Ralph Robert Lane, age 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 19, 2019, after a brief struggle with cancer. He was of Baptist faith. A wise saint once said, “The stronger a man is, the more gentle he can afford to be.” If that is true, then Ralph Robert Lane was one of the strongest men in the world. Ralph was a kind and gentle soul, with a generous and giving spirit. He was a man who brought out the best in all who were around him.
Joyce Louise Ridener, age 80, of Knoxville passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2019. She was a member of Valley View Baptist Church. She was a Devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her and her husband loved traveling together. Preceded in death by husband Bob Ridener; parents Ennis and Glenna Robertson; and sister Bobbie Henderson. Survived by sons Mike Ridener and Ronnie (Brenda) Ridener; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister Donna (Ronnie) McConkey; as well as a niece and nephews; and cousin Jeanne Rose.
David Allen Berry, Sr., age 67, of Corryton passed away on April 19, 2019. He was a member of Rockydale Primitive Baptist Church. He owned Berry’s Wrecker Service and Auto Shop for over thirty years. He enjoyed farming in his spare time. He is preceded in death by parents Elmer and Lorene Berry; and brother Donald Berry. He is survived by daughters Connie Berry and Abigail Berry; son David Berry, Jr.; grandchildren Brent Allen Berry and Jessie Lynn Berry; and siblings Mike Berry and Janice George.
Denise Jean Hurst Caudill, age 45, of Tazewell, Tennessee, was born on September 23, 1973, and passed away at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, TN on April 16, 2019, with family by her side. She professed faith in God at an earlier age and had a personal relationship with God.
Nora “Carol” Schmalenberger-age 61 of Orlando, Florida passed away of cancer Wednesday evening, April 17, 2019 in Maynardville, TN. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing. Before her diagnosis, she was employed full time by Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Florida as a housekeeper. Her hard work and dedication were appreciated by all she worked with. She was preceded in death by father, James W. Hill; mother, Vincie M. Beard.
Jones, Kelly Renee, age 51, of Corryton, passed away April 17, 2019. Preceded in death by mother, Flora Voltz and twin sister Karen. Survived by father and step-mother, Wade and Betty Jones, step-father and caregiver, Bill Voltz, brother, Michael Jones, nephew Parker (Catherine) Jones, and special aunts, Carol, Kathy and Diane. Friends and family will meet at 12:45 pm for a 1:00 pm interment on Friday, April 19, 2019 at Lynnhurst Cemetery, Larry Ensley officiating. Online condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com.
Hazel Hall Burress, 85 years old of Knoxville went to her heavenly home on April 17, 2019. At the time of her passing she was the longest living member of Union Baptist Church, Washington Pike. Hazel loved her Lord, her church and family. She was preceded in death by parents, Sam & Dicie Hall, Brothers, Claude, Hughes, LeRoy, Floyd, Doug, Herbert. Sisters, Melzena Riggs and Rachel Witt. Stepdaughter, Donna Tallent. She is survived by devoted nieces, Carol (Don) McCarty, Judy Witt, Wanda (Dan) Margelowsky, brother: John Hall, California.
Russell Harold Douglas passed away at the age of 90 at Tennova North Knoxville Medical Center on Thursday, April 18, 2019 after a brief illness. He was born and raised in Elk Valley, Tennessee. He worked in the nearby coal mines until moving to Toledo, Ohio as a young man. He soon met the love of his life, Reba Hyden, by chance at a church revival. They spent 66 years in adoring love. Russell enjoyed gardening and writing stories about love, his family, and his devout faith.
Barbara Ann Heath – age 60 of Maynardville, went to meet her Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 18, 2019. Barbara attended Circle Assembly of God. She loved her family and enjoyed being around people, especially her church family.
She is preceded in death by her father, Donald Wolfe; and sisters, Vivian Heath and Darla. Barbara is survived by her husband of 42 years, Mark Allen Heath; sons, Mark Anthony and Joseph Aaron Heath; mother, Jo Ann Wolfe; niece, Davida Henderson; and nephews, Lucas and Brody Henderson.
