James Kenneth Locke

Kenneth Locke, a respected member of the community, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, surrounded by family in his home. He was born on December 25, 1939, and on this approaching Christmas would have been 86 years old.

Born in Ripley, MS. he was the only son of James Harrison Tildon Locke and Mattie Sue Goolsby Locke. Kenneth’s formative years were spent in Rose Creek, and he graduated from Selmer High School in 1959. On May 17, 1970, he wed Louise Prather Locke and together they created a home filled with countless memories of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with many friends and extended family throughout the years.

Kenneth diligently worked to provide a comfortable living for his family. Immediately out of high school he continued in what his father skilled him best and established his own sawmill in Kentucky. He eventually brought that business back to Selmer, TN and was known as Kenneth Locke Sawmill. Hardwood and timber had been the main source of provision for generations before him. He, along with Louise, also established a restaurant in Selmer, Pappy John’s Original Barbecue, now in its third generation of nearly 50 years in business. Kenneth also succeeded his father and his Uncle Ezra and assumed the role of continuing their well-established family business, Locke Brothers Supply and Lumber Company upon their retirement and death. This rounded out his life career in hardwood.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kenneth found solace and joy in other aspects of his life. His favorite past time was his cattle farm. He had a name for every head of cattle so he could tell them apart. When Kenneth had heart surgery later in life, his family would take him pictures of the new calves being born on the farm and that was the best therapy for him, as it was one of the few things that would get a big smile out of him every time. He spent time at his hunting cabin and formed a hunting club for close friends for many years. Along with his cattle, he loved having horses on the farm. People would bring their show horses to the barn’s riding arena and train and condition them over the years. He was lovingly dedicated to any livestock he had around at the time.

Kenneth found true joy spending time with his grandchildren. Always riding them to the farm to shoot or grabbing them up to ride on a tractor with him, he was so proud of their milestones in life - he shared an unbreakable bond with each of them.

Guided by faith instilled by his parents in his early years, Kenneth carried a sense of spirituality deep within. Later in life, he came to accept Jesus Christ into his heart and became dedicated to learning and understanding The Word as he established a personal relationship with Christ and strengthened his personal faith.

Kenneth had a natural wit about him and could make anyone laugh without trying. People enjoyed being around him, which gained him friends easily over the years. He lived life to the very fullest. His legacy will live on through his loving family.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Louise Prather Locke, with whom he shared one daughter, Sonya Louise Locke of Selmer, along with his daughter Angie Locke Cupples (Eddie) of Jackson, TN, stepdaughter Teresa Willis Bradley (Dr. David) of Selmer, and a stepson Andy Willis of Weatherly, TX, whom he claimed as his very own throughout life. He always treated every family member with equal value and love. Kenneth has five grandchildren: Abigail Louise Burton of Atlanta, GA, James Robert Samuel “Sam” Burton (fiancé’ Ashley) of Lebanon, TN, Harrison Donahoe of Jackson, TN, David Allan “Chip” Bradley (Mallory) of Woodstock, GA, Dr. Maxwell Gavin “Max” Bradley (Dr. Allison) of Selmer, TN, Charles Anthony “Charlie” Willis II (Shannon) of Fort Worth, TX, and Jay Tosh Willis (Chasity) of Fort Worth, TX. along with eight great-grandchildren who he felt so lucky to have the opportunity in life to be around and love on.

In addition, Kenneth leaves behind one sister, Betty Locke Howell, and brother-in-law Dennie Howell, along with a host of extended family and friends.

Kenneth leaves behind cherished memories and great stories that will be treasured by all who knew him. May we find solace in celebrating his well lived life, continue to tell the colorful stories he told of living it, and carry forward his kind spirit of giving and his resilient leadership in which he was so well known.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/en/why-give? or to a charity of the donor's choice.