Remembering Fiddler "Bitt" Rouse

Submitted by Bonnie Peters on Tue, 01/16/2018 - 00:00
Remembering Fiddler "Bitt" Rouse

Palmer Stiner “Bitt” Rouse
1923 - 2007

The Fiddler has Played his last Tune.

The fiddler has played his last tune for the night, but Bitt Rouse will not soon be forgotten. Most people would not know of whom you were speaking when you mentioned Palmer Stiner Rouse, because nearly all his life he was known by his nickname. My sister, Dorothy Kitts, had him as a 5th grade student at the old Rush Strong School in Lead Mine Bend. Then he was called “Bitty” Rouse because he was so small for his age, but he grew to quite a tall man. The nickname was shortened to “Bitt.”

Music was Bitt’s life. Of course he farmed, ran a sawmill and other things for a living, but music was his life. When called on to play, he was always so gracious and so willing to participate without pay to make an event successful. One of my dreams is that the time will come when Union County musicians can and will be paid for their wonderful talent and hours of practice. A few Union County musicians have achieved that–Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Chet’s brother Jimmy Atkins, Carl Smith and Kenny Chesney -but they had to leave Union County to do it. Many of our wonderful musicians have chosen to stay home.

Bitt Rouse was a mentor and a source of encouragement to many younger Union County musicians. His group was known as the Union County Ramblers, and play they did. Earl Bull, whose band played at the funeral, recalled how gentle and encouraging he was. Earl said, if you missed a note, Bitt would just say, “Don’t worry about it–you’ll get it the next time.”

Bitt lost part of his right hand to an accident in 1979. His right arm was caught in a corn-picking machine, and it was several hours before anyone heard his cry for help. Myrel Dykes recalled visiting Bitt at the hospital and he asked her to rub his aching arm, which she did for two or three hours. With determination, rehab and a custom-made prosthesis to enable him to hold his bow he continued to make music to the end. I’m told that his friend Roy Acuff was helpful in getting a local orthopedist to make the prosthesis. When Roy vacationed at Cedar Grove–as he frequently did–Bitt, Roy and Pete Sanders fished together by day and played music at night. This began before telephoning was so easy, so Roy would sing “Down in Union County” as a clue to Bitt and Pete that he was headed to Union County.

The Earl Bull Band gave Bitt quite a send off at his funeral. Ernest Graves, who used to play with Bill Monroe, played guitar; John Ingle of Jonesville, Virginia, played guitar and sang tenor; Marvin Lipe of Rogersville played mandolin and sang baritone; Larry Cadle of Harrogate played fiddle; Charlie Blade of Johnson City played standing bass; and Earl, of course, played banjo and sang lead. The group rendered Bitt’s favorites, Old Brush Arbor, Angel Band, and Uncle Penn improvised to “Uncle Bitt.” Jan Daniels “Janiper” Longmire, who is a dear friend of Bitt’s niece, Phyllis, honored him with the following poem. Bitt nicknamed her “Janiper”:

The Fiddler
Tune up that old fiddle, Uncle Bitt, that’s what we’d always say,
It’s Saturday night at old Rush Strong. Let’s dance with night away.

Tune up that old fiddle, Uncle Bitt, there’s a crowd gathered ‘round,
All waiting just to pat their feet at your fiddle’s striking sound.

Play Golden Slippers, Uncle Bitt, play Down Yonder too!
Play Uncle Penn and Old Joe Clark, and we will dance for you.

Tune up that old fiddle, Uncle Bitt, how we’ll miss those words so dear,
How will we ever dance again without you and your fiddle here?

Tune up that old fiddle, Uncle Bitt, for your journey to Heaven so fair
To meet with greats like Bill Monroe and play in that Bluegrass band there.

Tune up that old fiddle, Uncle Bitt, and play Amazing Grace,
Play Jesus Hold My Hand, as you look upon His face.

Tune up that old Fiddle, Uncle Bitt, for that greatest Bluegrass Band,
And our hearts will still be listening while you rest in Jesus’ Hands.

