Kenneth H. Rollins, 89, of Greencastle, passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2012.
He was born on September 14, 1923 in Charleston, Missouri to William Egbert Rollins and Olga Corinne Malone Rollins.
Kenny was a 1941 graduate of Wickliffe, Kentucky High School. He attended the University of Kentucky from 1941 until 1943 where he started on the '42 Varsity Basketball team and played on the Baseball team. He left UK in 1943 to serve in the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy, Kenny played basketball under coach Tony Hinkle and was stationed at Great Lakes, Memphis, San Diego and Hollister.
In 1946 he returned to UK and was named the UK
MVP his junior year. During his junior and senior years, he served as Captain of the team. Kenny was part of the Fabulous 5 who won UK's first NCAA championship in 1948.
Kenny was part of the 1948 Olympic Team, which won the Gold in London, this also was his proudest moment in life. Returning to the United States, he was drafted as a point guard by the BAA Ft. Wayne Pistons, traded to the Chicago Stags and was named 1948 – 49 Rookie of the Year. After two seasons in Chicago he went on to coach and play with the Louisville Aluminites, until being picked up by the NBA Boston Celtics, where he played for 1 ½ years. He was also pursued by the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds baseball farm teams. In 1995 Ken was inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame and in 2006 he was inducted into the Kentucky High School Hall of Fame.
During his career in the packaging industry, Kenny lived in Louisville, Grand Rapids, MI, Lexington, Evansville, and Lawrenceburg, KY where he retired in 1986 from the Smurfit Corporation. He and his wife, Mabel, retired to Bradenton, Florida in 1994. Mabel preceded Kenny in death in 1996. Kenny relocated to Greencastle in 2004 to live with his son.
He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington where he served as a deacon, Sand Springs Baptist Church in Lawrenceburg, the Kentucky Alumni Association, and served as past vice-president of the K-men's Association.
Surviving are his children, Kevin Rollins and wife Vickie of Greencastle and Corinne Nelson and husband Jim of North Fort Myers, FL; a brother, Phil Rollins of Louisville; three grandchildren, Bruce Lee Keenon and wife Beth, Jennifer Rollins and Benjamin Rollins and wife Calli; one great-grandson, Matthew Keenon; numerous nieces, nephews and an abundance of UK fans.
Kenny loved to sing, especially hymns and special music at church. He delighted in the honor of singing "My Old Kentucky Home" at Rupp Arena during Senior Day in 1996. A Celebration of Kenny's Life will be held on Friday, October 19, 2012 from 4 to 8 P.M. at the K-House located at 1398 Sports Center Drive in Lexington. Inurnment will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 10 A.M. at the Lexington Cemetery Columbarium.
Memorials in Kenny's name may be directed to the University of Kentucky General Scholarship Fund or the University of One's Choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 26, 2012
Jeff Davis
The family of Mulford Davis would like to pass along condolences to the Kenneth Rollins family. Our grandfather Mulford "Muff" Davis has always spoken very fondly of Kenneth, their friendship, and the many great memories of their days playing basketball at the University of Kentucky. He is a dear friend of Muff's that will be greatly missed.
October 17, 2012
Keith Steer
I want to pass along my condolences as well as those of my father, John, at the passing of Kenny Rollins. My Dad worked with Kenny at CCA and they became fast friends. I met him through Dad. Kenny and Mabel attended my wedding. He did me a favor by serving as the guest speaker at a meeting of weekly newspapers. His stories and jokes had us all roaring with laughter. He refused to take any compensation despite having to travel to Morehead. Kenny was indeed a special man who will be missed by so many for so many different reasons. He was genuine despite the many honors and accomplishments he enjoyed during his long and fruitful life. May God rest his soul and provide his family with peace.
October 15, 2012
Tery Schelling
Corrine, I've been thinking about you and your brother (Kevin) this week and you are all in my thoughts and prayers. It's of comfort knowing because of their love for Christ, you will see both he and your mom again one day when we who know and love the Lord will be called Home.
October 15, 2012
Stephanie Wireman
Kevin, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
October 15, 2012
Kevin, we are very sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Doug & Carol Cox (Greencastle, IN)
October 15, 2012
Eugene & Betty Richmond
We were so sorry for your lost. Our prayers are with the family.
October 15, 2012
To you who have come to recognize my Dad I offer much Thanks. He was a loving father, a steadfast Christian, a man full of integrity and an awesome Kentucky Blue fan. My family hopes to see many of you at the celebration of Daddy's life on Friday. Thank you again from a grateful daughter, Corinne.
October 14, 2012
Bob & Mary Jo Haner
Phil,sorry to learn of Kenny's passing.He was a great leader during those UK years and he etched the Rollins name on the memories of UK and basketball enthusiast's around the country as you have,as well.Take care of your self.
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Funeral services provided by:
Bittles & Hurt Funeral home602 East Washington Street P.O. Box 882, Greencastle, IN 46135
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