Roy Foster Kramer

1929 - 2025

Roy Foster Kramer

Born: October 30, 1929 | Died: December 4, 2025

Roy Foster Kramer, age 96 of Vonore Tennessee, peacefully passed away December 4, 2025, at Blount Memorial Hospital. Roy has now rejoined the love of his life, Sara Jo, who preceded him in death in 2013.

Roy grew up in Maryville TN as the "baby" in an amazing family; Parents Russell R. and Alice Kramer; Siblings and In-Laws: sister Emma Jane (Lyman) White; brothers Arnold (Sara); Jack (Margaret) and Frank (Ruth) (all now deceased). That wonderful Maryville family equally included Sara Jo's brother Dr. James (Clariece) Emert and parents J. Rollo and Ruth Emert.

Roy first met Sara Jo (Emert) at Maryville High School. He was an athlete, class president and Eagle Scout and she a pianist, debate champion and cheerleader (for life). Both attended and graduated from Maryville College. Roy served as an officer in the US Army during the Korean conflict. Roy and Sara Jo were married in 1951. He then obtained his Master's Degree from the University of Michigan.

Roy then embarked on a remarkable football coaching career, winning three Michigan high school state championships during head coaching stints at Hudson, Dowagiac, Benton Harbor and East Lansing.

In 1968, he became the head football coach at Central Michigan University compiling a record of 83-32–2. The 1974 team won the NCAA D-II National Championship and Coach Kramer was named NCAA D-II National Coach of the Year. While at CMU he also led the University into NCAA Division I competition for all sports. In 2023, Coach Kramer was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

In 1978, Roy was named Athletic Director at Vanderbilt University, where he transformed the athletic department and its athletic facilities. Roy's leadership skills were quickly recognized nationally and in 1990 he was selected to be Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference. During his 13 years with the SEC, he was the pioneer of conference expansion, conference football championship games, and postseason playoffs for D-1 College Football.

Roy's priority throughout his career as a coach and administrator was the welfare of the student-athlete. That commitment is illustrated by the Men's and Women's "SEC Athlete of The Year Award" presented annually as the Roy F. Kramer Award.

Roy retired from the SEC in 2002 whereupon he and Sara Jo returned to their roots in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

Dad/Granddaddy/Great Granddaddy is survived by his son Steve Kramer (Tina), his daughters Sara Gray Mackin (Joe) and Janie House (Tracy); Grandchildren, Jacob Kramer (Diane), Mattie Ruth Kramer Backman (Mark), Zachary Kramer (Bekah), Kaleb House (Carrie), Adam House (Chelsea), Sara Jane Simons (Caleb); Great Grandchildren – Carter, Kolman, Hazel, Silas, Grayson Roy, Cade, Edith, Sara Cate, Everett, Parker, Evelyn Jo, Simeon and Carlisle!!!;

A long list of beloved Nieces and Nephews from Coast to Coast who he remained closely connected to throughout his life. Family also included Kathryn Poe Switzer, Herb Deromedi and all his players, coaching staff and an endless list of associates too numerous to list but no less family.

Dad was a devout and humble man; he loved his family time with all ages; he treasured hearing from past players and colleagues regaling their shared storied past; he was a gifted orator who humbly expressed himself with quiet beauty. He noticed all those around him…making sure he took donuts to many each Christmas…the Vonore post office, Vonore Quick Lube, gifting the flower girls at Kroger, staff at Rarity Bay and Fort Loudon State Park and so many others that touched his and Sara Jo's lives. His family cannot thank you enough. Special thanks to Roy Camp and Wendy Dockins for all their loving assistance throughout Roy & Sara Jo's wonderful years at Rarity Bay.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, December 11, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Maryville with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. Family and friends will meet at 9:00 AM, Friday, December 12, 2025, for a graveside service at Grandview Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to "Maryville College in Memory of Roy & Sara Jo Kramer", 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804. www.mccammonammonsclick.com