Kenneth Lee Scates, 67, of Bruceton, TN, passed away on April 20, 2026 at Jackson General Hospital.

He was born on August 14, 1958 in Jackson, TN to Carl and Frances Scates. He graduated from Bruceton Central High School and went on to work at Norandal for over 30 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for over 25 years.

Kenny---devoted husband, proud dad, granddad extraordinaire, loyal dog's best friend, avid fisherman, and lifelong fan of anything remotely resembling Tennessee football—has peacefully gone home to be with the Lord. He was a man of deep faith, the kind who loved Jesus, his family, his church and wasn't afraid to pray. His devotion to his Christian walk was steady and genuine (though he may have occasionally tried to include game-day outcomes in his prayer requests). We're fairly certain he arrived at the pearly gates with a fishing pole in one hand and a strong opinion about last season in the other.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years Lea Ann, who stood by him through every fishing trip and football rant.  His daughters, Angela Scates and Amy (Preston) Turner, who adored him and learned early on that no story he told about fishing was ever entirely accurate—but always entertaining. His grandkids, Greysen and Gentry, will remember him as the fun one—the teller of stories, giver of snacks, and the man who made every outing feel like an adventure. And then there was his buddy Jasper— if we're being honest, his favorite. That dog got VIP treatment, and Kenny never even tried very hard to deny it.

Additionally, he leaves behind his loving mother, Frances Spellings Scates; a brother, Dennis (Laura) Scates; a sister, Regina (Eric) Sills; and a brother-in-law Mark (Mignon) Marshall. He will also be missed by his nephews, niece, and an abundance of cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Scates; grandparents, Marshall and Zona Spellings and Earnest and Lila Scates; and grandsons, William and Thaddeus Turner.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at First Baptist Church in Bruceton with Bro. Wayne Purcell officiating. Burial will follow in Prospect Cemetery.

The family will receive friends in the Cherrywood Room of Chase Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Thursday at First Baptist Church Bruceton from 10:00 AM until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

First Baptist Church Bruceton Building Fund                                                                                                                                                                      30960 Broad St. Bruceton, TN 38317

Pallbearers who will serve are Ryan Scates, Stephen Scates, Adam Sills, Jackson Sills, Dwayne Spellings, and Ricky Gniewek.