Jan Daniels Longmire,
Used by Permission

The evening Bitt died, Saturday night, November 24, 2007, he had gone up to the Rush Strong School building to build a fire to have the building warm for another Saturday night hoedown. He died at the place he loved and where he had brought much joy to the neighbors with his music.
Bitt was laid to rest in his beloved coveralls at Taylor’s Grove Cemetery. This Union County Rambler will surely be missed!

Picture caption –Palmer Stiner “Bitt” Rouse

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Music
Musicians

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Submitted by Joanie Brock on Mon, 11/04/2024 - 20:13
Ty Blakley and Scott Inklebarger

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Submitted by Carol Pratt on Mon, 11/04/2024 - 20:13
Resting time for farm women in easy chairs at Big Ridge Park in Union County Tennessee, July 1939.

Resting time for farm women in easy chairs at Big Ridge Park in Union County, Tennessee, July 1939.

In 1955 there were 1400 farms in Union County, according to the census report that year. The total profit from farming was $1,107,595.40. The next highest income was from the sale of livestock amounting to $230,000.00. This included cattle, sheep, horses and mules.

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Submitted by James and Ellen... on Mon, 11/04/2024 - 20:12

Country Connections By James and Ellen Perry
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Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Mon, 11/04/2024 - 20:11
Artwork by Shirley McMurtrie

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Submitted by Steve Roark on Mon, 11/04/2024 - 20:09
There may be a clue derived from old trees as to what happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke in 1590.

There may be a clue derived from old trees as to what happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke in 1590.

By Steve Roark
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Submitted by Archie Wilson on Mon, 11/04/2024 - 20:09

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Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Mon, 11/04/2024 - 11:04

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Sat, 11/02/2024 - 22:25

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Sat, 11/02/2024 - 21:23

Levi Fritts performs his own arrangement of movie melodies.

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Sat, 11/02/2024 - 20:40

Johnnie B. Blooms receives the Rocky Top Award for the best portrayal of the festival theme, "Remembering Grandpa".

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Sat, 11/02/2024 - 19:21

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Sat, 11/02/2024 - 10:54

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Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Thu, 10/31/2024 - 10:39

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Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 15:03

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Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 14:33

Wood Burning Art by Mountain Air Farm

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Reed Reno at Smith County Fair

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Submitted by Carol Pratt on Mon, 10/28/2024 - 13:07
4-H Biscuit Baking

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Corn and Hominy Pudding

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Mon, 10/28/2024 - 12:19
Artwork by Shirley McMurtrie

Preheat oven to 325 F. Butter shallow 3 quart baking dish. Remove green portions from green onions and thinly slice. Set aside for serving. Thinly slice remaining white parts. Heat remaining 6 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium heat.

R2Factor Careboxes project lost supplies to storm, needs replacements

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Mon, 10/28/2024 - 10:29

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Union Countians aid hurricane victims

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Thu, 10/24/2024 - 15:08

Supplies ready for distribution at First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain

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Smokin' pork butts for the Veterans Appreciation Nov. 9

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Wed, 10/23/2024 - 09:46

Arnold Smallin and his big homemade smoker

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Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Tue, 10/22/2024 - 21:58

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Submitted by Cindy Taylor on Tue, 10/22/2024 - 15:15

Perfect Attendance
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Four Unexpected Benefits of Chiropractic Care: Part I

Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Mon, 10/21/2024 - 11:52

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FCE explores Historic Glenmore Mansion, prepares for holiday cheer

Submitted by Abigail Thomas on Mon, 10/21/2024 - 10:06
FCE Members- top to bottom- Carol Pratt, Abigail Thomas, Kaye Whaley, Carol Aldrich, Denise Cooke, Patsy Mackenzie, Sharon Hansard, Phyllis Bailey, Delilah, Trinity, Aurora Roberts, and Kara Cooke.

FCE Members, top to bottom: Carol Pratt, Abigail Thomas, Kaye Whaley, Carol Aldrich, Denise Cooke, Patsy Mackenzie, Sharon Hansard, Phyllis Bailey, Delilah, Trinity, Aurora Roberts and Kara Cooke.

