Paul Baskett

Paul Baskett, 85, Hawley Road, passed away Tuesday at Bristol Memorial Hospital following a period of declining health.

An agricultural community leader, he owned and managed three dairy operations in three counties in a family partnership. Their Echo-Hills Holstein herd was nationally known; animals were frequent winners at shows across the Southeast; some were sold and exported to other countries. Paul was a long-term director of the Appalachian Holstein Breeders, Sale Chairman for many years of their successful sales which attracted nationwide buyers, and instrumental in the success of the 1980 National Holstein Convention Sale held on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. He also served on the board of Washington County DHIA.

Supportive of young family farmers, he often sold animals to beginning dairymen in affordable sales agreements to give their herds a good start. His encouragement to young dairy enthusiasts fostered the successful careers of many in the dairy industry.

He was a founder and co-owner of Muddy Creek Moto-Cross and Raceway in Blountville. A great believer in his Lord, he was a member of Oak Hill Baptist Church, Jonesborough.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Wanda Luster Baskett; brother, Ruble Junior Baskett; parents, Ruble and Eva Baskett.

He is survived by his sons, Lynn companion Julie Tisdale, Jonesborough; Jim, Limestone companion Karen Jones; grandson Joshua Paul Baskett; granddaughter Kim Fleming Jason, Jonesborough; brother, Mike Lisa of Jonesborough; sisters, Geneva Murray J.S., Wilma Baskett, both of Jonesborough; Lorna Evans, Chuckey; sister-in-law, Jerri Baskett, Jonesborough; seven great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, valued farm associate, Tommy Cloyd, treasured caregiver, Teresa Pelletier, and special friend, Gladys Duvall.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at Oak Hill Baptist Church, Jonesborough, TN. Funeral services will follow at 8 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Joe Blankenship and Rev. Vic Wallace presiding. Graveside services and burial will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 at Oak Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Friends will also be received at the home on Hawley Road, Blountville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to Oak Hill Baptist Church, specify to either General Fund OR Cemetery Fund 2501 Highway 81N, Jonesborough, TN 37659.