L.C. “Sonny” Bruce, Jr., age 71, of Knoxville, went peacefully to be with Jesus on Friday, November 24th, 2017. He was born on July 6th, 1946 to the late L.C. Bruce, Sr. and Helen Murray Bruce. He graduated from Central High School, the Tennessee Military Institute, and later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Vietnam War with the 1st Battalion Combat Unit on Hill 881 during the Battle of Khe Sahn, as a rifle sharp shooter. After being wounded during combat, he was later awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

Marjorie Gamble Gardner, born August 26, 1924 and died November 25, 2017. Preceded in death by husband of 61 years marriage, Charles B. Gardner; only daughter, Carolyn Gardner Buttram; parents, Ira and Callie Gamble; and three half-brothers, James, Thornton, and Frederick Gamble.

Spencer Neal Baugus, born April 2, 1982, flew to Heaven on the angel express on November 21, 2017. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Maelyn Baugus. He was a great son, loved and cherished by his mama, Charlotte F. Baugus; father, Doyle Baugus; sister, Spring Baugus; brother, Bobby Baugus; grandparents, Janice D. Tacker, John Tacker, and Jesse O. Foster; aunt, Mary Smoothersman; uncle and aunt, Bob and Winona Parker; nieces and nephews, Bryson Baugus, Harley Baugus, and Hollie Baugus. The family has chosen cremation.

Aaron Matthew Collette “Matt”, 31 of Knoxville, passed away November 23, 2017. He was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed racing with his dad and fishing with his son. Matt was a kind and loving son, father, and friend. Preceded in death by mother Connie Smith. Survived by son Isaac Collette; father Ernie and Tammy Collette; sister Katrina Collette; girlfriend Charlet Feltman; many other family and friends. Services will be held at a later date. Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel in charge. www.mynattfh.com

Barbara Pinkston Sumter, born January 25, 1935, went to be with the Lord on November 22, 2017. She retired from KUB after many years of dedicated service. Barbara was also a long-time member of Salem Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and directed the children’s choir for many years. She enjoyed bowling, and spending time with her family. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Joe Pinkston, and Tom Sumter; and her parents, Rex & Pauline Hammer.

Wayne Arlis Collins-age 86 of Sharps Chapel passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. He was a member of Blazing Star Lodge #455 F. & A.M. Wayne served as a Union County Commissioner for over 29 years and other offices associated with the county. Preceded in death by son, Harold Wayne Collins; parents, Esco and Mossie (Keck) Collins; sisters, Patsy Dyke, Oralee Lytle, Ina Sharp; brothers, Isaac, Edward and Normal Collins.

Shirley Ann (Kitts) Hall-age 67 of Maynardville went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Beverly Park Place. She was a member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church. Shirley really loved the Lord. Preceded in death by parents, Clayton and Vina Kitts; sister, Kay Y. Kitts; brothers, Glen, Claude, Roy, Verlin, Lynn and McArthur Kitts; parents-in-law, Ed and Geneva Hall.

Lelia Gentry-age 88 of Maynardville, born August 16, 1929 passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Physicians Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Millers Chapel United Methodist Church. Preceded in death by husband, Hubert Gentry; parents, Luther and Daisy (Koontz) Kiser; sisters, Stella Archer, Romey Sharp, Lassie Welch, Bessie Hoskins, Dorthy Woods; brothers, Clyde, Amos, Abra, James and Lamer Kiser; two grandchildren, Rebecca Hunt, Jackie Garriga; two great-grandchildren, James Smith, Molly Payne.

Lida Myrtle Ridenour, age 99, formerly of Knoxville, passed away November 20, 2017. She is preceded in death by husbands, Eugene Edmondson, Edward Haynes, and Lester Ridenour; daughter, Frances Darlene Edmondson; great-grandson, Grayson Graves; parents, Gibson & Cora Warwick. She is survived by son, J. William Edmondson (Judy); daughter, Betty F. Barry (Thomas); grandchildren, Angela Clapp (Barry), Kiokee Carnes, Kayla Alley (Brandon), Kimberly O’Neil (Corey), and Amber Elkins; one great-grandson, Noah Alley and 5 nieces and nephews.

