On Monday, April 9, 2012, Howard “Doc†Love, age 86, of Elizabethton, TN, passed from the arms of his devoted family into the open arms of his heavenly Father.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Russell and Louie Bell Ellis Love; four sisters, Hattie Love Ritchie, Mildred Love, Zelma “Cricket†Love, and Alma Grace “Tincy†Love Johnson; four brothers, Clyde, Ike, Ellis, and an infant brother, J.T.; and a special brother-in-law, Hensel “Hank†Johnson, who he loved as a brother.
Howard leaves behind to honor and cherish his memory his wife of 67 years, Mary R. Love; his sons, Russell Love and wife, Kathie, and Richard Love; his grandchildren, Denise Love-Norris and husband, Joel. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Howard worked alongside his father to help build Borderview Christian Church, where he was a member for 49 years. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who took pride in his family and his reputation for hard work, a trait instilled in him by his father. Howard loved spending time in his garden and working in his yard.
In his younger years he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also loved baseball and bluegrass music.
He retired from the Filter Plant at North American Rayon Corporation after 53 years of service. He was a 50 year member of Dashiell Masonic Lodge 238.
We wish to express our gratitude to the staff, administration and Physical Therapy Department of Mountain City Care and Rehab Center, Dr. Jim Shine, Dr. Robert Clemons, Dr. Fernando Bendfeldt, Dr. Anna Broome-Gilbert, Preacher Kirk Langston, Preacher Jim Hutchinson and “A Slice of Bluegrass†band.
Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 PM Friday, April 13, at Memorial Funeral Chapel.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 14, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Love, George Ritchie, Gebe Ritchie, Ken Calloway, Earl Ellis, Dean Turbyfill, Dr. Jim Shine and Dr. Robert Clemons. Active pallbearers will be Russell Love, Joel Norris, Joe Stewart, Walter Norris, David Collins and Ray Don Markland.
Music for the service will be provided by Scott Reynolds, Ray Don Markland, Joel Norris and “A Slice of Bluegrass.â€
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Residents’ Fund of Mountain City Care and Rehab Center or the Special Projects Fund at Borderview Christian Church.
The family of Howard Love has entrusted his services to Memorial Funeral Chapel of Elizabethton.
