John H. Kinder

John H. Kinder, 81, a lifelong resident of Cleveland passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at his home after a brief illness. John was born on January 8, 1939. He attended Black Fox School and was proud of the fact that several generations of his family attended Black Fox as well. He was also in the 1956 class of Bradley High School. Additionally, he served in the Army National Guard. In 1956 something happened that would change his life forever. Gene Callaway recommended that John go to the Highway Department (now TDOT) and apply for a job with the Land Surveying Department. He was hired but was determined he would only work a couple of weeks. The couple of weeks turned into a good number of years. He also began doing some “moonlighting” around 1962 by surveying for various clients before leaving the Highway Department at a later date. In 1968, he opened Cleveland Surveying Company where he still worked until recently. John was a talented surveyor and exceptional at coming up with the best use for a tract of land. He loved the challenge of drawing a layout for a subdivision, office park, apartments, or whatever his hand could touch. He literally has worked on thousands of pieces of property. His main area of his work was in Bradley County; however, he also worked in the general, surrounding area as well. He said he never worked a day because his work was his hobby. In addition to his involvement with Cleveland Surveying, he also served on the Board of Directors of Tri-State Warehouse, Inc. He was the son of the late John Kinder, Sr. and Mary Ruth Kinder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by all of his siblings and an infant daughter, Tonia Danette Kinder. Additionally, he loved his in-laws, James Ira and Remelle Wade who also preceded him in death. John is survived by his daughter: Terri L. Brown (Randy); sons: John T. “Tony” Kinder (Sheila) and Mitchell T. Kinder (Sherra); five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Patricia Kinder (the mother of his children) and Donna Hubbard (loving partner) and her children and grandchildren. All are in the local area. In addition he has several nieces and nephews, friends, clients, and particularly former and current employees, many of whom were like family to him. Finally, he leaves his dogs and cats that he loved dearly. At his request, a private graveside service for his family was held on Saturday, March 21st. The service was officiated by the Rev. Tony Kinder. His body lies at rest with his daughter Tonia and James Ira and Remelle Wade. The family suggests memorial donations may be made In Memory of John H. Kinder to SPCA of Bradley County, 1570 Johnson Blvd., SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Erlanger Hospital and Tennova Hospital for their care, Hospice of Chattanooga, and Fike-Randolph and Son Funeral Home. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Kinder family guestbook at www.fikefh.com Arrangements were handled by Fike-Randolph and Son Funeral Home.