Cecil Martin
May 16, 2025
Cecil Martin, 89, of Clinton passed away Friday, May 16, 2025, in Oak Ridge.
He was born June 12, 1935, in Clinton to Ernest Clyde and Della Mae Martin.
Cecil worked as a machinist cleaner at Y-12 and was a longtime member of Deep Springs Baptist Church, where he enjoyed singing tenor.
He loved gardening, cooking, and spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Roy Martin and Leon Martin; and sisters, Mildred Kite and Irene Martin.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Willie Martin of Clinton; son, Cecil Kenneth Martin and wife, Angela, of Heiskell; daughter, Cathy Harmon and husband, Charles, of Rockwood; brother, R.L. Martin and wife, Betty, of Wisconsin; sisters, Thelma Grace Nolan of Oak Ridge and Ernest Lou Riggs of Knoxville.
He is also survived by his grandchild, Amanda Boyd and husband, Daniel, of Kingston; great-grandchildren, Camren Sitzler and wife, Olivia, of Kingston, Emma Boyd and Brayden Boyd; and great-great-grandchild, Harper Sitzler.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary, with a funeral to follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Dale Parker officiating.
Family and friends will meet at Jones Mortuary at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 22, to go in procession to Taylor Cemetery in Clinton for a 2 p.m. graveside service.
Jones Mortuary is serving the Martin family.
John Warren Chase Jr.
May 8, 2025
John Warren Chase Jr., 77, of Lake City passed away on May 8, 2025, at North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell.
He was born May 8, 1948, in Lake City to John Chase Sr. and Bobbie Sams Chase. John proudly served in the U.S. Army and later worked for many years as a detective with the LaFollette Police Department.
He had a deep passion for fishing and a keen interest in researching both fact and fiction — especially topics related to local and U.S. history, mafia lore and politics.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Chase; sisters, Shirley Orvetz and Sharon Manley; and brother, Jerry Chase.
He is survived by his sons, John J. Chase of Lake City, Jeremy Chase of Mississippi, and Kevin Young of North Carolina; daughters, Christine Chase Stooksbury and husband, Shawn, of LaFollette, and Aggi Chase of Ohio; brother, James Chase and wife, Robin, of Alabama; sisters, Sandra Gorny-Barrish of Ohio, Erma Lanum and husband, John, of Ohio, and Shelia Skuza and husband, Russ, of LaFollette.
John is also survived by his grandchildren, Johnathon Chase, Noah Chase, Leigha Chase, Breanna Chase, Tyler Chase, Brendan Chase and Abbi Chase Stooksbury; great-grandchild, Damon Chase; and a host of extended family members and friends.
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9 (KJV)
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City. A funeral will follow at 7 p.m. in the Hatmaker Funeral Home chapel, with the Rev. Mark Dison officiating.
A graveside service with military honors provided by the Campbell County Honor Guard will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Leach Cemetery in Lake City.
You may also view John’s obituary and sign the guestbook at hatmakerfuneralhome.com.
Hatmaker Funeral Home, Lake City, is in charge of arrangements.
Gary Edsel Johnson
May 6, 2025
Gary Edsel Johnson, 77, of Powell passed away Tuesday morning, May 6, 2025, at his home. He was born March 27, 1948.
To know Gary was to love him. The most devoted husband, father and grandfather, he lived out his vows and faith as a devout Christian and served as a model of integrity. Revered in his business community as a natural leader, he was also a beloved uncle, foster parent, and grandfather to many — both related and chosen family.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean Johnson; father, Sheridan Johnson; and mother, Carrie Johnson.
He is survived by his son, Michael Johnson and daughter-in-law, Shannon; grandchildren, Easton and Kaitlyn Johnson; sister, Dora Norris; and nephew, Roger Norris. He also shared a special bond with his in-laws, Jim and Peggy Vandergriff, Dorothy Crowe, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved companion, Barbara Elkins, and her family.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church in Clinton. A funeral followed, officiated by the Rev. Daryl Taylor.
