Dr. Richard L. McConnell

Dr. Richard L. McConnell, 88, of Kingsport, died Friday, December 5, 2014 at Asbury Place. Born in Gate City, VA, he resided in Kingsport for most of his life. Richard graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1944 and earned his B.S. at the University of Kentucky in 1948. He earned his Master's Degree in Chemistry in 1950 at the University of Virginia and a PhD from UVA in 1952. He was a WW II Veteran in the U.S. Navy. Richard retired from Tennessee Eastman Company in 1986 after 36 years of service as a chemist. He had 150 U.S. patents and many foreign patents.

He was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Deacon. Richard was a founding father of the Has Been's Big Band where he played the trumpet and was conductor. He also played with the Test Tube Tooters in the early 1950's. He was an avid WW II history buff.

Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne McConnell.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carolyn McConnell of Kingsport; son, Richard L. McConnell, Jr. and wife, Cynthia of McLean, VA; two daughters, Ann McConnell Johnson and husband, Mark of Plantation, FL, and Elizabeth L. McConnell of Kingsport; two grandchildren, Dr. Robert McConnell and Dr. John McConnell and wife, Rachael; and two nieces.

A family graveside service will be held in Oak Hill Memorial Park on Tuesday with Military Rites by American Legion Posts 3/265.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Dr. David A. Cagle officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 100 West Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.

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