Emmett Kimberling Jr

Emmett Kimberling Jr., 88, of Kingsport passed away Friday, September 9, 2011 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center following a lengthy illness.

Born in Lee County, Virginia, he had resided most of his life in Kingsport. Mr. Kimberling was a veteran of the U. S. Army, serving during World War II. He retired as a truck driver from Air Products in 1987 with 40 years service and was honored for Three Million Miles Safe Driving.

Mr. Kimberling enjoyed working in the yard and working on lawn mowers.

He was preceded in death by his father, Emmett Kimberling Sr.; and mother, Ethel Hall; one sister, Ruth Collette; and one brother, Oren "Bud" Kimberling.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Thelma Kimberling, Kingsport; three daughters, Judy Porter and husband Herman of Spartanburg, SC, Sandy Mahan and husband Larry of Blountville, and Christy Lawson and husband Craig of Kingsport; two sons, Tony Kimberling of Gray and Jerry Kimberling of Kingsport; seven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Marvin and Mary Price.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport.

Military graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Mountain Home National Cemetery with military rites presented by the American Legion Posts #3/265.

Pallbearers will be Larry Mahan, Herman Porter, Craig Lawson, Mickey Smith, Aaron Babcock, and Darrell Mahan.