Rita Gaye Dyke Collins-age 68 of Sharps Chapel went home to be with Jesus Friday, April 17, 2026, on her mommy’s birthday. She was saved at an early age and a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. She wore the title of mom, mamaw, uncle mamaw, sister, and friend. She thoroughly enjoyed sewing and we are so appreciative for the “sewing ladies.” Preceded in death by her parents, Hubert Pete and Bertha Faye Dyke; son, Carl Sharp; son-in-law, Dewayne Kitts.
Ronald D. Menard-age 66 of Luttrell passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2026. No services are planned and he will be cremated. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
It is with heavy hearts that we remember Timothy “Timmy” Maples-age 62 of Tazewell passed away Friday, April 10, 2026. He was a devoted father, beloved uncle, and a man whose selfless nature touched everyone who knew him.
Joseph Harley Kitts-age 80 of Maynardville passed away Monday evening, April 6, 2026, at the Willow Ridge Center. He found his greatest joy in his children, fishing, his garden and his many friends at the Farmers Market. He was of the Christian faith and was saved during Hubbs Grove Bible School at a young age. Preceded in death by his parents, Grey and Edith (Raley) Kitts; son, Douglas Kitts, who passed away July 2, 2021; brothers, Hollis and Bobby Kitts and several aunts and uncles.
James Arthur Welch, Jr.-age 76 of Knoxville passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, at UT Medical Center. James believed in Jesus and loved his family and spending time with them and would help with anything. He had worked on a farm as a child and as an adult. Preceded in death by his parents, James Welch, Sr. and Nola Garrett; daughters, Patty Jackson and Sheila Nicley; grandson, James Bailey; siblings, Harrison Lundy, Lillie Norton.
Herbert Leroy Hensley, born May 9, 1941 departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior on the Lord's Resurrection Easter Sunday April 5,2026 with his loving family surrounding him in love and prayers. Leroy was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His family was his entire world. He had a deep love of music and playing his guitar. Leroy loved to spend time outside in nature, especially fishing.
Bobbie Fern (Beeler) Coffman-age 88 of Washburn had a glorious heavenly reunion on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family as she passed over. Although she had a few years of dementia, we remember that she was the best and strongest mother, mamaw and friend anyone could ever have. She spent all her time gardening, cooking, and loving on her grandbabies. She was a member of Central View American Christian Church. Preceded in death by her loving husband, Jessie D.
Troy “Bud” Curtis Browning-age 92 of Kokomo, IN, passed away 12:12 pm Tuesday March 31, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born in Maynardville, TN, on March 7, 1934, the son of the late Vaughn and Gladys (Walker) Browning. On November 27, 1952, he married Rose Cole, and she preceded him in death on February 23, 2017. Bud retired from Delco Electronics where he worked as a truckdriver. His favorite hobbies were tinkering in the garage, watching sports, and working on tractors. He and his wife Rose were snowbirds down to Winter Haven, FL for over 20 years.
Kenneth James “Kenny” Smith-62 of Blaine passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and hard work. Kenny was born and raised in Fountain City, TN and it was there that he met the love of his life, Eula (Boling) Smith and the two were married. Together they built a life in Blaine, where Kenny proudly raised his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished time spent with his family above all else. Preceded in death by his father, James Smith; daughter, Tiffany Smith; grandchild, Hazlee Smith.
Kathy Elizabeth Kitts Miller-age 72 of Knoxville, born July 6, 1953, passed away Monday, March 30, 2026. She was of the Church of God faith. Kathy was a graduate of Horace Maynard High School, class of 1972. She retired from Cardinal Health after 20 years of employment. She had a gift for making anyone in her presence feel deeply loved. Kathy loved to sing and sang in the Kitts Trio and Kits and Kaboodle Band. Preceded in death by her parents, Ernest “Runt” and Leita Rose Kitts; brothers, Wayne, Raleigh and Leon Kitts; sister, Joann Patterson.
