Delmer Lee Russell
November 28, 2025
Delmer Lee Russell, 76, passed away peacefully Friday evening, Nov. 28, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, surrounded by his loved ones.
Mr. Russell was a longtime member of Big Mountain Baptist Church, where he played guitar until his health declined and prevented him from continuing the work he felt the Lord had called him to do.
Before retiring in 2011, Delmer worked many years for Oak Ridge Schools as part of the maintenance and custodial staff. He enjoyed gospel music, fishing, ATV riding and entertaining friends.
He is survived by his children, Steve (Darrion) Russell of Jamestown, Tennessee; Darrell (Christina) Russell of South Carolina; Jamie Russell of Florida; and Brian Russell of Boston, Massachusetts. He also leaves behind grandchildren Robert Chapell, Steven Russell, Hannah, Chesni, Charli and Henry.
Surviving siblings include brother James (Faye) Russell of Clinton; sister Marilyn Duncan of Clinton; sister Naomi Russell Gaylon (Lynn) of Harriman; brother Donald (Mary) Russell of Oliver Springs; and brother Glen (Bobbie) Russell of Clinton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Rhoda Lee Russell; sister Rachel Russell Wilson; brother Charles Russell; sister Evelyn Standifer; and brother Jerry Standifer. He is also preceded in death by several nieces, nephews and many special friends, including Patsy Mitchell, Abbie Kitts and Mike Freels.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at Sharp Funeral Home, with a funeral to follow at 7 p.m., officiated by Bro. David Coffman and Bro. Lonnie Lowe. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
Sharp Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Russell family during this time of need.
Linda Gail Williams
November 27, 2025
Linda Gail Williams, 63, passed away Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, at her home in Benton, Tennessee.
She was born March 20, 1963, in Oak Ridge to George and Betty Wilkerson.
Linda loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She was a member of Lone Mountain Baptist Church and enjoyed attending services when she was able. She also loved listening to gospel music. Linda was known for her warm smile and willingness to help others.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her son, Junior Williams of Oak Ridge; daughter, Rhonda Williams of Benton; brothers, David Wilkerson of Heiskell and Terry Wilkerson of Rocky Top; and grandchildren, Dakota Williams, Jeremiah Williams, Hunter Williams, Levi Williams and Jacob Williams.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at Jones Mortuary in Clinton. A funeral followed at 7 p.m., officiated by Eddie Childress and Derek Mitchell. A graveside service was held at noon Monday, Dec. 1, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Andersonville.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to serve the family of Linda Gail Williams.
Darlene Ruth Brown
November 22, 2025
Darlene Ruth Brown, 78, of Clinton passed away at her home on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Born Oct. 28, 1947, in Knoxville, she was the daughter of the late Deward Jerome and Ruby Farris.
Darlene dedicated 35 years to B&T Distributing in Knoxville, retiring after 35 years of committed service, marked by hard work and dedication.
She had a lifelong passion for sewing and crocheting and took great pride in creating outfits and custom curtains for her family. She also enjoyed family beach vacations and crossword puzzles.
Above all, Darlene cherished her family. Time spent with her loved ones was the most important part of her life, and she found her greatest joy in the love she shared with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving husband, William “Ernie” Brown; children, Kendall Brown and wife, Marion, and DeAnna Clemmons; grandchildren, Cameron Clemmons, Cory Clemmons and Brady Clemmons; sister, Sherry Gibson and husband, Carl; nephews, Tim Gibson and wife, Pam, and Kevin Gibson and wife, Kristi; great-nephews, Taylor, Alec, Logan and Ryan Gibson; and great-nieces, Leah, Rylei and Kloei Gibson.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. A celebration of life followed in the chapel.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
HolleyGamble.com
Oliver Lynn ‘Chicken’ Parks
November 21, 2025
Oliver Lynn “Chicken” Parks, 84, of Lake City passed away Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.
Lynn was well known in the community for his abundant vegetable gardens and his towering sunflowers that brightened the roadside and brought smiles to passersby. He loved tractors and took great pride in helping with the Anderson County Fair’s tractor and garden displays each year alongside his friend Howard Farmer.
A 50-year member of the Coal Creek Masonic Lodge, Lynn was deeply involved with the Shrine Paper Sale, raising funds for Shriners Children’s Hospitals. He especially looked forward to greeting shoppers during the annual fundraiser at Food City.
