Carl M. Spivey

Carl M. Spivey, 92, who was born in Coeburn, Virginia but spent almost his entire life in Kingsport, TN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at the side of his son. Carl was preceded in death by his father, Patrick Hagen Spivey, Sr. and mother, Myrtle Osborne Spivey; his step-mother, Estelle Osborne Spivey; his brothers, Jack Spivey and Patrick Hagen Spivey, Jr.; his sister, Nina Spivey Ford; and his beloved son, Donald Wayne Spivey; the only love of his life, his wife, Dorothy Locke Spivey, preceded him in death on September 17, 2015. He is survived by his son, Richard A. Spivey and daughter in law, Sandra Sneed Spivey; his grandson, Matthew A. Spivey and wife, Rebecca Miller Spivey and the darlings of his eyes, his great-grandchildren, Miller, Mable, and Miriam Spivey; his grandson, Joseph Carl Spivey and wife Misty Spivey of Richmond, VA. He is also survived by his sister and best friend, Irene Spivey Harville, who was both a mother and sister to him; and his beloved sister-in-law, Jean Parker Spivey, whom he considered a sister and best friend. Carl loved his nephews as if they were his own children and was extremely close to Steve Harville and Dr. Patrick Hagen Spivey, III (Mickey). He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces and great grandnephews and great grandnieces. Carl enjoyed a wonderful and full life. His two main interests in life, besides working in his garage creating beautiful furniture, were his family and Dobyns Bennett High School. He coached numerous youth athletic teams for many-many years and left a wonderful legacy to a huge number of young people by the example of his life. His influence in the community was truly remarkable and he will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Carl was a veteran of World War II who served his country for three years from 1943 to 1945 as a bombardier turret gunner on A-20 and an A-26 aircrafts. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and flew 62 combat missions volunteering for 3 additional deployments after he was eligible for discharge. After returning home from service, Carl was a faithful employee of the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for 41 years before his retirement. Both Carl and his wife, Dot volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for almost 30 years. In lieu of flowers, please send any contributions and donations to Habitat for Humanity and/or the Kingsport Boys and Girls Club. Carl requested a family funeral and military burial and asks everyone to spend the time they would have given up with their family and loved ones doing something they enjoy. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving the Spivey family.