Lytle Alexander Rather III

Lytle Alexander Rather III, age 78, passed away at home on August 30 into the gracious arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and after graduating from Ole Miss in 1962 he joined the Air Force and was a B-52 navigator where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for service in Vietnam. He would stay in the Air National Guard and retire as a Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1968 he moved to Knoxville, Tenn., where he started a career with TVA until 1995. After consulting with SAIC, he retired to Tellico Village where he continued to enjoy playing golf and following Ole Miss sports. He was an honorable and good man who was always encouraging and friendly to everyone he met. He was a loving husband and father and his greatest joy was being involved with and supporting his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lytle A. Rather, Jr. of Holly Springs, Mississippi, brother-in-law, John Roger Moore and his special four-legged companion, Chico.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Wynne Rather, sister Mary Frances Moore, brother David (Jane) Rather, son Lytle (Susan) Rather, daughter Meredith (Bernard) Moss, his grandchildren Callie, Sarah, Alexander, McCleary, Sampson and many special nieces and nephews.

A private service was planned for Tuesday, September 4. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Wounded Warriors Project or any other military veteran support organization of your choosing.

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