He logged more than three million miles in a tractor-trailer over the course of his career, first hauling coast-to-coast with Metler Hauling and Rigging, and later delivering gasoline locally for Exxon. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Lynn often shared humorous tales of his time stationed in France, and was deeply patriotic. He frequently said, “I don’t need to travel, I saw it all in a truck.”
He loved our flag and all it represents. Lynn’s stories of his life on the road were always filled with humor and adventure. He cherished his friendships from Glenn’s Pizza, where he sat at the “liars’ table,” from Cracker Barrel in Lake City, and among his longtime neighbors and friends in South Clinton and Dutch Valley. A proud Laker, he would often clarify, “Rocky Top is a song, Lake City is a town.” He was Forever a Laker!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Georgia Parks.
Survivors include his former wife of 47 years and devoted caregiver and friend, Faye Parks; daughter, Angela “Hoppy” Merryman and husband, Jeff; sister, Ella Ayers and husband, Phil; grandson, Kolby Merryman; and Brandon Isabell, whom he loved like a son, will cherish Lynn’s wit, smile, and joy for life along with his “country as cornbread” sayings that sprinkled humor and wisdom into everyone’s daily journey.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Leach Family Funeral Home in Lake City. A funeral followed with Chaplain Ben Neal officiating. Interment followed at Grandview Memorial Garden.
Lynn often said, “I am just an old farmer who has been blessed all his life.” He loved passing the blessings on to others. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Anderson County High School FFA, 140 Maverick Circle, Clinton, TN 37716; Clinton High School FFA, 425 Dragon Drive, Clinton, TN 37716; or Shriners Children’s Hospitals at donate.shrinerschildrens.org.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Wendy May and staff at UT Family Physicians; Dr. Daniel Ibach and the Tennessee Cancer Center team; Dr. Andrew Conrad, Tyler Irwin and the Vista Radiology team; Fort Sanders Radiology Department; Parkwest Medical Center staff; Dr. Brian Christiansen of Arches Foot Care in Oak Ridge; and Anderson County EMS for their compassionate care.
Special thanks to cousins Kay Foust and Sammy Foust, and dear friends John Martin, Randy Pettit and Glen Toler for their visits, joy and support over the past few months. You are loved and appreciated.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
Ricky Dewain Caswell
November 21, 2025
Ricky Dewain Caswell, 64, departed this life and entered his eternal rest on Nov. 21, 2025, at Tennova North Medical Center in Knoxville. Born March 3, 1961, he lived a life marked by humor, loyalty and a deep love for his family, friends, and the Tennessee Volunteers.
In the late 1970s, Ricky honorably enlisted in the United States Army, serving as an 81C cartographic support specialist. After completing his active-duty service, he continued his commitment to his country by joining the U.S. National Guard, where he served in the same specialty until the late 1980s
A passionate sports fan, Ricky loved fishing, cheering for the UT Vols and the Raiders, and following college football, basketball and NASCAR. He carried an impressive knowledge of sports statistics and was always ready with a sharp-witted remark or one of his signature dry jokes. His humor, warm spirit, and unique personality will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna T. Caswell; father, Willie Oliver; uncle, William Thomas “Hi-Pockets” Gist; aunt, Francis “Tinker” Beatty; grandmothers, Mary Beasley and Bernice Beatty; and other cherished family members who greeted him on the other side.
He is survived by his sons, Jordan Caswell of Knoxville and Tyler Caswell of Atlanta; brothers, Darryl (Tammy) Caswell of Knoxville, Kevin Caswell of Clinton, and Willie Oliver Jr. of Oak Ridge; eight nieces and nephews; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.
He is also survived by his devoted “ride or die” friends, Quincy and Benny; special friends, Shawn McCane and Toi Howard; along with devoted family members who held a special place in his heart, Christopher Beatty of Powell and Desmond (Kristin) Beatty of Smyrna, Georgia.
The family will receive friends Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 2 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. at Woodhaven Funeral Home, 160 Edgemoor Road, Powell.
In honor of Ricky’s spirit and passion, we won’t say goodbye — we’ll echo the cheer he carried throughout his life:
Go Vols and Raider Nation!
