Obituary of Junior Ray Ison

Kingsport- Junior (JR) Ray Ison, 75, of Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord late Saturday night (June 22, 2013) at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born in Perry County, Kentucky and had resided in Kingsport the majority of his life. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Junior retired from the Kingsport Press with over 24 years of service. Following his retirement, he loved to fish and spend time outdoors. He also enjoyed going to Silver Sneakers on a weekly basis. JR attended Mount Vernon Independent Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Martha Elkins Ison; a brother, J.D. Ison; sisters, Polly Widner and Sally Mae Widner. Junior Ison is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Francis Ison; his children, Richard Fleming and wife, Debbie, Kendall Ison and wife, Tina (both of Kingsport, TN); grandchildren, Amber South and husband, Tommy , Heather Risney and husband, Kevin, Nathaniel Ison, and Connor Ison; great granddaughters, Laurin Bishop and and Anna Risney; a brother, Ernest Ison (Church Hill, TN); sisters, Mary Sapp (Church Hill, TN) and Margie Stevens (NC); dear friends, John Wexler, Maurice, and Cheque along with several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday (June 25, 2013) from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport or friends may also call anytime at the residence. A funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday (June 25, 2013) at 1 p.m. with Pastor Grady Lee, officiating. Music will be provided by David Lee and Kim Dorton. A private military graveside service will be conducted by the American Legion Hammond Post # 3/ # 265 on Tuesday (June 25, 2013) following the funeral at the Mountain Home National Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the Ison family.