Kenneth E. Permenter

On the 22nd day of February, 2022, Kenneth E. Permenter passed away peacefully, holding his wife’s hand. Kenneth was married to Gwendolyn Permenter, of Memphis, Tennessee for 57 years. Kenneth and Gwendolyn have two children, Deborah Lynn and Jeffrey William, and his eldest son Kenneth Wayne from a previous marriage.

Kenneth was born in 1940 in Dyersburg, Tennessee. He was the son of William and Laverne Permenter. He had three brothers. Billy Permenter (deceased) of Byhalia, Mississippi. Daryl Permenter of Waco, Texas. And Glenn Permenter of Olive Branch, Mississippi.

Kenneth leaves a legacy of family ties and hard work. First and foremost Kenneth’s family was most important to him. This started when his father passed away at a young age. Kenneth’s ties to his mother and brothers were unbreakable. He would spend all of his life here making sure his family was cared for.

Kenneth loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a part of several churches. He was a youth director, Cub Scout leader and mentored those in need all of his life.

To use two words to describe Kenneth it would be Family and Entrepreneur. He started this when he was just 12 years old. Him and his brother would not only have a paper route, but would sell fresh donuts on Saturday mornings as well. Kenneth would go overseas when he joined the Navy. His time in the Philippines was a part of his life that was so special that he told those stories the rest of his life. When he came back home he joined the Bricklayers Union and became an apprentice and later a journeyman and foreman. This field would keep him close to his family. Over the years he worked laying bricks with his uncle, his brother, his nephew, his niece’s husband and finally his son, Jeff. He left his craftsmanship all over the city of Memphis! He later became the Business Agent for the Local BAC here in Memphis. He was always a proud union member.

The entrepreneur in Kenneth would be something he couldn’t ignore as the years went on. He opened his own masonry company called AAA Masonry, He opened a tire company called G & K Tires, a commercial refrigeration company called A1 Refrigeration, a salvage yard called Fayette County Used Auto Parts, an auto body shop called Lynn’s Auto Body, and Bartlett Towing Service. There would have been more if his wife would have let him. He was always thinking about a new business to go into.

Kenneth did all of this work for his family. He got up every day thinking about how his family would go on when his time came to leave. He lived a modest life. He left everything to those he loved.

His passion in life besides work, was horses. He loved these animals with his dad and then his wife and children. He also enjoyed camping, fishing and talking. If you knew Ken you knew he loved to talk. He never met a stranger. So many of those he met would become very special lifelong friends.

Kenneth was blessed with 3 children, 3 grandchildren, Brandon Champion (Jessica), Austin Thweatt, Jeffrey Permenter (LJ) and 2 great grandchildren Amber and Lincoln Champion. Brandon takes the reins with owning two businesses of his own.

Kenneth leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those he loved…..

A gathering of family and friends for Kenneth will be held Friday, March 4, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A celebration of life service will occur Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. Graveside service will follow at Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Road, Memphis, TN 38134.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Permenter family.