Dennis A. “Pap” Cornett
March 23, 2026
On Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, our beloved “Pap” went to heaven.
Dennis A. “Pap” Cornett, 79, of Clinton was born Oct. 8, 1946, in Pine Mountain, Kentucky, to Harrison and Ora Mae Cornett.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Dennis S. Cornett; his brother, Lester Cornett and wife Peggy; his sister, Ola Mae Hall; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kermit and Ella Jane Wilder of Kentucky; his sister-in-law and her husband, Phyllis and Coburn Turner; brothers-in-law, Don Wilder and Clyde Wilder; and his son-in-law, John Fugate.
He is survived by his lifelong friend and loving wife of 59 years, Peggy Wilder Cornett. The couple grew up together and attended Sunday School before they were school age. When Peggy was 10 years old, she told Dennis she was going to marry him one day. He asked her to marry him when they were 17, but she said they were too young. They married at age 19.
Survivors also include his children, Deanna Fugate Blackburn and husband Neil, and Wesley Wilder and wife Susan; grandchildren, Leah Green and husband Andrew, Taylor Fugate and wife Hannah, Trevor Blackburn, Corey Blackburn, Luna Wilder, Sophia Middleton, Rhett Middleton, Haylie Earles, Alexis Earles and Zoe Earles; great-grandchildren, Willow, Zane, Wylie, Ryanne, Everleigh, Baby Fugate, Naomi, Jackson and Brysonn.
Other survivors include Dawn Middleton and husband James, Jennifer Cornett, Millie Earles and husband James; sisters-in-law, Pauline Boggs and husband Bobby, and Barbie Halcomb and husband Johnny; and many nieces and nephews.
Dennis was affectionately called “Pap” by most everyone who knew him. His faith was strong and steady. He accepted Christ as his Savior during a Sunday morning fishing trip on Norris Lake. He was a devoted member of First Dutch Valley Baptist Church and loved his church family. He opened his home and heart to many, expecting nothing in return, and had such a positive impact on so many lives.
Dennis began his life of giving at an early age. When he was 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. He proudly served his country for more than 36 years.
He was a Vietnam veteran. He served one tour of duty aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Ingham. While serving in the Coast Guard Reserves, he earned the rank of Master Chief Machinery Technician, a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of enlisted personnel. He served his country with enduring pride and great humility. He didn’t talk much about his service or the recognition he received.
He traveled the world but remained adamant that the hills of Kentucky and East Tennessee were the most beautiful places on Earth. Being at home and at church were his happiest places.
Pap loved his family deeply. He worked tirelessly to provide for those he loved, spending long days on the farm, at his job at the Y-12 Steam Plant, and fulfilling his duties with the Coast Guard Reserves. He was the family’s go-to person for advice and solutions. He had so much wisdom and was willing to share his knowledge – his way.
He enjoyed having family gatherings and celebrations. He looked forward to camping (glamping), Bluegrass festivals, and beach vacations. He just loved being around the ones he loved. And we loved being around him. Oh, how he will be missed.
When the great-grandbabies started coming, that love turned into something else – something bigger, brighter, and bolder. And it all started with the purchase of a blue Power Wheels Jeep. He said if he knew having grandbabies was so much fun, he would have had them first.
Pap loved gardening, and grew one of the largest gardens around. Come harvest time, he would share with his family and neighbors. Fishing was something he loved and wished he could have done more often. Another pastime he recently rekindled was beekeeping. He enjoyed checking on his bees and eating honey. Come harvest time, he was like Pooh Bear.
Family and special friends lovingly carried Pap’s body to his final resting place. Pallbearers were: Jimmy Smith, Taylor Fugate, Wesley Wilder, Andrew Green, Trevor Blackburn, Neil Blackburn, Dave Polk and Josh Jones. Special attendants were Willow and Zane.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a loving donation to your favorite Christian charity or church.
Visitation was held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs. The funeral followed at 2 p.m. with Bro. Jeff Parrott and Bro. Gene Roach officiating.
A graveside service with military honors followed at First Dutch Valley Baptist Church Cemetery in Clinton.
Sharp Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Cornett family during this time of need.
