John Wayne Perdue, Sr., 66, of Athens, died Friday morning, January 7, 2011 at Athens Regional Medical Center.  A native of Greenville, Alabama, he was a son of the late William H., Sr. and Olivia Grant Perdue and was also preceded in death by a brother, William H. Perdue, Jr. and father-in-law, Byron Henson Brite.

He was a member of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church in Athens.

He was a graduate of Greenville High School in Greenville, Alabama and a graduate of Troy University with a BS in Marketing.  In his early career he was District Service Manager of Sears, Roebuck and Company, President of First National Bank & Trust in Athens, TN and President of First National Bank of McMinnville, TN and President of United Community Bank in Athens, TN, until his retirement.

He served on the Athens City Council for two terms, where he served as Vice Mayor.

He was involved in numerous Civic Organizations, Athens Kiwanis Club where he was past President and served on the board of directors and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 1999, Athens-McMinn YMCA where he served as past president, E.G. Fisher Library, United Way of McMinn & Meigs Counties where he served as past president and Campaign Chairman and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2000, Athens Chamber of Commerce where he served as President, and also served on the Board of Directors of the McMinn Economic Development Authority, and was past president.  He was an avid fund raiser for the McMinn County Athletic Facilities, and many other worthwhile projects in the community.

He was honored as Athens Young Man of the year in 1979, and as Athens Man of the Year in 1989.

He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Bradford Brindley Lott of Franklin, TN and one son and daughter-in-law, John Wayne, Jr. and Pamela Wade Perdue of Athens, Grandchildren, Morgan Alexandria Perdue, John Wayne Perdue, III, Phoebe Elizabeth Lott, sister, Ellen Perdue Mosley of Brandon, Mississippi, several nieces and nephews, and wife of many years, Nancy Brite Perdue of Athens.

A memorial service will be conducted 4:00 P.M., Sunday, January 9, 2011, at Keith Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dennie Humphreys officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church from 2:00-3:45 P.M., prior to the service.

The family suggests memorial be made to the Tri-County Center, P.O. Box 793, Athens, TN 37371-0793.

If you are unable to attend this service or visitation you may sign the guest register at www.jerrysmithfuneralhome.com.

Smith Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Athens is serving the family of John Wayne Perdue, Sr.