Delmar "Del" Gillenwater

Delmar "Del" Gillenwater, 70, of Kingsport took his Heavenly flight Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was a retired teacher and principal from the Hawkins County School System after 30 years of service. Del was an avid pilot, flight instructor, and commercial pilota€"and for many years owner ofa€"Horizon Aviation at Tri-Cities Airport. He managed the Hawkins County Airport for many years, was a member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church and the Teammates Sunday School Class. He proudly served 4½ years in the U. S. Marine Corps.

Del was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Milo and Una Perry Gillenwater; and brothers, J. B. Gillenwater, Harold Gillenwater, Kirby Gillenwater, Gene Gillenwater, and Jack Gillenwater.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Rogers Gillenwater of Kingsport; one daughter, Ginger Burton and husband Kevin of Church Hill; a son, Dr. David Gillenwater of Cumming, Georgia; a stepdaughter, Anne-Sterling Rogers of Kingsport; two grandchildren, Andrew Burton and Sarah Burton; one sister, Peggy Cline of Mobile, Alabama; one brother, Coy Gillenwater and wife Carol of New Orleans; and several special sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

The family will receive friends any time at the home of his wife Linda or the home of his daughter Ginger and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at First Broad Street United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 7:00 p.m. at the church with Rev. Jack P. Weikel officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Friendship Diner at First Broad Street United Methodist Church. P. O. Box 1346, Kingsport, TN 37662.