John Thomas Bearden

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth here is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

John Thomas Bearden, 93, died on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at his home in Kingsport, TN.  He was born in Nashville, TN on August 29, 1926 and attended public schools there, graduating from East Nashville High School. In 1943, he volunteered and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  Prior to moving to Kingsport in 1960, the Bearden family lived in Louisville, KY, Knoxville, TN, and Chicago, IL.

A Chemical Engineer Graduate of the Speed Scientific School, University of Louisville, he first found employment with the Factory Insurance Association and later with Tennessee Eastman Company, a division of Eastman Kodak Company in Kingsport, TN.  He had various assignments with Tennessee Eastman Company and Eastman subsidiary Holston Defense Corp.  He retired in 1988 from Holston Defense Corp. as Plant Manager.

He was a member of the Masons for over 67 years, the York Rite and the Shrine.  A Christian all his life, he was a member and Elder of Waverly Road Presbyterian Church.  He loved his wife, Joan; his children, family and friends and his second love, Mary Frances.  He was a loyal and patriotic citizen and loved his country.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Avalon Hospice, Jason, Sarah and Tammy and also to his Visiting Angels, Inez, Joseph, JoAnn and Letha.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Joan Wellbrook Bearden in 1998; his parents, Claude P. and Willie Lollar Bearden; his sisters, Roberta Bearden Tucker and Carolyn Bearden Cox; brother, Claude P. Bearden Jr.; brother-in-law, Thomas P. Tucker; and daughter-in-law, Jerri Burke Bearden.

John is survived by a daughter, Susan L. Bearden Gott and husband, Ronald K. Gott of Kingsport, TN; sons, Thomas B. Bearden and wife, Mary K. of Telford, TN, David A. Bearden and wife, DeRhonda of Kingsport, TN, and Robert W. Bearden of Kingsport, TN; grandsons, Joshua B. Bearden and wife, Carrie, William A. Bearden and Christopher R. Gott and Michael C. Gibson and wife, Whitney; great-granddaughters, Madelyn Jane Bearden,, Everlee Grace Gibson and Hadlee Faith Gibson; sister-in-law, June Bush Bearden of Donaldson, TN; brother-in-law, Kenneth W. Cox, Springfield, MO; several nieces and nephews; and the second love of his life, Mary Frances Skidmore.

It was his wish to be cremated and have his cremated remains inurned in a niche with his beloved wife in Oak Hill Memorial Park.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm Friday, November 1, 2019 at Waverly Road Presbyterian Church with Rev. Collin Blair Adams officiating. The family will receive friends following memorial services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, 1415 Waverly Rd., Kingsport, TN 37664, or to a charity of your choice.