Joe Breeding, 91, of Kingsport, TN, passed away on Sunday (May 20, 2018) at his home. Born in Russell Co, VA, he spent most of his life in Grundy, until he moved to Kingsport in 2000. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, of whom he was married for 63 years, and his 3 siblings, Eugene Breeding, Lilian Crane and Alcie Keen.
He was a WWII veteran, serving in the US Navy on the USS Shangri-La CV-38 aircraft carrier. In the 60’s, he was in the Virginia State House of Delegates, and later ran for Lt. Governor.
As an entrepreneur, his business ventures included logging, sawmilling, mining, explosives, insurance sales, and specialty advertising. He later worked for United Coal Company as the EVP of Unite, their explosives division, and also for Austin Powder Company.
After being saved in 1961, his most meaningful work began at Vansant Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and music leader. He was a Lay Minister throughout the area, led many mission trips to South Dakota and Hawaii, just to name a few, and was President of the VA Baptist Brotherhood Association. He also built and founded Brumley Cove Baptist Camp. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Kingsport.
There was never a dull moment in his life. He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing, which he did in a band, at local beauty pageants, and of course, at church. He was a self-taught pilot, constructed the Grundy Municipal Airport, and an officer in the Civil Air Patrol. He raced cars at dirt tracks in Richlands at the Breaks, was an Assistant Fire Chief, and Boy Scout troop leader. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer, and a member of the NRA.
He is survived by his 3 children, Steven (Jody) Breeding and wife Marsha, Dr. Samuel (Sam) Breeding and wife Sharon, and Toni Cheek and husband Danny. In addition are 4 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Thursday (May 24, 2018) at East Lawn Funeral Home from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home on Friday (May 25, 2018) at 11:00am, officiated by Dr. Marvin Cameron and Rev. Alan Moor. Committal services will follow in the Chapel of Memories of East Lawn Memorial Park, with military rites provided by American Legion Posts 3/265.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Brumley Cove Baptist Camp at 21551 Brumley Gap Road, Abingdon, VA 24210.
Online condolences may be made to the Breeding family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Breeding family.
