Herbert Eugene “Smiley” Richardson – age 78 of Maynardville, passed away Wednesday March 27, 2019. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Maynardville. Smiley was retired from the United States Postal Service. He served the City of Maynardville for 24 years as Mayor and City Council Member. He also served as a Union County Commissioner. Smiley was quick to express his love of God, family and country.
Buddy Michael Bailey-age 56 of Washburn passed away suddenly Monday morning, March 25, 2019 at Claiborne Medical Center. He was a member of Nave Hill Missionary Baptist Church and The Union County Rescue Squad. Preceded in death by father, Boy “Buddy” Bailey; brothers, Tim and Ronald Bailey; father and mother-in-law, Hue (Hootie) and Ina Graves.
Rev. Kenneth E. Pryor Sr., age 70, passed away at home surrounded by his family on March 25, 2019. He was a faithful member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church for 17 years. He was a proud Navy veteran. He was also a true outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and camping. He was not a stranger to hard work and worked as a “Glass Man” for over 45 years. Preceded in death by brother Lee Berry, sister Debbie Pierce, brother David Berry, step-father Ernest Berry, and father-in-law Clarence Kelley.
Don Gambrel, age 66 of Knoxville passed away on Friday, March 22, 2019 and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Preceded in death by parents Robert and Easter Gambrel, sister Goldie May Downs, brother Ernest Gambrel, and stepson Ricky Akin. Survived by wife, of 38 years, Nancy Yoder Gambrel; children Robert Akin (Connie), Sandra Rector, Nikki Sharpe (Andrew); grandchildren Adam, Jessica, Cierra, Jacob, Skylar, Haley, Mason, Kimber, and Audrey; sister Troy Brandenburg (Charles); nephew Harrison Downs.
Shirley Jean Lay Carver entered into the presence of Almighty God on Thursday, March
21, 2019 at 11:37 AM in Knoxville, Tennessee. Everyone that knew her knew what a
hard worker and fighter she was, and those attributes held true until the very end. She
was a proud member of the Knoxville Central High Class of 1958, and remained a
Bobcat and Tennessee Volunteer throughout her life. Mrs. Carver was a servant to all,
and many will remember her for a years of service at Rankins Restaurant, where her
Johnnie Duane Baker – age 50 of Powell, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at Fort Sanders Hospital in Knoxville. Duane was a lifelong member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on Tipton Lane. He was employed by Four Seasons Landscaping.
Barbara Jean Denton – age 70 of Knoxville, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.
She is preceded in death by infant daughter, Angela Denton; mother, Mary (Bud) Presnell and father, James Tarver. Barbara is survived by daughters, Missi Honeycutt and Denean Kelly; son, Jay Denton; nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; sisters, Brenda (Woodrow) Riffey, Teresa Long, Debbie Milsap and Robin (Eddie) Evans; and brother, Bill (Jill) Presnell.
Stephen E. Griffith, age 65, of Corryton, TN received his angel wings Monday, March 18, 2019. He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude Warner Griffith and Doris Jacqueline Griffith. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, Carrie Griffith, Samantha (Frank) Lord, Marcus (Kayla) Atkins and Chris Griffith; sister, Susan (Bob) Tebbitt; brother, Scott (Laura) Griffith; grandchildren, Samuel, Ethan, Sarah Elizabeth, Ella Kate, Zane, Caleb, Daniel and Ava.
Michael E. Nicley age 61 of Maynardville passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019, at his home. Retired auto mechanic from Treece Auto Repair. Preceded in death by his father Edward Nicley and sister, Christine Nicley. Survived by his wife of 38 years, Shelia Nicley; mother, Madge Workman; children, Jonya Coffey (Bryan), Bubby King, Jonathan Nicley (Christy), Jamie Cheeks, Jennifer Graham (Jay); fifteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild.
Earl B. Walker-age 100 of Knoxville passed away Monday morning, March 18, 2019 at his home. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of World War II. He loved singing with the old harp singers. Earl loved his family and his happiest memories were of his family. He was also very proud of reaching his 100th birthday and celebrated it March 10, 2019 with his friends and new family at Deane Hill Place where he had lived the last 10 years. Preceded in death by wife: Cleo Nicely Walker; infant son, Bobby Walker; parents, Oscar and Coker Walker; siblings, twin-sister, Ireland D.
