Gerald Dwight Kiser

Gerald Dwight Kiser, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed on to heaven peacefully on July 24, 2024 at the Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, TN at the age of 78 surrounded by his loving family. 

Gerald was born on September 16, 1945, in Duty, VA, to the late Lonnie Kiser and Lillian Cleo McGlothlin Kiser. He graduated from John S. Battle High School, a member of the first class to attend the school from 8th-12th grades. While in school, he was a multi-year wrestling letterman and elected Student Body President in his senior year. Gerald attended Hiwassee College in Madisonville, TN, majoring in Business Administration. Following college, Gerald started his career as a manager for SupeRx Drugs. In 1968, Gerald joined his parents and brothers at Kiser Furniture Store in Abingdon, VA. For the next 52 years, Gerald was a salesman, owner, and ultimately General Manager, forming many friendships and building the company into a pillar of the community. In later years, Gerald mentored and guided the current third-generation owners of the furniture store. 

Gerald worshipped at Victory Baptist Church in Bristol, VA. He was an active member of the Abingdon Rotary Club for many years. Beyond the civic service of the organization, his passion was performing in the annual Rotary Frolics, often going “off-script” to deliver some of his own jokes.

Nothing made Gerald happier than riding his John Deere mower to create the neighborhood’s most beautiful lawn. Other hobbies included bowling, boating on South Holston Lake, enjoying bluegrass (particularly during Rhythm and Roots) and watching reruns of Gunsmoke.

Over the years, Gerald and his wife traveled extensively, at home and abroad. They particularly loved cruises, having set sail on 17 adventures. They also liked traveling with Rotarian friends going to Alaska, New Orleans, the Caribbean, Italy, Ireland, and France.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his sister, Nina Kiser Burson, brother-in-law James Barnes and sister-in-law Ramona Kiser, nephews, Rick Kiser and David Kiser; niece, Robin Harman; and nephew-in-law, David Arden.

Gerald is survived by Mildred Leonard Kiser, his loving wife of 53 years; his sons Steve Kiser and Matt Kiser; his daughter Amy Kiser Dorobek (Dave); his siblings Willis Kiser (Georgia), Clydes Kiser (Shirley), Audrey Barnes, Larry Kiser, and James Kiser (Linda); his grandchildren Adam Rochette, Lauren Traskos, and Alex Rochette; his great-grandchildren Keirnan MacDonald, Lilly Rochette, Henry Rochette, Aubriella Leithead, and Eden Traskos; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the Johnson City Medical Center staff for their compassionate and tireless loving care for Gerald and the family during his last days. A very special thank you to the doctors at MD Anderson in Houston, TX, who turned his 6-week terminal diagnosis into seven months of vibrant, active living.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 29, 2024 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Farris Funeral Service - Main Street Chapel. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Farris Funeral Service - Main Street Chapel with Dr. Austin Cook and Ethan Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Steve Kiser, Teddy Bowman, Todd Bowman, Garett Bowman, Bryce Bowman, Mike Christian, Ron Kirk and David Millsap serving as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. William Handy, John Ray Wagner, Bob Booher, Joey Ratliff, Leighton Bowman, Kenneth Leonard, employees of Kiser Furniture, fellow Abingdon Rotarians, and Gerald’s Bowling Teammates.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Gerald’s memory to the Abingdon Rotary Club Foundation, P.O. Box 485, Abingdon, VA 24212,  or a cancer foundation of your choice.