Mr. Jesse Bryant "J.B." Souther, 93, of Harriman, Tenn., passed away Sunday, May 18, 2014, at his home with his family by his side.

He served in the United States Army and was a veteran of World War II in the Pacific Theater of operations. J.B. owned and operated the Gulf Oil and Gas Distributorship and was a member of the Harriman business community for many years. For more than 40 years he has been a faithful member of Woods Chapel United Methodist Church. He was also a member of East Fork Lodge 460 FandAM, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Kerbela Shrine. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed buying, selling and trading guns.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years: Mary Sue Wilson Souther; one son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Tanya Souther of Oakdale, Tenn.; one daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Dan Runyan of Kingston, Tenn.; one brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Brenda Souther of Chatsworth; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Grace Wilson, Jewel Breeden, Mae and Charles Bearden and Gladys and Jim Wilson, all of Dalton; four grandchildren, Kevin Keith, Adam Souther, Ashley Harris and Shannon Runyan; three great-grandchildren, Hunter Runyan, Zoe Runyan and Whitley Harris and a host of nieces, nephews and other family, friends and loved ones.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the entire staff at East Tennessee Hospice and a special thank you to J.B.'s caregivers, Peggy Cleere and Betty Moore.

A memorial service was Tuesday, May 20, at 1 p.m. at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rodney Wilson officiating.

Condolences may be sent to the family at davisfuneralhomes.com.

Davis Funeral Home, Harriman, Tenn., is in charge of arrangements.