David Earl Foulk
KNOXVILLE - David Earl Foulk, age 72 of Knoxville, passed away Monday, January 8, 2024. After avoiding an untimely demise many times throughout his life, David made the decision to spend his last days enjoying his family and friends, instead of fighting the inevitable. He passed peacefully from complications from kidney failure.
Born in Knoxville, TN to William and Marjorie
Foulk, David was fascinated by all things media. By the age of 8 he was sleeping with a portable transistor radio under his covers, hoping to pick up stations from as far away as possible.
David first met his wife Dena Drinnon at age 16, and though there were short breaks in their relationship, they then reunited and married at age 25. They remained married for 47 years, having 3 children during that time, Bethany Leatherwood (Brian), Jonathan Foulk (Brooke), and Julia Wilson (Adam). David also had the honor of being Papaw to 8 grandchildren, Joshua (Myca) and Sarah Leatherwood; Turner, Ellie, and Hadley Foulk; Rowan, Asher, and Gideon Wilson.
Along with his wife, children, and grandchildren, David had the honor of having a close relationship with his stepmother, June Foulk (Richard and Cindy Henry, Sonny and Robin Trotter) whom he found comfort and friendship in daily.
David leaves behind others who he considered close friends, specifically Hallerin Hill and Chris Marion whose friendship lasted beyond the radio waves and was evident even at his bedside on his last day. David also found companionship in Retired Fire Chief Darryl Kerley, who was known to take David on joy rides in his Model T and held his hand in his final hours.
Though many would consider this legacy of relationships enough, David was accomplished in his career, winning numerous awards as a journalist. Among the most notable, a Green Eyeshade Award, multiple Edward R. Murrow awards, and numerous Honors by the Associated Press of Tennessee and of Georgia with citations of excellence for Investigative, In-Depth, and Spot News Reporting. David is also the recipient of the American Cancer Society National Award for Medical Reporting, and importantly, he received the American Red Cross Life Saving Award for his efforts in rescuing and performing life saving measures including CPR on a child. David always felt his greatest awards were the many commendations he received from community members. Many in the community remain grateful for his contributions and have expressed that his work was instrumental in directing them to safety during times of storms and natural disasters.
In lieu of flowers, David requested donations be made to the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department Capital Campaign, PO BOX 241, Seymour, TN 37865, or the Knoxville Police Department Chaplain Corps, PO BOX 3504, Knoxville, TN 37917. These organizations are close to his heart and a tribute to his lifelong commitment to community safety and wellbeing. Friends may call from 3-4 PM Friday, January 12, 2024, then the family will receive friends from 4-5:30 PM at First Baptist Church, Knoxville, 510 W. Main St, Knoxville, TN 37902. The funeral service will begin 6 PM Friday at First Baptist Church, Knoxville with Pastor Chris Kendall officiating. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Seymour (865/577-2807) Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com.