Dewey Everett Kephart was born on November 20, 1946 in Nashville, Tennessee and passed away at his home in Lyles, Tennessee on August 13, 2022. He was 75 years old.

He is the son of the late Elver Boyd Kephart Sr. and Martha Cleo Clark Kephart.

He was also preceded in death by his brothers E.B. Kephart Jr. and Bobby Wayne Kephart and by his special four legged companion Charlie, the English Bulldog.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years (Just a few weeks shy of 57 years) Rosaline “Rose” Rae Hitzeman Kephart of Lyles, Tennessee. Son Ronald (Renee) Kephart of Pike Road, Alabama. Daughter Tamra (Steve) Riggs of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Sisters Patricia Harkness of Dundee, Michigan and Charlene Hutsell of Jasper, Alabama. Grandchildren Paige (Laura Farr) Kephart, Madison Kephart, Lauren Davis, Andrew Davis, Rebecca (Brian Bermudez) Kaufman, William Kaufman, and Katherine Kaufman. Great-Grandson Jackson Bermudez. His special Church family and friends. Along with many other relatives, friends, and loved ones.

Mr. Kephart was a proud Veteran of the United State Marines. He enlisted at the age of 17 and served for six years. He entered the military at a time of great uncertainty, as the war in Vietnam was in full swing.

He was a faithful member of the Westview United Methodist Church in Fairview, Tennessee since 1982.

He and Rose were married almost 57 years ago. She says that upon their marriage he made sure that she could shoot a gun, climb a rope, and repel back down. They enjoyed exploring caves, and this is something they would do with their children as well.

After his time in the service, he worked many different jobs. Most recently, before retirement, he was the manager at the Harvey’s Department Store Warehouse. Following his time there, he worked as a security guard for the Opryland Hotel. This position afforded him many opportunities to meet several celebrities in the country music industry. These included the likes of Kitty Wells, Minnie Pearl, and childhood hero Roy Rogers. He was also involved in helping with the boy scouts, and would teach gun safety courses.

His retirement years brought on many hobbies and interests that he loved to share with others. He learned to play the Mandolin and could be found on Friday nights at the Hardee’s in Centerville before they closed. Those that gathered there still continued to play at the Hickman County Library, and then the Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Centerville. Through playing he and Rose have made many friends through the years. He also spent time working wood and leather, and he was a true craftsman. He gave away a multitude of gifts to different people. At one time, he would set up at the Farmer’s Market in Centerville with his “Air Conditioned” Canes, and while he sold many he also gave away many to those he thought could use one. Dewey was also a history buff. He loved going to museums and was known to let them know if there was something that he thought was inaccurate on display.

His family describes him as a good man. He had high expectations for them, but also would never ask something of them that he himself could not do. He never met a stranger and loved others. He will be missed very deeply by all of his family and friends. 

Visitation with the family will be 18 August 2002 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at McDonald Funeral Home – Hickman County with Funeral Services to follow at 2:00 PM.  Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Centerville, TN .