Sam Wescoat McKinstry, 77, of Charlotte, N.C., died Nov. 26, 2017. Mr. McKinstry was a retired political science professor at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn., where he taught for 35 years. A graduate of De Soto High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in Fulton. He worked as assistant vice-president of American Bank of De Soto, then earned master’s and doctorate degrees in South Asian studies from the University of Missouri in Columbia. He was a president of the South Eastern Association of Pre Law Advisors and associate editor of the Southeastern Political Review. He wrote five books and numerous professional articles. He was a railroad enthusiast, needlepoint artist, musician and gardener. He was a member of the board of the Grand Trustees of Sigma Chi, past prior of St. Andrew, Sovereign Military Order Temple of Jerusalem, and a member of Preceptory of the Highlands. He also was an member emeritus of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was a member of Munsey United Methodist Church in Johnson City, Tenn., and Providence United Methodist Church in Charlotte. Born March 29, 1940, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Virginia Wescoat and Karl Virgil McKinstry.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years: Carolee; a daughter: Sarah Keenen (Mark); a son, Senior Master Sgt. Lee Wescoat (Melissa) McKinstry of the U.S. Air Force Reserves; seven grandchildren: Mary Katherine, Jacob, James and Virginia McGowan, Kaelee McKinstry, Joey Sleiman-McKinstry and Marshall Keenen.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Karl V. McKinstry Jr.
A funeral service was held Dec. 2 at Providence United Methodist Church. Burial will be held at a later date at Woodlawn Memorial Park in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Sam W. McKinstry and Carolee P. McKinstry Law Scholarship Fund, ETSU Foundation, P.O. Box 70721, Johnson City, TN 37614.