Gerald Kuykendall

Gerald Douglas Kuykendall, 72, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021 in Hixson, TN.  Gerald was a man of faith and family. He was active in church, a member of Mount Olive Church of God, Cleveland, TN.  He was a great husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and enjoyed spending time with his beloved family.  He couldn’t wait for family time together.

Gerald and his wife Dalphna owned and operated Royal Charter and Tours, Inc. for 27 years.  Aside from God and family, this was his calling, “Touring God’s Creation”.  They built this motor coach business from scratch and he maintained those coaches in “tip top” condition.  If you are familiar with the logo Royal Charter and Tours, he attributed his success to his “Heavenly Father;” therefore, it is easy to see why he displayed on each and every coach “Blessed and Highly Favored.”  Gerald served on the Tennessee Motor Coach Association Board of Directors.  He dearly loved his “travel family” and they, him as they made memories together.

He was preceded in death by parents Edsel Henry Kuykendall and Wilda Mae Stafford Kuykendall.

He is survived by his wife Dalphna Ballinger Kuykendall.  Other survivors include sons, Alex (Tina) Kuykendall of Riceville, TN and Jeremy Kuykendall, Chattanooga, TN;  daughters, Dawn (George) Sheridan of Bradenton, FL and Misti (David) Michaels of Cleveland, TN.  Also, a brother Jerome (Jona) Kuykendall of Cleveland, TN and sister Mary Nell Sexton of Rome, GA.  Several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews survive, as well.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 26, 2021 at 6:00 PM at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with the Rev. Clarence Gammill and the Rev. James Sears officiating.  Interment will be Monday, September 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM at  Lakewood Memory Gardens East, Chattanooga, TN.  A white dove release ceremony and the playing of bagpipes will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 PM. on Sunday, September 26th prior to the service at the funeral home.

The following “coach family” will serve as pallbearers:   Tim Stewart, Dave Hall, Keith Hart, Wadie Davis, Billy Trentham, David Issacs, and Chuck Hartline.

In addition, the Ralph Buckner Funeral Home & Crematory will be live-streaming the Celebration of Life service via Facebook.  We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Kuykendall family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.