August 20, 2013
Date of Service: August 24, 2013
Interment Location: Southview Section
William “Willie” Edmond Church, 64, of Elizabethton, went home to be with his Lord and family on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, from the Johnson City Medical Center. He was born in Elizabethton, TN, to the late Turner and Dalphna Brown Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Priscilla Audrey Church Fair. Mr. Church began his academic career as a 1967 graduate of Elizabethton High School, after which he attended Carson Newman College, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1971 from Milligan College, and then graduated East Tennessee State University with a Master’s Degree in 1981. He was a beloved teacher, coach and administrator within the Elizabethton City School System and also served as a Dean of students for Providence Academy in Johnson City. During the course of his life, he touched many lives and will be remembered for his kindness and generosity.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, Elizabethton. And had served as deacon and Sunday school teacher. Mr. Church retired with 38 years of service to the Elizabethton Parks and Rec. Dept. and the Elizabethton Twins Baseball team.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Hart Church, of the home; three daughters, Susan Audrey Jessee and husband, Kevin, Jonesborough, Amy Elizabeth Drayton and husband, Ben, Cornelius, NC, and Rebecca Ann Bradley and husband, Scott, Burnsville, NC; three grandchildren, Savannah Diane Jessee, Jackson Turner Drayton and Lincoln Charles Drayton. Several cousins also survive. Also surviving are his little buddies, “Grand-Dogs” Gracie, Landri and Luci.
The celebration of life service for Mr. Church will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 24, 2013, in the First Baptist Church, Elizabethton, with Rev. Roc Collins and Rev. Brent Seals officiating. Music will be under the direction of Elmer Sams and Fred Goodwin. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM-6:00 PM on Friday, August 23, 2013, in the First Baptist Church, Elizabethton. The graveside service will follow on Saturday at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Gary Elliott, Bobby Fetzer, James Jarrett, Terry Shipley, Carmon Dugger, and Larry Alderson, Gene Lively, Ron Watson, Jarrod Ellis and Rex Parris. Honorary pallbearers will be the E.H.S. Class of 1967, Milligan College Class of 1971, all his wonderful, loving friends and family, all former teammates, coaches, players, students and teachers, whose lives he has touched over the years.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Johnson City Medical Center 2200 Wing nurses and staff, Dr. Jeff Farrow and staff of Pulmonary Associates and Dr. Jeff Schoondyke. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Providence Academy scholarship fund, 2788 Carroll Creek Road, Johnson City, TN 37615; to any church organization of your choice; area Little League Programs of your choice; or any High School or College (F.C.A.) National Fellowship of Christian Athletes program of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book or by fax 423 542-9499. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton is serving the Church family. Office 423 542-2232, Obituary line 543-4917.
