David William DeVault

David William DeVault, 78, of Kingsport, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at Wexford House after a 13 year struggle with dementia. He was born November 17, 1938, in Kingsport. He graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School. He earned his BS Degree in Business Administration in transportation from the University of Tennessee in 1960. While there, he was in Army ROTC, Delta Nu Alpha transportation fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, and the Society of American Military Engineers. David served in the Army and the National Guard from March of 1956 until April of 1968. He started his career at Tennessee Eastman Company in January, 1963, in the Transportation Department and retired in June of 1998.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Kingsport and served as a deacon, as Treasurer for 20 years, and on various other committees. He was an active member of the Kingsport Kiwanis Club having served in various capacities including President in 1998. He had perfect attendance for 35 years in the Kiwanis Club.

His hobbies included railroading, photography, UT sports, and his grandchildren. He was a founding member of the East Tennessee Railfan Association and served as the National Director for the East Tennessee Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society for 53 years. He loved traveling with the "Clinchfield (Railroad) Mafia" on their annual trips throughout the United States and Canada.

David was preceded in death by his parents; Milton and Florence DeVault; and sister, Betty DeVault Tate.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Charlotte DeVault; son, Craig DeVault and his wife Heather of Raleigh, NC; daughter, Janet Morgan and her husband Jarett of Knoxville; grandchildren, Jack and Mark DeVault, Kate and Macy Morgan; and numerous cousins.

Graveside services will be conducted on Sunday, November 27, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery with Military Rites provided by Boone Dam VFW Post 4933.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, 2016, at First Baptist Church with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First Baptist Church Bridging Generation Fund, 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.

We are deeply grateful to so many who have cared for David during his battle with dementia. A very special thank you goes to Dr. Paul Singh who diagnosed David, the staff at Preston Place II, Dr. Marta Wayt, Nurse Practitioners Michele Armstrong, Felicia Brickey, and Brook Gibson, and the staff of the 5th wing at Wexford House for the care of him during the last 5 years.

Pallbearers will be Robert Caldwell, David Casey, Ron Flanary, Larry Holloway, Paul Hopkins, Tom King, Garry Luttrell, Ken Marsh, Steve Patterson, Bill Sharp, Bob Taylor, and Mike Wayland. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Kingsport Kiwanis Club.

Cemetery Details