KYLE VANCE OVERTON

OVERTON, KYLE VANCE -age 80 passed away Saturday January 25, 2014 at his home in Halls, TN. After a battle with a number of health issues, Kyle went to be with the Lord. Kyle was born in Pontiac, MI but grew up in the Knoxville, TN area. After graduating from Central High School, he served 2 years in the United States Army. He entered the University of Tennessee and graduated in 1961. He worked in the Knoxville area for Retail Credit Company and for the State of Tennessee as a parole officer at Brushy Mountain Penitentiary. Kyle was a faithful member of the Emerald Avenue United Methodist Church from his youth. It was there that he was called into the ministry in his early 30's. He began serving the University Avenue United Methodist Church in Knoxville, which was part of the Holston Conference. After 2 years he moved to Atlanta to attend Emory University's Candler School of Theology where he received a Master of Divinity. He then went into full-time ministry serving United Methodist Churches in Greenville, TN and Dryden VA. He moved to Harlan, KY to enter a Clinical Pastoral Education program to train for the chaplaincy. Following this he moved to Columbia, SC to work for Epworth Children's Home. After 10 years he decided to return to Tennessee and the Holston Conference to serve as pastor of United Methodist churches in Strawberry Plains, Lonsdale, and Chestnut Hill. In 1998 he retired and settled in Halls. He returned to the Emerald Avenue United Methodist Church where he was a faithful member, sang in the choir, served on the church council, and assisted the pastors when needed. Kyle was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, friend, and pastor. He was also a member of MENSA. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nola Overton, father Charles Overton, step-mother Mary Overton, and special aunt Maude Overton Hicks. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Carolyn Laugherty Overton; brother Don Overton and wife Edith; step-sisters Betty McClain and Thea Keese; son Mark Overton and wife Janette; daughter Marty Overton Alexander and husband Steve. He also had 4 grandchildren, Robert, David and wife Jessica, M. J. and girlfriend Lesley, and Katelyn; many beloved nieces and nephews; Tabby the cat, and a whole slew of grand-dogs. The family would like to say thank you to all the special staff of UT Hospice Services, who were so kind and patient and gave wonderful care to Kyle. Celebration of life service will be held at Emerald Avenue United Methodist Church, Tuesday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m., with receiving of friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Dr. James R. Bailes, Rev. Ben Padgett, Rev. Robert Bean and Rev. John Ripley officiating. Family & friends will meet at Greenwood Cemetery, Tazewell Pk., by 10:45 am Wednesday for interment at 11:00 am. Pallbearers: Jimmy Wilson, Jim Larison, David Wilson, Robert Overton, David Overton, and M.J. Overton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emerald Avenue United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City. www.mynattfh.com