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Obituaries

Janice (Jan) Carolyn Cox

Janice (Jan) Carolyn Cox, age 83, of Clinton, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 14, 2024, after a brief illness. Jan was born in Lake City, Tennessee in 1940. She was a devoted homemaker who dedicated her life to serving her family and her church. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She enjoyed traveling, sewing, reading, and hosting family and church gatherings at her home.

She was an active member of Second Baptist Church in Clinton where she served as a Sunday school teacher, was active in her book club, and served in the church’s vacation Bible school, Awana and Kid Connect, Mother’s Day Out, and funeral meal ministries.

She is preceded in death by parents, Alvin and Beatrice Hill; husband, Dick Cox; stepson, Odie Cox; and stepdaughter, Tammy Wellman. 

Janice is survived by daughter Tammy and (Karl) Thatcher; son, Kevin and (Sharon) Shipp; stepdaughter, Gerri Galinet; grandchildren, Lea Anna and (Josh) Rushing, Emily and (Jacob) Johnson, Molly and (Johnny) Robinson, Jonathan and (Mollie) Shipp, Hannah Shipp, Sarah Shipp, and Grant Galinet; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers, Jack and (Judy) Hill and Wayne and (Vickie) Hill. A host of cousin, extended family and church family, including her Sunday School Class and BSF group.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home from 1:00-3:00PM with the funeral to follow with the Dr. Michael Thompson officiating. Janice will be buried at Oak Grove Cemetery following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Janice to Second Baptist Church Missions at 777 Public Safety Lane, Clinton, TN, 37716.   Donations can also be made by clicking on the “Give Online” tab at secondbaptistchurch.org. www.holleygamble.com

Sue Simmons Mitchell

Sue Simmons Mitchell, 93, went home to her Lord on March 9, 2024.  Sue was born on April 6, 1930, to the late Wade and Minnie P. Simmons.

She was a lifetime member of Mount Pleasant Methodist Church. As a little girl her family was moved from their home in Loyston, TN when Norris Lake was created by TVA.  She loved her family, friends, relatives, and Church.

Sue was a wonderful mother and enjoyed the pleasures of raising three sons, although it was challenging at times.

In addition to her parents, Sue is preceded in death by her beloved husband John Clyde Mitchell (Jay), beloved youngest son Kevin Mitchell, and brothers Leo Simmons and wife Hazel, and Howard Simmons (Bud) and companion Sue.

She is survived by sons, Kendell Mitchell and wife Jean; Brent Mitchell; precious daughter-in-law, Gail Mitchell; grandchildren, John Mitchell, Sarah Mitchell Spencer & husband Lex, Sam Mitchell and Sidney; great-grandchildren, Trinity McGraw and husband Cameron; Cameron, Gabriel, and Crichton Spencer; and several nieces and nephews

The family would like to thank Cindy Pugh as well as U.T. Hospice

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Pleasant Methodist Church Cemetery Fund; P.O. Box 312 Andersonville, TN 37705.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Methodist Church with the funeral at noon, interment will follow the funeral at the church cemetery. Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve Sue’s family. www.holleygamble.com

Jackie Earl Walker

Jackie Earl Walker, 82, of Andersonville, Tennessee, joined his wife Norma in Heaven on March 9, 2024. He was born into the Bethel community of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on July 8, 1941.  He worked at Ryder as a mechanic, and then foreman for more than 30 years.  Jack, as his friends called him, believed in hard work and, at times, worked three jobs simultaneously to provide for his family.  The two vocations he was most passionate about were farming and auto body repair.  Jack raised four daughters and, as one might imagine, stayed very busy caring for those daughters’ vehicles when they began driving.  Jack lived his faith daily, and he was a member of Bethel Baptist Church for more than 50 years, serving for many as a Deacon.  Jack will be remembered most for his willingness to help others, and for his dedication and loyalty to family and friends.  In addition to being a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, he loved his John Deere Tractors, Chevys, Westerns, Mamaw Walker's Chicken  & Dumplings, Banana Pudding, and biscuits and gravy.  

