Ralph Chambers

Dr. Ralph Arnold Chambers, 74, of Kingsport died at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, March 16, 2008 at Wexford House in Kingsport, TN after a lengthy illness.

Born in Harlan, KY on September 5, 1933, he graduated from Hyde Park High School in Chicago, IL and served in the U. S. Navy for five years and the U. S. Marine Corps for one year. Dr. Chambers graduated summa cum laude from Presbyterian College, where he attended school on a basketball scholarship. He graduated with a PhD in organic chemistry from Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Chambers was employed at Eastman Kodak Company for 27 years. He began in Research and finished his career in management in several manufacturing areas, retiring in 1991. He enjoyed tennis, golf, traveling, and scuba diving.

He was preceded in death by a 2-year old daughter, a 2-month old son; and parents, Clyde Chambers and Hassie Cox Coyle.

Dr. Chambers is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda Worley Chambers of Kingsport; a son, Michael of Kingsport; a daughter, Christy of Maryville, TN; two grandsons, Scott Sanders and Jeffery Sanders, both of Johnson City; and two brothers, Ray Chambers of Bristol, VA and Bob Chambers of Scottsdale, AZ.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to friends, Jon Peters and Jim Hale, who visited Ralph weekly; longtime friend, Herb Criswell of Signal Mountain, TN; the staff and caregivers at Wexford House who treated him so lovingly; and all the friends and family who were so supportive.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday at Mountain Home National Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. David A. Cagle and Dr. Clay Austin officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 100 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37662; or the Alzheimer Center of Upper East TN, 2000 Greenway Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.