Rodney Douglas Irvin

Rodney Douglas Irvin age 62 of Kingsport died on Friday morning, March 12, 2010 at his home, surrounded by his family.
Born in Kingsport where he has resided most all of his life, Rod was a 1965 graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School, 1970 graduate of Milligan College with a Bachelor of Arts, and a 1973 graduate of The University of Tennessee with a Master of Science degree in Communications. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserves during the Vietnam Era.
Rod began his career with Eastman in February of 1981 as a Public Relations Representative. He quickly rose to a supervisory role in 1989 and continued increasing his responsibilities as Manager of Corporate News and Information in 1996; Manager of External Communications in 1998, Manager of Communications in Planning and Strategy in 1999. He became Director of Government Relations in 2001, before retiring in 2008. In his Government Relations role, Rod spent the majority of his time in Washington, D.C. building strong relations with many of our public officials. He was highly respected by members of Congress that knew him. In all of his positions, Rod took time to mentor and influence numerous employees in their careers at Eastman.
Rod was a Charter Member of the Tri-Cities TN/VA Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. He served as the Professional Advisor for the PRSA at ETSU. While working in Washington, D.C. Rod served on the President's Export Council, was on the board of Ford's Theater, and served on the Public Affairs Council. Rod was honored with numerous awards in the field of Public Relations including the first Career Achievement Award presented by the Tri-Cities TN/VA Chapter of the PRSA, henceforth named the Rod Irvin Excellence in Public Relations Award. The Knoxville Volunteer Chapter of the PRSA also awarded Rod its Lifetime Achievement Award and the Harvey Cobert Award . He chaired the National PRSA Corporate Section and also served on the Corporate Task Force and Global Initiatives and Nominating Committees. Rod also served as a delegate to the PRSA Assembly. Milligan College awarded Rod with its Professional Excellence Award in 2007. In 2009 he was awarded the Lifetime Member Award by the Kingsport, Tennessee Area Chamber of Commerce for excellent Leadership, exemplary service and outstanding achievement for the Kingsport Community and the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce. Rod's outstanding work and public service was recognized in the State of Tennessee House of Representatives House Resolution No. 273, and by the City of Kingsport in a proclamation that proclaimed Thursday, October 23, 2008 as Rodney "Rod" D. Irvin Day.
Rod was a longtime member of First Christian Church of Johnson City where he served as an Elder. He was a former Youth Minister at Oakwood Forest Christian Church, and was ordained as a Minister in the Christian Churches.
Rod was preceded in death by his father, Wallace E. Irvin. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Anne Hill Irvin, his daughters Holly Irvin Flora and husband Nathan, of Kingsport; Emily Anne Helphinstine and husband Paul of Kingsport: his sons Wally Irvin and wife Stephanie of Nashville; Andy Irvin and wife Janice of Kingsport: Five grandchildren Elizabeth, John, Kate, Caroline, and Isaac: mother Inez Parker Irvin of Kingsport: brother Randy Irvin and his wife Tracy: sister Becky Irvin.
The family will receive friends on Monday from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at First Christian Church of Johnson City, 200 Mount Castle Drive, Johnson City, TN. Services will be conducted at 7 p.m. at the church with Dr. Eugene Wigginton, Bert Allen, and Vince Staten officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Oak Hill Memorial Park.