Billy Joe Earley

Billy Joe Earley, 76, of the Pine Grove community, passed away Wednesday at Takoma Regional Hospital after a long-term illness. Mr. Earley retired from A&L Construction of Kingsport and drove a bus for Baileyton and West Pines School. He was of the Baptist faith. He loved racing, baseball, building bird houses, and his best friend, "Sweepie," his dog. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Survivors include his wife of 46 years: Kathy Light Earley; one daughter: Tina M. Earley of Pine Grove; two sons and daughters-in-law: Randy and Regina Earley of the Lost Mountain community, and Rickey and Terri Earley of Mosheim; two sisters and brothers-in-law: Nellie and Gene Quillen of Greeneville and Betty Mullins of Chuckey; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Kyle and Barbara Earley and Jimmy and Linda Earley, all of Chuckey; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The family extends a special thanks to two special friends: Junior Slagle, whom he thought of as a son, and Connie Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents: George and Fronia Gass Earley; a sister: Mary Britton; and half-brother: Hack Gass. The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. today at Pine Grove Free Will Baptist Church with the funeral service following at 3 p.m. The Rev. Larry McAmis and the Rev. Eddie Malone will officiate. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery on the Horton Highway. Pallbearers will be Brandon Mettan, Jordan Cox, Justin Adams, Iris Earley, Randall Earley, and Cody Earley. Honorary pallbearers will be David Britton, Butch Mullins Jr., Jackie Quillen, Tyler and Tanner Earley, Junior Slagle, and Glenn Earley.