Johnnie W. Lake

1929 –2016

We rejoice today in celebration of the life of Mr. Johnnie W. Lake. God allowed Mr. Lake to transition to eternity on Saturday, June 25, 2016.  He was born in Hardeman County, Tennessee on December 13, 1929 to Mr. Louis and Mrs. Virture Sain Lake, both preceded him in death.  Mr. Lake can be described as a child of God exemplifying Christian behavior as described in Romans 12: 10-12.

His funeral service was held on Saturday July 7, 2016 at 11:00 am at Zion Temple Church of God- Bolivar with Pastor Gene Bowden delivering the eulogy.  Burial was in the Oak Hill Church Cemetery-Bolivar and Dixie Funeral Home www.dixiefuneralhome.com was in charge of the professional service.

Mr. Lake accepted Christ as his personal savior, was baptized and became a member of Oak Hill MB Church at a young age. He continued his active membership and served in various capacities, including Deacon, treasurer, choir member, custodian and Sunday School Superintendent.

He received his formal education in the Hardeman County public schools and graduated from Allen-White High School. He was a legend on the basketball court. He enlisted in the army and served two years. Then returned to Tennessee A$ I State University, obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. He later received a Master Degree from Memphis State University in 1974.  He retired from BCHS in 1992 after serving 38 years in the Hardeman County School System where he taught math, science and agriculture, coached basketball, but is mostly remembered as the iconic disciplinarian.

His lovely wife, Mrs. Katie Hamer Lake, preceded him in death in 2006 after 46 years of marriage.  They exchanged marital vows on May 29, 1960. He was also preceded in death by two sons, John Wesley and Leon; siblings: Louis Edward, William Oather, Marvinal, Rosabelle, Eloise, and Christine.

Mr. Johnnie W. Lake was also a pillar in the community. He was an active member and past President of the Hardeman County Chapter of TSU Alumni, past member of the election commission, famers Co-op, served as Past Master of Masonics. He received many plaques and honor for his service in the community, always encouraging people to give back and to do their best, purse high education and good work ethic.

Entrusted with his legacy and found memories are: his daughter Loistine (Rickey), daughter-in-law, Cynthia; and grandchildren: Rickey II, Danielle and Daniel; his sister Virtee Lake; sister-in-law’s, Rosa Hamer and Frankie (Delphus) Hicks; many nieces, nephews, other family relatives, and friends; especially the Oak Hill MB Church family and community.

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