J. THOMAS "J. T." CAUDILL, 76, of Whitesburg, Kentucky, went home peacefully to be with the Lord surrounded by family and friends on September 10, 2011 at Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport, TN.

Mr. Caudill was born January 27, 1935 on Little Cowan near Whitesburg, Kentucky and was a son of the late Burnice and Madge Caudill. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Eileen Combs Caudill and 1 sister, Freida Caudill Runyons.

Mr. Caudill was a member of Little Cowan Church where he was deeply loved and called upon often to lead prayer.

He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, having served in the South Pacific and as a Drill Instructor at Paris Island, South Carolina. Mr. Caudill retired from the United States Postal Service. He was also a member of the Fields Masonic Lodge in Cumberland, Kentucky.

J. T. was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed worshiping the Lord and visiting with family and friends. He was also an avid fisherman and liked relaxing at Cherokee Lake.

Survivors include his wife, Geneva Carol Caudill; 1 son, Douglas Wayne Caudill; 1 daughter, Sherrie Brown; 1 stepdaughter, Jill Kent; 1 sister, Barbara Halcomb; 4 grandsons; 4 granddaughters; nephews, nieces, and a host of loving relatives and friends.

-Written by the family