Jerry T. McAvoy

Jerry T. McAvoy, 74, Kingsport, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2016 after many years of illnesses.

He was born in Union, SC on March 7, 1942 to the late Donald and Della Lamb McAvoy. He was raised in the Reservoir Road area of the Sullivan Gardens community of Kingsport and was a 1960 graduate of Sullivan High School, where he played football. He coached little league football for the Indian Springs Optimist Club for four years.

Jerry served three years in the U. S. Army and was discharged in 1964, and served 18 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He attended East Tennessee State College for a brief time, and earned his bachelor's degree from Tusculum College in 1987. After 22 years with Eastman Chemicals, he retired on disability in 1987 after suffering the first of many strokes.

He was very involved with the local Interfraternal Council while he was a member of the Eagles 3141. He was active in the VFW, the Honor Guard, and the Military Order of Cooties, serving in several district and state offices. He volunteered at the VA Mountain Home facility for several years until he was no longer able to do so because of his failing health.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; his nephew, Chad Robertson; two uncles who were like his brothers, Marvin McAvoy and Dillard McAvoy; and his lifelong friend, Tom Carter.

He is survived by his dedicated wife of 52 years, Ruby Haun McAvoy; daughter, Cindy Perkins and husband, Roger; sons, Tom McAvoy and wife, Renee, and David McAvoy and wife, Cindy; 11 grandchildren, Griffin McAvoy, Jordan McAvoy, Holly McAvoy, Kaylia Bowen Perkins, Jacob Perkins and girlfriend, Hillary Smith, Chip Perkins and wife, Megan, Nick Perkins, Melody Meade and husband, Shannon, Payton Garland, Emily Garland, and Sarah Garland; seven great-grandchildren, Tanner Meade, Conner Meade, Brenner Meade, Brett Perkins, Noah Perkins, Liam Perkins, and Levi Perkins; his sisters, Jane McAvoy, Janice Robertson and husband, Keith, Linda Lyons and husband, Brian, and Rita Prater and husband, Carroll; two nieces, Merritt Prater Lane and husband, Mark, and Gigi Walker; three nephews, Mark Prater and wife, Lisa, Justin Robertson, and Scott Mendenhall; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and numerous friends from the Moose Lodge and the VFW.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-7:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The memorial service will follow at 7:00 pm with military rites by VFW Post #4933 Washington County DAV.