Kenneth Ray Tessener, 81, stepped into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Caromont Regional Medical Center.

He was born on December 13, 1939, in Rutherford County to the late Arthur and Nettie Tessener. He spent his childhood years in Grover, NC, and many days helping his dad at the Gulf Service Station. He was a graduate of Grover High School. Kenneth attended Clemson University prior to his service in the U.S. Navy from 1958-1962. Following his service in the Navy, he worked for Southern Bell Telephone Company as a lineman and line foreman, among various other positions. He eventually retired as an outside plant engineer from AT&T. For several years he served as a consultant in the telecommunication industry with TICS and Parsons. He introduced and mentored many young people in financial planning, securities, and investments. Some of his favorite past-times included listening to jazz music, fishing, hunting with his son and grandson, watching NASCAR racing, NFL football, classic western movies, and most of all spending time with his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Annette Tessener; his daughter, Kim Browne and husband Steve; his son, Brian Tessener and wife Vickie. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Ashley Tessener, Colton Tessener and wife Giannina, and Ethan Browne and partner Isabella Guttuso, in addition to a niece and nephew and many friends and loved ones. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. It is respectfully requested that memorial donations be made to Fresenius Kidney Care, 604 Canterbury Road, Kings Mountain, NC, 28086 or Pleasant City Church, 1146 County Home Road, Shelby, NC, 28152.

Arrangements are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center

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