Weldon Ray "Bud" Gobble Jr.

Weldon Ray "Bud" Gobble, Jr.

November 14, 2025

JOHNSON CITY - Weldon Ray "Bud" Gobble, Jr., 92, Johnson City, died Friday, November 14, 2025, at Lakebridge, A Waters Community, LLC, following a lengthy illness.

Bud was a native and lifelong resident of Johnson City. He was the son of the late Weldon Ray Gobble, Sr. and Lilly Mae Blevins Gobble.

Bud was a 1951 graduate of Lamar High School, then later received his Associates Degree from Steed College.

He spent nine years in the military, four in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, then spent five in the U.S. Navy.

Bud worked several years at United Intermountain Telephone Co., primarily with installations and repairs, retiring in 1978. He later returned to work with Food Service at the James H. Quillen VAMC, where he loved working with his fellow veterans.

Bud was a former member of Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church, where he led the Youth Choir. He was most recently a member of Keystone Freewill Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school for over thirty years.

Bud enjoyed reading his Bible daily, and was proud to have read it in its entirety sixteen times. He loved to watch all sports, especially the Vols and Green Bay Packers.

In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by a previous wife, Virginia Olive Guinn Gobble, in 2015, a daughter, Debbie Cox, a son, David Grindstaff, his sister, Betty Mackley, and a grandson.

He is survived by his wife, Tina Kaye Gobble; six children, Kathy Gobble, Julie Gobble, Teddy Gobble, Lucy Dougherty and husband Robert "Bo", Donna Branstutter and husband Orrin Tyrel, Brenatia Henry and husband Ty; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The funeral service celebrating Bud's life will be conducted Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. from the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home. Special music will be provided by The Coopers and Linda Street.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5:30 – 7:00 P.M. in the East Parlor of the funeral home.

Graveside committal service will be held Friday, at 2:00 PM in Lyons Chapel Cemetery, Carter County. Military honors will be accorded by the Veterans Honor Guard of the Tri-Cities. Those planning to attend are to meet at the funeral home by 1:15 PM Friday to proceed to the cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is honored to serve the Gobble family. (423-928-6111)