James Melvin Bear

James Melvin Bear, 52, of Kingsport, died Sunday morning at his home after an apparent heart attack. He was born in Kingsport, where he resided all of his life. Melvin enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Lelia Bear, and Bob and Sally Begley.

He is survived by daughters Heather Bear and husband Donovan Johnson, of Kingsport, Katie Lynn Bear, of the home, and Amanda Jane Fultz, of Kingsport; seven grandchildren, Kelly Bear, Donovan Lynn Johnson, Jr., Anthony James Johnson, Sonni Marie Johnson, Lyndsey Head, Andrew Head, and Alyssa Head; his mother, Arnie Bear, of Kingsport, his father and stepmother, James Leonard and Diane Bear; sisters Tina Stanley, Fall Branch, and Lisa Veneable, Gray; half-brother Travis Bear, Kingsport; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport, on Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., or anytime at the home of his mother. Services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. with Jerry Begley officiating.

On Thursday morning the family will meet at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport, and go in procession to the Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church Cemetery for graveside services, which will be held at 11:00 a.m. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the mother, Arnie Bear.