William A. "Bill" Peavler

William A. (Bill) Peavler, 84, Kingsport, peacefully left this earthly existence on Thursday, February 27, 2014. Bill was born on March 25, 1929, in Kingsport, Tennessee, and was a life-long resident of this city.

Bill graduated from Blountville High School. He then entered the U.S. Navy where he served as offshore support during the Korean War. During his enlistment he travelled all over the world visiting many port cities. He was considering re-enlistment when he met the love of his life, Barbara Feagins whom he married after a brief courtship.

He worked briefly for the Kingsport Fire Department before being employed by the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He worked as a communications officer, a driver's license issuer, and a traffic patrolman. After mandatory state retirement at age 55, Bill and a fellow officer successfully challenged the legality of the official state retirement age and were reinstated opening the door for all future Tennessee patrolmen to remain employed after age 55. Bill finally retired with the rank of sergeant a few years later.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Kingsport. He was also a member of the American Association of State Troopers, the American Legion, and Loyal Order of Moose.

Bill really enjoyed the company of friends. He and Barbara were members of dance clubs over the years and attended many functions associated with Barbara's work and community involvement. They travelled extensively throughout the United States and vacationed outside the U.S. on a few occasions. Bill's favorite vacation spot was Daytona Beach where he and Barbara had a yearly rendezvous with cherished friends and family. He also enjoyed meeting friends daily for breakfast at a local restaurant to discuss the issues of the day and enjoy each other's company. Most of all Bill enjoyed the comforts of home that he enjoyed with Barbara.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Feagins Peavler (July 2012); his parents, Verlin A. and Nannie Peavler; and his brother, Dewey Peavler.

Bill is survived by his son, Michael and his wife Terilee Peavler, Jonesborough, TN; grandchildren, Cheyenne Peavler, Jonesborough, and Eli Peavler, Nashville, TN; and Barbara's brothers and sisters who shared many memories with Bill over the years.

The family will hold a memorial service for Bill at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at
First Presbyterian Church (100 W. Church Circle, Kingsport) with The Rev. Dr. David Cagle officiating. Visitation will follow the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer that memorial contributions be made to individuals in need, or the ALS Association (Lou Gehrig's disease), 301 Louis St., Kingsport, TN 37660, or a charity of personal choice.