Bekir Cingilli

Bekir Orhan Cingilli passed away peacefully on Friday morning, October 18, 2019 with his family by his side. He was born in Payasli, Turkey to Haci Ali and Saime Cingilli.

Orhan graduated from the Istanbul Teknik University (the third oldest Technical University in the world dedicated to the Engineering Sciences) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and came to the United States to better his English and obtain his master's degree. He arrived in New York City in 1964 where he met his bride to be, Linda Kozik. They married and moved to Knoxville, Tennessee where they would spend the next 51 years. Orhan obtained his master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and went to work as a draftsman for TVA. He spent the next 30 years at TVA as a Senior Mechanical Engineer in nuclear HVAC. After retiring from TVA, he worked for various companies in Knoxville and Oak Ridge as an Engineering Contractor.

Orhan loved the game of soccer his whole life. He played at the University of Tennessee where they won many games, he was instrumental in bringing soccer to Knoxville both leagues for adults and AYSO for children. He officiated games well into his 60's and in his later years was an avid viewer of international soccer on TV.

In his retirement, Orhan was caregiver for his wife Linda until her death in 2017 and was also an accomplished woodworker and tool maker. He loved to scout estate sales and find antique tools that he would buy and refurbish to their former beauty. He could also make a knife out of just about anything.

Orhan loved his family very much and leaves behind his three children, Pinky (Tony) Young of Signal Mountain, TN; Ayse (J.L.) Grillot of Knoxville; and Orhan Jr. (Ladonna) Cingilli of Lookout Mountain. Grandchildren, Savanna (Chris) Kitchen, Cecilia Young, Lindsey Grillot, Mallory Young, Sierra Cingilli, Olivia Young, and Noah Cingilli. Great-grandchildren, Georgia Lee Kitchen and Lila Ryals Garrett. He also leaves his siblings in Turkey, Gulser Incekoy, Attila Cingilli, Meral Okat, Nural Abci, Yahya Cingilli, and Gunhan Cingilli as well as dozens of much loved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 4:00-6:00pm at Martin's Funeral Home in Oak Ridge, TN. Private graveside service will Sunday, October 20, 2019 at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Park West Medical Center for their concern and attentiveness to their father in his final days. Online messages may be left for the family at Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home Services entrusted to Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home 865-483-4341