Richard Dee Absher

Richard D. Absher, 81, of 1340 Ivory Street, Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 20, 2008.

Richard was retired from Kingsport Iron and Metal Company and as a free-lance concrete finisher.

A special thanks to the nurses at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center and Wilcox Hall 3rd floor.

Preceding him in death were his first wife, Inez Faye Absher; parents, Charley and Ada Hammonds Absher; and brothers, Willie Absher, Charles Absher, Sam Absher, Conley Absher, and Jack Absher.

He is survived by his second wife, Dessie Absher; sons, Matthew Absher, Ronnie Absher, Emmett Absher, Richard Allen Absher and wife Sherry, and Robert Absher; daughter, Vanessa Pratt; stepdaughter, Faye Absher; stepsons, David Ratliff and wife Charlotte; stepsons, Terry Lynn Brummitt and wife Wilma, all of Kingsport; stepson, James Brummitt and wife Debbie of Houston, TX; stepdaughters, Geneva Brummitt and Mary Kate Brummitt; two brothers, Mack Absher and wife Tiny, Curtis Absher and wife Blanche; all of Kingsport, TN; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren that will all miss him.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport and any time at 624 Lucy Road, Kingsport.

Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with Rev. Raymond Hammonds and Rev. Dale Brummett officiating.

Burial will follow at Chestnut Flats Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Scott County, VA.

Pallbearers will be his sons, Matthew Absher, Ronnie Absher, and Emmitt Absher, and grandchildren, Henry Absher, Lee Absher, and Bobby Absher.

Honorary pallbearers will be Curtis Absher, Mack Absher, and Jack Absher Jr.