Judge Robert Ernest Cupp, Jr.

Published 2:13 pm Thursday, February 6, 2025

Judge Robert Ernest Cupp, Jr., beloved husband, brother, friend, and respected judge, entered into eternal rest with God by his side on February 4, 2025.

He was born on August 26, 1939, in Rogersville, Tenn., to the late Connie Vaughn Gilbert and Robert Ernest Cupp, Sr.

Bob was a 1957 graduate of Sullivan High School in Kingsport. He proudly served in the United States Army as a Senior Radar operator. After service, he worked at Eastman Chemical Company and attended East Tennessee State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. He enrolled at The University of Tennessee College of Law and received his law degree in 1971. He worked in private practice, served as Assistant District Attorney General, Director of Legal Services of Upper East Tennessee, and Assistant District Attorney General of the First Judicial District. In 1998, he was elected as Criminal Court Judge of the First Judicial District and served for 16 years. During this time, Bob also served as a facilitator for the National Judicial College in Sun Valley, Idaho; Reno, Nev.; and West Yellowstone, Mont., before his retirement in 2014.

Bob was an avid UT sports fan, enjoyed traveling throughout the world, and delighted in riding his tractor on their property in Shady Valley. Additionally, he was an organ donor.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his son, Dustin Robert Cupp, and sister, Joan Brown Cox.

Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Diane Hollifield Cupp; sister, Jackie G. Dingus (Victor); sister-in-law, Debbie Greer (Lonnie); brother-in-law, Kyle Hollifield (Camisha); several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted Monday, February 10, at 7 p.m. from the chapel of Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City, with Rev. Dennis Wilson, Pete Blackburn, and Dr. Victor Dingus officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

The committal service will be held Tuesday, February 11, at 11 a.m. at Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Site). Those who wish to attend are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Services by 10:30 a.m. to go in procession.

Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Franklin, Pat Story, Mark Hill, John Mashburn, Jerry and Pam Love, Jim Bowman, The Sullivan High School Class of 1957, Judges from the First Judicial District, Dave Swan and Gary Hilling, two special Army friends, and members of his Grace Fellowship Community Group.

A special thanks is given to Pam Love, Bob’s judicial assistant and close personal friend of the family, for her love and support. Appreciation is also given to Grace Fellowship, where he was a member, and their Grace Fellowship Community Group, who surrounded him and Diane with love and friendship throughout this journey. The family is grateful to the staff at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center and especially to the CLC Hospice unit for their many kindnesses and care of Bob and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Grace Fellowship Church, 2314 S. Greenwood Drive, Johnson City, TN 37604, Shriners Hospital, or a charity of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com. There you will also find a livestream of the service.

Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St. Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Cupp family (423-610-7171).