Doyle Ray Gilbert-age 83 of Maynardville. It is with deep sadness that Helen and Stacy announce the death of their beloved husband and father, Doyle Gilbert on Monday, March 30, 2026, at his home after a long battle with COPD and heart problems in recent months. He worked at Robertshaw Controls Company for 39 years. He joined Cedar Grove Baptist Church in 1957 and remained a member there for the remainder of his life, he loved his church and church family. He was a graduate of Horace Maynard High School, Class of 1961.
Peggy Ann Maples Harmon – age 81 of Maynardville, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026, in her home surrounded by loves ones. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, she is preceded in death by her husband, Leon Harmon; father, Fred Maples; mother, Imogene Graves Maples; brother-in-law, Charles Harmon (Faye).
It is with a heavy heart, we let it be known that Robert B Ellison (R.B.)- 83 of Knoxville passed from this Earth, on the 23rd day of March, 2026. Robert B. Ellison (R.B.) lived a full life as a loving son, brother, husband and friend. Preceded in death by his parents, C. Dewey and Vesta England Ellison; brothers, Ernest & Charlie Ellison; sisters, Ruby, Oma Underwood & Nola Mae Peters.
Willie Faye Blankenship-age 98 of Washburn passed away peacefully Monday, March 23, 2026, at home surrounded by family. She was of the Baptist faith. She was a very special and loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She was a retired and favorite teacher of the Washburn community through many generations and loved all of her students. Preceded in death by her parents, Jesse D. Coffman Sr.
April Diane Wyrick (née Fritts), age 77 of Knoxville passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, into the loving arms of Jesus, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Diane was a devout child of God, wonderful mother and an amazingly devoted grandmother whose warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew her. She had a gentle spirit, a caring heart, and a remarkable ability to make those around her feel deeply loved and supported. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Eddie Lynn Hicks-age 79 of Knoxville was freed from his earthly chains and moved to his heavenly home Wednesday, March 18, 2026, following a valiant 16-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Eddie was a softy at heart in spite of the tough guy exterior he often displayed. He loved his family deeply and treated his nieces and nephews as though they were all his own kids and he was loved equally in return. He truly enjoyed fishing and playing cards with his family and friends. Eddie retired from the City of Knoxville but had spent several earlier years at Plasti-Line.
Tonya Campbell Brantley-age 72 of Sharps Chapel went to her heavenly Father Monday, March 16, 2026, with her loving husband and family by her side. Tonya was a compassionate lady whose faith in God never wavered. She was of the Baptist faith. She was a valiant warrior in her battle with cancer. Above all, Tonya cherished time with family, she looked forward to family get togethers, especially weddings. She always gave the bride and groom a family Bible. She wanted to share her love and faith in God.
Lillard Steven “Steve” Snelson-age 85 of Luttrell passed away peacefully Friday, March 13, 2026, at UT Medical Center after a fall caused a serious brain injury. Steve served in the U.S. Army and worked public jobs in his younger days, driving asphalt trucks, trash trucks, and worked in offices planning routes. He attended New Testament Baptist Church, Knoxville. For the most part he ran his own business.
Geneva Ruth (Wood) Walker, age 74, of Luttrell, Tennessee passed away in the early morning
hours of March 9, 2026. Geneva was born on September 23, 1951 in Knoxville, Tennessee to
the late Rev. JB and Jessie Ruth Wood.
Jeffrey Dennis Hunsaker-age 64, born March 14, 1961, in Jenkins, Ky., to Ted and Patricia Hunsaker Sr. joined his heavenly Father Sunday, March 8, 2026. Preceded in death by his father, Ted Hunsaker, Sr.
Jeff and his brother, Teddy owned coal companies in Kentucky for several years until he relocated to Knoxville, where he owned and operated excavation companies. He was a “Big Blue Fan”, particularly following Kentucky basketball. He also enjoyed fishing for bass and NASCAR racing. He was loved and will be missed by many family members, friends and associates.