Willie Faye Blankenship-age 98 of Washburn passed away peacefully Monday, March 23, 2026, at home surrounded by family. She was of the Baptist faith. She was a very special and loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She was a retired and favorite teacher of the Washburn community through many generations and loved all of her students. Preceded in death by her parents, Jesse D. Coffman Sr.
April Diane Wyrick (née Fritts), age 77 of Knoxville passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, into the loving arms of Jesus, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Diane was a devout child of God, wonderful mother and an amazingly devoted grandmother whose warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew her. She had a gentle spirit, a caring heart, and a remarkable ability to make those around her feel deeply loved and supported. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Eddie Lynn Hicks-age 79 of Knoxville was freed from his earthly chains and moved to his heavenly home Wednesday, March 18, 2026, following a valiant 16-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Eddie was a softy at heart in spite of the tough guy exterior he often displayed. He loved his family deeply and treated his nieces and nephews as though they were all his own kids and he was loved equally in return. He truly enjoyed fishing and playing cards with his family and friends. Eddie retired from the City of Knoxville but had spent several earlier years at Plasti-Line.
Tonya Campbell Brantley-age 72 of Sharps Chapel went to her heavenly Father Monday, March 16, 2026, with her loving husband and family by her side. Tonya was a compassionate lady whose faith in God never wavered. She was of the Baptist faith. She was a valiant warrior in her battle with cancer. Above all, Tonya cherished time with family, she looked forward to family get togethers, especially weddings. She always gave the bride and groom a family Bible. She wanted to share her love and faith in God.
Lillard Steven “Steve” Snelson-age 85 of Luttrell passed away peacefully Friday, March 13, 2026, at UT Medical Center after a fall caused a serious brain injury. Steve served in the U.S. Army and worked public jobs in his younger days, driving asphalt trucks, trash trucks, and worked in offices planning routes. He attended New Testament Baptist Church, Knoxville. For the most part he ran his own business.
Geneva Ruth (Wood) Walker, age 74, of Luttrell, Tennessee passed away in the early morning
hours of March 9, 2026. Geneva was born on September 23, 1951 in Knoxville, Tennessee to
the late Rev. JB and Jessie Ruth Wood.
Jeffrey Dennis Hunsaker-age 64, born March 14, 1961, in Jenkins, Ky., to Ted and Patricia Hunsaker Sr. joined his heavenly Father Sunday, March 8, 2026. Preceded in death by his father, Ted Hunsaker, Sr.
Jeff and his brother, Teddy owned coal companies in Kentucky for several years until he relocated to Knoxville, where he owned and operated excavation companies. He was a “Big Blue Fan”, particularly following Kentucky basketball. He also enjoyed fishing for bass and NASCAR racing. He was loved and will be missed by many family members, friends and associates.
David Michael Lawson-age 75 of South Knoxville passed away Friday, March 6, 2026 at the Willow Ridge Center, Maynardville where he had a resident for several years. He was preceded in death by parents, Jack G. and Helen (Defoe) Lawson. He was an Honorably discharged veteran of the U. S. Navy.
Survivors include a friend, Ruth Batten.
Carolyn Brenda Washam-age 79 of Luttrell took her heavenly flight home Monday, March 2, 2026, at Tennova North Knox Medical Center. Preceded in death by her parents, Verlin and Ruth Hensley; siblings, Kenneth Hensley, Wayne Hensley, Sonny Hensley; nieces and nephews, Brenda Sharp, Chad Sayne, Doug Hensley, Jimmy Beason.
She is survived by her sons, Rodney Washam, Jeffery Washam; grandchildren, Colt Washam, Shawn Washam, Tyler Washam; siblings, Vickie (Chris) Sayne, Judy Beason and many loving nieces and nephews.
Herbert Lee Arnwine – born January 24, 1945, passed away March 4, 2026. He retired from Philips Mfg. Company. Herbert loved his Richland Baptist Church that he attended from 1951-2026, totaling 75 years and was a member from 1957 until his death in 2026 totaling 69 years. He served as church custodian for 10 years and during the 1970’s era taught Training Union and Sunday School Classes and was a member for 35 years of the young adult choir. He enjoyed watching high school basketball games, yard sales and refinishing the vintage wood furniture he found.
