Horace Emerson Booker, Jr.
September 10, 1944 – October 23, 2022
Horace Emerson (H.E.) Booker, Jr, aged 78, died at his home away from home in Surfside Beach,
South Carolina on Sunday morning, October 23, 2022.
H.E. was preceded in death by his parents, Horace Emerson Booker, Sr., and Jesse Willard
Booker Stowers; sisters, Marlene Booker Orick (Ray) and Janet Booker Moore (Owen); parents-in-law,
Shirley and Otha Needham; brothers-in-law Michael Needham and Steve Stooksbury;
and uncle Chester “Chet” Atkins.
H.E. is survived by his wife of 56 years, Meredith Shirlene (Needham) Booker; son Byron Ashley
Booker (Heidi) of Morristown, TN; daughters Bethany Aleece Mincey (David) of Corryton, TN
and Brittany Amille Booker of Little River, SC; granddaughters Meredith Mincey, Parker Stansell,
and Mary Beth Mincey; several nieces and nephews; a special 4-H/ LABO
exchange student Koji Asano; and a friend for all seasons, Jack Holt. A special thank you to niece
Myra Hall (David) for her extended love and support for H.E in recent years.
H.E. fulfilled a 50-year career as a life insurance broker, first through Jefferson Standard-
Jefferson Pilot and later as owner of NET Insurance of Johnson City, TN. A 1966 graduate of
Carson-Newman College (University), H.E. devoted much of his life in service to the Lord
through church music with several choirs and congregations throughout East Tennessee from
Grace Baptist Church in Powell, TN to Mountain View Baptist Church in Johnson City, TN. H.E.,
noted for his powerful, dynamic baritone voice, studied under the late Dr. Thomas Teague.
Stories through tears of laughter and joy are cherished throughout his life experiences while at
Carson-Newman College. An avid fan of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols Basketball team
and Vols football team, H.E. was most often endeared to strangers in Neyland Stadium as the
man who internalized the invitation to literally join George Bitzas in “singing our National
Anthem.” That same powerful voice in music lent itself to laughter as H.E. relished life to the
fullest when surrounded by family and friends, eating together, and sharing “war” stories and
practical jokes. That same voice lent itself to a servant’s heart as H.E. and Shirlene served as the
consummate hosts through activities of service to family and friends, communities, churches,
schools, and civic gatherings. H.E. loved big, played big, and served big. His song fades. His
laughter dims. His light reflects God’s presence. And those left to celebrate his legacy feel
grateful for our seasons with him.
Family and friends may call at their convenience at Trinity Funeral Home, Maynardville, TN on
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 from 2:00p.m. until 6:00p.m. The following morning, Thursday,
October 27, 2022, those who wish may gather at 9:45a.m. at Trinity to proceed for a 11:00a.m.
graveside service at the Booker Family Cemetery in Luttrell with Reverend David Holt officiating.
Pallbearers include Brent Heiskell, Dannie Dingus, Casey Hall, Ron Presley, Cooper and Chase Stover,
and Bufford Stone. Honorary Pallbearers include Jack Holt, Bryan Reeves, Larry Cradic, Greg Needham,
and Walt Hallman.
A Celebration of A Life Well-Lived will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 1:00p.m. at
First Baptist Church Kingsport, TN with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating followed by a reception
with family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be extended to First Baptist Church Kingsport, TN Building
Fund or the Music Department of Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, TN. Trinity Funeral Home, LLC,
Maynardville, has the honor to serve the family of H. E. Booker, Jr. 865-992-5002 www.trinityfuneralhome.net
Mr. Billy Woods-age 63 of Luttrell passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, April 24, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father, Frank Woods; mother, Frances Inklebarger. Billy was always smiling and joking. He gave everyone a nickname and loved to pester. He will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
Shelby Jean (Haynes) Mitchell – age 85 of Knoxville, formerly of Liberty Hill, passed peacefully surrounded by her family at home Wednesday, April 24, 2024. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church.
Larry Wayne Frye – age 76 of Washburn, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Claiborne County Hospital. He was a member of Elm Springs Baptist Church. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Oreide Frye; sister, Darlene Satterfield.
He is survived by his sisters, Letha Frye, Jean Nicely and husband Roger of Washburn; brother, Dewey Lynn Frye and wife Vanda of Corryton; nieces and nephews, Jerry, Austin, Brittany all of Washburn, Brad, Amanda, Zoe, Gavin, Kenzlee all of Knoxville.
Sherry Mignon Dunn – age 72 of Maynardville, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Sherry had a deep love for her family and also fishing. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lola and H.E. Hill; sister, Sandra Hill; brother, Eddie Hill.
Sherry is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Billy Dunn; daughters, Tansi Underwood, Tammy Lay and husband Rick; grandchildren, Larissa Qualls, Craig Lay and wife Brittany, Derrick Lay; great-grandchildren, Ava Lay, Haisley Lay.
Clarence E. Grubbs – age 83 of Maynardville. God has taken another amazing man to Heaven today, April 6, 2024. He fought a brave battle with Pancreatic Cancer for 9 long months. Clarence was called a Gentle Giant and was loved by many. He was a man who lived life to the fullest. Clarence was a Glazier for 40 years, an amazing carpenter, mechanic, and avid fisherman. He grew hydroponics, the best tomatoes and vegetables. Clarence was an eagle lover, a magical storyteller and awesome cook, to name just a few.
Danny Jo Sweet – age 66 of Washburn went home to be with the Lord Thursday, April 18 2024. Danny was a member of Hubbs Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He was a former employee of the Tennessee Department of Transportation. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing. Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and L.B. Sweet; nephew, Jasper Sweet; sister-in-law, Pam Sweet; brother-in-law, Boyce Brock; father-in-law, Virgil Crawford.
