Sherman Wesley Mills – age 81, born July 29, 1942 and passed away peacefully October 20, 2023, surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with Parkinson’s. He showed his love of God through singing and playing bluegrass gospel for 50 years. Preceded in death by his parents, JT Mills and Etha Oglebys Mills, brothers; Alvin, Benny and Reaford and sisters; Alma, Margaret and Carolyn.
Wayne G. Ellison-age 72 of Sharps Chapel passed away suddenly Wednesday, October 18, 2023. He was of the Baptist faith and an active member of Mount Olive Baptist Church. Wayne was a dedicated farmer, avid outdoorsman and was loved by his family. Wayne retired from T.W.R.A. after 35 years of service and served on numerous boards and committees throughout Union County. Preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Georgia (Cox) Ellison.
Rozalia “Rosie” Williams-age 67 of Corryton went to be with the Lord Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Blaine Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Tazewell Pike. Preceded in death by son, Darrell Williams; parents, Harvey and Belle Delph; brothers, Howard Delph, Ronald Delph; stepmother, Birdie Delph.
Johnny Ray Thomas-age 74 of Maynardville passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and his favorite music Wednesday, October 18, 2023. John was a lifelong member of Hubbs Grove Baptist Church and a member of J.C. Baker Lodge #720. He possessed a sharp wit and immeasurable mental toughness. A severe car crash when he was 18 years old left him with physical limitations, but John persevered with willpower and determination to work hard and live a full life. He retired from Y-12 in Oak Ridge.
Jimmy Ray Cox, Jr.– age 52 of Maynardville, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 15, 2023. He was of the Baptist faith. Jimmy was employed by CCSE, where he was the parts manager for 24 years. He loved University of Tennessee sports and was an avid dirt track fan and owner of the #8, a late model car.
Dustin Hayes Boles-age 42 of Maynardville went to live with his Savior Saturday morning, October 14, 2023, at North Knoxville Medical Center. He was saved at an early age and a member of Glory Bound Baptist Church. Dustin had a bad heart for 25 years and had multiple surgeries during that time, his heart finally gave out. Preceded in death by his mother, Rhonda Williams; uncle Tony Williams; grandfather, Hayes Williams; great grandparents, Hanner and Eula Beason, Rob and Lora Williams.
Donald Lee Atkins-age 86 of Luttrell, born May 20, 1937 went to be home with the Lord Saturday, October 14, 2023 at U. T. Medical Center. He was a member of New Friendship Baptist Church and was a lifetime farmer. Preceded in death by wife, Nella Faye Muncey Atkins; father, Henry Atkins; mother, Ida Atkins; brother, Larence Atkins and Johnny Atkins.
Survived by sister, Opal Seymour and several nieces and nephews.
Ralph Sands-age 92 of Knoxville went to be home with the Lord Saturday, October 14, 2023. He was a member of AilorDale Baptist Church. Ralph owned several businesses over the years, Ralphs Flowers and Gifts, Seal Craft Boats, Beaver Craft Boats and Madisonville Boat Sales. Preceded in death by wife, Lucy Williams Sands; parents, Luther and Cecil Sands; brothers, Edgbert, Esco, Freeman, Charlie and Carl Sands; sisters, Edith Bailey, Mae Kitts, Edna Kitts, Pearl Sands.
Roy Lynn Palmer-age 67 of Knoxville went to be with the Lord Thursday evening, October 12, 2023 at North Knoxville Medical Center. He was a hard-working man and a loving father who will be missed by many. Preceded in death by daughter, Tina Palmer; granddaughter, Miranda Palmer; parents, Leroy and Hazel (Houser) Palmer, brother, Gary Palmer.
Michael David McNeely-age 65 of Knoxville went peacefully to Heaven Friday, October 13,2023 after a courageous battle with leukemia. Michael was born in Knoxville on July 3,1958. Preceded in death by his parents Hugh Elwood McNeely and Elizabeth Louise Norris McNeely and dear Aunt and Uncle, Bill and Juanita Tallent. He was a graduate of West High School and Tennessee School of Beauty.
He is survived by his brothers Mark A. McNeely, Nashville and Brooks N. McNeely, Knoxville as well as his two fur babies and constant companions, Jack and Koda.
