Kay Russell Martin

Kay Russell Martin, age 81 of Dandridge TN is now in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She passed peacefully at her home the evening of Wednesday October 11, 2023.

Kay is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Bobby Martin; daughters Sandi Martin Dennis, Gina Averett, and son-in-law Bryan Averett; grandchildren Ellie, Wesley, and Chloe Averett, Jayden and Lilli Dennis; brother Donald (Barbara) Russell, along with several nieces and nephews and close cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Virginia Russell.

Kay was born in New Market, TN on May 21, 1942, and graduated from Maury High School in Dandridge and the TN School of Business in Knoxville. She worked for the State of TN, then TVA in Knoxville for 20 years. Because of her love for people and living life to the fullest, after her early TVA retirement, Kay began working part time at Dollywood, which she loved for 21 years. She truly enjoyed meeting people daily from all over the country and all walks of life and never met a stranger that she didn’t try to get to know. At Dollywood, she was given several accolades for her passion and commitment to her work. For many years, she was also an active supporter and fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Tennessee organization. 

As a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Kay most importantly modeled a true Christian lady and was very open about her strong faith in God throughout her life. She loved going to church and was always active in singing, teaching, and serving in various roles, and gave much of her time to those in need; she especially enjoyed singing in the choir at First Baptist Church Dandridge.

Kay also started playing golf in her 50’s with her sweetheart (Bobby) as she called him, and her ‘claim to fame’ was shooting 7 hole in ones!  She also loved playing golf weekly with groups of friends and participated in many tournaments over the years.  Although she loved being active and enjoyed traveling on vacations and time at their second home in Florida, her true pride and joy was evident in her love and full devotion to her husband, daughters/son-in-law, and 5 grandchildren.  Kay always loved planning family activities to many tourist spots and shows, taking her grandchildren on what she called ‘mystery trips’, and giving everyone ‘happy presents’.  Although there were many wonderful memories with her, some of the most special family times were lots of fun days at Dollywood & Splash Country, the yearly Christmas tradition of going to Dixie Stampede, and having family meal gatherings often. She was truly the center of our family and she will infinitely be missed.

Please join us for receiving of friends and family time on Sunday Oct. 15th from 2-4pm and funeral service immediately following at 4pm, at First Baptist Church in Dandridge with Dr. Justin Terrell and Dr. Bob Brown officiating.  A graveside service will be held at 2pm Monday Oct. 16th at McCampbell’s Chapel Cemetery in New Market with Rev. Jerry DeZearn officiating. For donations in Kay’s memory, the family requests these be made to any Alzheimer’s Disease charities.

ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME, DANDRIDGE, 865-397-2711