Family and friends met at 10:15 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2025, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel, to travel in procession to Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Heiskell for a graveside service.
Condolences may be made at mynattfh.com.
Rev. Charlie Mac Marlow
May 4, 2025
Rev. Charlie Mac Marlow, 75, of the Frost Bottom community in Oliver Springs, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Born Aug. 24, 1949, to JD and Rosa Marlow, he was raised on Vowell Mountain in Rocky Top. At age 17, Charlie Mac was called to preach the Gospel, beginning a 58-year ministry that blessed and guided countless lives. He pastored many churches in the surrounding area and, for the past 25 years, served as the pastor of Schultz Hollow Baptist Church — a congregation that he dearly loved.
In addition to his ministry, Charlie Mac dedicated more than 50 years to the insurance industry. He was also a proud member of the Oliver Springs Masonic Lodge, where he found fellowship and purpose beyond the pulpit.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Shirley Carter, Aliene Adkins and Wanda Sue Flynn; nephews, Johnny Carter and Eddie Burton; mother- and father-in-law, Albert and Vaudie Rainey; brothers-in-law, Johnny Flynn and Fred Mason; and nephews, Rylan Glenn and Dawson Harness.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Rebecca Marlow; great-nephew and son by heart, Wesley Steelman; sisters-in-law, Mary Mason and Ollie Carter; brothers-in-law, Danny and Steve Adkins; special friends, Barbara Massey and Tommy and Bertha Hawkins; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs. A funeral service will followed at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Wayne Morgan officiating. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2025, at Frost Bottom Cemetery.
Sharp Funeral Home of Oliver Springs is honored to serve the Marlow family during this time of rememberance. www.sharpfh.com.
Sandra Kay Jones
May 4, 2025
Sandra Kay Jones, 69, passed away at her residence on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
She was born Aug. 6, 1955, to the late Howard and Grace Webber. Sandra had a passion for collecting purses and jewelry and always enjoyed her iced coffee.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gerald Webber; sister, Kathy Vanhuss; nephews, Jamie Vanhuss and Allen Scott Webber; and daughter, Ginger Powers.
She is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Michael Jones; daughters, Lisa Nelson and husband, Clint, and Kristi Overbay and husband, Toby; nephew, Kevin Webber and wife, Nicole; niece, Becky Carroll and husband, Eb; and grandchildren, Haley Overbay, Keely Nelson, Colton Nelson, and Aiden and Dylan Overbay.
Patricia “Pat” Chamblee
May 2, 2025
Patricia “Pat” Chamblee, 74, of Clinton passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
She was born June 6, 1950, in Fraterville, Tennessee, to Leo and Juanita Chamblee.
Pat was a longtime member of Clinton Church of God, where she served for many years as a Girls’ Club teacher for God’s Little Lambs. She treasured her time with her granddaughters, Sarah and Cassie, above all else.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Joan Weaver and Rebecca Cagle; and brother, Steve Chamblee.
She is survived by her son, Chris Chamblee and wife, Amanda, of Clinton; granddaughters, Sarah Chamblee and Cassie Chamblee, both of Clinton; sisters, Caroline Miller, Leona Rush and Anna Chamblee, all of Clinton; brothers, David Chamblee and wife, Kathy, of Florida, Dan Chamblee and wife, Happi, of Clinton, and Mark Chamblee and wife, Margaret, of Clinton; and her beloved granddog, Luke. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.
A funeral followed in the chapel, officiated by her brother, Mark Chamblee.
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Woodhaven Memorial Garden.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com.
Ronald Lynn Johnson
May 1, 2025
“Old Soldiers Never Die, They Only Fade Away”
Ronald Lynn Johnson passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love and tears of his family and the dedicated staff at Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans Home. He was born at home on Park Road in Clinton on Feb. 7, 1941, to Corrina Mae (Wallace) Johnson and Henry Sherman Johnson, the youngest of six sons.
