Paul Whited

Paul Edwin Whited, 88, of Kingsport died Friday, Feb. 26, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center following a brief illness. He was a near-lifelong resident of Gate City. He was born July 5, 1927, in Gate City. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Joan McDavid Whited; his parents, Charles Wilmer Whited and Dora Lane Whited; four brothers, Edward, Bill, Charles, and Fred Whited; and three sisters, Marie Baggott, Mildred Erwin, and Martha Lawrence. He is survived by two daughters, Dana Jo Whited Steel, of Kingsport, and Dr. Lana Ann Whited, of Ferrum, Va.; seven grandchildren: Bryson, Jason, and Nathan Steel and Hailu, Brandon, Berhan, and Tyler Grimes-Whited; two great-great granddaughters, Lexi Forrester and Presley Steel, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was a 1946 graduate of Shoemaker High School, although his attendance was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He attended East Tennessee State University for three years and was a member of the Buccaneer football squad. He was a long-time employee in Electrotype/Stereotype at the Kingsport Press and a foreman for 19 years at Holliston Mills. Mr. Whited enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and served in the hospital corps from April 1943 to November 1945, including active duty in the South Pacific during World War II. He was discharged to complete his high school education but subsequently served in the Navy Reserves from 1947 to 1948 and in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1949. He also worked for the U.S. government as a teacher with Job Corps. He was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion. A life-long member of Gate City United Methodist Church, he was a member of United Methodist Men and the adult choir. He was very fond of choral, gospel, and country music. An avid golfer, Mr. Whited was a member of Moccasin Hills Golf Club (later Scott County Park) and Meadowview Golf Club. During many decades of play, he scored holes-in-one both left - and right -handed, a feat which led to a brief mention in Golf Digest. A family service for interment of ashes and military graveside rites will take place on Sunday, March 6th, 2016 with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 3/265 assisted by the Virginia National Guard. A memorial service will take place the same day at 2 p.m. at Gate City United Methodist Church, with the Rev. John A. Duvall and the Rev.. Gordon McBride officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Suggested recipients for memorial contributions are Gate City United Methodist Church, 255 Walnut St Gate City, Va., 24251, and Bridge Home No-Kill Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 654, Blountville, TN 37617