Kenneth Edward Schwall

Kenneth Edward Schwall, 79, of Greenback, TN, passed away peacefully on August 14th, 2025, in Maryville, TN surrounded by his family.

Kenneth Edward Schwall was born in Detroit, MI to Carl and Marjorie Schwall on February 14th, 1946. He graduated from Henry Ford High School and The Institute of Broadcast Arts. He married Corina Turner of Claiborne County, TN on October 31st, 1967, in Oscoda, MI. Ken began his decades-long career in broadcasting as a disc jockey for WHAK in Rogers City, MI spinning records and delighting audiences for five years before moving to WGAP in Maryville, TN where he disc jockeyed and provided local play-by-play for four more years, further honing his broadcasting talents. In 1979, Ken began what would become a highly successful TV career, which spanned 36 years, at WBIR in Knoxville, TN. There he began as a field reporter, did a stint as weekend anchor, and filled the role of news director. Ken’s talents and his ability to get straight to the heart of what mattered to viewers helped establish him as the go-to reporter covering the energy sector and the impact it had on those who worked and lived in East Tennessee. Ken also had an uncanny knack for making people laugh and open up about themselves. Those qualities, along with a desire to bring positive, heartwarming stories to folks after what could be a heavy half-hour of news, led to a spot closing out the broadcast each evening. That segment began as “Schwall’s World” and eventually became known as “Positively Schwall”. Through this segment Ken Schwall further entrenched himself as a household name in East Tennessee and will be forever remembered by his family, his colleagues, and his viewers for enriching the region with his gift of kindness, storytelling, and humor. While his 36 years on camera brought hard-hitting news as well as enjoyment and laughter to many, his most important role—and what he found most fulfilling—took place when the cameras weren't rolling: that of a loving and committed husband, a patient and dedicated father, a doting and ever-present grandfather, and a loyal and welcoming friend.

Ken was involved in, and loved, his church and community, occasionally offering his talents for live events, voiceover and editing work, as well as speaking to various clubs and organizations.

Ken is preceded in death by his mother and father.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Corina Schwall; daughter Robin Harbin (Brent); son David Schwall (Greta); son Danny Schwall (Jesse). He also leaves behind his adoring grandchildren: Morgan Harbin (Alyssa), Rebecca Harbin, Barrett Schwall (Tess), Harrison Schwall, Brody Schwall, Jack Schwall, Sam Schwall, Emma Claire Schwall, and Ben Schwall; and a great-grandson, expected this month.

The entire family of Ken Schwall wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the hard-working, kind, and caring doctors, nurses, therapists, and staff at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, UT Hospital’s Oncology department, and Morning View Village’s Transitional Care Center. These men and women are truly called to that important work, and it certainly shows. We would also like to thank the countless friends, neighbors, coworkers, and relatives who made multiple visits and offered much prayer, immense help, kind words, timely scripture, and loving hugs over the last year. We are so fortunate to be surrounded—and supported—by such wonderful people.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, at 2:00pm followed by a service remembering Ken’s life at 4:00pm. Both will be held at Fairview Church in Maryville, TN. A private graveside service for family members will be held prior. Arrangements are by McCammon Ammons Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given in his name to The Fairview Community Park Fund, Fairview Church, 2508 Old Niles Ferry Road, Maryville, TN 37801 or to Pregnancy Resource Center, 103 Station Drive, Maryville, TN 37804.