Earl Gillenwater

Robert Earl Gillenwater, 68, of Church Hill, went to be with the Lord on Thursday evening (February 19, 2015) at the VA Medical Center following a brief illness. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served during the Vietnam War in Germany. He belonged to American Legion Hammond Post # 3 and to the Vietnam Veterans of America. Earl retired as a supervisor with Kingsport Press following over 40 years of service. He was an avid hunter, loved to spend time outdoors, and enjoyed golfing. He especially loved to spend time with his family. Mr. Gillenwater was a member of Celebration Church where he was involved in numerous ministries. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Eva Higgins Gillenwater; his first wife, Martha Tranbarger Gillenwater; his brothers, Ernest Gillenwater and Jay Gillenwater; sister, Lois Bellamy. Earl Gillenwater is survived by his loving wife, Kaye Kennedy Gillenwater; daughter, Amy Estepp; step-daughter, Danielle Caperton King and husband, Thomas; step-son, Holden Caperton and girlfriend, Lindsey Witherspoon; grandchildren, Peyton, Carter, and Maddie; a brother, Mack Gillenwater and wife, Mattie along with several nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. A visitation will be held on Sunday (February 22, 2015) at Celebration Church (429 Shipley Ferry Road, Blountville, TN) from 4 pm to 7 pm or friends may also call anytime at the residence. A celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday (February 22, 2015) at 7 pm at Celebration Church with Pastor Robert Russell, Dave Spear, Rev. Billy Wayne Arrington, officiating. Music will be provided by Jonathan Meo and Dave Spear. A military graveside service will be conducted by the American Legion Hammond Post # 3/ # 265 on Monday (February 23, 2015) at 1 pm at Ross Campground United Methodist Church Cemetery with Fred Steadman, Aubrey Price, Ryan Edwards, Randy Moore, Steve Gillenwater, Bob Tranbarger serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Ivan Ramey, Bob Fleming, Luther Odom, Jim Hagey, Sam Brown, and Donnie Sensabaugh. Family and friends attending the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home by 12:15 pm to go in procession. A special thank you goes out to VA Medical Center ICU nurses and staff. A personal thank-you goes out to Jeff Saylor for the special care and attention given during Earl's sickness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lamplight Theatre, 140 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN 37660. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Church Hill is serving the Gillenwater family.