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Norma Guinn Reynolds Walker; his parents, Odus Earl and Margaret Clara Ford Walker; his sister, Mary Etta Paskell; his brother, Dewey Walker; his brother-in-law,  Jerry Reynolds; his mother-in-law, Jessie Mae Reynolds; and his son-in-law, John Hunley.

Jack is survived by his four daughters, Jacqueline Whitesell (husband, John Bell Whitesell), Amy Noe (husband, Dr. Richard Nick Noe II (“Richie”), Julie Carswell (husband, Rufus Hutchinson Carswell V), Renee Hunley (fiancé Danny Braden). He is survived by his grandchildren, Brittney Hunley Bailey, Brooke Hunley, Richard Nick Noe III (“Trey”), Jackson Walker Noe, Gavin Gabriel Noe, Rufus Hutchinson Carswell VI (“Hutch”), Jack Hunter Whitesell, and Jesse Walker Whitesell.  Jack is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Johnny Garner, Savannah Bailey, Rocky Bailey Jr, and Boyd Bailey.  He is survived by his sisters, Barbara Elkins, Ethel Davis (husband, Roger Davis), and Carolyn Oxendine (husband, Ray Oxendine); his brother, Billy Walker (wife, Kay Walker); and survived by sister-in-law, Jane Reynolds; brother-in-law, Don Reynolds, brother-in-law, Shannon Paskell; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family will receive friends at Holly Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, Tennessee, on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the service to follow at 12:30 p.m.. The graveside service will follow immediately at Bethel Baptist Church.  Flowers may be sent to Holly Gamble Funeral Home.

The family is thankful to all friends and family for your prayers and kindness during this difficult time.

The staff at Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Mr. Jackie Earl Walker.

Charles Henry Miller

On Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, Charles Henry Miller, loving husband and father of four, passed away at the age of 88.

He was born in 1935 to James and Edith Miller in Catawba County, North Carolina, he grew up on the farm with six brothers and two sisters. He married his high school sweetheart, Virginia, on Christmas Eve. They were married for 69 years. He received a bachelor's degree in math from Lenoir Rhyne University, with the intention of becoming a teacher. He applied for and was accepted for a Health Physics Fellowship at Vanderbilt University.

He worked as a health physicist at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for 31 years.

After retirement , Charles began his second career in volunteer work. He lent his services to several organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, where he worked 3-plus days a week. He also volunteered at Knox Area Rescue Ministries.

He enjoyed helping neighbors, friends, church members, and his church, Faith Lutheran in Oak Ridge, where he was a long-term member. He also helped his children and grandchildren with maintenance, remodeling, and construction projects at their homes. He and Virginia enjoyed camping and took several trips across the country with their camper. He also enjoyed gardening (sharing the produce with neighbors and friends), bowling, playing basketball, croquet, and watching University of Tennessee football and basketball. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, taking them fishing, and giving tractor and wagon rides in the back yard.

Charles was a humble man, soft spoken, with a wonderful sense of humor, who loved his family and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ray, Glenn, Bill, Max, and sister Faye Braswell.

Charles is survived by his wife Virginia, his brothers, Guy, Tom (Cathy), his sister Kathleen, and sister-in-law Helen Miller, children Cynthis Kendrick, Sandra Barnard, Rebecca Wrasman (Bernard), and James (Carol), five grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge, TN on March 23rd, 2024. Receiving friends will begin at 10:00am with the service to follow at 11:00am. A private graveside service was performed on March 4th, 2024, at Woodhaven Cemetery in Claxton, TN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Habitat for Humanity, Knox Area Rescue Ministries, Alzheimer's Association, or the charity of your choice.

William R. Van Pelt

William R. Van Pelt of Clinton, TN and formerly of Black Mountain, KY, devoted husband, and father died peacefully March 7, 2024, at Oak Ridge Methodist Medical Center.

Son of John A. Van Pelt and Lola M. (Knuckles) Van Pelt, born October 14, 1928, in Kenvir, KY.  He graduated from Evarts High School before serving in the U. S. Army as a Corporal during the Korean War. Upon his military discharge, he attended Eastern Kentucky University earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts. He began a 34-year career at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory retiring in 1991 as Graphic Arts Department Head. In 1950, he married his high school sweetheart Audrey M. (Cawood) Van Pelt to whom he was devoted for 72 years until her passing April 30, 2022.

