Gregory McKendry Obituary - (2008) - Knoxville, TN - Knoxville News Sentinel

Gregory Joseph (Greg) McKendry Jr.

MCKENDRY, GREGORY JOSEPH, JR. (GREG) - age 60, of Knoxville, a native of Detroit, Michigan and son of the late Gregory Joseph and Monica McKendry, Sr., died suddenly Sunday morning, July 27, 2008. He was a member of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Terry Malanchuk. Greg was a Chemical Engineer and plant manager for Viskase, Corp. He is survived by his loving family: wife, Barbara W. McKendry; son, Brian McKendry of Berkley, CA; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Jason Kisner; foster son, Taylor Bessette all of Knoxville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara Jean and Lawrence Egan of Livonia, MI, Marilynn and John Smeggil of Simsbury, CT; six nieces and nephews and many friends and loved ones. A private service will be held at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Greg McKendry Memorial Fund for Charitable Works, Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Friends may call at their convenience at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. www.rosemortuary.com

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Published in Knoxville News Sentinel from Jul. 30 to Aug. 1, 2008.

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55 entries

May 27, 2011

Thinking of you today.

CJ Smeggil

August 20, 2008

Barbara, if there is anything I can do, please call on me. It would be my honor to do anything for you that might ease your sorrow. Please know that I'm thinking of you and Taylor and wishing you peace.

Trish Adams

August 11, 2008

Dear Barbara,

It has been so many good years with the opportunity to meet and work with Greg, here in France or in the States. It was always enjoyable, and he turned difficulties so easily to either pleasant challenges or jokes... I was proud of our association !

I was very admirative of his efforts to understand and share positively with other persons, even from another country and culture.

Michèle and I had also good time with you both; no doubt that he loved to make life easy and nice.

It is difficult for me to realize the actual situation; but certainly not difficult to recognize his courage and his desire to help, to even give his life to save many other's.

Michèle and I want you to know that our thoughts will accompany you during the incoming period of time, when life again and again will continue to grow, with the help of Greg's memory, with help of your children and close friends, with help also of your strong energy, refering to the many times Greg told us about it, admirative and supportive.

Nous t'aimons et prions pour que ta vie continue à dispenser à nouveau tant de bienfaits.

Daniel & Michèle Le Goff

Daniel LE GOFF

August 8, 2008

We were all deeply saddened by the event that took Greg's life. Greg has always brought great joy to us. It meant so much to us how he organized a birthday cake for Haley and Brooklyn during the ski club's Chamonix trip and bought them gifts during the trip. Greg truly had a heart and spirit of gold. We are happy in knowing that Greg is with God now but he will be lovingly missed by all who knew him.

Rick, Stella, and Haley Lawhorn

August 7, 2008

Barbara and Family,

I worked with Greg in Osceola for many years and never found a better man to work with since that time.

No one will know the numbers of people Greg help through the course of his life, as he did not seek headlines.

Untold numbers of children have finished college due to the establishment of scholarships which was Greg's idea to support the needy in the community.

He was a great teacher, that taught us lessons not only in the course of our work but in the course of our life.

His demonstration of compassioon for others has tempered my view and has made me a better person by this association.

The world is a better place by having Greg being part of it.

In time I trust your sorrow will be replaced by the joy of memories that Greg provided to so many.

He was a hero in more ways than many will ever be told.

God Bless and comfort you and yours.

Roy Campbell

Dallas, TX

Roy CAMPBELL

August 4, 2008

Dear Karen and Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please know that we are grieving with you and are here for you.

Sincerely,

Lindsey (Waller) & Jeremy Cantrell

Lindsey Cantrell

August 4, 2008

Barb & Family:
Greg was an very kind and generous person. So many times I heard these words, "What can I do to help?" I will especially miss him around picnic time. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Margaret Kirkland

August 4, 2008

Barbara, Family, and Friends of Greg:
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. I knew Greg from working at Viskase in Loudon and was terribly shocked to hear of his tragic death. He was a very intelligent man and always kept conversation interesting and humorous. Greg will be missed by all that knew him.

Scott Brackett

August 1, 2008

Brian and the McKendry family,

My heart goes out to you in this sad time. Losing a loved one is always hard and I hope the outside world gives you the privacy you need to recovery from the losing Greg.

George Gondo

August 1, 2008

Tom Leitch

July 31, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I remember Greg and his smile from my visits to TVUUC with my mother, Judy Ann. We hope and pray for peace and comfort for you, your family, and all those who knew Greg.

