Jacob “Jake” Franklin Butcher passed away on July 19, 2017 at the age of 81 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jake was born May 8, 1936 to Cecil H. Butcher, Sr. and Kate Walters Butcher in the rural town of Maynardville, Tennessee. Jake attended Maynardville High School and later the University of Tennessee and Hiwassee College. After college, he joined the United States Marine Corps serving primarily in Korea, Japan and Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. Jake always held the Marine Corps close to his heart. He married Broadway actress and Oak Ridge native Sonya Wilde in 1962 and together they had four children, Maria (Randy) Loyd, Scarlett (Tim) Current, Brad (Leigh Ann) Butcher and Jason (Ashley) Butcher. Jake and Sonya also have 8 grandchildren, Kendall Loyd White, Austin Loyd, McCall Current, Joshua Current, Colby Butcher, Katelyn Butcher, Jace Butcher and Olivia Butcher, and 2 great grandchildren, Abigail and Judah White. During his long life, he treasured his family and they all adored him.
In 1961, he and his brother, C.H. Butcher, Jr., founded Butcher Insurance Company and then in 1963 Jake founded Butcher Oil Company. In 1965, he moved Butcher Oil Company from Maynardville to Clinton, TN and changed the name to Bull Run Oil Company where it became one of the largest Amoco Jobbers in Tennessee serving area’s from Sevierville to Carthage, TN. With the help of his father, Jake and C.H. purchased First National Bank of Lake City in 1968. In 1970, the bank was opened in Oak Ridge and Clinton and the name changed to City & County (C&C) Bank. In 1975, Jake purchased controlling interest in Hamilton National Bank of Knoxville and changed the name to United American Bank. With the help of several Knoxville business leaders including Pat Wood, United American Plaza was constructed and became Knoxville’s tallest building. In 1978, Jake’s United American Bank moved in to its new headquarters at United American Plaza and went on to become east Tennessee’s largest bank, accounting for many of the business loans in Knoxville. Jake, with his love for the people of Tennessee, ran for governor in 1974 and was the Democratic Nominee for Governor in 1978. Other political involvement included being a member of the Democratic National, Finance & Inaugural Committees (1976-1980). In 1975, Jake was asked by retired Air Force Colonel Stewart Evans, King Cole and then Mayor Kyle Testerman to be the Chairman of the International Energy Exposition (World’s Fair) in Knoxville. The 1982 World’s Fair and its resounding success was one of Jake’s most cherished accomplishments and memories.
Jake was also involved in several civic & charitable organizations including Chairman of the Tennessee Chapter of The American Cancer Society; Board of Directors for the Greater Knoxville Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of the East Tennessee Heart Association; Board Member of the Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church; Member of First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge and later a member of First United Methodist Church in Canton, GA.
In more recent years, he continued his career in sales. He was a true patriot for his country and his beloved Tennessee and was a loyal friend to many. He was unconditionally supportive of his family and loved nothing more than to spend time with his children and grandchildren. His charisma and home town charm never faded and was a champion of optimism, positivity and generosity.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother Cecil H. Butcher, Sr. and Kate Walters Butcher and his beloved brother, C.H. Butcher, Jr. Jake is survived by his wife Sonya Wilde Butcher of Canton, GA, sons, daughters and grandchildren.
Pallbearers:
Grandsons: Austin Loyd, Colby Butcher, Josh Current, Jace Butcher
Sons-in-Law: Randy Loyd, Tim Current
Family friend: Allen “Red Dog” Hicks
Nephew: Cecil H (Butch) Butcher III
Honorary Pallbearers:
Karl Schledwitz, Taft Butcher, Gene Cook, Rodney Holbrook, John Holden, Raymond Lacy, Bob McKamey, Jimmy Naifeh, Kevin Riggs, Ronald Scott, L.E. Butch Smith, Kevin Tucker, Fred Simmons, Rob Woodson, Frank Barker, Fred Hurst, Bill Ramsey, Johnny Majors, Chris Pracht, Brad Walker
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 29th at 2pm at The First United Methodist Church, 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN with Rev. John Collett officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Graveside Service will be on Sunday, July 30th at 12pm at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, 1501 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. In lieu of flowers: Donations accepted in Jake’s name to the Marine’s Toys for Tots Program or The Mission of Hope helping the families of rural Appalachia. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. Holleygamble.com
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home
P.O. Box 327
Clinton, TN 37717
(865)457-2323
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.
Johnathan DeWayne Donahue – born June 29, 1998, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Luttrell. Preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Tracy Donahue; grandmothers, Janice Donahue, Pamela Riffey; grandfathers, Wayne Donahue, Rick Hankins.