John Parham Chiles, Sr

John P. Chiles, 73 of Kingsport, TN passed away on Tuesday, May 24 to join his Lord and Savior and live large the life he gained through grace.

John was born and lived his entire life in Kingsport where he worked as a civil servant. Not only did he value the city of Kingsport, he valued the lives of its citizens. He was a life-long member and past President of Kiwanis, past President of the YMCA Board, former chairman of the Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center Board of Directors. He helped establish Kiwanis Towers and worked diligently with the Salvation Army. He was a member of the First Baptist church of Kingsport where he served as a Deacon and a Sunday School teacher for the Phileo Sunday School class. John started his Kingsport legal practice in 1973 where he practiced for over 40 years. He was a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, the Supreme Court of Tennessee and the draft board of the Selective Service. John lived and gave to his community in many ways. He played football for Dobyns Bennett and was on the team that won two state championships. He went on to play football for the University of Virginia where he earned his undergraduate degree. After serving in the U.S. Army, he obtained a law degree from the University of Tennessee. John was an avid fan of the University of Tennessee and the University of Virginia football teams. He was past President of the DB Quarterback Club.

One of his fondest pastimes was running with the Watauga Street Jogging Association.

He was a motorcycle enthusiast with the "Tuesday Night Boys" for over 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents John R. and Sarah "Bill" Chiles.

John is survived by his wife, Suzanne Chiles of Kingsport: two daughters, Carin Chiles of Knoxville, and Cary Boggs and husband, Wesley of Kingsport: son John Parham Chiles II, and wife Jessica of Greenville, SC : three grandchildren, John Parham Chiles III, Henry Boggs and Mary Frances Boggs: two sisters, Mary Margaret Burtis of Roanoke, VA, and Sally Shelburne and husband, Tom of Rogersville, TN: his favorite mother-in-law "Mom" Daphene Calhoun: and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be conducted on Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Oak Hill Memorial Park, Military rites will be conducted by The American Legion Posts 3/265.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church of Kingsport with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating.

Pallbearers will be David Atkinson, Lanney Blevins, Wayne Culbertson, Carl Eilers, Larry Fleenor, George Gibson, Johnny Hale, Ron Hartsock, Michael Kelly, Sam Lovell, Tom Parham, Troy Parham, Bill Parsley and Andy Taylor.

The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Mission Fund at First Baptist Church, 200 West Church Circle, Kingsport, TN. 38660.

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