Job 14:7-9

Ronnie Mincey

Mincey’s Musings
Year Two, Week Twenty-Eight

Job 14:7-9

Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind;
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
--John Donn

(https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/john_donne_136861).

This famous quote serves as a grim reminder that death comes for us all. I have within the past month attended the funeral of a friend from church (he was in his late sixties) and the receiving of friends for one of my former fifth grade students (in his late thirties). Death is always tragic, but even more so when a child is involved. Just this week a rising fifth grade student in our school system passed away.

This child’s passing caused me to remember several years ago when I was asked to accompany one of our school system’s elementary students on the Roho shopping spree. (Please go on Internet and type “Roho Fishing Tournament” in the search engine; click on the link “History” to find out more information about this worthy program.) In short, the proceeds from a fishing tournament are used to provide Christmas shopping sprees to economically disadvantaged children in local elementary schools.

The young man I assisted was a friendly, happy, intelligent boy. It was a privilege to spend part of my day with him. I was deeply saddened to hear of his death just a short while afterward. Many of the thoughts that ran through my mind as I looked at his sweet, innocent face in his casket are beautifully expressed in the following poem:

Little Boy Blue

The little toy dog is covered with dust,
   But sturdy and stanch he stands;
 The little toy soldier is red with rust,
   And his musket molds in his hands.
Time was when the little toy dog was new,
   And the soldier was passing fair;
And that was the time when our Little Boy Blue
   Kissed them and put them there.

"Now, don't you go till I come," he said,
   "And don't you make any noise!"
So, toddling off to his trundle-bed,
   He dreamt of the pretty toys;
And, as he was dreaming, an angel song
   Awakened our Little Boy Blue---
Oh! the years are many, the years are long,
   But the little toy friends are true!

Ay, faithful to Little Boy Blue they stand,
   Each in the same old place---
Awaiting the touch of a little hand,
   The smile of a little face;
And they wonder, as waiting the long years through
   In the dust of that little chair,
What has become of our Little Boy Blue,
   Since he kissed them and put them there.

I’ve read a respectable amount of poetry, but to me this is the saddest poem ever penned. It was written by Eugene Field, originally published April 7, 1888. Some scoff at this piece of literature because of its sentimentality. Perhaps that is what is wrong in today’s world—there is not enough sentiment expressed between all of us fellow travelers on our planet.

The toys that belonged to the toddler in this poem, though the years reduced them to dust and rust, were still where Little Boy Blue “kissed” and “put” them before he toddled off to his trundle bed. Even in his sleep he “dreamt” of the “pretty” toys. What a sweet child he must have been to have loved so deeply! This child might have enjoyed a nursery rhyme about another Little Boy Blue, the one with the sheep in the meadow, the cow in the corn.

Though his beloved toys faithfully wait, how sad it is to know their owner will never return. It’s just as sad to know that had he lived to adulthood, no other human could have been as faithful to Little Boy Blue as were his inanimate toys. They and their young master share the same fate—all will return to the elements from which they were made.

It is also sad to think that his family and friends went on to live the rest of their lives, while these beloved objects expressed their true devotion and love for their little owner by remaining immobile. But how sweetly this speaks of Little Boy Blue’s mother. How she must have loved him, to provide him with toys he loved so well. Little Boy Blue, like his toys, was once “new” and “fair” to her, and her heart grieved so much at his passing that she left his toys for so many years in the “same old place” he left them. Perhaps she hoped, as did the toys, that some miracle would bring her Little Boy Blue back to her!

But even in death Little Boy Blue lives (“. . . as he was dreaming, an Angel song awakened our Little Boy Blue—“)! “Oh! The years are many” and “long” for those of us who remain. But one day the same “Angel song” that “awakened” Little Boy Blue will be sung for each and every one of us, and if we have professed that childlike faith we will join all the saved little boy blues in one long, endless day. Job 14: 7-9 (KJV) reads: “ For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.  Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground;  Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

But what about the toys? I remember many years ago reading the “My Answer” column in the newspaper. A child was heartbroken when a pet died and wrote the Rev. Dr. Billy Graham, asking if he would see his pet in Heaven. Dr. Graham replied to the effect that all things find their reward in God. Colossians 2:2 (KJV) speaks of the mysteries of God: “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;”. Matthew 19:26 (KJV) says “. . . with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I live with one who recently lost her Little Boy Blue. For a few magic years, he was also my Little Boy Blue. We miss him. I have a Bible on my desk that was given to him by his first grade teacher Betty McBee from which I can read the words of King David recorded in 2 Samuel 12:22-23 (KJV): “. . . While the child was yet alive, I . . . said, Who can
tell whether GOD will be gracious . . . that the child may live? But now he is dead . . . can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

Thank you, Faithful Reader, for allowing me to share these somber thoughts with you for the past two weeks. Next week, I turn to more cheerful thoughts. 

