Willie H. Starnes

Willie H. Starnes, 86, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord Thursday, January 17, 2008 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center.

He served in the European Theatre, 9th Infantry Division of the U. S. Army during World War II. Mr. Starnes retired from Tennessee Eastman Company following 35 years and 11 months of service. He was a member of Ketron Memorial United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of Charles DeWitt Byrd Post #3382 of the V.F.W.

Willie loved to play golf.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Zella Smith Starnes; his parents, Bartley and Emma Starnes; a brother, Eddie H. Starnes; and two sisters, Lora Starnes Liner and Nell Starnes Egan.

Surviving are two sisters, Mary Browning, Kingsport, Allie Depew, Jonesborough; five brothers, Paul E. Starnes of Gate City, Ollin B. Starnes and wife Katherine of Fall Branch, Roy B. Starnes and wife Carol of Kingsport, Clifford D. Starnes and wife Mary Anne of Kingsport, and Mack Starnes and wife Peggy of Church Hill; a special nephew, Marcus Smith and wife Christie and their children, Anna and Christian; and several other nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Funeral services will follow at 8:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Rev. Aaron Pierce and Evangelist Wrightly Salling officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Monday at Oak Hill Memorial Park with military rites by Charles DeWitt Byrd Post #3382 of the VFW.

Pallbearers will be Danny Hubble, Robbie Starnes, David Starnes, Jimmy Smith, Zane Starnes, Brent Starnes, and Mark Starnes.

Memorial contributions may be made to Charles DeWitt Byrd Post #3382 of VFW, 130 VFW Road, Kingsport, TN 37663 or Ketron Memorial United Methodist Church, 301 Virgil Avenue, Kingsport, TN 37665.