William Starnes

William "Bill" Roy Starnes, age 74, of New Tazewell, TN was born October 3, 1943, in Johnson City, TN, and passed away at his home surrounded by his family on February 12, 2018. Bill discovered his love of pharmacy at the age of ten, when he rode his bicycle to deliver prescriptions. Bill completed his pre-pharmacy degree at ETSU and graduated in 1968, from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center's School of Pharmacy, in Memphis. Upon graduating from pharmacy school, Bill proudly served two years in the USMC, where he obtained the rank of sergeant in fifteen months. He was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. After completing his military service, Bill's pharmacy career included working at South Roan Pharmacy in Johnson City; Wise Pharmacy in Maynardville; Hall's Rexall in Knoxville; Smoky Mountain Pharmacy in Sevierville; Belew Drugs in Knoxville; Cunningham Drug in New Tazewell and Okie's Pharmacy in Maynardville. Bill retired in 2017, from Medical Center Pharmacy in New Tazewell. Bill enjoyed numerous hobbies including golf, fishing, billiards, playing cards, and watching UT Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals Baseball. Bill was a member and Deacon Emeritus at First Baptist Church of New Tazewell. His heart for ministry extended to refereeing Upward Basketball and serving at REC Ministries in New Tazewell. More than anything, Bill loved his family including: his wife of fifty-one years, his three sons, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents- Roy and Leona Starnes. Brother- Lynn H. Starnes. Son- Jeffery Kent Starnes (1975). Bill is survived by the love of his life- Becky. Sons- Eric (Patty) Starnes of Morristown and Brent (Lindsay) Starnes of Chattanooga. Grandchildren- Jack Tyler Starnes of Morristown; Laura Elizabeth and William Emory Starnes of Chattanooga. Brothers- John L. (Pris) Starnes of Tampa, FL and Dr. Ed (Lyn) Starnes of Meridian, MS. Sister-in-law- Deborah Chandler of Kingsport. Along with a host of nephews, nieces, and other family and friends.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 15th from 5 until 8 PM at First Baptist Church in New Tazewell, with a celebration of life to follow at 8 PM. A private family graveside service will be held Friday, February 16th at Berry Lynnhurst Cemetery in Knoxville. Rev. Larry Sharp and Rev. Roger Hansard will be assisting in the services. In lieu of flowers please make donations to REC Ministries in New Tazewell care of First Baptist Church in New Tazewell. Coffey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.