On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Melanie Caroline Brantley Dykes started her day with grandbabies she treasured and went to a job she thoroughly loved and ended her day in the presence of her Savior. Melanie was born February 24, 1971 to parents Larry and Linda and born again in a Thursday night revival meeting in 1997. She was a lifelong resident of the Big Ridge Community and was a pillar and beacon to her hometown, often advocating and serving those who could not always serve themselves.

Lonnie Franklin Mabe-age 70 of Powder Springs went to be with the Lord, Tuesday morning, May 20, 2025 at his home with his family by his side. He was a Christian of the Baptist faith. Preceded in death by his parents, Fate and Nellie (Overholt) Mabe; brother, Adam Mabe.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Henrietta Mabe; daughters, Jennifer Overholt and husband, Tommy King, Barbara Williams and husband, Robert Williams; grandchildren, Franklin King, Addie King, Haley Willilams, Robert Williams, Jr. and several other family members along with a host of friends.

Gregory Allen Bailey – age 39 of Maynardville, went to be with the Lord suddenly on Friday, May 16, 2025, at his home. He is preceded in death by his father, Darrell Bailey; grandparents, John Henry, Artie Lawson, Rob Bailey, Leona Bailey; niece, Angel Bailey; cousins, Kimberly Nicley, Kenneth Nicley.

Wilma June Beeler-age 86 of Halls passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025. She was a member of Emory Valley Baptist Church. Preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Florence (Turner) Cox; brother, Kenneth; half-brothers, Herbert, Briscoe, Ralph, Jewel; half-sisters, Annabelle Norris, Dela Coppock.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Rev. Roy Beeler; son and daughter-in-law, Roy Lynn and Kathy (Kropff) Beeler; brother, Idris Cox; half-sister, Vivian (Henerlight) Wells.

Rev. David Gordan Evans – age 74 of Luttrell, born June 2, 1950, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025. He was a member of Atlantic Ave. Baptist Church. He preached for over 40 years and was a custodian for Knox County Schools for many years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Dorothy Evans.

He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Martha Evans; daughter, Tammy Anderson (Paul); grandsons, Derek Anderson, Reece Anderson; 2 great-granddaughters.

Rev. Billy Joe McCoy, Sr.-age 83 of Maynardville, born February 10, 1942 passed away Friday, May 9, 2025 at his home. Joe was a member of Little Barren Missionary Baptist Church and a U. S. Army Veteran. Over the years since 1966, he pastored several area churches to include, Oaks Chapel American Christian Church, Highland Springs Baptist Church, Carter Road Baptist Church, Union Baptist Church, New Friendship Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Maynardville, Macedonia Baptist Church. Preceded in death by wife of 62 years, Linda R.

Richard (Rick) Keck – age 72 of Corryton, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Friday, May 9, 2025, after a long and courageous battle. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of New Friendship Baptist Church from childhood. He was a graduate of Horace Maynard High School, class of 1971, the University of Tennessee, and a proud Veteran of the U.S. Army. He was employed by the Union County School System for 35 years serving as the auto technician teacher and vocational director where he was instrumental in bringing new programs to the school.

Keith James Heiskell- age 57 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord, Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his home. He was a member of Alder Springs Baptist Church and a graduate of Horace Maynard High School Class of 1985. He was an employee of Heiskell Service Station for many years and a former heavy equipment operator for Vulcan Materials. Preceded in death by his grandparents, Roscoe and Naomi (Railey) Heiskell, Clyde and Eula (Newman) Williams; like a sister, Beth Holloway.

Toney Nicely- age 63 of Maynardville, passed away suddenly on Monday, May 5, 2025. Toney was a quiet person, until he got to know you and then you had a friend for life. He was always willing to help others in need. Toney loved the outdoors, going to dirt tracks and drag races, enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler, and hunting squirrel.
He is preceded in death by parents; Cecil and Myrtle Nicely, and sister; Robin Nicely. Toney is survived by sister; Vickie Ryder, brothers; Freddie (Shirley) and Calvin Nicely, several cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

Reverend Billy Mark “Bud” Dyke – age 82 of New Tazewell was born on May 30, 1942 and passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Bud was a member of Blazing Star Lodge #455 F&AM where he was a Mason for 47 years, serving as a past Master and as a Chaplin for 13 years. Bud was also a valuable employee of Trinity for many years serving as a greeter and minister.