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Articles

To Zone or Not to Zone. That is the question.

Can a crowded rural RV park be built in Union County? (Stock Photo)

There are two major opinions about zoning in Union County. One seems to be “don’t tell me what I can do on my property”. People do not want to be told that they can or cannot (choose one) put an RV on their property, raise pigs or turkeys, build another building on their property, rent their property out to others, collect scrap metal. There is a long list of possible rules and regulations that many of the “don’t tread on me” citizens of this county simply do not want. There are also the “not in my backyard” folks who have a point as well.

Veterans Menu April 1

American Legion Post 212

Calling all Veterans! What better way to celebrate April Fool’s Day than to be at the American Legion building at noon to feast on Veteran Volunteer Margo McCaffery’s Famous American Goulash! Sometimes called slumgullion, American goulash is a comfort food dish based on the Hungarian goulash stew. The ground beef, tomato and macaroni are in a beautifully seasoned tomato sauce. Shredded cheese and sour cream will be available for garnish.

Good stretches for the back

Different stretches have different functions. Some focus on a particular muscle or muscle group or limb, and improve movement. Others, sometimes referred to as ‘active’ stretches, are intended to increase strength. The following three exercises are designed to do both with your back:

Miracle Shot

Being the tomboy that I was, I always enjoyed playing sports, especially softball. My next favorite sport was dodge ball. My least favorite was basketball. I tried, but let’s just say I struggled with it.

Unexpected Expectations

I receive many emails. At least half of them are what I call email “e-commercials”. They pretty much immediately go to my trash folder. Today I received one of those emails, and though it went to the trash folder, the subject line did give me something to think about—expectations versus desires. This week’s article will focus on pleasant aspects of expectations.
The King James Version of the Bible has several things to say about expectation. Following are a few to ponder.

Seared Scallops

Scallops are new to me. I am still learning how to prepare them. Here is a recipe for preparing scallops. I think it is pretty good.
Put scallops in a paper towel and pat dry with another paper towel...

Hiking Into the Past

Stone walls and daffodils in the woods are two indicators of an old home site.

Human archaeology normally involves the study of things left by an ancient people in an ancient time, but it is also interesting to observe more recent signs that people lived in our area within the last 150 years or so. Many areas that appear to be natural untouched forests were actually greatly impacted by human presence. I find it intriguing to seek out visible clues and try to figure out what took place many years ago. Here are some indicators that humans impacted the landscape, particularly in a forest.

Family Community Education Club in Union County

Have you heard of FCE clubs? Perhaps you have heard of the homemaker’s club. Family & Community Education clubs (FCE), formerly known as the homemaker’s group, have been around for a long time.
While 4-H clubs have been a way of building community and skills among youth throughout Tennessee history, FCE clubs have been doing the same for adults. The goal of FCE clubs is to strengthen the home and community by improving the quality of life of individuals and families through continuing education, leadership development and community service.

It’s Reverse Raffle Time Again!!

Only a few tickets left in 2023 after pulling over 1500 tickets out one by one.

East TN Lions club is holding their 9th annual Reverse Raffle! In a Reverse Raffle, all the tickets are pulled out one-by-one until there are only 3 tickets left. The third to the last ticket wins $500. The second to the last ticket will win $1000. And the LAST remaining ticket, after all the others have been pulled, is the Grand Prize winner of $2000.

Sciatica and pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through many changes. obviously, it’s a wonderful phase of life. But it’s also a challenging time. Extra weight brings a shift to the center of gravity. This causes new sensations, and, in some cases, discomfort.

Cranky

There are many advantages to growing up on a farm. For me, one of those was having well water to drink. But I when I tell people that, some are not sure what to think.

Five, Six, Pick Up Sticks

And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could . . . (Mark 14: 6-8a KJV).

