Ben H. Graves
February 18, 2025
It is with great sorrow, but the world lost a great man today – Ben H. Graves.
Ben was born and raised in Hamblen County, Tennessee. He attended the University of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University, earning degrees in teaching and marketing. He moved to Oak Ridge, where he began his teaching career at Oak Ridge High School in 1966. He taught there until his retirement in 1986. An avid golfer, he also served as the school’s golf coach for many years. He taught distributive education and enjoyed mentoring students about business.
Ben loved to travel and took trips with friends to destinations including Palm Beach, Florida; Canada;and Lake Tahoe, California. He played on the Senior Golf Tour and competed at Pebble Beach.
In 1973, Ben purchased his first used mobile home and soon realized he had a talent for the business. He developed a mobile home park in Whitesburg, and, in 1982, opened Ben’s Home Centers on Oliver Springs Highway. He became a top dealer for Clayton Homes, expanding to five retail locations in Knoxville, Newport, Jefferson City and Clinton. In 1998, he developed WoodCutter’s Crossing, a subdivision where he sold homes and lots together, helping many people purchase their first homes. He also provided financing for many of his customers. His park in the Batley community is still going strong and has 34 active tenants.
Ben was a member of the Elks in Oak Ridge and the Oak Ridge Country Club. He was a generous supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Oak Ridge, the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Marlow Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by his longtime companion and best friend of 26 years, Linda K. Stewart; Melissa Bacon, his employee and friend for 43 years; Rose Wallis, an employee and friend for more than 38 years; and his special best friends Hugh Nichols and Ken Brown and their wives; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Blanche Graves; his sisters, Sue and Vanna; and good friends Rick Hughes, Clark Meredith and Larry Garner.
He will be forever missed but his business and memory will continue. Everyone who knew him will feel the impact of his presence gone.
Services will be held at Mott-McKamey Funeral Home in Oak Ridge on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m., with a short service to follow.
Mott-McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Graves family.
Areties Housely McKamey
February 8, 2025
Mrs. Areties Housely McKamey of Clinton, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the age of 100.
She was born Jan. 23, 1925, in the Walnut Grove community near LaFollette, Tennessee, to Una Theodore Housely and Magnolia Robbins. Her family lived on 200 acres along the Powell River, which was inundated by Norris Lake in 1936.
At 16, Mrs. McKamey began working as a telephone operator in LaFollette. In 1943, at the age of 18, she joined the Clinton Engineering Works as a switchboard operator on the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge. She later retired in 1989 as chief switchboard operator at Martin Marietta Corp.
Her lifelong hobby and passion was cooking and baking for all of those around her. She was well known for her recipes and sourdough bread. She was an unwavering believer in Christ, and lived out her faith through her hands of service and heart of devotion.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lon McKamey, and her sisters, Helen Mills, Hazel Adkins, Hester Dowell and Jean Morgan.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Melani McKamey of Tullahoma, Tennessee; and her grandchildren, William Kenneth McKamey of Tullahoma, Margaret McKamey, Skip York and Deveraux Areties McKamey, all of Clinton, Tennessee, Lissa McKamey of Alexandria, Virginia, and Francis Lonnie McKamey of Taft, Tennessee. She has loved and been loved by countless friends and family, many of whom preceded her and others who grieve her passing.
Visitation was held from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Weatherford Chapel in Oak Ridge. A graveside service followed at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens on Edgemoor Road in Powell, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials or donations be made to a local church or a favorite church in her honor.
Marilyn “Gail” Harris
February 5, 2025
Marilyn “Gail” Harris, 74, passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2025, surrounded by loving family at Methodist Medical Center.
She was born Jan. 11, 1951, in Lake City, Tennessee, to Charles and Mary Helen Bullock. She resided for many years in Oak Grove, Tennessee.
Gail was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Jerry Harris; her parents, Charles and Mary Helen Bullock; and her brother, Roger Dale Bullock.
