Robert France Mynatt

Robert France Mynatt, beloved father and friend to many passed away at his home Sunday, April 21, 2019, at the age of 88. He met his maker and family members who have preceded him passing to our heavenly home: including his earthly father B.P. Mynatt, Sr., his mother Blonde Catherine (DeVault) Mynatt and brother Palmer Mynatt. He leaves his two daughters Leta Catherine Neubert (Randy) and Karen Rae Mynatt-Woten (Edward) and their mother Ula Rae Mynatt. Grandchildren Crista (Neubert) Cooke (Captain Curtis Scott Cooke), Robert Westin Woten and Lyndsey Rae (Woten) Seaton (Dr. Brady Cole Seaton). Great Grandchildren Macy and Wyatt Cooke. Many nieces and nephews, beloved family, friends, caregivers and neighbors. Over the years, the Mynatt family has supported many neighbors and Luttrell folks, and they in turn have supported their many ventures. As a child growing up along Jim Town Creek at the base of Clinch Mountain on farmland passed down five generations from Richard Mynatt, who made passage from England and served in the Revolutionary War. As a young teen, with the support of his father, they formed a community baseball team, and their home field was just below Kitts point. Red attended both Corryton and Gibbs Schools. After marrying sweetheart Ula Rae Zachary in 1951, they lived on part of his grandparents’ farm known as "The Dairy Barn”. In 1958, they acquired the farm adjoining his parents’ farmland and home which made it possible to settle, raise their family and help support and sustain Mynatt Farms. Then, after losing the original farm house to fire, the family home was rebuilt with the support of family and friends in 1964, at the base of Clinch Mountain. After school, Red bought the Shell Station in Holston Hills and became not only the owner, but also the mechanic and welder. At one point he had a station near Sequoyah Hills, then in 1957 he owned the ESSO station at the corner of Mine Road and Hwy 11E. While running these successful businesses, he made many friends and had several interesting experiences. One such time was with the Ringling Brothers Circus. As the circus was making its way to Knoxville, the elephant trailer had a flat tire which Red repaired…..while the elephants entertained passersby in Mascot, as commemorated in an article from the News Sentinel saved in his mother’s scrapbook. Red’s involvement in the Democratic Party evolved into holding the position of election commissioner for Union County. Later he earned his real estate license and auctioneer license with good friend, Beeler Thompson at Thompson Real Estate and Auction in 1970. Many years following he formed his own firm, Mynatt Auction Company with real estate services. He joined with local partners to develop small subdivisions and redevelop parcels; such as an old motel site into the current Blaine Post Office and the location of the CHS Medical Center. Many other entrepreneurial projects kept Red activity involved in the local community supporting expansion and growth. Upon retirement from active business life, Red enjoyed traveling to various parts of the US and Caribbean over many years. He remained a good neighbor and friend to many until he found his final resting place in the Mynatt Cemetery on Mountain Rd. Heartfelt thanks from Red and family to the dedicated caregivers, special companions and neighbors.