William Howard Gouge

William Howard Gouge, 81 of Unicoi passed away Thursday, October 19, 2017 in the Johnson City Medical Center. He was a native of Bakersville, NC and was a son of the late Howard and Daisy McKinney Gouge. Mr. Gouge was a member of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Bakersville. At the age of 14 W.H. began working with his dad, Howard in the timber business. He owned Gouge Logging and worked with his sons for many years. W.H. was known as one of the best tree cutters ever. He also worked with his special brother-in-law, Clyde Garland for Local 1831 in Washington, DC. He loved fishing and hunting with his children and grandchildren. He especially loved his great-grandson, William, who was his pride and joy and was with him all through his sickness. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son, Lenny Gouge; two sisters, Helen Garland and Mabel Cook; a sister, Carolyn Gouge; three brothers-in-law, Rev. Dallas Cook, Herbert Taylor and Doug McKinney.   Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Grace Harrell Gouge; two sons, Shane Gouge and wife Melissa of Elizabethton and Shannon Gouge and wife, Regina of Johnson City; six sisters, Marzella Peterson and husband, Malone of Johnson City, Mima Jean Taylor of Fall Branch, Yvonne McKinney of Johnson City, Wanda Davis and husband, Norman of Elizabethton, Katherine Greene and husband, Harold of Johnson City and Jewel Hubbard and husband, Sammy of Elizabethton; three grandchildren, Gabe Gouge, Cody Gouge and Lashanda Gouge Saldano; five great-grandchildren, William Laws, Korbin Gouge, Gabriel Laws, Abigail Laws and Allie Laws; also several nieces and nephews. Entombment services for Mr. Gouge will be conducted at 2:00 PM Sunday, October 22, 2017 in the Mausoleum Chapel of Monte Vista Memorial Gardens, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City with Mr. Rick Peterson providing the eulogy. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The family will greet friends from 1:30 PM until service time. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses. A special thank you to his niece, Madge Hall and sister, Mima Jean Taylor for their love and care through his sickness.Read Obituary