Smelt Dipping

What does springtime in Tennessee lack? That’s easy. Smelt. A few years ago I found one package in Food City’s frozen foods. I have searched for them every year since, but to no avail.

Periwinkles: the Snail Not the Flower

Periwinkles are tiny freshwater snails commonly seen in clear mountain streams and a sign of unpolluted waters..

Anyone who has hiked and crossed a mountain stream or took a cold drink out of a spring has likely seen periwinkles, which look like small black pebbles scattered about in the water. Closer inspection reveals that they are freshwater snails. I’ve been told by my older kin that seeing these little guys in a stream indicated that the water was clean enough to drink. I wouldn’t go that far about the purity of the water, but they are partially right in that these snails are environmentally sensitive and good indicators of unpolluted streams.

Union hosts Imagination Library Roundtable

Left to right: Michelle Faulkner, mandi Duddath, and Kay Hurst discuss story book trails during the Imagination Library Regional Roundtable.

Union County Imagination Library hosted the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Regional Roundtable on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at the Luttrell Library Community Center. GELF is celebrating 20 years of promoting early literacy since its founding under Governor Phil Bredeson in 2004. Mayor Jerry Lawson of Luttrell warmly welcomed the group and shared some of the events to promote children's activities and how important Imagination Library is to Luttrell as well as his own family.

Thunder Road Printing & Graphic Design Celebrates 10 Years

greeting guests at the 10th Birthday

Marvin Jeffreys and Mitch Lester greet guests, Shannon Brooks of FirstBank and Mayor Jason Bailey, at the 10th Birthday Party.

Thunder Road Printing & Graphic Design kicked off its month long 10th birthday celebration on March , 2024 in Maynardville. Marvin Jeffreys manages the business for Mitch Lester, owner of American Business Equipment, Inc. Everyone enjoyed cake and signing up for door prizes. The door prizes will be given away on March 29.

Easter Egg Hunt in Wilson Park

Calling all Easter Egg Hunters in Union County between the ages of 1 and 10 years old!! We have it on good authority that the Easter Bunny will be visiting Wilson Park in Maynardville on Sunday March 31!! All children from anywhere in the county are invited to come help find some of these eggs! The Hunt is sponsored by the American Legion Post 212 and will start at 3:00. To make it fair, the Hunt will be divided into age groups. Kids from 1 to 3 years old will have their own group. Those 4-6 years old will hunt together and young folks 7-10 years old have their own hunt!

Strengthen the core

It’s good, of course, to keep all your muscles strong and limber. But the strength of the body’s core — the muscles in your belly and mid- and lower back — is one of the keys to long term health and stability as you grow older.

Veterans Luncheon Successful and Tasty!

Over 20 Union County Veterans enjoyed another fantastic meal at the American Legion Building at noon on March 4th! Veteran Volunteers Audry Hanken, Bob Horner, Sally Jones, and Carla Moman prepared a most delicious lasagna, garden salad, garlic rolls and a low sugar chocolate pudding with graham cracker dessert! Delicious food all prepared with gratitude and served free to any and all Union County Veterans! Are you a Veteran? Were you there? Be sure to catch the next meal crafted with love and thanks by Margo McCaffery and the Union County Veteran Volunteers!!

A Matter of Interpretation

It is an old cliché that there are two things no one can escape in this world—death and taxes. Governments throughout history have supported themselves with taxes from their citizens. The Bible references taxation in several places. Jesus was born while his earthly parents were on a journey to be counted in a census in response to a decree that all the world should be taxed. One of Jesus’ disciples was a tax collector. Zacchaeus, who climbed a sycamore tree the Lord for to see, was a tax collector.

Wrongway Feldman

As Tim drove the car back down Mine Road, I felt like Wrongway Feldman from the TV series “Gilligan’s Island.” In case you’re unfamiliar with him, he was a pilot who always flew his plane in the wrong direction. While we weren’t traveling in an airplane, we were traveling in the opposite direction from our destination.

Daffodils are the Harbingers of Spring

Daffodils blooming are a sure sign of Spring, and have a long local and world history.

