Barbara J. George, age 81, of Knoxville passed away April 16, 2018. She was a resident of Elmcroft Assistant Living for the last 3 years. Barbara was a member of the Order of Eastern Star for 50 years and a member at Central Baptist Church. Preceded in death by husband, Robert L. George; and daughter, Teresa Dockter. Survived by son, Shannon George; grandchildren, Tyler and Cody George, Warren, Kelli, Natalie, Madelyn and Ben Dockter; brother and sister-in-law, Hubert and Susie LaRue; and a lot of other family and friends.

Debra Gail Merritt Howard, age 62 of Springfield died at her home on Thursday, April 12, 2018 in Springfield, Tennessee. She worked many years as a Hotel Manager for Red Roof Inn and was a member of the Everyday Church in Goodlettsville. She was born on November 14, 1955 in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Ray Emmerson and Mary Lou Fields Merritt. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her sister, Rae Denise Craig.

Clyde M. Damewood-age 87 of Maynardville, born February 9, 1931 passed away Saturday, April 14, 2018 at his home. He was a member of Home Faith Baptist Church, Knoxville. Preceded in death by wife, Christine Kirk Damewood; parents, Fred and Sarah “Sadie” Damewood; sisters, Mosella Kitts, Pauline Davis, Nadine Kitts; special cousin, Donnie Damewood.

Robert Cory Whitson, age 39, passed away April 12, 2018. Preceded in death by grandparents, Jannie and Robert Whitson and Tom and Wanda McCarty. Survived by parents Pam and Bob Whitson; sister, Lindsay (Scott) Collins; nephews, Jacob and Caden Collins; niece, Addison Collins. Family and friends will meet 12:45pm, Wednesday, at Sherwood Memorial Gardens for a graveside service at 1:00pm. Online condolences can be left at www.mynattfh.com

Captain Louis Gale Trivett, USAF, ret., age 77, of Knoxville went to be with his Lord Saturday, April 7th, surrounded by family. Lou was born July 17, 1940 in Bristol, TN to his parents Acton Beryl and Ada (Rutherford) Trivett. He married his wife Tonya (Davis) Trivett in 1964. Lou retired from the USAF and had a second career as a booster rocket engineer for the space shuttle program. He retired in 2011. Lou was a dedicated and loyal husband, father, and grandfather. He was kind and had a way of making anyone feel like a part of the family.

Brian Edward Hatmaker, age 50, of Powell, passed away April 10, 2018 at UT Medical Center. Brian was a graduate of Anderson County High School in 1986. He and his wife, Teresa, were married on October 10, 2014 at Big Ridge State Park. Brian attended Beech Grove Baptist Church in Rocky Top, Tennessee.

Richard "Eddie" Kitts, age 75, of Knoxville, TN went to be with the Lord April 11, 2018. Eddie was a retired 50 year member of the Sprinklefitter local 669. Preceded in death by parents, Maude and Joseph Kitts, brothers Wilburn Kitts and Bill Kitts, and sister Hazel Davis Survived by wife of 51 years Wanda Kitts, daughter Leigh Ann Humphry (Eddie), son Richie Kitts (Wendy), brothers; Gene Kitts, Walden Kitts, Halburn Kitts. Favorite dog Emma, and many other loved ones.

Reuben C. Mason-age 79 of Powell went home to be with Jesus Monday, April 9, 2018 at Physicians Regional Medical Center. He was a faithful member of First Apostolic Church of Knoxville. Preceded in death by son, Matt Mason; step-son, Timothy Williams; parents, Reuben and Delia Mason; sisters, Elizabeth Huff and Ruby Price.

Robert McClure Mink went home to be with the Lord on April 7, 2018. He was born on December 16, 1948 and grew up in the Halls community of Knox County.
He was a devout Christian having given his life to the Lord when he was a child. He was raised in the Baptist faith. One of Robert’s greatest joys was getting to share the Plan of Salvation with those he met.
Robert graduated from Halls High School in 1966. He served in the Army from 1971 to 1972 in South Korea receiving an Honorable Discharge. Robert was a member in good standing of Masonic Lodge #366.

Iva Tallent, age 87, passed away April 7, 2018. She was a member of Loveland Baptist Church. Preceded in death by parents John and Mammie Clabo; sisters Ora, Birdie Kate, Lilly, and Ruby; brothers Earnest and Clarence. Survived by loving husband Roy Tallent; children Ronnie Tallent and wife Carolyn, Ginger Newman and husband Dan, and Pat Haggard and husband Ken; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends 6:00-8:00p.m. Tuesday at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel with service to follow, Rev.