Imogene Vandergriff Andrews, age 85, of Maynardville, went to be with the Lord on November 20, 2017. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Mack Vandergriff and Elijah Andrews; parents, Thurman & Bertie Johnson; brothers, Roy, Eugene, J.T., Hobert, Edgar, Danny, and Joe Johnson; sister, Juanita LeSueur and 7 half brothers and sisters.

Walter David Pyle, age 61, of Knoxville, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 17, 2017. He was a Navy Veteran who loved his country and had respect for others who served. He had a great love for his family, pets, boating, music, outdoors, hiking, and was an avid reader. He strived for perfection in everything he did, and graduated in the top of his class from nursing school. He worked as an RN for many years. He had a kind heart and was always willing to help others. David will be missed by all who knew him.

Linda K. Nicely – age 69 of Washburn, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 19, 2017. Linda was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed working in her flowers.

James Brownlow “J.B.” Stansberry, born October 24, 1934, passed away November 19, 2017. He was a member and deacon of Community Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by parents, Bill & Lula Sweet Stansberry; sisters, Hazel, Etta Lee, Nell, Mattie Lee; brothers, Roy, Robert, and Johnny Stansberry. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lucille Keck Stansberry; sister, Alice Harrell; sisters-in-law, Bonnie and Opha; and a host of nieces and nephews. Nephews are honored to serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are: Deacons of Community Baptist Church, L.B.

James Perry “Buck” Browning, age 78, of Powell passed away November 18th. Buck was known for his expert and custom work with fiberglass, mold design, all types of repair, and building fiberglass fishing boats. Preceded in death by father Bruce Earl Browning Sr., mother Ruby Louise Mays Browning, and sister Shirley Clifton Sims.

Kimberly Gail Jones, age 61, passed away November 16, 2017. She was a loving and kind woman with a big heart. People loved being around her, with her contagious smile. She was very close with her family who loved and will miss her greatly. Preceded in death by parents Eva Eileen and Benny Joe Perry; brother Donald Steve Perry; infant sister Janet Perry.

Thomas Randolph Testerman, (quite possibly the smartest man in the world), age 52, of Knoxville passed away at U.T. Medical Center November 18, 2017 surrounded by his children and their mother. He loved and was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church. He loved watching and coaching sports. Preceded in death by parents T.J. and Ida Testerman; brother Barry Ellis; sister Kathy Ellis.

Arthur F. Payne Jr. (Ottie), age 72, passed away November 17, 2017. He was an Army Veteran, and a truck driver for the majority of his life. People knew him as a good man with a big heart. Preceded in death by son Arthur Lynn Payne; parents Edith and Arthur Payne Sr; brother Charles Tony Payne; sister Linda Faye Graves.

Ruth Haynes Rustin “Momma”-age 77 of Luttrell went to be with the Lord, Thursday, November 16, 2017 surrounded by her family and friends. She was a member of Pennington Chapel Baptist Church. Preceded in death by husband, Paul W. Rustin; daughter, Patricia Sue Everhart; parents, Hobart and Hettie Haynes; brothers, Paris, L. C. and Dot Haynes; sisters, Anna Munsey, Lenoir Smith and Mary Munsey.

George Charles Ries, age 76 of Luttrell, TN took his Heavenly journey Wednesday, November 15, 2017. He was a member of Powder Springs Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher and Trustee. U. S. Air Force Veteran. Preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Charles Ries from River Edge, NJ and Step-Son, Danny Creech, Jr. of Luttrell.

Leonard George Simpson, II-age 59 of Maynardville passed away Monday evening, November 13, 2017 at Willow Ridge Center. He was the son of the late Leonard George Simpson, Jr. and Lucille Chandler Simpson. The body will be cremated and no services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.