Graham Kennedy Tiller

Graham Kennedy Tiller, known to all as Ken, passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 92, after a period of declining health. He was born on October 25, 1932, in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, to the late Graham Alexander and Janie "Ruth" Kennedy Tiller. Ken spent his formative years in Dickenson County, Virginia, and graduated from high school in Clinchco. It was at East Tennessee State University that he met the love of his life, Betty, whom he joined in eternity following her passing on July 31, 2024. The two had been married for nearly 69 years.

Early in their marriage, Ken and Betty lived in Cleveland, Ohio, before returning to their beloved mountains in Southwest Virginia, where Ken worked for Appalachian Power Company in Carbo throughout the 1960s. They were blessed with two daughters, Amanda (Bill McFarland), born in 1958, and Elaine (Dabney Watts), in 1959. Ken's namesake, apple of his eye, and only grandchild, Graham Hutson Jennings (Sabrina Jugo) was born in 1991.

During the 1970s, Ken transitioned into the hospitality industry, managing restaurants and hotels in Gatlinburg, TN; Asheville, NC; Kingsport, TN; Bristol, TN; and Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM. He and Betty eventually returned to the Bristol area before finally settling in Hopewell, VA, in late 1971, Ken became one of the first employees at the newly built ICI (Imperial Chemical) manufacturing facility, and he and Betty remained in the Hopewell and Chester, VA, area for the rest of their lives.

Throughout his life, Ken was known for his sharp wit, down-to-earth humor, Southern charm, over-the-top hospitality, and as a memorable character that left an impression on all who knew him. He enjoyed traveling, great food, casino trips with Betty and close friends, and playing video poker with his cherished "Puffcat" by his side. In his later years, he and Betty also took pleasure in sightseeing excursions around the country, often planning their next adventure as soon as they returned from the last.

Ken was preceded in death by most of his close friends, Gene Wampler, George "Sweet Pea" Munsey, Stuart Perkins, James Compton, Bill Artrip, and many cherished others; as well as close cousins, aunts, and uncles. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and all who were fortunate enough to share in his adventures.

The family would like to express thanks to Ken's caregivers, Heidi Porter (his Wheel-of-Fortune buddy), Linda Sanders, Carmella Quintana, and Yolanda Wright.

A graveside memorial service will held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Hwy, Abingdon, VA 24210 (the covered pavilion will be used in the case of rain). Immediately following, the family will host a celebration of life luncheon at Cheddar's, I-81, exit 7, 1545 Old Airport Rd, Bristol, VA 24201.