Gordon Clay Newland

Gordon Clay Newland, 88, Kingsport, died on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, after a long illness.

A graduate of Sullivan High School and East Tennessee State University, he served in the Navy in WWII, then in the Army in the Korean War. He worked at Tennessee Eastman Kodak as a research chemist for 35 years, publishing nearly 100 patents. After retiring Gordon became a realtor for Sam Bray Realty while participating in many volunteer activities. He was a past deacon and leading member of the Northeast Church of Christ. An avid hiker, he walked the entire Appalachian Trail and was a member of the 6,000 Foot Club, having hiked to the top of all the mountains in the Eastern U.S. over 6,000 feet in elevation. Gordon enjoyed reading and never stopped adding to his considerable wealth of knowledge which he loved to share. He could weave a tall tale bar none and never met a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his son, Rick Newland and grandson, Sean Newland.

Gordon is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Bobbie (Smith) Newland; daughter, Lisa Kwas and husband, Andrew; grandson, Bradford Newland; daughter-in-law, Gina Fristoe; brother, Rhea Newland and wife, Martha; sister, June Barnes; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5 to 7 pm at Northeast Church of Christ. The service will follow at 7 pm with Ministers Jay Cline and David Hunzicker officiating.

Graveside services will be on Monday at 11 am at East Lawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 799 Washington Street, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV, 25425-0807.