James Westley Lyall

James Westley Lyall, known to friends as "Jim", 79, of Gray, Tennessee passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 surrounded by his family and friends by his side.

James was a devout Baptist and a member of Sunnyside Baptist Church.

James was a proud Korean War Army veteran. He retired as a Ford Auto Mechanic located in Arlington, Virginia, at a time the dealership would be closed to the public to provide assistance in servicing Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson limousines.

James was a people person who never met a stranger and always had a story to tell. He loved working with his hands. He loved to sew, making clothes, leather works (wallets, belts, and guitar straps), pottery, painting, and crocheting.

He also loved to repair anything or take something apart and reassemble it. However, his greatest love was God and family and that's how he raised his children. James was the most compassionate, caring, honest and loyal person one would ever meet. He will be missed dearly family and friends.

Sadly he was preceded in death by his son, Richard Allen Lyall (2009).

James is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Nina Ruth (Murphy) Lyall; a son, Michael L. Lyall (Suzanne) of Louisville, Kentucky; two daughters, Deborah Boutchyard of Gray, TN and Melinda S. Lyon (Dana) of Johnson City, TN; three grandchildren, Marine Lance Corporal Scotty Lyall, Matthew Lyall, and Aaron Boutchyard; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank their friends, Mountain Home Veterans Administration Medical Center of Johnson City, and Hospice for all their love and support during James' courageous battle with Arthritis.

Memorial donations may be made to the DAV Disabled American Veterans, P. O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45290-0301; or to a favorite charity.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. A celebration of life service will follow at 6 p.m. with Rev. Howard Estep officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 1:45 p.m. Monday at Mountain Home National Cemetery with military honors conducted by the American Legion Posts No. 3/265.

Pallbearers will be the American Legion Posts No. 3/265.

Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Butner, Michael Lyall, Dana Lyon Jr., Lance Corporal Scotty Lyall, and Matthew Lyall.

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