Catherine S. May

Catherine S. May was born July 9th, 1927 in Knoxville, Tn. and entered into heaven on Dec. 12,2023.

Preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, F. Kyle May,her parents, Rufus H. Smith Sr. and Rena Jones Smith of Knoxville, brothers Kenneth Smith, Rufus H. Smith Jr. and Clarence Smith and one sister, Bonnie Vance. Survived by sister, Lucy Smith Caldwell and sister in law Tommie M. Smith.

Two daughters, Kyleleen May Casteel (granddaughters Kristy & Gus Batista and Ginger & Wesley Speed) and Theresa May Phillips and husband Doug Phillips (Grandsons Sterling Joseph Phillips and Lukas Haynes Phillips), great grandchildren Hunter Speed and Madison Speed.

Several nieces and nephews,friends and neighbors.

Catherine and her husband Kyle built and operated the

Copper Kettle Restaurant on Oak Ridge Hwy in Knoxville before moving to Athens in 1964 and building/operating the Copper Kettle Restaurants for 36 years. In 1985, Catherine started a 30 year career in Pigeon Forge as general manager of the Grand Hotel & Convention Center. She was instrumental in bringing the rod run to Pigeon Forge. She was general manager for Hidden Mt. Resort then went on to oversee all construction of the Clarion Inn Willow River where she managed for 17 years. At 85 years old, she went to work for Tn. State Bank, flipping their repossessed hotels, completely renovating and reopening them and managing until they sold. She was recently named “The Legend of Sevierville Hospitality Association for her dedication and work in Sevierville.

After her semi-retirement, she enjoyed being on her farm in Athens, she loved to mow about 6 acres a week and she enjoyed church, family,friends and a weekend on her houseboat.

She served on several committees and was instrumental in the Englewood Water Tower Restoration Project and getting the water tower restored and listed on the National Historical Registry. She volunteered for Ducks Unlimited and helped at several banquets thru the year.

She loved playing RumiKub and was usually the winner and especially loved time with her sisters, Lucy and Tommie.

She will be missed by everyone that knew her. Her encouraging words will remain with us all.

In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to the following in her honor.

Englewood First Baptist Church Youth Department

Ducks Unlimited

Family will receive friends Friday from 4-7 pm at Englewood First Baptist Church in Englewood , TN with the service to follow at 7pm.

Family and friends will meet Saturday at 12:45 pm at Highland Memorial Cemetery for a 1 pm interment. Condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.comCatherine S. May