Jack Harold Kilday

Jack Harold Kilday, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 23rd, 2016. He was born in Greene County on September 15, 1924. He was the son of Thomas (Jack) Haskell Kilday and Eula Lee Weems Kilday. He graduated from Baileyton High School where his southpaw first baseman skills earned him quite the reputation until he entered the United States Navy June 19, 1943. Jack proudly served on the USS Manlove DE36 in the Pacific. His ship was attacked by Japanese Kamikaze fighter pilots, and Jack maintained his position at his gun while wounded, bravely defending his men, his country, and our freedom. As a result, he received a Purple Heart for his wounds during this action. Upon returning home in November of 1945, Jack married the love of his life, Louise Gaby Kilday. He began working for Magnavox in Greeneville, and Jack and Louise were blessed with their son, Donald Wesley Kilday. They later moved to Sullivan County where Jack worked at Kingsport Press, Scott Motors, and he eventually retired from the US Postal Service. Jack not only sacrificed for our country and his family, but his primary concern was what he could do for others. He was a faithful member of the Church of the Brethren where he lived the life of a Good Samaritan, continually doing for others whether by prayer, sharing from his vegetable or rose gardens, or helping someone in need. Jack was a leader simply by living the life Christ asks us to live, daily. During their Golden Years, Jack and Louise moved to Preston Place Suites where they spent their last seven years creating a new home-away-from-home and continuing to lead a Christian example while enjoying new friends and creating even more memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Donald, his wife Louise, his brothers Bobby Keith Kilday and Tommy Bruce Kilday.

Jack is survived by his sister Colonel Jo Anne Kilday, USMC (Ret.), his daughter-in-law Lorene Trent Kilday, his granddaughters Stacie Kilday Torbett and husband Hanes and Stephanie Kilday Blackiston and husband Tim, and eleven great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jack leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to family, reminding all who knew him the importance of a strong foundation in faith in the Lord provides strength and hope for each day ahead.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2016, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Minister Bo Deaton officiating.

Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Church of the Brethren, 1543 State Highway, 75 Blountville, TN 37617.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Preston Place Suites for their unconditional love and support. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

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