Alex Anderson

Alex (John A.) Anderson passed away peacefully on Monday, March 20, 2018, at Indian Path Hospital surrounded by his wife and three children. He was born June 30, 1936, in Johnson City, Tenn., but moved to Kingsport at an early age. He was the only child of Robert T. (Bob) and Edna W. Anderson.

Alex was a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School, class of 1954, and the University of Tennessee. After serving in the U.S. Army, he joined Eastman Chemical Company and worked there for 39 years in the sales organization, including two assignments in the New York City office in the 1960s. He enjoyed his Eastman career and treasured the wonderful people with whom he worked, both Eastman employees and the many customers he served through the years.

He was a lifelong member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church and was privileged to serve the church he loved in several areas through the years. Most recently, he served as a member of the Church Leadership Council. He was also active for many years with the Barter Theatre Board of Trustees, including serving as board president. He loved his hometown and served on Kingsport's Bicentennial Committee. He was currently president of the Kingsport Historical Society.

Alex adored his children and grandchildren and treasured the time he spent with them. He was a faithful UT fan and longtime football season ticket holder. Alex found great pleasure in meeting people every day and learning their life stories. After retirement, he and his wife, Edwina, enjoyed traveling in this country and abroad. He maintained close friendships with his beloved Dobyns-Bennett class of 1954 and friends from his Eastman days. As a self-described "news junkie," Alex read three newspapers daily. And his day wasn't complete until he had watched the local and national news, which he always recorded.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his cousin Carolyn Sewell of Dunwoody, Ga., who was like a sister to him.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Edwina R. Anderson; daughter, Anna Chambliss (Chris) and children Sydney Terrill and Cooper and Carolanne Chambliss; son, Bob Anderson (Kelly) and children Alex, Reed and Parker; and son, John David Anderson (Macie) and children, Bradley, Nathan and Benjamin.

A memorial service will be held at First Broad Street United Methodist Church on March 24, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. A reception will be held immediately afterwards in the social hall. Memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Cir., Kingsport, TN 37660; or Barter Theatre, 127 W. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210.