Jewel Thomas Honeycutt

Jewel Thomas “JT” Honeycutt, age 85 of White House, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.  He was born on July 20, 1936, in Robertson County, TN, to the late Claud Thomas and Mary Jane (Williams) Honeycutt.

JT was saved by God’s grace at 22 years old; following the Lord and His church brought him some of the greatest joys of his life.  He was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Goodlettsville, TN, where he served faithfully as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.  He is best known for adding the song, “I’ve Just Begun to Live,” to the end of “Amazing Grace.”

Affectionately known as Pop, he loved his family well and showed his devotion by being a dedicated provider.  JT worked as a millwright for the Dupont and Reemay companies in Old Hickory, TN, until his retirement in 2003.  He was elected as both alderman and mayor for the city of Ridgetop, TN, for twenty years.

JT enjoyed studying the Bible, fishing, gardening, birdwatching, eating sweets, playing card games and “Guess That Hymn” on Sunday mornings before church, coordinating family reunions, contacting friends and family both near and far by phone, traveling to all 50 states and 37 countries, and attending mission trips to Trinidad, Jamaica, and Alaska.  He was an avid Vanderbilt Commodores and Atlanta Braves fan, but Pop found new excitement in watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren compete in various sporting and musical events.

He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Judy Matthews Honeycutt; daughters, Vicky Warren of Goodlettsville, TN, and Cathy Dean Williams of Murfreesboro, TN; brother, Ronnie Honeycutt of Nashville, TN; 4 grandchildren, Jenna (Brian) Johnson, Jessica Warren, Zach Williams, and Anna Laura Williams; 4 great grandchildren, Daniel, Samuel, Elias, and Ezra Johnson; and 1 great granddaughter on the way. He was blessed with stepdaughter, Melinda (Gene) Carris, and stepson, Matt (Kim) Matthews; 2 step grandchildren, Natalie (Chris) Shoulders and Harrison Matthews; 1 step grandson-in-law, Troy Alexander; 6 step great grandchildren, Kenley, Gunnar, Leslie, Emrie, Lily, and Harper. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Jodean Pearson Honeycutt; 2 siblings, Roy Lee Honeycutt and Effie Jane Reeves; and step granddaughter, Madison Carris Alexander.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2022, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Hendersonville Memory Gardens & Funeral Home with an additional visitation on Monday, February 14, 2022, from 11:00 AM until time of service.  The celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, February 14, 2022, with Elder Brian Johnson officiating.  Interment will follow with Dean Harrison, Jimmy Riddle, Jesse Allen, Steve Turman, Mike House, Mike Wilson, and Mike Honeycutt serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Ball, Rick Buckelew, Burt Castleman, Mac Choate, Jimmy Clark, Bill Dagnan, Key Dillard, Jeff Godwin, Bill Green, Brad Hagan, Ken Honeycutt, Richard Honeycutt, Steve Honeycutt, Kenny Pearson, Randy Pearson, Leon Pitt, Carl Poole, Marty Reeves, James Sanders, Jimmy Sanders, Joe Williams, Kenneth Williams, and Larry Williams.