William “Kenny” Kenneth Goddard, 64, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on October 3, 2026. Kenny was born on July 12, 1962. He grew up in South Knoxville and attended Doyle High School. He will be remembered as a beloved and cherished presence in the lives of those who knew him, and for the steady warmth he brought to everyday moments.
He loved his children, grandchildren and his dog, Elmo, and those who witnessed that bond understood how profoundly Elmo changed his life—bringing comfort, purpose, and a kind of companionship that mattered deeply to Kenny.
Kenny was always joking around, and his humor was more than a habit—it was a gift he shared freely. He loved making others laugh, and his ability to lighten a room, soften a hard day, or draw a smile from someone who needed it will remain part of his legacy.
Kenny was preceded in death by his father, Harry Kenneth Goddard; and his step-father, David Wood Sr.
Kenny is survived by his mother, Doris Wood; his children, Cigi Gilliam and Kenny Goddard Jr; the children’s mother, Amy; his grandchildren, Laci Gilliam and Lani Gilliam; his great grandchildren, Lukas James, Layla Lynnette and India Marie; his brothers, Greg Goddard and his half brother, Chris (Emily) Goddard; uncles, his uncle, JC Gullett; Leroy (Judy) Goddard and Sheldon Goddard and Virginia Williams; his nephew, Drew Goddard; his aunt, Dee Hixon; his step-mom, Martha Goddard; and his special friends - Berta Ward, Victoria kay and Shirley Kirby.
The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Creekview Health and Rehab.
A committal service will be scheduled at a later date, please check back for service information.
Please visit BerryHighlandSouth.com. to share your heartfelt condolences and sign the online registry.
