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Kenneth Thorne Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Kenneth A. Thorne (KAT), age 60, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, March 24, 2017. Member of Grace Baptist Church for 21 years. A wonderful man who set the standard of excellence in all aspects of life. Taught 4th grade Sunday school for 17 years. He was a dedicated icon in the valve industry for 42 years and was a member of the sales team at Pentair for 15 years. Best friend and soul mate to his wife of 27 years. Exceptional husband (KATMAN), father, peepaw, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and great uncle A beautiful soul, generous, kindhearted, forgiving, compassionate, loving devoted man of God. Influential in leading others to Christ. He was an avid Georgia Tech and St. Louis Cardinals fan and a huge supporter of the Bearden High School Rugby team. Loved by all that knew him.
Preceded in death by father, Thomas Thorne; grandmother, Barbra Gheer; and grandfather, Harvey Day. Survived by wife, Paula Thorne; children: daughter, Tonya McGimsey; son, Mike McGimsey, Jr. (fiancé Ashley Masengill); grandchildren, Damon McGimsey, Ethan McGimsey, Landin McGimsey, Talyn Walker. parents, Lee and George Forzly; sisters, Cynthia and Byron Reynolds, Terry and Danny Tingler and Kathleen Thorne; sister-in-law, Anna and Wayman Pritchard; nephew, Jim and Susan Lawson; niece, Niki Reynolds; great-niece, Rachael Lawson.
Pallbearers: Mike McGimsey, Jr., Damon McGimsey, Ethan McGimsey, Landin McGimsey, Jim Lawson, Jason Galloway, Bob Strege, Byron Reynolds. Honorary pallbearers: The Bearden Rugby Team. Officiating: Reverend Ron Stewart and Reverend Todd Stewart. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association 4660 Old Broadway Street Knoxville TN 37918. Visitation will be on Tuesday March 28 from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at Grace Baptist Church, 7171 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville, TN 37931. Family and friends will be meeting at Berry Highland Memorial on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. for an 11:00 a.m. Graveside service at Berry Highland Cemetery. Friends and family may leave their condolences at www.highlandmemorialknoxville.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Thorne
Sponsored by Berry Highland Memorial.
Lee Forzly
June 13, 2019
My dearest son...It has been two years and the pain of your loss lingers. There is not a day that passes
that I don't think of you and the part of my heart that is gone forever. I know you would want me to feel
comforted and I am most grateful to our Lord that
He has brought you into his kingdom where we
will again be together. I have always loved you and you have always been "special" to me .I love you son
mom
Bob & Mary Strege
March 23, 2019
His smile and dedication to his God, family and friends will never be forgotten. He was a blessing to everyone he met.
Mary Sellers
April 2, 2017
He was a good neighbor. We will miss his smile and good nature. May the good Lord give you comfort and peace
Fred and Mary
Always smiling! Love you ratman! No idea where or why I started calling you that silly name. It is an honor a blessing to be called your daughter.
Tonya
March 30, 2017
Tonya Mcgimsey
March 30, 2017
Tonya Mcgimsey
March 30, 2017
Tonya Mcgimsey
March 30, 2017
Tonya Mcgimsey
March 30, 2017
Tonya Mcgimsey
March 30, 2017
Karen & Willie Lummus
March 30, 2017
We both had the pleasure of knowing Kat many years ago. I was fortunate to be at many Tech basketball games and played several hundred softball games with him, he was a great guy! He was in Karen's wedding to Steven and Steven's roommate way back when too. We are very sorry to hear of his passing and will keep the entire family in our prayers. We are deeply saddened but so glad he had his relationship with our lord & savior and is looking down on all of us with that great, sly smile!
Steve Shannon
March 29, 2017
Kenny was always a pleasure to do business with in the valve industry. He was a fine gentleman and he will be missed far and wide. May he rest in eternal peace.
Ted Jones
March 29, 2017
Paula and family, I am sorry to hear about Kat. He was a great friend and mentor when I started my career. I have many found memories of the time we spent together. His smile will last forever!
Justin Gilbert
March 29, 2017
He was the best Sunday School teacher ever! And he made me laugh a lot. He was a really good guy. I will miss him a lot! Love Justin
Sheena Henderson
March 28, 2017
Paula, so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Mary & Joe Shaw
March 28, 2017
Lee & George, your family and you have our deepest sympathies in the loss of your precious son. There are no words . . . May the love and comfort of Jesus Christ surround and fill each of you. May He draw you and yours more deeply into His love as you walk with Him through this time of sorrow. Love & Prayers to you.
Nikki Johnson
March 28, 2017
This breaks my heart. He was always so nice to talk to at rugby games and always had a smile on his face for everyone. I will really miss seeing him at the field.
Carrol & Paul Noce
March 28, 2017
Paulette. We are so sorry for your loss. Kat was a wonderful person. I would joke with him and he would give me that smile. I will miss that. I know you are so sad. God has him now and God will give you the strength to go on. I love you very much. My prayers will go with you and I hope they will help comfort you. May he RIP
Bob & Mary Strege
March 28, 2017
Paula & Family, let us share our condolences and let you all know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know now he is completely healed in the Kingdom of God and Heaven has received a new Saint. His kindness and friendship was such a gift to all that knew him and his smile was always there to lift you up. We were blessed to have him as a friend and have all the fun and wonderful memories. Love You..
Shirley & Chuck Schauerman
March 28, 2017
Paula and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Elaine Stout
March 27, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss, Paula. My thoughts and prayers are with you, during this difficult time. How wonderful to know that he is safe with Jesus.
Elizabeth Thompson
March 27, 2017
Paulette,so sorry to here Kat has left us.I never got to meet him but I know he must of been a wonderfull. man. Wish I could have been there for you but we have a family member we have to go to the funeral at the same time in Tellico.
you will be in my heart and mine. Remember I love you if you need someone to talk to at anytimen call me.and most of all come to see me.
love you, Elizabeth Thompson
Michael Stephens
March 27, 2017
We first met Kenny as a rambunctious pre-schooler in WV, later reconnecting at a funeral. It brought great joy and relief to become acquainted with the Godly man he had grown into. May our Lord bring you comfort as you celebrate his life with the knowledge that Kenny is enjoying an even better life in God's presence.
Carlton and Louise, Mike and Sherry Stephens
Terry Timgler
March 27, 2017
I feel like a part of me is missing!
You will always be with me in my heart!
I'll love you forever dear brother!❤
Kathleen Thorne
March 27, 2017
Kenny you are not only my brother, but my mentor and my friend. Your unconditional love, mercy and forgiveness set a true example of who Jesus was in yours. I thank God for you not only in my life but the lives of all the other people you've touched, nurtured and loved. I love you forever and will miss you beyond words that can be spoken. May God be with all your family and friends through this very difficult time. I love you brother!
Geneva Raby
March 27, 2017
So sorry for your loss Paula. Praying for you and your family.
Tab MacDonald
March 27, 2017
Words cannot describe heartfelt grattitude for knowing KAT. He was truly inspirational and all around good friend. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you Paula and family.
Kathy and Danny Folks
March 26, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. Sending up prayers for God's love and comfort to all of those affected.
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