Robert Lee Huntington

Robert Huntington, GMCM Retired, 81, of Fordtown Community, died at 3:40 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2008, at Wexford House following a brief illness.

He was born in San Bernardino, California, where he resided until going into the military serving first in the U. S. Army and then the U. S. Navy from March 1, 1950, until his retirement on June 1, 1977. Robert served on eight ships in the Pacific Theatre serving in both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era. He was of the Catholic faith. Robert was an avid football fan.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Dorothy Garber Huntington in 1996; and his parents Harold and Alice Culver Huntington.

Surviving are his closest companiona€"his English Setter, Towbear; three brothers, Walter Joseph Huntington of Banning, California, Thomas Harold Huntington and William Charles Huntington, both of California; a nephew, Kevin Huntington of Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Mozelle Garber of Kingsport, Rosie Gilder of Kingsport; and three brothers-in-law, James D. Garber Sr. of Kingsport, Claude Garber of Mexia, Texas, and Samuel Garber of Kingsport.

Any friends who desire may call at the home of a niece, Teresa Ketron at 559 Old Fordtown Road, Kingsport.

A funeral mass will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Dominic's Catholic Church with Father Paul Valleroy officiating.

Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park with military rites by United States Navy, Knoxville Reserve Center. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.