Olen L. Booker

Olen L. Booker of Tater Valley, Luttrell passed away January 3, 2023 (his dad’s birthday). He was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Lucille Booker; a son, Mitchell Booker and a daughter-in-law, Donna Booker. His parents were Herbert and Edith Booker, his siblings were Helen (Franklin) Branson and Kenneth (Barbara) Booker, all of whom predeceased him. Olen was born and for all practical purposes, died on his beloved family farm, just as he wanted.
He is survived by his wife, Trish or Yaya, as he called her, a daughter, Becky (Chuck) Huskey; a son, Marty Booker; seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren.
Olen was saved as a young boy and recounted many special memories of those “good ole preachers”, as he called them. Verlin Booker, Jess Qualls, Royal Walton, Loy Shelton and Ernest Greene to just name a few that influenced him. The later of which married Olen and Lucille.
His working career spanned 32 years with Alltel and Powell Telephone Companies. He had many lasting, lifelong friendships from his work family.
Alltel paid the bills, but farming was where his heart was. He was still farming and taking care of his cattle at his time of passing. So many stories of his farming with the Branson family, Gail Booker and Charlie Nease. He often recalled their days of working in hay and corn silage. He loves every minute of it.
He had an abundance of friends along the way. Doyle Inklebarger, Steve Acuff, Newt and Paul Nicely. J. B. Kitts and Fuzzy John just to name over a few. Losing Paul took a great toll on Olen.
He fondly remembered all his older neighbors and had forged a friendship with all his new ones. That’s just who he was.
He used to visit Booker’s #2 daily, but didn’t go as often since his pal, Alco Cox passed. He had many a friend from the Booker gang and at Williams Tractor.
He loved to visit the boys at Ridgeline where he was the recipient of their “Lifetime Warranty” program. He loved Eddie Noe as much as he loved mowing that hillside and did mow it in the summer of 2022.
If he needed help, he could always count on the Williams boys to be there. He was especially close to Tyler. They were 2 peas in a pod to say the very lest.
He really found his happy place with Trish and all their adventures. He really was a changed man, but he had to have a hateful day every now in then because he was a Booker, after all.
His final minutes were spent with his extended family, Deanna Kling, Jennifer Buckner, Callie Buckner, his grandson, Josh Booker and his loving wife, Trish.
Per his request, his body will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be posted on Trish’s Facebook page after it is finalized.
Friends and family may visit at his home or at Tater Valley Grocery at their convenience.

Obituary

Clarence Grubbs

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

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

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

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 Harvey

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

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 Pierre Finley

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

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 Joel Kiser

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

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

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.

Jessie Faye Hensley

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.

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 L. Cox

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 Lynch

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 Needham

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

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 Hill

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

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.