Brentley Justin Keelen-age 2 of Indian Ridge Road, Rutledge went to become an angel Saturday afternoon, December 7, 2019 near his home. Preceded in death by grandfather, Mitchell Burgess. Survivors: mother, Samantha Burgess; father, Dustin Keelen; half-brothers, Darius Gage Morgan and Xavier Blaze Morgan; grandparents, Bruce Keelen; Mavis and James Harrell; Trishia Burgess; great-grandmother, Lillie P.
James Anderson “Jim” Clay, Jr.-age 63 of Washburn went home to be with his Heavenly Father Friday morning, December 6, 2019 while surrounded by his family at his home. He was a long-time member of Mt. Eager Baptist Church. Jim was a former employee of Plasti-Line Inc. and was a retired Barber. Everyone who knew him loved him. Preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Ruth Clay; sisters, Lois Dalton and Rhonda Clay; brother, Rev. Johnny Clay.
Barbara Beeler McGinnis-age 84 of Washburn went to be with the Lord Thursday, December 5, 2019 at her home. Preceded in death by brothers and sisters-in-law, J. R. (Grace) Beeler; Don (Wanda) Beeler; Bill (Lillian) Beeler, all of Washburn; Hazel Lester of Tazewell.
She is survived by her children, Rick (Alice) McGinnis of Knoxville; Rita (Jim) Teffteller of Rutledge; Debbie (Gary) Wood and Jeff McGinnis, all of Washburn. She had eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren. Several nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Wayne Clifton Smith-age 86 of Heiskell passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at his home with is family by his side. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. He was a U. S. Army Veteran and a member of the Tri-County Veterans Honor Guard. He was a member of J. C. Baker Lodge #720 F. & A.M.
He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Shirley Smith; children, Charlotte Diane, Wayne, Tim, Rick and wife, Dolly; Darrell and Beverly. He was also blessed with 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
E. J. Ray-age 73 of Maynardville went home peacefully Monday evening, December 2, 2019 at his home. He was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. Preceded in death by parents, Andy and Maggie Ray; sisters, Dorthy, Gladys and Mary Patricia Ray; brother, Jr Ray.
Cynthia Dawn (Cooper) Hensley-age 53 of Luttrell, born January 18, 1966 passed away Monday morning, December 2, 2019 at her home. Cynthia was a member of Jim Town Baptist Church and an employee of the Horace Maynard Middle School. Preceded in death by father, Rev. E. R. Cooper; mother, Opal Raley Cooper; brothers, Mark and Tony Cooper.
David Ray Richards, Jr. age 43 of Knoxville passed away Thursday, November 28, 2019 on Thanksgiving Day. David worked at Legend Fitness in Knoxville. He was born and raised on the south side of Knoxville and blessed to have touched so many lives with his charm and outgoing personality.
John B. Tatum, Jr.-age 70 of Sharps Chapel, Tennessee, formerly of Piqua, Ohio passed away suddenly Saturday, November 30, 2019 at his home. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Piqua, Ohio; U. S. Air Force Veteran of the Viet Nam War; retired employee of Dinner Bell Meat Processing and also worked at Simpson Industries and Clopay Building Products. John loved living on Norris Lake where he enjoyed boating, fishing and hunting. John, along with his wife fostered several children for 13 years.
Lt. Kenneth Thomas Bowman – K. T.’s family are sad and heartbroken to announce his passing November 27, 2019 peacefully at his home after a lengthy illness. Much appreciation to all his doctors, nurses, DCI Dialysis Clinic on Martin Mill Pike and Amedisys Home Health. He was born January 18, 1939 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of the late Ralph and Francis Bowman. U. S. Army Veteran of the Viet Nam War and served 1956 – 1966 obtaining many awards to include the Bronze Star Medal. K. T.
Pearl (Graves) Kitts, “Granny Pearl” – 93 of Maynardville, passed away November 28, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. She was one of the oldest members of Alder Springs Baptist Church. Pearl retired from Knox County Health Department.
