William "Bill" Poister

Rev. William “Bill” C. Poister went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 1, 2025 He was born March 2, 1939 to Florence G. Staup and Paul A. Poister in Galion, Ohio. He graduated from Johnsville High School in 1957. He immediately went to work for North Electric and traveled extensively as a switchboard installer. In April 1961 he married Evelyn Kunze, and she traveled with him and blessed him with four daughters. North Electric became ITT and Bill worked for them until 1982 when the company had moved to Raleigh, NC. He became a certified audiologist. In November 1994 Evelyn preceded him in death after 35 years of marriage.

He became a lay pastor for the United Methodist Church serving in The Holston Conference. Bill spent many active years in the Gideons, speaking and giving out Bibles. His favorite hobby was singing. He owned several dogs and cats and spoiled them all. His family will always remember his silly sense of humor and countless games of cards played with him at gatherings over the years.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Stearns; and sisters Carolyn Lewis and Pauline James.

Bill is survived by daughters, Becky Riggs and husband Joe, Cindy Huddle and husband Wendell, Angie Bass and husband Craig, and Diana Landers and husband Jerry; eight grandchildren, Curtis Huddle, Amber Martin, Darren Riggs, Ben Riggs, Courtney Jackson, Rachel Millhorn, Lexi Landers, Joshua Landers; seventeen great-grandchildren; and his sweetheart since 2021, Nina Ketron. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Brookdale Rock Springs for almost two years of care and Gentiva Hospice staff.

The family will receive friends from 4-5:00 pm on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Hamlett-Dobson Memorial Park, 2630 Highway 75, Blountville, TN. The memorial service will follow at 5:00 pm with Mark Stayton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214 or to any local animal shelter.