Obituaries
Freida Alexander
Feb 1, 2021
After the blessing of a long life, Freida “Gran” Alexander, age 93, went to be with her Lord on February 1, 2021. Those fortunate enough to know Freida know that she loved her family, loved children, loved to cook, and hated being late. She taught kindergarten at Colonial Heights Baptist Church and taught children’s Sunday school at her beloved church,...
Prezzle O'Brien Quillen
Jan 31, 2021
Prezzle O’Brien Quillen, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 31, 2021, after an extended illness. Prezzle was born in Kingsport to parents, Floyd Quillen and Dana Renfro Quillen, on August 16, 1937. He was a graduate of Lynn View High School and was proud to have served his country as a member of the United States Air...
Susan Matthews Pond
Jan 30, 2021
Our beloved mother, Susan Matthews Pond, joined our dearly missed father, David Martin Pond, on January 30, 2021, embarking on the greatest adventure of their lives. We are so grateful for every minute we had with them both.
Mom was born on October 18, 1943 outside of Bishopville, SC on a farm owned by her parents, Virginia and Dan Matthews,...
Mildred Louise Brumley-Bruner
Jan 30, 2021
Mildred Louise Brumley-Bruner passed into New Life; (1 Corinthians 22 & 1 Corinthians 35-50) on January 30, 2021, meeting her Savior Jesus Christ and her loved ones gone before her.
She was born in Washington County, Tennessee on May 9, 1935 to James Clifford and Susie Kathleen Brumley. Mildred was the middle child of nine children. Ruby, Jack, Eula,...
Billy Harold Bowen
Jan 29, 2021
Billy “Bill” Harold Bowen, 59, of Kingsport, died on Friday, January 29, 2021 after an extended stay at Orchard View Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center in Kingsport. Born in Kingsport, he spent most of his life there except for his years of service in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he continued his professional work at JP Stevens...
James David Middleton
Jan 29, 2021
“Poppa Dave” -
James David “Dave” Middleton, 72, a lifelong resident of Kingsport, passed away Friday, January 29, 2021. He was born September 18, 1948 to the late John D. and Imogene Middleton. Dave was a member of the Class of 1966 from Sullivan West High School. He was a graduate of E.T.S.U. with a BS degree in Accounting and...
Chet E. Thornburg
Jan 27, 2021
Chet E. Thornburg, of Afton, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021. He enjoyed fishing, coon hunting, gardening, playing cards, and arguing over the Bible.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Thornburg; parents, Edgar and Virgie Thornburg; and siblings, Charlie, Charlotte, Reba, Isabelle, Lelbert, “Big Sissy” Teresa, and Fonda.
Chet is survived by his children, Troy and Julie...

Helen E. Collins
Jan 26, 2021
Helen E. Collins, 96, gained her angel wings on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, with her family surrounding her.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Clarence M. Collins; five sisters; and two brothers.
Helen was blessed with three children, Barbara Byers and husband Harold, William Suel Collins and wife Monnie, and Robert Z. Collins; several grandchildren;...
Nita Jean Adams
Jan 26, 2021
Nita Jean Adams, 91, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. She was born on February 2, 1929 in Bristol, TN. She graduated from Kings College with a degree in Biology. Jean was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church where she was a Deacon Community Volunteer. She was a local business owner of the Jean Machine for 10 years,...
Pearl Goldie Ryan
Jan 26, 2021
Pearl Goldie Ryan, 90, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on January 26, 2021 at Holston Valley Medical Center with loved ones by her side.
Pearl was born in Jonesville, VA on November 8, 1930 to the late Herbert Bernard Sybert and Roxie Lee Sybert Bradshaw. She graduated from East Stone Gap High School in 1949 and went...
Judith (Judy) Gail Spencer
Jan 25, 2021
Judith (Judy) Gail Townsend Spencer passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021 in Kingsport TN. Born on February 7, 1939 to James Fletcher Townsend and Betty Ann McCammon Townsend in Wabaseka, AR, Judy was the youngest of three children. She grew up and went to school in Pine Bluff, AR and was married on June 10, 1959 to Joe William...
Helen Martin
Jan 25, 2021
Helen Martin, 94, of Blountville, died Monday, January 25, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family after an extended illness. A lifelong resident of Sullivan County, she retired from ASCS in Blountville, where she had worked for many years. Helen had been a member of Adams Chapel United Methodist Church since the age of 12. She enjoyed her exercise...
Otis McGhee
Jan 25, 2021
Otis McGhee, 89, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 25, 2021, at Holston Valley Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Kingsport. Otis was a member of First Apostolic Christian Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara McGhee; parents, Bill and Nancy McGhee; four sisters; and two brothers.
Otis is survived...
Judith "Judy" Ward Wallace
Jan 24, 2021
Judith “Judy” Ward Wallace, 75, Kingsport, was called home Sunday, January 24, 2021 following a period of declining health. Judy was born in Scott County and had lived in Kingsport her entire life. She attended Sullivan High School and was a beautician having worked at Cut and Curl.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Rueben and Mildred...
Leland Wayne Barker
Jan 23, 2021
Leland Wayne Barker of Kingsport, Tennessee, loving husband, father, grandfather, engineer, and Dad Joke King, passed away peacefully on January 23 from complications of congestive heart failure. He was 81.
Wayne was intellectually curious and accomplished: After working as a pipefitter for Tennessee Eastman Company from 1960-66, he received a B.S. in Engineering Physics with High Honors from University of...
Bill van der Gracht
Jan 22, 2021
Bill van der Gracht passed away on January 22, 2021 at the age of 92. He retained his sense of humor and his gentle (and often sly) smile to the end. Bill is survived by his wonderful wife, Celeste, whom he met while working as a geophysical engineer in Brazil. He was a proud and loving father to Paulina (deceased)...

Brandon Lee Brooks
Jan 21, 2021
Brandon Brooks, 43, of Kingsport, TN, passed away unexpectedly January 21st, 2021. He always enjoyed making a deal and was constantly trading cars. Brandon also had an appreciation for motorcycles, listening to music, and spending time with his friends. One of Brandon’s favorite childhood memories was being a part of the Boy Scouts with his father serving as the troop...
Douglas "Doug" McArthur Salyer
Jan 21, 2021
Douglas “Doug” McArthur Salyer, 75, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 21, 2021. He was born in Scott County, Virginia on February 23, 1945. Doug resided in Kingsport, where he retired from Eastman after 37 years. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and proud Papaw. Doug was always on the go and always available...