Kenneth Charles Kegley, 33, of Crockett, Virginia, hopped aboard and rode the train to eternal peace on the evening of Monday, December 28, 2020. In his final moments, Kenneth was surrounded by loved ones and the soulful music of his favorite singer, Johnny Cash.

While his journey on this earth wasn't easy, Kenneth never let medical ailments keep him from spreading joy and love wherever he went. Kenneth was born December 18, 1987. Kenneth walked in every survivors' walk in the Wytheville Relay for Life - more than two decades. When he was younger, Kenneth enjoyed participating in drama club and any opportunity to perform. He always loved making people smile and laugh, and those were often his fellow classmates of the Rural Retreat High School Class of 2007. A faithful man of God, Kenneth was a member and regularly attended Petunia Christian Church in Wytheville from the time he was a newborn. He officiated his sister's wedding in 2014.

If you ever met Kenneth or spent five minutes talking with him, you probably picked up that he was a fan of trains. He spent much time wheeling and dealing pieces for his model train board, always a work in progress. Kenneth's favorite train was his beloved steam engine Norfolk and Western 611. He was an honorary engineer and a member of the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.

With Kenneth when he passed were his parents Eddie and Karen Kegley of Crockett, his sister Lacy Kegley of Grottoes, and his aunt and uncle Rita and Jeb Huddle of Wytheville.  Kenneth also leaves behind brother-in-law Alex Milburn (Grottoes), sister and brother-in-law Chris and William Shumate, nephews Trae and Trypp and niece Isabella (all of Rural Retreat), aunt and uncle Karen Sue Kegley and Stan Doyle (Rural Retreat), grandmother Neva Bedwell, great aunts Mary Ann Corvin and Willie Corvin (all of Wytheville) and cousins Nikki Huddle (Johnstown, PA) and Dalton Anderson (Radford). Additionally, Kenneth leaves behind "Aunt" Angelia Paisley and best friend Kendra Paisley. Kenneth had numerous cousins and many beloved friends. Also mourning his passing are his furry companions: Jiminy, Daisy Mae, Annie, Butler, and Buster (dogs), Lilac (rabbit), and Powhatan (horse).

Preceding Kenneth in death were his grandparents Worley and Martha Corvin, grandfather Kenneth Leo Kegley, and great-grandmother Edna "Memie" Kegley.

Kenneth was a founding member of the Rural Retreat Depot as well as involved in the Lions Club of Rural Retreat, and he would have liked for anyone compelled to send donations in his memory. Contributions can be sent to: The Rural Retreat Depot Foundation, P.O. Box 843, Rural Retreat, VA 24368 OR The Lions Club of Rural Retreat, P.O. Box 33, Rural Retreat, VA 24368.

The family is planning a celebration of life in 2021.

Kenneth was an inspiration. He reminded all of us to be kind to one another, don't take the time we have for granted, pet the dog, and - for God's sake - ride the train.

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, Va is serving the Kegley Family