E. LeRoy Doty

E. LeRoy Doty of Kingsport, beloved husband and father, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at the Asbury Center at Baysmont in Kingsport. Born June 21, 1915 in the Lost Mountain Community in Greene County, he would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year.

Mr. Doty was an active founding member of Gravley Baptist Church in Kingsport where he served as church treasurer, chairman of the first deacon board, Sunday school Superintendent and Training Union director. He later became a member of First Baptist Church in Kingsport.

He retired after 40 years from Eastman Kodak, where he was working in research at his retirement.

Mr. Doty respected and appreciated the earth and its resources. He loved nature and enjoyed camping for many years with his family and friends. He enjoyed working with his hands, gardening, wood working/carpentry and repairing small engines.

He was fascinated by technology and at 90 years of age, researched the best computer for his needs and maintained a regular e-mail exchange with friends and family. He loved to read and enjoyed sports - especially The Vols, The Braves and The Titans.

Mr. Doty kept up with current events and maintained a loving interest in his family and extended family. He was a family centered man. Mr. Doty was a memory keeper and a source of lots of historical information for friends and family. He cared about others and never met a stranger and always had appropriate stories and antidotes to share. His family was blessed to the 2nd and 3rd generation as he passed on his love, wisdom, interests and skills. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.

Mr. Doty served as an active Free Mason for more than 60 years receiving numerous honors and recognitions which include: Past Master of Kingsport Lodge No. 688 F & AM, Past president of Charles Newton Bush Past Masters, Association, Past High Priest of Lynn Bachman Chapter and No. 195 R.A.M., Holder of the General Grand Chapter Distinguished Service Medal, Past Master of Kingsport Council No. 117 R & S Masters, Past Commander of Kingsport community No. 33 Knights Templar, Past Commander Knights Templar in Tennessee, Served 15 Years on the Student Loan Committee of Grand Encampment K.T., First Recipient in TN of the Knight Commander Temple Medal, Past Prior of Tennessee Priory No. 15 Knights of the Knight Cross of Honor, Past Patron of Liberty Chapter No. 198 Order of the Eastern Star, Past President of Kingsport Shrine Club, Past Sovereign Master of Mountain Empire Council No. 88 Allied Masonic Degrees, Past Preceptor of Holy Manger Tabernacle No. XLVIII Holy Royal Arch Knight, Templar Priest, Past Sovereign of St. Mathias Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, and First Governor of Northeast TN York Rite College No. 153.

He served as an elected member of the Sullivan County School Board. Mr. Doty spent several years as an election official and was an active member of the Sullivan County Republican party. His major charity was the Knights Templar Eye foundation. He donated much time and energy to raise money for this charity whose mission is to improve vision through research, education, and supporting access to care.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Jess & Viola Mullins Doty; sisters Ina and Alma; infant son, James Wiley Doty; and son-in-law Damon Flanary.

Surviving are his wife of 77 years, Willie Nell Hipps Doty and daughter DeAnna Doty Flanary, both of Kingsport; sisters, Lois Hipps of Anniston, AL, and Maxie Shanks of Kingsport; brothers, Duane of Kingsport, Lyle of Russellville, TN, and Gardell of Pine Grove Community (Greene County); and the granddaughter of his heart JoAnna Fox of Radford, VA.

The family would like to express gratitude and appreciation to the following individuals for the care provided to our loved one during the past three months: Dr. David Franzus and staff; the staff & caregivers at Asbury Center at Baysmont in Kingsport especially Peggy, Robin, Amanda, Aaron, Jarrett & William; and a special nephew, Tim Doty.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-7:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm with Rev. Jeannie Higgins officiating.

A graveside service will be held on Friday at 11:00 am at New Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Nathan Reynolds officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, 1033 Long Prairie Road, Suite 5, Flower Mound, TX 75022, or to the charity of your choice.

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