Nan Runion Obituary

Nan Baxter Runion June 14, 1930- July 11, 2024

ERWIN - Nan Baxter Runion, age 94, of Erwin, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Johnson City Medical Center. Nan was a native of Unicoi County and a daughter of the late N.L. and Ethel Willis Baxter. She was one of a kind. She was a caregiver to her family and carried children to church her entire life. Nan would often cook for others, take groceries when needed, and made amazing soup to share. She was always willing to help and serve others and enjoyed domino games around the table. She will surely be missed by all. In addition to her parents, Nan is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas "T.J." Runion; one daughter, Sheila Story and her husband Larry; one brother, Bill D. Baxter; and sisters: Eleanor Bacon, Gladys Squires, Thelma Clouse, Elsie Frater, Martha Dick, and Glenna Hall.

Nan was the oldest active member of Ninth Street Baptist Church, having attended since 1942, where she was a member of the Ruth Class. Nan was employed by the National Casket Company for 15 years and retired from Texas Instruments in 1991, after 15 years of service.

Nan Baxter Runion has left behind to cherish her memory: daughter, Patty Wilcox (Ron); six grandchildren: Justin Wilcox (Becky), Marcus Wilcox (Shana), Angie Vaughn (Shannon), Wayne Story, Andrea Viles (Phillip), and Jennifer Shelton (Tim); 12 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Nan Baxter Runion in a funeral service to be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at Ninth Street Baptist Church. Dr. Allen Davis and Dr. Chris Ward will officiate. Musical selections will be provided by the choir at Ninth Street Baptist Church and by Joey Lewis. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 1:00 pm on Sunday and will continue until 3:00 pm, at Ninth Street Baptist Church. A graveside committal service with be held in Evergreen Cemetery at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Those attending the committal service should meet at Evergreen Cemetery by 10:50 am on Wednesday for the service. Serving as active pallbearers will be Ronnie Wilcox, Marcus Wilcox, Justin Wilcox, Wayne Story, Phillip Viles, Tim Shelton and Shannon Vaughn. Honorary pallbearers will be Nan's great-grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Nan's name to Ninth Street Baptist Church's Van Fund or Children's Committee, 310 9th Street, Erwin, TN 37650.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Nan Baxter Runion through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N Main Ave., Erwin, TN 37650. (423) 743-9187.