It’s been said: “One way to remember who you are is to remember who your heroes are.” Kenneth Wayne “Kenny” Simerly, who died Sept. 27, was a hero to some and a friend to many. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Simerly served two years in the war-torn country during the TET Offensive as a combat engineer. “Kenny loved God, his country and his family. It was the little things he did for total strangers that made him the man he was. He was reminded every day of the need to sacrifice, to give and to love to make life better not only for others but for himself,” said his wife of 49 years, Patty.

Simerly was not only the love of her life, but also her hero. “He suffered from PTSD, though few knew it.

During his time in Vietnam, he was exposed to gases. He knew firsthand the effects of war, but it helped make him the man he was,” she shared through a broken voice.

After his military service, Simerly worked 40 years with the Tennessee Department of Transportation as an engineer, covering much of East Tennessee. “Everyone who worked with him had a good story and joke to tell,” his wife shared.

A talented man, Simerly left his mark on many people, especially the youth of Elizabethton. An avid sports fan, he spent much of his spare time coaching soccer, baseball and basketball. “He not only coached youth, but taught them kindness, compassion and respect. He was an encourager and shared not only how to play the game, but how to live life,” Patty said.

During his school days, Kenny played football and softball and maintained lifelong friendships with many classmates.

Simerly was a people person. “He could talk to total strangers, to those down and out, and he encouraged everyone he coached or went to church with. He dedicated his life to caring for those around him, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and unwavering devotion. He had a special love for young people, but he enjoyed working with people of all ages,” Patty shared.

In addition to coaching, Simerly enjoyed boating and skiing at Watauga Lake and found great pleasure in working with old cars — buying, selling and restoring them. “He found joy in a lot of things, especially music. He had a passion for gospel music and being with other Christians,” his wife said.