John Taylor Shaffer
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John Taylor Shaffer passed away peacefully on Tues, Oct 13, 2021, with his wife of 40 years by his side.
Born to John and Bernice Shaffer in Joliet, IL on May 8, 1945, John proudly served the country he loved in the US Air Force after graduating from the University of Illinois with his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Recognizing his leadership potential, the Air Force sent John to Officer Training School and back to the University of Illinois for a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. John was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1975 and he moved to Knoxville, TN to support uranium enrichment activities in Oak Ridge, TN. John retired from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2005. John received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his technical accomplishments throughout his distinguished Oak Ridge career. After retiring from ORNL, he then went on to work at the United States Enrichment Corporation until he finally retired, retired in 2012!
John loved the game of golf (playing and watching!), snow skiing, water activities of any kind, Fox News, Cabo San Lucas, Hilton Head Island and Water Into Wine. But mostly he loved his family and friends! And apple slices ...
Predeceased by his parents.
Survived by wife, Karen Shaffer; daughter, Robyn Cardwell (Nick); sister, Joan Flagg; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. Close, special friends include Terry and Betty Anne Domm, Rachel Collier (Michael), Amanda Yeary (Mitchell), Matthew Poland, our Water Into Wine family (you all know who you are and how special you were to John!), Courtney Collins, Kris Leach (Bob), Frank Southworth and Marilyn Brown, Karen Gallo (Tony), and our Cabo San Lucas family (you also know who you are!).
John put up a good fight and he is finally healthy, happy and whole. His sense of humor will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.
Receiving of friends will be from 5:00 - 6:00 pm on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Click Funeral Home, 11915 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN. Pastor Adam Woldt will then lead a celebration of John's well lived life. John's military service will also be honored.
In 1989, the Shaffer family became heavily involved in hunter/jumper horseshow competitions and owned/leased numerous horses/ponies over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations to Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding, 11800 Highway 11E, Lenoir City, TN 37772. will be gratefully appreciated.