Kenneth Edward Wilkey

The family of Kenneth Edward Wilkey is deeply saddened to announce his passing on February 8, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Sue, children Carl, Karen, and Jason, daughters-in-law Kelly and Ira, grandchildren Caylin, Gabby, CJ, and Taylor, and his beloved granddog Rusty. 

Ken served with and was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps as a radio operator, was a home builder in his younger days, sold insurance, laid carpet, and shoed horses before settling into a career with and retiring as a detective from the Fugitive Division of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. 

Ken had many interests and talents. He was no stranger to first place in Single Action Shooting Society competitions as Wildcat Wilkey, alongside his son, Polecat Carl. Ken played multiple musical instruments:  Guitar, banjo, bass, dobro, even a little bit of fiddle. He had the incredible ability to play for hours from memory alone, recalling lyrics he hadn’t heard in years. 

Ken was a skilled carpenter, building their two homes, putting to life the plan he drew for their mountain home on the back of a cracker box. One of the family’s only regrets is not saving the drawing he did for their house. 

Ken was a longtime member of Morgan Springs Baptist Church where he made lasting friendships and was once the President of the Walden’s Ridge Community Center, involved in many of their musical productions. 

Ken was a friend to many, always lending a hand - helping build, cutting wood, making molasses, whatever his friends and neighbors needed. 

A graveside service will be held, as well as a celebration of life that will be held at 1PM Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Walden's Ridge Community Center, 5364 Dayton Mtn. Hwy Dayton, TN 37321. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Rock (therockphilly.org) where Gabby currently serves, in Ken’s memory. 

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