Robert B. Fenyves

Robert "Bob" Fenyves, 76, of Kingsport, died on Sunday, January 16, 2011 in the emergency department at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after a brief illness.

Bob served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He met his wife, Sharon, now of 52 years, in Seattle while still serving. With a chemistry degree, he started his career with the Pepsi company in quality testing, before pursuing his professional life in packaging management with his MBA in locations in SC, CA, NC, CT, OH and TN. In retirement, Bob, his wife, and their youngest daughter Janet moved to Kingsport in 1999 to serve the public at Warriors State Park Marina, where as concessioners, they provided boat rentals, warm food, bike rentals and plenty of conversation for six seasons. He loved spending time talking or playing with his four grandsons and one granddaughter. Bob also cherished the relationship with his brother, Steve, and family, and the surviving family of his sister, Carole.

Until his death, Bob actively served on the boards for the YMCA and for ETSU Adult Education in Kingsport, promoting growth of the Y and participation of Speakers for Adult Ed. As a former coach, he loved local sports and was a regular fan at football, soccer and basketball games at ETSU, Sullivan South and Dobyns-Bennett. Bob adored history and people, read avidly about both, and would share his opinion with you regarding any without hesitancy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ida and Louis Fenyves; daughter, Janet Rose Fenyves and sister, Carole Fenyves Lender.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Sharon Traviss Fenyves; son, Jeffrey Fenyves; daughter, Jacqueline Fenyves Koegel; grandchildren, Ryan Fenyves, Adam Fenyves, Evan Fenyves, Robert Koegel, Danielle Koegel; brother, Stephen Fenyves and wife, Suzanne; several nieces and nephews and many special friends.

The family will receive friends in a drop-in celebration of Robert Fenyves on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at noon at Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church in the Parlor.

A private inurnment service for family only will follow at 2 pm at the CHPC Columbarium, with the Rev. Tom Phillips presiding. Additional information, addresses and details will be provided through the Hamlett-Dobson website.

Bob's life is marked best by his love of family, people, sports and current events. He would want to thank his many friends, the YMCA, the leaders of the City of Kingsport, his healthcare providers, and so many others that touched his life.

The family requests any gifts or donations be made in Bob's honor to the Greater Kingsport Family YMCA, 1100 Franklin Square, Kingsport, TN. 37660.