Patricia "Patty" Bray Faris

Patricia “Patty” Ann Bray Faris, 83, of Kingsport passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026 after an extended illness. A lifelong resident of Kingsport, Patty graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1960 and Johnston Memorial School of Nursing in Abingdon in 1963. She wed her beloved husband, James Blake Faris, in 1965, and they were happily married for 47 years. Patty had an esteemed career in nursing, working at Holston Valley Hospital and later at Indian Path Hospital, where she retired after many years of dedicated service. Patty also loved working as a Grandstand manager at Bristol Motor Speedway for many seasons, and she also served as a volunteer at the Public Library. Patty loved traveling, especially to the beach with family, and on cross-country bus tours with friends. She loved animals and had many special pets including raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, and dogs throughout her life. She was a lifelong learner on topics such as flowers, birds, shelling, hot air ballooning, antiquing, and collecting. Patty was a devoted wife, loving mother, a caring grandmother, and a dedicated friend to many.

Patty was preceded in death by her husband, James Blake Faris in 2012; and her parents, Ralph Edwin Bray and Margaret Ruth Bray; sister, Laura Bray Morin.

Survivors include her daughters, Paige Shipley (Robert) of Kingsport and Holly Franklin (Greg) of Knoxville; grandsons, Ethan Franklin and Logan Franklin of Boston, MA.

A private internment ceremony will be held at Old Glade Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Glade Spring, VA.

An informal celebration of life is being planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made in Patty’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society of East TN (make an honor gift-Alzheimer’s Tennessee) or, alternately, to the Humane Society Tennessee Valley (ways to give-Humane Society of Tennessee Valley.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Patty’s supportive neighbors and the Visiting Angels team whose friendship and care were so appreciated by Patty and her family.