Obituary published on Legacy.com by Kyker Funeral Homes - Sweetwater on Dec. 15, 2025.
Billy Ray "Bill" Kile –
Sweetwater, TennesseeBill Kile, 78, of Sweetwater, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Barney and Mary Kile, his brothers Jim and Jack, and many loved ones who went before him, including his father and mother-in-law, Dewitt and Elize Bradshaw, and his brothers-in-law, Dewayne Powell and Tony Plemons and several nieces, nephews, cousins extended family and friends.
Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandi Bradshaw Kile, their daughters Nikki Jones (Dion), Sunni Kile, B.J. Kile (David), and Cassi Kile. He also leaves behind his beloved grandkids, Jalen Jones, Kaysn Kile (Wesley), Braxton Bell, and Krossley Jones, as well as his sister Peggy Plemons and sisters-in-law Shirley Kile, Deloris Kile, Joan Hall and Beverly Powell. His lifelong best friend of 65 years, Buddy Perry. Bill was close to his many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who adored him.
Bill was the ultimate Girl Dad-proud and always ready to talk about his daughters. He loved showing them off, supporting them in everything they did, and sharing their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. His grandkids were his world, and he was known for being the best papaw around. Whether it was mentoring local kids or cheering on his girls from the sidelines, family meant everything to Bill.
An athlete at heart, Bill was a star at Sweetwater High School in the 1960s and was recently inducted into the Sweetwater Hall of Fame. He continued his athletic journey at Austin Peay University, where he played football before returning to Sweetwater to settle down and start the family he always dreamed of. His passion for sports never faded, and it was passed down to his daughters, who shared his love of the game. Bill never missed a chance to support his girls, whether they were on the field or off.
In his free time, Bill enjoyed spoiling his grandpups, playing golf, watching sports, and unwinding with his favorite westerns. He was a loyal Wildcat and Vol fan. And if you ever saw him, you knew as he was always wearing blue and gold or orange and white-or, more recently, you'd catch him proudly wearing a t-shirt with pictures of his family.
He also worked for many years at Textron in Athens before retiring, leaving behind many friends and a legacy of hard work.
To those who knew him, Bill was more than just a husband, father, and papaw. He was a friend, a mentor, and someone who never missed an opportunity to show love and support. His family, his sports, and his community were everything to him-and that love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with the funeral service to follow at 7:00 P.M. in Kyker's Chapel with Speakers: Jason Pippen and Buddy Perry officiating. Interment 11:00 A.M. on Thursday in the Sweetwater Memorial Park. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com