Herbert "Herb" Jackson Denton Jr.

Herbert “Herb” Denton, age 83, of Blountville, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, July 21st. Born December 13, 1941, at Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport, Herb grew up in Blountville and graduated from Blountville High School in 1960. He earned an engineering degree from Tennessee Technological University in 1964, where he joined ROTC and began a life of service and accomplishment.

Following graduation, Herb served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, with deployments to the Dominican Republic and Vietnam. His experiences shaped a character defined by quiet strength, deep resilience, and unwavering faith.

After returning home, Herb embarked on a successful career with Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport. But his contributions reached far beyond the workplace. Herb was an ordained Primitive Baptist minister and a dedicated member of Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church in Abingdon, Virginia—his faith was the cornerstone of his life.

Herb lived with exceptional drive and zest. He was a licensed pilot, an avid runner, a dedicated triathlete, and a passionate outdoorsman. He hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and biked across America. In his later years, he greeted each day with a morning walk—rain or shine. He found joy in caring for his farm and his beloved cows, always planning and working on new projects with tireless energy.

A lover of history, Herb had a special focus on the Civil War—what he called “the War of Northern Aggression.” His storytelling and insights kept those around him entertained, educated, and inspired. His toughness, both physical and spiritual, amazed all who knew him—he survived countless close calls and remained a living testimony to the presence and protection of God Almighty.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Sr. and Mayme Denton (née Campbell), and his son, Hereward Denton. He is survived by his sister, Donna Sisk; his son, Alaric Denton and daughter-in-law, Lori Denton; grandchildren Kayla Denton, Cade Denton, Cole Denton, and Chris Lowrey (son of Hereward); great-grandchildren Layken Lowrey and Case Lowrey; and his nieces and nephews: James Sisk, Denton Sisk, Jeremy Sisk, Judy Cureton, and Melinda Davis—each of whom carry forward his legacy of humor, strength, and heart.

Herb was truly one of a kind—deeply respected, and impossible to forget. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the faith he inspired.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Backpack Ministry at Cassidy Methodist Church, located at 5801 Memorial Boulevard, Kingsport, TN 37664. This ministry provides food to local children during times when school is not in session, ensuring no child goes hungry. Contributions may be made through the church’s website: https://cassidymethodistchurch.org/ or by contacting the church directly.

A graveside service for Herbert will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM at East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, Tennessee 37664.