Tom Shanks

Thomas G. Shanks, 82, of Rock Springs Community, died on Friday, July 4, 2014 following a brief illness. Tom was born in the Jearoldstown Community and had resided in Rock Springs since the early 80's. He was an employee of Eastman Chemical Company retiring after 41 years of service.

Tom served in the U.S. Army European Theatre during the Korean conflict and later became a Command Sgt. Major in the TN National Guard for a total of 41 years of military service. He was a member of the Rock Springs United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Gladys Shanks; brothers Sammy Shanks, Bill Shanks and sister Betty Shanks.

Survivors include his wife Doris H. Shanks of Kingsport; sons Chad Shanks and wife, Tina of Church Hill, TN, Chris Shanks and wife, Christina of Livermore, CA; grandson Cory Shanks of Nashville, TN; sister Lois Shanks of Sullivan Gardens, TN; brother Frank Shanks of Sullivan Gardens, TN; several sisters-in-law and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, July 7 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Rock Springs United Methodist Church with a graveside service following at Rock Springs United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Buddy Butler and Rev. Regina Shelton officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Posts 3265.

Pallbearers will be family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Haren, Howard Thornburg, Bill Christian, Don Mutter, Wayne Baker, Keener Depew, Paul Chapman, Charlie Leonard, Bert Carter, Edward Cleek, past and present members of the 278th Armored Calvary TN National Guard and past and present members of the 3077 transportation unit of the TN National Guard.