Rev. Smith E. Kestner

Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.”

Rev. Smith E. Kestner, 98, was called to his heavenly home by his Savior Jesus Christ. Born February 23, 1921 – March 2, 2019. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the U.S.S. Neosho. Smith served the Lord for 70 years, pastoring at Bloomingdale Assembly of God, Central Assembly of God (pastor, founder and was currently attending), and Orebank Assembly of God. Smith retired from AFG in Greenland after 25 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lily Kestner; wife, Irene Kestner; son, Tommy Kestner; granddaughter, Amy Salling; daughter, Kathy Smith; four sisters; and eight brothers.

Smith is survived by his children, Jane Hubbard and husband Jim, Tim Kestner and wife Mary Jane, and Phil Kestner and wife Debbie; four grandchildren, Beth Harkleroad and husband Keith, April Whitt, Shaun Kestner and wife Cherianne, and Dee Kestner and fiancé Melody Castle; great-grandchildren, Arrick, Josh, and Peyton Blevins, Clay and Reece Harkleroad, Jeffery Castle, and Emily Neece; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at First Assembly of God, on Brandon Lane (behind Kingsport Honda). The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Rev. Paul Wright, Ronnie Booher, Phil Kestner, and Shaun Kestner officiating.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2019, at Oak Hill Memorial Park with military honors by American Legion Posts 3/265. Those planning to attend the graveside are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 a.m.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

The family wishes to express a very special thanks to their dad's extended family and caregivers at the Village at Allandale Yesterday's Place. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one's choice best honoring Rev. Kestner’s legacy.