She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Cleckner and husband, Randy; grandsons, Jordan Lively, Logan Blackwell and Jeremiah Blackwell; and her cherished great-granddaughter, Denver Mae.
Gail was the fourth of 13 siblings and is survived by Bill Bullock of Fratersville, Tennessee; Reba Collins and husband, Max Holton, of Alvarado, Texas; Betty Ecord of Alvarado, Texas; Pat Gambrell of Grandview, Texas; Margie Johnson and husband, Jerry, of Lake City, Tennessee; Kathy Graham and husband, Don, of Lake City, Tennessee; Tony Bullock of Fratersville, Tennessee; Johnny Bullock of Caryville, Tennessee; Jimmy Bullock of Norris, Tennessee; Jerry Bullock and wife, Tina, of Lake City, Tennessee; Andy Bullock and wife, Linda, of Clinton, Tennessee; and Chris Bullock and wife, Janis, of Fratersville, Tennessee. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Gail was a devoted member of Briceville First Baptist Church, where she was active and loved by many. She was a kind and generous person with too many good qualities to mention, always willing to help those in need. She had a beautiful voice and sang at her church, never turning down a request to sing at funerals. She sang at a funeral just two days before being hospitalized. She will be deeply missed but leaves behind many fond memories.
The family wishes to thank the ICU nursing staff and 4 West at Methodist Medical Center for their excellent care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Briceville First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 102, Briceville, TN 37710.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation. The funeral followed at 7 p.m., officiated by Pastors Danny Lawson and Terry Sweat.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at Oak Grove Cemetery.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
Shelby Lucas Drinkwater
February 5, 2025
Shelby Lucas Drinkwater, 84, of Clinton, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.
She was born June 26, 1940, in Dungannon, Virginia, and graduated from Dungannon High School in 1957. Shelby loved spending time outdoors and had a passion for gardening and flowers.
Her steadfast love for her husband, Watson Drinkwater III, was a radiant example of devotion. She cherished him for more than 60 beautiful years until his passing in March 2024. Shelby’s boundless love for others and her refusal to complain were testaments to her uplifting spirit. She especially treasured time spent with her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Watson Drinkwater III; her parents, Grover and Edna Lucas; and her brother, Kenneth Lucas.
She is survived by her son, Richard Drinkwater; her sister, Carol Lucas of Dungannon, Virginia; and many cousins and friends.
The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.
A graveside service will follow at Grandview Memorial Garden.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com.
Frances Edna Dunlap Lowe
February 3, 2025
Frances Edna Dunlap Lowe, 72, of Clinton passed away at home on Feb. 3, 2025, on Laurel Hollow Road due to heart failure.
Born Dec. 17, 1952, in Clinton, she was the daughter of Frank and Bobbie Dunlap. In her early years, she enjoyed crime TV, working in her flower garden, and spending quiet time at home. After being a stay-at-home mother, she worked at numerous retail establishments, the Anderson County Office on Aging, and as an in-home care provider for seniors.
She is survived by her brother, Rob Dunlap, and his wife, Mary, of Knoxville; a niece, Jeana Dunlap Kunz, and her husband, Brad, as well as their children, Kayla and Callen, of Wagener, S.C.; a stepson, Dwight Hill of Clinton; and a grandson, Jerry Kerby of Clinton.
In addition to her husband, J.R. Lowe, and her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Curt Dunlap; sons, Bobby Joe May and Lynn May; and her nephew, Scot Dunlap, all of Clinton.
In accordance with her wishes, Ms. Lowe will be cremated, and a private service will be held.
holleygamble.com
Roger W. Sharp
February 3, 2025
Roger W. Sharp, 71, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed away Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
He was born Aug. 4, 1953, in Lake City, Tennessee, to Russell and Elizabeth Martin Sharp. He was a 1971 graduate of Jefferson City High School. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, R.T. Sharp.
Roger dedicated his career to the family-owned grocery business. He worked at Piggly Wiggly locations in Jefferson City, Lake City, Clinton, and Strawberry Plains before purchasing his own store in 2005, operating Gateway IGA in Rockwood, Tennessee.
