Marvin Eugene Kegley

Marvin Eugene Kegley April 15, 1941 – June 7, 2025

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV

Marvin Eugene Kegley was born on April 15, 1941, in Erwin, Tennessee. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work, apprenticing as a brick mason alongside his father and uncles, the Kegley men. After graduating from high school, Marvin answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Evreux, France, with the 317th Airlift Wing, a period of service he remembered with pride.

Following his military service, Marvin worked at NFS and later retired from Lowe’s in 1985. He completed his career at Automotive Building Systems in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Marvin’s greatest devotion was to his faith and his church. A dedicated member of Fishery Community Church, he served as Chairman of the Board and was always ready to lend a hand wherever he was needed. Marvin also faithfully served as a member of the Gideons International for many years. His commitment and generosity touched many lives within his church family.

A passionate Tennessee Vols fan, Marvin also supported local high school athletics. In the 1990s, he served as President of the Unicoi County Grid Iron Club for six years, championing youth sports in his community.

Marvin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wade and Ada (Allen) Kegley and Walter and Polly (Engle) Gillis; his parents, Thero and Emma Caroline (Gillis) Kegley; his in-laws, Albert and Mildred (Harris) Honeycutt; his sister, Elizabeth Gilmore; his sister-in-law, Cathy Stancil; his brothers, Lopez, Noel, and Farrell Kegley; his brothers-in-law, Harley Stancil, James Gilmore, Don Halas, and Clay Rogers; nieces: Dottie Lou Gilmore and Brandy Stancil, several aunts and uncles; and a very special uncle who was like a second father to him, Wade Kegley Jr.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Doris Honeycutt Kegley; his daughter, Nicole Kegley-Garland (Anthony); grandson, Seth Kegley Luccas; granddaughters, Emma Elizabeth Kegley, Carolyne Grace Kegley, and Karris Isabella Kegley; sisters: Dorothy Rogers, Margaret Halas and Darlene Lewis (Gary); several nieces and nephews and cousins; and a very special nephew, Chad Stancil.

The Kegley family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Unicoi Funeral Home. Pastor Art Gibson, Pastor Rick Blankenship and Pastor Steve Rice will officiate the 7:00 p.m. funeral service. Music will be provided by Pastor Art Gibson. Committal with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Site) on Friday, June 13, 2025. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Site) by 12:55 p.m. on Friday. Honorary Pallbearers: Anthony Garland, Chad Stancil, Gary Jackson, Lou Thornberry, Butch Allen, Larry Norris, and The Fishery Community Church Administrative Board Members: Chester Buchanan, Tim Harris, Tony Garland, Russell Tapp, Gary Smith, and Roger Banner.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marvin’s memory to Fishery Community Church, 501 Fishery Community Church Road, Erwin, TN 37650. Marvin’s faith, kindness, and dedication to family and community will be remembered always.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Kegley family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. 

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, is privileged to serve the Kegley family. (423) 743-1380

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