Nothing says Springs-a-comin’ like seeing Daffodils spotting the countryside. They are of particular interest to me because I’m a mountain history nerd, and they often point to old cabin sites that I like to check out when I’m out exploring

Alder Springs Celebrates 175th Year

Alder Springs Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate their 175th Anniversary on Sunday April 7, 2024. The celebration will be during the 11:00 am worship service with lunch to follow. All former Pastors and past and present members are welcome.
Alder Springs Church was established March 31, 1849 by a group of people who gathered under a Pear Tree. The name Alder Springs came from a spring where an alder bush grew. This land was on the corner of Hickory Star and Little Valley Road. The alder bush was still there until some clearing was done several years ago.

Commission updated on grants, jail, 911, Rush Strong, pantry

Mayor addresses Commission

Mayor Jason Bailey reads the updated information on several grants, both active and potential, during the February Union County Commission Meeting

At the February 24 Union County Commission Meeting, Mayor Jason Bailey explained that the Healthy Built Environment Grant through the Tennessee Department of Health has increased its funding to $100,000 and can be used to build multi-purpose sports fields. These fields could increase the opportunities for recreation on property at the back of Wilson Park.

UCHS Patriot Band concerts May 2, May 18

Teena Venable graduated from the University of Tennessee in May of 1977 and moved to Maynardville that August to start a band program for the schools. She discovered that there was a lot of musical talent in Union County.
At that time, the high school band was open to all grade levels. When she was starting out, Ms. Venable had eight students who already knew how to play and a small group of beginning musicians. Those eight students proudly marched in the 1977 Homecoming Parade.

UCBPA to host 27th Prayer Breakfast

Suzanne Stelling, author of Woodbine Chronicles.

Suzanne Stelling, author of Woodbine Chronicles, will be the keynote speaker at the 27th UCBPA Prayer Breakfast.

The Union County Business & Professional Association will host its 27th Annual Prayer Breakfast on Good Friday, March 29, at First Baptist Church on Main Street.
Buttercup Bakehouse will cater a full hot breakfast of bacon, eggs, biscuits with gravy, fruits, cinnamon rolls, pastries, coffee, and juice. Pastor Corey Carroll of First Baptist will offer the warm welcome and caring invocation and Pastor Kathy Chesney of Miller's Chapel UMC and Irwin's Chapel UMC will close with the inspirational benediction.

Mayor Bailey addresses UCBPA member meeting

Mayor Jason Bailey addressed UCBPA regarding grants
and county projects.

Union County Mayor Jason Bailey addressed the Union County Business & Professional Association on February 13, at the First Bank Conference Room. He shared information on the more than $20M in active grants that his office has secured mostly in the past three years.
He also noted that his office will be applying for over $2.2M more in grants this year. Part of the grants were gifts from the federal or state government. The majority of the other grants have no local tax money needed to match the grant.

March 1 is National Pig Day

Kennedy Hill, Landon Jessee, Logan Jessee, Edward Beeler, Reed Reno, Ariona Payne, William Beeler, Jasmine Emert, and Ben Woods

Union County 4-H would like to celebrate National Pig Day with recognition for the 4-H Swine Project. Union County 4-H Swine Project wraps up the 2023-24 season with seven participants. The Swine Project consists of 4-H members who raise weaned feeder pigs to an ideal weight of 250 pounds. Swine projects provide youth with opportunities to expand their knowledge of swine production and, more importantly, develop the life skills that are needed to be positive contributors to society.

Age with grace and health

We are living longer and, if you play your cards right and have taken care of yourself, this is a wonderful thing. Good genes certainly help, but healthy lifestyle practices are just as important in continuing to live a productive life. Here are some tips the American Chiropractic Association recommends for aging with grace and health:

The first Home Demonstration Agent in Tennessee

Sealing contest at the Tennessee State Fair, 1912. Moore is on the far right.

In Tennessee, March is Extension month. I thought I would share a story about the first woman to begin the Home Demonstration clubs here in Tennessee, specifically within our university. The woman I am talking about is Virginia Pearl Moore. We are going to dive into her life and accomplishments to see what all she has done for the University of Tennessee and the Home Demonstration Clubs, now known as Family and Community Education Clubs or FCE for short.

Team Haase

Buying and selling a home should be a fun adventure! When you have real estate professionals dedicated to helping you before, during and after your transaction, anticipating bumps in the road or issues, and working to bring out best outcomes of every stage of the process, you can focus on what matters the most—whether that’s finding your next dream home, finding that amazing second home, or selling a property for top dollar.

