William Robert "Bob" Christian

William Robert "Bob" Christian, 87, Kingsport, passed away comfortably at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, March 5, 2014.

A farmer in his early adulthood, Bob later worked at Coca Cola Bottling Company, followed by work at Model City Auto Sales and Cox Nissan/Volvo.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all his family whom he adored.

The family would like to thank the nurses at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center and Mountain States Hospice team for their wonderful care.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lydia Kate Christian; and sister, Lucille Franklin.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Lucille Rupe Christian; sons, Bob Christian and wife, Jenny and Mike Christian and wife, Tammy; grandchildren, Jessica, Jeremy, Braeden Christian, and Brittani Haynes and husband, Matt; great-grandson, Eli Joel Haynes; sisters, Lizzie Cox and Mary Ratliff; brother, Earl Christian and wife Hazel; brother-in-law, George Rupe and wife, Fay; nephews, Billy Ratliff and wife, Carolyn and Ronnie Ratliff; and several cousins.

The family will receive friends Friday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. Services will follow at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Jackie Strickler and Rev. Susan Lankford officiating.

Burial will follow at Tri-Cities Memory Gardens.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions can be made to Kendricks Creek United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1000 Kendrick Creek Road, Kingsport, TN 37663.