Gary Kenneth Maness

Gary Kenneth Maness, 79, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026, in Johnson City, TN. He was born on January 29, 1947, in Kingsport, TN, and spent his life in Sullivan and Hawkins Counties.

Gary served his country in the U.S. Navy, a service that remained an important part of his life. He also worked at Holston Defense and Palace Vending. He found joy in church, pocket knives, and fishing, and will be remembered for the steady and familiar presence he held in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Maness; his daughter, Tabitha Salyer, and her husband, Tim; his son, Nathan Maness; his granddaughters, Kyonna Salyer and Dierra Salyer Christian, and her husband, Mason; his great-granddaughter, Jocelyn Salyer; and Dierra and Mason's child arriving in March of 2027; his step-brother, Matt Maness, and his wife, Kayo; his niece, Jennifer Mencke-Bowman. Together, they carry forward his memory with love and gratitude for the time they shared with him.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Nora Leon Dean; his step-father, Louie Dean; his father, Roy Maness; and his brother, Johnny Joe Maness. Their memories remained part of the story of his life and the family that surrounded him.

Military graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain Home National Cemetery, 53 Memorial Ave, Mountain Home, TN. Pastor Danny Grizzle and Rev. Luther Russell will officiate, and military honors will be provided by American Legion Post #3 of Kingsport and Post #265 of Gate City. Family and friends are welcome to gather at 10:45 am at the cemetery for the graveside service.

Gary Kenneth Maness will be remembered with affection by his family and by all who knew him. His life was marked by faith, work, service to his country, and the simple pleasures he loved, and his memory will remain a lasting blessing.