Gordon Blessing

Gordon Blessing, 84, of Kingsport, died Wednesday night (September 9, 2015) at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after an extended illness.

Born in Kingsport where he resided all of his life, Gordon served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired in 1992 from the State of Tennessee where he worked as an auditor for over 25 years. In addition, he was owner and operator of B&B Tax Service for 56 years. Gordon was co-chair and chairman of the American Legion 4th of July Parade for 60 years. He was a member of Ketron Memorial United Methodist Church, American Legion, VFW, F.O.P., and other organizations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ethel Blessing; brothers, Jim and Hugh Blessing; sisters, Ruth Blessing and Frances Reed; and his great-grandson, Danny Bortz.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jean Blessing of the home; two daughters, Lisa Jenkins and husband, Donald of Seymour, TN, and Donna Rees and husband, Carlyle of Eden, NC; three sons, Tom Blessing of the home, Bruce Blessing and wife, Allyson of Bristol, VA, and John Blessing and wife, Kim of Kingsport; twelve grandchildren, Chad, David, Bobby, Brooke, Josh, Daniel, Matthew, Scott, Logan, Sarah, Meredith, and Whitney; two step-grandchildren, Trever and Laura; five great-grandchildren, Taylor, Laura, John, Bella, and Declan; brother, Al Blessing and wife, Helen of Bristol, TN; sister-in-law, Joan Blessing of Florence, SC; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Caleb Frazier officiating.

The graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at Oak Hill Memorial Park with Military Honors conducted by the American Legion Posts 3/265. Gordon's grandchildren and great-grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Presley Legg and Tim Dunn.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion, P.O. Box 66, Kingsport, TN 37662 or to Ketron Memorial United Methodist Church, 301 Virgil Ave., Kingsport, TN 37665.

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