Herbert Gravitt

Herbert Gravitt, Sr., 98, died Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, in a local health care facility. At the time of his death he was the oldest living and longest standing member of Whitwell First Baptist Church, he was one of the founding members of the Marion County Pachyderm Club, a former member of the Marion County Republican Party, one of the charter members of the Whitwell, Marion County Miners Museum, co-owner of Gravitt Coal Co., owner of Gravitt Trucking Co. The son of the late William Henry and Beulah Rich Gravitt, Herbert was also preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Dorothy Gravitt; brothers, Billy and Bobby Gravitt; grandson, Scott Minter; son-in-law, Sonny Tankersley. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Nancy Tankersley; sons, Herb (Teresa) Gravitt, and William E. "Buddy" Gravitt; grandchildren, Jennifer (Skip) Pond, Roy (Tina) Tankersley, and Shane Gravitt; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Rita Lively, Mary Ruth Barker; sister-in-law, Esther Boyd; several nieces and nephews and special friend, Jewell Shadrick. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Valley View Assisted Living, those who helped to care for the needs of Herbert. Funeral services will be held from the funeral home chapel, Sunday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m. CDT, with Rev. Jerry Massey officiating. Interment will follow at Red Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends today, Aug. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. CDT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Whitwell First Baptist Church, or the Whitwell, Marion County Coal Miners Museum. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com. Arrangements entrusted to Reed Funeral Home, 11675 Hwy 28, Whitwell, TN.