Kenneth Larry Tramel, age 81, of Smithville died Thursday, August 24, surrounded by family at his home.

Born and raised in Dowelltown’s Chapman Hollow, Tramel was the oldest of six children who cherished his rural upbringing in a family rich in love, the very best form of wealth. He spent the early years of his career in banking, but a lover of the great outdoors, he went on to work for the State of Tennessee Forestry Division, from which he retired in 2011.  A longtime Gideon, Tramel was a founding Deacon who served Calvary Baptist Church for 51 years.

In addition to the Lord and his family, Tramel had two other loves: gardening and sports. He spent nearly every day outside, tending to whatever he was growing, and while his daughters might say he always grew too much, for him it just enough bounty to share with others. He was a true Yankees fan and an avid sports follower. He loved to cheer on budding athletes in his family and his church, and he quickly adapted to the age of multi-channel media, often listening to a game on the radio while streaming another on his iPad, all while watching a third or fourth on television. He offered tips and pep talks young players, and was always generous with his free advice for referees and umpires. Although he doled out athletic advice unsolicited, his beloved daughters say he was also the steadfast person many people turned to for guidance and wisdom, a trusted friend often sought out for advice and a prayer, who will be remembered for his ability to give unconditional love. With the help of family and friends, Tramel was blessed to raise one final garden in the summer of his passing. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Keith Tramel, parents, Hoyte and Sarah Coffee Tramel, in-laws Lovell and Mairene Keith, and sister and brother-in-law Carolyn Tramel Young and Mike Young.  

He is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer Tramel of Smithville and Jill Tramel of Nashville, siblings Jerry (Carolyn) Tramel, Eddie (Debbie) Tramel, Joyce Hendrixson, and Becky (Mike) Nokes. He is also survived by in-laws Joyce (Charley) Stanley, Jan (Steve) Anderson, and Shirley Taylor and a bunch of nieces and nephews and their children as well as special people who he called family Jamie and Patrick Cripps, Seth, Elizabeth and Rhett Wright, Cole Wright, Betty Barnes, Angela, Bobby and Isabella Johnson, Tammy and Ronald Ashburn, Terri and David Kilgore and Colby Barnes and his beloved church family at Calvary Baptist Church. 

Funeral service was held Sunday, August 27 at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home with Bro. Jason Lohorn and Bro. Abram Edwards officiated. Burial followed in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. 

Pallbearers were Seth Wright, Cole Wright, Wesley Young, Jake Nokes, Tracy Cannon, Derek Fans, Chris Tramel, and John Puckett.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.

Smithville Review

(Smithville, Tenn.)

Aug. 30, 2023