Kenneth Joe Whitehead

Kenneth Joe Whitehead, age 92, of Knoxville, went to be with the Lord on July 3, 2025. Originally from Lone Mountain, TN, he was President of his Class of 1951, captain of the basketball team and valedictorian of Claiborne County High School. He attended the University of Tennessee, majoring in Electrical Engineering, where he met his future wife, Martha. They married June 1955. He proudly served his country as a United States Air Force pilot before embarking on a long career as an electrical engineer with TVA. He was a true country boy at heart—never happier than when he was outside fishing, hunting, or working in his garden, especially tending to his prized tomato plants. His other hobbies included hand-tying fishing flies and spending hours on the lake in his bass boat, rod in hand, waiting for the perfect catch while concocting a story about the “Big One” that got away! With his great sense of humor and distinctive laugh, he loved telling “dad jokes”. He was known for his thriftiness, love of chocolate, and his unforgettable fashion—especially his favorite maroon polyester suit and white shoes, or farmer overalls, that made more than a few appearances over the years. A youth baseball coach for his sons, a fierce cornhole competitor, a lover of shrimp scampi, and as a proud University of Tennessee fan, he never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Vols. Since 1960, he attended Central Baptist Bearden where he was a deacon, co-Sunday School teacher, led Royal Ambassadors and was involved in mission outreach. Ken is preceded in death by Martha, his wife of 66 years; Parents: Tom & Maggie Whitehead, 2 brothers and 4 sisters. He is survived by his children: Donna Potts (Jack), Steve Whitehead, David Whitehead, Michael Whitehead (Crystal), and Nancy Brown (Greg); 10 grandchildren: Heather, Maresa, Bryan, Neil, Hannah, Joel, Seth, Luke, Ethan and Ellie; 6 great-grandchildren: Olivia, Cayden, Allison, Evelyn, Audrey, and Emma. The family will receive friends at Rose Funeral & Cremation-Mann from 12:00-1:30pm Friday, July 18, 2025, followed by the funeral service at 1:30pm. Interment is 3:00pm Friday, July 18, 2025 at Greenwood Cemetery, Knoxville. The family wishes to thank Central Baptist Bearden and their Deacon Connect Care Team for their years of love, service, and support of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Central Baptist Bearden or the charity of your choosing. The service and interment will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/RoseMannHeritage. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.

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Kenneth Joe Whitehead

January 7, 1933 - July 3, 2025