Uriel W. Edde, Jr.

Uriel William Edde, Jr., 90, owner of Edde Chevrolet in Rutledge, Tn died on Tuesday November 17, 2020 at Tennova North Hospital in Powell, Tn. after a short illness. He was born in December 1929 to Uriel William and Laura Edde in Monroe County, Tn. He came from a farming family of 14 with only two siblings surviving his death, Jean Lee and Pete Edde. He married Lovenia Terry on December 30, 1950 and together they had three children: Cynthia Edde Humphries (David), Uriel William Edde III (Tammy), and Martha Edde. Edde and Lovenia enjoyed their years together—raising their children, developing their business, supporting their community, traveling and spending time with friends. Mrs. Edde proceeded him in death in August, 2015. They were the proud grandparents to six grandchildren: Tonya Gebhart (Tommy), Misti Goode, Kristina Rice (Adam), Jenna Bunch (Jonah) Tanner and Lizzi Adams; seven great-grandchildren: Zach Gebhart (Rachel), Ryan Gebhart (Taylor), Heather Goode, Marcus Robinson, Laykin Rice, Isabella Rice and Carson Edde; and four great-great grandchildren: Adi, Caroline, Harper and Thomas. Family meant everything to him especially his sister-in-laws Alma Mynatt, and Erica Edde; his nieces and nephews, Alan Mynatt (Peggy), Terry Roark (Mary Ann), Lisa Baggett (Ronnie), Beverly Hicks (Trebby), and Susan Overton (Anthony), Richard Pitcock (Lou). Friends he considered to be family were Don Nance, Popeye Tate, J.V. Doan, Ronnie Sharp and special friend Debbie Keck. We owe much gratitude to Debbie for the love, care and concern she shared with our father. We know we had him longer because she kept him moving forward.
Mr. Edde was known for being a people person and a hard worker. He began his career by selling automobiles and Frigidaire appliances in Roane County in the 1950s. This was just after he completed a stint in the Army and was at a time when dealerships offered both cars and household items. In selling, he found his niche. He did so well that within a few short years he was able to open his namesake dealership in Rutledge, which he and his son managed together. Mr. Edde continued working until three weeks before his death. Even though he had an office at the dealership, he preferred to sit at a desk he placed in the front corner of the showroom. From there he could wave to cars that passed on Rutledge Pike and talk to everyone that came onto the lot or into the building. He loved conversing and finding common ground with people. This served him well as a salesman but he also “meant it.” He remembered the names and stories of the people he met over the years and he kept his promises to them.

Mr. Edde was also known for his kindness and generosity. He often forgave debts and marked off car loans to local customers who lost jobs or fell on hard times. From his younger years, he knew what it was like to face challenges and survive and he wanted to extend a helping hand to others who were struggling. He was a decades-long supporter of Rutledge Baptist Church and the good works organized both there and in countless other ways. He firmly believed that success also comes with a responsibility to help others.
Mr. Edde loved to support the community that he cherished in other ways, as well. He bought countless boxes of local produce, not for his own use, but to give to others. Tomato season in Grainger county always meant that Mr. Edde would be passing out boxes of the best tomatoes in Tennessee to his friends and family, and to people who may have just walked through the doors of his dealership. During the summer months his family never knew whether to smile or hide when he would proudly announce that he had bought 24 dozen ears of corn for them “put up.” That will now be both a sweet memory and a perhaps an ongoing tradition— but maybe with fewer dozen. The same goes for peaches, strawberries, green beans, and all the other things he bought in bulk so that he could ultimately give the jams and canned goods they became (thanks to Tammy and Martha) to others.
Mr. Edde will be buried next to his wife of 65 years at the Ross cemetery in Winfield, Tn. The family wishes for everyone to remain safe and healthy and therefore no visitation will be held. In the future, when a vaccine allows, or when the pandemic subsides, a celebration of his life will be held at the dealership. At that time, we will welcome friends, community members, and loved ones to gather and share the love Edde so freely shared with you.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that those who wish to do so, may consider making a donation to Rutledge Baptist Church in his honor.
Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Obituary

Larry Wayne Frye

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

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 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.