Karl S. Ketron

Karl S. Ketron, 80, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Holston Valley Medical Center surrounded by his family. Karl was born and raised in Kingsport.
Karl graduated in 1951 from Dobyns-Bennett High School where he lettered in basketball, football, and track. He was elected to the all-Southern Conference Football Team. Afterwards, he attended Vanderbilt University and then the University of Tennessee School of Law. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Kingsport.
Karl worked as the General Manager for the W.B. Greene Co. for eight years. Following that, Karl became a Real Estate Broker and a land developer for Bennett Edwards Insurance Agency for years. Before retiring, Karl owned and operated his own real estate agency.
He was past-president of the Kingsport Board of Realtors, president of the Tennessee Board of Realtors in 1976, and a director of the National Association of Realtors. He was named Kingsport "Realtor of the Year" and "Realtor of the Year" for the State of Tennessee.
Karl was past-president of the Kingsport Merchant's Association, board member of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, past-president of the American Cancer Society in Kingsport, and a former- member of the Civitan Club. He was instrumental in helping start the Sheltered Workshop and was a member of the Community Chest. Karl was an avid Gardener.
Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Mamie Ketron. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his son, Karl S. "Chip" Ketron Jr. who died in 1978 at the age of 22 on Mt. Dunagiri in the Garhwal Himalaya Mountains, on a climbing expedition. Preceding siblings include Francis Lee, Jessie McCloud, Ray Ketron, and Mildred Ketron.
Karl is survived by his wife of 56 years, Valerie Greene Ketron; his daughter, Valerie "Reenie" Williams and her husband Gregory Williams of Kingsport; his grandson, William R. Barrett and wife Jessica of Gray; his granddaughter, Sarah Katherine "Katie" Williams of Kingsport; and his great-granddaughter, Kara Leanne Barrett of Gray; a brother, George Ketron of Kingsport; and brother-in-law, William B. Greene, Jr. and wife Linda of Gray.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church with Dr. Marvin Cameron and Dr. Ron Davis officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. A private family burial was held at Oak Hill Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Karl may be made to First Baptist Church of Kingsport, 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660; or the charity of one's choice.