Every day for 20 years, Johnny Mac Britton checked the water level of ETSU’s water tower, as part of his routine as the lead worker in the plumbing shop.
Now, that same tower will bear his name.
On Wednesday, Gov. Don Sundquist joined ETSU officials and area legislators in a dedication ceremony that officially named the building after Britton.
“If anybody deserves to be recognized for his dedication and his commitment to East Tennessee State University it’s Johnny,” Sundquist said.
“Congratulations on 30 years of unrivaled service to the state of Tennessee, ETSU, and for being a wonderful statesman,” Sundquist told Britton, who recently retired from ETSU and is being honored for his many years of service to the university.
“The dedication of the Johnny Mac Britton Water Tower is in recognition of Mr. Britton’s 30 years of outstanding service,” President Stanton said.
Sundquist celebrated the event in the Martha Street Culp Auditorium with Britton and his wife, Thelma, State Sen. Rusty Crowe, Former State Rep. Ruth Robinson and Tennessee Board of Regents member Edgar “Buddy” Bowers, as well as many of Britton’s co-workers.
Britton began his career at ETSU after learning of a job opening in the plumbing shop from a good friend, Don Carter. He jumped at the opportunity and applied for the position.
Starting in mid-September 1971, Britton began his duties as a plumber. Within two years, he rose to the rank of lead worker – a position in which he would remain for three decades.
“I tried to find out some things about Johnny’s career and most people just said he’s great,” Sundquist said.
The tower that now possesses Britton’s name was completed in 1980 as a means of providing water and to serve as a fire-protection source for the entire campus.
Once completed, Britton began his vigil of the tower. In 1982, ETSU recognized him two times – for outstanding service and service to the Physical Plant.
During the event, Mrs. Britton recalled the early mornings her husband was called out to attend to the tower because it overflowed or the times he would have to leave his family while they were dining out because he received an urgent call on his beeper. These events and others like them were typical of Britton’s esprit de corps.
“I’ve known Johnny for many years, and I have seen first hand the pride he takes in the institution he serves,” Bowers said. “Ever since Dr. Stanton originated these ETSU Pride buttons, I don’t think that I have ever seen Johnny without one on.”
Born in 1940, Britton graduated from Jonesborough High School and Johnson City Vocational School. He also served as chair of the Young Republicans from 1971-73.
“The campus has been part of my life,” Britton said. “I’ve lived on Walnut Street, all of my jobs have been on Walnut Street so the campus and Walnut Street have been right with me all my life.”

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