Paul Starnes

Paul Starnes – Gate City, VA
Paul Elmer Starnes, 85, Gate City, VA passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 7, 2018.
Paul was born in Slant, VA on July 29, 1932. He was one of eleven children born to Bartley Johnson Starnes and Emma Taylor Starnes.
Paul joined the United States Marine Corps in 1952 and served on the HMR-262, one of the first helicopter squadrons ever organized in Marine Corp. history.
He continued his military service by serving in the Virginia Army National Guard over a period of ten years with the “Bailey Bridge Builders”.
In 1998, Paul realized his love of oil painting while taking classes at the Gate City United Methodist Church under Dr. Dan Culbertson.
Paul retired from Holston Defense in 1994 after 24 years of service in several divisions, i.e., production, roads, and grounds.
He was a member of the Starnes’ Bluff Evangelical Church.
Paul had several great loves of his life, his wife, Lynda, the U.S.M.C., his children, his family, genealogy research, and oil painting.
He had such a great love and belief in his children, grandchildren, and adopted grandkids.
In addition to his parents, Bartley (1965) and Emma (1993); his loving wife, Lynda Joyce (Ervin) Starnes (1975); sisters, Lora Starnes Liner, Nell Starnes Egan, and Allie Mae Starnes Depew; and brothers, Willie Hascue Starnes and Eddie Starnes preceded him in death.
He is survived by his daughter, Emma Marie Starnes; son, Robert “Rob” Paul Starnes; grandchildren, Christopher, who he raised as his own, Katie Rae, Lindsay, and Tommy; sister, Mary Starnes Browning; and brothers, O. B., Roy Buford, Clifford Dale, and Charles Mack Starnes; his two special friends, Sheila Farmer and Phillip Dingus; along with several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Gate City Funeral Home Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. James “Jim” Harless and Rev. Robert Fletcher officiating. Marcus Smith will be providing the music.
Military graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, VA by the American Legion Hammond Post #3, Kingsport, TN and Post #265, Gate City, VA assisted by members of the Virginia Army National Guard Military Honors Team. His adopted grandkids will serve as pallbearers. Richard Williams, Casey Good, Jake Spivey, Richard “Worm” Little, Dan Jett Mays, Jr., Jessie Clyde Hensley, Thomas William Baker, James Michael Shull, and Jamie and Josh Hensley will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gate City United Methodist Church, 103 Walnut Street, Gate City, VA 24251; Shades of Grace, 313 East Sullivan Street, Kingsport, TN 37660; and By His Blood Ministries Outreach, 127 Garden Drive, Johnson City, TN 37604.
An online guest register is available for the Starnes family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.
Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Paul Elmer Starnes.