Ethel Galloway Hobbs

Ethel Galloway Hobbs, 99, a life-long resident of Kingsport, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2019. She was a graduate of Sullivan West High School, class of 1938. She was a member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church.

Ethel was a devoted grandmother who enjoyed gardening and genealogy research.  She was a charter member of the Sullivan County Genealogy and Historical Society.

Ethel was the first of nine children born to the late Thomas Marshall Galloway and Sarah Margaret Freeman Galloway.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Lyle D. Hobbs; a daughter, Eleanor Hobbs Cox; brothers, Howard B. Galloway and Noah B. Galloway.

Ethel is survived by her daughter, Jean Hobbs Light; four sisters, Annie Jayne, Frances Mellon, Helen Reed and Wilma Taylor; two brothers, Ralph M. Galloway and Lawrence H. Galloway; grandchildren Christine Cox; Susan Cox Small and husband Jeff; Charles E. “Ernie” Cox III and wife Leanne; Patrick Light and wife Rebecca, and Allison Light; Eight great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 PM on Saturday January 4, 2020 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.  The funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm with The Rev. Jack P. Weikel officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.