The Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill announces the death of Howard David Hembree, age 73, of Ducktown, TN who passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2011. Mr. Hembree was born in McMinn County, TN to the late Joseph Hembree and Nora Mae Allen Hembree Kelly. He was retired from the Cities Service Company where he worked as a drill operator. He was a former member of the New Hope Holiness Church in Copperhill, TN and is a member and attends the Mercy Tabernacle in Benton, TN. Mr. Hembree was well known for his dedication in serving his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He was always thoughtful in helping friends, family and especially strangers. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be missed by all.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Cross Hembree of the home; son, Scott (Hazel) Hembree of Benton, TN; daughter, Connie (Kenneth) Knotts of Copperhill, TN; siblings, Melvin (Sandy) Hembree of Benton, TN, Truman Hembree of Cleveland, TN, Marie Cochran and Bonnie Vines, both of Cleveland, TN; step-father, Lee Kelly of Cleveland, TN; special nephew, Larry Cross; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

A celebration of David’s life will be Saturday, September 10th at 4:00 p.m. from the Akins of Copperhill Chapel with Bishop John W. McCann and Pastor John Prater officiating. Music will be by Frank & Sharon East and Peggy Poindexter. Pallbearers include Nick Hembree, Rusty Hembree, Micah Thomas, Dakota Knotts, Roger Thompson and Larry Cross.

Interment will follow in the Hembree Family Cemetery.

The family is visiting with friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and also Friday evening.

Flowers are accepted but memorial contributions may be made to help defray funeral expenses.

Condolences to the family may be sent to www.akinsfuneralhome.com.

Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill in charge of the arrangements.