Condolences

• 

  August 26, 2025

  Jo Jenrette

  My son introduced me to Ken years ago at Church. They both played basketball on Monday nights . It was impressive that his buoyant spirit was not lost on my then teen aged son. One of the first times I sang with the choir, we were visiting his home as a group to sing Christmas carols to him and his wife. Her health was failing and I remember the look on Ken's face as he stood in his porch, listening to the songs. A few weeks later, Ken came to choir and I got to sit beside him. He had a little trouble hearing but gosh what a beautiful bass voice. And he would say funny comments and his blue eyes twinkled. I asked him one time if he'd like me to cook him a meal. He said he'd love a pot roast like what his mother used to make. I did my best, but instead of cooking it for 6 hours like his mother , I took short cuts. If I could do it over, I would have brought him to my house and talked to him for 6 hours while it cooked. He was one person who knew how to appreciate life and people he loved. I would love to hear it all again . What a dear, wonderful man.

• 

  August 15, 2025

  Yazmin Taylor

  I was deeply saddened to learn of Kenneth's passing. He was such a vibrant light—always cheerful, full of unforgettable stories, and gifted with a laugh that lifted everyone around him. We shared many joyful moments together, from speed-walking to Zumba classes, and especially during kickboxing, where Kenneth would entertain us all with tales of his adventures (and foreign dates of boxing!). He had a way of turning ordinary days into something special—whether recounting memories or spotting my husband, Howard, in the supermarket with that playful shout:"Howard! Are you Howard? Yazmin's husband! And teasing me with a raise every single time I borrow my husband car. I will forever cherish his stories, his laughter, and the warmth he brought into every room. Kenneth's friendship was a gift, and his memory will live on brightly in all of us who loved him. May you find comfort in knowing how deeply he touched our lives. You are in my thoughts during this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy, Yazmín Taylor

• 

  August 15, 2025

  Ren Wiles

  I remember coming to Raleigh 40 plus years ago and looking for people to belong with. I found the North Carolina Roadrunners Ken was one of the first people to make me feel welcome. 🙏 Ren W.

• 

  August 12, 2025

  Mitch Stone

  Words for Ken I am saddened that I cannot be there in person to celebrate the life of a truly remarkable man — my stepfather, Ken. As we all know, Ken lived a long, full life — and he filled every day of it with cheer, movement and joy. He was a champion race walker, a basketball player, a choir singer, a Zumba enthusiast, and somehow managed to act younger than me no matter how many birthdays went by. I was lucky to have Ken in my life, and my mother was blessed to have him in hers — especially after they rekindled their love from childhood. Their story was proof that we never know where the winding road of life will lead us... Ken was simply a pleasure to be around. Always busting out into dance or song...Whether I saw him in person or heard his voice over the phone, he was always ready with a quick wit, a bright smile, and a lightness that could lift your spirits instantly. After Mom passed, it was important to me to stay close to Ken. I invited him to visit me at my place on the beach in Malibu. He came, and I'll never forget the sight of him sitting out on the balcony, staring at the waves. He couldn't get over how beautiful it was, the ocean rushing right beneath him. That's where he earned the nickname *Malibu Ken*.. and I think he loved the name! And of course, in true Ken fashion, every morning he'd be up early, walking for miles. In Malibu, that meant walking so far down the beach I thought we might actually lose him to the high tide!. That trip — him coming all the way out on his own — is something neither of us ever forgot. Ken had a way of bringing a smile to every single person he met. The world will surely miss him — I know I will. There's one little tradition I'll always remember. Every fall, my girlfriend would send Ken one of her famous pumpkin breads. Ken loved it so much that he'd slice it paper-thin, just to make it last as long as possible. We'd laugh and call it "pumpkin bread season." Well, Ken, I guess I'll have to eat it for you this year — but it won't be the same without you. Rest in peace, my friend. We'll miss your laughter, your joy, and your spirit. And when you get up there, give Mom a hug for me. Love you both. I would say RIP but I know you wont be resting up there because you are already race walking around heaven or at a Zumba class! Love you Ken! Mitch and Kim <3

• 

  August 10, 2025

  Susan Long

  Ken may you rest in peace!💙🙏. Susan Long

• 

  August 09, 2025

  Catherine Stone & Leonard Martin

  In the rising of the sun and in its going down...we will remember you In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter...we will remember you In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of the summer...we will remember you In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn...we will remember you In the beginning of the year and when it ends...we will remember you When we are lost and sick at heart...we will remember you When we have joys and yearn to share...we will remember you So long as we live, you shall live too... We will never forgot you Pa Ken 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

• August 08, 2025

  Linda Gustainis

  What a wonderful husband, wonderful brother-in-law, all-around wonderful human being! Ken, thank you for a life kindly spent.

• August 08, 2025

  David Lng

  My Uncle Kenny was s special presence in our Family's life. He was the guy with the fancy Dodge, the beautiful wife and the "exotic" life in faraway North Carolina. My Dad, his older brother Lester, considered him to be the very best of the Long family. He was so proud of him and all this his life represented. I am truly grateful that we were able connect by phone when my parents entered a nursing home a few years ago. On my Dad's 102nd birthday in June we had a wonderful phone call with Ken. Dad said that it meant so much to have such a wonderful brother. God bless him and his family during this challenging time. David Long