Allen Caine Rush - age 24 of Washburn went home to be with the Lord Sunday, April 14th, 2024. Preceded in death by his grandfather, Joseph “Joe” Rush; grandma, Shirley Arnold; great grandma, Yvonne McPhetridge.
Artie Belle Beason-age 79 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord, Monday, April 15, 2024. Artie enjoyed writing poems.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lee Beason; son, Danny Lee Beason; parents, Lettie Beeler and Laughton Beeler; brother, Gary Beeler; sister, Ruby Shope; son-in-law, Mark Langley.
She is survived by her daughters, Carol Ledford and Karen Munsey; son Jeff Beason and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Diana “Dee” Lynn Harvey – age 74 of Rockford, TN, passed away April 11, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Her lifelong passion was to care for others. She was a retired LPN/Home Health Care Nurse with a career spanning more than 30 years. She continued this passion in retirement as a Private Care Nurse until her passing. Diane was an avid UT Vols fan and enjoyed many years of attending UT Football and Lady Vols Basketball games. She also enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in sports over the years.
Charlie Lloyd Railey, 76, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 13th, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents, Alphonzo and Mary Lou Railey, sister and brother-in-law Melba and Henry Kidwell and brother Lee Edward Railey (who died shortly after birth).
Joseph Finley -- age 45, passed away unexpectedly at home on April 13,2024 with his wife by his side. Joe is proceeded in death by his mom Zollie Beeler and father Ronnie Beeler.
Joe is survived by his wife Amanda Finley and his six children Tierra Constable(EricHaun), Jeffery Lambdin, Macy Lambdin, Jo’Siah Simpson, Zi’Moni Simpson and Zy’Lynn Simpson. Joe has two sisters Penny Suttles and Elizabeth Ryan. Joe was very proud to welcome his new granddaughter in his life Lily Constable. Joe is retired from The University of TN Police Department.
James Eugene “Jimmy” Thomas – age 60 of Mascot, went to be with the Lord Thursday, April 11, 2024. Jimmy loved to fish and work on anything mechanical. Preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Lowell Thomas Sr. and Carrie Caldwell Thomas; son, Andy Thomas; brothers, Lowell Thomas Jr., Ronnie Thomas; sister, Sherry Goins; first wife, Rhonda Thomas
Ronnie Kiser-age 69 of Sharps Chapel, hometown of Millstone, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Ronnie’s trade was in the coal mines of Kentucky where he spent many long hours and extra days providing for his family. He worked in the mines for nearly 40 years before retiring to his Norris Lake home. He wore many hats throughout these years, some of which exposed his talent for engineering, creativity and intelligence. Ronnie was an electrician and repairman for the mine where he worked underground and or above ground outside in the shop.
Robert Carl Vineyard-age 87 of Knoxville went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Robert enjoyed fishing and boating. He enjoyed being a truck driver and worked for Highway Transportation in Knoxville for 25 years. He is preceded in death by his wife, Margie Vineyard; mother, Helen Speas; father, Carl Vineyard; stepdaughter, Debbie Jones.
Phyllis Ailor George – age 90 of Knoxville, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Morning Pointe Assisted Living with her daughter by her side. She was a born again Christian and longtime member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church, where she participated in many ministries throughout the years. Phyllis enjoyed hosting family and friends in her home and was a wonderful cook - especially chicken and dumplings. She worked hard alongside her husband, Bill George, in his construction business and farming.
Thomas H. Ford, Jr., 81, of Irene Lane, New Tazewell, TN (formally of Kersey, PA), died peacefully at his daughter’s residence in Tennessee on April 1, 2024, after a brief illness.
Jessie Faye Hensley (Wyrick), age 77 of Luttrell, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday April 7, 2024 at UT Medical Center. She is now free of all pain and is singing in that Heavenly choir. She was a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church where she was the song leader and played the guitar. She had the biggest heart and loved everyone, especially her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. As of May 3rd, she would have been at DeRoyal, the job she loved, for 37 years.
David Randall Hicks, Jr.-age 48 of Maynardville born December 2, 1975, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 3, 2024, after a short battle with cancer, at North Knoxville Medical Center. He was a very loving and caring man that loved his family very much and will be missed by many. Preceded in death by his father, David Hicks, Sr.; grandparents who raised him, Edna and James Herrell; mother of his girls, Katie Rudd.
Rhonda Lynn Cox-age 63 of Sharps Chapel entered her heavenly home peacefully 12:05 a.m. Monday, April 2, 2024 with her family by her side. Rhonda accepted Jesus as a young girl at Blue Springs Missionary Baptist Church and enjoyed being an active member of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church for more than 15 years. She loved her church family and Rhonda’s greatest joy was her family. She also loved farming and the outdoors.
Louise Rochat Lynch – age 98 of Maynardville, passed away March 20, 2024 at Willow Ridge Center. She was a member of Miller’s Chapel United Methodist Church.
Gregory Keith Needham – age 60 of Maynardville, went to be with the Lord at his home on Saturday, March 30, 2024. He was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church in Knoxville where he sang in the choir for many years. Gregory was a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University and a former employee with Commercial Bank for 33 years. He was a lifelong resident of Union County. Gregory will be missed by several friends and family.
Reba Evelyn Ridenour-age 77 of Luttrell went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Willow Springs Baptist Church and was a loving mother and grandmother. Heaven has gained another angel. Preceded in death by husband, Leonard Ridenour; daughters, Tammy Darlene Ridenour and Sonja Denise Brown; son-in-law, David Lee Brown. Parents, George W. and Flora Lillian (Patty) Ogle.
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.