Andrew J. Nidiffer

Andrew married Josephine N. Nave on 2 Nov 1929 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Josephine (daughter of Joel Grant Nave and Mary Lazina "Mollie" Toney) was born on 26 Aug 1902 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 3 Feb 1998 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Caldwell Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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ELIZABETHTON - Kathryn Nidiffer Collins, 85, of 167 Sunrise Drive, Elizabethton, went to be with her Lord Friday, July 14, 2017 at Johnson City Medical Center, with her family and friends by her side.

A native of Carter County, she was the daughter of the late Andy J. Nidiffer and Josephine Nave Nidiffer. Kathryn was a 1949 graduate of Unaka High School and Steed College in Johnson City. She retired from Inland Container Corporation where she was employed over forty years. She married Earl Collins in 1953. They were married 57 years until his death in 2010.

For over 50 years Mrs. Collins was a faithful and active member of Hunter United Methodist Church, where most young people knew her as "Aunt Kat." She loved God and her church family, and devoted countless hours serving in many capacities .... Children's Sunday School Teacher, Treasurer, Choir Director, and was currently the Worship Leader. She was very involved in Food Ministry for the sick and families experiencing loss. Her pantry was always stocked with food ready to prepare for someone in need. Recently she organized a monthly Men's fellowship group where they would sing for their supper. Kathryn was involved in raising money for different causes. Just last month she and several ladies of the church made home-made jam and sold to benefit Missions. She bought many jars herself to give to others. She especially enjoyed her Bible Study Group and trips with her Church Group – she was always ready to go on their next adventure. During her brief illness, her church is what she missed the most. Kat was always feisty and full of wit, even in her darkest hours. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Earl Collins, brother Isaac (Link) Nidiffer, and brother-in-law Jack Perkins.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sister Joann Perkins, brother Jay (Katie) Nidiffer, and sister-in-law Carolyn Nidiffer all of Elizabethton; niece Katrina Nidiffer of Nashville; nephew Toby (Carol) Nidiffer, great nephew Andrew (Alyssa) Nidiffer, and great niece Kerri Nidiffer all of Marietta, GA. Many special cousins also survive.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2017, from 5 to 7 pm at Hunter United Method Church followed by a celebration of life service with Estel Williams, Mike Berry, and Leann (Lou) Crandell officiating, and music provided by David Arney and Nancy Foutch. Graveside service will be on Thursday, July 20, 2017, at 11am at Happy Valley Memorial Park.

Kathryn married Earl Ray Collins about 1952. Earl (son of Maynard Collins and Carma Williams) was born about 1930 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 30 Jan 2010 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Happy Valley Memorial Park, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Wheeler "Jay" Nidiffer, 85, passed away on Monday, February 25, 2019 at Sycamore Shoals Hospital with family and friends by his side.

He was the son of the late Andy J. and Josephine Nave Nidiffer. Jay graduated from Unaka High School in 1951 and Lincoln Memorial University in 1958 after serving 2 years in the Army during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Katie Hodge Nidiffer, son Toby (Carol) Nidiffer of Marietta GA, grandson Andrew (Alyssa) Nidiffer of Woodstock GA, granddaughter Kerri Nidiffer of Marietta GA who are the loves and joy of his life. He is also survived by his sister Joann "PNut" Perkins of Elizabethton TN, sister-in-law Carolyn Nidiffer of Elizabethton TN, brother-in-law Moke (Sue) Hodge of Oxford MI, sister-in-law Joan Hodge of Columbia TN and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extensive family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Isaac "Squeak" Nidiffer and sister Kathryn Collins.

Jay was inducted into the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. He was an accomplished coach on the high school and major college level, mentoring players who would go on to future stardom. He was a three-sport player (basketball, football and baseball) at Unaka High School and attended Lincoln Memorial University on a baseball scholarship. His first coaching position was at Johnson County in 1958. He moved from there to Valley High School in Hot Springs VA for two seasons. His 1960 basketball team, which included professional golf legend J.C. Snead, won the state championship. Jay's professional journey led him to Clinton High School in Clinton TN. In 1960 Jay coached the first integrated High School Basketball Team in the South while in Clinton, Tenn. Stops at the collegiate level included Mercer University, Georgia Tech, South Carolina Aiken, Auburn, Walters State and East Tennessee State University. He was part of Auburn's 1985 Elite Eight team that included future NBA players. He was a two-time Athletic Director at his alma mater Lincoln Memorial University.

Jay served for four years as Chairman of the Carter County Republican Party. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Elizabethton TN.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2019 from 5pm – 7pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel with a service to follow with Pastor Todd Hallman officiating. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2019 at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Family and friends will assemble at 10am at the funeral home to go to the cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Carter County Honor Guard.

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ELIZABETHTON - Joann "Pnut" Perkins, 83, 276 Sunrise Drive, Elizabethton, went to be with her Lord Monday, September 2, at The Hospice House in Bristol, TN.

A native of Carter County, she was the daughter of the late Andy J. Nidiffer and Josephine Nave Nidiffer. Joann was a graduate of Unaka High School and attended Steed College in Johnson City. Joann began working in the local banking industry at a young age, holding various positions at Carter County Bank, Citizens Bank, then serving as Executive Vice President at Watauga Valley Bank. After banking she worked in various roles in different industries then retired from Carter County Highway Department, where she assisted in the office when her husband Jack served as Superintendent.

Joann was a faithful and active member of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church where she participated as a member of the choir, food committee, and visited those who were sick or unable to attend. She was a Sunday School teacher, Children's Choir Director, and member of the Adult Choir at the church where she grew up. She was also an active member of the Carter County Republican Party where she served as Secretary for multiple years. She was voted Republican of The Year in 2018.

Joann dearly loved her church family. During her illness, attending church is what she missed the most. She was always witty, hopeful, and positive even in her darkest hours. "Tomorrow will be better" she would always consistently say. Tomorrow has come. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

In addition to her parents Joann was preceded in death by her husband Jack Perkins, brother Wheeler (Jay) Nidiffer, sister Kathryn Collins, Brother Isaac (Link) Nidiffer, and brother-in-law Earl Collins. Those left to cherish her memory include her sisters-in-law Katie Nidiffer and Carolyn Nidiffer both of Elizabethton; niece Katrina Nidiffer of Nashville; nephew Toby (Carol) Nidiffer, great nephew Andrew (Alyssa) Nidiffer, and great niece Kerri Nidiffer all of Marietta, GA; special cousin Jan Showalter, Johnson City. Many cousins, extended family, and special friends also survive.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 4, from 5 to 7 pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel, followed by a celebration of life service with Rev. Mark Fowler and Rev. Bobby Stout officiating and music provided by Greg Ruston, Katrina Nidiffer, and Tawana Holland. Graveside service will be on Thursday, September 5, at 11am at Happy Valley Memorial Park.

Active Pallbearers will be Junior Stanley, Alex Campbell, Clarence Reed, Larry Vaughn, Jr., Richard Thompson, Tony Bowers, Andrew Nidiffer, and Hugh Buckles. Honorary Pallbearers include Rick Meredith, Johnny Holder, Rick Cates, Johnny Ledford, Larry Vaughn Sr., Frank Buchanan, Dean Pearce, Jerry Bowers, Doug Graham, Eddie Nidiffer, Braylon Campbell, Brogen Campbell, and the ladies of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church.