William Ronald (Ronnie) Starnes

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." (John 11:25)

William Ronald Starnes, a Kingsport, TN native, passed peacefully from life to eternal LIFE with family by his side on May 1, 2017. Born in 1932 to the late Melvin Gladstone Starnes and Reba Hannah Ratliff Starnes, Ronniea€"as he was knowna€"could not go anywhere without seeing someone he knew and stopping to talk. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1953 and subsequently served in the U.S. Army at Fort Jackson from 1954-56. The job which he really enjoyed, however, was serving as a sales representative for Slip Not Belting and talking to the customers throughout eastern Tennessee and southwest Virginia whom he considered his friends.

Ronnie met the love of his life in Sunday school at First Broad Street United Methodist Church where he was a lifelong member. He and Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Milligan were married in September of 1959. Not the type to sit around, Ronnie enjoyed working with his hands and spending time outdoors. He was a loving grandfather and attended his granddaughters' many performances and events as often as possible.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Virginia Starnes Hickman and Mary Ellen Starnes Peeples.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Milligan Starnes; daughters Karen Starnes of Kingsport, TN and Diane Hawkins and husband Andy; granddaughters Jordan, Caroline, and DedeRuth; nieces Jan Hickman Stair and Kathy Hickman Huff and nephews Bill Peeples and Bob Peeples.

The family extends special thanks to Barbara Bralley and Peter Wirt, who have become family to the Starnes through their devoted care and love for Ronnie in his later years. Ronnie's family also extends much thanks and appreciation to Deidre Pierce, MD and her staff for their compassionate and expert care over the years.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

The Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday at 3:30 p.m. in the chapel of First Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Joe Green and Rev. Jack Weikel officiating. Visitation and a reception in the church parlor will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the food ministry or general fund at First Broad Street United Methodist Church at 100 E Church Cir., Kingsport, TN 37660 or the charity of your choice.