James E. Rector

James E. Rector, 65, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at his home.

He graduated from Tennessee High School in 1968 and worked for Giant Food Markets in Bristol and Kingsport. He also worked with Brooks Equipment Company for a brief period of time and worked for 11 years as a camp car cook with Clinchfield Railroad, which later became CSX Transportation/Maintenance Away. James was kitchen manager for Link House and several other residential facilities of Frontier Health for 21 years, and had also worked at K-VA-T Food City for 5 years. James was employed with Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home as a Funeral Assistant, helping families in need, for 18 years.

James served 27 years with the U.S. Army Reserves, Grade E7 rank with the Blue Ridge 80th Division in Bristol, VA as Food Service Sergeant over B Company. He served 13 years as Food Service Sergeant with the U.S. Army National Guards, 278th Armored Calvary Division, H.H.T., Kingsport, TN.

James grew up as a member in the North Bristol Baptist Church and was a former member of the Kingsport Baptist Temple where he was a Sunday School teacher for the Nine-year Old Boy's Class and was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Rector and father, Earl Rector; his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Cordelia Davidson; and paternal grandparents, Rev. James Fulton Rector and Elizabeth White Rector.

James is survived by his wife of 43 years, Donnie Allen Rector, Kingsport; two sons, Christopher Lee Rector and Chuck Allen Rector, both of Kingsport; one brother, Jerry Michael Rector and wife, Barbara of Bristol, VA; one niece; one nephew; three great-nephews; several cousins; two aunts; and his faithful canine companion, "George".

The family will receive friends Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1444 Bloomingdale Road, Kingsport. Services will follow at 3 p.m. with Dr. Cecil Sturgill officiating.

Graveside services will held at 10 a.m. Monday at Mountain Home National Cemetery with military graveside rites by the American Legion Hammond Post No. 3 and the Tennessee National Guard.

Pallbearers will be the Tennessee Army National Guard 278th Calvary Division, H.H.T., Kingsport, TN.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Blue Ridge 80th Division, Gary Oliver, Eddie Darnell, James "Buddy" Hall, Harry Sproles, Bob Sproles, Jeff Sturgill, Bay Overbey, Greg Allison, Joey Rector, Mark Sloan, and Martin Sloan; employees of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Link House and Staff, Sullivan House and Staff.

Memorial contributions can be made in James' memory to Tabernacle Baptist Youth Department, Video Ministry Program, 1444 Bloomingdale Road, Kingsport, TN 37660.