Joe Hendee

KNOXVILLE Joe Hendee, 50, died on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, at his home.Joe was a devoted husband, father, brother, coach and board game player, who never met anyone he did not call a friend.Joe was born and grew up in Chattanooga. He attended Notre Dame High School, graduated in 1978 and entered the University of Tennessee, where he was an assistant with the Men's Swimming and Diving Team. He remained with the team until his death, becoming the longest-tenured assistant coach in the history of men's athletics at Tennessee.Because of his dedication and service to The University of Tennessee swim program, Joe was inducted into the Tennessee Swimming Hall of Fame in 2003. The Hall of Fame's motto, "Honoring those who have served in true Volunteer Tradition," embodies Joe's career. Joe's love of swimming, coaching and teaching extended to all ages. He coached the Knoxville Racquet Club swim team for 20 years, beginning in 1991.Despite plenty of wins at all levels, Joe's motto had nothing to do with victory. He encouraged all to: Fight the good fight. Finish the race. Keep the faith.He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Clyde Hendee Jr. and Mary Ann Steiner Hendee; and a brother, John Edward Hendee.Joe is survived by his wife, Shelli Lutker Hendee; daughters, Claire and Caroline; brothers Leon (Susan), of Atlanta, Peter, of Dallas, Andy, of Chattanooga, and Jeff, of Atlanta; sisters, Myra Ireland, of Chattanooga, Mary (Jim) Ellis, of Lafayette, Colo., Catherine Hendee, of Atlanta and Monica (Dennis) Blanton, of Chattanooga; and many nieces and nephews.A celebration of Joe's life will be held Sunday, May 1, 2011, at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center on the UT campus, where family will receive friends from 3-7:30 p.m. with a remembrance at 7:30 p.m.A funeral mass will be celebrated by the Rev. Mike Nolan and the Very Rev. David Boettner on Monday, May 2, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral.Burial will be at Highland Memorial Cemetery in Knoxville.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Tennessee Men's Swim Team (Joe Hendee, Men's Swim Team, c/o UT Athletic Dept., 1551 Lake Loudon Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996); the Janie B. Sharpe Brain Tumor Fund (c/o KRC, 5535 Lonas Road, Knoxville, TN 37909); Knoxville Catholic High School (9245 Fox Lonas Road, Knoxville, TN 37923).Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com