Kenneth Eugene Minge, 73, of Athens, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at his home with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was a son of the late James Polk Minge Jr. and Dora Elliott Minge, and was preceded in death by four sisters, Helen Powell, Marie Clayton, Edith Hickey and Joyce Johns; and several half-brothers and half-sisters. A faithful member of the Athens Church of Christ for more than 50 years, he had served as a deacon and elder. He retired from Bowater, where he worked for more than 40 years. After his retirement, he was known at all the local gyms for his daily two-hour workouts. He was an avid gardener and was known for his beautiful flower beds and vegetable garden.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Violet Elizabeth King Minge of Athens; two daughters and sons-in-law, Karen Minge Brown and Greg Brown and Donna Minge Whitted and Darryl Whitted, all of Athens; one grandson and his fiancée, Zachary Benjamin Brown and Angie Carpenter; three granddaughters, Jessica Dannielle Whitted and friend, Aaron Lee, Hannah Aleah Brown and fiancé, Robert Johnson, and Olivia Brynne Whitted; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Thursday at Athens Church of Christ with Minister Tim Gunnells officiating. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday at McMinn Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Luke Sewell, Philip Womack, James Summers, Robby Nesbitt, Sean Jaquish and Stuart McKinney. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Torbett, Jim Allison, Mike Tallent, Ross Harrod and Lloyd Matthews.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Athens Church of Christ, P.O. Box 494, Athens, TN 37371-0494.

Those not able to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com