Virgil Shrader Obituary

Virgil Ray Shrader

January 17, 1939 -

October 4, 2025

KINGSPORT - Virgil Ray Shrader, 86, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025.

Born on January 17, 1939, in Bishop, Virginia, to Bowen and Sadie Shrader, Virgil lived a life rich in love, laughter, and lasting connections.

He spent most of his life in Kingsport, where he and his beloved wife of 67 years, Linda Gale Shrader, built a beautiful life together. Virgil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, always quick with a smile and a story to share.

Virgil graduated from Tazewell High School and went on to attend Virginia Tech. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and later retired from IBM, where he worked for 24 years.

A passionate outdoorsman, Virgil was an avid gun enthusiast and a prolific skeet shooter. He was a long-standing member of the Cherokee Rod and Gun Club, where he found both sport and camaraderie. His kind heart, quick wit, and warm sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Virgil's life was one of generosity, loyalty, and laughter. His presence was a gift, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his daughters; Kathy Hartgrove (husband Tim Hartgrove) and Tina Sluss (husband Keith Sluss); his grandchildren, Abby George, Sarah George, Emma George, Lauren Jones (husband Shawn), Austin Sluss, and Ashton Sluss; and great-grandchildren, Aubrey Jones and Harper Jones, all of whom will cherish his memory and the legacy he leaves behind.

He is also survived by his brothers, Elwood Shrader and Carl Shrader, and sister Imogene Parker, who shared in his early life and memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Hazel Hamm.

Military Honors will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Friday, October 10, 2025, in the chapel of Oak Hill Funeral Home, 800 Truxton Dr., Kingsport, TN and will be under the direction on the American Legion Hammond Post #3 and Gate City Post #265. Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate a life well lived.

Entombment will be at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Oak Hill Mausoleum I.

To share online condolences with the family please visit www.oakhillfh.com

The care of Virgil Ray Shrader and his family has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.