Gerald Gillette-age 87 of Maynardville passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, November 27, 2019 at his home and is now rejoicing in his new Heavenly home. Gerald loved the Lord and was one of His faithful servants. He made sure that everyone he talked to knew about Jesus. He loved and served his country and was a U. S. Navy Veteran of the Korean War and served again in the Army National Guard. He spent most of his life in foundry work and retired as a foundry coordinator with J. R. Hoe and Sons, Middlesboro, Kentucky.
Shirley Bunch, age 70, went home to be with the Lord November 26, 2019 after a 10 year battle with Alzheimer’s. She was a devoted wife, mother, and mamaw who was loved by everyone who met her. She lived life to the fullest and her favorite thing was spoiling her grandchildren.
Preceded in death by parents; sons Ricky and Greg Bunch; sister Helen Parker; brothers GW, Troy, and Carl Richardson.
Roy Elery Smith, Jr.-age 81 of Luttrell passed away peacefully Sunday, November 24, 2019 at his home. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army. Preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Smith; parents, Elery and Edith (Monroe) Smith; sister, Alice Jean Chesney.
Survived by children, Mike Smith, Amy Smith, Buddy Lynn Smith, Sheila Gideon and Tony Smith. Eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild.
Paul W. Meridieth, of Mascot, passed away November 22, 2019 at the age of 74. He was saved May 19, 1994 at Rutledge Pike Missionary Baptist Church, where he continued to be a member of for the remainder of his life. He was a graduate of the Powell High School Class of 1964 and was retired from Coca-Cola. Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Nora Ann and his son, Paul Allen “Blue Boy” Meridieth, parents John C. and Sadie Meridieth, 5 brothers, 2 sisters, and several nieces and nephews.
Braxton Seth Nunnery-age 16 of Maynardville passed away suddenly Wednesday morning, November 20, 2019 as the result of an automobile accident. Braxton was a Junior Classman of Union County High School and was in the auto mechanics program. Preceded in death by grandfather, George Phillip Nunnery, Sr.; grandmother, Karen Fields; step-grandmother, Brenda W. Brock; great-grandmother, Betty Duncan; two close friends, Seth Jenkins and Cody Wilkerson.
Stephen James Hurst-age 64 of Maynardville born May 29, 1955 passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019 at North Knoxville Medical Center. He served his country and was a veteran of the U. S. Army. Preceded in death by mother, Mary Nell Hurst; grandparents, H. M. “Smitty” and Rebon Smith; Fred and Zola Hurst.
Survivors: father, James Hurst; sister, Vera Collins and husband, Allen all of Maynardville; nephew, Matthew Collins; niece, Sarah Craze and husband, Daniel Craze and children, Jackson Houston and Chloe Craze. Best friend, Reid Bridges.
Velma Tarr Nicley Clark-age 89 of Maynardville passed away Thursday morning, November 14, 2019 at her home. She was a member of Mt. Eager Baptist Church. Preceded in death by parents, William Henry and Ava Francie Schlining; husband, Luther Paul Nicley.
Survivors: son and daughter-in-law, Junior and Mary Tarr of Maynardville; special friend, James Nicley of Maynardville.
Ted Todd, Sr.-age 79 of Maynardville passed away peacefully at his home while surrounded by family and loved ones Sunday, November 10, 2019. He was born May 30, 1940 to the late Marshall Todd and Geneva Todd Swindle. He was a member of Grace Full Gospel Baptist Church, Corryton where he served as a Deacon. Ted was also a member of Waverly Lodge No. 615, Martinsville, Indiana where he joined in 1962 and always remained a member in good standing with Indiana Freemasonry.
Randy Leo Relford-age 61 of Sharps Chapel passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He was born February 3, 1958, one of fifteen children of the late Clifton and Ima (Wright) Relford. He was also preceded in death by half-brother, Clarence Evans; brothers, Bill Wright, Terry, Gary and Darrell Relford; sisters, Phyllis Thompson, Mary Ann and Darlene Relford.
Margaret “Maggie” Vera Parker, age 12 weeks, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2019. She was the 1,274th ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) patient and she fought for weeks to stay on earth with her family while waiting for a heart transplant. She will be deeply missed by her family who treasures what time they had with Maggie. Preceded in death by grandfather Dan Parker.