Carl Langston and Julia, Matthew, Richard, and Mark

July 31, 2008

BARBARA, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of tragic loss. Your loss is felt by everyone,
Greg left a loving memory with those who knew him.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Barbe

July 31, 2008

Barbara,
We want you to know our hearts and prayers are with you and your family.

Rick & Marci Claude

July 31, 2008

Barbara and kids,
I am so sorry to hear about Greg. But I am not surprised by his actions.
He loved people so much! I often think of our fun times at the store. If there is anything I can do, please feel free to E-mail me.

Ronnie Sarrells

July 31, 2008

Greg was a good man. We will miss him terribly.

Urs Stafford

July 31, 2008

To
the family of the fallen hero:
As a native of the Detroit area who went south in 1984, and as a UU
since January 1997, I am filled with sorrow but also a terrible, fierce
pride over the sacrifice of your loved one. The assailant expected to
slaughter a sanctuary of lambs, and found a lion blocking his progress!
I hope as your lives assume the "new normal" that follows such a loss,
you will be comforted by expressions of sympathy from around the
country.

Terri Jo Ryan

July 31, 2008

Barb,
You and Marilyn are in my heart and prayers. I'm so sorry for your shocking loss.

Maureen Power

Maureen Power

July 31, 2008

Barbara,
All of us here at Rolf Lanz are deeply moved by Greg's heroism and saddened by your loss. You and your family are in all of our prayers. May God fill your heart with peace.

Rolf Lanz Sports Center, Inc

July 31, 2008

Dearest Barbara,
There are no words to convay the sorrow we share with you in the loss of your husband and a man we call friend. Because of his selfless sacrifice our child is alive today. We will never forget Greg and will humbly remain forever in his debt. We love you and GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WITH HOPE.

Mike Wilson

July 31, 2008

My deepest condolences to Greg's family and many friends. I never knew Greg, but his actions and life that I have read about assure's me that the world is a little bit smaller and poorer without him.

May you all find peace.

Robert Stottle

July 30, 2008

Barbara and Family,
I go back a long way with Greg. We grew up two houses apart on Stansbury street in Detroit in the 1950's. When I heard the awful news, the "film clips" started playing in my head of our times in the old neighborhood. I last saw him at his Mom's funeral. He always stayed as friendly and good-hearted as he was as a kid, and left a network of family and friends lucky to have known him. I'm honored to have been one of the early ones. My prayers are with you in your loss.

Dave Power

July 30, 2008

Greg was one of the kindest and most gentle men I've ever known. I will miss his strength and his commitment to the betterment of all of us at TVUUC and in our community at large. We have lost a great man.

My love and sympathy to Barbara and Taylor.

Tyra Barrett

July 30, 2008

Larry and I are saddened by the untimely death of your husband and childrens' father. Both Larry and I attended the University of Detroit with Barbara, Greg's sister, and we are close friends with Arleen and Dick Thompson and Barbara and her husband, Larry, since we were in our early twenties. May God be with you
in these trying times.

Larry and Judy Grant
23031 Fleming
Farmington, Michigan 48335

judith grant

July 30, 2008

Our sincere condolence on your loss. We will always remember Greg as a very out going person who encouraged everyone to make things happen in their lives.

Gary and Deby Pickens

July 30, 2008

Mrs. Barbara McKendry and Family:

You are in my family's thoughts and prayers. We truly appreciate Greg's heroism in the midst of the tragedy. We are Unitarian Universalists also from a "TVUUC" (Temecula Valley Unitarian Universalist Community, clear out west, across the country from you, in Temecula, Southern California). Please take care and know that you are loved, and have touched many hearts across the globe.

Dawn Brosius

July 30, 2008

Such tragedy. Greg was a tremendous contributor to the executive education classes he attended at the University of Tennessee and will be fondly remembered by staff and students.

Rhonda Barton

July 30, 2008

Barbara--My sincere condolences to you and your family. I enjoyed working with Greg at Viskase, and especially enjoyed the dinner you and he shared with Anne and me at Le Francais years ago.

Jim Johnstone

July 30, 2008

Arleen and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Greg. We're long time friends of Barbara and Larry Egan and we have fond memories of Greg as the rambunctious younger brother.

Richard & Arleen Thompson

July 30, 2008

Greg,
the first time I met you, I was an akward 17-year-old visiting TVUUC for the first time for Spectrum. You were sitting at the door and greeted me and my friend, Laura, as we entered. From that point, I grew to know you as a familiar face. You gave me comfort and ease each and every time I would see you at that front door. After we grew comfortable with eachother's presence, you wouldn't mind telling a funny joke or asking how I liked the brownies you brought for us. I always looked forward having your face be the first one I saw every time I would visit. I believe I speak for all Spectrum kids when I say, "Thank you for making a difference in our lives."

