Donald Earl Kilgore

Don was a life-long resident of Kingsport, TN. He was an avid baseball fan, trivia enthusiast and golfer.

He was a former member of Litz Manor Baptist Church of Kingsport serving as a deacon, RA leader and Sunday School teacher. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Kingsport for the past ten years where he sang in the choir and enjoyed being a member of the men’s chorus, Sounds of Faith.

Don graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School. He attended Carson-Newman College where he played baseball for two seasons. He was drafted into the Army where he served for two years in Uijeongbu in South Korea. After returning home from the Army, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Masters. He later completed his degree at East Tennessee State University. 

Don worked for Tennessee Eastman in the logistics department for 25 years. In his retirement, Don enjoyed golfing, hiking and biking. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up and cheering them on in their various sports and activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Gertrude Kilgore and nephew, Matthew Harp. 

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Masters Kilgore, daughter Donna Dobyns (Joe) of Jefferson City, son Matt Kilgore (Allyson) of Kingsport. Four grandchildren Trey Dobyns of Chelsea, Alabama, Carly Dobyns Ownby (Keith) of Strawberry Plains, TN, Taylor Kilgore and Tanner Kilgore of Kingsport. Brother Wayne Kilgore and his family, brother and sister-in-law Lindsay and Susan Harp and their family. Special cousin Marlene Fleenor of Kodak, TN along with other cousins and family members.

The family would like to thank the compassionate team of Hospice caregivers that Don had at the VA’s Community Living Center in Johnson City. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at First Baptist Church, 200 West Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660 from 12:00-1:30 pm with services to follow. Graveside service at East Lawn Memorial Gardens at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to First Baptist Church of Kingsport, TN designated to the Upward Sports program for scholarships or the Providence Medical Clinic.