Bobby Ferrell

Bobby Ray Ferrell, 89, passed away Sunday May 23rd at Holston Manor in Kingsport after a period of declining health. He was born in Arno, VA to the late Roy and Vic Ferrell Sr, he was raised in Cloud Apartments and resided in Kingsport most of his life. He graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School and served in the US Army. Bob attended ETSU and earned his drafting certificate from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Mr. Ferrell retired from Eastman Kodak in 1987 from Engineering Division after 37 years of service. He started as a draftsman was eventually promoted to an electrical engineer. He was proud of the many projects that he contributed to. He was loved and well respected by his colleagues. He worked at the Kingsport Press prior to joining Eastman. Bob was an avid bowler and woodworker, and a former Cub Scout Master. He used to "run the chains" for DB football games and worked his way up to operating the clock in the press box with his wife Peggy at his side. The school rewarded them with reserved seats designated with their names in the Dome for all DB home basketball games. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and was active in the Goldwing Road Riders Association, he took up golf after he retired and played until his health declined. He loved cheering for and watching Vol football and basketball, he donned the orange often. He was extremely outgoing and loved meeting people and chatting them up. He always made time for his children especially when they were small. Every Friday was "Surprise Day" and he would bring home a small treat for each of his kids and watched the delight on their faces. The neighborhood kids from Cherry Street adored him and considered him a bonus father. He was an excellent carpenter and helped his in-laws, Bill and Mamie Nave, build their home. He was a Mason and was active for 50 years at Kingsport Lodge #688 F&AM. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his sons Jon Ferrell and Charlie Ferrell, his brothers George (Lou) Ferrell and Roy (Anita) Ferrell, and his sister Betty (Gary) Bishop. Bobby Ray is survived by his wife, whom he cherished and loved dearly, Peggy Ferrell, daughters Robbin (Marty) Skinner and Leslie (Gary) Latture, grandson Andrew Ciccolella (Lauren Olack) great-grandson Dominic Ciccolella, sister Margaret (Bill) Casey, and 11 nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Holston Valley ER, and the fourth floor nurses and doctors, as well as the doctors, nurses and staff at NHC, Holston Manor, and Smoky Mountain Hospice for the exemplary care of Bobby Ray. A memorial service to remember Bob will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Kingsport Life-Saving crew or the charity of one's choice. "Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. John 16:22 Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Ferrell family.