Harry Fontaine Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Harry E. "Buddy" Fontaine Jr., 70, of Johnson City, passed away Friday, June 9, 2023, at home surrounded by his wife and three children.

Buddy was born in Johnson City to Harry and Phyllis Dampier Fontaine. He will be fondly remembered for his extreme generosity and quick wit. His friends often joked that he was an encyclopedia of "useless information." He was passionate about all aspects of the game of golf, and he enjoyed sharing special memories with everyone. Most of all, he will be remembered for his devoted love for his family and friends.

Buddy graduated from Science Hill High School and Milligan College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He was awarded Honorary Alumnus from East Tennessee State University. He began his career with Levi Strauss & Company. After working in the apparel industry, Buddy and his business partners Alex Knoll and the late Kenneth Sweat started Southeastern Apparel Finishing, "SAF," and American Screen Designs. Additionally, he and Alex successfully pursued other business ventures together, including the Pro's Golf Shop and the Stock Pot. His dream of building a residential golf community in Johnson City was realized when He, Rab Summers, Duke Ingram, Alex Knoll, and Barton Tuck developed The Ridges Golf and Country Club, now known as Blackthorn Club at the Ridges. He retired as part owner and CFO of NTARA, Inc.

Buddy was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis, and his sister, Felicia.

Those left to remember and cherish Buddy's memory include his wife of 49 years, Jane White Fontaine; his son, Daniel, and his wife Ashley; his daughter, Susan, and her husband, Todd Weston; his daughter Sarah, and her husband Jesse Burnet; his father, Harry Fontaine Sr., his wife Sandy, and his half-brother and sister, Virginia VanDyke and Charles Fontaine. His seven grandchildren, Taylor and Grayson Fontaine; Edward, Stewart, and Isabel Weston; and Benjamin and Beau Burnett, were the lights of his life and will miss "Grandaddy" dearly.

The family wishes to express their most sincere gratitude to Dr. Fawwaz Hamati, Dr. Lara Kfoury, and Dr. Angela Merrifield for their unwavering commitment to Buddy's health and continued encouragement throughout his final days. They would also like to thank Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate service. Additionally, they would like to thank Bibi and Lin Burnett, Betty and Dusty Rivers, and Linda and Fred Weston for being the caregivers of their grandchildren during this difficult time.

The family of Harry E. "Buddy" Fontaine Jr. will receive friends from 3 to 4 pm Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Boones Creek Christian Church. The funeral service will follow at 4 pm with Mike Alread officiating and Jeff Blackburn will provide the eulogy. The graveside committal service will be conducted at 10 am Wednesday, in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers will be Rab Summers, Duke Ingram, Alex Knoll, Neil Owen, Jeff Morris, and Fred Warren. Family and friends are requested to meet at the cemetery by 9:50 am Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Doe River Gorge, 220 Doe River Gorge Road, Hampton, Tennessee 37658.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Fontaine family. (423) 610-7171.