Samuel Charles Talbott II age 42 passed away unexpectedly Monday morning April 15, 2019. Preceded in death by father, Samuel Charles Talbott; daughter, Kaylie Talbott. He is survived by mother, Patty Talbott (Danny Baker); son, Hayden Bailey; sister, Lisa Armentrout; nieces, Alyssa Hawkins (Brandon) and Abby Armentrout; great-nephew, Dalton Hawkins; special friend, Tandy Vanzant; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sammy was a graduate of Horace Maynard High School. Like his father, he never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went.
Doris Ann Eastridge – age 73 of New Tazewell, passed away peacefully at her home on April 15, 2019. She was a member of Carr’s Branch Missionary Baptist Church. Doris was retired from the Claiborne County School System.
Curtis E. (Kurt) Russell, II-age 44 of Knoxville passed away suddenly Sunday, April 14, 2019 at his home. Kurt was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church attending First Comforter Church. He was a 1992 graduate of Halls High School. He loved playing the guitar; singing and recording at Songwriters Studio. Many years he took guitar lessons from Ed Wing and voice lessons from Terri McClellan. His dad taught him to enjoy U. T. Football at an early age. He loved life, his family and friends.
Thurman Eugene Davis-age 70 of Knoxville, known as T.D. to his friends went home to be with the Lord Sunday morning, April 14, 2019 at Tennova North Medical Center. Thurman proudly served his country in the Army 1969 – 1975. Preceded in death by his loving wife, Susan Diane Davis; parents, Cody and Nettie Davis; brothers, Hubert, Carlos, R. V., Hobert and Hessie Davis; sister, Margie Davis.
Ray Edward Buckner-age 80 of Maynardville passed away Sunday morning, April 14, 2019 at Willow Ridge Center. Preceded in death by father, Frank Buckner; mother, Susie Waggoner Buckner; brothers, Frank Buckner, Jr.; Paris Kitts; sister, Mildred Kitts Loy.
Survivors: sons, Jeff Kitts of Maynardville; Tim Kitts of Knoxville; daughter, Brenda Kitts of Knoxville; brother, Billy (Todd) Buckner of Maynardville; sister, Jean Fields of Knoxville. Several nieces and nephews.
Attoway Helen Arnold-age 76 of Washburn passed away Wednesday morning, April 10, 2019 at Morristown-Hamblen Hospital. She was born June 15, 1942 the daughter of the late John and Bessie Hensley and is also preceded in death by son, Richard Arnold and grandson, Jaylynn Singleton.
Iva Geraldine (Gerry) Tipton, age 84, Corryton, TN went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, April 12, 2019. She was a faithful member of Ridgeview Heights Baptist Church. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Preceded in death by parents Fred and Bonnie Webber, brothers Lawrence and Briscoe Webber, sister Mary Lett and son-in-law Steve Griffith.
Von C Merritt went to be with his Savior April 12, 2019. He was a member of Fountain City United Methodist Church. Preceded in death by parents George and Hazel Merritt, and Brother Ron Merritt. Survived by wife Mary Ann Merritt, brothers and sisters-in-law Jim and Delsie Merritt, Al and June Merritt, sisters and brothers-in-law Marie and Jack Rhyne, Janice and Bob Pendergrass, Almeda and Steve Lewis, and sister-in-law Maudella Merritt. The family will receive friends from 5:30 - 7:30 pm on Monday, April 15, 2019 at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel.
Pauline “Polly” Lucille Hodson Smith age 68 of Knoxville passed away on Friday April 12, 2019, surrounded by her family. Polly retired from First Tennessee Bank after 30 years of service. She spent her retirement years serving as a teacher for the Parents Day Out program at Union Baptist Church and also enjoyed working for Purple Plum Estate Sales, when not at work she loved spending time with her Terry Point Campground family. Preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Helen Hodson; brother Dennis Hodson.
Velva C. Warwick, age 101, passed away April 12, 2019. She was a loving mother and grandmother who will be sadly missed. Her favorite hobby was gardening.
Verleen Miller, born November 17, 1946, went to be with the Lord April 11, 2019. She was a member of Powell United Methodist Church. Verleen was the owner of Crossroads Insurance for over 30 years. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.