William Pentecost "Bill" Kenyon

William Pentecost "Bill" Kenyon, 93 of Hayesville, NC passed away Monday, April 17, 2023 in a Murphy care facility. Bill was born March 20, 1930 in Gainesville, GA.

Bill graduated from Gainesville High School, Gainesville, GA in 1947. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology where he was a member of the cross country track team and the Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 1951, Bill graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Management and completion of the NROTC program. He served in the United States Navy from 1951 (ESN) to 1954, attaining the rank of LTJG.

Following his naval service, Bill and Tallulah returned to Gainesville, GA where he worked for the Ralston Purina Company. In 1962, the Kenyons relocated to the metro Atlanta area. Bill pursued a career in residential and commercial real estate appraising. He eventually established his own real estate appraising business. Professional memberships and activities included the Georgia Association of Assessing Officers (G.A.A.O.); International Association of Assessing Officials (I.A.A.O.); author of numerous articles for "The Georgia Property Tax News" and the "Atlanta Appraiser"; and instructor for several courses sponsored by the G.A.A.O.

In 1993, Bill and Tallulah retired to Clay County, NC. Bill had a great love for the outdoors and concern for the conservation of natural resources. He exemplified this commitment through his endless volunteer service hours with the Mountain High Hikers, US Forest Service Tusquittee District, and the development of the Jack Rabbit Trail system. Bill co-authored a guide book of the Chunky Gal Trail and Fires Creek Rim Trail. His news column, "Hiking with Bill Kenyon" was featured in the Smoky Mountain Sentinel.

He had a special desire to serve others and led by personal example. Bill volunteered with the Hinton Rural Life Center, serving and assisting families in Cherokee and Clay Counties. As a member of Hayesville First United Methodist Church, he was active on the mission and outreach committee, the building committee, church choir, and his Sunday school class. Bill also volunteered with the Clay County Food Pantry and Meals-on-Wheels. In February 2003, Bill was a recipient of the Governor's North Carolina Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

Although, Bill's physical presence is no longer with us, his gentle and humble spirit continue to hike the beautiful trails of our North Carolina mountains.

He was the son of the late Edgar Duskin Kenyon and Desma Pentecost Kenyon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Doris Anne Kenyon, brothers John Edgar Kenyon and Allen Richard Kenyon, and sisters Mary Duskin Kenyon Rhew and Cecelia Marie Kenyon.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Tallulah Williamson Kenyon, daughter Deborah Lynne Kenyon of Hayesville, NC and twin sister Elizabeth Pentecost Kenyon Dalton of Richmond, VA; nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service, officiated by Rev. Kirk Hatherly, is scheduled for 11:00 AM Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the Hayesville First United Methodist Church. An informal visitation and light lunch will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to the Clay County Food Pantry, P.O. Box 853, Hayesville, NC 28904 or the Hayesville First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 85, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.