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John Riley McWilliams

John Riley McWilliams, 87, of Dunlap, passed peacefully at his home on Friday, March 3, 2017. Mr. McWilliams was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Peggy Merriman McWilliams; parents, Riley and Nan Narramore McWilliams; grandson, Travis Burkhart; brothers, Riley Ray and Arthur Lee McWilliams; and sister, Corene Lewis. He was a member of Welch’s Chapel Methodist Church. John retired from International Union of Operating Engineers Local 917 after 41 years of service, 22 of those years he served as business manager for Local 917 in Chattanooga. He was also a member of Alhambra Shrine for 60 years. After his retirement, he was active in his community and dedicated much of his time and energy to erect a memorial for the local Bluegrass musicians in Sequatchie County. John and Peggy spent much of their time in Clewistion, Florida and made many lifelong friends. Survivors include his three daughters, Tonja Bernard of Nashville, Sherry (Mike) Borkowski of Chattanooga, and Vikki (Chet) Prado of Chattanooga; grandson, Shane (Stephanie) Burkhart; granddaughters, Ginger Prado and Kamilla (Todd) Bridges; three great-granddaughters, Dita Bridges, Stella Bridges and Abigail Burkhart; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 9 at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in McWilliams Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Hearth Hospice, 1800A Rossville Ave. Chattanooga, TN. An online guestbook is at www.ewtonfuneralhome.com. Ewton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Dunlap was in charge of arrangements.

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