William Lakenan Jr.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- On Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, William Kinnison "Bill" Lakenan Jr. of Knoxville departed for his heavenly home surrounded by his devoted family after an extended illness.

He was born Aug. 2, 1941, in Perryville, Missouri, to Ruby Nelson and William Kinnison Lakenan Sr. He graduated from Perryville High School and Georgia Institute of Technology in 1963, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Bill and his wife, Kae, moved to Knoxville in 1964, where he began his career as a salesman with the Trane Company. In 1970, he founded ARC, Inc., a manufacturer's representative and service company for HVAC equipment.

Bill was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon, taught children's Sunday school classes and was president of the James Park Class. Bill was an Eagle Scout and served as a troop leader for the Sea Scouts of Knoxville. He also coached recreation league baseball and basketball in the Rocky Hill Area.

He was a proud Georgia Tech Alum and steadfast contributor to Tech's Alexander Tharpe Fund. He served on boards of the Alzheimer's Association and the Racquet Club. Bill was an avid traveler and dreamed of setting foot on every continent. He fulfilled the goal with a visit to Antarctica in 2008. A loyal fan to his teams, he also enjoyed trips to the World Series to cheer on the Cardinals and to the Final Four for his Yellow Jackets. A member of Cherokee and Mountain Air Country Clubs, Bill enjoyed tennis, golf and an occasional card game with his friends.

Bill is survived by Kae, his wife of 59 years; son, Bill; daughter, Lane; grandson, Lake; sister, Gloria; nephews, Jeff and Craig Davis and Michael Gilmore; and nieces, Denise Wilson, Jean Ward, Kim Gay and Leanne Pedraja and their families.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Peggy Davis; niece, Debbie Witt; son-in-law, Tom Freeman; and brother-in-law, Dow Gilmore.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church of Knoxville. Receiving of friends will follow in the church fellowship hall. The Memorial service will be available for live viewing at fpcknox.org.

Honorary pallbearers include Craig Belitz, Kirby Ellis, Lewis Foster, Bill Greer, Tim Keller, Joe Mont McAfee, Tommy Overton, Bill Thomas and David Whitehead and all the surviving members of the James Park Class.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts in Bill's honor, please consider First Presbyterian Church of Knoxville or your charity of choice.

Rose Funeral and Cremation is in charge of arrangements

Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.