May 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in
Ellisville, Alabama on August 10, 1940, to William Calvin Kisor and
Violet Law Kisor. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Theresa Rankin
Kisor, his daughter Valerie Kisor Chittom (Park), grandsons Park
Thetford Chittom, III and William Kisor Chittom, daughter-in-law Karen
Young Kisor, granddaughter Emily Kisor Ray (Chris), granddaughter Pamela
Hammett Floyd (Steven), grandsons John Daniel Hammett (Morgan) and
Wesley Adam Hammett (Emily), and four great grandchildren, Annie Gray
Hammett, Tolleson Jack Floyd, Amelia Jane Hammett, and John Duval
Hammett. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Ellen June Smith
(Mack) and brother-in-law John Carlton Rankin (Donna). He was preceded
in death by his parents and his son, Jeffery Andrew Kisor.
Waylan attended Mountain Springs Elementary School and
graduated from Cherokee County High School at age 16. He was a devoted
member of the Class of 1957. He earned a B.S. degree from Jacksonville
State University, studying math and engineering, before moving to Los
Angeles, California with wife Theresa to pursue employment in the space
and rocket industry.
In California, he worked as a programmer for Rocketdyne, a
division of North American Aviation, contributing to the design of the
rocket that ultimately carried a man to the moon. Upon returning to
Alabama, he taught math and business at Cherokee County High School
before becoming Plant Engineer at Standard Coosa Thatcher Thread Company
in Piedmont. After several years with Blue Mountain Industries in
Anniston, Alabama, Waylan accepted a sales position with Belding
Corticelli Thread Company in New York and found his true calling. An
excellent salesman and consummate storyteller, he consistently broke
sales records and made lifelong friends in the industry. He remained
with Belding after its purchase by Coats & Clark’s Thread Company,
eventually retiring to pursue other endeavors and put to work his many
talents.
Having built his home in Piedmont in 1970, he added a
woodworking shop and additional rooms to the house, including intricate
wood molding he made himself. He delighted in every building project
Theresa asked him to complete, including a lake house in Cherokee
County. He enjoyed working on projects with Jeff, including renovations
to Jeff’s home. His woodworking skills were unmatched and he crafted
heirlooms for family and friends, including a crib for Valerie’s baby
boys and the dining table she treasures.
Waylan attended First United Methodist Church where he
taught Sunday School, served as youth leader and trustee, and sang in
the choir for over 60 years. He shared his woodworking talents with his
church, refinishing the front doors of the sanctuary and building a
communion table, lectern, portable altars for the Tucker Activity
Center, and music cabinet for the choir room.
Waylan was an active member of his community, serving on the
city’s planning committee and as a member and officer of the Piedmont
Jaycees. He was an avid supporter of Piedmont City Schools and completed
numerous school projects while his children and grandchildren were in
school and while Theresa served as Superintendent. He was a member of
the Lozahatchee #97 Masonic Lodge.
Waylan enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing, with a special
interest in gun collecting and precision shooting. He included his
children and grandchildren in these pursuits, making memories they carry
with them.
A devoted husband and doting father, Waylan built a
wonderful life for his family. His battle with cancer in recent years
proved him a hero to family and friends, as he stayed strong until the
end, facing challenges with humor, storytelling, and a smile.
A celebration of Waylan’s life will be held at Piedmont
First United Methodist Church Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with
Michael Burgess officiating and Thompson Funeral Home directing. The
family will receive friends in the church beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Honorary pallbearers are Robert Wood, Butch Tolbert, Mike Kines, Jeff
Rogers, Gary Smith, Scotty Grimes, Terry Gladden, and Choir Director Liz
Carroll and First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir members.
Memorials may be given to The Piedmont Education Trust
Scholarship in memory of Jeffery Andrew Kisor (P.O. Box 819 Piedmont,
Alabama 36272) or the Piedmont First United Methodist Church Chancel
Choir.