Mary Kathryn Acuff – passed away at her home on Sunday, August 21, 2022. The youngest of four children, she was born to Mamie and John Basil Acuff on December 14, 1932 in Liberty Hill, TN. The family owned and operated a dairy farm and hard work was instilled in Kathryn at an early age. Her favorite memory of growing up on a farm was the many cousins that would visit together on Sundays to play games and make homemade ice cream. After the family moved to Knoxville in 1950, she graduated from Knoxville High School in 1951. She was a realtor and auction ring person for James Slyman Realty for many years. During her retirement years, she owned and managed Acuff Home Rentals. Special thanks to Ricky Cheek, Bruce Bennett, Tony Hurst, and Naji Barghout for completing her many work order requests through the years. Being athletically inclined, Kathryn played organized basketball in her youth, ran and placed in the Knoxville 3K and 5K races in her 50’s, and enjoyed riding her three-wheeled bike in her retirement years. She had fond memories of traveling with family friend, Nancy Herndon, to Hilton Head, Mexico, Alaska, Central America, and the Panama Canal. Her excellent health was taken from her in 2016 due to a botched surgery that resulted in multiple subsequent surgeries, hospitalizations, and health issues. She was a member of Clapp’s Chapel United Methodist Church and appreciated the visits from then Pastor David Smith during her convalescence in the hospitals. Special thanks to the Fort Sanders Medical Center doctors, staff, and Covenant Hospice team who treated and cared for her since 2016; Dr. Dean Mire and Dr. Midis worked miracles with her. Kathryn was not a complainer and endured her many health issues with grit and determination. She was a giver, persistent, and always kept a positive outlook on life.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Howard Acuff; and sister, Helen Adams.
She is survived by sister, Bess Jackson; daughter, Pat Mashburn; son, Doug Acuff; son, Dean Acuff; special cousin, Inez Hendrix; and grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Her son-in-law, Charlie Mashburn, kept her laughing for 50 years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your church or favorite charity in her memory.
Family and friends will meet 12:45 PM on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Greenwood Cemetery for a 1:00 PM graveside service with Pastor David Smith officiating. Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Kathryn Acuff December 14 1932 August 21 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Knoxville, Province: T-N