Kenneth E. McMullen, CEO of Weigel’s passed away Thursday, July 29, 2021 unexpectedly. Under McMullen's leadership, Weigel’s added 49 convenience stores and its own bakery. His tenure and legacy at Weigel’s lasted 40 tremendous years and the chain now has 70 stores.

McMullen began his career at Weigel’s in 1981 as Operations Manager. He was a driving force in the expansion and growth of the company with his innovative sprit, servant leadership, and his expertise. McMullen was the first non-family member to serve as President when he took on the role in 2001. In 2017, the company promoted McMullen to CEO and became the first non-family member to have been appointed CEO. Through McMullen's leadership, drive and perceptive ability to see forthcoming trends, Weigel’s was named 2019 Convenience Store Chain of the Year.

McMullen helped propel Weigel’s charity efforts as well, specifically the Weigel Family Christmas, through his dedication in wanting to make a difference in the lives of East Tennessee’s community.

“Ken was like a brother to me,” says Bill Weigel chairman of Weigel’s. “We’ve been together since 1981. He has been an integral part of the tough decisions we’ve had to make, and the success our company has achieved. He leaves an amazing legacy not only here, but in the convenience store industry. We are all immensely blessed to have had Ken in our lives and I know we will all miss him. I can only hope we will honor his legacy of servant leadership, inspiration, gratitude and for his life well lived.”

Services for McMullen will be held Thursday, August 5th at Powell United Methodist Church in Powell, Tennessee. Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

McMullen is survived by his two daughters and three grandchildren.