Joan Marie (Crawford) Kitts-age 88 of Knoxville passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones Wednesday, October 7, 2026. She was born and raised in Maynardville. Joan found her greatest joy in caring for her family. She cherished her cats, enjoyed canning vegetables, loved sharing stories of her childhood and family history, and was known for her kind heart, listening ear, and ability to keep a confidence. Joan was a trusted friend and confidante to many. Preceded in death by her husband, Ray E. Kitts; sons, Ralph Kidwell and Tommy Kidwell; beloved twin sister, Jean Boles.

Rhonda Sue Richardson – age 66 of Union County, passed away October 7, 2026. Rhonda was a member of Free Spirit Missionary Baptist Church. Rhonda was feisty, funny and had a wild spirit. She was one of a kind. Rhonda could make you laugh – or make you run. She loved fiercely, lived boldly and left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Rhonda will be deeply missed by all of her loving family and friends. There is comfort in knowing she is reunited with her Heavenly Father, free from pain and suffering. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.

Jerry Lynn Rouse-age 58 of Sharps Chapel, born March 8, 1968, went to his eternal home in heaven Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Parkwest Medical Center surrounded by his family. Jerry spent most of his life working on the farm and many years working alongside his good friend, Arthur Helms at Helms Construction. Jerry was known for his kind heart and his willingness to help others. The family takes comfort in knowing Jerry accepted Jesus Christ as his savior on Friday, October 2, 2026, just two days before his passing.

Vickie Lynn (Minor) Smith – age 78 of Maynardville formerly of Knoxville, passed away peacefully at home October 1, 2026.

She is preceded in death by parents, Fred and Rubye Minor; brothers, Gary Minor and Terry Minor. Vickie is survived by children, Robert Cooper and Michelle Parker; grandchildren, Mashé (Trevor) Simpkins and Jadyn Parker; great granddaughter, Isabella Simpkins; brother, Steve Minor; and several nieces and nephews.

Edgbert David Frye Jr (AKA Kojak or Chief)- aged 82 of Washburn passed away at his home surrounded by family on October 4, 2026. He was saved at 10yrs old at Washburn Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member as long as his health allowed. David served the people of Grainger County for nearly 50 years with both the Grainger County Sheriff's Department and Rutledge City Police Department. He was a graduate of Washburn High School, Class of 1962. He was preceded in death by his parents, Opal and Edgbert Frye; children, Pam Frye and Scotty Joe Frye; and brother, Ronnie Frye.

Brodie Carmon Hickman-age 78 of Luttrell, born February 14, 1948, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2026. God truly blessed us with Brodie as a son, husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was loved with our whole hearts, and he loved us with all of his. He was a strong and honorable man that knew the Lord. Brodie was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. Preceded in death by his parents, Hyram Joe and Emma Ilean Hickman; siblings, Kenny, Avis, Lara dean, Randy, David, Bonnie Ruth.

In loving memory of Lillie Mae Atkins-age 87 of Luttrell, went to be with the Lord Saturday, October 3, 2026. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. She had worked for Hillcrest Nursing Home for 20 years, then retired to take care of the grandkids. She had 6 kids of her own, 12 grandkids, 24 great grandkids, and 5 great great grandkids.

Michael “Mikey” Carter, Jr.-age 49 of Clinton passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026 at his home. He was a member of New Christian Rest Missionary Baptist Church. He loved being a great dad, husband and brother. He loved antique cars, working on cars and watching football.
Preceded in death by “Mom” Joann Dobbins; Sister, Sabrina Dobbins; biological dad, Michael Carter, Jr.; Grandparents: Dolly and Guy Cooper.

Faye Peters Campbell Smith-age 96 of Maynardville passed away Saturday, October 3, 2026. She had been a teacher, a beautician, a retail worker, and an auditor. Faye was a devout Christian and had been a Sunday School teacher. She was preceded in death by husbands AC Campbell and Richard Smith as well as her parents and siblings. Survivors include nieces and caretakers Lois Campbell and Glenda McCloud, stepson Keith Smith and Pam, nieces-in-law Martha and Cookie, several great-nieces and nephews.

J. D. Shoffner – age 88 of Heiskell formerly of Sharps Chapel, passed away October 2, 2026. He was a member and song leader of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church for over 50 years.