Lynn Franklin Denton
March 22, 2026
Lynn Franklin Denton passed away March 22, 2026, in Knoxville at the age of 81. He departed the surly bonds of Earth and is now touching the face of God, enjoying perfect health and peace.
He was born Sept. 14, 1944, in Knox County to Charles Hughes Denton and Barbara Woods Denton. He was married to Lyndsey Ann Steadman for 57 years before her death in 2022. Together, they traveled to 91 countries over 30 years. He later married Teresa Lynne Ownby King in 2023, whose presence brought him great fulfillment, care, happiness and joy. His life was marked by unconditional love, gratitude, a joyful spirit and a willingness to help others that personified his life and now define his legacy.
Denton was actively involved in churches throughout the area, directing music in Oliver Springs, Knoxville and Clinton for 25 years before retiring to the sanctuary choir at Clinton First Baptist Church. He was especially grateful for the opportunity to organize and teach classes for young married couples at New Salem Baptist Church and Clinton First Baptist Church called BYKOTA (Be Ye Kind One to Another). Many of those couples later assumed leadership roles in churches across the region.
He also served on committees and taught Sunday School. In the early 1990s, he served as a member and chairman of the Clinton Utilities Board. He participated in the Clinton Community Chorus and was active in PTA and school projects when his children were young.
His hobbies included traveling, collecting more than 350 elephant figurines from around the world, and researching his family history, compiling a database of more than 4,000 names.
He graduated from Carson-Newman University in 1966 with a degree in accounting and served as treasurer of student government during his senior year. He remained active with the university through alumni service and chaired the 50th anniversary celebration of his graduating class.
Following graduation, Denton began his career with Union Carbide at K-25 and Y-12 in Oak Ridge. He amassed more than 40 years of experience in information technology project management, operations, systems engineering and enterprise analysis. A certified Project Management Professional, his work included data center migration and consolidation, disaster recovery planning and execution, IT policies and procedures, systems managment and multi-site infrastructure environments. He concluded his 51-year career with a 26-week assignment in Honolulu, Hawaii.
In 2013, Lynn and Lyndsey Denton were honored by Carson-Newman University President J. Randall O’Brien and their son, Franklin Clark Denton, with the naming of the Lynn and Lyndsey Denton Gallery in the college library housing the St. John’s Bible and artifacts from the Holy Land.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa Lynne Ownby King of Knoxville; daughter, Whitney Suzanne Denton of Clinton; son, Franklin Clark Denton of Knoxville, and wife Suzanne Cates Denton; brother, Gary Michael Denton of Clinton, and wife Veronica Frances Yodzukinas Denton; special sister, Patsy Taylor Calway of Oak Ridge, and husband Robert Calway; grandchildren, Caleb Denton Clement, and wife Mackenzie Pugh Clement, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania; Rachel Lindsey Heston, and husband Scott Heston, of Oak Ridge; Emma Grace Denton, Olivia Suzanne Denton and Phoebe Ella Denton, all of Knoxville; and great-grandchildren, Zoey Danielle Heston of Oak Ridge, Lucy Jane Clement and Beau Thomas Clement, both of New Kensington, Pennsylvania.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lyndsey Ann Steadman Denton; his parents, Charles Hughes Denton and Barbara Woods Denton; grandparents, James Edward Woods and Ella Georgia Ryan, Frank Edwin Denton and Maggie Lola Poteet; great-grandparents, James F. Woods and Anna Elizabeth Whitt, James Arthur Ryan and Patience Annie Brooks, John Marshall Denton and Temperance Elizabeth Poteet, Elam Haywood Poteet and Mary Elizabeth Hawkins; great great-grandparents, Larkin Whitt and Annie Hayes, Peter Ryan and Sarah Rose, George Washington Brooks and Elizabeth Caroline Craig, Anderson Denton and Jane Eliza Baxter, Sidney Ervin Poteet and Mary Ann Hawkins, Harrison Brittain Hawkins and Lucinda Hawkins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clinton First Baptist Church Music Library Fund or Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 25, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Clinton, with the funeral to follow at 1 p.m. Dr. Danny Chisholm, Dr. Michael Prince and the Rev. Jim Tomlinson will officiate.
