Larry Kenneth Pursiful-age 82 of Knox County, TN passed away Friday, September 8, 2023 at Claiborne Medical Center. He was born March 23, 1941 in Harlan, Kentucky. He was of the Baptist faith. Preceded in death by parents, Oscar and Georgie Violet (Peace) Pursiful; son, Kenny Ray Pursiful; brothers, Roger, Jimmy and Sonny Pursiful; sisters, Wanda Leforce, Donna Pursiful.
Murphy Lane “Lanie” Grace-age 4 months, 8 days of Luttrell went to be with Jesus Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville. Although her time here with us was short her impact on our lives was great.
Rhonda Lynn Hayes – 53 of Maynardville, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at her home. Although she struggled with addiction for most of her life, Rhonda had the biggest heart and loved to laugh. She professed faith in Jesus Christ at an early age, and the family is taking comfort in knowing she will not be fighting this battle anymore.
Dyllen Ray Fagg – age 27, passed away suddenly and will be forever missed by so many, especially his family. He was the funniest, most loving man you could ever meet. His quick wit and kind heart made him loved by everyone. Dyllen was a very loyal, compassionate, thoughtful and loving father, son, grandson, brother, fiancé, uncle, nephew and cousin.
Willis Douglas (Dud) Warwick-age 87 of Andersonville went to be with the Lord Thursday evening, August 31, 2023 at his home while surrounded by his family. He was a life long resident of the Big Ridge (Blue Mud) community. He worked as a plumber for over 40 years. He loved farming and spending time with his family, especially his grandson and great-grandchildren. He loved his church and church family at Hines Creek Baptist Church where he had been a member for many years and had a perfect attendance in Sunday School for 35 consecutive years.
Drake Logan Washam – age 30 of Luttrell, passed away suddenly August 29, 2023. He loved to fish and enjoyed woodworking and gardening.
He is preceded in death by brother, Colby Washam. Drake is survived by parents, Gary and Janice Washam; grandparents, Norman and Rose Wallace; brothers, Jordan (Paige) Washam; Frankie (Crystal) Wallace, Lucas Wallace and Markus Wallace; and nephew, Alexander Washam.
Linda Darlene Bays-age 77 of Maynardville passed away peacefully Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Willow Ridge Center, Maynardville. She was of the Church of God faith. She was born October 13, 1945 in Lilbourn, Missouri and a graduate of Lilbourn High School, class of 1964. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Preceded in death by parents, Virgil and Beulah Earnheart; sisters, Rebecca Sisk, Virgie Bailey; brother, Will Earnheart; step-children, Angela Pollard, Dave Childress, Jerry Childress.
Ella Claire McCurry – age 20 months, passed away suddenly August 29, 2023. She always was happy and could make anyone smile no matter what, with a personality that could light up a whole room. Ella loved music and loved to dance. She loved to run and play with her big sisters. Ella was perfect in every way.
She is survived by parents, Robert “Bob” and Rebecca McCurry; sisters, Shiloh, Olivia, and Loretta; Grandparents, Reverend Robert McCurry, Sr. and Sandra; and Martin and Barbara Green; uncle and aunt, Dustin and Melissa Welch; and cousins, Eli, Lucas, Seth and Levi Welch.
Francis A. Vallone, II (Frankie)-age 49 of Luttrell passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Frankie was saved a few months ago and was of the Christian faith, his words were “I’m me, I’m real and I’ve turned my life around 380 degrees, I work and am now getting the things I gave up back.” He was a graduate of West High School, Class 1992. Frankie worked in the music industry for major musical artists and was an avid Ford Mustang lover. Preceded in death by grandparents, Luigi and Ruth Vallone; mother, Wilma Vallone; sister, Wendy Vallone
Lukus James Burner – age 41, of Union County, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, after a long battle with cancer. He was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church, former Knox County Police Officer and beloved member of Paulette Fire Department. Lukus loved drag racing, welding, and working on cars. He was an amazing dad, son and grandson who loved his family dearly.
Elizabeth Ann Cochrum-age 51 of New Tazewell passed away Wednesday evening, August 23, 2023 at North Knoxville Medical Center. She was a member of Riley Memorial Baptist Church in Tazewell. She was a loving mother and sister. Preceded in death by mother, Sally Ann Wells; sister, Jennifer Lawson.