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Bragging Words

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Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Fri, 10/18/2024 - 21:02

Were you there last year? If so, you sure don’t want to miss this year!! Did you miss it last year?? Don’t make that mistake again this year! Last year was fantastic. A resounding success for the first year of any festival. But THIS year’s Sharps Chapel Fall Festival has been in the planning process for a year. A whole year! And it will be bigger and it will be even better than last year.

Persimmon Picking

Submitted by Steve Roark on Wed, 10/16/2024 - 09:44
Persimmon fruit

Persimmon fruit

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Trust

Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Tue, 10/15/2024 - 17:49

True story—A gentleman was sitting in my office a few weeks ago discussing an upcoming medical procedure. The man said his doctor told him, “We’ve performed this procedure on a dead person and it was successful.”
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Home Federal Bank celebrates 100th Anniversary

Submitted by Staff on Tue, 10/15/2024 - 10:17
Headquarters on Market Street 2024, Home Federal Collection

Headquarters on Market Street 2024 (Home Federal Collection)

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1941 Chick Program in Union County

Submitted by Carol Pratt on Tue, 10/15/2024 - 10:09

2024 Chick Chain winners: Asher Effler, Ariona Payne, Dixie Ray, Jude Firkin, Jepson Haynes, Presley Lay, Zyon Copeland, Sarah Stokely-Cook (4-H Agent) and Cooper Bowman.

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Cheesy Asparagus

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Tue, 10/15/2024 - 09:51
Artwork by Shirley McMurtrie

Set oven rack about 6 inches from heat source. Arrange trimmed asparagus in a single layer in a baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes, depending on thickness. Meanwhile, stir together bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon oil and crushed red pepper in a bowl. Cut the ball of fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/4 inch thick slices. Arrange slices over asparagus, overlapping as needed. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 1 minute more.

1st Annual Veterans Appreciation Day

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Mon, 10/14/2024 - 13:22

On November 9, the Saturday before Veterans Day, Union County Veterans, their family members and anyone who simply wants to show their appreciation for our Veterans will gather at Wilson Park from 11:00-3:00. The American Legion Post 212 will supply 8 smoked pork butts, the 33 Diner will provide chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes. Rounding out the menu will be the Veteran Day standby: hotdogs! And you can’t beat the price! It’s all free.

Avoid High Heels

Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Mon, 10/14/2024 - 11:48

High-heeled shoes may be one way to make a fashion statement, but any chiropractor will tell you it’s a risky way. Excessive wear of high-heeled shoes puts not only a woman’s feet at risk, but also her knees, hips and back. And it’s not just chiropractors who bemoan the perils of the high heel. Podiatrists, doctors who specialize in treatment of the foot, also have long warned against them.

Heritage Quilt Show boasts array of winners

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Mon, 10/14/2024 - 11:08

Cheri Christie poses with her Best of Show Quilt

The Union County Roy Acuff Museum was the place to be on October 5, 2024, during the Union County Heritage Festival if you wanted to view the exquisite handiwork of area quilters. Draped along the museum's upper floor were a spectrum of colors arranged and organized by Ellen Perry and Patricia Campbell. Among the 58 quilts were three antique quilts including a 103 years old hand made treasure and a vintage one quilted by the Amish. Ribbons were handmade to reflect the art of quilting and sewing. The judges bestowed these artistic awards to quilters in an assortment of categories.

Heritage Olympics winners announced

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Sun, 10/13/2024 - 09:50

Reed Reno skillfully hits the nail in the Heritage Olympics Nail Driving Contest.

The Union County Heritage Festival Olympics delivered another exciting round of competition on October 5, 2024, with folks showing off their skills in a series of traditional contests. Sixty-five participants of all ages participated in the event. The event featured the Nail Driving Contest, Feed Bag Toss, and Skillet Toss, where winners emerged after intense battles for the top spots.
Nail Driving Contest

Haunted House

Submitted by Brooke Cox on Sun, 10/13/2024 - 08:52

Is there a house that you know of that is rumored to be haunted? Did you go inside of it? I went inside of one. Let’s just say it wasn’t what I expected.

