Sammy David Gillenwater

Kingsport, TN – Sammy David Gillenwater, 76, of Kingsport, TN, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the VA Mountain Home.

Sammy was born on August 20, 1949, in Kingsport, TN to the late Lee Ivan Gillenwater and Lorene Smith Gillenwater. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and will be remembered for his love of family and the many friendships he made throughout his life.

At Camp Frenzell-Jones in South Vietnam, Army Sergeant Sammy D. Gillenwater was awarded the Bronze Star medal with “Valor” device, by Lt. Commander Edward W. Houy, commander of the 7th Support Battalion.

Sgt. Gillenwater was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic actions while assigned to one of the 199th Infantry Brigade’s line battalions, the 4th Bn., 12th Infantry.

Sgt. Gillenwater entered the Army in March 1969. He was assigned to Ft. Bragg, N.C., for basic training, and then went to Ft. McClellan, Ala., for advanced infantry training. After arriving in Vietnam on Sept. 2, 1969, he was assigned to the 4th Bn., 12th Infantry. While there, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and was the Battalion Soldier of the month in March 1970. He later went to the 7th Support Battalion, working in the Battalion’s headquarters.

Sgt. Gillenwater is a 1966 graduate of Gate City High School.

Upon his return from Vietnam on October 28, 1970, Sgt. Gillenwater resumed his career at Eastman in November 1970.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, David Gillenwater; and his brother, Terry Gillenwater.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 57 years, Joan Gillenwater; daughter, Pam Hutchson and husband, Kyle; grandchildren, Chase Hutchson and Avie Hutchson; brother, Bob Gillenwater; nieces and nephew, Mindy Gillenwater, Amy Pettigrew and Mark Gillenwater.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Gate City Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Wayne McCarty officiating. His daughter, Pam Hutchson will lovingly share some words about her Dad.

Burial will follow at Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, Virginia.

Kyle Hutchson, Chase Hutchson, Avie Hutchson, Ed Dingus, Carl Lady and Bob Gillenwater will serve as pallbearers. Robert Butch Jones, Todd Blakley, and Bobby Carroll will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Hammond Post #3, Kingsport, TN and Post #265, Gate City, VA assisted by members of the Virginia Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of the VA Mountain Home for the compassionate care, love, and support shown to Sammy during his time there.

An online guest register is available for the Gillenwater family at www.gatecityfunerals.com

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Sammy David Gillenwater.