Clifford Darrell Bailey-age 66 of Maynardville born August 30, 1956, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 20, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. Darrell had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and said he had a BETTER PLACE TO GO! Preceded in death by parents, Cliffton and Lucille (Nicely) Bailey; sister, Donna Jean Brown; brothers, Eddie Bailey, David Bailey; brothers-in-law, Glen Brown, Troy Crawford, Jim Stoffle.
Melborn (Duck) Munsey-age 83 of Maynardville went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 18, 2023 at home with his wife, Imogene by his side. He was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. He was a lifetime farmer and drove a school bus for Union County Schools for 45 years. He also served 38 years as a member of the Union County Rescue Squad and served on the Union County Planning Commission. He is preceded in death by his father, Oscar Munsey; mother, Jennie Munsey Buckner; son, Marvin Munsey; three sisters and three brothers.
John Michael Helton – age 66, passed away August 16, 2023. John was a Christian who taught Sunday school for teen aged boys and girls at Cumberland Missionary Baptist Church in Cumberland, Kentucky. He was a dedicated Registered Nurse for over 30 years and touched many lives. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, John Helton and Billie Jean Denny Helton , and twin sister, Carol Jean Helton. He is survived by his faithful and loving wife, Linda Helton; daughter, Kayla Helton; 2 special granddaughters, Lily Mae and Charlotte Jean (Charli) Helton and sister, Kim Helton.
Lisa Renee Graves McNeal-age 58 of the Halls Community of Knoxville went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at her home. She was a member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church. She was a licensed Optician and worked at Lens Crafters at East Towne Mall and Wal-Mart on Clinton Highway. Preceded in death by father, Earl Graves, Jr.
Roger Lynn Collins, Sr.-age 63 of Maynardville passed away Sunday morning, August 13, 2023 at his home. He was a former employee of the Union County Highway Department. Roger never met a stranger and he had a passion for trading. Preceded in death by parents, Roscoe and Mossie (Vandergriff) Collins; brothers, Bootsie Collins, Joe Collins, Harley Collins, Roy Collins, Robert Vandergriff, Gary James Wood and Earl Collins; sisters, Geraldine Bailey and Laura Bailey.
Mark H. Clifton-age 73 of the Halls Community of Knoxville went to be with the Lord Thursday morning, August 10, 2023 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He was a member and worship leader of Lighthouse Christian Fellowship in Powell. Mark had a heart for Jesus, a heart for worship and a heart for loving people. He didn’t meet a stranger and would give the shirt off his back to a person in need. He had a strong hope in the Lord, and shared that hope until the Lord brought him home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ann Clifton.
Gary F. Heidenreich-age 64 of Maynardville departed this life for his Heavenly home on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. He was preceded in death by parents, Harry and Lucille Heidenreich; siblings, Georgia Brewer, Pat Pitsonberger, Rich Heidenreich.
He is survived by Theresa Heidenreich; son, Dale (LeAnn) Heidenreich; daughter, Delarie (Bryan) Bowman; grandchildren, Seth, Logan, Emily, Molly, Bryson, Halie; great-grandchildren, Cateleya, Leeton and Jaxson; sisters, Holly Astronskas, Pam Jones; brothers, Butch Heidenreich, Tracey Heidenreich.
Jann (Daniels) Longmire-age 65 of Blaine passed away peacefully at her home Thursday, August 10, 2023. She was a member of Taylors Grove Baptist Church in Sharps Chapel. She graduated from Horace Maynard High School class of 1975 and then went onto Lincoln Memorial University and got her associate degree in nursing. She worked in home health and later for Dr. Lee at Gastrointestinal Associates. After retiring she worked at Flowers by Bob with her long-time friend Bob Sharp. Jan was a 5-year breast cancer survivor and loved the old way of life, her garden and flowers she grew.
John Brad Ellison – age 45 of Tazewell, passed away suddenly August 6, 2023.
He is preceded in death by wife, Lora Ellison; mother, Becky Edds; grandfather, J. F. Ellison; great grandparents, Luna and Ella Sharp and Swan and Zola Ellison. John is survived by daughter, Brook; granddaughter, Vanity; grandmother, Jo Ann Ellison; and mother-in-law, Debbie Tabor.