Emory Kilgore, age 81, of Bristol, VA went to be with his Savior and Lord, Sunday, February 14, 2010.

He was born in Roda, Virginia and grew up in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. He was a member of Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church of Bristol, Virginia. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Air Force. After the war he worked for the Big Stone Gap Post for several years. He then was employed by the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C. as manager of their printing plant until 1983 when he moved to Bristol, Virginia. He worked for A and W Amusements of Bristol and VENCO Business Music of Bland, Virginia. He was a member of the Friendship Dance Club of Bluff City, TN.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Kilgore; an adopted daughter, Sharon Kilgore of California; two step-children, Laura Smith of Richmond, VA and Lucian Smith in Aylett, VA; his step-mother, Hazel Kilgore Nix of Grand Bay, AL; a brother, Johnny Kilgore and wife, Thelma of Indian Springs, TN; a sister, Donna Velie and husband, Jeff of Grand Bay, AL; two step-sisters, Wanda Skeens of Gate City, TN and Betty Murray of Church Hill, TN ; a step-brother, Ray Cress of Church Hill, TN and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Rd., Johnson City, TN 37601; Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church, 3012 Lee Highway, Bristol, VA 24201 or to a charity of one’s choice.

The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 17, 2010 in Akard Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Markell officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Presbyterian Cemetery. The family will receive friends from Noon till 1:00 P.M., Wednesday prior to the service.

Email condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@akardfuneralhome.com