Michael G. “Tank” Townsend, 65, of Elizabethton, passed into the arms of his Lord on Monday, March 23, 2015, at Johnson City Medical Center.
Mr. Townsend was a native of Carter County and a son of the late Carl E. and Jean Townsend. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Carl Wayne Townsend.
Mr. Townsend was a 1967 graduate of Elizabethton High School and was retired from AMF Bowling, Inc. He was of the Christian faith.
Left to cherish his memory include his wife of 30 years, Donna Robey Townsend, of the home; four sisters, Carmen VanMeter and husband John, Linda VanMeter and Mandy Irick, all of Elizabethton, and Susan Heaton and husband Ric of North Carolina; two brothers, Sam Townsend and wife Ely, Philippines, and Richard Townsend and wife Nancy, Coeburn, Va.; several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Danny Deal, Elizabethton; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Cyril Robey and Sheila, Elizabethton; and two brothers-in-law, Rodney and Fran Robey and Tim and Karen Robey, all of Elizabethton.
A celebration graveside service to honor the life of Michael G. “Tank” Townsend will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 2, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Rev. Doug Hinshaw officiating. The inurnment will follow the service. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at Happy Valley Memorial Park at 10:50 a.m. Thursday. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Fresenius Dialysis Center of Elizabethton, the staff of Pine Ridge Health and Rehab Center, the doctors of East Tennessee Nephrology Group, Dr. Martin Tran, and the staff of Ivy Hall Nursing Home. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the Carter County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 134, Elizabethton, TN 37644; or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Townsend family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.