He loved his work and community. In his 54 years in business, Roger employed many high school and college students, often giving them their first jobs and helping prepare them for the working world. He led by example, working diligently and prioritizing customer service. He never asked an employee to do anything he wouldn’t do himself, treating his staff with fairness and respect. In turn, the employees had great respect for him and learned lessons he hoped would serve them well in their futures.
His customers frequently praised his store as the cleanest they had ever visited, and appreciated his friendly and helpful employees.
Over the years, Roger turned many customers into dear friends and extended family, who would often seek him out when they came into the store to share life events with him. Whether it was happy news like weddings and births, or sad news of health issues or lost loved ones, they knew Roger would be there to listen and share kind, encouraging words and support. They showed their care and support by bringing in goodies for him and Mary to share, from pies and cakes to chicken noodle soup. He appreciated every bite.
It was rare for Roger to go anywhere in Knox, Anderson, or Roane County without running into someone who knew him from the stores. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed University of Tennessee sports, antique cars, and traveling.
Roger leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Maples Sharp. He is also survived by his son, Charles “Chuck” Sharp; grandchildren, Courtney Sharp and Tyler Sharp; great-grandson, Miles Griffin; brothers, Ron Sharp and Kenny Sharp (Robin); sister, Donna Sharp; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. ET Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. The funeral will follow at 8 p.m. with Chaplain Bruce K. Foster officiating. Graveside and entombment services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Powell, Tennessee.
The family extends their gratitude to Covenant Health Homecare and Hospice for their care during Roger’s final weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Evans Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Roger W. Sharp.
Salvatore William Varsalona
February 2, 2025
Salvatore “Sal” William Varsalona, 60, passed away suddenly on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025.
Sal was born Oct. 19, 1964, in Jersey City, New Jersey. In 1993, he became an attorney and began his practice in Clinton, Tennessee, where he practiced until his death.
Sal brought love and light to those around him and was known for giving everyone a nickname. He lived to serve others and had a gift for bringing hope to any situation — even if it was hoping Notre Dame would win another championship. He dearly loved his family, his many friends and his church family. He was a member of Main Street Baptist Church, and he will always be remembered for his beautiful voice and his talent on the trumpet.
On Sunday, he was received with tremendous love into God’s mercy and abundant grace. We rejoice in the precious promise of Heaven.
Sal was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Varsalona. He is survived by his mother, Linda Varsalona; his sister, Angel Varsalona Sexton (Wade); nephews Samuel Sexton (Raelin), Ben Sexton (Claire) and Noah Sexton; great-nephews Maverick and Walker Sexton; great-niece Kollins Sexton; special friends Catherine and John Walter George; and many other friends and colleagues in the legal community.
A celebration of life was held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at Main Street Baptist Church in Rocky Top, Tennessee, with the Rev. Wayne Phillips officiating.
Sal loved young people. He was a member of the Joy Singers for 24 years, where he helped mold many young lives. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made toward a new youth facility at Main Street Baptist Church, P.O. Box 405, Rocky Top, TN 37769.
Barbara Ann Walls Hensley
January 31, 2025
Barbara Ann Walls Hensley, 88, of Clinton passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born April 8, 1936, to Algie and Pearl Walls of Oliver Springs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank V. Hensley; brothers, Clyde Hicks and Benjamin Walls; and sisters, Frances Johnson and Mable Goans.
She is survived by her sons, Brian Hensley and wife, Elaine, of Nashville, and Michael Hensley and wife, Kathie, of Clinton; grandchildren, Amber Pebley and husband, Bo, of Clinton, and Eric Hensley and wife, Nikki, of Murfreesboro; great-grandchildren, Brook, Aubrey and Piper Pebley of Clinton; Caroline, Aubrey and Christian Hensley of Murfreesboro; and Tyler Hensley of Nashville. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Barbara was a member of Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. She worked as a reading assistant for more than 10 years in Anderson County Schools.
She loved decorating, gardening and, most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
