Reese "Buddy" Milhorn

Reese Milhorn passed away at 4:35 a.m. on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport, TN after a brief illness.

He was born in Kingsport, TN on May 10, 1939 and lived there his entire life. He was a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School and attended East Tennessee State University. Reese was always known for his fun loving personality and ready to get together with friends. He was affectionately known as the "Mayor of Boone Lake", the location he called "home" in the summer and constantly a popular spot with his friends.

Reese began his work career as a newspaper delivery boy for the Times-News, continued as a popular salesman at the former J. Fred Johnson's Department store before becoming an award winning employee for National Cash Register Company. In 1965, he purchased Gregory Appliance and changed the name to Milhorn Appliance Company.

He was a member of Oakwood Forest Christian Church and attended Christ Fellowship Church.

Reese was preceded in death by his parents, W. R. "Bud" Millhorn and Grace Jeanette Millhorn.

He is survived by his loving companion of fifteen and a half years, Diane McCrary; son, Reese Milhorn Jr.; daughters, Stephanie Lynn Upchurch and husband Rick; Melanie Rene Pitts; sister, Kathy Hawk and husband Bob; four grandchildren Tyler Milhorn, Zach Upchurch, Halie Milhorn, and Charlotte Pitts; one great-granddaughter, Malea Milhorn, all of Kingsport;

Reese especially loved his friends from the Jan-Mar Restaurant, Kathy's Corner, Meadowview, Ridges and Ridgefields along with "Boone Lake Trash" friends and many others, including special employee Tim King. He will be missed by his beloved "four-legged children", Buddy and Sadie.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of SICU at Holston Valley Hospital who cared for him.

A celebration of his life will be held at Christ Fellowship Church on Victory Lane, off the Rock Springs exit of Interstate 26, on Tuesday, December 11 at 7 p.m. led by Pastor Greg DePriest.

Graveside services will be held at Oak Hill Memorial Park in the Resurrection Garden on Wednesday, December 12 at 11 a.m. Friends are welcome to attend either service.

Donations in Reese's honor may be made to Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue, P. O. Box 654, Blountville, TN 37617; or the American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Road, Suite 102, Johnson City, TN 37601; or to the charity of one's choice.