Travis McMurray

July 30, 2008

Barbara and Family,
Donna and I just wanted to give you our deepest condolences. Greg and I have worked together since the mid seventies and I have many wonderful memories. Greg was a good man and I will surely miss him and our conversations.
Your friend, Jim and Donna Pardo.

Jim Pardo

July 30, 2008

Barbara,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything.

Shana

July 30, 2008

I don't know the Family. But I'm sadden for the loss of your loved one. The Family will be in my Thoughts and Prayers.

July 30, 2008

Dearest Barbara and family
I was glad to know Greg through our Red Hat Society adventures. You are so dear to me and I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Please, know that your Red Hat Sisters are praying for you all over the world.

shirley Perry

July 30, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Richard Love

July 30, 2008

My deepest sympathy for your loss of Greg, he will be missed by everyone that knew him. I worked at Viskase {Loudon} with Greg. You would not find a more respectful man anywhere. He was a wonderful person to be around with lot's of humor.

Tim Dixon

July 30, 2008

Brian and Family,
From San Francisco I heard the terrible news and wish comfort and condolences to your family.

alicia chastain

July 30, 2008

Barbara

I never met Greg. I met you you and Taylor just last month and was so impressed by you and was thus eager to meet Greg who, no doubt, was an awesome person too.

I am holding you and your family in my prayers. I also pray for a world that will have more loving, accepting and understanding people like you and Greg.

Love

Hanna Shapira

July 30, 2008

As former employees of Union Carbide and Viskase, it was a pleasure to work with Greg. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Mary & Bob Wilburn

July 30, 2008

Barbara,

Words are so inadequate at this time but suffice to say that I am so terribly sorry about your tragic loss. Quite naturally you are all in my thoughts and prayers as you start this journey of grief. Even in tragedy God's love is there as he encircles you with friends and family to help lift you up and show you how to go on.

May peace be with you and your family, now and always.

Melissah Bruce-Weiner

July 30, 2008

I lived next door to Greg and Barbara in Knoxville for 10 years . No finer person ever existed. I am so sorry for your loss, as well as our loss, Barbara.

Carolyn Ebel

July 30, 2008

I knew Greg as a Financial Peace University Coordinator. He was great to work with. My prayers are with you Barbara and your family in your loss. Bruce Coleman church advisor Financial Peace University

Bruce Coleman

July 30, 2008

Everyone at Viskase around the world will always remember and love Greg. He was a wonderful friend and teammate. Barb, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of the family.
Howie Mogil

Howie Mogil

July 30, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

jerry and shirley green

July 30, 2008

Greg Was A Great Person Who I Was Proud To Work With At Union Carbide/Viskase Chicago Plant Illinois.
"God Be With Him And His Family"

Micheal Heavrin

July 30, 2008

Barbara and Family
You are on our minds. Please know that our prayers go to you and join yours. Twenty-six years ago Greg hired me as young engineer transferring to Loudon from a Union Carbide plant in WVa. I am grateful and will always remember him fondly. We will miss him, especially at the plant picnic where he served smiles and ice cream. God Bless.

Dave Wasil

July 30, 2008

My sincere condolences on your loss. Greg is a hero!

Kim Isenberg

July 30, 2008

Barbara,

We are keeping you close in prayer.

The Summers Family

July 30, 2008

Barbara, Sorry for the loss. Greg was a wonderful person.

Emma Houston

July 30, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Steve Delancey

July 30, 2008

Barbara,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go forth in the days ahead. If I can do anything, please let me know.
With Love,

Darlene Pollard

July 30, 2008

Friends who knew Greg have described a remarkable man of grace, spirit and courage. May the light he brought to his world be a comfort in your sorrow. You and your family are in my thoughts in this time of tremendous grief.

anne woodle

July 30, 2008

It is with our deepest sympathies that we mourn the loss of Greg. Our prayers are with each family member as they proceed in life without Greg's presence. May the God of mercy and peace bless and keep your family and the congregation of TVUUC.

In Christ,
Jim and Pam Birkholz

Jim Birkholz

July 30, 2008

I had the pleasure of working briefly with Greg. During my short time with him, I find him to be a man of integredy and friendliness. He did a good job for Viskase and was always a pleasant addition to our annual picnic. I enjoyed our many conversations, even after he retired. Greg will be missed and our thoughts and prayers go to his family, the other victims and his church family.

Ron Hopper

July 30, 2008

Barbara and family, May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Larry & Nancy Suffridge

July 29, 2008

Barbara, I am terribly sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.

Mike Murdaugh

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