Sam Wescoat McKinstry

Christian, scholar, professor, community leader, friend to many.

Sam Wescoat McKinstry passed away on November 26, 2017. He was born in St. Louis, MO to Dr. Karl Virgil McKinstry and Virginia Wescoat on Mar 29, 1940. Sam was a graduate of DeSoto High School, Desoto, MO. He earned a BA from Westminster College, Fulton, MO where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity (Delta Tau). While attending Washington University Law School, St. Louis, MO he met, coed, Carolee Porter. They were married in 1964. Sam worked as Asst. Vice President, American Bank of DeSoto before continuing his higher education. He graduated from University of MO, Columbia, MO with a MA, PhD specializing in So Asian Studies. He is listed in Who’s Who editions: Asian Scholars, American Law, and American Colleges and Universities. He is listed in Personalities of the South and Outstanding Young Men of America. “Dr. Sam” was a professor, mentor and scholar, “A Bridge Builder”. He was Faculty Emeritus at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN where he taught for 35 years in the Political Science Department. He was a certified Paralegal. He was a prolific writer of 5 books and numerous professional articles. Dr. McKinstry was past president, South Eastern Association of Pre Law Advisors and associate editor of Southeastern Political Review. He presented a paper at the Oxford Round Table, Oxford, England. Sam was a man of integrity and moral character. In Sigma Chi he was a member of the Board of Grand Trustees and was honored to receive the Order of Constantine. He was past Prior of St. Andrew, Sovereign Military Order Temple of Jerusalem, and member of Preceptory of the Highlands. He was a member of DeSoto Lodge #119 Am & FM, MO.

Sam was a patriot and historian and belonged to several lineal organizations. He was an Emeritus member of Sons of the American Revolution: past president of Kings Mountain Chapter, Johnson City, TN and State Chaplain, TSSAR. He was a member of the Crown of Charlemagne in USA. Sam was a railroad enthusiast, needlepoint artist, musician, and gardener. He and Carolee traveled the US and world. Most meaningful was their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Sam loved his Church and Church family. He was an active member of Munsey United Methodist Church, Johnson City, TN serving on numerous committees and was a member of the Virgil Anderson Class. He was currently a member of Providence United Methodist Church, Charlotte, NC and Christian Home Class.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Karl V. McKinstry, Jr.

Sam was a family man and is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carolee, daughter, Sarah Keenen (Mark), son, SMSgt. Lee Wescoat McKinstry USAFR (Melissa), and seven grandchildren, Mary Katherine McGowan, Jacob McGowan, James McGowan, Virginia McGowan, Kaelee McKinstry, Joey Sleiman-McKinstry, Marshall Keenen.

A funeral service will be held at Providence United Methodist Church on Saturday December 2, 2017 at 4:00 PM. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be held at a later date.

Suggested memorial gifts can be made to the Dr. Sam W. McKinstry & Carolee P. McKinstry Law Scholarship Fund, ETSU Foundation, PO Box 70721, Johnson City, TN 37614 or to the charity of your choice.