Roy E. Kendrick, 94, passed away at The Waters of Johnson City on May 3, 2019. A native of Scott County, Virginia, he had resided in Washington County, Tennessee for most of his adult life. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Galola Kendrick, on April 7, 2019.
The last surviving child of the late Loda and Verda Kendrick, he was also preceded in death by his siblings: Ollie (Audry) Evans; Thomas (Emogene) Kendrick; Evelyn (Earl) Jessee; Billy (Wanda) Kendrick; and by his niece and nephew, Donna Vance and Douglas Kendrick. Educated in Scott County, Virginia schools, Roy was drafted into the Army at the age of 18 and was a participant in the American armed forces invasion of Normandy during World War II, going ashore on D-Day plus 2. While in service, he achieved the rank of First Sergeant and received several awards including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals.
After the war Roy worked at Mead Paper Corporation for 39 years, retiring as a millwright. He was an active and faithful member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church for over 50 years and served in many leadership roles, including Deacon and Trustee. Always eager to help others, he delivered Meals on Wheels for several years.
He was also a 50 year member and Past Master of Sinking Creek Lodge #575 and a York Rite member for 50 years. Roy was a talented “Master-of-all-trades” who could competently perform mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and carpentry tasks. He enjoyed using his skills to assist with many church, community and family projects.
He was known throughout the Boones Creek community for maintaining a beautiful green, weed-free lawn and for growing abundant fruits and vegetables that he generously shared with grateful family and friends. Roy is survived by: devoted caregivers, daughter Jessie Bowser and husband Lee who was like a son to him; much loved grandson, Justin Bowser and wife Melissa; treasured great-grandsons, Jackson and Dylan Bowser, special sisters-in-law, Florence Stallard and Dorothy Stallard; and several dear nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank the many wonderful friends and relatives who have provided support through food, visits, calls, cards and texts for the last eight months.
We especially thank Arthur and Agnes Garland and Terry and Teresa Head for their friendship, caring and assistance. The family would also like to express appreciation to Ballad Hospice, Ballad Hospice House and The Waters, with a special thanks to Crystal Adams, RN, and Crystal Chatman, RN, for their kind and compassionate care of Roy. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 6, 2019 from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm in the Chapel of Washington County Memory Gardens (Exit 17 on I-26.
) A memorial service led by his grandson and great-grandsons will follow the visitation. Carter Co. Honor Guard will be rendering military honors. This obituary was lovingly written by Roy’s daughter, Jessie Bowser.
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