Graveside services will follow at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Claxton.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
hollygamble.com
Teresa Diane Henderson
March 15, 2026
Teresa Diane Henderson, 67, of Clinton, passed away at Methodist Medical Center on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
For more than five decades, Teresa was a member of Riverview Baptist Church. Her passion for connecting with others extended far beyond her community through her beloved hobby of ham radio, where she built friendships with people across the globe. Teresa was loved by many and had a kind spirit and a loving heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Geneva Shown; sisters, Carlene Horton and husband, Lewis, Linda Hicks and husband, Grover, and Maybelle Roop and husband, Robert; brother, James David Shown; mother-in-law, Lottie Evans; nieces, Gala Hicks and Felicia Hicks; and great-niece, Taylor Hicks.
She will be greatly missed by her husband of 41 years, Jack Evans; her “baby” and canine companion, Mindy; sister, Deborah Pryer and husband, Richard; sister-in-law, Carolyn Young; special great-niece, Allyson Rose, who was like a granddaughter to Teresa; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
The Henderson family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. The funeral was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the funeral home, with Pastor Mark Kitts officiating. A graveside server was held immediately following the funeral at the Riverview Baptist Church Cemetery.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Henderson family.
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Arvel “Sid” Lane Jr.
March 15, 2026
Arvel “Sid” Lane Jr. was preceded in death by his father, Arvel Lane Sr.; mother, Annie M. Loveday Lane; brother-in-law, Gary Campbell; and cousin, Kenny Loveday.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela Goldberg Lane; brothers, James Lane and wife Sharon, and Johnny Lane and wife Gail; sisters, Louise Smith and husband John, and Libby Lane-Campbell; stepsons, Todd Panter and Ben Panter; granddaughter, Ariel Panter; and many nephews, nieces and their children.
Sid spent 14 years with Waste Connections of Knoxville and, before that, 14 years with Davenport Tree Service. He loved Harleys and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially at cookouts and parties.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Jones Mortuary is in charge of cremation services.
James Doc McGill
March 13, 2026
James Doc McGill, 83, of Clinton passed away at his home Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Lillie McGill; daughter, Mary McCulley; sons-in-law, John McCulley and the Rev. Sam White; brothers, Conly McGill, Paul McGill and Clyde McGill; and sisters, Etta Daugherty and Bulla Vickery.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen (Bean) McGill; daughters, Sharon White and Marie Ford; son-in-law, Bob Ford; sister, Maudie Robinson of Michigan; grandchildren, Matthew Williams, Joseph (Becca) McCulley, Sabrina (Josh) Hawkins, Sonya (Dennis) Jenkins, Scott (Shelby) White and Jazmine Ford; great-grandchildren, Xander Williams, Ezekiel Hawkins, Maverick Hawkins, Lindzey Taylor, Laci Taylor, Emberlyn McCulley, Revan McCulley, Marissa Jenkins, Victoria Jenkins, Trystan Jenkins, Merida Jenkins and Judd White; along with other close family members and friends.
He was proud to serve his country and was a veteran of both the Army and the National Guard.
After 35 years of dedication, he retired from Modine. He loved hunting and fishing and was a lifetime member of the NRA. Most of all, he loved and cherished time spent with his grandchildren.
Receiving of friends will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.
The funeral will begin at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Joey Cagley officiating. Family and friends will meet at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, to go in procession to Jarnigan’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery for a graveside service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Travis Freeman officiating.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is serving the McGill family.
