Dr. Jesse William Overall, age 91, passed away peacefully at home in Manchester, Tennessee while holding his daughter’s hand, December 19, 2020. He had brief visits with his close friend, Buster Bush, & Jess’s longtime dental assistant, Cheryl Pass earlier that morning. Jess was a loving husband, father, uncle, brother, & friend to many.
Jess was born November 14, 1929 in Starkville, Mississippi to John Hubert Overall & Juanita Green Overall. When Jess was a young boy, the family moved to Summitville, Tennessee. His childhood friends included Donny &. Bobby Allen, & Jerry Ewell. Jess attended High School at Baylor Preparatory School in Chattanooga. He attended MTSU in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for one year, before joining the Air Force in 1951-1955. After his honorable discharge, he attended UT in Memphis, Tennessee for dental school. While in dental school, Jess married Martha Frances Raby Overall on June 3, 1958. Just before graduation from dental school their daughter Frances (Fran) Overall was born. Upon graduation the family moved to Manchester, Tennessee. Jess began dental practice with his partner Dr. Ewing Threet, the same day Jess’s best friend Gordon (Tag) Amburgey opened Rexall Pharmacy in Manchester, Tennessee. Jess made several dear friends over the years including Jerry & Catherine Ewell, Frank & Mary Grisard, Bob & Beverly Smith, Charlie & Faye Wells, Glen & Dot Keylon (Derryberry), Tony & Gail Tidwell, Buster & Glenda Bush, Ted & Sandra Hackney, Steve Stone, & many more.
In addition to his full-time dental practice, Jess enjoyed building, selling, & renting commercial & residential real estate. Jess & Martha always overseeing & managing it themselves. Jess was Mayor of Manchester in 1967 & was Alderman several times. less was a member of the Industrial Board 1997-2018. Jess was on the Magnolia Glen Condominium Board for several years.
Jess & Martha were avid bridge players belonging to Couples bridge clubs. They also played bridge with friends the Ewells & the Grisards on separate nights weekly. Jess loved to travel & have been to over 20 countries. His favorite place was London, & he had been over 5O times. Jess delved deeply into genealogy & traced his family back as far as written records went in Great Britain, before the internet! Jess loved practical jokes, & there are still a few he played on his friends that aren’t aware it was him! Jess loved his grand-dogs, especially in his later years.
Jess was a member of the Church of Christ growing up. He joined the First Methodist Church in Manchester after he married.
Jess was preceded in death by his parents, John & Juanita Overall, his brother John Overall, II, Jess’s wife Martha, sister-in-law Josephine Overall, brother-in-law Curtis Raby, & niece Connie Raby. Jess & Martha were married 59 years & gave each other the same Anniversary card for several decades. Jess’s remarkable life will be forever remembered & cherished by his daughter Frances (Fran) Overall, 3 nieces, 1 nephew, 3 great nieces, 1 great nephew, & many extended family & friends.
In light of Covid-19 gathering restrictions & in the interest of safely, a small private graveside service was held at the Manchester Cemetery on December 21, 2020.
In lue of flowers, please send donations to the Manchester First Methodist Church, the Manchester Library, or charity of your choice.
