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Donald Kilgore Obituary
Donald Earl Kilgore June 1, 1946 - July 27, 2024
KINGSPORT - Don was a life-long resident of Kingsport, TN. He was an avid baseball fan, trivia enthusiast and golfer.
He was a former member of Litz Manor Baptist Church of Kingsport serving as a deacon, RA leader and Sunday School teacher. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Kingsport for the past ten years where he sang in the choir and enjoyed being a member of the men's chorus, Sounds of Faith.
Don graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School. He attended Carson-Newman College where he played baseball for two seasons. He was drafted into the Army where he served for two years in Uijeongbu in South Korea. After returning home from the Army, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Masters. He later completed his degree at East Tennessee State University.
Don worked for Tennessee Eastman in the logistics department for 25 years. In his retirement, Don enjoyed golfing, hiking and biking. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up and cheering them on in their various sports and activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Gertrude Kilgore and nephew, Matthew Harp.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Masters Kilgore, daughter Donna Dobyns (Joe) of Jefferson City, son Matt Kilgore (Allyson) of Kingsport. Four grandchildren Trey Dobyns of Chelsea, Alabama, Carly Dobyns Ownby (Keith) of Strawberry Plains, TN, Taylor Kilgore and Tanner Kilgore of Kingsport. Brother Wayne Kilgore and his family, brother and sister-in-law Lindsay and Susan Harp and their family. Special cousin Marlene Fleenor of Kodak, TN along with other cousins and family members.
The family would like to thank the compassionate team of Hospice caregivers that Don had at the VA's Community Living Center in Johnson City.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at First Baptist Church, 200 West Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660 from 12:00-1:30 pm with services to follow. Graveside service at East Lawn Memorial Gardens at 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to First Baptist Church of Kingsport, TN designated to the Upward Sports program for scholarships or the Providence Medical Clinic.
Visit www.hamlettdobson .com to leave online condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Kilgore
Sponsored by Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home - Kingsport.
6 Entries
Larry V. Mills
November 11, 2024
Betty, you probably have no memory of me, but i wish to convey condolences to you for your separation from Don. I have known Don since early childhood. We all attended Litz Manor baptist during those the Sims pastorage. You may recall some of the names: Clyde Harr (who always would introduce Don's name during telephonic conversations), Bill Morgan (his dad taught one of our sundayschool classes), Bill Cheves, Burl McCosh, Robbie Hackler, David Gillenwater, Patricia Stringer, Rosemary Sanders, &c. I had meant to try to see Don when i learnt from Don Starette that he was not robust. There did not seem to be an appropriate time to materialise after an absence of the better part of a lifetime. Don maintaind a role of integrity, honesty, & strong competitivity. He helpt Dobyns-Bennett along to its position as the winningest highschool baseball team. I could never whip him fingerwrestling, but he couldn't best me either. I am confident you two shared a felicitous & prosperous life together, & for that fortuity, i am sure you are grateful.. Take care, Larry V. Mills
Ron Akard
August 4, 2024
So sorry for Don´s passing. I worked with Don for many years. He was always a good friend. I enjoyed talking sports with him.
Ron Akard , Nashville, Tn
larry mckay
August 3, 2024
My deepest sympathy and condolences to his family during this difficult times. Don and I were fairly close friends in hs. He was always a good guy, friendly, and good athlete. Blessings to the family.
Kenneth McDermitt
August 2, 2024
Betty, so sorry for your loss.
Jim Thetford
July 31, 2024
Betty, may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Don and I were wonderful friends in our teenage years. I loved Don and he will be missed. Love, Jim & Beverly Thetford
Jean Wagner
July 31, 2024
Dear Betty and family, so sorry for your loss. All of you will be in my prayers.
Sincerely, Jean Wagner
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Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home - Kingsport117 E. Charlemont Avenue PO Box 27, Kingsport, TN 37662
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