Kenneth "Ken" Gravitt
Kenneth "Ken" H. Gravitt, 79, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Della, his son Marc (Cleo) and grandchildren, Jason and Kensley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bessie Gravitt and his only sister, Patricia.
Ken was born in Chattanooga, raised in East Ridge, and was a 1963 graduate of East Ridge High School.
A small business owner, auctioneer and real estate broker, he founded Gravitt Auction in 1976, with offices in Chattanooga and Tampa, working until his retirement in 2009. Being one of the most professional auctioneers in the southeast, he was licensed in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. He sold everything from a circus in Orlando to the Paul Gray Estate and River Run Golf Course in Chattanooga. He also owned Tennessee Georgia Auto Auction for many years, as well as Boyd’s Speedway in the early 90s. Ken was elected president of the Tennessee Auctioneers Association in 1998 and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008.
Ken believed in giving back to his community, volunteering his talent to help many non-profit organizations with fundraising. He had a special place in his heart for children, particularly during Christmas. He assisted in handing out toys to needy children for a local TV and radio stations and Santa Trains, wherever he was needed to make it an enjoyable time of the year for children.
Ken and Della loved to travel and were an avid cruisers, taking many, many cruises together all over the world.
Honoring Ken’s request, there will be no memorial or funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, in true Santa fashion, it is requested that you make a contribution in his name to the East Ridge Needy Child Fund, 3712 Ringgold Road, P.O. Box 103, East Ridge, Tn. 37412.