World War II 75 Anniversary

Jim Heiskell 488th Quartermaster Depot Company
APO 517 United States Army

The second World War officially ended 75 years ago on Sept 2, 1945 — V Day. The documents were signed abord the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
More than 16 million men and women served our nation during World War II. Forty-five thousand gave their lives and 55,000 were wounded.
My uncle Jim Heiskell was one of those who served. Uncle Jim is now passed on but when reviewing some of his belongings I found his military papers along with an article from his unit of the history of the unit.
I thought it was a good time to share it. It tells of the life of a military man from one day to the next not knowing what to expect. After reading this we might all appreciate our military men and women and the service they give for us all.
Headquarters
488th Quartermaster Depot Company
APO 517
United States Army
December 5, 1944
Unit History
From all parts of Tennessee came a great influx of recruits into the Reception Center at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Some businessmen, some students, clerks, and farmers. Representatives from all walks of life were present. A few had never been away from home before — desperate plight for most of us. Everything strange, a new routine of life staring us in the face, but all took the situation as it was, and forfeited themselves to the army.
We spent a week at the Reception Center doing much jobs as firing furnaces, kitchen police, shoveling coal, policing the campgrounds, and any job that were asked to do. Fortunately for us that didn’t last too long.
On the morning of March 30, 1943, around 5:30 a.m., we were gathered into a formation. Names were called, and we were told to prepare to move out. Speculation was high. Rumors were floating high and wide. Some had us going to Florida, some Virginia, and most of us thought that there was a much greater possibility of going to Virginia than any place. That would have pleased us very much, for Virginia is so near to our state, Tennessee.
On the same morning of March 30, 1943, we were crammed and packed into open trucks and taken to the railway station in Chattanooga. Everyone was calm but excitement was flickering in every eye. We were told to file on the train, and it was done in the usual slow but sure Army style. We carried our equipment in and hung it from the ceiling of our coach, and space wasn’t too abundant. We were then told to change from our woolen dress clothes to our cotton work or fatigue clothes. Everyone was expecting lunch, but we willingly did as we were told, and we prepared to ride.
Finally our expectations came true. Lunch, or as they called it “Chow”, was served. Weiners and sauerkraut in paper plates. A peculiar introduction to Army meals, for all of us had heard so much about the excellent Army food; nevertheless, it satisfied our appetites. As we were finishing our meal, the train pulled out from the station. Destination: unknown: “ A military secret.”
We rolled through the cotton lands of Alabama and Mississippi, through the cotton belts of Texas, and continued on our journey until we reached the desert sands of Arizona and California. Before we reached our destination, we were told that we had been placed in the Quartermaster Corps, but were not told of our new station. At about 2 a.m. on April 3, 1943, we were taken in trucks to our new home — Camp Cooke, California.
We were instructed to grab a bed in the barracks, and each grasped at the opportunity. All went right to bed, for we were worn out and fatigued by the long trip across the States, but our rest didn’t continue for long. We got up and stood reveille at 5:30 a.m. that morning.
We were then given a talk by Lt. Arthur S. Hohmann, company commander, who explained the purpose of our being there, and just what we could expect for the coming months. We received just what he told us; marches, firing range. Infiltration courses, close order drill, chemical warfare drills, and lots of bivouacs. That lasted for around 13 weeks, and I suppose we came up to expectations in our training. During this period, Lt. Wilbur C. Murry from Pontiac, Michigan, assumed command. and Forrest W. Wattenbarger from Nashville, Tennessee, took over as First Sergeant.
After our basic training was completed, we said goodbye to Camp Cooke, and started for the warmer climates. We arrived at base General Depot, San Bernardino, California, on July 22, 1943. We were introduced to a new type of living. Pyramidal tents were to be our living quarters instead of the comfortable wooden barracks. We were not accustomed to the sand, heat, and wind that we had to contend with. Open living was completely different, but we managed to survive. Our main duty was to operate Base General Depot, which supplied many railhead and supply dumps which spotted the desert sands of Arizona and California. Our job was to be administrative headquarters doing all the paper work that was necessary for getting food, clothing and equipment to the men who were training for desert warfare; and at the same time, get necessary training for future operations. During this period, Lt. Claude R. Vaughn, a sentimental gentlemen from Atlanta, Georgia, joined our outfit. At the present time, Lt. Vaughn has rendered a longer period of service with the company than any other officer under this command.
We gained much experience at Base General Depot, but we needed more intense training. We moved from the habitable part of the desert near San Bernardino, to the isolated sand dunes of Southeastern California. We were now located in the heart of the California-Arizona Maneuver Area which was named Camp Young. Not one of us can forget the feeling of being placed in the desolated wastelands far from the comfort that we had enjoyed before. We had our local post exchanges and open-air movies, which were good accommodations considering what we could have had. Our company was put through intense training covering every phase which we would need overseas.
