Trisha Rebecca Riley
October 24, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Trisha Rebecca Riley, 41, who passed away on Oct. 24, 2025. She was born on Nov. 6, 1983.
Trisha was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, and “NeNe” to her special niece, Layla June. Layla was the light of her life, and the two shared a special bond, especially when cheering “Go Byron!” on Sundays.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Carvel and Willa Dean Dagley and Warren and Donna Kirkland; special cousin, Anessa Hohman; mother-in-law, Sue Swinny; and aunt, Diane Long.
Trisha is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Riley; parents, Denny and Lisa Kirkland and Tim and Angie Swain; sister, Casey Swain (T.J.); stepbrother, Nic Kirkland (Adele); grandparents, Arnold and Wilma Swain; brother-in-law, Mark Newborn; sister-in-law, Sandy Mullins (Josh); nieces and nephews, Layla Daugherty and Ziva, Cign, and Lydia Kirkland; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, stepsisters, and special friends.
A celebration of life will be held at Black Oak Baptist Church in Clinton on Nov. 6.
Receiving of friends will be from 5 to 7 p.m., with a service to follow.
Ricky Bailey
October 17, 2025
Ricky Bailey, 65, of Clinton passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Oct. 17, 2025. He will be missed far more than words can express.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Plez and Foustine Bailey, and eight siblings, including his beloved twin sister, Darlene Bailey.
Ricky is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Leslie Bailey; daughters Lisa (Richard) Lay of Clinton, and Brandie Brewer and fiancé Gary Lowe of Rocky Top; and son, his “boy,” Donnie (Jessica) Hays of Rocky Top.
He was a proud and loving grandfather to Hunter, Olivia, Cloe, Emily, Jaxson, Garrett, Aaliyah, Samantha and Isaiah, and a great-grandfather to Wesley Hays. He also leaves behind his special nephew, Billy Bailey, along with many other family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Family Medicine West, Dr. Thakur, PCP Robert Dowell and nurse Maria Turpin for their exceptional care, as well as to special family friends Lee, Sheila and Kaitlyn Weaver for their love and support.
Ricky will be remembered for his kind heart, steady strength and unwavering love for his family. His presence will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at Jones Mortuary in Clinton. The funeral followed at 7 p.m., with the Rev. Jimmy Woods officiating.
The graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Island Home Cemetery in Norris.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to have served the family of Ricky Bailey.
David Alister Graham Byars
October 14, 2025
David Alister Graham Byars, 76, of South Knoxville, formerly of Clinton, Tennessee, and Aberdeen, Scotland, passed away Oct. 14, 2025, at Ben Atchley Veterans Home in Knoxville.
Born Aug. 22, 1949, in Aberdeen, Graham emigrated to the United States with his parents and sister in 1957. The family first settled in New York, before moving to East Tennessee in 1959, living in Oak Ridge, Knoxville and Norris before making Clinton their home.
He graduated from Clinton High School in 1967 and attended the University of Tennessee before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1968.
While serving in the Republic of South Vietnam, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Following his military service, Graham returned to the University of Tennessee to complete his education, and later pursued technical training at the Tennessee Institute of Electronics.
His career began with local firms and progressed into roles in information technology with IBM and Wang Laboratories. He later worked as a consultant with TVA, and transitioned into education at ITT Technical Institute as an instructor and director of placement. He concluded his professional journey at Cendant Corporation, where he rose to an executive position.
Graham retired in 2005 and enjoyed spending time with friends, caring for his dogs, and tending to his home and garden.
He was preceded in death by his father, David Noel Byars; mother, Vera Donald Belitz; and adoptive father, Bruce Herbert Belitz.
He is survived by his sisters, Kathleen Jones, Pat Bean and Susan Coe; brother, Bruce Belitz; their spouses and children; and his longtime friend and roommate, David Clark, and his wife, Sharon.
The family would like to thank Dr. Douglas Marlow, his physician for many years; the staff at Deane Hill Assisted Living; Amazing Angels; and the staff at Ben Atchley Veterans Home for their loving care.
In accordance with Graham’s wishes, no funeral or memorial services will be held.
Michael Raymond “Mike” Warwick
October 5, 2025
Michael Raymond “Mike” Warwick, 77, of Clinton passed away Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mike attended Powell High School before proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force. He later served the city of Clinton in both the police and fire departments for many years, retiring as assistant fire chief.
After retirement, he became the owner and operator of C&M Painting Company.
Mike was an amazing cook who loved feeding his friends and family. He also enjoyed bird watching, especially watching his hummingbirds.
He was preceded in death by his son, Tony Anderson; parents, E.A. “Jack” Warwick Jr. and Veda Louise Warwick; grandmother, Nannie Robbie Shelley Warwick; and aunt, Mary Katherine Nickle.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Lee Warwick; daughter, Shelley Bolin and husband Todd; son, Michael Brandon Warwick and wife Brandi; brothers, E.A. Warwick III and Timothy Mark Warwick Sr. and wife Tonya; mother-in-law, Barbara Anderson; grandchildren, Whitley Anderson and fiancé Jonathon Cole, Kendra Bolin, Hudson Warwick and Henley Warwick; and a host of extended family and friends.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. in the chapel of Mott-McKamey Funeral Home, followed by a funeral at 7 p.m.
A graveside service at the Veterans Cemetery will be scheduled at a later date.
Mott-McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Warwick family.
William “Bud” Blackwell
October 3, 2025
William “Bud” Blackwell, 81, of Norris, formerly of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away at his home on Oct. 3, 2025.
