Sona’s Story Sona Foster, 79, of Kingsport, TN, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, after a brave struggle with cancer.  She attended Carson-Newman College and completed her degree in elementary education at Bethune-Cookman College. Sona led a long teaching career in public school systems in FL and NC, finally retiring from Washington County Schools in TN. She held a special place in her heart for each of her students and a passion for helping young...

Jimmy William Hayes, 79, Fall Branch, went to be with his Lord on October 20, 2020 after a battle with a brief illness. Jimmy served in the US Army as a supply handler and was honorably discharged in 1962. From there, he came back home and worked for the Kingsport Press until he retired some 30 years ago. He enjoyed the company of his friends and his little dogs (Keesha and Bowser). Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence (Jack) Hayes and Myrtle Mae Smith; daughters, Sharon...

Tim Blakley, 58, of Kingsport, TN went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 He was preceded in death by his parents, Orley and Gladys Blakley. Tim is survived by his siblings, Sherry Overbay and husband, Casey, Tonya Johnson and husband, Joe, and Bret Blakley and wife, Sara Hope; and several nieces and nephews. A private graveside will be held by the family at his request.  

Larry “Hootie” Fleenor, 62, of Blountville, died Monday, October 19, 2020, at home after an extended illness. Born in Bristol, he had resided in Blountville all of his life. Larry had worked in glass for most of his working life. He was raised Methodist and loved the outdoors. Larry especially loved his family. He was preceded in death by his father, James Walter Fleenor; and niece, Chasity Benderman. Larry is survived by his significant other, Barbara Good of Blountville;...

Patsy Townsend, 72, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 19, 2020, at Holston Valley Medical Center. Born in Huntington, West Virginia, she had resided in Kingsport for most of her life. Patsy was of the Pentecostal Faith and was a scholar of the word of God. She had a great sense of humor and always brightened the day for her friends and family. She was preceded in death by her son, Paul Townsend; parents, Rev. C.V. and Eileen Gilliam; two brothers, Rev. Tony N....

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? -1 Corinthians 15:55 Bill Coates, 91, of Kingsport, was called home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ and his loving wife Marie, on Sunday, October 18, 2020. Born in Kingsport, July 18, 1929, son of the late Malcolm and Irene Coates, he has resided in this area his entire life. Bill married Marie Gilliam on December 24, 1951, in Kingsport. He retired from General Shale in 1994 following 50 years of service. Bill was a charter member...

Sandy Sloop, 73, of Chuckey, went to be with the Lord unexpectedly, Sunday morning, October 18, 2020, at Carilion Memorial in Roanoke, VA. She was born in Unicoi Co., TN, and had lived most of her adult life in Kingsport and Fall Branch. Sandy was a R. N. and a member of Bethany Freewill Baptist Church. She enjoyed her mornings with coffee and conversations with Ed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Hazel Howell; brother, Darius Harrell; and first spouse, Bruce...

Betty J. Taylor Thornburg, Fall Branch, went to be with her family in Heaven on Saturday, October 17, 2020. She was a lifelong resident of Greene County and had retired from Magnavox in Greeneville following 28 years of service.  She then started doing what she loved, spending time with her grands, shopping, reading, crocheting and going to auctions. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Harold Thornburg; son, Neal Thornburg; grandson, Michael Thornburg; parents, Earl...

Deloris Rankins, age 81, of Blountville, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2020.  Born in Premier, West Virginia, she had resided in Blountville since 1968.  Deloris was loved by the Sullivan Central High School community to whom she had dedicated her life to.  She loved her flowers and especially mowing her own yard.  Deloris was a loving wife, mother and sister. Mrs. Rankins was preceded in death by her parents, John and Delphia Tinney; sister, Laura...

Doug Kase, age 58, formerly of Waterford Michigan, currently residing in Kingsport, Tennessee with his fiancé Regina Waddell, passed away suddenly on October 17, 2020.  He was a good man who loved those around him with his whole heart. Doug was preceded in death by his father, Samuel T. Kase III. He is survived by his fiancé, Regina Waddell; two grandsons; mother, Shirley Kase; three brothers; five sisters; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and his four-legged...