Danny Leon Haggard
March 13, 2026
Danny Leon Haggard went home to be with our Lord on Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He was of the Baptist faith and loved the Lord. He was a self-employed logger for many years. He later worked for Rogers Group in Oak Ridge for 23 years before retiring.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Coile; mother-in-law, Pauline Phillips; father-in-law, Esther Esau Phillips; sister, Pat Morgan; brothers, William Haggard and Dale Haggard; brothers-in-law, Ether B. “E.B.” Phillips, Virgil West and Lloyd Lee; and sisters-in-law, Mary Thomas and Patsy Phillips Weaver.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Betty Haggard; son, Daniel Scott (Ann) Haggard; daughter, Stacy (David) Douglas; grandsons, Chandler (Natalia) Abbott and Parker Douglas; granddaughters, Audriana Abbott, Jenna Douglas, Davanna (Jeff) Foust and Deva (Jareth) Janeway; great-granddaughters, Addilyn Abbott, Josie Abbott, Ariel Foust and Whitley Abbott, who is expected soon; great-grandson, Jackson Foust; sisters, Stella West and Hazel Lee; brothers, Ronnie Haggard, Gary Haggard and David Haggard; sisters-in-law, Evelyn (Ed) Davidson, Marci (Wayne) Powers and Doris Conatser; brothers-in-law, Johnny Thomas and Mike Weaver; and several nieces and nephews.
Danny loved being outdoors, whether working in the yard or spending time in his garage. He loved riding his grandkids around on his lawnmower. His family was everything to him, and he loved them all very much. He will truly be missed every day.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to his nurse, Justin Bradshaw, and the UT Hospice staff for the loving care they provided.
The family received friends Monday, March 16, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. The funeral followed at Mott-McKamey Funeral Home in Oak Ridge. Dakota Irwin officiated.
The graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Woodhaven Cemetery.
A special thank you also goes to Madison McKamey and Mott-McKamey Funeral Home for the loving, caring support provided to the family during this difficult time.
James Arthur “Peanut” Hicks
March 12, 2026
James Arthur “Peanut” Hicks, 82, of Lake City passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026, at his home.
He attended Clinton High School and joined the U.S. Army at age 17.
He was a Vietnam veteran. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and spending time with his dogs. He was also a devoted father.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonas and Anna Mae Hicks; and sister, Minnie Mae.
He is survived by his loving companion of 55 years, Gail Maples; sons, Mark Maples and Toby Maples (Martha); sister, Rosella Carroll; grandson, Christopher Wilson; and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Pleasant View Cemetery in Clinton, with full military honors.
Jones Mortuary is honored to serve the family of James Arthur “Peanut” Hicks.
James Newton Sherwood
March 8, 2026
James Newton Sherwood, a beloved father, dedicated community member, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at his home on March 8, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born Sept. 7, 1934 in Oak Ridge to Edd and June Sherwood., His parents instilled in him the values of kindness and integrity that he carried throughout his life.
James was a man of quiet strength and remarkable dedication. His early years were marked by service to his country as a proud U.S. Army member, where he served with honor in the military police. His service not only reflected his commitment to duty, but also shaped his life’s journey with discipline and respect for others.
Following his military service, James found his professional home at CUB, where he devoted 30 years of his life. His colleagues remember him as a man of strong work ethic and unwavering dedication. James was not just a coworker but a source of inspiration, leaving everyone he met feeling valued and uplifted.
James was a man of deep faith, and his commitment to his community was evident in his active membership with Bethel Baptist Church. As a deacon, he served with humility and grace, touching the lives of many with his warm spirit and welcoming nature.
Outside of his professional and community endeavors, James was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid fisherman. He cherished the serenity of the water and the thrill of the catch. His love for the outdoors extended to birdwatching, where he found peace in the beauty of nature. James had a unique gift for making every moment special, whether he was driving tour buses on adventures or simply enjoying the company of those around him.
Above all, James cherished his family, especially his beloved son, Terry. The bond they shared was a testament to the love and pride James felt as a father. Every adventure and every shared moment was treasured. It was those times that James truly felt at home.
James Newton Sherwood was a man who touched countless lives with his kindness, humor, and generosity. His legacy is one of love, faith, and unwavering dedication, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
James was predeceased by his loving wife, Rachel Sherwood; his parents; and his brother, Earl Sherwood.
He is survived by his loving son and best friend, Terry Sherwood and wife Sabrina; grandchild, Jayme Lane and husband, Paul; great grandchild, Draven Lane; as well as a host of many other family and friends.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. A funeral followed in the chapel with Pastor Kyle Keeton officiating.
Friends and family will meet at 10:15 am, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and go in procession to Norris Memorial Garden for an 11 a.m. graveside.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
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