William Graybeal, 90, of Elizabethton, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, January 9, 2015, at Hermitage Health Care following a brief illness.
William was born in Sullivan County, a son of the late James Edward and Leannie Glover Graybeal. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes Nelson Graybeal, in 2010, and three brothers, Roger, Martin and Erby Graybeal.
William was a loving husband of over 60 years, a devoted father and grandfather, a man who served his country with pride in the time of war. He worked holidays, so others could spend time with their families on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Mr. Graybeal retired from AMRACE Security System Company. He was a member and a Deacon of Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church and attended Eastside Baptist Church. He was a United States Army veteran, proudly serving his country in World War II. He enjoyed gardening and lawn care, and sitting outside under a big shade tree. He loved Father’s Day, when his family got together for his “Big Day,” and he loved ministering to people in hospitals.
Survivors include three daughters, Kathy Casazza and husband Jim, Punta Gorda, Fla., Gail Boling and husband Jerry, Elizabethton, and Denise March and husband Mark, Ocala, Fla.; three sons, Norman Graybeal and Gary DeShelds Graybeal, both of Bluff City, and Johnnie Graybeal, Elizabethton; three sisters, Nellie Lawson, Charlotte Graybeal and Sue Graybeal; two brothers, Herman Graybeal and Wayne Graybeal; 10 grandchildren, Richard Nickels, Chris Nickels, Amy Pierce, Lance Boling, Chance Boling, Melissa March, Hannah Johnson, Ethan Graybeal, Cassidy Graybeal and Wendy Nickels; five great-grandchildren, Macy Pierce, Cole Pierce, Morgan Boling, Donta Johnson and Trevor Boling; and two great-great-grandchildren, Bradon and Lacy Furgerson. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to honor the life of William Graybeal will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, at the Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church, 1727 Chinquapin Grove Road, Bluff City, Tenn., with Rev. Jamie Ferguson and Rev. Jeremy Rhoton officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 until 2 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service. The graveside service will follow in the Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be Lance Boling, Chance Boling, Troy Johnson, Cody Furgerson, James Casazza and Hunter Nelson. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and nursing staff of Hermitage Health Care for all their love and care extended to Mr. Graybeal and his family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book or by fax at (423) 542-9499.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is proudly serving the Graybeal family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.