The Journey Home

John “Coon” Miller smiled as he mounted the chestnut drawn buggy bound for his homestead on the Bull Run Creek. He was finished spending the day at his tavern on the Cumberland Gap Road. Long ago, he had had the log structure constructed for the weary travelers who came from Knoxville on their treacherous journey to the Upper Cumberlands. It was now a popular overnight lodging for passersby and a great place to catch up on the local news. Today had been a long day and he was past ready to relax for the rest of the evening.

Our springtime church reunion: The good and the bad

The song of Eddy Arnold’s “Christmas Can’t Be Far Away” reminds me that spring can’t be far away. We’ve had a rough winter with the biggest snow (which started January 14) since the blizzard of 1993.
The snowstorm of this past January left ten inches on our deck. The temps went down below zero for two nights, but we made it through, and now let’s hope we have a long spring this year.

Glad tidings

2 Corinthians 4-7 is actually a continuation of Paul’s expression of true love to the Church at Corinth. The Apostle is serving the Corinthians by sacrificing his worldly fame to tell the whole truth of the Gospel. As many commentators before me have already said the message of the Cross of Christ is a paradox. Jesus told the brothers James and John in the presence of their Mother that Greatness in Heaven is obtained via becoming a servant. Jesus ushered in his Kingdom, by becoming a servant obedient to a death of crucifixion. God’s love for the world is his good news.

Sycamore is easy to identify in winter

Sycamore is easy to identify in winter by its bleached
white upper limbs and multi-colored bark.

Sycamore (Planatus occidentalis) is a very common tree in our area and easy to find growing along streams and lakes. It is also one of the easier trees to identify in the woods because all of its identifying features stand out.
The leaves of sycamore are large, and as broad as they are long, with a big-toothed edge. The leaf also has a fuzzy underside that can be a source of respiratory irritation. The fruit forms in the fall as a cluster of seeds forming a perfect brown ball about an inch or two in diameter, hanging from a long stem and persisting into winter.

R is for Ride

It’s a good thing my mom is brave because she’s the one who taught me how to drive.
It’s funny how different my mom and I are. For instance, driving came natural to her. Before she had her driver’s license, she was driving trucks and tractors across Papaw’s farm. Sometimes when Mamaw Girdle/Myrtle wanted an ice cream, she would give my then-12-year-old mother money for one. My mom would hop on the tractor and drive up to the store and buy her ice cream.

Lemon and Honey Salmon

Salmon likes to be sweetened. Honey will do just that. Try this easy recipe. Place salmon filet on 7- x 10-inch rimmed baking pan. Drizzle olive oil over salmon. Season with salt and pepper. Place lemon slices end to end on filet. Drizzle with honey. Bake in preheated 450 F oven for 15 minutes or less. Do not overcook salmon.

About my love of animals

A girl and her donkey friends

I have mentioned in a previous article about my love for animals and listed some of the animals that I love. I thought this month I would expand on that and tell you a little more about them and why I love them. I will start with my absolute favorite animal.
My favorite animal on the planet is the bettong. Have you ever heard of this animal? I had not heard of it until I saw it on an episode of the Rachael Ray show.

The Last Hunt

By Robert Wyrick
To the best of my recollection, it was the winter of 1953 when my cousin Ralph came up from his home in Loyston to my place in Hickory Valley to spend a few days to help my daddy in his radio repair shop.
Now, as my luck would have it, Ralph brought along Old Rattler, his blue tick hunting dog. At the time, Rattler was known far and wide as the best possum dog to ever roam the hills of Union County.

Union County Public Speaking Contest

James Whitley- Front row in the middle.

The Union County 4-H Public Speaking Contest allows youths to highlight their exceptional presentation abilities in a supportive environment. Youth learn from professionals as well as their fellow 4-H members.
On February 6th, 2024, 4-H member grades 4-8 gathered at Horace Maynard Middle School for the annual County Public Speaking contest.

History of Southern Gospel, Part II

Part of the basis of Southern Gospel were traditional postbellum shape note singing schools. At that time, shape note singing was most popular among rural singers. According to James Goff, Jr in his book “Close Harmony: History of Southern Gospel”, itinerant singing school instructors organized shape singing local, regional, and even national singing conventions and local quartets sung the latest gospel hymns.

Chiropractic care and stress

Managing the stress in your life — and most of us have it to one degree or another — is essential to keeping a healthy lifestyle.

