John M. Shores Jr.

August 20, 1945 - February 12, 2018

John M. Shores, "Uncle Johnny", age 72, of Erwin, passed away, on Monday, February 12, 2018 at Bristol regional Medical Center. Johnny was a native of Bessemer, AL and a son of the late John M. and Shirley (Hasty) Shores. He was a bigger than life kind of guy who never met a stranger. He was a loving husband who enjoyed traveling, diving, hiking, camping, sailing and just being outdoors. Johnny was previously employed as the Human Resources Director for Birmingham News, owned a scuba shop in Birmingham and was an active part of the hiking community, and for the past 20 years, owned and operated Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel. He was also a writer who recently published "Hostel on the Nolichucky". John M. Shores has left behind to cherish his memory: Wife: Charlotte Shores, of Erwin; Daughter: Claire McWhorter, of Erwin; Multiple family pets; Several nieces and nephews. The family would like to offer special thanks to Dave Clark and Patrick Mannion for love, support and years of companionship; and to Gary Thibault and Stephen Tyler for the same reason. The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of John M. Shores, "Uncle Johnny", in a memorial service to be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 25, 2018 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Gary Thibault will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Unicoi County Humane Society, 2201 Zane Whitson Drive, Erwin, TN 37650 Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of John M. Shores through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.