William Gilbert Oxendine

William Gilbert (Gil) Oxendine - faithful servant of God, died August 5, 2013 at his home in Knoxville at the age of seventy-eight. Gil was a diaconal minister in the United Methodist Church serving churches in East Tennessee and Texas for thirty-eight years. At the time of his death he was an Elder and choir member of Graystone Presbyterian Church where he also directed the handbell choir. Gil was well known as a tenor soloist, teacher and coach. He was formerly the choral music supervisor for Alcoa City Schools and directed the high school choir. He was mentor to many as a member of Big Brother, Rotary International and Sertoma Club. Gil had a lifelong love for barbershop harmony. For fifty-three years he performed with the Dignitaries quartet, ten time international competitors, all over the country. He also led the Smokeyland Chorus to the international level five times. He founded the Johnson City barbershop chorus, the Johnson City Sweet Adelines, and the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra where he was also the first conductor. He was co-founder of the Johnson City Civic Chorale. Gil was preceded in death by his parents, C.C. and Juanita Wilson Oxendine and his brother, Robert W. Oxendine. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Johnnie Sue Biggers Oxendine; his sister, Rosalie Oxendine Freij of San Ramon, CA; his children, Leslie Fowler, Stacie Farris and John Christian Oxendine and wife Lisa. He has five grandchildren: Miranda and Michelle Price, Danielle Oxendine, Sean Kelly and Morgan Farris. He also has two great grandchildren: Benjamin Harcourt and Gabriel Oxendine. He had a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins and a host of friends. A service to celebrate Gil’s life will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at Graystone Presbyterian Church located at 139 Woodlawn Pike in Knoxville. All current and former barbershoppers are invited to sing with the Smokeyland Chorus for the service. A short rehearsal will be held at 6:15 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Family and friends will meet at 10:00 a.m. Friday at Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel to travel in procession to Clark’s Grove Cemetery in Maryville for an 11:00 a.m. interment service. The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Graystone Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Graystone Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel.

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William Gilbert Oxendine

October 1, 1934 - August 5, 2013