Ken Saylor Obituary

Ken Saylor July 5, 2024

JONESBOROUGH - Ken Saylor, 77, Jonesborough, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 5, 2024, at the Johnson City Medical Center, after a lengthy battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Ken was a lifelong resident of Jonesborough and the son of the late Paul and Mary Lois Martin Saylor.

He was a farmer and pillar of the community.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Kathy, who was Ken's faithful wife, companion and caregiver. They married in 1967 and stood side by side on their beloved farm for fifty-seven years. He also leaves behind his son Dusty and wife Michaela, to whom Ken instilled the love of the land in, as well as many friends and loved ones, who will all deeply miss his quick wit and laughter.

Ken was a lifelong dairy farmer, as well as an avid beekeeper, having owned and operated K & K Bee Farm for over thirty years. He loved educating the public about bee's and agriculture and dedicated much of his life to serving others.

Ken was proud to have served as President of the Washington County Beekeepers Association, President of the Kingsport Farmers Market, Director and Officer of the Tennessee Beekeeper's Association, Representative of the Dairy Farmers of America, Director at the Washington County Farmers Co-op, and a member and Deacon of Pleasant Valley Covenant Brethren Church. He was Beekeeper of the Year for multiple agencies and was awarded the Lifetime Member of the Tennessee State Beekeepers Association. Ken was also responsible for starting the Honey Show at the Appalachian Fair.

His love of the land and all that grow through it can be seen by his dedication to his crops, community, family, animals, and especially the Honeybee.

Ken's family would like to express a very special "thank you" to Amedisys Hospice, especially Rosie and Amelia, the nursing staff of the 7th floor at the Johnson City Medical Center who cared for him, and all who spent time visiting with them, loved and helped during this challenging time. Ken will be missed by all who knew him.

The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 1:30 P.M., from the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, with Rev. Don Hilton, officiating.

Graveside committal service will follow in Washington County Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be Dusty Saylor, Larry Garst, John Garst, Michael Slagle, Tim Hayes, Darrell Phillips, Gippy Martin and Coy Tilson. Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Collier, Jim Keefauver, Jim Adkins, Craig White, Roy Saylor, Richard Moseley, Bandit Saylor- (his loving friend and companion), Stephen Garrison, Darrell Corpening, Eddie Walls, and other Pleasant Valley Covenant Brethren Church family.

The family will receive friends prior to the service Wednesday from 11:00 A.M. until 1:30 P.M. in the East Parlor of the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ken's honor to Pleasant Valley Covenant Brethren Church Deacons Fund, 3150 Brethren Church Rd., Jonesborough, TN 37659.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.app fh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is honored to serve the Saylor family. (423) 928-6111