STEVEN RAY "STEVE" KOONCE, WB4GRC/SK

STEVEN RAY "STEVE" KOONCE, (WB4GRC) age 68 of Englewood, Tenn. passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2016, in Athens Regional Medical Center.

He was a native of Gainsville, Fla., resident of McMinn County, Tenn. since 1974,  a son of the late Ray and Virginia Koonce and preceded in death by his sister, Susan Koonce Sonnen. He was the  owner and operator of Speedy Sign Co. of Athens, Tenn.   He was a member and served as a Deacon  of  First Baptist Church of Etowah  and was a member of  Business Network Group, TSCPA, and founded   BNI in Knoxville, Tenn. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving in the 82nd Airborne Division.

Survivors: Wife of 47 years: Janis Kirk Koonce of Englewood, Tenn.  Daughter: Ginger Koonce of Englewood, Tenn. Father-in-law and mother-in-law: Rev. D. C. and Helen Kirk of  Athens, Tenn., Brother-in-law and wife: David and Connie Kirk of Crossville, Tenn. Brother-in-law: John Sonnen of Jefferson City, Tenn. Two Nieces: Katie Sonnen-Lee and Meredith Sonnen.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday in First Baptist Church of  Etowah with Rev. Ron Mouser officiating. Interment will follow in McMinn Memory Gardens. The family will recieve friends from 10:00-12:00 A.M. Saturday at the church.

Active pallbearers will be Dr. Joe Holliday, Dr. John Forgety, Butch Smith, Don Hunt, Steve Dunkle, and. Honorary pallbearers will be Cary Hicks, Lester Wheeler, Dr. John McKenzie.

Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity or group. Those unable to attend may send condolences at www.laycock-hobbs.com. Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tenn. in charge of arrangements.