County Mourns the Passing of Former County Commissioner , Mayor George P . Jaynes
   George P . Jaynes passed away on April 7 , 2022 , at the age of 80 following an extended illness . He was a beloved husband , father , grandfather , farmer , businessman , salesman , volunteer fireman , store owner and respected public official .
   George was born July 28 , 1941 , in Limestone  to the late Clarence and Daisy Jaynes . He attended Washington College graduating in 1960
   In 1963 he married Sandra Fox ( Sandy ) of Limestone where they worked side by side on their tobacco and cattle farm . He also had a successful career selling new Chevrolets and then Fords in the 60’s and later Buicks and Pontiacs .
   He and his wife Sandy owned and operated Jaynes Market in downtown Limestone for 13 years with a fully functioning butcher shop and fresh produce and loyal customers from around the area .
   His commitment to public service began in 1972 when he was elected county - wide to the Washington County Commission and continued with his election to County Executive/Mayor in 1986 where he served the residents of Washington County for a total of 38 years .
   During his tenure , he worked with Governors , Senators , Congressmen , a host of state legislators , county , and city officials and 119 different County Commissioners , constantly looking for ways to help Washington County . He was a Republican and conservative but never let politics get in the way of getting things done . He was as a straight shooter that tried his best to treat everyone equally .
   He strengthened relationships with Johnson City and Jonesborough and developed strong working groups with surrounding counties . Public Safety was a priority with relentless support for Fire , Police and Emergency Departments . In earlier years , George was a member of the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department .
   As County Mayor , he was an active board member of the First Tennessee Development District Board , Alliance for Business and Training Board , First Tennessee Human Resource Agency , Mt . States Health Alliance Board , Tri - Cities Airport Board , the Washington County / Johnson City EMS Board and Washington County Emergency Communications District Board .
   He helped create the Washington County Industrial Park , anchored by Bush Hog and large investments by Naketetsu Corporation and Koyo Corporation . He diligently worked on development of the new criminal justice center and was humbled when the building was named after him in 2009 .
   In 2010 , he retired to the family cattle farm , and he continued to enjoy traveling to events across the state to spend time with and share ideas with a host of friends he had made over the years . From Mountain City to Memphis , he knew how to find the hidden backroads and the country restaurants . Nothing could keep him from fried catfish and white beans .
   And throughout his time – he always loved helping people . It was the one thing he missed most .
   Following his retirement , he was appointed by Governor Bill Haslam to the Tennessee Ethics Commission and to the ETSU Government Relations Advisory Council .
   George was preceded in death by his parents , sister Bea Jones ( Dallas ) ; brother Marlin Jaynes ( Frances ) ; brother Dallas Jaynes ( Dorothy ) ; sister Agnes Jones ( Clifford ) ; sister Lillian Curtis ( Stanley ) ; sister Argent Arwood ( Jack ) .
   He is survived by his wife Sandy of 59 years; son and daughter - in - law Patrick and Jill Jaynes of Knoxville , TN; son and daughter - in - law Tim and Kellie Jaynes and two grandchildren Grayson and Andrew of Limestone , TN sisters Frances Davis of Limestone , TN and Hilda Williams ( Bob ) of Limestone , TN; several nieces , nephews , great nieces and great nephews .
   In lieu of flowers , memorial contributions may be made to New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery Fund , 554 Frank Stanton Road , Limestone , 37681 .
   

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