Pete Morrisett

Peter Edward Morrisett, 77, of Kingsport passed away Monday, August 18, 2014.

Pete was born July 12, 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He grew up in Boiling Springs, North Carolina and graduated from Shelby High School. He earned a BS in Chemistry from Davidson College in 1959 and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from University of Florida in 1963. He began his career at Tennessee Eastman Company in February 1963 and worked there until he retired in June 1994. Pete was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Kingsport, serving as Chairman of the Deacons, Sunday School Teacher, and chair of numerous committees. Most recently the one closest to his heart was the House Committee. He also contributed selflessly to multiple service organizations, serving as President of Kiwanis and of Habitat for Humanity where he was involved in the building of more than 100 homes. He also served on the Boards of Link House and the Girls Club. His numerous community activities, family relationships, and friendships were a witness to his strong Christian faith. His hobbies included model railroading, classical music, and restoring brass cash registers. Pete enjoyed his membership in the East Tennessee Rail Fan Association and was an active member of the "Clinchfield (Railroad) mafia." He was a one of a kind, life-long learner, generous, thoughtful, giving, quick-witted, beloved father, grandfather, and husband.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, James Stephen and Mary Keeley Morrisett and his first wife, Suzanne Hamrick Morrisett.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Beggarly Morrisett; daughters, Cathy Gott (David), Laura McCall (Jeff), Julie Clark (Steve), Janet Kleinfelter (David); son, Greg Morrisett (Tanya); brothers, Steve Morrisett (Jean) of Richmond, Virginia, and Joel Morrisett (Mary) of Houston, Texas; sister, Rebecca Causby (David) of Shelby, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Katie Gott Bentley (Brandon), Matthew Gott, Kayla McCall Chaney (Phillip), Clark McCall, Benjamin Kleinfelter, Emily Kleinfelter, Amy Morrisett, and John Morrisett; his great-granddaughter, Emma Grace Bentley; his mother-in-law, Hilda Booth; sister-in-law, Lois Keller; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 pm on Friday at First Baptist Church with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorial gifts may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 247 West Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.