Obituary of James Edgar Alley

James Edgar Alley, 101, of Church Hill, TN, passed on peacefully to his heavenly home on Sunday, April 21, 2024, after a long and fulfilling life.

Edgar was born on September 4, 1922, to Robert Lee and Annie Louise (McConnell) Alley, in Stanley Valley of Hawkins County, TN. He later joined the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946 and honorably served in World War II. Before he was deployed, he married the love of his life, Elsie Le­­e Alley, and they were married for 79 years.­­ After leaving the service, he was employed for 42 years until his retirement with Eastman Kodak in Kingsport, TN.

In the 101 years that Edgar lived, he was so many things to so many people. He was a son, a brother, a hero, a husband, a dad, a papaw, an uncle, and a friend. He was an electrician, a plumber, a welder and could make just about anything he or someone else needed. Edgar truly had a heart of gold, always looking out for others, lending a helping hand, or his arms for a hug. He didn’t just live for his happiness but for the happiness of others. He will be greatly missed by so many.

Family members who have gone before him are his wife, Elsie Lee Alley, his parents, Robert Lee and Annie Louise (McConnell) Alley, along with one brother, Elmer Alley.

Edgar is survived by his sister, Marie Merrill; his daughter, Linda Bruner and husband, J.T. of Church Hill; son, Ronald Alley and wife, Carol of Surgoinsville; he was blessed with 3 granddaughters, Tonya Mottern and husband, Jeremiah of Knoxville, Kishon Agee and husband, Robby of Kingsport, and Julie Hensley and husband, Travis of Surgoinsville; 5 great grandchildren, Lauren Vanzant and husband, Jacob, Kara and Cailyn Agee, Griffen and Dalen Hensley; 3 step great-grandchildren Gavin, Ezra, and Ellie Mottern; 2 great-great grandchildren, J.P. and Cody (expected in June); and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Church Hill. Funeral services will begin in the chapel at 7:00 pm with Pastor Greg Fletcher officiating.

A military graveside service will be conducted at 11 am on Friday, April 26, 2024 at Church Hill Memory Gardens with honors conducted by the American Legion Hammond Post #3/265. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 am.

The family would like to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers, the kindness and compassion during this difficult time.  Also, thank you to Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice for the at home care.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Okolona United Methodist Church, c/o, Kathleen Ford, 813 Greene St. Church Hill, TN 37642.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Church Hill is proudly serving the Alley family.