Captain Eunice Alonzo Hamblen age 89 of Rock Island, TN, died Thursday, September 24, 2009, at N.H.C. Health Care in McMinnville, TN. He was born on December 28, 1919, in Scott County, TN, graduated from Huntsville High School and Tennessee Technological University, his naval career spanned 32 years as he was a retired captain serving in World War II and last stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Facility in Chicago where he served as supply officer. In retirement years, he was very active in the Rock Island Lions Club as past president and past secretary and also played tennis extensively throughout the United States achieving number 1 ranking in the Southeast in his age group and was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. Captain Hamblen was preceded in death by parents John Russell and Lucinda Bond Hamblen, his wife of 51 years Ruth Proffitt Hamblen, and 12 siblings.
Survivors include sons Dr. James Russell and Carol Hamblen, McMinnville, TN, and Bruce Edward and Mary Ann Hamblen, Jackson, TN, and daughter Eunice Elizabeth Hamblen, Lighthouse Point, FL, grandchildren Michele Hamblen Brandjes (Chris), Knoxville, TN, Douglas Hamblen (Laralee), Oakfield, GA, Jason Hamblen (Genny), St. Joseph, MO, Leann Hamblen Long (Dustin), Chapel Hill, NC, Megan Hamblen, Memphis, TN, Mark Bardsfield, Knoxville, TN, Brian Hamblen, Nashville, TN, Hillary Hamblen, Jackson, MS, seven great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews also survive.

Funeral service is 2 P.M. Sunday, September 27, 2009, in the McMinnville Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Mark Carrigan will officiate. Interment will follow at Friendship Cemetery. Military grave rites will be administered by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. The Hamblen Family will receive friends on Saturday from 12 P.M. Noon until 8 P.M. and again on Sunday from 9 A.M. until 2 P.M. at the parlors of McMinnville Funeral Home.

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