W.A. "Bill" Felknor, Jr.

Felknor, W.A. "Bill" Jr. passed away peacefully, on October 3, 2015 surrounded by family, at the age of 76. He was born August 17, 1939 in Knoxville, TN, and lived most of his life as an avid outdoorsman, and inventor. He achieved success with his Topsy Turvy Upside Down Tomato Planter, having been recognized by TIME magazine as having one of the "Best Inventions in 2005". He had the #1 selling Stove-top Popcorn Popper in the United States for eight years. He also invented the first colored graphics plastic stadium drink cup ever used in college stadiums, as well as a special "rain cloak" still used today, at the University of Tennessee. He's a graduate of Central High School Class of 1957, as well as the University of Tennessee with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. His storied life included being a cameraman for a fledgling WATE Channel 6 TV station, writing the Hunting and Fishing Column for the Knoxville News Sentinel, and serving in the Army and the Air National Guard. He was regarded by those who knew him as the last of the true "Southern Gentlemen". He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a cherished grandpa. Preceded in death by beloved son, Kurt Wilson Felknor; Parents Margarent and Wilson A. Felknor Sr., and grandparents, and infant sister, Maragaret Anne. Survived by loving wife of 30 years, Joyce Boling Felknor; Sons Britt Felknor, Mark and Matthew Boling; daughter Kristan Felknor Carver; son-in-law Charlie Carver; grandchildren Treven, Alex, Chase, Kinsley, Presley, Andrew, Amber, Anneka, and Ariel; great-grandchildren Lexan, Evan, Nevaeh and Drew; Sister Marian (Robert) Dafferner; Nieces Beth, Dana and Donna; and Nephew Frank. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 pm, on Wednesday October 7, at Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel, Knoxville, TN, with funeral service to follow at 7:00 pm officiated by Charlie Carver. Family and friends will leave Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel at 1:00 pm Thursday October 8 and proceed to Lynnhurst Cemetery for graveside services with full military honors conducted by the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard at 2:00 pm. Online obituary may be viewed and condolences made at www.rosemortuary.com

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W.A. "Bill" Felknor, Jr.

August 17, 1939 - October 3, 2015