Hugh E. Sawyer

Hugh E. Sawyer went to his eternal home on May 4, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in coastal North Carolina in Pamlico County where he learned to fish in the inlets and bays near his home. He graduated Porter Military academy in Charleston, SC and then entered the University of North Carolina where he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. This association made many loyal, lifelong friends. Hugh served his country for four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. His career with the Federal Aviation Administration as Air Traffic Control Specialist began in New Bern, North Carolina. He then transferred to Jacksonville, Florida where he remained for eleven years, then on to serve in the Southern Regional Office in Atlanta, GA. He retired as manager of the Air Traffic Control Facility at Raleigh-Durham North Carolina Airport. He was of the Protestant Faith, and was a member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member of Life Bible Studies under the leadership of Bill Allen. Hugh was preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Mildred McCotter Sawyer, his sister Mildred Norvelle Sawyer, his brother Bruce Carlyle Sawyer, and devoted brothers-in-law, Dr. Frank H. Gilbert, and Reverend John W. Gilbert. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Mildred (Mickey) Gilbert Sawyer, a daughter Sheree S. Henry and her husband Rick of Oak Ridge, TN, and a son Hugh E. Sawyer III and his wife Gail of Destin, FL. His grandchildren were very important in his life. He gave them guidance and council throughout life. They are Margaret S. Stone and her husband Reverend Matthew of Tyler, TX, Trent Sawyer and his wife Meghan of Atlanta, GA, Dr. Trace Henry of Arlington, VA, Grant S. Henry and his wife Gabriella of Virginia Beach, VA and Victoria G. Henry of Auburn, AL. Hugh’s legacy of love included two great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Jackson Stone of Tyler, TX. Other survivors who brought abundant joy and levity to Hugh’s life were Dr. Gerald L. Gilbert and his wife Cathy, two sisters-in-law Dana W. Gilbert and Bobbie Gilbert, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Committal services for Mr. Hugh E. Sawyer will be private in the East Lawn Memorial Park. The Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 7:00pm in the East Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Allen Davis officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Home-Bound Department of Colonial Heights Baptist Church, 108 Colonial Heights Road, Kingsport, TN 37663 or to the charity of your choice. East Lawn Funeral Home, 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664; 423-288-2081; is serving the Sawyer family.