Kenneth Lee Horton

Ken was born in Pennington Gap, VA, a coal mining community. He joined the Air Force when he was 17 years old and served four years, stationed in Germany. Ken was an aerial photographer for the Air Force, as well as a guitar player and singer for the Air Force Band.

He met his wife, Inge, while stationed in Germany. He and Inge were married and bought a house in Kingsport, TN, where they raised three children: JoAnne, Patricia and Edward.

Ken opened a photography studio as well as went to work in banking. He accepted a job opportunity in Greeneville in 1973 with First National Bank, where he served a vice president. Ken was a member of the Greeneville Lions Club and the Glenwood Ruritan. Ken was also a charter member of the Greeneville Bass Club that he helped start in the mid 1970’s. He was an avid fisherman, winning several local bass tournaments, as well as competing in regional and national events. Later Ken withdrew from competition fishing and enjoyed fishing the local lakes and rivers in our area in his spare time.

He and Inge were able to visit several European countries and were also able to travel to every state, except Hawaii. They enjoyed visiting many interesting places. One particularly memorable trip was an Alaskan train ride adventure in 2008.

In 1982, Ken opened a car dealership in Greeneville, well known as Ken’s Motors. Ken and his son, Edward, sold thousands of vehicles to people in Greene county, as well as regionally and the surrounding states.

During his life here in Greeneville, he enjoyed being involved in church activities at the Greeneville Seventh-Day Adventist Church, of which he was a member. Ken often joined groups singing to patients at the old Takoma Hospital. He would play the guitar for the group.

Ken was known for his kindness and willingness to help others. He was a supporter of Christian education and often donated different types of instruments to those, mostly young people, who showed an interest in learning how to play the guitar or violin.

He is survived by a daughter, JoAnne Horton White; a son, Edward Horton; daughter-in-law, Jackie Horton; grandchildren: Chad (Lindsay) Waddell, Eric (Katelyn) White, Victoria (Chase) Hedrick, Rodney (Christy) Spillman, D.J. (Sara) Morrison, Candy Spillman; great grandchildren: Zoey Waddell, Desmond Waddell, Liam White, Samantha Cruz, Morgan Spillman, Madison Spillman, Zach Gunter, Alexis Spillman, Kinsley Spillman; a sister and brother-in-law: Patsy and J.R. Bailey; sister: Ruth Dalton; several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Ernie (Judy) Roberts; special friend, Laura Saladino, whom he thought of as a daughter.

He was the son of the late Ballard and Sarah Horton and was also preceded in death by his wife, Inge Horton; a daughter, Patricia Horton; two brothers, Carson Horton and Coy Horton; and three sisters: Betty Jo Roberts, Nell Davis and Wilma Jean Horton.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation Sunday, November 19, 2023, from noon until 2:00 pm at the Greeneville Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm at the church. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery (city).

Pastors Nate Nelson, Kent Crutcher and Jeremy Arnall will officiate. Pallbearers will be Chad Waddell, Eric White, Chase Hedrick, Danny Nease, Rodney Spillman and D.J. Morrision.

The Greene County Honor Guard and the U.S. Air Force Honors Team will conduct a military graveside service.

Friends may come by at their convenience on Saturday, November 18, at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to sign the register and pay their respects.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.

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