Harry "Pete" LaForce

Harry “Pete” LaForce, age 88, of Kingsport, Tennessee went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 10, 2026. He was a lifelong resident of Kingsport and was a graduate of Ketron High School, class of 1956. Pete was a veteran of the United States Army and had retired from the Kingsport Press following 42 years of service. He was a member of the Kingsport Masonic Lodge No. 688 F&AM. Pete attended Harmony Church Missions. He enjoyed the outdoors, having loved to fish, hunt, garden, and camp. Pete always loved to use his skills to help family and friends with whatever needed to be done. A favorite pastime of his was canning vegetables and making jelly with his sisters and brothers-in-law. The highlight of his life was his wife, raising his twin daughters and spending time with his grandchildren.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Grace LaForce; five sisters, Vivian, Phyllis, Frankie, Joyce, and Wanda; four brothers, Cecil, Everett, Carl, and Lon; son-in-law, Dale Boyd; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Doris LaForce; twin daughters, Lisa Cox and husband, Jeff and Leslie Depew and husband, Mike; grandchildren, Cortney Smith and husband, Ryan, Brittany Simpson and husband, Michael and David Depew; great-grandchildren, Paisley, Ruthie and Presley; several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Jan Helton and Carol Jean Watkins; and several nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to the compassionate staff at Wilcox Hall for the love and care that they gave to Pete.

The family will receive friends from 11am – 1pm on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Harmony Church Missions. A service will follow at 1pm with Pastor Layton Bentley officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Mike Depew, Jeff Cox, David Depew, Ryan Smith, Michael Simpson and Mike Ellis. Jason Hudson and Kelly Blevins will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harmony Church Missions, 2300 Bloomingdale Road, Kingsport, TN 37660.