Betty Ruth (Carmon) Williams-age 76 of Maynardville passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Betty was a member of Nave Hill Baptist Church and was an employee of McDonalds, Maynardville. Preceded in death by husband, Paul Williams; parents, Thurman and Hester Carmon; brother, Ed Carmon, Glen Carmon; sisters, Ina Carmon, Louella Carmon.
Rosa Lea Mullins Bailey-age 85 of Washburn went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at U.T. Medical Center. She was a member of Pennington Chapel Baptist Church and a graduate of Rutledge High School. Rosa was a retired employee of Hillcrest Nursing Home with 30 years of service. Preceded in death by her husband, Vaughn Bailey; mother, Dolly Parker White; father, Taylor Ted Mullins; brother, Bruce Mullins.
Robert Lynn Kirby-age 51 of New Tazewell passed away Wednesday morning, October 11, 2023, at his home. He was saved at an early age. Preceded in death by his mother, Betty Ann Kirby: brother, Jody Lee Kirby.
He is survived by his father, Charlie Kirby of Strawberry Plains; niece, Felecia VanWinkle; fiancé, Rebecca Daniels of New Tazewell, several aunts and uncles and a host of friends and other family members.
Cremation is planned. In lieu of flowers donations may be made at the funeral home for expenses. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
Dennie “Joe” Kitts – age 76 of Maynardville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He was of the Baptist faith. Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting and riding horses.
Linda R. McCoy of Maynardville passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023 at her home. She was a member of Leatherwood Baptist Church. Preceded in death by parents, Johnny and Ruth Raley; sisters, Margaret Raley and Opal Cooper; brother, John Raley.
Survivors: husband of 62 years, Rev. Joe McCoy; children, Jennifer (Gary) Collins; Billy Joe McCoy, Jr.; Sonya (Jack) Fine and Debbie McCoy. Grandchildren, Hope McNabb, Nicholas Collins, Lela Fine, Rev. Gus Fine, P.F.C. Brandon Fine (U.S. Marine Corps), Cody Fine. Brother James Raley and wife, Diane.
Chester Wayne Hutchison-age 62 of Andersonville in Union County went to be with Lord on Friday, September 29, 2023 at North Knoxville Medical Center. He was saved at an early age and often visited area churches and sung songs of praise. Chester loved to sing southern gospel music, the McKamey’s were his favorite group, and had even recorded his own music. He was a former employee of the Union County Courthouse. Preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Trula (Witt) Hutchison; brothers, Lonnie Hutchison, Thurman Hutchison; nephew, Kyle Burgen and several other family members.
Joyce Flatford Warwick – age 78 of Maynardville, passed away peacefully at her son’s home on Friday, September 29, 2023. She leaves a beautiful testimony behind of salvation with her husband at 21 at Bryam’s Fork Baptist Church. A wonderful worker and witness for the Lord. Her race is run, she finished the fight. Joyce was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church where her grandson, Reverend Charles “Tyler” Warwick is pastor. Joyce was a member of seven different churches as a pastor’s wife, except for two, Macedonia and Valley Grove.
Mary Gregory Mynatt of Knoxville, passed away on September 28, 2023 peacefully surrounded by family. Mary was born January 22, 1948 to Dudley Grover Gregory and Norma Lucille Wendt Gregory in Sealy, Texas. After graduating from Royal High School in 1966 she went on a few years later to study accounting at Cooper’s Institute in Knoxville. Mary was a member of Black Oak Heights Baptist Church and served as church secretary from 1981 – 1985.
Jessie Janette “Jan” (Brogan) Finegold-age 83 of Knoxville passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Beverly Park Place Health and Rehab. Preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life, Raymond “Ray” Finegold; parents, Herbert “Rat” and Lula Brogan; brothers, Norman Brogan, JR Brogan.
Glenn Paul Buckner-age 83 of Maynardville passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023, at home. He was a retired employee of Dempster Brothers, Knoxville. As long as his health permitted, he loved hunting and fishing, baseball and football along with U.T. sports. Preceded in death by his parents, Troy E. and Ruby (Cox) Buckner; sister, Susie Cooke; brother, Allen Buckner.