Edward Leon Mechem, Jr.

Leon Edward Mechem Jr., 65, of Kingsport, TN, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Bristol Regional Hospital. Mr. Mechem was a native of Kingsport, where he was born on May 24,1959. He attended Lees-McRae in Banner Elk, North Carolina on a football scholarship and graduated from the University of Montevallo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He began his banking career with Citibank in New York City, where he met his wife, Carolyn. They later returned to Kingsport.

Mr. Mechem was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dr. E.A. Hoge and Edith W. Hoge; Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Mechem; his parents, Leon E. Mechem, and Carolyn Hoge Mechem.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Carolyn; his sister, Cynthia Duff Mechem of New Rochelle, NY; his twin brother, Everette of Knoxville, TN; his sisters-in-law, Pamela Whittemore of Weston, CT and Sheila of Knoxville, TN; his brothers-in-law, Thomas of Lyme, CT and Patrick of Greenwich, CT; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, 520 Watauga St. Kingsport, TN. A memorial service will follow in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jack Edwards officiating. 

A graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Memorial Park immediately following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home of Kingsport is serving the Mechem family.