Keith Chandler Hamilton Gregory

Keith Chandler Hamilton Gregory, 97, a long-time resident of Kingsport, died on October 22, 2016 at Baysmont Healthcare Center. The youngest of eight children, Keith was born on December 7, 1918 in Greer, SC to Leroy L. Chandler and Beulah Burley Chandler. In 1928 the family moved to Kingsport where she resided until her death. She was a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School where she was a Cheerleader, Secretary of National Honor Society, Vice President of Drama club, in Glee Club, Girl's Athletic Club & on the Annual staff.

Keith was very involved in numerous community organizations during her lifetime. She was a past-president of Kingsport Junior League, charter member & past-president of Little House & Garden Club, charter member & past-president of Kingsport Junior Book Club, past-president of Kingsport Music Club, past-treasurer of Kingsport Fine Arts Center, member of The Women's Symphony Committee, charter member & past-treasurer of Holston Valley Hospital Auxiliary serving on their board of directors as well as being an active volunteer.

In 1938 she married F.L. "Red" Hamilton who had moved to Kingsport from Birmingham to begin his career with Tennessee Eastman Company. They were happily married for 44 years and spent their time traveling, playing bridge, entertaining, spending summers on Boone Lake & raising their daughter, Kay. "Red" predeceased her in 1982.

A life-long member of First Baptist Church, Keith served on many church committees. She was blessed with having a beautiful singing voice and was an active choir member & soloist, as well as a Sunday School teacher, superintendent and in younger days, served as church clerk for 13 years. Together, Keith & "Red" worked to research and compile the first History of the First Baptist Church.

In l995 Keith married her second husband, L.P. Gregory of Kingsport. They enjoyed traveling and, in their later years, spending time with friends at Asbury Place. He predeceased her in 2008.

Keith was predeceased by her parents, four sisters, Lottie Brownlee, Faye Chandler, Beulah Bellamy and Winton Sellers, three brothers, Walter, Carlyle and Burley Chandler, and her son-in-law, Dr. Thomas L. Garell.

She is survived by her only daughter, Kay Chandler Hamilton Garell, previously of Merritt Island, FL but now Saluda, NC; granddaughter, Lauren Garell Cordova, (Gonzalo), great-grand-daughter, Grace Juliana Cordova, grandson, Tyler Burton Garell, (Lindsey) and great-grandson, Paxton Thomas Garell, all of Atlanta.

A family graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery on October 29, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Marvin Cameron.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church music ministry. The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff of Asbury Place Baysmont for the loving care given to Keith during her years of residency there.

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