Howard Rex Baxter

Howard Rex Baxter, 79, of Fall Branch went home to be with His Lord Thursday, February 12, 2009, at his home.

He was born in Fall Branch, Tennessee, and was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict. Rex retired from Groseclose Floral after working at several other floral shops. He had a great love for flowers, was an award-winning floral designer, and enjoyed the outdoors including working in his garden.

Rex was a member of Oak Glen Union Church where he had served as Sunday School Superintendent.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Preston and Olvia Baxter; a grandson, Daniel Baxter; and sisters, Lavada Baxter, Elsie Baxter, and Sherry Cutshaw.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Wanda Pierce Baxter of the home; five daughters, Kathy Shipley and husband Donald of Fall Branch, Carolyn Patterson and husband Harry of Fall Branch, Judy Whittington and husband John of Kingsport, Teresa Sawyer and husband Tom of Church Hill, and Tammy Baxter of Kingsport; two sons, Jackie Baxter and Ricky Baxter both of Kingsport; nine grandchildren, David Baxter, Joshua Baxter, Anthony Hunt, Shannon Hunt, Ashley Sawyer, Joseph Baxter, Christina Baxter, Jeremy Patterson, Jordan Whittington; two great-granddaughters; Taylor Patterson, Madison Baxter; two sisters, Shelby Cox and husband Cletis of Greeneville, Joyce Morrison and husband James of Fall Branch; special sisters-in-law, Loretta Pierce of Fall Branch; and Phyllis Taylor and husband Wayne, Kingsport, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Fall Branch. Funeral services will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Dr. Lester Morelock, Rev. Jim McNeil, and Rev. Ronnie Baxter officiating. Music will be provided by Bob Brickey.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Lovelace Baptist Church Cemetery. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.