Kenneth Elliot Hall

Knoxville - With profound love and gratitude for a life so well-lived, the family of Kenneth Hall announces his peaceful passing on November 3rd, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 4, 1940, in Gonzalez, Texas, he brought joy from the very beginning.

From a young age, his spirit, discipline, and determination shone brightly. He attended Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he excelled as an All-American diver. His love of the sport earned him a diving scholarship to Texas Tech University before he transferred to the University of Tennessee his junior year, a school that would become central to his heart for the rest of his life.

He went on to earn his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he served proudly as President of his legal fraternity. After graduation, he balanced his passion for law and his love of diving, serving as the diving coach alongside Ray Buzzard while practicing law with the firm Edgerton, Macaffey, and Davis.

In 1959, he married the love of his life, Janie, beginning a marriage that has been a shining example of devotion, partnership, and enduring love for 66 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and deep family roots.

An avid golfer, he found joy and peace on the course. Over the years, he recorded an impressive seven holes-in-one and had the privilege of playing some of the world's most iconic courses including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and Augusta National. A loyal member of both Green Meadow Country Club and Cherokee Country Club, he cherished not only the game but the friendships it brought.

Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Janie raised four daughters, and he poured his heart into their lives coaching, cheering, and supporting them through every swim meet, track event, and milestone. He reveled in the role of "Dad" and "Bigdad," his joy multiplied through his ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, each one knowing his unconditional love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, A.T. and Mickey Hall, his sister Betsy Hall, his in-laws John and Ginger Lambert, brother-in-law Johnny Lambert, sister-in-law Patsy Carrick, his infant son Kenneth Hall Jr., and his beloved daughter Cathy Cook.

He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife Janie, his daughters Margie Hall, Patricia and Andy Long, Christy and Jason Shymlock, and John Cook. His cherished grandchildren include Katie and Russell Morrell, Chad Cameron, Jessica Cook, Courtney and Sean Motika, Cal Cook, Reagan and Zach Mead, Drew Long, Bailey and Galen Elcan, Hayden Shymlock, and Cooper Shymlock. He also leaves behind his adored great-grandchildren: Mary Catherine and Ram Morrell, Clover Motika, and Conley and Klein Mead. His siblings George Hall, Ronnie and Jean Hall, Deborah and Neil Oakley, his sister-in-law Peggy McCord, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A man of deep faith, he was an active member of Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, where he participated in the FISH program and men's Bible study at Cherokee Country Club. His faith inspired a quiet but powerful ministry: each year, he compiled the church's sermons into a book, delivering copies to inmates at the Blount County Jail to bring them comfort and hope. For over 30 years, he also provided Christmas gifts for five local families personally delivering them each year with a heart full of joy and humility.

He was a loyal and passionate supporter of the University of Tennessee, a T Club member and longtime season ticket holder for both football and basketball. He was inducted into the University of Tennessee swimming Hall of Fame in 1997 and proudly wore his 1978 National Championship ring for the University of Tennessee swimming and diving team. He was a true Vol for Life.

His kind and generous heart was his greatest gift, a guiding force that touched everyone who knew him. His steadfast love for his family, unwavering faith, and genuine care for others defined a life that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to share it.

Though he has left this world, his legacy of love, kindness, and faith will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew him. Kenneth now walks side by side with his Heavenly Father, free of pain and worldly burdens.

A memorial service will be held on November 8th at Sequoyah Presbyterian Church in Barron Hall at 3:30 p.m. with a receiving of friends to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church Reach Fund.