William G. Kappa

William G. Kappa, 85, 100 Netherland Inn Road, Kingsport, TN, died peacefully in his sleep August 20, 2013 after a long illness. He was born in Lexington, KY December 17, 1927. William graduated salutatorian from his high school in 1945, and after a tour of duty in the army, he subsequently entered the University of Kentucky utilizing the GI Bill and numerous work study jobs to pay his way. He was a member of numerous honorary societies and received a Bachelor of Science with honors in Mechanical Engineering in 1950.

After a brief job as a travelling apprentice with General Electric, he was employed by Tennessee Eastman where he began work in the Shops and Maintenance Division and eventually rose through the ranks to become Superintendent. He was also an integral part of the Machinist Apprentice program. Affectionately known as "bigfoot" by his division workers, he was remembered as a hands on manager who was always available and on the scene to help with any problem. Before he retired in 1985, he became General Superintendent of Plant Maintenance, Shops & Services, and Power & Services Divisions for the Kingsport facility.

He was a member of Waverly Road Presbyterian Church. William loved the outdoors and was an avid small game hunter and fisherman. He also loved to dance and was a voracious reader. William was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ann Kappa.

William is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Berlina Kappa; daughter and son-in-law, Diana and Edwin Eldredge of Kingsport, TN; son and daughter-in-law, William L. and Janet Kappa of Daytona Beach, FL; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Rosanne Kappa of Kingsport, TN. He is also survived by his loving step-children: Tommy and Evelyn Hicks, Brian Hicks, Jeff and Karen Hicks, Randall and Paula Hicks, and Sharon and Roy Roberts. He was adored by his six loving grandchildren Michael Eldredge, Stephen Kappa, David Kappa, Sarah Eldredge, Jason Kappa, and Laura Ann Kappa. He is also survived by ten step-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm Saturday, August 24 th at Waverly Road Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Daniel S. Clark officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, 1415 Waverly Road, Kingsport, TN 37664, or to the Boy Scouts of America, 129 Boone Ridge Dr. Johnson City, TN 37615.