FLAGS

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Sat, 10/12/2024 - 18:18

It’s all about respect. Many people are unaware of the protocol for the American flag. The United States Code is a consolidation of the general and permanent laws of the United States. It is prepared by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the United States House of Representatives. Concerning the American flag and showing respect for this flag, United States Code 4 states that the flag should “be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously”.

Heritage festival marked a perfect day to remember grandpa

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Thu, 10/10/2024 - 09:58

Heritage Festival Parade Grand Marshals: Mayor Jason Bailey, Grandpa Jack, Cousin Jed, and Doily Parton.

The 20th annual Union County Heritage Festival opened with a parade led by the UCHS JROTC, Band, and Choir on October 5, 2024. Following the chorus was a wild west covered wagon that is over 100 years old pulled by a couple of mules. Inside the wagon were Mayor Jason Bailey, Doily Parton, Grandpa Jack, and Cousin Jed, who welcomed the crowd of onlookers. The parade traveled down Wilson Lane to the Emily Link Gazebo where the JROTC presented the colors. The Veterans, the Scouts, and the attendees recited the pledge. The UCHS Band played and the UCHS Choir led the National Anthem.

HAM Radio Operators Coordinate Relief Efforts in North Carolina

Submitted by Staff on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 21:51
AdobeStock 734733997

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, amateur radio operators, also known as HAMs, are stepping up to coordinate relief efforts managed entirely by volunteers. Vicki Carnes of South Carolina, call sign AD3I, is running net control and leading the initiative, which has become a lifeline for extremely isolated areas affected by the disaster in neighboring North Carolina.

Opportunities to help in the Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief

Submitted by Shannon DeWitt on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 16:09
Road leading to a washed out bridge in North East Tennessee. Photo taken by Melissa Shelton

Road leading to a washed out bridge in North East Tennessee. Photo taken by Melissa Shelton

In response to last week’s article on how to assist in the days immediately following the floods caused by Hurricane Helene, we’re sharing additional ways you can help the ongoing recovery efforts. As the floodwaters recede and the extent of the damage becomes clearer, both short-term and long-term support are crucial for affected communities.

Events

UCCC Under the Tree Distribution December 7

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 09:00

Treasurer Brooke Simpson, Chairperson Gina Gilbert, Chief Elf Carol Pratt, and a host of volunteers will be distributing toys and gifts from Under the Tree, a project of Union County Children's Charities, on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The big orange applications will be sent by the end of August to be returned before the end of September. Wish Trees will be set up on November 1 at Food City and surrounding businesses. As toys and gifts are donated, the elves will be bagging the them for the Saturday, December 7 Distribution Day.

Introduction to Disaster Relief and Specialized Classes – Knoxville (East TN)

Submitted by Shannon DeWitt on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 15:23

November 9, 2024 – Grace Baptist Church, 7171 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville, TN. To pre-register for this class, contact Cassie Williamson at cassie.williamson@gracebc.org with your names and classes desired.

Please pre-register by Monday, November 4, so that we can supply you with the proper training materials and/or lunch count on Saturday.

Social media content creation workshops offered

Submitted by Shannon DeWitt on Tue, 10/15/2024 - 15:27

Direct farm marketers, value-added agriculture entrepreneurs and agritourism operators seeking to establish and grow their social media marketing efforts are encouraged to register for one of the upcoming Design to Strategy: Building Blocks for Social Media Content Creation workshop sessions.
This educational event offers an opportunity for direct farm marketers to participate in a hands-on activity utilizing computers and free content creation software to produce effective social media content for their farm businesses.

Birth of Maverick Bunch

Submitted by Brooke Cox on Thu, 10/17/2024 - 20:16

Tim and I are excited to announce the birth of our grandson: Maverick Jace Bunch. He made his appearance six weeks early on August 21 of this year, weighing in at 5 pounds and 5 ounces. He will be the eighth generation to be raised on our family farm. His parents are Jordan and Sara Bunch. Grandparents are Rodney and Kathy Bunch and Tim and Brooke Cox. Great grandparents are Dick and Gail Bradley and Sue Cox.

