Kenneth G. (Sneed) Shankles, 86, Elizabethton, passed away Friday, March 20, 2026, in the Johnson City Medical Center after a brief illness. A native of Carter County, he was a son of the late Clyde Shankle and Florence Ellis Shankle. He was a graduate of Unaka High School. He was a retired employee of Mapes Piano. He served in the United States Army. Sneed was an avid gardener and loved to share with neighbors. He attended Union Hill Free Will Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Don Shankle, Jerry Shankle, Charles Shankle, Billie McCloud, Susie Varner and Glenda Eggers.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years: Lucy Peters Shankles. Two Sons: Kirk (Jeanne) Shankles of Elizabethton and Drew Shankles of Detroit, Michigan. Two Grandchildren who he loved dearly: Maggie Shankles of Elizabethton and Corporal Wesley Shankles of the United States Marine Corp, Sante Clemente, California. Several nieces and nephews. Also, his special family members: Norman & Joyce Peters, and Buford & Sherry Peters

Graveside Service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in the Blevins Cemetery with Pastor Tyler Street officiating. Active Pallbearers who are requested to assemble at the funeral home at 1:50 p.m. Tuesday will be: Keith Wilson, Lynn Peters, Jamie Peters, Tre Shoun, Randy Norris and Donald McCloud. Honorary Pallbearers will be his church family, friends, neighbors and his friends at Mapes Piano String.  The family would like to express a special thank you to the Staff of the ICU, Johnson City Medical Center, The Staff of Franklin Woods Hospital, The Staff of Sycamore Shoals Hospital and The Staff of Signature Health, Elizabethton. Military Honors will be provided by the Veterans Honor Guard of the Tricities. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday prior to the graveside service. Condolences may be sent to the family at our web-site www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.