Donald E. Teague, Jr

Donald Edward Teague, Jr., age 57, of Kingsport, TN, a.k.a. "Donnie" to family and "Don" to friends, graced this earth from March 2, 1954 until December 31, 2011 departing to heaven but leaving his heart's awesome love within each of us.

Don is the loving Father of three beautiful daughters, Kathryn "Katy" Amanda Teague, Emily Rebekah Elkins Matthew, and Amber Nicole Linkous Steven, and, he is the proud Grandfather of Granddaughters Aislyn Grace Teague and Stephanie Paige Linkous. Don's ever-devoted loving parents are Donald E. Teague, Sr., of Kingsport, TN, and, Ruth Ann Flanary Michael of Kingsport, TN. His brothers are Robert A. "Bob" Teague with Rachel, George E. Teague, COL U.S. Army Retired Debbie, and Nicholas E. Teague, SGT U.S. Army Elissa; and, three beautiful sisters, Deborah L. Payne Russell, Patricia "Patty" Teague, U.S. Army Retired, and, Donna M. Conrad Ashley. Don has several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins who greatly loved and respected him.

Don graduated in 1972 as Salutatorian at Sullivan West High School where he also played varsity basketball, ran track, and was Student Body President. He graduated with highest honors and was on the Dean's List with a double major at East Tennessee State University.

Don served Honorably in the U. S. Navy during the Vietnam War on the U.S.S. Whipple assigned to service in Vietnamese waters under active gunfire, and he travelled worldwide. He earned multiple service and wartime ribbons and medals.

Don was a deeply beloved Teacher and Basketball Coach at Volunteer High School and Sullivan North High School. He also worked as a rehab counselor and was a sportswriter for East Tennessee newspapers.

Don loved all sports and was especially passionate about basketball as a player, coach and fan. He was well-known for this passion as well as for his remarkable intelligence, his knowledge of a broad range of topics, and his gift for teaching. He will be best remembered, however, for his deeply loving, compassionate and beautiful heart and soul, and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, loved ones, former students and players, and all who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 5, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

The funeral service will be conducted on Friday, January 6, at 3 p.m. in the Chapel at Hamlett-Dobson, Kingsport with Rev. Russell R. Payne, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church Cemetery with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 3/265.