Christopher “Chris” Isaac Shiver-age 48 of Tazewell passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Preceded in death by his mother, Vicky Lee Shiver; father, John Franklin Shiver, Sr.; nephew, Roy Lee Sewell.
He is survived by his son, Dylan Cory Keck of Tazewell; brother, John Shiver, Jr.; sister, Sandra Sewell; nephews, Matthew Sewell, Logan Shiver; nieces, Kristina Turner, Megan Shiver.
Burial 2 P.M. Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Narrow Ridge Cemetery, Washburn, Rev. Charlie Widner officiating. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
Donnie Sharp Boles – age 73 of Andersonville, passed away peacefully at his home, Friday, February 27, 2026. He shared his testimony with everyone.
Danny Robert Savage-age 72 of Luttrell passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Willow Ridge Center, Maynardville. He was of the Baptist faith. Preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Minnie Savage; sisters, Bonnie Ruth Yadon, Helen McBee, Judy Coffey; brothers, Delmer Savage, Wayne Savage, Clifford Savage, Jr.
He is survived by his sisters, Mary Bailey, Wandella Kitts and her husband, W.R. Kitts; brother, Michael Savage and several nieces and nephews.
Lee Roy Oglesby-age 84 of Maynardville, formerly of South Knoxville, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 26, 2026 at the home of his niece/caregiver, Judy Beason. He enjoyed fishing and retired from the City of Knoxville. Preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Esther Oglesby; brothers, J.C. Oglesby, Howard Oglesby, Billy Joe Oglesby; sisters, Ruth Hensley, Dorothy Fagg, June Hurst.
Donna Wilmoth-age 66 of Washburn, born September 24, 1959, passed away, Thursday, February 26, 2026, peacefully at her home with her loved ones by her side. She was a member of Elm Springs Baptist Church, Washburn. Preceded in death by her first husband, Glenn Jordan; parents, Rev. Billy and Bonnie Needham; grandparents, Basil and Mossie Needham, Fate and Lenore Smith; grandsons, Daniel Jordan and Bentley Williams; sisters-in-law, Charolette Needham, Stephanie Needham.
John Douglas Reihl-age 78 of Knoxville passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He was a United States Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War. He is preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Francis Reihl; partner of 30 years, Mary Jane White.
He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 1733.
He is survived by his close friends, Amanda Vittetoe, Melvin Parton, Roger Wood and many others.
Dennis Paul-age 78 of Maynardville went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Dennis was sweet spirited and loved everyone. He enjoyed laughing and joking with his family. He had a soft spot in his heart for animals, often taking care of stray dogs and cats. Preceded in death by his parents, David and Cecil Paul; brothers, JB Paul, Ben Paul, Charles Paul, Bobby Paul, Herbert Paul, James Estel Paul and Stanley Paul; sister, Ruby Moody.
He is survived by one sister, Dolly Buckner, Kokomo, Indiana along with nieces and nephews.
Bill Eugene Evans - age 82 of Knoxville, TN passed away peacefully at home with his family on February 22, 2026. He is a member of Carter Road Missionary Baptist Church. In our eyes there was no better Dad. We were blessed to have him; he never failed to tell us to say our prayers every night before we went to sleep. He will be truly missed.
Ermil Flatford – 78 of Andersonville, passed away February 22, 2026 at Rocky Top Care Center in Rocky Top, Tennessee. He was of the Baptist faith.
He is preceded in death by parents, Otis and Lucille (Burgin) Flatford; brothers, Brownie, Hubert, Clifford, Paul, Walter and Lester; sisters, Effie, Edith and Zelda. Ermil is survived by son, Chris (Kristy) Flatford; grandchildren, Savannah (Jake) Munsey and Hannah and Leah Flatford; and great grandchildren, Brinnley and Layne Munsey.
Melissa “Lisa” Darlene Washam-age 65 of Luttrell went home to be with the Lord Sunday, February 22, 2026. She was a member of the Lighthouse Church, Luttrell. Preceded in death by her loving husband, Roger Washam; parents, Jack and Lillie McAnally; brother, Roy Lee McAnally; brother-in-law, Gary Wood.
She is survived by her grandson, Tyler (Brookelyn) Washam; great granddaughter, who she loved more than anything, Addilyn “Addi” Washam; sisters, Janice Wood, Kelly (Dale) Williams; sister-in-law, Kathy McAnally and several nieces and nephews.