Memorials › John Harvey "Chick" Templin

John Harvey "Chick" Templin

14 Feb 1938 – 31 May 2013

Birth	14 Feb 1938
Death	31 May 2013
Cemetery	Stoney Point Cemetery Anna , Collin County , Texas , USA
Added by	Linda on 26 Jul 2024
FaG	https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/111890130

Bio

Close Eyewitness To President Kennedy's Assassination With Friend Ernest Brandt On 11/22/1963, John Harvey "Chick" Templin, was a close eyewitness to the assassination of President Kennedy . According to his Sixth Floor Museum Oral History, filmed on 06/28/1995, he and his friend and work colleague, Ernest Brandt , were standing on the Elm Street sidewalk, on the north side of Elm, just east of the Stemmons Sign, in Dealey Plaza. They can clearly be seen, with their backs to the camera, in the Zapruder Film, and in other photos and film, as the motorcade comes down Elm Street toward them. Prior to the motorcade, they went to have lunch at a little BBQ place in downtown Dallas, during which time they discussed, with concern, how easy it would be for someone to shoot the President from one of the many high rise buildings downtown. After lunch they decided to go down and see the Presidential motorcade. John said he had some concern that they may not have enough time on their lunch hour, to see the President, and get back to work on time; but Ernest persuaded him, that surely, given such a historic event, their boss would cut them some slack, if they were a little late. So they drove down to Dealey Plaza and found a parking place right by the Texas School Book Depository (TSBD), arriving at about 12:15 - 15 minutes prior to the motorcade's arrival. He recounted that while they waited, they talked to two or three ladies there on the sidewalk by them, who were also spectators. And even though he didn't know who he was at the time, he said he talked briefly with Mr. Abraham Zapruder , before he got up on his pedestal with his camera. He noted the atmosphere was very upbeat as they waited for the Motorcade, since there were a lot of Kennedy supporters there. They soon could hear all the commotion and cheering as the motorcade approached in the distance. By the time the motorcade arrived in Dealey Plaza a long line of spectators had formed east of the Stemmons sign (ie: on the side nearest the TSBD). As the motorcade was and right in front of them, he heard three shots. He thought the first shot sounded like it came from the School Book Depository, the 2nd shot - the head shot - like it came from the from the Grassy Knoll-rail road tracks area, and the 3rd shot also sounded like it came from the TSBD. He also noted that the 2nd shot - the head shot - definitely sounded much louder, and different from the other two (proof there were at least 2 shooters). And he knew from having been in the military, that the explosive head shot had to have killed JFK, "immediately." He also had no doubt that the Presidential limo "was almost, if not completely stopped" at the time the President was shot in the head; and that "the brake lights definitely came on." However, he felt that was most likely a natural reaction of the driver to being shot at. He also described the incredible noise of people screaming and crying. And he clearly remembered seeing Bill & Gayle Newman (living witnesses), lying on the ground protecting their two children, as well as seeing a police officer jump off his motorcycle, gun drawn, as his motorcycle just continued on "put-putting along and fell over." He said at the sound of the shots, he froze in place, while his friend Ernie, ran behind a nearby tree for cover (this can be seen in assassination photos & film). Afterward, Ernie wanted to stay in the Plaza for awhile, but John said he'd better get back to work, so Ernie drove him back to work. Later he said he "wished a million times" that he had stayed behind to talk to people in Dealey Plaza that day, but he didn't. When he arrived at work, he told his boss he wanted to go home, but his boss told him to stay and work to get his mind off things; so he worked the rest of the day. However, he noted, that didn't help. Witnessing the assassination was a very traumatic experience, and he obviously had some PTSD from witnessing such a horrific, bloody event right in front of them. He described the toll it took on him: "It took me 2 or 3 weeks to keep me from thinking about it every minute. It just wanted to play on your mind, and you think and think, and play it back in your mind." That Sunday, he had Army Reserve service, but after he arrived, they were all sent home. Just 5 minutes after walking in the door, he said he saw Jack Ruby shoot Oswald on live TV, and for the next 2-3 weeks he was glued to the TV. As for meeting others over the years who had also been eyewitnesses, he said he had met TSBD Supervisor, Bill Shelley , and also met TSBD employee, Bonnie Ray Williams . He said Shelley, a TSBD supervisor who had been on the front steps, didn't really say much about it at all, just that "he was there." Whereas, Bonnie Ray, who worked at the same place where he worked later on, he talked to more, and he was nervous because of all the people who had died mysteriously after the assassination. John, was never called before the Warren Commission, but Shelly and Williams were. You can watch Mr. Templin's excellent 6th Floor Museum Oral History below. "Reassemble" the following url: emuseum DOT jfk DOT org/objects/11775/john-templin-oral-history?ctx=c93894522c21238c7376a51c88c006c5becb9f39&idx=77) ** Obituary John Harvey "Chick" Templin went home to be with the Lord May 31, 2013, in McKinney, Texas, at the age of 75. He was born Feb. 14, 1938, in Prosper, Texas, to Ruby Hart Templin and George Washington Templin. He was a truck driver for many years and retired from Merchants Freight Lines. He is survived by his wife Sandra Price Templin, whom he married June 15, 1962, at Foote Baptist Church. He is also survived by his daughters Angela Coffey of Mt. Pleasant and Holly Templin of Garland; grandchildren Ashley Williams, Micah Harris, Logan Harris, Jonah Smith, and Faith Stewart; and great-grandchildren Michael, Marissa and Maddisyn Williams. His sisters Pat O'Dell and Geraldine Templin, and brothers Hub Templin and Elmer Templin also survive. He will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as brothers DA Bailey, RJ Bailey, Joe Templin, Kay Templin, Billy Jack Templin, Taft Templin, and W.L (Jake) Templin, and sisters Juanita Jenkins, Bessie Wood, Doretha Putman and Peggy Jackson. An avid fisherman, he called himself the "Crappie King of Lake Lavon" and said "Fish Tremble At The Mention of My Name." He held many fish fries for family and friends, including his annual Liars Club Picnic. He was also one of the last surviving witnesses to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. There will be a memorial service held at 2 p.m., June 15, 2013, at Rockhill Road Church of Christ, 9426 Rockhill Road, Frisco, Texas. Rest in Peace... ~Linda

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