R. Edward Cleek

R. Edward Cleek, 88, of Kingsport, died on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 in Kingsport. Born in Kingsport, he moved to Flint, Michigan in 1957. After a number of years in Michigan, he moved back in 1974. While in Michigan he worked at Detroit & Northern Savings & Loan, managing a branch office in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Upon moving back to Kingsport, he was employed at First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Johnson City and managed their branch office in the new Fort Henry Mall in 1976. Health reasons forced his retirement in 1980.

He graduated from Sullivan High School in the class of 1957. He attended the American Savings and Loan Institute and graduated from Baker Business College of Flint, Michigan, with an Associate Degree in Accounting. Mr. Cleek was a member, Vice President and Treasurer of Grand Blanc Jaycees, Program Chairman of Grand Blanc Kiwanis Club, an Associate of Home Builders Association of Flint, and a member of Grand Blanc Lodge #571 Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan.

Mr. Cleek was a member of Rock Springs Methodist Church and has served as Trustee, Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee, was Treasurer for Kingsport District of the United Methodist Church from 2008 to 2014. Mr. Cleek worked part time for Sullivan County Trustee Tax Office from 2005 to 2017. Active in civic and community affairs, he was a former member of the Kingsport Optimist Club, Board of Realtors, Home Builders Association and a precinct worker in Sullivan County Elections. His favorite hobby was restoring and showing his antique tractors and enjoying the fellowship of the Tri State Antique Power Association where he held the office of treasurer from 1998 to 2002.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth (Laisure); parents, Hanzel W. and Veda (Carroll) Cleek.

Survivors include extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Rock Springs Methodist Church. Graveside services will follow in the church cemetery with Pastor Chuck Helvey, Pastor Ronnie Ledford and Pastor Harry Layell officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Rock Springs

Methodist Church or the Cancer Association.