William Poister

KINGSPORT, TN - Rev. William "Bill" C. Poister died on Monday, December 1, 2025, He was born March 2, 1939, to Florence G. Staup and Paul A. Poister I Galion, Ohio. He graduated from Johnsville High School in 1957. He immediately went to work for North Electric and traveled extensively as a switchboard installer. In April 1961 he married Evelyn Kunze, and she traveled with him and blessed him with 4 daughters: Becky, Cindy, Angie and Diana. North Electric became ITT and Bill worked for them until 1982 when the company had moved to Raleigh, NC. He became a certified audiologist. In November 1994 Evelyn preceded him in death after 35 years of marriage.

He became lay pastor for the United Methodist Church serving in The Holston Conference and completing the Emory Course of Study School at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, GA. Bill spent many active years in the Gideons, speaking and giving out Bibles. His favorite hobby was singing. He owned several dogs and cats and spoiled them all. His family will always remember his silly sense of humor and countless games of cards played with him at gatherings over the years.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Stearns; and sisters Carolyn Lewis and Pauline James.

Bill is survived by daughters, Becky (Joe) Riggs, Cindy (Wendell) Huddle, Angie (Craig) Bass, and Diana (Jerry) Landers; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and his sweetheart since 2021, Nina Ketron. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Brookdale Rock Springs for almost 2 years of care and Gentiva Hospice staff.

The family received friends from 4-5:00 pm on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Hamlett-Dobson Memorial Park, 2630 Highway 75, Blountville, TN. The memorial service was followed at 5:00 pm with Mark Stayton officiating. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an online condolence for the family.