Gary Wayne Skelton

Gary Wayne Skelton, 63, Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. Born and raised in Kingsport, TN, he attended Dobyns-Bennett High School and graduated from ETSU. He was a business owner with an entrepreneurial spirit, working in retail jewelry, insurance and welding supply sales. Family, grandchildren and church were foremost in his life. He was a member of Sunnyside Baptist Church and taught Sunday School Class for many years. Gary was an avid sports enthusiast and coached little league when his children were young. He greeted everyone with a hug and a kiss and always had a joke to tell. Gary had a love for life and people, making it a joy for people to be around him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Carson Skelton, mother, Ethel Jones Skelton, brother Benny Skelton, and brother-in-law, Ronald Reedy.

Gary is survived by his wife of 43 years, Patricia Skelton and children Jason Skelton and wife Sue of Murfreesboro, Brian Skelton of Kingsport, Jill Whisnant and husband Matt of Charleston, SC. Grandchildren are Christian Skelton, Carson Ray Whisnant, and Jackson Whisnant; mother-in-law, Jimmie Salyer; sister, Carolyn Reedy; sister-in-law, Anna Lee Skelton; nephews, Greg Skelton and David Skelton; nieces, Suzanne Reedy and Rhonda Reedy; and several cousins.

The family will receive friends on Monday, November 26th from 5-8:00 pm at Sunnyside Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 8:00 pm with Pastor Roy Graves officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday, November 27th at 11:00 am at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Wellmont ICU, ICU-stepdown, and Wilcox Hall, 3rd floor oncology staff for taking special care of Gary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Sunnyside Baptist Church, 406 Cooks Valley Rd., Kingsport, TN 37664.