Audley Lee (Al) Blessing

Audley Lee (Al) Blessing, 88, of Bristol, TN, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2016. He was born on December 10, 1927, in Kingsport, TN to John and Ethel Blessing. Al was a graduate of Dobyns Bennett High School and served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1948. He graduated from Clemson University with an engineering degree in 1953. Al retired from Unisys Corporation. He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. The joy of his life was time spent with family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, James Blessing, Hugh Blessing, Gordon Blessing; and sister, Frances Reed.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Helen Coates Blessing; sons, Andrew Blessing and wife, Cass of Blountville, TN; Richard Blessing and wife, Phyllis of Abingdon, VA; daughter, Jane Alexander and husband, Ted of Conover, NC; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Jean Blessing and Joan Blessing.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 136 Highridge Street, Bristol, TN 37620.

A graveside service with military honors will be conducted at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 17, 2016, at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Kingsport, TN, with Pastor Charles Leonard and American Legion Posts 3/265 officiating.

Pallbearers will be grandson, grandsons-in-law, and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Tom Green and his staff, Dr. Hopkins, Dr. Lorri, and Dr. Mancini for the care provided our Dad. Special thanks to nurses, Paige Watson, Judith Day, and Whitney Compton, and the Nicewonder Cancer Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 136 Highridge Street, Bristol, TN 37620.