During this training, we were also preparing for movement overseas. Boxing, crating, packing, requisitioning and securing needed clothing and equipment, were just a few of the problems we had to solve. We finally got the needed supplies and were continuing with our training just marking time.
On one cold morning in November, 1943, we finally received our movement orders. Everyone was busy securing and packing personal necessities. Speculation was again high. We were bound for the Southwest Pacific, for we were so close to a port of embarkation in California, how could it be otherwise. This rumor was soon quelled when we were told to turn in all of our suntan clothing. Well, it couldn’t be anywhere but England or North Africa. That was one consolation.
We boarded the train at Indio, California, and started on our way to the P.O.E. We traveled East, crossed the desert of New Mexico, the wheat belts of Kansas, quickly crossed the Northwest, and in four long days, we discovered that we had finally reached Camp Shanks, New York. There we again took care of all supply, administrative and medical matters, and we were given passes to visit New York City.
Each morning there was a rush for the buses, for we were going to have the time of our lives. Many of us saw the landmarks that we had always dreamed of. The Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and many other sights which were new and fascinating. The Great White Way was no longer a story, but an actuality to all.
Our fun soon came to an end, and we were preparing for our departure. We arrived at the docks, took the ferry to meet the boat, filed off the ferry, and went aboard ship. We set up our bunks, and got our equipment ready, for we were ready to sail. We didn’t go so soon. We stayed on the boat in the harbor for 24 hours just waiting to move out.
We sailed from New York Harbor early in December 1943. Unfortunately, we discovered that the ship was English, but at that time, it made no particular difference, but we soon found out that it did. The meals, bunks, and accommodations were very different from what we had expected. The time that we spent on the ship was the most trying period that we had spent in the army up to that time. Everybody was sick, worried, or worn out. We can stand worse experiences than that when we start across the Atlantic next time, for the thoughts of returning home will be the cure for every ailment.
We arrived in England before Christmas. A very dreary rainy day. A small band was on the docks waiting arrival of the troop ship. The band was playing the ‘Beer Barrel Polka” in all its glory. Some of the men seemed excited, others doubtful. We were gathered into formation, marched from the boat, and were on our way to the heart of merry old England.
On the night of December 16th, we arrived in London. British women were at the station to meet us. They were driving the trucks and they drove to our billets. You could not see your hand before you. The night was pitch dark. Flashlights were frequently used, but precaution was exercised. We were very proud to think that we were located in the largest city in the world. It was exciting and different. We were getting “orientated” to the United Kingdom.
After we had received our “guides” and information, all were anxious to get out and see for themselves. Everybody wanted passes, and we got them. St Paul’s Cathedral, The House of Parliament, London Bridge, Windsor Castle, and all the other historical and interesting places were soon visited, for we did not know when our “visit” would terminate. Several received furloughs to visit Shakespeare’s home at Stratford-on-Avon, others visited Edinburgh, Glasgow and Loch Lomond. Really an interesting experience for all of us. Truly the most pleasant and satisfying seven months that we had spent in the army. Of course, we had our work to perform which was depot supply operations, but it was more like a civilian job than the regular army routine.
We can never forget the first sound of the air raid siren. All were excited. We ran for our gas masks, helmets, and started for the shelters. After we reached the shelters, everybody wanted to go outside and see the action, but of course, that was against regulations and again, regulations were broken. We soon got used to the sights of the searchlights, the explosions of the anti-aircraft shells and the constant droning of aircraft. In fact, most of the time we didn’t pay too much attention, but it did recall to us that the Britishers had told us before, and we could easily see how much blocks of buildings and homes had been gutted by the enemy. It made you feel as if you were also fighting part of the war, for you were standing up against the attacks in the same manner the civilian population did. We were in London when the “baby’ blitz came. It was the heaviest that we had seen, and heavy enough. We again saw what we had heard so much about, but we also went along having our good times, visiting the pubs, and going to the movies. We saw plenty of movies for they were the same ones we would have seen at home. We also felt the cost of them, for it was always “six and six” or more — to you, one dollar and thirty-two cents.
During this time, Captain Frank B. Stewart from Chattanooga, Tennessee, assumed command of the unit.
The most unusual experience that we shared in London was a rainy June night when we heard a very low plane. The sirens had sounded but we paid no particular attention. Very shortly, we heard the plane come closer, and then suddenly, the motor went off. A loud explosion was heard, and we took for granted that the anti-aircraft batteries had downed another plane. The next morning the newspaper said that a plane had crashed, but there was no pilot to be found and very little of the plane left. A few so-called planes were heard for three successive nights. On the fourth morning, the papers carried a story of the pilotless plane and gave few details. Everyone was very anxious to get a look at one. Well, for quite a while we saw plenty of them, and hated the sound they brought with them. It was extremely hard to go to bed not knowing whether or not you were going to wake up the next morning. A few of us would run to the windows and doors to see if what directions the flying bombs were directed. A dreadful sight to see. A missile flying through the air with a long tail of fire trailing and a noise that sounded like an outboard motor had suddenly changed the complete atmosphere of thinking in London. The invasion of the continent had begun and successes were achieved. Many wondered if our speculation was soon the truth.
