Obituary of Jay Holman Burdge

Jay Holman Burdge, 70 of Kingsport, passed on to his Heavenly Home on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport, TN. He was born on March 24, 1944 in Lakewood, New Jersey to the late Hugh Estell Burdge and Joyce Holman Grover. Jay grew up in New Jersey and after high school was drafted to play minor league baseball in New Jersey. After receiving a career ending shoulder injury, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Alaska. Upon discharge from his tour of service, Jay settled down in Kingsport with his wife. He began a career with Eastman Chemical Co. in 1968, working in the organic chemical division until 1998, when he retired. Jay was a charter member of Warriors Path Volunteer Fire Department, established in 1974, and spent many years as a fire chief. Many local fire departments have been blessed with those he mentored, affectionately referring to those young men as "Jay's Boys." His passion for firefighting can be seen in the many men and women that he inspired to seek employment in civil service in local fire departments and emergency medical services. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Hugh E. "Tinker" Burdge, Jr. Jay is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Brenda Burdge; his son, Shawn Burdge (Julie); daughter, Tiffany Slapa (Jim); his beloved grandchildren, Phillip Burdge, Cydney Slapa, Thomas Burdge, Andrea Burdge, Jenna Burdge and "Kay Kay" Burdge; his sister, Nancy Nickles; along with several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5 - 7 pm on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at Higher Ground Baptist Church, 1625 Lynn Garden Drive, Kingsport. Funeral services will be in the church at 7 pm with Dr. Shannon Salyer and Chaplain Gill Chard, officiating. A graveside service will be held at 10 am on Thursday, September 11, 1014 at Oak Hill Memorial Park, Kingsport. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home at 9 am to go in procession. Should you wish to give a memorial donation, we ask that you give to your favorite charity in Jay's name or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund to honor Jay's grandson, Thomas. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the Burdge family.