Stress comes from many directions and makes itself known in a variety of ways. It might show up as a headache, tight muscles, nausea or back pain. It’s generally caused by outside factors, some obvious, like fretting over financial problems, and others not so much, maybe even planning for a joyous occasion like an impending wedding.

Spider in the Copier

The oddest things seem to happen to me. Most of them are funny or weird, but there
was one that was downright creepy.
I used to work in an office that had a tall copier. Actually, it was a scanner, copier, and
printer. Every day, I used it many times and in all three capacities. While I was waiting on it to finish the job, I would often look out the back door since it wasn’t far from the copier.

The Angels of God

I once received an email from a friend which said, “No true Southern boy would ever say, “Here’s an episode of Hee Haw that we haven’t seen.” I’m sure that’s true, though a truly Southern boy would have said, “. . . that we ain’t seen.”
I noted that bluegrass banjo player and cast member of Hee Haw Roni Stoneman passed away this past Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Pork chop suey

We made this dish often in the 1950’s. We had just come out of WWII with all the shortages that occur during wartime. It was time to try something new, like pizza or chop suey. In Dutch oven, brown meat in hot oil. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt. Drain off excess oil. Place meat in 9 by 13 inch baking pan. Combine sprouts onion, green pepper and rice. Add to pan. Gradually add milk and soy sauce to soup, stirring until smooth.

Planting Balled Trees

Taking the trouble to plant a tree right greatly improves its chances to survive and grow into a handsome tree.

Back in the day planting balled trees or trees grown in buckets was pretty straightforward: Dig a hole wider and deeper than the root ball, mix peat moss or other soil amendment with the soil and plant the tree. But some research has resulted in more stringent guidelines for urban trees. The new recommendations assure that roots have a chance to grow into the surrounding soil and produce healthy branches, foliage, and roots. Here’s an overview.

Union county veterans wall

It stands up on a hill behind the high school and overlooking Wilson Park. Many have seen it from a distance, but not too many people stop by. In different parts of the US, some of the walls honoring and remembering Veterans are made of black granite or marble. The concrete Union County Veterans Wall was first painted black to represent the bleakness, the abyss some veterans feel when returning to civilian life and there is a touch of red along the top to represent the blood that was shed during conflicts.

Events

Union County Board of Education

The Union County Board of Education will conduct a budget workshop on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Union County High School.
The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education will be on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.

Spring Tour With Museum Mike!

"Come by the Lenoir Museum at 1:00pm on Saturday's throughout the spring for a tour with Museum Mike! These tours will occur on a weekly basis. These tours are completely free, but please consider registering and donating to the Museum! 100% of your donation stays in our Lenoir Museum and is used for programs, interpretive displays, and other improvements. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Lost Creek Reunion is June 9

Lost Creek Church

Anyone with ancestors who attended Lost Creek Church or have ancestors buried in Lost Creek Cemetery may want to mark June 9, 2024, on the calendar. Fred Gibson and members of the Union County Cemetery Association will hold a reunion at the new Union County Forestry Building at the entrance to Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area.

Alder Springs Anniversary

Alder Springs Missionary Baptist Church

Alder Springs Missionary Baptist Church, 708 Hickory Star Rd. Maynardville TN, will celebrate it's 175 the Anniversary on Sunday, April 7,2024. The celebration will be during the 11:00 an worship service with lunch to follow. If you know of any former pastors or their relatives, we would love to hear from them so we can give them a special invitation for that celebration.

Easter Day Easter Egg Hunt!

With thanks to Marvin Jeffries and Thunder Road Graphics!

When - Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m.
Where - Wilson Park, Maynardville, TN
Who - Union County Egg Hunters Ages 1-10
What - A fun, Free Easter Egg Hunt
How - Three age divisions: 1-3, 4-6 & 7-10
Why - For the children of Union County to hunt for colorful eggs. One egg in each division will contain a prize worth $50 to spend at Walmart!

Obituary

Illah June Hill

Illah June (Smith) Hill-age 93 of Luttrell, born April 20, 1930, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Beverly Park Place. She was a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church and attended Fellowship Christian Church. Preceded in death by husband, Willis Hill; daughter, Gloria Hill.

Survivors: son, Scott (Anita) Hill; daughter, Rhonda Canada; Sister, Glenda Kirshner. Grandchildren, Justin (Carol) Hill, Tiffany (Kevin) Rustad, Jordan Hill, James Wolski; Nine great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews along with a host of friends.

