Donald Ray Osborne

Donald Ray Osborne, 78, of Fort Blackmore, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2014 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center (Kingsport, TN). Mr. Osborne was born April 28, 1936 in Slant, Virginia. He was the son of the late John Ray Osborne and the late Laura Starnes Osborne. He lived most of his life in the Slant community, having spent time periods in other areas of Scott County. Mr. Osborne attended elementary school in the Starnes Bluff community of Scott County, as well as Fort Blackmore. In 1952, at the age of 16, he graduated from Dungannon High School. Following in 1956, Mr. Osborne graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, with a minor in Mathematics, from Emory & Henry College (Emory, VA). He returned to his alma mater, Dungannon High School, as a teacher in the fall of 1956. In 1957, Mr. Osborne joined the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, SC and was then stationed at the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, MD. To fulfill a teacher shortage in the area, Mr. Osborne returned home to Scott County in 1959. For the next 32 years, he dedicated his life to educating thousands of students at Rye Cove High School in various subjects of science and math. It can truly be said that he was a loyal, hardworking, and true champion for each and every student that entered his classroom. Teaching was more than just a career to Mr. Osborne. It was a passion and the testaments of the many, many students touched and changed by his service will forever stand as reminders. Mr. Osborne was also an avid farmer and enjoyed raising bountiful garden harvests. He was known by all around him for his kind, generous, and giving nature. He had a sense of humor that would bring a smile to any face and he could light up any room with his stories of growing up in the country, fishing the Clinch River, and various other adventures. Mr. Osborne was a devout and faithful Christian. He was a member of Slant United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School for several years and also served as the church treasurer. In addition to his parents, Mr. Osborne is preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Osborne; his father-in-law, Ray A. Price; a brother-in-law, Dwight P. Hillman. Survivors include his daughters, Lindsey M. Osborne (Fort Blackmore, VA) and Kari L. Osborne and fiancé Jonathan Albarado (Commerce, TX); sister, Shirley O. Hillman (Fort Blackmore, VA); brothers-in-law, Wendell Price and wife Mary (Kingsport, TN), and Mack Price and wife Linda (Yuma, VA); several nieces, nephews, additional family members, as well as numerous special friends and neighbors, The family of Donald R. Osborne will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Sunday, May 11, 2014 at Carter-Trent Scott County Funeral Home (Weber City, VA). A funeral service, with eulogy by Dr. Todd Cassel, will be held in the funeral home chapel following the conclusion of the visitation. A military graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 12, 2014 at Slant United Methodist Church. Honors will be provided by Hawkins County Color Guard Post #9754. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the church prior to service start time. Family, friends, and neighbors will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Slant United Methodist Church (c/o Jon Pierson, 1214 Ironhorse Drive, Fort Blackmore, Virginia 24250). The family of Donald R. Osborne would like to extend a special thank you to each and every one who lifted up Mr. Osborne and his family in prayer during his extended illness and also to the doctors, nurses, and additional practitioners of Wellmont Holston Valley Wilcox Hall W3 and 3rd floor SICU unit for the care and support.

Donald Ray Osborne

April 28, 1936 - May 9, 2014