James Donald Kell (DK)

James Donald Kell, (DK), 74, went home to his Heavenly Father on June 8, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama.

Born and raised in Dunlap, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Thaxton and Nadean Kell and the son-in-law of the late Vance and Mary Willie Easterly.

DK played basketball for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he was also commissioned as an Army officer. He served in the military as an Airborne Ranger Infantry officer, with assignments in the 2nd Armored Division, the 75th Rangers, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the Joint Security Area in the Korean DMZ. His last assignment was with the Tactical Missile Project Office at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. After retiring from the Army in 1995, he taught at Sequatchie County High School for three semesters before returning to Huntsville as a senior defense contractor. He retired from the defense industry in 2016.

As a devout Christian, DK enjoyed studying and discussing the Bible. As a member of New Market Baptist Church, he served for many years as a Sunday School teacher and was also involved in the men’s ministry. In 2009, he was honored to be ordained as a deacon. DK was still serving in all of these roles.

DK is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 44 years, Elaine; daughter, Jaimie Wise (Robert); son, John (Alex); grandchildren, John, Charlotte, and Aurora; brother, John (Denise); nieces, Kristi Falco (John) and Sarah Duke (Alex); cousin, Vallerie Greer (Mike); and brothers-in-law, Jerry (Lisa), Terry, and Kenny Easterly.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 16, in the funeral home chapel. Burial was in Chapel Hill Cemetery.

The family asks for memorial contributions in Mr. Kell’s memory to New Market Baptist Church, P.O. Box 128, New Market, AL 35761; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; or The American Heart Association.

Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com.

Arrangements are by Standefer-Reed Funeral Home of Dunlap.