Kenneth Avery Bussell passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Knoxville’s Fort Sanders Hospital following a brief illness.  He was born in Lynch, KY (Harlan County) on August 8, 1953 to the late Charles and Louise Bussell.  Following his coal miner father’s death, at the age of 3 years old, his family moved to Knoxville, TN, where they settled in the Lyons View Community.  He is a graduate of Bearden High School, class of 1971. After graduation, he was employed by Bell South Telephone Company and became an installer.  He retired after 30 years of service and his expertise was recognized by the United States Secret Service (USSS) whenever the President and/or Vice-President of the United States would visit Knoxville.  The USSS would make a specific request to Bell South to have Ken be assigned to setting up their communications network while in town.  Following his retirement, Ken began a second career as a full-time teaching assistant for the Knox County Board of Education.  While he served at a number schools, he took special pride in working with the staff and students at the Richard Yoakley School, his last permanent assignment.  Ken was a jolly and jovial person who never met a stranger.  He enjoyed cooking, shopping, and especially liked following his grandchildren in all of their sporting activities in high school and college. 

 Ken was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles Bussell (and special sister-in-law Betty Bussell), sisters; Zella Dorman and Henrietta Brooks.  He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia Turner Bussell, sons Lynn Bussell, Marlon (Michelle) Bussell; sisters Sandra Curry, Lillian (Joe) Prescott, sister-in-law Sandra Hall; brothers James (Karen) Bussell, all of Knoxville; Lawrence (Geraldine) Bussell, Memphis, TN and brother-in law Rosemond (Mary) Turner of Knoxville. In addition, he is survived by grandchildren, Da’Shon Bussell, of Fort Wayne, IN, Jah-niya Bussell, Tychele Holland, Tyrone Holland, III, all of Knoxville, Chasity Wade, of Charlotte, NC., Demetrius Bussell, Xavier Bussell, Taylor Ponder, all of Knoxville; Jasmine (Jacob) Workman, Jaidan Jordan, and Everly Witt, all of Fort Wayne, IN.  Ken is also survived by great-grand-children; Londyn Pelcher, Lorei Bussell and Reyna Potter, all of Knoxville, as well as, and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.  Ken also leaves to morn his passing a host of dear and special friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 a Knoxville’s Mount Zion Baptist Church, 2714 Brooks Avenue.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to noon with services immediately following.  Officiating will be Pastor Dexter Mims, Sr. of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church (where Ken served on the Trustee Board until his death).  Following the service, burial will be held at Sherwood Gardens Cemetery, on Alcoa Highway.