Wallace McBride Putnam

Wallace McBride Putnam, 84, of Blountville, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Born in Shelby, NC, he had resided in Kingsport since 1967. Wallace was a graduate of Shelby High School, Shelby, NC and also received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Appalachian State University, Boone NC. He had retired from Eastman Chemical Company. Following retirement, he was a certified bee keeper and inspector in Sullivan County and Washington County, Wallace was president of the Sullivan and Washington County bee society. He traveled the nation competing in competitive rifle shooting with the NRA.

Wallace was preceded in death by his parents, Bryan and Imogene Putnam.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Joanne Putnam; daughter, Janet Mann; son, Jeff Putnam and wife, Lydia; six grandchildren, Brittany Mann, James Mann, Nicole Putnam, Heather Beldin and husband, Cody, Jennifer Webb and husband, Patrick, Mark Gossen and wife, Lexi; special great-granddaughter, Destiny Putnam and six other great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Putnam and wife, Flo.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Wayne Baker officiating.