Joe W. Wimberly died peacefully at home Saturday, November 14, 2009. A native of Arkansas, Joe received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas School Of Law with a LL.B degree (but never practiced law). He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Proud of his Hope, Arkansas, birthplace, he loved his "Hawgs" football team, as his Razorback car tag showed.
After serving in U.S. Army as First Lieutenant, part of the early occupying forces in Japan during World War II, he maintained continuous membership in The American Legion for 63 years and proudly flew the American flag outside his home. He moved to Kingsport in 1951 and purchased part interest in one of the oldest independent insurance agencies in the area. At his death he served as Chairman of the Board of Price & Ramey Inc. In addition, he held the franchise license for operating Hertz Rent-a Car at Tri-City Airport, which operates as Tri-City Rentals in Blountville, Tennessee.
Always interested in education and young people pursuing higher education, he supported and served on the board of Boys & Girls Club Inc. He was a past board member of Tennessee Wesleyan College, Athens, TN. During his term, he brought prominent businessmen from corporations such as Hertz, AFG Industries and Eastman Chemical Co. to the school to discuss Business Practices with and emphasis on business ethics. In 1978 TWC presented him with the honorary Doctor of Public Service degree.
Year after year he provided funds to help students pursue their college aspirations, and it could be a waiter or waitress he encouraged, a friend's grandchild or someone with a need who was recommended to him. In addition, through his business at Hertz/Tri-City Rentals, he hired young people, who needed employment while they were attending undergraduate schools. An endowed scholarship was set up at Northeast State. Price & Ramey founded the Joe W. Wimberly Scholarship Fund to provide financial assistance to children of employees.
After traveling through Europe, Joe was impressed with the flowers in many cities, As he worked with Downtown Kingsport Association and served as president of its board, he brought this idea to Kingsport as the early move started to help revitalize downtown. He promoted the planting of flowers, especially geraniums at business, in planters and window boxes. For several years, in his honor "Joe-raniums" were used to beautify the city. He had served also as a member of the Industrial Development Board for Kingsport.
Joe gave generously of his time and resources to many projects and programs in the area. On September 23, 2009 Mayor Dennis Phillips on behalf of the City of Kingsport presented Joe a "Key to the hearts of the Citizens of Kingsport" in "deep appreciation for his many years of outstanding service and unwavering commitment to making the best place to be."
A long-time member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, Joe was a gentleman who lived his faith daily by seeking out and helping others. For several years he taught a senior high Sunday school class at Community Methodist Church of Gibson Mill Road in Kingsport. In June, 1995 he received the Harry Steadman Award, which recognized his outstanding contribution to the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church through work in his local church and the community. In February 2004, he was appointed as Trustee Emeritus.
Not only was Joe concerned about young people, he was interested in the problems involved with aging. He donated land and helped raise funds to build Asbury Center at Steadman Hill, a retirement home in Kingsport established to improve the quality of life for persons no longer able to live independently. He worked with ETSU Geriatrics Department to improve the possibilities of a good quality of life for aged in the area. He never retired.
Joe's involvement in banking included terms on the board of The Banking & Trust Company of Fall Branch and terms as board member and later as Chairman of the Board at First Tennessee Bank, Kingsport.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Willie M. Winberly; two beloved sisters, Wyble Wimberly and Pansy Hamilton; two brothers, Billy Wimberly and John D. Wimberly, former mayor of Kingsport.
Joe is survived by nieces, Judy Wimberly Dorminey and Tish Wimberly Wolfe of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jane Wimberly Apffel of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Helen Winberly Thompson of Mt. Pleasant, Texas; along with great nieces and great nephews.
Family and friends would like to express special thanks to hospice and to Joe's devoted caregivers, James Greer, Pat Sutherland, Marti Sutherland, Phyllis Landreth and Nell Raeon.
"What a blessing of love God gave us all when He sent Joe into our lives."
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 am on Monday, November 23, 2009 at First Broad Street UMC, 100 E. Church Cirle, Kingsport with Rev. Dr. A. Clark Jenkins and Rev. Jack Edwards. The family will receive friends following the service.
Mr. Wimberly was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Hope, Arkansas on Tuesday November 17, 2009.
Pallbearers were close friends Dennis Spurgeon, David Hammonds, Tony Jennings, Keith Sims, Genell Cradic, Linda Pyle and James Greer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be presented to First Broad Street UMC, P.O. Box 1346, Kingsport, TN, 37662, Community United Methodist Church, (Gibson Mill Road) PO Box 834, Kingsport, TN 37662, Boys and Girls Club Inc, Kingsport, TN, 37660 or a favorite charity.
Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Kingsport is serving Joe. W. Wimberly and friends.
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Carter Trent Memorials:
From: Nobal King
nobalking@charter.net
Date: 11/21/2009
I first met Joe in 1957 when we both lived at Mrs. Buckles place on Watauga. He was a generous southern gentleman, in the classical sense.
I regret that I shall miss the memorial service because of an irreconcilable conflict Monday morning.
From: Robbie Turbyfill
turbyfill_robbie@hotmail.com
Date: 11/19/2009
I first met Joe about 20 years ago while working at a local apple stand. Joe and I hit it off that day and were very good friends since. Joe helped me for many years to get through college like he did numerous others. Without Joes help I would not be in the position I am in today. I will miss Joe very much. The joy he had in his heart for others is something we can all learn from.
Robbie Turbyfill
Head Football Coach
Cloudland High
From: Carol Pak
cpattn@yahoo.com
Date: 11/19/2009
As the receptionist at Price & Ramey I came to know the love, care and concern he showed for everyone he met. He was a very generous and giving man. I will always remember Joe for the blessing he has been in my life and the life of countless others.
From: Deborah Teague
dteague@mathinsurance.com
Date: 11/16/2009
I met Mr. Wimberly when I was hired at Price & Ramey Insurance. Joe was not only respected for his position, but he was genuinely loved and respected for the kind and caring person that he was. I mourn his passing and count it a privilege to have known him.
From: Helen Bircher Guillet
james.guillet@utoronto.ca
Date: 11/16/2009
Sympathy from an old friend.
Helen
From: Angela Jones
ajones@priceramey.com
Date: 11/16/2009
I was blessed to know Joe. I have never met a more giving person. His concern was always for others. It was a priviledge to work with him. He will be missed.
From: Sue Barnes Parham
sparham@richmond.edu
Date: 11/16/2009
My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends. Joe was a special friend of my parents, James and Ruby, and I will always be thankful for his kindness to them. He was a special person.
From: Jo Anne Bright-Church
joanneandgary@cfl.rr.com
Date: 11/15/2009
I have known Joe most of my life. My family moved to Kingsport when I was two years old and my Dad worked at Price and Ramey. He was a very special man and will be missed. Kingsport was lucky to have him. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
From: Earl and Evelyn "Toodie" Feathers
urlfea@chartertn.net
Date: 11/15/2009
I first met Joe about 1949 as a member of the 39th Truck Co., Army Reserve. He later was my Company Commander. We attended Summer Camp at various Amry Bases during the years before I left the Reserves in 1957. We have been friends all the years since. He was a GREAT MAN AND CITIZEN.
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