Obituary

ida Bell Savage

Ida Bell Savage-age 81 of Luttrell passed away Saturday afternoon, November 2, 2024 at North Knoxville Medical Center. She was a member of First Apostolic Church, Knoxville. Preceded in death by husband, Lloyd Savage; parents, Major Lester and Edith (Davis) Jones; grandsons, Clayton Lloyd Miller and Steven Smyser; son-in-law, C. J. Miller; two sisters and three brothers.

Helen Mae Wolfenbarger

Helen Mae Wolfenbarger-age 80 of Luttrell passed away Friday morning, November 1, 2024 at her home. She was a member of Willow Springs Missionary Baptist Church, Luttrell. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd Wolfenbarger; parents, Charlie and Bertha Thomas; siblings, Ed, Bill, Earl, Georgia and Blanche.

Judy Ann Bailey

Judy A. Bailey-age 79 of Luttrell, died peacefully Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the home of her niece and caregiver, Michelle Strunk. She was a 25-year employee of Flowers by Bob. Preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Bailey; her parents, Fred and Mettie Dukes; sisters, Ilah Washam, Reba Herron, Nalda Slaughter; brothers, Ted Dukes, Roy Dukes.

Dorothy Louise Cummings

Dorothy Louise Cummings born on April 16, 1939, a resident of the Karns Community in Tennessee went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Dorothy was raised by her grandparents, Otha Taylor Stoffel and Matilda Jane Stoffel. Dorothy worked at and retired from Robert Shaw. She was married to Lionel “Jack” Cummings for 38 years. Dorothy loved her family and was always there for them. She was a devoted Christian and grandmother to numerous grand, great grand, and great great grandchildren.

Oralia De Leon Briano

Oralia De Leon Briano – age 63 of Strawberry Plains, went to be with the Lord Monday, October 28, 2024 surrounded by her family. She enjoyed walking, cooking, working in her garden and walking with her dog. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ana Lopez and Arnulfo De Leon; brother, Jose Luis De Leon.

She is survived by her husband, Ruben Briano; children, Dalila Leek (Josh), Ruben Briano (Emily), Cindy Briano (Tanh); grandchildren, Alexia Leek, Jacob Cao, Catherine Davenport, Sophia Briano, Ana Lucia Cao; three sisters and six brothers, many nieces and nephews.

Roy Glenn Williams, Sr.

Roy Glenn Williams, Sr-age 76 of Tater Valley in Washburn passed away surrounded by his family Monday, October 28, 2024, after a long illness, we believe to be ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Roy was a lifelong member of Mount Eager Baptist Church in Hogskin. Roy was a long-time employee of Magnavox in Jefferson City where he made many lifelong friendships. He loved his job and their monthly breakfast gatherings and reunions. Roy finished his work career with the Grainger County Highway Department where he forged many more lasting friendships.

Berneice "Bea" Larmer Lee

Berneice (Bea) Larmer Lee-age 88 of Washburn passed away Friday morning, October 25, 2024 at The Willow Ridge Center, Maynardville. Bea was a member of Black Fox Primitive Baptist Church and a retired employee of Magnavox in Jefferson City. Preceded in death by husband, Delmer Gail Lee; parents, Oak and Carrie (Nicley) Larmer.

Survivors include many cousins with a host of friends and other relatives.

Angela Newman

Angela Dawn Newman - age 59 of Luttrell, passed away October 12, 2024. She loved spending time with family and friends, but most of all she enjoyed any time spent with her grandkids. Angela enjoyed being out at the lake fishing and spending time with her dog, Beauty. She will be greatly missed by many.

Larry Eugene Miller

Larry Eugene Miller, age 67 of Halls, TN, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Sacred Ground Hospice House after fighting a battle with cancer. He was born July 2, 1957 in Knoxville, TN to Ralph Miller and Mary Carmichael. He was a Halls High school graduate class of 1975. He worked most of his life, in jobs ranging from Mynatt Brothers to Cooks and Pioneer Pest Control.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; Ralph Miller and Mary Carmichael, and Caitlynn Carmichael.

