David Killen Obituary

David W. Killen

November 11, 1946 -

June 16, 2025

JOHNSON CITY - David W. Killen, 78, Johnson City passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the Johnson City Medical Center. He was a native of Jenkins, Kentucky and was a son of the late Garcia and Jannie Nowlin Killen. David was a loving husband, a devoted father, beloved brother, cherished friend, and a man of many talents. He was a star athlete, excelling in track, basketball, and football at Happy Valley High School. His dedication to service led him to the United States Navy, where he honorably served during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he built a lasting legacy in the flooring industry, crafting beautiful floors and stunning ceramic tile artwork for fifty years. Even in retirement from flooring he continued his service by becoming employed at the VA Medical Center in Johnson City, TN, while still showing compassion towards his fellow veterans and making so many friends along the way.

More than his accomplishments, David was known for his kindness, generosity, and deep love for his family. He was an amazing father and papaw who adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Never short on wisdom, he was always ready with advice, often reminding those around him to "always listen to that monkey on your shoulder."

David was also a gifted pool player in his younger years, winning tournaments across the state. Though he never preached, he had a way of offering quiet reassurances, reminding those around him that God is always with them and always listens.

In retirement, he embraced the joys of life, spending his days golfing, fishing, browsing flea markets, cherishing time with his wife Brenda, and taking vacations-so many, in fact, that his family often joked with him saying he needed to take a vacation recover from a vacation. He found joy in country music and never turned away the opportunity to pick up a guitar to play a tune from Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, or any of his favorite artists.

His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the memories that will never fade.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janis D. Killen; a sister, Midge Killen Delaney; three brother, Ronnie Killen, Bill Killen and Bradley "Rocky" Killen;

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Leonard Killen; his children, Tina Casto and husband, Jimmy, Suzie Killen, Megan Dye and husband, Richard, William Killen and Jannie Finch and husband, John; two step-sons, Greg Leonard and wife, Analy and Jason Leonard and wife, Cristina; his grandchildren, Christopher Casto, Austin, Alexandria, Andrew and Avery Reinhart, Elyssa Ryckman, Michael Killen, John "Boo" Willis, Ashlan Dye, Nicholas Dye, Ben, Ely and Christopher Leonard; great-granddaughter, Sienna Ryckman; also several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for David will be conducted at 1:00 PM Monday, June 23, 2025 in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City with Mr. Bruce Hall officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM until the service hour. Graveside service with Military Honors provided by the Veterans Honor Guard of the Tri-Cities and taps played by Gregory Leonard will be held at 2:00 PM in the Mountain Home National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Willie, Michael, Brad and Jason Killen, Richard Dye, Jimmy Casto, Austin and Jason Reinhart. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Hyder, Larry Brown, Jim Livingston, Pete Johnson, Ross Reinhart, David Horton, Roger Smith, The Hall family and the Happy Valley High School Class of 1965.

Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com. Arrangements by Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City. 423-928-2245