Joe L. Frates III

Joseph L. Frates, III, 73, of Kingsport, died Thursday morning, March 22, 2018, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after an extended illness. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, he was raised in Warren, Rhode Island. After high school, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a Fifth Special Forces Combat Medic and completed 3 tours in Vietnam, 1-Brazil, 1-Dominican Republic. He was medically discharged in 1974 from the U.S. Army. Joe became a Veteran Service Officer for the Disabled American Veterans for 12 years. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time as a country music entertainer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Frates II and Gladys Frates; and granddaughter, Jennivere Frates.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Diane Carr Frates, of the home; three daughters, Christine Andreozzi of Barrington, RI, Cynthia Williams and husband Johnnie of Central Falls, RI, and April Frank and husband Robert of Salt Lake City, Utah; son, Thomas E. Frates of Warren, RI; eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Susan DeBlois and husband David of Chandler, AZ, brother, Kenneth Frates and wife Linda of Gainesville, GA; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Mountain Home National Cemetery with Pastor Wayne Baker officiating and Military Rites given by The American Legion Posts 3/265.

Memorial contributions may be made to any American Veteran Organization of one's choice.

Cemetery Details