Rachel Gilliam Ryans

Rachel Gilliam Ryans, age 93, of Church Hill, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.  She was a lifelong member of Lone Oak Baptist Church.  Rachel was born in Hawkins County on July 19, 1930, a daughter of the late Cale and Nellie Gilliam, and had lived in this area her entire life.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Caris Healthcare for their kindness and support, especially Logan and Zonya.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hoover Ryans:  sons, Larry and Gary Ryans; sisters, Esta Buttry, Gladys Smith, Maxie Casteel, Ada Wilson, Lena Greer and Mamie Clifton; and brothers, Sam, Ed, John and Guy Gilliam.

She is survived by daughters, Connie (Tim) Wild, and Rosalee Ryans; daughters-in-law, Carolyn Goddard and Annie Treadway; sons, Jackie (Deborah) Ryans and Jerry (Jennifer) Ryans; grandchildren, Preston (Candice) Ryans, Justin (Emily) Ryans, Crytal (Steve) Falin, Shane (Danielle) Ryans, Shawna Hill, Cheyenne Ryans, Alex (Jacob) Cox, and Courtney (Jake) Ellison; great-grandchildren, Natalie and Brynn Ryans, Evan and Reid Ryans, Olivia and Gunner Falin, Avery Ellison and Carson Cox; sister, Ruby Mabe; and sisters-in-law, Mabel Gilliam, Helen (Jerry) Case, and Nancy (Gale) McCullough.

The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 pm on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm with Pastor Jon Rogers of Ridgeview Baptist Church officiating.  Burial will follow at McPheeters Bend Baptist Church Cemetery.  Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.