Melissa Michelle Schubert

Melissa Michelle Schubert-age 54 of Knoxville passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at U. T. Medical Center unexpectedly after she lost her battle with cancer. She loved the Lord and had accepted Jesus as her savior. She was a very hard worker and loved being creative. She enjoyed painting, drawing and decorating. She was a free spirit and loved her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She has been rejoined with her son, Michael Conatser who passed away in 2022 and her baby brother, Michael.

Sandra Ann Muncey

Sandra Ann (Brown) Muncey-age 62 of Maynardville passed away Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024 at Willow Ridge. Preceded in death by her mother, Juanita (Asbury) Brown; father, Wayne Brown; brother, Tony Brown; sister, Mary Brown.

She is survived by her daughters, Cassandra Muncey of Mississippi, Jessica Nicley of Maynardville, Bridget Muncey of Maynardville; grandchildren, Christian Fox of Mississippi, Emily Erwin and Ashley Erwin of Chattanooga; brother, Donnie Brown of Maynardville and several nieces, nephews and a host of other family members and many friends.

Carlos Anton Dew

Carlos Anton Dew-age 51 passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Carlos loved spending time with his family and friends but loved most his two sons, Matthew and AJ. He was a voracious reader and always will be an Eagles fan. Preceded in death by his father, Larry Dew; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dew.

Left to mourn his passing, his mother, Dinah Dew; sons, Matthew and AJ; brother, Matthew McMillan; close relatives, Cathy Nowak, Jodi Moore, Melissa King; close friend, Dylan Squires.

Ricky Lynn Fife

Ricky Lynn Fife-age 65 of Tazewell passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation. Preceded in death by his parents, J.M. and Billie Marian (King) Fife.

Left to mourn his passing, granddaughter, Christine Charlene Poole.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Kenneth George Hayes

Kenneth George Hayes-age 84 of Maynardville passed away peacefully Thursday, October 10, 2024, at his home. He was a member of Mountain View Church of God of the Union Assembly, Luttrell. Kenneth was retired from the U.S. Navy after 30 years of serving. He was the owner of Hayes Hollow Apiary. Preceded in death by his wife, Mary Hayes; parents, George A. and Billie Virginia (Goss) Hayes; sister, JoAnn Human; brother-in-law, Leonard Ray Johnson.

Josie Rhea Rauhuff

Josie Rhea Rauhuff-age 15 of Corryton passed away suddenly October 8, 2024. She was born January 23, 2009 at UT Medical Center. She had the biggest heart and a dark sense of humor. She loved drawing, music, parkour, Lego’s, puzzles and playing with her dog Ceasar and cat Asher. There was never a dull moment with “Jo” around.

She is survived by her parents, Jerry and Lori Rauhuff; sisters, Kelsey Davis (David), Serena Buckner (Dillion), Abigail Rauhuff; nieces and nephews, Harper, Lincoln, Aria, Ryder; grandmother and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Aundra Dawnella Shoffner

Aundra Dawnella Shoffner-age 57 of Sharps Chapel passed way Tuesday morning, October 8, 2024, at her home. She was born April 7, 1967, at Oak Knoll Navel Hospital in Oakland, California and was a member of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church, Sharps Chapel. Aundra was a former employee of D.T.R. in Tazewell. She was a graduate of Dixon High School, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Aundra was a loving and caring person who was hard working and had a great sense of humor.

Bill Howard

Bill Howard-age 87 of Tazewell, Tennessee, formerly of Luttrell was born in Ages, Harlan County, Kentucky and passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at LaFollette Medical Center. He was a member of the Tazewell Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Nannie Howard; and his wife, Lena Howard.

Bill served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. By occupation Bill worked for the Phone Company, was a Coal Miner, and then worked for Straight Creek Boat Dock.

Betty Lou Nicley

Betty Lou “Speedy” Nicley – age 89 of Washburn, passed away October 8, 2024 peacefully at home. She was a member of Central View American Christian Church. She was cherished by so many and will be remembered for her love and kindness. Betty enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, camping, gardening, coloring and any sport involving her grandchildren.

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