John Colley

"Because He Lives I Can Face Tomorrow" John Colley, age 78, of Kingsport, TN "crossed the bar" on Thursday, March 3, 2016 after a brief illness. He was born 8-20-1937 in Dickenson County, VA, where he lived until moving to Kingsport in 1961. John loved to fish, hunt, travel, attend car shows, NASCAR Races, and ride motorcycles. He graduated from Ervington High School in Nora, VA. John was hired by the Kingsport Police Department 8-16-1961, starting out as an officer on Foot Patrol. He was then was assigned to the Traffic Division (motorcycle) moving on to Criminal Investigation (Detective Division). John then developed Community Relations Programs, and was responsible for training and education. John graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from ETSU, was a graduate of the FBI Academy, and served on several boards and committees. Additionally, John was Past President of the Civitan Club, Tennessee and Mississippi Sheriffs and Police Officer's Associations, President of the Appalachian Crime Clinic, was a 32nd Degree Mason, a Member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church and the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burk and Nannie Tipton Colley; two nephews, Scotty Ray Bear and Jason Miles Colley. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Margaret Ketron Colley, of the home, Brothers: Stony (Brenda) Colley, Holiday (Eva) Colley, Richard (Judy) Colley, Sister: Margaret Bear and husband Bob, several nieces, nephews, and great nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 11:00 am in First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 East Church Circle, Kingsport, with Rev. Joe Green, Rev. Spurgeon McCartt, Rev Jack Weikel officiating, eulogy by Ret. Chief Mark Addington, closing prayer by Rev. Jack Edwards. The church choir will provide the music. The family will greet friends in the Church Parlor immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 East Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660; Holston Home for Children, 404 Holston Drive, Greeneville, TN 37743; or St. Jude's Children Research Center, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Special thanks to Hospice nurse, Janet Atwell with Avelon and staff at Hospice - Bristol. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Kingsport is proud to serve the Colley Family.