Michael Edward Kay

Michael Edward Kay, 56, of Knoxville Tennessee passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 15, 2026 after a day of riding his motorcycle.

Michael proudly served in the USNavy. His time in service created incredible life-long friends that became family Steve (Angie) Price of Church Hill, MD, Jeff “Twig” Terwilliger of Pueblo, CO, and Gary (Tammy) McConaghy of Chesapeake, VA. Scott Swain, Will Purvis, Stan Johnston, and Shawn Stockwell formed enduring friendships with Michael through work.

When Michael was 17 years old, he enlisted in the Army National Guard. Nearly two years later, he joined the US Navy where he served 12 years. Michael began working in automobile sales before leaving the military. His extensive knowledge of vehicles and mechanical things made him a jack-of-all trades, an invaluable resource to his family, friends, and work. He loved to work on vehicles with his boys, especially his military vehicle, M35A2 Deuce-and-a-half. He and his sons would drive it in holiday parades around town. Michael loved the attention the big, green truck would garner. He loved the beach and was a skilled, graceful swimmer. He enjoyed camping, cooking outside, and telling stories around a campfire.

Michael had an unparalleled work ethic, unquestionable professional integrity, and took pride in the things he did. He was the best at what he did and he had no issues making sure you knew. The work standards he held gave others something to strive towards. He was an avid reader: even instruction and owner’s manuals, which was part of his commitment to doing things well.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Valeri O’Neill, father Buddy Kay, brother Sean Kay, grandparents Raymond and Mabel (Jackson) Kay, and Ronald and Wilemina Hutchison.

Michael leaves behind three sons: Morgan (Savannah) Kay, Marshall (Jensen) Kay and Connor Kay, their mother, Joy Kay, to whom Michael was married 34 years, and the cutest, sweetest grandson, Colter Kay all of Knoxville, TN; and a brother Jeffrey “Dyllan” Kay of Miami, FL. How his eyes would shine as he spoke of his boys. He loved them dearly and was so proud of the men they were becoming. Special in-laws surviving include Alan Greene of Calhoun, GA, Renae (Aaron) Petty of Fairmount, GA, Sharon Daria of Cincinnati, OH, Susan (Reese) Daniel of Gainesville, GA. Special nieces and nephews: Christy (Marc) Smith of Decatur,GA, Sommer (JP) McKenzie of Gainesville, GA, Katie Daria and Stephanie Daria of Cincinnati, OH, and Stone (Joy) Daniel of Duluth, GA.

Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 1:45pm at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, John Sevier Highway, for an 2:00pm inurnment service. Military Honors will be conducted by the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of your choice.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.mynattfh.com

Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Michael Edward Kay.

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel * 2000 Powell Drive * Powell, TN 37849 * (865) 362-5382 * www.mynattfh.com