Jack L. Pemberton

Jack L. “Hungry Jack” Pemberton, 82, of Modoc, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 23, 1943, in Jasper, Tennessee, a son of the late Clarence Milton and Geneva Lucille (Blaylock) Pemberton. Jack was a 1962 graduate of Grundy County High School in Tracy City, Tennessee. Known as a hardworking man who truly enjoyed staying busy, Jack devoted 40 years of service to Chrysler Corporation, where he spent the first 30 years operating a hammer press before retiring in 2003. On June 30, 1979, he married the love of his life, Christine “Teena” Kilgore. Shortly after their marriage, the couple purchased the Blue Moon Restaurant in Losantville, where Jack became well known for making his homemade pizza from scratch. Always looking for ways to make the place more fun for families and teenagers, he expanded the restaurant to include a pizza and arcade room filled with games and pool tables. Jack and Teena owned and operated the Blue Moon until selling it in 1992. They later owned and operated the Modoc Diner for five years, where Jack was not only an owner but also the cashier and chief greeter. Jack also had a passion for racing. For about five years, he and his brother-in-law, Mike Moran, owned a Pro Street race car—a white Camaro named “Casper.” Together they traveled to races across the country, and Casper earned the distinction of becoming the first Pro Street race car to break the 200-mile-per-hour mark. Jack enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, especially his annual salmon fishing trips with his buddies. He was a longtime Indianapolis Colts season ticket holder and enjoyed spending time outdoors gardening, cutting wood, and working around home. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge No. 674 F&AM. More than anything, Jack will be remembered for the kind of person he was. He was loving, generous, and laid-back, the kind of man who never met a stranger. Jack was a tremendous storyteller with an incredible memory for dates, times, and every detail of the stories he shared. He was a devoted husband and father, and following his retirement, he especially treasured his role as a full-time Papaw, which brought him tremendous joy. Those left to cherish Jack’s memory include his wife of almost 47 years, Teena Pemberton; three children, Geneva Marie “Jenny” Pemberton of Atlanta, Georgia, Thomas Lee “Tommy” Pemberton of Muncie, and Joseph Ryan “Joe” (April) Pemberton of Gruetli-Laager, Tennessee; grandchildren, Sean (Natalie) Pemberton, Aaron Pemberton, Ethan Pemberton, Gracie Pemberton, Barry (Jennifer) Starks, Valencia Hemmings, and Matteo Hemmings; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Noah, and Elisiana Starks; two sisters, Wilma Jean Blevins of Altamont, Tennessee, and Ernie Ellen (Mark) Shrum of Palmer, Tennessee; a brother-in-law, Jerry Magouirk of Gruetli-Laager, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jack Lee Pemberton, Jr.; a brother, Carl “Cotton” (Margie) Pemberton, Sr.; a nephew, Carl Pemberton, Jr.; a sister, Mary Ruth Magouirk, and a brother-in-law, John Blevins. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Boling officiating. Burial will follow at Mooreland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Jack L. “Hungry Jack” Pemberton.

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Jack L. Pemberton

March 23, 1943 - March 13, 2026