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at Englewood Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be James Russell Laughlin, Clayton Stewart, Daniel Laughlin, Ray Davis, Bill Stewart, Jody Pickens, Phillip Pickens and Richard Henry.
Memorials may be directed to Englewood Baptist Church 2020 Vision Fund, The Storyline Church plant, North Jackson Baptist Church or Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway 668-1111www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com
