W. Ross Kingdon

W. Ross Kingdon, 89, died peacefully at home on Sunday, November 16, 2014. Ross was born in Toronto, Canada and received his education there at the University of Toronto, finishing with a BA and MA in Chemistry. He moved to Kingsport in 1950 to work for Tennessee Eastman Company until 1987. His assignments began in the Research Division and included Chemical Sales Development (TXEC products), International Sales, Economic and Market Analysis, and concluded back in the Research Division.

Ross was an active member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church and Wesley Sunday School Class (formerly Greer Sunday School Class). He was also a member of Kiwanis Club - Kingsport (45 years) and the Palmer Center Foundation Board (40+ years).

During his years in Kiwanis he earned these awards: - F. Stewart Crossley for Outstanding Chairman of Right Start Committee in 1978-79; Kiwanian of the Year 1999-2000; and Art Roper Kiwanian of the Year, 2005. Guidance from the Holy Spirit resulted in March 4, 2011, being declared as "Ross Kingdon Day" and Mayor Phillips presenting Ross a Key to the City of Kingsport in recognition of the Economic Development and Education research he had provided to the City and its Board of Education.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Bill Kingdon; brother, Alan Kingdon of Toronto and Guelph, Canada; Carolyn's, parents, Lela and Charles Phillips of Greensboro and Charlotte, and Carolyn's sister, Barbara Ann Hoard of Kingsport.

Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Carolyn; two daughters, Nancy Franza and husband, Mark of Matthew, NC, and Barbara Cook and husband, Ken of Suwanee, GA; son, David Kingdon and wife, Tricia of Spring, TX; five grandchildren, Jason, Emily and Sarah Cook, and Ross and Kelly Kingdon; brother-in-law, Wayne Hoard of Kingsport; two brothers and sister-in-law, Wade Phillips, and Charles and Barbara Phillips, all of Greensboro, NC; sister-in-law, Judy Kingdon of Guelph, Canada; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 from 5-7:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 3:00 pm at First Broad Street United Methodist Church with The Rev. Jack P. Weikel officiating, with receiving to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660, to the Kiwanis Club, Kingsport Foundation, P.O. Box 3506, Kingsport, TN 37664, the Palmer Center Foundation - Boundless Playground, 301 Louis St., Suite 305, Kingsport, TN 37664, American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Rd., Ste 102, Johnson City, TN 37601, Dr. Charles Myers' Foundation for Prostate Cancer Research & Education, P.O. Box 6696, Charlottesville, VA 22906, or to the charity of your choice.