Tony Kay Jennings

Tony Kay Jennings, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, went to be with his Lord and savior on March 4th, 2025.  He passed away peacefully in his home after battling cancer.  Tony was born in Mountain City, TN October 28th, 1948, to Clyde Jennings and Maebell Cornett Jennings, and was the baby of 15 children.  Being the baby of 15 came with many nicknames, including Baby Huey, Tone, T-Bone, and Stone Wall.

He is preceded in death by his parents and many siblings: Howard Jennings, Oscar Jennings, Verlene Martin, Dewey Jennings, Geter Jennings, Ben Jennings, Barney Jennings, Ralph Jennings, Sonny Jennings, Perry Jennings, Evelyn “Tine” Farmer, and Nora Mae Swift.

Tony  is survived by his wife, Rita Kay Wilson Jennings; daughter, Beth Kay Morley (husband Chris); granddaughter, Mackenzie Kay Johnson (husband Matthew); siblings/spouses- Jim Jennings (wife Kathy), Oscar “Butch” Jennings, Lucille Jennings (wife to brother Barney Jennings), Willa Gray Jennings (wife to brother Ralph Jennings), and Melissa (ex-wife to brother Perry Jennings); Sister in law Donna Wilson; Several nieces and nephews including-Moses Jennings, Ray Jennings, James Jennings, Lindsey Jennings, and Jeff Price; Special friends including- Terry Pardue, Keith Wilson, Cliff Story, Dick Stout, Odell Greene, and Lee. L Roark.

At the age of 19, Tony met Rita, and he knew she was the one from the first time he saw her.  He referred to her as his “everything.”  They built a life together that spanned 56 years, centered around faith, love, and family.  The Jennings are well know as hardworking and God-fearing.  Tony was a righteous man who knew the Lord and studied his bible daily in an effort to share the Word with others.  When you talked to Tony, it was evident that his faith was strong, and he had a desire to witness.  He attended Shouns United Methodist Church in Mountain City, TN and Faith Assembly Church in Jeffersonville, IN.  Tony was a man of many talents, which allowed him to find success in various careers.  He began his career as an over-the-road truck driver, which led to starting his own trucking business in Pennsylvania. After returning to Tennessee, he became a successful business owner in the construction industry.  The Jennings family was very gifted with the ability to build or fix anything, and Tony was no exception.  He was well known for his faithful companion, Maggie, who could be seen riding on the back of his pickup truck through town. Tony’s strong relationships within the community led to his election as Johnson County Road Superintendent.  He worked hard to earn his GED for the position, showing his determination and commitment.  As Road Superintendent, his personality shined with a willingness to help others, a humble demeanor, and honesty.  This allowed Tony to serve three terms as an elected county official.  In his free time, he enjoyed taking Sunday drives, watching westerns (especially Tombstone), gardening, remodeling houses, camping, and traveling.  He owned land in Montana and loved spending time outdoors.  His sense of adventure led him to study and obtain his pilot’s license, which was a milestone he was extremely very proud of.  Tony’s jolly nature and sense of humor will forever live on.  He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and show his love for God above all else.

The funeral service for Tony will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 7, 2025,  at Hux & Lipford Funeral Home in Mountain City, TN.  Pastors officiating will be Teddy Lewis, Frank Woods, and Homer Vanover.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm prior to the funeral.  Burial will follow in the Jennings Family Cemetery.

2 Corinthians 5:8-9

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him"

Pallbearers will be Ray Jennings, Moses Jennings, James Jennings, Mark Jennings, Chris Morley, and Matthew Johnson.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Jennings, Oscar “Butch” Jennings, and Lindsey Jennings.

Online condolences and memories may be sent to the family at www.huxlipfordfh.com

Hux & Lipford Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Jennings family.