One day in June we boarded the train in London, and headed for a new destination. We reached Southampton and stayed there a very short while. We boarded ship there, and were ready for come what may.
The next day we could see French soil. We could see the concrete pillboxes and the ruins of some that had been destroyed on D-Day. We could hear the roar of guns, and the explosion of mines. As we came closer to the shore, we could see an improvised airfield with several Thunderbolts scattered here and there. We knew that we were in friendly territory, but just how much territory we didn’t know.
We were loaded into LCT’s and started for shore. The water was rough, but we finally got ashore, formed into single file, and started up the long steep bank.
Before we reached the top of the hill, the rain began to fall. As we looked across the hill, we saw something white. Yes, it was white. Many white crosses in perfect lines crowned the summit of the next hill. A very discouraging sight, but true. We reached the top of the hill, and we took off our equipment and rested. We were told that we had landed at Omaha Beach. Of Course, that was the codeword given to it for security reasons. Our rest period was soon over, and we went into the woods for about a mile, and pitched our tents awaiting transportation. We were moved the next day to a small town by the name of St. Clement. There we saw many types of German fortifications. They were lined all along the beach and they proved very interesting to us, for this was the first time we had had to observe such. A German helmet here and there, some scattered ammunition, German overcoats, and other evidence which told us that this place had seen action.
The military situation didn’t seem to have affected the French population, for the regular routines of the French farmers were being carried out. To our surprise, we saw cattle and horses grazing in the grassy meadows of Normandy. A very impressive sight, since we thought that most of the cattle had been taken by the Germans.
While we were here only a few miles behind the lines, we saw one of the most impressive sights of the war. Around ten o’clock one morning we heard the distant drone of aircraft. Everyone started gazing into the sky. From several different directions, we saw hundreds of planes. The sun was shining very brightly, and the sky was simply covered with aircraft. First came wave after wave of Fortresses, then Liberators, Mitchells, and Marauders. Some of us tried to count them but there were too many. They began to come into formation for the attack. A very few minutes later, we heard the bursting of bombs, the ground trembled, the sides of our tents danced in the air. This continued for some time, and we were thankful that the planes were ours, for we wouldn’t have wanted to have been on the receiving end of the attack.
After the bombing was over, we decided to have a game of soft ball to pass the time away. We hadn’t been playing long when squadron after squadron of Thunderbolts began shuttling back and forth overhead. Some returned with holes in their wings, and some with parts of the body of the plane shot away. This gave us a very sensitive feeling for we were playing softball while very near us one of the most important battles of France was being fought.
The next morning we gathered around the radio to listen to the news from London. The news was that with a very heavy bomber escort the previous day, the Americans had broken through the lines and had taken St. Lo. It made us feel that we had seen the actual battle since the formation of bombers that had passed overhead the previous day had turned the tide.
We also had some experience with enemy aircraft at night, for the German air-force was concentrating on the supply lines and beaches. No member of this organization will ever forget the night that an enemy fighter came hedgehopping over us. Tracer bullets were flying everywhere. The planes came so quickly that very few got to cover, and it came as a surprise to all of us. Nightly raids were constant, and we soon got used to the visiting of the enemy.
We then moved to St. Jacques de Nehou for operations of a supply dump. We were supplying food for the front lines, and the work was somewhat fatiguing. We soon overcame this, for each Sunday we went swimming in the ocean at Barneville beach. The trip was taken in order to remove some of the dirt from our bodies, but the salt water was stronger than the soap. We found it an interesting experience just the same.
Our lines were moving so fast that our need for staying at St. Jacques was nihil. We were on alert for a forward movement.
We heard that the Americans has cut the Brest Peninsula and had taken Rennes. We were very optimistic about these successes, and waiting for order to move. We got our orders and continued to follow up behind the lines. We were going to a new destination to operate a large depot, and that is what we had longed to do. We arrived a L’Hermitage, just outside of Rennes for this operation.
We had worked at this same depot supplying the men at the front with food, equipment and clothing. The boys worked as long as 24 hours a day getting the “Red Balls” rolling on their way to the front.
Our company has finally achieved its mission. We have enjoyed the pleasures and successes that can be obtained in the army. Cooperation and teamwork have always been present within our unit, and we believe that this mutual attitude has been exercised to the highest degree due to the fact that a great majority of our boys are from the State of Tennessee.