He was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church in Clinton, TN where he was a Sunday School teacher and served on the finance committee. Whenever he could he played golf, gardened, loved woodworking, and was an avid University of Kentucky Basketball fan. In his retirement years he made and sold many of his woodworking crafts at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris, TN where he also worked as a volunteer. 

Preceded in death by his parents and wife. Survived by son William Brett (Lexie) Van Pelt, granddaughter Haley Elise Van Pelt, Knoxville, TN, and daughter Amy Cawood Van Pelt (Gina Ruffner), Columbus, OH. 

The family will receive friends at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 12:30PM – 1:30PM. The funeral service will follow in the chapel beginning at 1:30PM. A burial will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

Sadie Eulene Robbins Miller

Sadie Eulene Robbins Miller, 77, went home to be with the Lord on March 6, 2024, at Parkwest Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Eulene was born in Jellico, TN.  Eulene was a member of First Presbyterian Church in LaFollette, TN, and attended North Clinton Baptist Church. She enjoyed volunteering at the Anderson County Senior Center. Eulene also worked with the Anderson County Election Commission as a poll worker. She retired from Armstrong Tire.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Lavada Hicks Robbins; father, Raymond Robbins; siblings, Sharon Robbins Elliott and Samuel Robbins.

 She is survived by her loving husband of sixty years, Lawrence Miller; daughter, Linda Sue Reeves; son, Larry Miller (Teresa); grandchildren, Scott Fisher, Makayla Reeves, Kira Reeves, Emalee Reeves, Santino Reeves, Kaleigh Reeves, and Blake Hartley (Emily); brother, Ray Robbins (Pam); sister, Tammy Robbins Poore (fiancé Nick); sister-in-law, Judy Robbins; many nieces and nephews.

She is loved and will be greatly missed by everyone.

The family received friends 5-7 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home, 621 S. Charles G. Seivers Blvd. Her funeral followed in the chapel with the Pastor Rick Murphy officiating.  Her graveside was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.  Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. 

holleygamble.com

Donie Overbay

Donie Edward Overbay, age 82 of Clinton, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at his home with his family by his side. Donie was a member of Deep Springs Baptist Church where he served as a decon. He enjoyed being with his family. He was an avid fisherman, and retired from auto body repairs, and worked at Quality Body Shop and H & H Body Shop.

 

Born on February 21, 1941 in Fraterville, Tennessee he was the son of the late Arthur and Cora Mounce Overbay. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Phillips Overbay; son, Anthony Overbay; sister, Shirley Richmond and daughter-in-law, Donna Overbay.

 

Donie is survived by his children, Edward Overbay and Kenneth Overbay both of Clinton, Tennessee; grandchildren, Natashia, Aaron and Anthony Overbay; great-grandchildren, Raylan, Ryley, A.J. and Sawyer Overbay; special friend and caregiver, Darlene Daugherty, and a host of nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

 

The family would like to give a special thanks to Amedisys Hospice.

 

The Overbay Family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Jones Mortuary Chapel in Clinton, Tennessee. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Brian Thomas and Rev. Dale Parker officiating.

 

Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Anderson Memorial Gardens.

 

Jones Mortuary of Clinton, Tennessee is serving the family of Donie Edward Overbay.

Alma Coleen Davis

Alma Coleen Davis, age 86 of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the West Hills Health and Rehab Center in Knoxville. Alma was a retired Pre-school teacher.



Born in Briceville, Tennessee on April 11, 1937, she was the daughter of the late John and Verna Lucille McDonald Beets. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Lois Sewell and Jean Beets; brothers, Gene Beets and Ralph Beets.



Alma is survived by her son, John Davis III and his wife Pamela of Powell, Tennessee; grand-daughter, Brittany Davis, many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.



The Davis Family will receive friends from 4-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2024, in the Chapel of Jones Mortuary in Clinton, Tennessee. Funeral services will follow at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Kent Williams officiating.



Family will gather for a private graveside service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024, in the Clinch River Baptist Church Cemetery.



Jones Mortuary in Clinton, Tennessee is serving the family of Alma Coleen Davis