Joe R. Quillen

Joe R. Quillen, 87, Kingsport, entered his Eternal Home on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center.

He was born November 2, 1926, in Church Hill, TN, and lived most of his life in Kingsport. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was employed by Eastman for 43 years, retiring in 1986 as supervisor in the Acetic Anhydride Department. Joe was a member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church and an active member of Bill Allen's Sunday School Class. He was a 64 year member of the Clay Masonic Lodge No. 386 in Church Hill and a 60 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star No. 198 in Kingsport.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, George P. and Bertha Simpson Quillen; one sister, Frances Quillen Barrett, and three infant brothers.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth Anderson Quillen of the home; one daughter, Nancy Jo Quillen Collins and husband, Tom, of Gray; one granddaughter, Katy Anne Collins Little and husband, Will, of Gray; two grandsons, James Joseph Collins and Thomas Anderson Collins, both of Gray; three brothers, Mack Quillen of Augusta, GA, Rev. Maurice Quillen and wife, Rena, of Morristown, TN, and Wayne Quillen and wife, Barbara, of Kingsport; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2014, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Maurice Quillen and Dr. Greg Burton officiating. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2014, at East Lawn Memorial Park with military rites conducted by Tennessee Army National Guard Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be James Joseph Collins, Thomas Anderson Collins, Mike Collins, Will Little, Steve Barrett, Wayne Quillen, and Mike Quillen. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Allen's Sunday School Class.

Memorials may be made to the Homebound Department of Colonial Heights Baptist Church, 108 Colonial Heights Rd., Kingsport, TN, 37663, or to the charity of one's choice.