Pattye Lonette Sampson-Taylor (Big Mamaw) went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at approximately 2:30a.m. at UT Hospital from complications from a recent surgery. She was a member of Dante Baptist Church. Pattye was preceded in death by parents, Mason and Lorena (Rena) Sampson, brother Kenneth Sampson, and daughter Danita Taylor-Williams.

Angela R. Nieman – born on February 12, 1969 in San Diego, California and passed away on April 3, 2018 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. She was of the Baptist faith.

She is preceded in death by her son, Dylin Dempsey. Angela is survived by her daughter, Keiyana Creech; sons, Jimmy Hammond and Zach Tharp; four grandchildren; parents, Pat and Bob Nieman; special friend, Bill Tharp; and sister, Melissa (Nieman) Mantooth.

Kathy Ann Bailey Blocker-age 56 of New Tazewell went home to be with the Lord Wednesday morning, April 4, 2018 at Tri-State Healthcare. She was a member of Hickory Valley Baptist Church. Preceded in death by father, Vaughn Bailey.

Survivors: husband, Michael Blocker; sons, Michael and Austin Blocker; mother, Augusta Bailey, all of New Tazewell; brother, Ricky Bailey, Maynardville; sister, Sherry Wilson and husband, Scott; nephew, Matthew Wilson, all of Heiskell; niece, Melanie Daniels, Tazewell.

Linda F. Thomas-age 70 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord in her forever home Monday, April 2, 2018 at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center following a long illness. She was a member of Ailordale Baptist Church. Preceded in death by parents, James and Mary Sturgeon; infant daughter, Connie; brothers, James and Ray Sturgeon; sister, Bernice Clark.

Rev. Robert L. Holmes, age 88, a mighty warrior of the Cross, slipped peacefully away in Tennova hospital with his loving family at his bedside. He was a Bishop affiliated with the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) for 69 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert G. and Edith Holmes, and brother Charles Holmes.

Lena Warwick, age 82, of Powell passed away to Glory on April 2, 2018. She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church. She leaves behind daughter Denver Darlene Griffey (Steve); son David McKinley Warwick (Mary); blessed with 5 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; best friend Debbie Parrot; special nieces Connie Stubing and Shirley Bayless; true love Hobert Tudor; special caregivers Nancy Mahaffey and granddaughter Deidra McDade. She is preceded in death by parents Harvey and Geneva Mahan; 4 brothers; 1 sister (Emmie); and husband of 51 years, Emory McKinley Warwick.

Elon Asher “Noonie” Whitaker, age 82, passed away April 1, 2018. He was past president of Beaver Brook Country Club and served on the board for a number of years. He was an associate board member of The Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville and had won associate of the year on three separate occasions as well as receiving many other honors. He was a veteran at the Air National Guard and was activated for the Berlin Crisis. He worked for 38 years for the William S. Trimble company. He was an avid golfer. He was a wonderful husband, father, pappy, and friend.

Donald Ray Rimmer, age 71 of Knoxville, left to be with the Lord on Saturday March 31, 2018 after a long battle with the effects of agent orange and PTSD. He was a long-time member of BOHBC which he loved and along with his church family. He was a US Army Veteran serving from 1968-1976 mostly in Vietnam War as a helicopter door gunner. He was preceded in death by parents William L Rimmer and Anna May Lynn Rimmer, sister Glenda Clevenger and brother Robert Rimmer and Thomas Rimmer.

Lela McMahan departed this world in her sleep on Good Friday March 30, 2018 with joy in her heart. She was happy, looking forward to spending Easter with her family. She is survived by her beloved children Elijah and Isaiah; her father Jay and his partner Amber; her mother Robin and Robin’s partner Ty; and her siblings Amanda, Jay Jr., Brandon, and Casey. She was a true fighter that never gave up. No matter how high of a mountain she was trying to climb or how many times she tumbled down, she persisted. Lela’s greatest joy was her twin boys.

Geraldine “Gerri” George, age 83 of Halls passed away Friday, March 30 at home surrounded by family. Gerri was a lifelong member of Milan Baptist Church where she served 63 years as Church Musician. Gerri is preceded in death by her parents Adrian and Hazel Kirkpatrick. She is survived by loving husband of 66 years, Jack George; son, Steve George (Janet); grandson, Justin George; and great-grandchildren, Jonas and Alice George. Thanks to Tennova Hospice and Nana Pop-ins Home Services for their help and support. Family will receive friends Wednesday April 4 6:00-8:00p.m.