Johnathan DeWayne Donahue

Johnathan DeWayne Donahue – born June 29, 1998, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Luttrell. Preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Tracy Donahue; grandmothers, Janice Donahue, Pamela Riffey; grandfathers, Wayne Donahue, Rick Hankins.

RonnieBeeler

Ronald “Ronnie” S. Beeler-age 64 of Washburn, born March 6, 1960 went to be with the Lord Friday, March 22, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family and friends. He was a member of Central View American Christian Church and was a retired heavy-equipment mechanic. Preceded in death by his parents, Lon and Polly (Bailey) Beeler; brother, Gary Beeler.

Marilyn Sue Harrison-Baker

Marilyn Sue Harrison Baker-age 64 of Knoxville, born July 24, 1959, went to be with the Lord, January 12, 2024, of natural causes. Preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Beulah Harrison.

She is survived by her sisters, Glenda (Gary) Cooke, Connie (Jack) Ridenour along with nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

James David Mills

James “Jim” David Mills-age 46 of Luttrell went home to be with the Lord, Monday, March 18, 2024, at his home. Preceded in death by his mother, Mary Thomas Mills; paternal and maternal grandparents; an uncle and several aunts.

Jeffery Claude Kitts

Jeffery Claude Kitts-age 60 of Maynardville, born August 14, 1963, went home to be with his Lord, Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at home. He was a member of Beneath the Cross Church, Luttrell. He was a loving father, grandfather and brother who enjoyed spending time with his family and loved the great outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was loved by all and will be missed by all. He is at peace. Preceded in death by his parents, father, Claude Kitts, mother, Edna Sands Kitts.

Betty Deck

Betty Jane Deck – age 75 of Luttrell, passed away March 19, 2024 at Tennova North Medical Center. She lived in Kokomo, Indiana till her retirement from G. M. after 30 ½ years and then moved to Luttrell. Betty was of the Baptist faith.

Susan Gaye Harrell

Susan Gaye Harrell-age 62 of Knoxville passed away Friday, March 15, 2024.
Survived by daughters, Candace Brock, Sonya Butcher; sister, Donna Walker; Grandchildren, Samantha Pass, Brandon Bowling, Dylan Bowling, Braxton Butcher, Carson Butcher; great-grandchildren, Sabrina Pass, Donald Pass along with many other family members and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Debbie Ann "BB" Buckner

Debbie Lynch “BB” Buckner – age 59 of Washburn, formerly of Luttrell, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, William Randy and Dian Lynch; sisters. Nina Bell, Tammie “TT” Lynch; brother, William Darrell Lynch; nephews, William Cody Lynch, Joshua Reed; loving boyfriend, Gene Gibson.

Carolyn Skeen

Carolyn Grace Skeen – age 88 of Corryton, passed away peacefully at NHC Farragut Memory Care on Thursday, March 14, 2024. She was very artistic and loved to draw and work crossword puzzles. Carolyn retired from St. Paul Ins. Co. after working there for many years as a Claims Adjuster Supervisor. She was also a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church in Halls.

Lisa Gilbert

Lisa Gilbert-age 59 of Sharps Chapel, the best mom in the world, went to be with the Lord Monday, March 11, 2024, at North Knoxville Medical Center. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy “Thumby” and Willie (White) Brantley; brothers, Troy and Claudia (Rowe) Brantley, Willis “Buzz” and Susie (Chumley) Brantley, David and Carolyn (Chumley) Brantley, Norman Brantley, Charlie Brantley, Arnold Brantley, Darrell Brantley all of Sharps Chapel.

Joshua Walker

Joshua Walker – age 44 of Maynardville, was called to his heavenly home on March 8th in the year of our Lord 2024. He loved his family and he enjoyed cooking for them and his friends. Josh was a gifted musician and left an unforgettable impact on everyone he met. He will be dearly missed and we will forever be grateful for the time that we were blessed to share with him.

Paul Junior Muncey

Paul Junior Muncey-age 65 of Luttrell went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 9, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family and friends after a three-year battle with cancer. He was of the Baptist faith. Worked as the maintenance man at the Cedars Apartments and Stonegate Apartments. Preceded in death by his step-son, Tony Wood; parents, Martin and Gertrude (Pratt) Muncey; siblings, Jimmy, Clifford and Sharon Muncey; Edna (Sissy) Strevel.

