Fred Tomlinson Sr.

Fred Tomlinson, Sr. age 102 of Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord, December 26, 2013. He was born in DeLong, Kentucky on February, 17, 1911 to Lucretia Williams and James Worley Tomlinson. Although a skilled mechanic throughout his life, his passion was in his wood work, creating beautiful pieces of funiture and notably his clocks that family members will cherish. He officially retired from his hobby at the age of 95 years old. Fred has been a member of Higher Ground Baptist Church for many years and was involved with the Mens Ministry Sunday School Class. He had many loves in his life, his faith in God, being the strongest, the love of his family and all the cherished memories over the course of his life. He was a wonderful story teller, enjoyed working in his garden and would often whistle while he worked. He was known for his mechanic ability and inspired a love for cars (Chrysler), per one of his grandsons. Fred, led by example, making all that were around him feel very loved and cherished. He was a strong man of faith and has passed that along to his family. His family is very thankful for the many years they have had to love him and learn from him; he will be greatly missed. Fred was preceded in death by his first wife, Elsie Gillenwater (1971), by his second wife, Gladys Gillenwater (1990), his parents and eight siblings. He is survived by one sister, Evelyn Wolfe of Christiansburg, Va, seven children, F.B. Tomlinson (son), of Kingsport, TN, Doris (daughter) and Bill Allen of Aylett, VA, John Tomlinson (son) of Hampton, VA, Joyce Ledford (daughter) of Richmond, VA, Joe (son) and Sonnie Tomlinson of Castlewood, VA, Sue (daughter) and Lee Hughes of Bristol, TN, Janie (daughter) and Steve Quiggle (honorary son) of Kingsport, TN and Bill and Patsy Gillenwater of Canfield, OH, along with nineteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, six great, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2013 from 4-6 pm at Higher Ground Baptist Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 6:00 pm on Saturday, December 28, 2013 with Dr. Phil Hoskins officiating. Graveside services will be Sunday, December 29, 2013 at 1:00 pm in Powell Valley Memorial Gardens in Big Sone Gap, VA. Family and friends will meet there by 12:45pm Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Fred Tomlinson. For more information or to send condolences please call (423) 723-8177 or visit www.trinitymemorialcenters.com