Parker "P.J." Trent

Parker"P. J." Trent, 79, of Kingsport, died Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at his home after an apparent heart attack. He was a lifelong resident of Kingsport and a graduate of
Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1952. Parker served in the US Army from 1954-1957 and graduated from ETSU in 1959 with a degree in Chemistry. He taught at Sullivan High School and retired in 1998 from Eastman Chemical Company after 35 years of service as Vice President, Plastics Strategic Development.

Parker served on the Sullivan County Board of Education, Holston Valley Hospital Board, Children's Advocacy Center Board, Sullivan County Industrial Board, American Red Cross Board, Kingsport Economic Development Board and Cattails Management Advisory Committee. He was a former member of the Sullivan Gardens Optimist Club, an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels, a member of Ridgefields, an active member of the Rotary and a Paul Harris Fellow. Parker was a member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees.

He was preceded in death by his father, Park Trent; mother and step-father, Ethel and Carl McClain; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rufus and Irene Bailey; and brother-in-law, Sam Bailey.

Parker is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara Bailey Trent; daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Devereux Rice; son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Rochelle Trent; grandchildren, Dallas King, Amy King, Nicholas Trent, Melissa Rice and husband, Casey Dreier of Pasadena, CA, and Dominique King and husband, Steve Jones and daughter, Grace Mae of Louisville, KY; great-grandson, Jackson Zeke Gillis; stepmother, Carlie Bernard of Kingsport; cousin, Harvey Herron and wife, Pam of Kingsport; brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, George and Betty Bailey of Kingsport; sister-in-law, Florence Bailey of Clarksville, TN; several nieces, nephews and cousins and many friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 1:00 pm at Glen Alpine United Methodist Church with Rev. Rhonda Hobbs officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday at 2:00 pm at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions can be made to Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, 3200 Glen Alpine Rd., Kingsport, TN 37660, to the Children's Advocacy Center, 150 Blountville Bypass, Blountville, TN 37617, or to the charity of one's choice.