Billy Joe Ruth

Billy Joe Ruth, 84, of Kingsport, passed away at his residence on Friday, September 27, 2019. He was born on January 10, 1935, in Kingsport, TN to the late Bailey and Opal Ruth. Bill retired early from Eastman Chemical Company in 1994. He loved gardening vegetables and flowers. He sold vegetables at the Farmers Market, as well as, thousands of jars of apple butter that he had made in his 50-gallon copper kettle which was controlled by an automatic stirrer that he designed and built himself. Bill also sold many jars of sweet garlic pickles that he made until he left the Farmers Market in 1998. He then gave his pickle recipe to his friends at Heritage First Church of God. Bill then became a self-taught woodworker. He turned many beautiful bowls and built many pieces of outdoor furniture and corn- hole boards. Bill was also preceded in death by his brother, Robert Ruth and his step-daughter, Melinda James. Those left to cherish Bill’s memory are his loving wife of 34 years, Barbara Ruth; daughter, Leta Brewer (David); son, Matthew Ruth; granddaughters, Cayce Brewer, Katie James; son-in-law, Al James; brother, Don Ruth (Edrya); brother-in-law, Michael Dexter (Tina); and best friend, Henry Ruble Bowen (Audrey) whom Bill loved as a brother. A Committal Service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 29, 2019, in the J. Wayne Hamilton Memorial Chapel of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services with Pastor Tom Hancock and Rev. Robert Burlingham officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holston United Methodist Home for Children or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Cassidy United Methodist Church Parish nurse, Suzan Alley and the many doctors and nurses who cared for Bill during the past year. The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Richard Brandon who cared for Bill for many years and Dr. Charles Payne for his great care and generosity. The care of Billy Joe Ruth and his family has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.Read Obituary