Joseph Kral

Joseph E. "Joe" Kral- age 75 of Hendersonville passed away April 17, 2014 with his loving family by his side. He was proceeded in death by his parents Elmer and Helen Kral, and his brother John J. Kral all of Cleveland, Ohio. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen "Kami" Mersfelder Kral; son, Steven L. Kral; daughter, Cynthia L. Langlois; 2 grandchildren; Allye and Brandon Gaietto; 3 nieces and 5 nephews.
Joe was born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 28, 1939. He graduated from Shaker Heights High School, and then from Case Western Reserve with a degree in business. He worked in his family's small business for a few years but soon took a position with World Publishing Co. in Cleveland. After a couple of other positions in the publishing field he eventually took a position with Thomas Nelson Publishers in Nashville, Tennessee, where he became the Vice President of Production. Working with his staff and suppliers he was responsible for developing many of the materials and manufacturing methods in the production of Bibles used today. Joe travelled extensively to Europe, Asia and South America to find the best sources of supply for book and Bible production. For many years Joe was considered the leading authority on Bible production, and even after his retirement from Thomas Nelson continued to act as a consultant in the manufacturing of Bibles.
Joe along with his wife, Karen and son, Steven were instrumental in the organizing of the Hendersonville Soccer Program, both the recreational league and the high school team. In 1980 Joe was elected the first President of the Hendersonville High School Soccer Booster Club.
He volunteered delivering meals to people as part of the Home Bound Meals Program, worked with the Hendersonville Samaritan Association picking up excess food from grocery stores, and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2000. Joe enjoyed fishing, classical music and vegetable gardening.
In lieu of flowers, Joe and the family requests donations may be mad to the Hendersonville Samaritan Association (116 Dunn Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075).
A celebration of joy will be held on Saturday April 19, 2014 from 11:00-12:00p.m. at Saunders Ferry Park (513 Sanders Ferry Road, Hendersonville, TN, 37075)