Ronald was a retired master sergeant in the U.S. Army with a 22-year career as an infantry paratrooper. He began his military service at age 15 with the Tennessee National Guard, and enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from Clinton High School in 1958.
His career included combat tours with the 82nd Airborne Division in the Dominican Republic in 1965 and with the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) in Vietnam in 1965 and 1966. His service took him across the globe, including assignments in Korea and multiple tours in Germany. During his first tour in Berlin, Germany, he met and married his wife of 49 years, Hedwig “Heda” (Knaus) Johnson.
Their first child, Hans-Jurgen, was born in Berlin; daughter Kyra was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and son Erick Andreas was born in Knoxville while Ronald was engaged in heavy fighting in Vietnam. Ronald embraced the German language and culture through his love for Heda, and he cherished the time spent with her family in Butzbach, Germany.
Ronald’s military honors include: National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army Occupation Medal (Germany), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart (for wounds received in action in Republic of Vietnam on May 11 1966), Army Commendation Medal for Heroism (for exceptionally valorous action on May 11, 1966, near Bu Gia Map, Republic of Vietnam), Army Commendation Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster for Heroism (Sept. 21, 1966, near Tuy Hoa, Vietnam), Bronze Star Medal (for meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force, Republic of Vietnam, Jan. 1-Nov. 11, 1966), Expert Infantryman Badge and the Good Conduct Medal.
Ron retired from Fort Bragg, his last military duty station to Andersonville in 1979, where he and Heda became active grandparents and built a welcoming home along the banks of the Clinch River much enjoyed by family and friends. They became active members of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He later worked for 10 years as an energy advisor for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Ron believed that his military service would be his legacy, but those who knew him would say his greatest legacy lay in the deep bonds he formed with family and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Heda (1940–2013), he was preceded in death by his five brothers: Carl Lee Johnson (born 1925), Byron Trent Johnson (1926), George Wallace Johnson (1928), Roy Paul Johnson (1931), and Sherman Johnson Jr. (1933).
He is survived by his children, Hans-Jurgen Johnson, Kyra Johnson and Erick Andreas Johnson; five grandchildren, Joshua, Justin, Travis, Taylor and Aden; and nine great-grandchildren, Krissy, Jared, Jasada, Ally, Cole Wade, Heidi, Little Justin, Aunah and Summer.
Services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3425 Andersonville Highway, Andersonville, TN, 37705, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11 a.m..
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Columbarium Fund.
Arrangements are by Cremation Options, Inc., 865-6WE-CARE (693-2273), cremationoptionsinc.com.
Barbara Ann Graham
April 27, 2025
Barbara Ann Graham, 68, of Clinton passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Knoxville.
She was born Nov. 13, 1956, to Herman and Barbara Williams. Barbara was a devoted Christian and a longtime member of North Clinton Baptist Church.
She was a loving and devoted wife to her late husband, Gerald, for 39 years, and selflessly stepped into a parenting role for Jerry, whom she deeply loved along with her cherished grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Graham; and brothers Herman Williams, Ricky Williams, Mike Williams, and Greg Williams.
She is survived by her son, Jerry Graham and his partner, Melinda Williams, of Clinton; sisters Sherry Trent and Jackie Howard, both of Dandridge, Tennessee, and Brenda Carney of Grainger County; grandchildren Jerry Graham III, Nick Graham, Alyssa Graham, Autumn Graham, and Madison Graham; and special nieces Samantha Byrge and Tausha Williams.
The family extends special thanks to Covenant Hospice and Sacred Ground Hospice for their compassionate care.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary, with a funeral immediately following at 7 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Jason Johnson.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Woodhaven Memorial Garden in Powell, Tennessee.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Graham III, Nick Graham, Jason Leinart, Jason Phillips, Adam Sharp, and Robert Gifford.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is serving the Barbara Graham family.
