David Leon Valentine

David Leon Valentine, age 81, passed away May 29, 2019. A native of Knoxville, TN and graduate of Bearden High School, David was a long time resident of Kingsport. He earned BS and MS degrees from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he also marched in the Pride of the Southland marching band. After college he served in the ordinance corps with the US Army and earned the rank of Captain.  He retired from Tennessee Eastman Company’s New Products Division in 1987 after 25 years. Part of his work there earned him a Distinguished Service Award from the Society of Plastics Industry. In addition, he and his wife Vaughan opened Pappagallo stores in Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City with their good friends Everett and Lori Bond, which operated for 28 years. A member of Kingsport’s Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club, he also served on Fun Fest’s steering committee, the Kingsport Symphony Board, Indian Path Hospital Citizen’s Advisory Board, Indian Path Hospital Foundation Board, and was a charter member and an ordained elder at Preston Hills Presbyterian Church.

He was a member of the local Porsche Club and British Car Club, where he served each as president and participated in local car shows and rallies. He also enjoyed participating in a monthly wine-tasting group for over twenty years. David found great joy and purpose in serving with the Rotary Club of Kingsport, which he served as president, Youth Exchange district committee chair, District Projects chair, and attended several international service projects, friendship exchanges, and international conventions.  David and Vaughan also hosted several International Rotary Youth exchange students and Group Study Exchange team members in their home.

Preceded in death by his parents, Seldon and Oleta Valentine, David Valentine is survived by his wife of 56 years, Vaughan Valentine of Kingsport, two daughters Carol McBride and husband Pat, Kennesaw GA, and Julia Grecol and husband Bill, Cookeville TN, and 5 grandchildren TJ Poe and husband Aaron, Maryville TN, Cacie Butler and husband Jake, Knoxville TN, Riley Grecol, Cookeville TN, Gracie McBride, New York NY, and Kathleen McBride, Kennesaw GA, and one brother S.L. Valentine and wife Mary and their son and daughter, John Valentine and Susan Rathbun of Knoxville TN.

He chose to donate his body to the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine through their anatomical gift program.

Memorial services are planned for July 26 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church Kingsport with Rev. Sharon Amstutz officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Rotary Club of Kingsport Foundation P.O. Box 93, Kingsport, TN 37662.