Obituary of John Henry Riner

John Henry Riner, 85, of Kingsport went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Scott County, Va. but lived most of his life in Kingsport. He graduated from Sullivan High School in 1954, and was active in varsity sports while there. Shortly afterwards he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served for four years and obtained the rank of Staff Sargent.

      Following his military service, he worked at the Kingsport Press, Inc. for several years and then moved to Moline, Ill. and for many years was employed by International Harvester Farmall Works, Rock Island, Ill., retiring from this company in 1988. He returned to his hometown of Kingsport and lived here for the last 30 years. He attended church faithfully all of his life until his illness, and served his church as deacon, song leader, and Sunday School teacher. John was always a faithful Christian example and role model to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his devoted family and friends.

      He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Paul Riner and Virginia Sparks Riner; one son, John Mark Riner; five brothers, Billy, Kenny, Dan,  Joe, and  Steve; and two sisters, Clara McFarland and Pauline Crowley.

      He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley Surgener Riner of the home; two sons,  Phil and Andy, both of Kingsport; two daughters, Donna Beserra and husband Ralph, of Moline, Ill. and Beth Brasmer, and husband Dan of Davenport, Iowa; seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; and sister, Glenna Allen and husband Kenneth of Gray, TN.

      The family will receive friends in the Carter Trent Funeral Home Chapel, Downtown Kingsport on Sunday, September 16, 2018 from 5pm to 7pm. A funeral service will follow with Pastor Phil Kestner and Pastor Ray Allen officiating. Music and singing will be provided by Riner’s Tabernacle Baptist Church Singers.

      A military graveside service will be conducted at 12pm on Monday, September 17, 2018 at East Lawn Memorial Park in the garden of The Good Shepard with American Legion Hammond Post #3/265 conducting the honors. Pallbearers will consist of family members and friends. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 11:50am.

      The family wishes to thank Dr. Richard Brandon, Nurse Melinda Slemp and medical staff of Indian Path Medical Center, The Wexford House and Amedysis Hospice for the excellent, loving care given to John.

      Carter Trent Funeral Home, Downtown Kingsport is serving the Riner Family.