John Phd Jr.

John B. Redditt, Jr., PhD passed away Sunday, March 15th, 2015 at the age of 76. John, who was fondly referred to as "Brother" in his childhood years, was born September 8th, 1938 in Vicksburg, MS to the late John B. Redditt, Sr. and Marjorie Skinner Redditt. John spent much of his childhood years working at his father's pharmacy in St. Joseph, LA. After graduating from Joseph Moore Davidson High School, he earned his BS and MED from The University of Louisiana at Monroe where he played football, ran track and volunteered at several organizations. He later earned his PhD from The University of West Virginia.
Dr. Redditt first became interested in pursuing a career in the Mental Health field when he took a high school field trip to a center for the developmentally delayed in Pineville, LA. Later, while doing volunteer work in college with developmentally delayed individuals, he was recruited by Dr. John J. Barnes to become an instructor at Orange Grove Center for the Mentally Retarded in Chattanooga, TN. During a career dedicated to Mental Health that spanned over 30 years, he served as the Superintendent of Green Valley Developmental Center, Clover Bottom Developmental Center, and the Harold Jordan Habilitation Center. He also served as the Director of Mental Retardation for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health. Upon retirement, Dr. Redditt was honored by the State of Tennessee for his commitment to bettering the lives of the developmentally delayed, with a building named in his honor at the Clover Bottom Developmental Center in Nashville, TN. After retiring, John served as the Executive Director of New Horizons Corporation.
During his life, Dr. Redditt was committed to serving his community, and was involved with numerous organizations such as Kiwanis International and Rotary Club. He served on the board of Tusculum College and on the Graduate Review Committee of George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. John was bestowed with the honorary title of Colonel of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He was also heavily involved with the ARC, United Way, and Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of The First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, TN.
John loved hunting, golfing, and aviation, but his greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
John B. Redditt, Jr., PhD is survived by his wife Margie Tindell Redditt of Hendersonville, TN, brother Charles (Carol) Redditt of Collierville, TN, daughter Kathy (David) Pippin of Bethpage, TN, son Ricky (Kim) Lowery of Monroe, LA, son John B. Redditt, III of Hendersonville, TN, and son David (Anna) Redditt of Hendersonville, TN; grandchildren Allison (Grant) Bowers, Rachael (Justin) Thompson, Shelby Lowery, Taylor (Grant) Dickens, Heather Redditt, Jessica Redditt, John B. "Cole" Redditt IV, Hayden Redditt, Hope Redditt, Holly Redditt, and Tyler Redditt; and great grandchildren Drew Bowers, Ava Thompson, Rylee Bowers, Lowery Dickens, and John Thompson.
His family will always be proud of the legacy that he left behind. His love, compassion, and generosity will be forever missed.
A life celebration service will be held on Wednesday at 11a.m. in the chapel of Hendersonville Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Hendersonville Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-8pm at HENDERSONVILLE FUNERAL HOME 353 E Main St Hendersonville, TN 37075 (615) 824-3855 hendersonvillefh.com