Jack Dean Kyte, 75, Elizabethton, passed away December 21, 2011, in the Johnson City Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jack was a native of Carter County and the son of the late John Hamilton and Georgianna Smith Kyte and was born May 2, 1936. He was a member of Big Springs Baptist Church.
His greatest joy and accomplishment in life was being a father and grandfather. He was the family leader and mentor. Jack provided encouragement and guidance to his daughters in all of their goals and achievements. He enjoyed working side by side with them on many of their accomplishments. He loved providing guidance to his grandchildren and was overjoyed with the announcement of twin grandsons that are due this spring.
Jack was employed at ITT North Electric for 19 years before becoming a self employed heavy equipment operator. He took pride in all of his projects and was a perfectionist in all of his endeavors. He greatly enjoyed his cattle, gardening, cooking and canning skills that were passed down from his mother and father. He lovingly cared for his herd and his pets Blue, Belle and Ty.
Mr. Kyte enjoyed reunions with his classmates, Happy Valley High School Class of 1956. He was a Veteran in the United States Marine Corps and served his country with pride. He was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, from 1956 to 1962.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Mary Ruth Peters Pierce and Haskel Pierce; and a brother-in-law: Gary M. Whitson.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years: Judy Pierce Kyte; Two Daughters: Jacqueline Kristie Kyte Sommers and husband, Robin Sommers, Fayetteville, Georgia, and Jennifer Susan Kyte Ellis and husband, Wayne Ellis, Elizabethton; Grandchildren: Jordan and Breanna Sommers and twin grandsons due this spring; Three Brothers: Lloyd Kyte, Johnny Kyte and Ricky Kyte; Two Sisters: Phyllis Gouge and Brenda Lynn; A special sister-in-law: Elizabeth Whitson; and brothers-in-law: Richard & Douglas Pierce; Several nieces & nephews.
A Service to Celebrate the life of Jack Kyte will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, December 23, 2011, in Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Kenneth Kyker officiating.
Entombment Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 24, 2011, in the Mausoleum of Peace, Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active Pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the funeral home at 10:20 a.m. Saturday, will be: Jordan Sommers, Ricky Kyte, Douglas Pierce, Richard Pierce, Mike McKinney, Mark Edens, Charlie Arnett and David Brumitt. Honorary Pallbearers will be: John E. Sommers, Howard Wayne Ellis, Perry Perkins, David Bautista, David Crockett, Lanny Norris, Pete Slagle, John L. Slemp, Larry Treadway and Jesse James.
The family would like to express a special appreciation to the care he received from the Johnson City Medical Center, Dr. Matthew Garrison, Dr. Melissa Palazzo, Tammy Gregg, RN, Becky Edwards, RN, and Chandra Moody, RN. Also, a special “Thank You†to Dayla Hurley, RN, Katie and Dr. Jaishanker and all of the people at the Regional Cancer Center.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10:20 a.m. Saturday to go to the cemetery.
Condolences may be e-mailed to mfc@chartertn.net.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge.