Delbert Turner

Delbert Turner, (77), of New Tazewell, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on March 7th, 2024. Delbert was born to Wiley and Louetta Turner, on August 19, 1946, in Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Dewey McCall Raley

Dewey McCall Raley-age 91 of Corryton passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, when his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called him home with his loving family by his side. He was born September 27, 1932, in Central Peninsula, Union County Tn. He was a devoted member and deacon of Hubbs Grove Baptist Church. He was a devoted and loving husband to Bobby Helen (Wyrick) Raley for 50 yrs until her passing in 2003. He was a devoted and loving father to his four children Darrell, Debbie, Daniel, and Don.

Natasha Hope Snelson

Natasha Hope Snelson-38 of Maynardville passed away suddenly at her home Wednesday, March 6, 2024. She was her own unique person. Preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Snelson; brothers, Rick Snelson, Mike Snelson, Tommy Snelson; biological father, Lee Bussell; biological brother, Brian Bussell.

Kevin Brown

S. Kevin Brown – born June 17, 1967 in Knoxville, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at the age of 56. He loved hunting, fishing and being outside and he was so passionate about his work as a brick mason.

Fredda McHaffie

Fredda “Hippie” Lynn McHaffie – age 60 0f Maynardville, passed away March 4, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was of the Baptist faith. Fredda loved life and was a very caring and generous person that would give you the shirt off her back. She never met a stranger and once she set her mind to do something she did it.

Lawrence Henry "LH" Wolfenbarger

Lawrence Henry “LH” Wolfenbarger-72 of Luttrell went to be with the Lord Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the U.T. Medical Center. He was a member of Cedar Ford Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Agnes Marie (Grisby) Wolfenbarger; great great granddaughter, Lanie Grace.

He is survived by his children, Melinda and Mike Grace, Dwight Wolfenbarger, John and Daphne Wolfenbarger; sister, Johnnie Sharp; nephew, Wesley Sharp and many cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of friends.

Johnny Aurther Chadwick

Johnny Aurther Chadwick – age 80 of Luttrell, went to be with the Lord Sunday, March 3, 2024. Johnny was a diesel mechanic and loved to fish and drive racecars. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Brenda Joyce Chadwick; parents, Charlie and Mary Chadwick; sons, Ray Shanks and John (L.J.) Chadwick; brothers, Larry Chadwick, Chuck Chadwick and Ronnie Chadwick.

Jamie Earl Shoffner

Jamie Earl Shoffner-47 of New Tazewell went home to be one of God’s angels after being one on earth for 47 years, Thursday, February 29, 2024 at North Knoxville Medical Center. He graduated from Horace Maynard High School Class of 1998. He attended Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his loving step-father, Jerry Lee Cole; aunts and uncles, Louise Bonnie Bailey, Inez Ellen Poore, Troy Yadon, Sr., Glen Yadon, Sr., Tom Shoffner, Steve Shoffner, Wanda Shoffner Sheckles; grandparents, Roy and Belvia Yadon, Charlie and Edna Shoffner.

Dennis Wayne Kitts

Dennis Wayne Kitts-45 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord Thursday, February 29, 2024, at UT Medical Center, after a brief illness. He was saved at a young age. Preceded in death by his mother, Sharon Kitts Berkley; grandparents, Ted and Welmia Kitts, Donald and Thelma Beeler; aunts, Mary Kitts, Sandra Thomas; mother of his son, Sara Kitts.

Kennith Ronald Gibson

Kennith Ronald Gibson-45 of Tazewell, born May 16, 1978 passed away February 28, 2024. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his father, Kennith William Gibson; sister, Renosia Jane Noah; grandparents, William and Katherine Gibson, Curtis and Pansy Chumley; good friends, Steve Moore and Joe Burkhart.

He is survived by his mother, Diane Gibson; daughter, Lakota Gibson; son, Skylar Bishop; very special niece, Allison Noah and her father Allen Noah and other loving family members and friends.

Janice Jones

Janice Lynn (Buckner) Jones – age 80 of Maynardville, passed away peacefully and went to be with Jesus, Wednesday, February 28, 2024. She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church and was a volunteer at Tennova North Hospital and for the Union County Election Commission. Janice loved the lake, ocean and RV’ing. Most of all she loved her husband, Rick, her children and grandchildren and spending time with them.

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