John Kenneth "Ken" Epley

Kenneth was born November 22, 1922 in Asheville, NC., son of Charles Lee Epley and Madge Robinson Epley. He graduated from Haw Creek High School in Asheville, NC and years later from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL.

Kenneth joined the U.S. Navy on his eighteenth birthday. He served his country in World War II and the Korean War. In May of 1962, after 22 years of active duty, he retired from the USS Observation Island. He then served eight years in the reserves. After 30 years he retired as a lieutenant. He truly loved his life in the Navy where he traveled the globe. He traveled to five continents and went to 34 different countries and islands. He was able to take his family to live in many different places. After retiring he worked for Pan American and Allied Bendix at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral Florida. Working in the Compressed Gas Department, he helped launch many spacecrafts. He started the Junior ROTC Naval Program at Pisgah High School in Canton, NC. He later went to work at the Rosman Tracking Station, again employed by Allied Bendix.

Kenneth was a gentle and caring man, loved and respected buy all who knew him. We will all miss him and the many stories he told of his childhood, and life as a sailor. He was a member of Philadelphoia Presbyterian Church, and the Fred Brown Sunday School Class. He also received the Bain Cane for being the oldest living male in the church.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Ruthe Pittillo Epley, and their two sons, Keith and Kirk; his wife of 10 years, Frances Blanchard Epley; brothers, C.L. and Preston Epley; sisters, Louise Wallen and Frances Young.

He is survived by his daughter, Ginger Bourgeois (Bob); grandchildren, Amy Cooper (Jimbo) and Brent Bourgeois (Stephanie); great grandchildren, Colton, Cassidy, Sterline, Darrien, Bailee, Trace, Chase and Scotty and great great grandson Rhyatt.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, NC .

Memorials may be made to Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 11501 Bain School Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227 or United Cerebral Palsy, P.O. Box 220334, Charlotte, NC 28235.

Condolences may be offered online at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.