Kenneth Ray Chambers

He was born April 1, 1935 and was the youngest sibling of ten born to Jesse Cloyd and Zena Myers Chambers of Cades Cove.

Kenneth grew up an avid athlete. As a grade schooler if he missed the bus he would run to school and arrive there before the bus. He was a football star at Porter High School in the early 1950's and was starting tailback as a Sophomore in 1950 when Porter won the Blount County championship. He played starting tailback in both 1951 and 1952. Porter won the county championship again in 1952. He made All-County in football in 1952 along with four of his other team-mates. He started two years in football at Hiwassee College in 1953 and 1954. He was starting tailback at Maryville College in 1957 and played fullback and linebacker at Maryville College in 1959 at the same time he was on the wrestling team.

While at Maryville College he also belonged to the Air National Guard. Then after college worked for the Guard full time and was deployed to Germany in May of 1962. He was honorably discharged in 1964.

Later to keep physically fit he joined the Knoxville YMCA wrestling team. He played handball for 15 years during which time he won the City Consolation Championship (1970) and was runner-up in 1972.

Kenneth was inducted into the Blount County Sports Hall of fame October 26, 2009.

Kenneth married the love of his life, Faye Larkin Brackin on September 12, 1974. They made their home on the farm Kenneth grew up on and attended Stock Creek Baptist Church.

He worked as a Machinist and retired from Robert Shaw Controls.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his wife Faye and their daughter Janet, his four sisters and five brothers.

He is survived by nineteen nieces and nephews and countless great nieces and nephews. He was "Uncle Kenneth". He always had a joke to put a smile on your face. He was also a "big brother" to one nephew (Odie) who spent a great deal of time at the farm with his Grandmaw and Grandpaw and at that time a wonderfully patient Uncle Kenneth.

Special thank you: Asbury Place Beech House Employees.

Special Mention: Niece: Evelyn White and Great Niece: Lisa Wilson.

To view this obituary online and/or post condolences or memories you may access Sherwood Chapel and Memorial Gardens website at www.sherwoodchapel.com

Flowers may be sent to Sherwood Chapel and Memorial Gardens 3176 Airport Highway, Alcoa, TN or donations may be made in memory of Kenneth to AMVETS Post 22, 3705 Legends Way, Maryville, Tenn. 37801.

Friends and family may pay their respects Friday, March 19 from 9am - 12 pm and 2pm - 4pm at Sherwood Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 3176 Airport Highway, Alcoa, Tenn.

A graveside service will be held at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, 475 Bethel Church Road, Townsend, TN Saturday March 20 at 1pm, Rev. Chris Cupp presiding.