Runt And The Luttrell Fox Hunters

Submitted by Ted Greene on Tue, 03/20/2018 - 00:10
Runt Kits 1984

My Papaw Kitts, known as “Runt,” was a fox hunter. He was my mom’s dad and the oldest of ten kids. His real name was Samuel Ernest Kitts, otherwise known as “S.E.” or just “Runt” Kitts. He had a brother, William Cloyd Kitts, known as “Poss” Kitts, who also shared this love of fox hunting – east Tennessee style.

The hunt usually consisted of one or more people, the more the better, and any number of dogs and folding chairs to match the number of people -- but often a stump, rock, or even just the ground would make do. And of course, they always built a fire to sit around and listen to the dogs bark as they chased the fox. There were several different places around the town of Luttrell, in Union County, TN, that had become known as good fox hideouts for these hunts to take place.

There was a core group of men consisting of my Papaw, Uncle Poss, Jack DeVault, Glen Beeler, Odell Rosenbaum, and sometimes Jack’s brother, Cliff, who made up the bunch that I sometimes got to hunt with. Now keep in mind that there was never a gun involved, and the fox was never killed or even seen, for that matter. The hunters rarely ever got up out of their chairs – they just sat and listened to the dogs bark and argue over whose dog was leading the pack. No one ever knew for sure which one was leading, but the sounds that echoed through the hills sure gave a reason for them to rib and gouge one another over whose dog was best that night.

On one particular hunt, Papaw took my younger brother, Wynn, and one of his baseball teammates from school, Daryl Hobby, and myself. We went to meet Uncle Poss at “the Shack,” in a little suburb of Luttrell called Keystown, all of which sits at the base of Clinch Mountain. The Shack was situated on Keystown Road in a pasture field of Jack DeVault’s farm. It sat on a little rise, which produced prime listening capabilities for hearing their dogs run and bark. It was a little wooden building with cracks in it big enough to throw a good-sized house cat through if it weren’t for the cardboard tacked up on the inside walls to keep the wind out. It had a door and benches built all the way around the inside walls, and a big 55-gallon barrel stove that sat right smack-dab in the middle of the dirt floor. That was it. That was “the Shack.”

When it was chilly or sometimes downright cold, us kids would build a fire in that stove hot enough to make it glow red, and then curl up on one of those benches with our coat for a pillow and nod off to sleep. Every now and then, one of those men would come in and check to see if we were okay, but we didn’t care if they did or not – we were warm and safe and snoozing away.

Anyway, on this particular night we decided to go to Keystown but not use the Shack. We just sat out under some small trees in a draw or small valley just down the hill from it. We built a small fire inside a ring of rocks we had rounded up from close by. The night was clear, and you could see every star in the sky. That type of night made for excellent hearing of the dogs. Me, Papaw, and Uncle Poss were in our chairs we had brought while Wynn and Daryl were sitting or lying stretched out on a nearby log when -- IT HAPPENED.

Papaw always had some big yarn to tell, and this night was no different. He had on his favorite, little, cheap, vinyl-soled, lace-up shoes that he wore all the time with his feet propped up on a rock next to the fire. Wynn, Daryl, and I were all caught up in the big tale Papaw was spinning when Uncle Poss, whom we thought had nodded off to sleep with his chin resting in his hand, propped himself up on the arm of his chair and spoke in his slow, southern drawl unexcited and matter-of-factly . . .

“Runt . . .ye shew’s on faarr.”

Of course, it wasn’t, but from where Papaw was lookin’ down on it, and the smoke was comin’ off of his hot vinyl sole, he couldn’t really tell. He looked down and saw the smoke and jumped up about two feet out of his chair and did what looked like a Keystown version of Michael Jackson’s moon walk. We all laughed so hard the tears poured from our eyes, and I thought Daryl was going to roll off that log he was stretched out on.

There were all types of discussions that took place around those fires, everything from the best type of dog food to the President in the White House. I think a lot of the world’s political problems might have been solved if our leaders could have taken some of the advice offered around those fires.

Another episode that took place at "The Shack" on another night was pretty comical. The dogs were out in hot pursuit of the fox and having quite a "race" as they called it. Jack was just certain that his dog, "Ole Hank" he called him, was out in front burnin’ it up right on that ole fox's tail. As the race went on, every time Jack heard, what he thought was Ole Hank, he would holler about how far he was out in front of all the other dogs. Of course, some of the others claimed it to be their dog instead. Jack would have his part of it. "Boys, now that's Ole Hank if I ever heered emm."

After a little while of this braggin, Papaw got up and went to his truck to get the stuff to start cooking bacon and eggs. When he rounded the end of his truck, he tripped over Ole Hank lyin’ there in the shadow away from the fire. When Papaw saw which dog it was, he hollered back to the fire, "Hey Jack, you sure Ole Hank is leading that race?” "You'er dadgum tootin’ he is. Can’t you hear eem?" Jack shouted back. Then Papaw said, "Well, who's this?” as he lead Ole Hank out of the shadow by his collar. Papaw said that dog had been laying there quite a while because he was sound asleep when he tripped over him. Jack just stood up, folded his chair, come over and took Ole Hank by the collar and they both disappeared off into the night toward his house not to be seen or heard from the rest of the night.

Sadly, that type of fox hunting has all but vanished including the Shack, which has since burned down. Most of those good men have passed on. I know of no one who participates in that sport now -- I don’t even know of anyone who has any foxhound dogs. And believe it or not, one of those men went to his grave still believing that mankind HAD NOT been to the moon. He insisted those films had been taken out in a desert somewhere.

My Papaw was not that person, but Runt was a small man with a HUGE personality. He was maybe 5-foot nothin’ and 120 pounds soakin’ wet, but he was much bigger in my eyes. I’m told I may have gotten some of my personality from him. I remember him always laughing and having a good time – I enjoy doing that, too.

I miss him dearly.

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Submitted by Carol Pratt on Mon, 11/04/2024 - 20:13
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Submitted by James and Ellen... on Mon, 11/04/2024 - 20:12

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Submitted by Steve Roark on Mon, 11/04/2024 - 20:09
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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Sat, 11/02/2024 - 21:23

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

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Submitted by Carol Pratt on Mon, 10/28/2024 - 13:07
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Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Mon, 10/28/2024 - 12:19
Artwork by Shirley McMurtrie

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Submitted by Brooke Cox on Sun, 10/20/2024 - 19:26

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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.

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

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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.

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

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

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Nail Driving Contest

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

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FLAGS

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

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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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