Tim Erwin Gage

Tim Erwin Gage, 59, of Kingston TN died 430AM Sunday, 15 Nov 2015 at Park West Hospital, Knoxville, TN with his brother Randy at his side. His passing due to health complications stemming from a 36 year struggle with severe injuries sustained in an October 1980 Jeep accident. Tim, beloved son of Charles and Captola Gage, was born on 27 April 1956 at the Roane Medical Center, in Harriman, TN. He grew up in rural Roane County south of Kingston, TN and was a 1974 graduate of Midway High School. Following high school, Tim joined the Navy and served from 1974 to 1977. He was onboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy in November 1975 when it collided with the Belknap off the coast of Sicily. News broadcasts at the time showed the Belknap on fire and as the ship burned and the aluminum superstructure melted, onboard munitions exploded. The accident killed seven sailors on Belknap and one on the USS Kennedy. An anxious family awaited news from the Navy about our crew member. He was not harmed and later admitted to the family that he had slept through the incident. Tim was blessed with a God given calm nature, and not easily rattled by perceived crisis situations. His life journey was not travelled on a smooth paved path. Injuries confined his body to a small room in his childhood family home for nearly 4 decades. However, his gentle spirit and positive nature while facing severe adversities has travelled widely. His life has been a blessing to family, friends, and numerous caregivers over these many years. Tim was preceded in death by his father Charles Gage. He is survived by his mother Captola Gage; son Aaron Gage of Lenoir City, former daughter-in-law Amada Gage and grandchildren Ethan and Hanna Gage all of Philadelphia, TN. He is also survived by sister, Lesyle Gage Davis of Kingston; brothers and sisters-in-law, Randy & Ester Gage of Kingston; Bruce & Sherry Gage of Huntsville, AL; and sister, Beth Johnson of Kingston. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and their families: Trevor & Melissa Davis of Kingston; Jared & Shelley Davis of Kingston, Ryan & Holly Johnson of Philadelphia, TN; Amber Johnson of Philadelphia, TN; Bret Gage of Philadelphia, TN, Cassy Gage Turner (Jared) of Hazelgreen, AL, and Joel Ross Gage of Nashville, TN. Funeral will be held on Tuesday November 17th at Kyker’s Chapel, Kingston, TN. The service will follow a receiving of friends from 5PM to 8PM. He will be buried on Wednesday 18 November at Kingston Memorial Garden at 1PM. “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain” His presence, kind heart, and laughter will be greatly missed.

Tim Erwin Gage

April 27, 1956 - November 15, 2015