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Thank you Francis for this interesting and fascination artilce on World War ii. It's amazing how much we owe this Great Generaion of Americans for saving us from the Nazi great threat to civilization.

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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.

Menu for Veterans March 4 at High Noon

Veterans dinner

Military Veterans! You are invited to join Post Commander Darrell White and other Union County veterans at High Noon on Monday March 4 at the American Legion Hall on Veterans Rd. An Italian experience is planned with homemade Lasagna, bread, salad and dessert. Meals will be served on the first floor. There is no charge for this meal. For those who would like to attend, the monthly meeting of the American Legion New Liberty Post will be held after the luncheon at 1:00 upstairs in the building.

Take a Walk

Walking may be, pound for pound, the most accessible, beneficial and inexpensive form of exercise available. The American Chiropractic Association recommends it as a way to stay fit.

A Short History of Southern Gospel

The original Fisk Jubilee Singers introduced ‘slave songs’ to the world in 1871 and were instrumental in preserving this unique American musical tradition known today as African American spirituals.

We enjoy the precision of the close 4-part harmony and inspirational messages in Southern Gospel music. But how did this form of music come about? The oldest tradition of Christian hymns was the singing of Old Testament Psalms.

The Big BANG Theory

When I was a kid I was no stranger to guns—that is, toy guns. All kinds of toy guns—from cap pistols to plastic machine guns—but never actual BB guns. My mother was too much like Ralphie in A Christmas Story, afraid I’d shoot my eyes out!

Them Rides

Who doesn’t like having things to look forward to? As a child, birthdays and Christmases were at the top of my list. If you’re thinking it’s because of the presents, you would be correct. Next, was going to the fair. While there no gifts, there was plenty of adventure to be had.

Hawaiian chicken

Arrange chicken breast halves in crock pot. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Remove chicken breasts. Serve. Note: you could thicken sauce with cornstarch and serve with the chicken breasts and mashed potatoes.

Local Rivers Were Early Interstates

Before railroads local rivers were used to transport resources like timber and iron to industrial centers to feed a growing nation.

Back in the early and mid-1800s the industrial age combined with a growing population created a high demand for raw materials to make products, especially from wood and metals such as iron and lead. Our area had metal ore deposits to produce pig iron in locally owned furnaces fueled by wood charcoal and coke. Pig iron needed to be shipped to big cities like Chattanooga where it was refined and made into metal products such as tools and farm implements.

Events

Authors Guild of Tennessee

The Authors Guild of Tennessee (AGT) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Faith Lutheran Church in Farragut. Social time and book exchange begins at 10:30. Published authors are invited to attend. AGT is now accepting applications for associate membership from authors who have written a book but are not yet published. Serious authors only. In the event of inclement weather, check the AGT Website for updates and information: authorsguildoftn.org.

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.

Obituary

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.

