Mr. Zechariah N. Nidiffer

Zechariah Nicholus Nidiffer (affectionately known as Zech) was a loving and devoted husband, brother, son, and uncle who lived life to the fullest with hope and joy. Zechariah had an infectious laugh, an engaging personality, a passion for polite conversation, and a heart of compassion for others. He was larger than life with a “go big or go home” attitude. Zechariah was an avid sports enthusiast. He loved good football, a well-seasoned meal and was a die-hard UT Vol fan. Born on August 11, 1995, in Elizabethton, Tennessee, to Karen Smith and Carl Nidiffer. At an early age, Zechariah gave his life to Christ and became a member of Phillippi Missionary Baptist Church. He was active in the Sunshine Band and Youth programs. Zechariah attended Elizabethton City Schools. While enrolled at Elizabethton High School, Zechariah was a participant and lettered in Varsity Football. During his time as a linebacker at EHS, the football team won two conference championships and made appearances at state semi-final games. After graduating from Elizabethton High School in 2013, he attended college at East Tennessee State University. Zechariah eventually realized he wanted a change of pace and enlisted in the United States Navy in January 2016. He attended and graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, and began his career as a Logistics Specialist at Naval Station Norfolk in May of 2016. After a year and a half of dating, Zechariah married the love of his life, Katlyn Doyle, on February 26, 2018. In July of that year, the newlyweds moved to Oahu, Hawaii, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for Zechariah’s military career. While stationed there, Zechariah served through two deployments and the many nights spent underway. He furthered his military career and was promoted to the rank of Petty Officer Second Class in just a few short years. He was proud of his military service and deeply appreciative of the time spent and the lessons learned with his fellow sailors. Zech and Katlyn received his cancer diagnosis in March of 2020. They moved to Columbia, South Carolina, and later, Charleston to be closer to family while he underwent cancer treatments, including radiation, surgery, physical therapy, chemotherapy, clinical trials, and other medical procedures. Over time, Katlyn became his ultimate and devoted caregiver. Her genuine love, heartfelt positivity, and deep empathy for him kept his fighting spirit aflame even when things looked bleak. Zech was medically retired from the U.S. Navy in May of 2022. Not to be deterred, in the Fall of 2022, he completed his general education courses at Trident Community College. He had been accepted into the Industrial Distribution program at ETSU and was due to start in the spring of 2024. He and his wife had plans to buy a home and settle in the area while they both pursued their careers. Zechariah passed on Thursday, December 21, 2023, after a four-year-long battle with cancer. He fought his cancer valiantly. He never complained and always looked ahead. His catchphrase was, “I’m living my best life.” In spite of every challenge he faced, he continued to work on himself to become a better husband, brother, and friend. He will be immensely missed. Zechariah leaves to cherish his precious memories, a loving wife, Katlyn; a treasured pet, Neyland; a devoted sister and brother-in-law, Karlyssa and Danny; four adoring nephews, Houston, Winston, Anderson, and Jackson; his parents, Karen Smith and Carl Nidiffer; three sisters, Lisa, Teresa, and Alexis; two brothers, Danny (Teresa), and Lucas; beloved aunties, Lillian, Jan, and Shirley; many other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Mr. Zechariah N. Nidiffer

August 11, 1995 - December 21, 2023