Jesse Wayne Wilbanks “Homer” of Dandridge passed away on May 1st, 2026. Wayne was a man who measured his life not in accomplishments, but in relationships: the friends who showed up for his famous 4th of July celebrations, the neighbors who knew he would stop and help, and the family he loved unconditionally. In 2023, he retired from Knoxville Utilities Board after 35 years. After retirement, he spent his days doing what he loved most-gardening, fishing, and hunting at English Mountain Bear and Boar Club along spending time with his family and friends.

It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of Helen Sue Welch, age 84 of Washburn, TN. She departed this life on Thursday, April 30, 2026. She was born on February 7, 1942. She was saved at a young age and of the Baptist faith. She cherished moments with family and loved the holidays. She was a beautiful soul, loved by all who met her.

Randy Wayne Ralston-age 65 of Luttrell passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026. He had worked as a handy man and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and four wheeling. Preceded in death by his wife, Cathy L. Ralston; parents, George R. and Kay E. Ralston.

He is survived by his daughters, Nena Montanez, Morgan Ralston, Cassie Ralston, Randi Ralston, Chastity Ralston; 15 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brothers, Kelly Ralston, Lynn Ralston, Dayle Ralston.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Frank William Thomas, Sr.-age 84 of Maynardville, born September 20, 1941, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026. He was a lifetime member of J.C. Baker Lodge, was of the Baptist faith and he was an Army Veteran. He is preceded in death by his son, Frank W. “Bill” Thomas, Jr.; parents, Rev. Charles and Marion Thomas; brothers, Charles V. Thomas Jr., Lowell Thomas; infant sister, Martha Jo Thomas.

Alfred Ray, age 69 of Sharps Chapel passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, April 28, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowe and Lassie (Pratt) Ray; and his siblings, Martha Mae Ray, Max Ray, Ralph Ray, Anna Mae Ray, and Lorene Ray. He is survived by his siblings, Earl Ray, Glenn Ray, Lynn Ray, Irene Tolliver, and several special nieces and nephews.

Rev. Robert Stephen Monroe, Sr.-age 79 of Maynardville passed away Saturday morning, April 25, 2026, at his home. He was a member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church and a Past Master of J.C. Baker Lodge #720 F.&A.M. His kindness to everyone will be fondly remembered. He loved gardening and fishing, along with his cats. He also loved playing guitar and singing in church. Preceded in death by his parents, William Vaughn Monroe and Catherine Irene (Bowling) Monroe; brothers, Jack Monroe, Vaughn Monroe; stepson, Mitchell Buck; son-in-law, Raymond Atkins.

Theodore Godrey “T. G.” Brantley II of Corryton passed away one day short of his 78th birthday on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family. T. G. was born April 26, 1948 in Knoxville, the son of Reverend Theodore “T. G.” and Virgie Gilbert Brantley. T. G. was a member of Warwick’s Chapel Baptist Church. He graduated from Horace Maynard High School in 1966. He worked at Robertshaw Controls for 30 years and was a past Master and member of Corryton Masonic Lodge 321. T. G.

John Bradley “JB” Beeler-age 80 of Washburn, born March 8, 1946, passed away peacefully Monday, April 27, 2026, at his home. He was saved and a member of Elm Springs Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his parents, Bradley and Edith (Helton) Beeler; sisters, Auga Floella Beeler, Mary Cindy Beeler and Vontella Beeler Acuff; brothers-in-law, Roy Acuff and Murlin “Pudge” Reed.

On Saturday, April 25, 2026 Ricky Kyle Mullins-age 66 of Maynardville took his final hit and walked out of the arena for the last time. Rick was a “Simple Man” who lived life on his own terms-Unfiltered, unapologetic and always with a durag tied tight around his head. In his younger days, Rick was known for his skilled hands in brick and block masonry and expert fiberglass work on boats. Though he hadn’t been able to work in recent years, he spent his time doing what he truly loved: raising and handling a prize gamecock and peace from smoking his favorite “herb”.

Lillie Mae Perry-age 76 of Washburn passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026, at her home. She was a member of New Beginnings Baptist Church. Preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mae (Kitts) Nicley; daughter, Brenda Dellinger; brothers, Hubert Nicley, Bill Nicley, Clifford Nicley; sisters, Gracie Bailey, Irene Dalton.

Charles H. Headrick, Jr. (Charlie Brown)-age 59 of Rutledge passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 20, 2026. He was a God-fearing Christian. He loved playing guitar and singing Blue Grass music. He is preceded in death by parents, Charles “Cuz” Headrick and Jeanie M. Headrick.

Betty Ann Newsom-age 71 of Maynardville passed away peacefully Monday, April 20, 2026, at her home.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Darrell Y. Brake, Jr.-age 61 of Sharps Chapel passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026, at home. He was a former employee of Aubrey’s Restaurant, Powell. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in the Engineer Battalion as a heavy equipment operator. Preceded in death by his father, Darrell Y. Brake, Sr.; sister, Aundra Shoffner; cousin, Laura Fridley; grandparents, Henry and Aundra Ditmore.

James Ricky Johnson – age 75 of Maynardville, a loving husband and father, who went to be with our Lord on April 18, 2026. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family, including his wife of 57 years, Charlotte Mae Johnson. He was a hard worker who loved and provided for his family.

April Dawn Bozeman-Buckner -age 48 of Maynardville passed away Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Willow Ridge Center. Preceded in death by her parents, David Bozeman and Donna Mason; grandmother, Edith Mason.

She is survived by her husband, Eddie Buckner; sister, Kelly Beeler; uncle, Billy Ford; parents-in-law, Dennis and Tammy Kitts; sister-in-law, Lisa Sayne and several other family members along with a host of friends.

Rita Gaye Dyke Collins-age 68 of Sharps Chapel went home to be with Jesus Friday, April 17, 2026, on her mommy’s birthday. She was saved at an early age and a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. She wore the title of mom, mamaw, uncle mamaw, sister, and friend. She thoroughly enjoyed sewing and we are so appreciative for the “sewing ladies.” Preceded in death by her parents, Hubert Pete and Bertha Faye Dyke; son, Carl Sharp; son-in-law, Dewayne Kitts.

Scott “Tater” Johnson – age 54 of Maynardville, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Tater was saved at a young age. He enjoyed spending time with family, friends and fishing. He was employed at Clayton Homes in Maynardville. Tater is preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Marie Johnson; brother, Wayne Johnson; sister, Sharon Washam; nephew, B.T. Johnson.

Rita Gaye Dyke Collins-age 68 of Sharps Chapel went home to be with Jesus Friday, April 17, 2026, on her mommy’s birthday. She was saved at an early age and a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. She wore the title of mom, mamaw, uncle mamaw, sister, and friend. She thoroughly enjoyed sewing and we are so appreciative for the “sewing ladies.” Preceded in death by her parents, Hubert Pete and Bertha Faye Dyke; son, Carl Sharp; son-in-law, Dewayne Kitts.

Ronald D. Menard-age 66 of Luttrell passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2026. No services are planned and he will be cremated. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

It is with heavy hearts that we remember Timothy “Timmy” Maples-age 62 of Tazewell passed away Friday, April 10, 2026. He was a devoted father, beloved uncle, and a man whose selfless nature touched everyone who knew him.