Robert Perry McClain

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Robert Perry McClain, 77, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Friday July 29, 2011 at his residence.

Perry was born in Blountville, TN on April 1, 1934 and had resided in the Kingsport area his entire life. He accepted the Lord as his Savior many years ago and was water baptized in April of this year by Pastor Will Shewey at Salem United Methodist Church. This was such as inspiration to us all as he was baptized in his childhood church.

Perry was a wonderful, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend as he loved helping others. He was a patient and encouraging mentor to his sons and grandchildren. Perry was employed by Quick-Way Engine Company for 38 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Finley and Maude Dishner McClain; brothers, Ransey McClain, Kenneth McClain, Lindsey McClain, and Archie McClain; and sister, Maggie Bear.

Perry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Virginia "Ginny" McClain; sons, Robert and wife Holly McClain of Huntsville, AL and Richard and wife Tammy McClain of Johnson City; seven grandchildren, Michael, Christy, Brett, Chase, Beth, Summer, and Laura; one sister, Elsie Whitaker of Blountville; and sisters-in-law, Fannie McClain and Virginia McClain of Blountville. Perry's "special" sisters and brothers were Charlie and Shirley Vineyard of Kingsport; Paul and Janice Baxter of Kingsport; and Bobby and Margaret Baxter of Blountville. He also had several nieces and nephews.

Perry's "special" friends and caregivers were Henry and Mary Godsey, Charlie and Shirley Vineyard, Diane Bays, Misty Venett, Eleanor, Linda, Sandra, Collie, and Melissa with Amedisys Hospice Services; and his lovely cat, "Smiley".

Pastor Will Shewey, who is officiating, has been a dear and faithful friend and visitor for Perry during his illness.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport.

Services will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with Rev. Will Shewey, Cortney Vineyard, Tom Jayne, and Henry Godsey officiating. Music will be provided by Robert Barrett, Misty Venett, and The Hackler Family.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at East Lawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will David McClain, Douglas McClain, Ronnie McClain, Dennis Robinson, Bradley Baxter, and Dewayne Godsey.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Michael, Christy, Brett and Chase McClain, Beth, Summer, and Laura Laster.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Salem United Methodist Church, 230 Boozy Creek Road, Blountville, TN 37617.