Michael Wayne Bullen

Michael Wayne Bullen – age 69 of Corryton went to be with the Lord, Sunday, February 25, 2024 at U.T. Medical Center. He was a member and deacon of Union Missionary Baptist Church. Retired employee of Y-12 Oak Ridge. He was the best husband, dad, papaw/paw, brother, uncle and all-around great guy who was loved by many but loved others even more.
Preceded in death by his parents, Junior and Mildred (Marsee) Bullen.

Cheryl Jo Cooper

Cheryl Jo Cooper – age 42 of Knoxville, passed away suddenly Friday, February 23, 2024.
Preceded in death be her father, Pete Davis; brother, Charles “Chuck” Davis.
Survived by her son, Hunter Cooper; daughters Kylie Cooper, Karlie Cooper; mother, Betty Davis.
There are no services planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary in Maynardville.

Anthony "Tony" Frank Gilliam

Anthony “Tony” Gilliam-age 58 of Rutledge passed away Sunday evening, February 25, 2024 at his home. Preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Sue (Stapleton) Gilliam; sister, Sara Gilliam.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandra McCarter; sons, Alex Gilliam, Connor Gilliam; grandchildren, Jaxon, Aliah, Korbin, Kason and other loving family members and friends.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Danny Leon Collins

Danny Leon Collins-71 of Washburn passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 at UT Medical Center. He was a member of Emory Road Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Zola Collins; brothers, Don, Delmar, Ronnie, Lonnie, and James; sisters, Marine, Onalee, Doris, Dora, Pauline, Brenda, and Mary.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dorothy Collins; sons, Rev. Danny (Cindy) Collins of Washburn, Eugene McIntosh of Knoxville; daughter, Shirley (Stephen) Owens of Hixson; grandson, Jacob Collins and several nieces and nephews.

Mildred Lou Ryder, Andersonville, Tn

Ryder, Mildred Lou, age 88 of Andersonville, went to be with the Lord on February 23, 2024 at Tennova North. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She also loved to hand sew quilts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oda & Gertie Ridenour Pike and her loving husband, Kenneth and 9 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sons, Robin (Rhonda) Ryder, Kelvin (Debbie) Ryder and Rusty (Kelly) Ryder and her daughter Della (Scott) Heath. 9 Grand Children, 6 Great Grand Children and 2 Great Great Grand Children.

Gregory "Moon" Clifton Hunter

Gregory “Moon” Hunter – age 40 of Luttrell, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 at his home. Moon was a great friend and loved his family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, chickens, fast cars, hunting ginseng, and just taking relaxing drives. He was loved by many and will forever be in our hearts. Preceded in death by his daughter, Kourtney Hunter; sister, Mesha Young; father, Rickey Hunter.

Janice Faye Beason

Janice (Lay) Beason-age 60 of Sharps Chapel passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, February 24, 2024 at her home. She was a loyal, faithful member of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church. Janice is preceded in death by her father, Sandy Lay.

Donald James D.J. Corum

Donald James “D.J.” Corum-age 45 of Luttrell went home to be with the Lord Thursday, February 22, 2024 at his home. D. J. loved his family and was very proud of his kids. Preceded in death by son, Dayton Corum; father-in-law: Bo Inklebarger; grandparents, Gene and Inez Hensley; grandmother, Naomi Corum.
Survivors: loving wife of 20 years, Comfort Corum; daughters, Aleigha Corum, Abby Corum; parents, Perry and Karen Corum; sister, Shonda Corum; brothers, Joshua Corum; Rev. Daniel Corum and wife, Lisa. Many nieces and nephews along with a host of friends.

Nicholas Trammell

Nicholas Tyler Trammell – age 25 of Powell, passed away February 18, 2024 in St. Paul. Minnesota. While Nick faced many difficult challenges, he never stopped being an audacious dreamer. His imagination and giddy laugh are the qualities most will recall.

James Herbert Bays

James Herbert Bays-86 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord Monday morning, February 19, 2024, at his home. He was of the Church of God faith. He enjoyed his long-time career as an over the road truck driver and had been to Canada, Mexico and every state except for Alaska. Preceded in death by his parents, Hayden and Lindy Bays; wives, Linda Darlene Bays and Bonnie Bays; children, Kathy Bays, Herbie Bays, Jerry Childress, David Childress, Angie Pollard; grandchildren, Misty Childress, Alex Childress, Kelley Childress, Josh Hunley; sisters, Maggie, Anne, Reba; brother, Esco Bays.

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