Helen M. Harris Burrell, 87 of Knoxville, passed away on March 17, 2019 following a short illness. She was a member of Redemption Harvest Church of Knoxville.
She was preceded in death by her parents Dotha Hughes and Eunice Hughes; first husband Verlon Lionel Harris; second husband Max E. Burrell; as well as all her brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her son David Harris (Sharon), grandson Timothy Harris (Christy) and two great-grandsons Nolan and Luke Harris, in addition to many nieces and nephews.
John W Dukes of Maryville passed away Friday, March 15 2019. He is preceded in death by wife Jo Dukes; parents Robert & Vina Mae; brother Larry “Bud” (Sue); and sister Nancy. He is survived by daughters Anita Craig of Ooltewah; Lori Nelson (Bryan) of Sweetwater and son Spencer of Nashville; grandchildren Jason (Jessica) Cooper of Maryville and Hillary Cooper of Indianapolis; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews; and Dr. Bob Dukes, Rock Dukes and Susan Pilkay with whom he had a special bond.
Alvin Doyle Atkins, age 78, passed away March 15, 2019. Preceded in death by mother, Ruth Keeney and father, Dana Atkins. Survived by wife Dorothy Williams Atkins, sons Alvin and Tonya Atkins and Brian and Leslie Atkins, grandchildren Charles, Elizabeth, Bridget, Brandon, and Brayden, step-grandson Austin (Charity), great-grandchildren Mercedes, Aiden, and Thea, several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends 5:00-7:00pm Monday, March 18, 2019, at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel with service to follow.
John Thomas Keck-age 27 of Corryton passed away Tuesday evening, March 12, 2019 at his home. Preceded in death by mother, Regina Ann Keck.
Survivors: father, Carl Johnny Keck, Corryton; sisters, Emily Keck of Maynardville; Hannah Gillespie of Lebanon, TN; brothers, Justin Keck of Nashville; Aaron Anderson of Huntland, TN; grandmother, Linda and Rodney O’Brien of Blaine; uncle, David Kitts of Halls. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
James Douglas "J.D." Killion passed away, March 15, 2019, at Norris Health and Rehab Center, following a lengthy illness. He was born November 2, 1933 in New Tazewell, TN. He was a member of Emory Pike American Christian Church. J.D. was a member of the U.S. Air Force. He is preceded in death by his parents, James M. and Mossie V. Killion; his first wife, D. Blanche Cox Killion and by his second wife M. Jane Cole Killion. J.D. is survived by his daughter Sheila K.
Fred Parrott, Jr., age 85, passed away March 13, 2019. He was a member of Alice Bell Baptist Church. Fred was a proud veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean War. He was a devoted father and grandfather who loved his family deeply. Left to cherish his memory are wife of 66 years, Marykate "Katie" Parrott; sons Phil (Connie) and Todd (Chris); grandchildren Christopher (Melissa), Krystle (Daniel) and Abbey (Sean). In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Alice Bell Baptist Church Building Fund, 3305 Alice Bell Road, Knoxville, TN., 37917.
Volley H. Cunningham age 60 of Knoxville went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. He was such a kind and loving person, and was always concerned for his family. He loved his family, friends and the family pets. Always willing to lend a hand to help anyone in need. He loved woodworking and making things, one of his hobbies was building things including houses for the family pets and other various projects. He loved gardening and created many family garden projects. He grew prize winning tomatoes which he lovingly gave away to others. He enjoyed singing country and gospel songs.
Tammy “Bright” Jordan age 54 of South Knoxville, TN went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. She was a graduate of West High School, class of ’82. Preceded in death by grandmother, Susie Bright, grandfather, James White, grandmother Lillie Mae White and father, Fred Bright.
Geneva “Ginger” Bessie (Murr) Ailor, of Maynardville, passed from her earthly home to her new heavenly home on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at the age of 69 years. Ginger was a dedicated member of Alder Springs Baptist Church. She taught grades 8-12 at Horace Maynard High School for 35 years. Ginger always put family and everyone else before herself and could cook the best pumpkin pie in the country. She was loved and will be missed by many. Praise the Lord we will see her again!
