John Franklin Stapleton

John Franklin Stapleton, 91, of Church Hill, TN, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 31, 2012 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical. John was born on March 24, 1921 in Monarch, South Carolina. He was in the Coast Guard during WWII and retired from the Ford Motor Company after 30 years of service. John belonged to the Masons, Scottish Rite, the Shriners, and was a Deacon and Charter Member of New Life Missionary Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Mollie Jean Stapleton; father, Barnett Stapleton; mother, Elizabeth Stapleton; brothers, J.B., William and James Stapleton; and sister, Alma Barrett.

John is survived by his sons, Dennis Terri Stapleton, Jerry Glenda Stapleton, and Phillip Stapleton; grandchildren, Phillip John Candy Stapleton, Lance Sandra Stapleton, Kelley Larry Beesley, Scott Margaret Stapleton, Kathy Bret Zalewski, Larry Stapleton, and Jeremy Stapleton; step-granddaughter, Tyann Matt Crawford; several great-grandchildren; brother, Charles Shirley Stapleton; sisters, Cleo Helton, Ruby Glen Sloan, and Barbara Coy Barrett; several nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, and long time special friend, Isaac "Joe" Kilgore.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 2nd from 5-7:30 pm at Hamlett-Dobson, Kingsport. Funeral services will follow at 7:30 with Rev. Tim Johnson and Pastor Wayne Baker officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted on Thursday, January 3rd at 11:00 am at Bethel Cemetery in Surgoinsville. Military rites by American Legion Posts 3/265.

Nephews and grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.