Thomas Jefferson Lockhart Jr

Thomas Jefferson Lockhart, Jr., 93, of Kingsport, was reunited with his precious wife and son on Saturday, May 6, 2017. He was born July 26, 1923, the son of the late Thomas J. and Cynthia (Rhea) Lockhart.

He worked at the Kingsport Press for 36 years. He also was an umpire for 46 years, calling in the TSSAA, ASA and USSSA Associations. He loved to umpire and was always lending his expertise to help young and upcoming callers. Thomas always gave it his best, whether he was calling a Little League practice game for free or working the college circuit for pay, he was the same, always hustling, always fair.

Thomas was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, having served in the European Theater. He fought in 4 of the 5 major conflicts including the Battle of the Bulge. He was combat wounded twice, receiving two purple hearts. Thanks, Dad, for making this nation a safe and free place to raise our families.

He was a faithful and loving husband, wonderful father, and special grandfather, a loyal brother and friend. He made countless sacrifices for his family and always lived a life of integrity and honor. He will always be our hero.

In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Beryl; son, Russell Lockhart; sisters, Patty Sue Cole and Betty Shoemaker; brothers, Robert, David, and Frank Lockhart; two half-sisters; and five half-brothers.

Thomas is survived by three sons, Phil Lockhart and wife, Jessie, Chris Lockhart and wife, Regina, and Randy Lockhart and wife, Jeannie, all of Kingsport; five sisters, Thelma Honaker of Wooster, OH, Peggy Ubernosky of Deer Park, TX, Joyce Grills, Wanda Johnson, and Brenda Phillips and husband, Bob, all of Kingsport; brother, Baker Lockhart and wife, Joann of Atlanta, GA; seven grandsons; two beautiful granddaughters, Heather Halsey and Angela Hudnall; seventeen great-grandkids; four great-great-grandkids; and several wonderful nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Susie, Jessica, Kiersten, and Daniel from Avalon Hospice for their amazing love and responsive care, and to Dorothy from Homestead for her love and hard work.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The service will follow at 7:00 p.m.

The graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Ross Campground United Methodist Church Cemetery with Military Rites by the American Legion Posts 3/265.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons whom he loved so much, Ryan Lockhart, Mark Lockhart, Matthew Lockhart, Jerome Lockhart, Jonathan Lockhart, Daniel Lockhart and Tommy Lockhart.

Honorary pallbearers will be Casey Halsey and Kevin Hudnall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ross Camp Ground United Methodist Church cemetery fund, c/o Janie Kincheloe, 107 Ivy Lane, Gray, TN 37615.

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