Kenneth Dewayne Mcamis

Kenneth Dewayne McAmis, age 74 surpassed his earthly bounds peacefully surrounded by family at his home on January 29th, 2022. Kenneth known to many as Kenny Mac was born to Charles Edward and Mary Lou McAmis on May 4th, 1947, at Speck Hospital in downtown Cleveland, TN. Kenny grew up in a Military family and spent the early years of his life relocating from multiple duty stations of his father to include Munich Germany, Fort Cambell and Fort Bragg. The years in between relocations was spent in Cleveland. Kenneth attended Arnold Elementary, Bradley Junior, and Bradley Central where he played Football.

He graduated from Fayetteville Senior High School in 1966, and shortly after followed in his father’s footsteps signing up for the Army and eventually serving with the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles). He served his country in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 having received the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was stationed at Camp Eagle outside of Hue, near the North Vietnamese Border, arriving shortly after the Tet offensive. After serving his country, he retired from the Army as a Sergeant E5 and returned to Cleveland, where he remained for the rest of his life. Shortly after returning he met the love of his life, Twyla. Together they married and began a family, having three children over the course of 8 years. They remained married for 52 years, and she was the twinkle of his eye. In 1973, he began a career with the Cleveland Fire Department, and served the City of Cleveland for 35 years. During his career as a firefighter, he accepted many additional responsibilities on his own accord, and for years ran day to day operations. He retired as a Captain in 2008. On his off days from the Fire Department, He had a successful sign business for years. He crafted and hand painted signs, business windows and doors, vehicles, and multiple other items. He also lettered many Fire trucks using the gold leaf technique, along with Police cars and many other City vehicles.

He went on to establish a very successful Landscaping business and was highly sought after. Kenny was a family man, he loved spending time with his wife, children, siblings and cousins, but most of all he adored his grandchildren. He had many hobbies including artwork, fishing, driving his Jeep, RC planes and helicopters, and making the world a more beautiful place through his many talents . He was a fixer of all things, and always willing to help with anything. Kenny was a compass to his children and a shining example of what it is to be a father, husband, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou McAmis and father Charles Edward McAmis.

Kenny leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Twyla McAmis, daughter Monica Ciampa ( Robert Ciampa) ,son Eric McAmis, son Shaun McAmis (Kristen McAmis), grandchildren Brysen Whaley (Houston Whaley), Evan McAmis, Ellie McAmis, and Lucy McAmis. One great grandchild, Lane Whaley. His siblings Gary McAmis, David McAmis, Marylin Huskins ( T.L. Huskins) and Linda Miller. He also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, February 3rd from 4pm to 8pm at Clingan Ridge Baptist located at 2412 Georgetown Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37311. His funeral service will be held on Friday, February 4th at 2pm also at Clingan Ridge Baptist Church, followed by a procession and internment at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Serving as Pall bearers will be: Stephen McAmis, Stacy Huskins, Joel Brown, David Swafford, Gregg Hooper, Steve Haun, David Lee, and Donnie Sherlin.