James "Eddie" Salyers

James E. “Eddie” Salyers, age 72, of Afton, Tn., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, at Holston Valley Medical Center on January 23, 2025. Eddie was born and raised in Baileyton, Tn. He graduated from North Greene High School in 1970, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Reba. Together they had two children, Jamie and Crystal. Eddie worked at Eastman for over 30 years before retiring. In his retirement, he developed an incredible gift of woodworking and made many beautiful pieces over the years. He also had a love for collecting and restoring antique cars.

Eddie attended Mt. Zion Church in Afton. He was also a member of the Baileyton Masonic Lodge F&AM #520.

He is loved and respected for his love and kindness by his family, friends, and all who met him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Moran Edward and Emma Lou Graham Salyers; and sister, Margaret Virginia Stiles and husband Billy; father and mother-in-law, Richard Dawson Sr. and Elva Dawson; and a brother-in-law, Terry Dawson.

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Reba; a son, Jamie and wife Tia of Mosheim, Tn; a daughter, Crystal Smith and husband Trevor of Kingsport, Tn; granddaughters, Ella and Hannah Smith; brother, John Salyers and wife Sharon of Johnson City, Tn; in-laws, Junior Dawson and wife Tiny, Jane Dickerson and husband Johnny, Lloyd Dawson, Patty Smith and husband Jerry, Lowanda Dawson, and Kathy Simcox and husband Gary; and several special nieces and nephews.

Eddie was an organ donor.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the incredible ICU doctors, nurses, and staff at Greeneville Community Hospital and Holston Valley Medical Center for their love and care for Eddie and his family during his illness.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home on Thursday. A graveside service will be held at GreeneLawn Memory Gardens at 11:00 am Friday with Rev. Glenn Cox officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to Mt. Zion Church, Afton, c/o George Frye, 4394 Stone Dam Road, Chuckey, Tn. 37641.

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.