John William Haarbauer

Mr. John William Haarbauer, 88, affectionately known as "Papa John", Mr. John, and Mr. H, a retired business man and a resident of View Point Way, died November 25, 2015 at Life Care Center of Columbia. Private family visitation was held Thursday at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. The family suggests memorials be made to Tennessee Elks Benevolent Trust, 1619 Hilltop Drive, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee 38464, or the charity of one' choice. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born March 2, 1927 in Lake County, Illinois he was the son of the late John Michael Haarbauer and Frances Rivant Haarbauer. On May 12, 1945 he married Betty Jean Haarbauer and their fifty-seven year marriage ended with her death May 7, 2003. Mr. Haarbauer developed a strict work ethic early in life holding two- three jobs at a time as young man to support his family. He partnered with a friend in the late 50's in St. Petersburg and Tampa areas selling 0.10 cent hamburgers under a franchise name "McDonald's." Later acquiring his own "burger joint" and in 1966 formed Harr-Mac Inc., developing the brand in Chattanooga, and acquiring thirteen McDonald's throughout Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas. In early 1979 he sold the McDonald's interests and formed HaarKing. Late 1979 he acquired four Burger King Restaurants and purchased two more before selling out in the late 1980's. Mr. Haarbauer boarded and raced Thoroughbred Horses across the Country from his HaarWay Farm operation in Nicholasville, Kentucky. His first win was in 1982 with "My First Fling", followed by many more over the next several years. He and his late wife, Betty, loved to travel and took countless trips and cruises earning over forty thousand travel miles with one cruise line alone. He loved being "in business" and has owned numerous businesses in Chattanooga, Antioch, and Columbia, including "The Grog Shoppe". He was a member of the Episcopal Church, the Columbia Elks Lodge #686 and a former member of the Keenland Club. Survivors include his daughters, Linda Dempsy of Murfreesboro; Pam Conway of Knoxville; and Jane (Ronnie) Attkisson of Columbia; son, John Haarbauer, II of Ashland City; grandchildren, Lisa (Bruce) Vass, Michael (Jenny) Haarbauer, Jordan (Kathy) Haarbauer, Kim (Billy) Matlock, Jessie (Benton) Alexander, Justin Attkisson, Nichole Doyle, Jenny (Kenny) Kelly, Jamie Conway, Will Conway, and Brandon Attkisson; nineteen great grandchildren; and special friend, Mary Lib Hedrick. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joan Doyle.