Hal (Oscar Harold) Carmack

Mr. Hal (Oscar Harold) Carmack, 96, a beloved and legendary member of the Kingsport community, peacefully made his transition on July 18, 2024. He was born to Oscar P. and Lola Belle Large Carmack February 5, 1928 in Kingsport, TN.

This remarkably talented man lived his life with great passion, enthusiasm, and zeal. He continued to serve as a building consultant well into his advanced years. Hal was a professional vocalist, beginning his musical career performing as a young child in church. During his high school years and beyond, Hal studied music and voice under the tutelage of voice instructor Virginia Schroetter at Virginia Intermont College. 

After graduating from Dobyns Bennett High School, Hal married his high school sweetheart and became operating manager of the family dairy farms in Sullivan Gardens: Brookfield Farm and Mill Creek Farm.

As his musical career began to flourish, Carmack’s talent took him to Nashville where he had success as a recording artist, placing on the music charts under You Glo/Simms/Trail/Concorde recording labels in the late ‘50s and ‘60s, recording secular, religious, and country songs, some of which can be found on Apple and Spotify. 

In the late ‘50s, Hal had his own radio show called “The Hal Carmack Show” on two local radio stations. He was admired for his powerful golden baritone and tenor voice, performing widely throughout the area for political, religious, and private events, as well as serving in various churches as music director. Hal had been a regular vocal performer in the local Kiwanis Kapers from 1955-1975. He had also performed on New York’s Broadway in the famed Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

In the late ‘60s through the mid ‘80s a door opened for Hal in the arena of television and entertainment, taking him to the north, northeast, eastern, and southeastern parts of the United States, where he produced and emceed 130-plus television telethons and teleramas for the March of Dimes, American Heart Association, American Cancer Association, Variety Club, and others. Those productions required him to secure celebrity guest appearances; his stories of working with entertainers from the casts of “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Gun Smoke,” “Bonanza,” “Adam 12,” “Star Wars,” “Hee Haw,” and far too many others to name, became legendary to those fortunate enough to hear those tales. Hal was very proud of the vast amount of monetary contributions that his talents helped raise for research and treatment of birth defects and life altering diseases. 

A licensed contractor in TN and VA, Hal was a master carpenter, building several unusual modern styled homes. He served as a mentor to many young men, teaching them valuable skills of the building industry and instilling the importance of going above and beyond. He was deeply respected for his sharp mind, strong work ethic, and clean living. 

Since childhood, Hal had been closely associated with his younger cousin, Pal Barger, until Pal’s death in 2020 at age 90. Hal was part of the Pal’s team and held the title “Director of Construction” for Pal’s fast foods. He filled a pivotal role in the construction development of the Pal’s in TN and VA, constructing 28 of the now 31 Pal’s. He was also involved in the many renovations of Skoby’s Restaurant. 

Hal had been one of the owners of the Olde West Dinner Theatre, always encouraging and promoting the talents of others.

On his 80th birthday, Kingsport’s mayor awarded Hal the honorary “Key to the City of Kingsport.” In 2019 at age 91 he was recognized for his contributions and was the recipient of the “Hidden Gem Award” through the Kingsport Office of Small Business. 

Hal loved to spend time with family; enjoyed traveling and had an affinity for antique sports cars and old western movies. Hal was a Christian of the Methodist faith, and a loving husband, father, Pa, and Pop-pop. In 1987 he married the love of his life, Kathy, who became his devoted companion for the next 37 years.

Hal was preceded in death by his parents; an infant grandson; brother Ancel Carmack; and sisters Beulah Blakley and Kathleen Corley. 

He is survived by his family: wife, Kathy; Son, Bob Carmack (Judy); grandsons Chris and Kevin (Hong) Carmack; great-grandchildren Christopher, Jacob, Ethan, and Lana. Daughter, Connie Carmack Grimes (Kerry); grandson Scott McKnight (Ashlea); great grand-children Gunnar and Bella; grand-daughter, Amanda McKnight (Cody); great-granddaughters Addison, Chase; granddaughters Kim (Morgan), grandsons K.C., and Kennedy (Monika). Son, Josh Fuller (Hayley), grandchildren Lofton, Nora Claire, and Harper. Nephews Steve Corley, Todd Blakley, niece Carole Carmack; and his very special in-law family. 

A special thank you for years of excellent care by Dr. Diana Nunley, and most recently, the angels of Smokey Mtn Hospice. 

Services will be held at Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home chapel on Saturday, July 27, 2024 with visitation 11:00 am—1:00 pm; funeral service at 1:00 pm with interment immediately following at East Lawn Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s, the Shriners, or the Wounded Warrior Project. 

This extraordinary and beloved man will be greatly missed.

 “To whom much is given, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48)

 “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)