Waylan Calvin Kisor

Waylan Calvin Kisor, 83, died peacefully at home in Piedmont, Alabama on 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.

Waylan Calvin Kisor

August 10, 1940 - May 30, 2024