Michael McKenzie Howle

Michael McKenzie Howle, 69, of Kingsport, died on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at his home surrounded by family. Mike was an Eagle Scout and graduated from North Carolina State University in 1968 with a B.S. in Textile Technology. He went to work for Eastman Chemical Company the same year, retiring as Global Credit Manager in 2000. A year later, he accepted a "temporary" part-time project at Kingsport Times-News, retiring again, after 13 years, as Special Projects Manager. Mike was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church. He loved golf and travel with his golf buddies, excellent red wines, hand-rolled cigars, great conversation, good books and movies, and being outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alton Brown Howle and Fannie Baber Howle.

Mike is survived by his wife, Liza Shipley Howle; his son, John Michael Howle and wife, Leigh; daughter, Katherine Howle Whitesell and husband, Jay; step-daughters, Melanie DeMotts Taosuwan and husband, Andre, and April Noelle DeMotts and fiancé, Rob; step-son, Bryan Glenn DeMotts and wife, Jessica; grandson, Samuel Price Shumate; brother, William King Howle and wife, Betty; two nephews and their families; and a host of extended family members and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Mike's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Dr. David A. Cagle officiating. The eulogy will be given by David Blankenship. The family will receive friends following the service.

The family would like to thank the caregivers with Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, http://www.nhpco.org/, Salvation Army, P.O. Box 2280 Kingsport, Tennessee 37662, or Free Wheelchair Mission, https://www.freewheelchairmission.org/.