Obituary of Lawrence Milburn Starnes

Church Hill – Lawrence Milburn Starnes, 83 of Church Hill, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at his residence following an extended illness. Born in Kingsport, he had been a resident of Church Hill since 1960. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was retired as a maintenance supervisor from AFG Industries. Lawrence was a member of First Baptist Church in Church Hill where he was active with the Gideon’s. He was a carpenter, a member of IBEW and order of the Masonic Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents; several aunts and uncles; son Lawrence Tony Starnes; brother, Virgil Starnes; sisters, Geri Gillen and Pam Autry; special aunt, Mildred Boyd.

Lawrence is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ellen Parker Starnes; his daughter, Tammy Webb and husband Johnny; grandson, Dustin Freeman and wife Beth; great-grandson, Chayne Lawson Freeman; sisters, Theresa Hart, Lisa Harless and Judy Webster; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2019 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Church Hill.

A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. in the funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Gary Gerhardt and Mitch Russell officiating.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Church Hill Memory Gardens with military rites being conducted by VFW Post #9754 of Church Hill. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery at 12:45 p.m.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Church Hill is serving the Starnes family.