Lewis Branch Connelly III

Lewis Branch Connelly III, 88, of Kingsport, passed away at Holston Valley Hospital on Thursday, April 25, 2013.
He was born in Lebanon, VA, the son of the late Lewis Branch Connelly, Jr. and Patty Hargrave Connelly. Lewis received his Chemical Engineering degree from Virginia Tech. He served honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Fanshaw Bay in the Pacific Theater during WWII as a Fire Controlman.

In 1947, Lewis started his 40 year career with Eastman Kodak, working in Kingsport. At his retirement in 1987, he was Vice President, Eastman Chemical Products Inc. He always stated how much he enjoyed going to work every day. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Kingsport for 39 years, and served as Deacon, Elder and Sunday School Teacher, and a volunteer to the Financial Secretary for many years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Mary Ellen Henneberger Connelly, his second wife, Betty Rhoten Connelly, a son, Lewis Branch Sutton Connelly, a daughter, Patricia Ann Stone, and a sister, Patsy Bagley.

Survivors include, his daughters, Rebecca Connelly and husband, John Howick of Knoxville; Deborah S. Connelly, Knoxville; very special friend of 20 years, Roseann Wells, Kingsport; sister, Judy Coslett and husband, Ed, Newton Square, PA; grandchildren, Mary Jo Stone Biss and husband Bryan, Knoxville, Christopher Sutton Connelly, and wife, Susan, Trion, GA, Jeffrey S. Connelly and wife, Angelica, Atlanta, GA , Sarah Elizabeth Connelly, Wilmington, NC; Hope Howick Shelton and husband Michael, Memphis, Margaret Howick Torrence, and husband, Chas, Chattanooga, and Sara Michal Howick, Chattanooga; son-in-law, Michael Stone and wife Connie, Crossville, TN; daughter-in-law Kris Cook Graham, Cloudland, GA; great-grandchildren, Catherine Connelly Biss, Lillian Grace Connelly, Charles Barry Torrence III, John William Shelton; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Private graveside services will be conducted on Monday followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 am to celebrate the life of Lewis Branch Connelly III at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsport with the Reverend Dr. David Cagle officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the foyer of the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 100 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.