John Earl Hall

John Earl Hall, age 79, of Manchester, Tennessee, passed away on March 10, 2026, at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Born on September 14, 1946, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Maurice Hall and Mattie (Taylor) Hall, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970.

John dedicated his career to water and wastewater management, earning widespread respect for his knowledge and leadership. He began in public utilities in 1972 with the City of Auburn, Kentucky, as water, sewer, and street superintendent, becoming certified by the State of Kentucky in water and wastewater treatment. Under his leadership, the Auburn Wastewater System was named the Most Improved System in Kentucky in 1973, and he was honored as Outstanding Operator of the Year. He later served the City of Guthrie, Kentucky, as water superintendent and fire chief from 1973 to 1975, where he implemented a meter change-out and leak detection program that significantly reduced water loss and expanded the city’s water system. In 1976, he joined the Sewanee Utility District in Tennessee, serving as manager for many years. There he oversaw operations for a system serving over 1,200 water customers and 550 wastewater customers, expanding the water system by more than forty miles, rehabilitating major portions of the sewer system, and implementing innovative wastewater treatment solutions. Certified by the State of Tennessee in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, and wastewater distribution, John supervised accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, meter reading, and financial records. He also oversaw bond programs that funded major water line expansions serving thousands of residents. Known for his expertise, he frequently presented to civic groups and provided training to state operators and regulatory personnel. Under his leadership, the Sewanee Utility District received numerous state and national awards for excellence and became the first system in the state to achieve a perfect compliance inspection score. John served as President of the Sewanee Rotary Club from 1990 to 1991, Secretary of the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts from 1985 to 1989, and President from 1989 to 1991. In 1991, the Governor appointed him to a four-year term on the Tennessee Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Board.

Outside of his work, John was a sweet, loving, and kind man who enjoyed life and time with his family. He loved traveling across the country with his wife in their RV and Jeep, creating numerous cherished memories. An avid NASCAR fan, he also enjoyed playing golf and relaxing while watching classic westerns such as Gunsmoke.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Hall. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Glenda Hall; son, Johnathan “J.C.” Hall; sister, Janie (Jerry) Futrell; sister-in-law Lois Hall; niece, Erica (Josh) Emery; nephew, Lucas Hall; great-niece, Hadley Emery; and many other cousins and extended family members.