Wallace (Wally) Carl Henderson
November 20, 2025
Wallace (Wally) Carl Henderson, 90, passed away peacefully at home after a long and courageous battle with thrombocytopenia and Parkinson’s disease.
He was a member of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church in Knoxville. Born Feb. 12, 1935, in Lake City, Wallace was the son of the late John Carl and Maude Wallace Henderson.
He spent his childhood in Lake City and Andersonville, where he especially enjoyed time with his maternal grandparents. A proud graduate of Lake City High School’s Class of 1953, Wallace went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army, including active duty in Germany from 1958 to 1960. Following his military service, he built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades with Union Carbide and its predecessor, Martin Marietta Energy Systems.
Wallace was a man of integrity and character. He deeply cherished his family and was always looking for meaningful ways to honor and support those he loved — as well as countless others. Known by many as a “perfect Southern gentleman,” he found his greatest joy in time spent with his children and grandchildren. He loved fishing, cooking, gardening and traveling, and he especially treasured family beach trips. He was also an active member and past president of the Volunteer Travelers Square Dance Group for many years.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret “Margie” Henderson; parents, John and Maude Henderson; sister, Martha Jean Henderson; and brothers-in-law, James Boatman (Sue) and Don Carver (Yoshiko).
He is survived by his daughter, Susan Tackett and husband, Alan, of Clinton; son, Jeff Wallace and wife, Martie, of Powell; grandchildren, Greg Tackett and wife, Missy, of Jacksboro, Monica Farner and husband, Glenn, of Nashville, and Lauren Frye and husband, Chad, of Clinton; great-grandchildren, Emily and Seth Tackett, William and Anna Grace Farner, and Landon and Aiden Brown; and sisters-in-law, Sue Boatman of Clinton and Yoshiko Carver of Powell.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Nicole Farrell and Goldie Byrge for their loving care and unwavering dedication throughout Wallace’s — and his former wife’s — illnesses. Special thanks also go to nurses Dee Dee, Sharon and Lynn, and to Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate service.
The family received friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Holley- Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A graveside service followed at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
James “Jim” Davis
November 19, 2025
James “Jim” Davis, 76, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher and musician, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 19, 2025.
Born in Harriman, Jim was the eldest of three sons. He attended Carson-Newman College, where he completed his studies before beginning a lifelong career in education.
He devoted 37 years to teaching, shaping countless young minds with wisdom, compassion and integrity. His impact extended beyond the classroom — he was remembered by students as a mentor and coach who inspired them to reach their full potential.
A gifted pianist and singer, Jim brought joy to family, friends and his community through music. Whether performing for loved ones or at community gatherings, his talent was matched only by his humility.
He is survived by his wife, Denise; son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Telisha; grandsons, Aiden and Declan; brothers, John (Dawne) and Joe (Melanie); and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Jim will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, generous spirit, immeasurable legacy, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton to celebrate Jim’s life. As he was a devoted University of Tennessee fan, the family requests that everyone wear orange to the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Clinton High School athletics, the CHS band or the Memorial United Methodist Church food pantry.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Leslie “Nanny” Sanders
November 15, 2025
Leslie “Nanny” Sanders, 78, of Clinton left this world to join her savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Oak Ridge. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she was a lifelong LSU fan.
Born in Baton Rouge and a true leader of her family, she was a retired lab technician and emergency medical team leader at the Exxon Mobil plant there. A proud emergency and industrial medical specialist, she held a licensed practical nurse certification for more than 40 years and served as an instructor and examiner for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. She later retired to Anderson County to enjoy life in the mountains of East Tennessee.
She was preceded in death by her father, Leslie “JY” Sanders; mother, Myrtle Avara LeBlanc; and sister, Betty Watts, all of Louisiana.
She is survived by her children, Mike James, Tom Allsup and wife, Susan, and Jennifer Shishko; grandchildren, Christopher Allsup, Logan Allsup, Joshua Allsup, Katie Shishko Sellers and husband, Joey, and Emily Shishko; nephews, Jay, Billy, Russell and Richard; great-nephew, Jonathan; and great-nieces, Samantha, Sarah, Victoria and Trisha.
The receiving of friends was held from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. A funeral followed at 11 a.m.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Sanders family.
holleygamble.com
