Yesterday, Dwight Kessel, Knox County’s first County Executive (which became County Mayor) passed away. Kessel was 96 years old. Kessel attended Duke University and the US Naval Academy, was working with Chapman Drugs when neighbors suggested he run for public office. He organized a campaign and won, serving on the Knoxville City Council (1963–66), as Knox County Clerk (1966–80), and Knox County’s first Executive in 1980—a position he held for 14 years. His various business interests have included real estate investments; the conversion of the Farragut Hotel into office space; Chapman Drug Company, which he built into a multistate chain; and one of the nation’s first local internet companies—U.S. Internet.

His community involvement goes far beyond political positions, he served with Boy Scouts of America, the Greater Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, the Girls Club, Knox County Health Council, Development Corporation of Knox County, Juvenile Court Advisory Board, the East Tennessee Foundation, and many more. He also has been a member of the West Knoxville Kiwanis Club for more than 60 years.

In Davidson County, State Rep. Bill Beck passed away. Beck was 61 years of age. He leaves his wife and daughter. Beck was an Attorney. He Graduated from Belmont University with a B.A. in Business Administration and a J.D. from Nashville School of Law.

Beck served as House member of the 109th through 113th General Assemblies; Democratic Caucus Floor Leader; Member, Nashville Bar Association; Kiwanis Club of Madison; Board of Directors, Allegro School of Music; Inglewood Homeowner’s Association; American Legion Post 82; Old Hickory Chamber of Commerce; Madison Chamber of Commerce; Discover Madison Inc; HEMA-Historic East Nashville Merchants Association