William “Bill” Harvey Oxendine, Jr. – age 80, passed away October 1, 2026 at U T Memorial Hospital.

Bill is preceded in death by parents, William H. Oxendine, Sr. and Geneva Oxendine; and brothers, Ronnie and Gary Oxendine. He is survived by children, Lisa Oxendine Todl, William H. Oxendine, III, Logan Oxendine, Billee Oxendine and Ronnie Oxendine; twenty grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Gerald Wayne Bible-age 66 of Maynardville, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2026. He was born on July 11, 1960, to Carson Rex Bible and Edith Miller Bible, who preceded him. Preceded in death by his brothers, Bobby, Danny, Ronnie, and Charles; nieces and nephews, Samuel, Richie, Silvia, and Tiffany; and sister-in-law, Martha Letsinger.

Bobby Jo McNeal-age 67 of Knoxville went to be with the Lord Sunday, September 27, 2026. He was an Army Veteran and loved collecting antiques.

Preceded in death by his wife, Lisa McNeal; mother, Jean Shrader; father, Robert McNeal; brother, Darryl McNeal.

Martha Sylvania Breeding (Braden)- age 99 of Maynardville, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 27th, 2026. She was born May 31st, 1927, Martha was a long-standing member of Alder Springs Baptist Church and was a devoted Christian, wife, mom and mamaw.
She enjoyed the beach, quilting, reading, gardening and cooking for her family.

Karen Reach Nicley-age 71 of Maynardville, born June 26, 1955, went to be with the Lord Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the North Knoxville Medical Center. Karen was a member of Milan Baptist Church. Karen devoted many years of service to the Union County Sheriff’s Department, where she served in several roles throughout her career, including secretary, dispatcher, School Resource Office, and 911 Director. In her earlier years Karen worked at the Horace Maynardville High School as a secretary.

Elizabeth Jane-Ann Ailor (Liz), Age 49 of Maynardville, TN went to be with the Lord, September 23,2026. Liz was a loving mother that loved spending time with her daughter.
Liz is preceded in death by her father, Darrell Ailor; mother, Janey and Rick Dail; Grandparents, Gruder and Arlene Ailor; Robert and Jewel Hamilton and Reva and Horace Dail.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Emma Foulks; sister, Rebekah Beeler and Brother, Brian Ailor; nephews, Zack Beeler and Justin (Megan) Beeler; stepmother, Margaret Ailor; stepsisters, Tisha Ingle, Tonya Doraiswamy, Trisha

Shirley D. (Smith) McCloud-age 79 of Luttrell passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at North Knoxville Medical Center where we said goodbye to our precious mother. She was a graduate of Gibbs High School and a member of Calvery’s Cross Church. Preceded in death by husband, Charles G. McCloud; parents, Eustace (Sewell) and Kathleen Smith; brother, Larry Smith.

Betty Louise Tharp-age 67 of Luttrell, born Betty Louise Cooper on August 31, 1959, to Estel and Idell Cooper, passed away Monday, September 21, 2026. At the age of 17 Betty married the love of her life, Michael Lynn Tharp Sr., on November 27, 1976. Betty was a devoted mother to her son, Michael Lynn Tharp Jr., and daughter, Michelle Ann Hensley. She was also a beloved “Mamaw” a title that she wore proudly and that brought her tremendous joy. It was no secret that being Mamaw was one of her favorite roles in life.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our sister, Dorothy Edna Essary-age 74 of Maynardville who passed away Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, surrounded by her sisters and brother. Dorothy lost her hearing when she was four years old and was a graduate of Tennessee School for the Deaf, Class of 1970. She was a caring and loving person who never allowed her disability to keep her from enjoying life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time with family and friends, helping them celebrate birthdays and holidays.

Walter “Rhea” Hill-age 80 of Washburn, born April 21, 1946, went to be with the Lord Monday, September 21, 2026, at the home of his daughter, April. Rhea was a loving, hardworking, kind and gentle man. He was a member of Johnson’s Chapel Church. He was a graduate of East High School, Knoxville. Preceded in death by his wife, Martha Jo Hill; his parents, Herbert and Clara Hill; brothers, Herbert Earl Hill, Eddie Hill.