G. Mildred Beason – born May 21, 1942, passed away on May 4, 2025 at Beverly Park Place Health and Rehabilitation in Knoxville. She was a member of Hines Creek Baptist Church in Maynardville where she was song director for many years and was an original member of The Beason Family gospel group for more than 40 years.

Billy Gene Barnes-age 84 of Maynardville went home to be with the Lord Friday morning, May 2, 2025 at his home after a long illness with cancer. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Hubbs Grove Missionary Baptist Church and a graduate of Horace Maynard High School, Class of 1959. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a retired employee of Maynardville Utility Department and sends a special thank you to his friends and community for their love, support and prayers.

Joy Diane Lody-age 62 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord, Monday, April 28, 2025. She was a member of Beneath the Cross Mission, Luttrell. Joy was a Critical Care R.N. and a medical volunteer and was a breast cancer survivor. She volunteered at the food pantry and clothes closet. Preceded in death by her mother, Alice Guinn; grandmother, Trula Lody; great grandmother, Lennie Monroe; aunt, Bobbie Johnson.

She is survived by her son, Blake Hopson; daughter-in-law, Michaela Peterson; grandchildren, Zaya Hopson, Kinsley Hopson, Violet Hopson, Amelia Hopson.

Barbara “Kay” Williams- age 67 of Andersonville passed away peacefully Sunday, April 27, 2025, at her home after a long battle with cancer. Kay is preceded in death by her father Buford R Barnard; brother, Edward B Barnard; niece Samantha Noland and son-in -law Jessie Richardson.

Jimmie Dale Wolfenbarger, Sr. -age 90 of Corryton passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, surrounded by family at Willow Ridge Center in Maynardville.
He was a Christian and Baptist in faith. He was a preacher and a devoted man of God. He touched and inspired many lives throughout his walk with The Lord.
Preceded in death by his parents; Burl and Emma Wolfenbarger, brothers; Allen and Hubert Wolfenbarger, sisters; Inez Wolfenbarger, and Ethel May Woods.

Rhoda Mae Selvey-age 83 of Maynardville passed away Thursday morning, April 24, 2025 at her home. She was a Christian and loved flowers and gardening. Preceded in death by parents, Asher and Nancy Wynn; husband, Willard Selvey; grandson and wife, Jeffrey and Tabitha Bailey; granddaughter, Jessie Selvey; sisters, Ruth Lamb, Delsie Blevins, Gertrude Wynn; brothers, J. R. Wynn, Orville Wynn, Jess Wynn and Charles Wynn.

Barbara Kay Wilder-age 70 of Middlesboro, Kentucky passed away Thursday evening, April 24, 2025 at Claiborne Medical Center. Preceded in death by mother, Mary Louise Rains; granddaughter, Monica Wilder; aunt, Hazel Settles.

Finley, Wynn – age 82 of Corryton, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025. He was saved at a young age.

He is preceded in death by Sam and Nellie Wynn; brothers, Willis Wynn and Sam Wynn, Jr.; sisters, Lucy Hall, Dollie Wynn and Ludie Parker. Finley is survived by brother, Roy Wynn; cousin, Ronnie Wynn; and many other cousins and friends.

Curtis Fred Lundy, Jr., age 75 of New Tazewell, born on June 13, 1949, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Fred was saved at the very early age of 10 years old and was a member of Twin City Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Elizabeth Lundy; sisters, Barabara Loop, Anna Lundy; brother, Lloyd Lundy; step-daughter, Kim McCulley.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Carol Lundy; brother, Danny Lundy; sister, Brenda Maples; step-daughter, Drena Brooks.

Roma Elwood Flatford-age 78 of Andersonville passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He was a member of Oaks Chapel American Christian Church and was a retired carpenter. Preceded in death by wife, Mable (Hayes) Flatford; parents, William David and Edna (Rutherford) Flatford; brothers, Donnie Flatford, J. C. Flatford, Kenny Flatford, Glen Flatford, Alonzo Flatford; sisters, Agnes Healey, Sharon Marshall Cooper; step-son, Donald Norton.