DR. J.W. COLINGER

COLINGER, DR. J.W. - age 66, of Erwin, passed away October 1, 2014, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was a native of Knoxville, TN and a son of Lois Levy Colinger, Knoxville and the late J.W. Colinger, Sr. On August 1, 1975, he began his medical career along side of Dr. Robert Harvey, eventually purchasing the practice and served Unicoi County as a physician until August 2014. He was a member of the Board of Directors for Unicoi County Memorial Hospital for a number of years. Dr. Colinger served as Medical Director for several local nursing homes including: Unicoi County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care, Erwin Health Care Center, Lakebridge Nursing Home in Johnson City, and John Reed Nursing Home in Limestone. As a medical professional, he testified before Congress regarding his opposition to over medication of the elderly. Dr. Colinger also served as a medical missionary working with Dr. Dearing Garner and the Children's Emergency Relief International, CERI, making several missionary trips to Moldova which led to the adoption of four of his children. He was a former physician for Unicoi County High School Football Team for a number of years and traveled with the team. He also coached Little League baseball for several years. He played with Calvary Baptist Church's softball and basketball teams. In college, he played with East Tennessee State University's Baseball team. Dr. Colinger enjoyed playing golf. He was a former Kiwanian, a member of the Rolls Royce Association and a participant in the Erwin Autorama. Dr. Colinger was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He was involved with Unicoi County Relay for Life. His church and family were his priority, always making time for his children and grandchildren by attending various events and functions. In addition to his mother, Dr. J.W. Colinger has left behind to cherish his memory: wife of 42 years: Judith "Judy" Kay Hammons Colinger of Erwin, TN; sons: Dr. Jason Colinger and wife, Lori Tipton Colinger of Johnson City, TN, Jared Colinger of Lenoir City, TN, Jacob Colinger of Jonesborough, TN; daughters: Jennifer Rowe and husband, Grant of Sebring, FL, Joelle Whitaker and husband, Christopher of Jonesborough, TN, Jessica Colinger of Johnson City, TN, Julya Colinger of Johnson City, TN; sisters: Janet Jack and husband, Alan of Lenoir City, TN, Kathy Simmons and husband, Mark of Jackson, TN, Sharon Colinger of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren: Landon Colinger, Sophie Colinger, Noah Colinger, Emma Rowe, Katelyn Rowe, and Todd Whitaker; several cousins, one aunt, nieces and nephews; very close family friend: Johnnie Stultz of Erwin, TN. The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we honor and remember the life of Dr. J.W. Colinger in a funeral service to be held at 7:00 PM on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at Calvary Baptist Church, 540 Adams Street, Erwin, TN 37650. Pastor David Crutchfield, Pastor John Kuhne and Dr. Dearing Gardner will officiate. Vocal selections will be provided by Gary Amos and by Larry Pate. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 5:00 PM and continue until service time on Sunday at Calvary Baptist Church. A committal service will be held at 9:30 AM on Monday, October 6, 2014 in the Mausoleum Chapel of Evergreen Cemetery. Those who wish to attend will meet on Monday at Valley Funeral Home by 9:00 AM to go in procession to Evergreen Cemetery Mausoleum. Deacons of Calvary Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial donations be made to the Moldova Shoe Fund for orphaned children c/o Calvary Baptist Church, 540 Adams Street, Erwin, TN 37650. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed atwww.valleyfuneralhome.net. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Dr. Judd W. Colinger through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave, Erwin, 423-743-9187.