November 18, 2013
Date of Service: November 21, 2013
Interment Location: Garden of Gethsemane
Paul H. Pless, 87, of Elizabethton, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2013, at his residence following a brief illness. Mr. Pless was a native of Carter County and a son of the late Charlie Lee Pless and Rhoda Dalton Pless Murray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Florence French; and two brothers, Charles E. “Chick” Pless and Glenn Pless. Mr. Pless was a graduate of Elizabethton High School and East Tennessee State University. He had over 30 years of service in both the Carter County School System and the Elizabethton City School System, where he served as both principal and teacher. He was a former principal at T.A. Dugger Junior High School from 1969-1985. Mr. Pless was also a United States Army veteran, having served in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was an avid fisherman and his hobbies were woodworking and working with stained glass. He was a member of First Christian Church. Survivors include his wife of 59½ years, Carolyn Rose Burrell Pless, of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Marilynn and Richard Barker, of Elizabethton, and Susan Lee and Kevin Hodge, of Denver Colorado; two special granddaughters, Madeline and Andrea Hodge, both of Denver, Colorado; and one sister-in-law, Barbara Pless, of Johnson City. Several nieces and nephews also survive. The graveside service for Mr. Pless will be conducted at 2:30 PM on Thursday, November 21, 2013, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Mr. John Smith, minister, officiating. Music will be under the direction of John and Mary Smith. Military honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be Eddie Pless, Gary Sparks, Joe Alexander, Leonard Febuary, Gary Elliott, and Bo Pless. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Bailey, Fred Burrell, Herb Curde, Bud Thomas, coworkers of T.A. Dugger Junior High School, the Men’s Sunday School Class at First Christian Church and friends and neighbors. The family will receive friends from NOON-2:00 PM in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, prior to the graveside service; or at the residence at anytime. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at 2:00 PM at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, on Thursday, to go in procession. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Pless family. Office 423 542-2232, Obituary line 543-4917.
