Kenneth Ray McAnear

Kenneth Ray McAnear, aged 91, passed away on April 12, 2025, following a brief illness. Surrounded by family, he often complained in jest that Jesus was calling him home, but his children kept dragging him back. We are comforted to know that Ken is finally at rest in his eternal home.
Born on October 7, 1933 Ken grew up in Mexia, TX where he graduated high school and worked part-time at the local gas station. While studying mechanical engineering at Texas Tech, Ken became actively involved in the Baptist Student Union where he sensed a growing call to ministry. He met Ann, his wife of 62 years, while leading a revival service in her hometown church. Over the next months he affirmed his call to ministry and a commitment to marriage. He and Ann married in 1953 and together had three children: Truett Paul, Kendra Lu, and Martha "Marty" Evelyn. Ann passed away in 2015.
Ken was an ordained Southern Baptist minister with a long career in denominational service and leadership. After serving pastorates in Texas and Michigan, he was called to serve at the Baptist Sunday School Board in Nashville as a sales representative for Broadman Books and later as Office Supervisor within the Training Union Department. In 1967 Ken was called to serve as Director of Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center in Ridgecrest, NC; a ministry he found deeply meaningful and a "home" where he was affectionately known as "Mr. Mac" for 25 years until his retirement in 1992.
Following retirement Ken pursued many interests and hobbies including gardening, home improvement, woodworking, and making tiny furniture for Ann's doll collection. But no interest surpassed his deep commitment to Bible study and a passion for understanding Scripture. He taught innumerable Bible studies over the years and wrote his own personal commentary on many books of the Bible as a means of documenting his own learning and ongoing questions. Ken never tired of learning or of growing his relationship with Christ.
He is survived by children and spouses: Paul and Sharon (Myers) McAnear, Kendra and Gary Rivoli, and Marty McAnear; grandchildren and spouses: Erin and Matt Mullican, Matt and Camille (Vernon) McAnear, Rachel and Scott McGalliard; and great-grandchild, Avery McGalliard. He will also be remembered by hundreds of Ridgecrest staffers who were blessed to be a part of his extended Ridgecrest "family".
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date where Ken's cremains will be laid to rest beside his wife in a private family memorial garden in east Tennessee. Anyone wishing to share a memory, tribute, or expression of support for the family is encouraged to write on the electronic guestbook at Shannon Funeral Service in Shelbyville, KY.:
https://www.shannonfuneralhome.com/obituary/kenneth-mcanear
Contributions in honor of Ken to causes he loved are also welcome:
The Ridgecrest Foundation at ridgecrestfoundation.com
Pat Summitt Foundation at patsummitt.org