John Thurman Trinkle Sr.

October 14, 2015

Kingsport, TN John Thurman Trinkle, Sr. 75, returned to his heavenly home on October 14, 2015 after a valiant battle with a long illness. He was baptized at the Methodist Church in Appalachia, VA. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. Johnny was born to the late O.W. Trinkle and Helen Gibson Trinkle, in Norton, VA on February 9, 1940. He was a graduate of Appalachia High School and entered the United States Air Force in 1959, where he served as a heavy equipment operator until 1964. Johnny worked for the city of Madison, WI as an animal control officer before joining the Madison Fire Department. He attended the University Of Wisconsin Medical School and graduated with the first class of paramedics in the state of Wisconsin. He was a charter member of the Wisconsin Paramedic Seminar Committee. Upon retirement in 1990, Johnny relocated to Kingsport, TN, where he became active with the Jericho Shriners. He transported many children to the hospital for treatment and enjoyed being a help to those families. Johnny was a 320 Mason, a member of Moose Lodge 972, a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. He is survived by two sons, John Trinkle, Jr. (Kim) of Oregon, WI and Thomas Trinkle (Karen) of West Bend, WI; his daughter, Michelle Miechowicv (Steven) of Madison, WI; six grandchildren, Rebecca, Brett, and Tabatha Trinkle, Timothy McGowan as well as Alyssa and Trevor Miechowicv; one great grandchild, Nolan McGowan; two sisters, Gladys Flora of Boones Mill, VA and Sue Brown (Burnette) of Dryden, VA; brother, Stanley Trinkle (Sherry) of Jonesville, VA; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, at the Roy A. Green Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Wallace Amos will deliver the eulogy. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. before services. Military graveside honors will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.