Bud was a devoted family man who cherished spending time outdoors, especially birdwatching. His love for nature was matched only by his deep affection for his family and friends, who remember him as a kind and gentle soul.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca “Becky” Blackwell; daughter, Tiffany Evans of Rock Hill, South Carolina; and son, Scott Blackwell of Charleston, South Carolina. Bud adored his grandchildren, Margaret “Meg” Smith and husband, Mark; Rori Baucom; Will Evans and wife, Ashley; Olivia Evans, all of Rock Hill; Rebecca Wilson and husband, Chandler; Ceci Rousmaniere, both of Gastonia, North Carolina; and Liam and Bridget Blackwell of Hendersonville, North Carolina.
He is also survived by his brother, Don Blackwell and wife, Maudie; sisters, Sandra Woodridge and husband, Russ, and Becky Green, all of Greenville, South Carolina; brother-in-law, Charlie Baker and wife, Debbie, of Georgetown, South Carolina; and his faithful canine companion, Scruffy.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Charles Ryan Blackwell. Bud often said he felt Ryan’s presence through visits from cardinals.
A family celebration of Bud’s life will be held later this year in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at heart.org.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to have served the Blackwell family.
holleygamble.com
Rosetta Phillips-Peeples
October 2, 2025
Rosetta Phillips-Peeples, 75, of Jacksonville, Florida, formerly of Lake City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, with her husband of 36 years, Dave Peeples, by her side, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Known as “Sissy” to her family and many childhood friends from Lake City High School, she was a Laker cheerleader, voted “Miss Sophomore,” and remembered for her infectious laugh and beautiful dimples.
Rosetta was baptized and was a longtime member of Main Street Baptist Church in Lake City (now Rocky Top). Following her 1967 graduation from Lake City High School, she enjoyed a long career as a medical records transcriptionist. She was a proud member of the American Association of Medical Transcription (AAMT) and retired from the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenny Phillips and Christine Disney Phillips of Lake City.
She is survived by her husband and caregiver, Dave Peeples (U.S. Navy, retired) of Jacksonville; sister, Becky Phillips Parker (Ron Parker) of Lake Norman, North Carolina; niece, Christy Cupp Ward (Brian Ward) of Nampa, Idaho; nephew, Alec Cupp of Knoxville, Tennessee; great-nephews and great-nieces, Tyler Ward (Alexis) of Colfax, Washington; Grace Ward (fiancé Sandy Agrawal) of New York City; Jennifer Ward (Almat Yeraly) of Kazakhstan; Jonathan, Sarah and Daniel Ward, all of Nampa; and Rylee Cupp of Knoxville.
Per Rosetta’s wishes, she was cremated and no services are planned. A gifted pianist, her husband will place her urn on her beloved baby grand piano, which she played daily until her illness prevented her from doing so.
As her illness progressed and communication became difficult, her husband shared that the only words she would utter were “Where’s Papaw?”—the affectionate name all the grandchildren used for her father, Kenny “Papaw” Phillips. The family takes comfort in believing her father was near her in those final days, gently leading her home to the waiting arms of her mother, Christine.
A lover of Southern gospel music, Rosetta found peace as her husband surrounded her with her favorite hymns during her transition. The family expresses gratitude for the many prayers, messages, and the compassionate hospice care provided in Jacksonville.
Rosetta “Sissy” is now at peace, free from pain, with her infectious laughter ringing through heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Smith
October 1, 2025
With great sadness, the family of Elizabeth A. “Betty” Smith announces her passing. She died peacefully at her home on Oct. 1, 2025, with her best friend and caregiver, Jessica Belfiore, by her side.
Betty was born July 21, 1928, in Dayton, Ohio, to Herbert W. and Grace B. Smith. She graduated from Fairview White High School in 1946, where she received the American Legion Award for Citizenship, was a member of the National Honor Society, served as secretary of her senior class and was elected May Queen.
She attended Lincoln Memorial University, where she met the love of her life, Paul Smith. The couple had their first date on Nov. 1, 1946, married on Jan. 28, 1948, and graduated together from the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy in 1950 with bachelor of science degrees in pharmacy.
They shared more than 70 years of marriage before Paul’s death on Nov. 1, 2018 — the 72nd anniversary of their first date.
After graduation, Betty and Paul moved to Clinton in 1950, where they raised their two children and became the last original residents of Highland Drive in the Oak Heights subdivision — Clinton’s first subdivision.
A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Clinton, Betty served faithfully in the preschool department for many years. She received the Home Federal Bank Hometown Hero Award for her service at the Christian Service Center, and volunteered at the Interfaith Health Clinic.
She was also a member of Timely Topics and a devoted Girl Scout leader, earning the Thanks Award in 1969 and the Thanks II Award in 1996 for her work with the Daisy’s Place Museum.
Betty was among the first female pharmacists in the Clinton area. She began her career at Norris Drug Store, later worked at Elm Grove Drug Store in Oak Ridge, and retired after 21 years at Clinton Drug Co., where she worked alongside her husband.
An avid outdoorswoman, Betty made 17 trips to Mt. LeConte and held a second-degree black belt in Isshin-Ryu karate. She enjoyed cooking — especially her famous banana bread, which she loved sharing with friends — and working crossword puzzles.
She is survived by my children and sister Shirley Haefele of Rochester, New York, many wonderful friends and cousins and neighbors, Carisa and Jason, Cloyds, Jack Jones, and best friend and caregiver Jessica. Jessica and Betty were each other’s sidekicks, going everywhere together and sharing a profound relationship. Many people thought Jessica was the daughter; Betty, her mom. They never corrected anyone about this, just acted as if it were true.
In addition to her husband and parents, Betty was preceded in death by many dear friends who enriched her life.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A funeral will follow at 7 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Terry Baker and Dr. Daniel Chisholm. Music will be provided by the Rev. David Whipple Jr., accompanied by Charlotte Bounds.
Interment following cremation will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton. Those who wish to join the funeral procession should gather at Holley Gamble Funeral Home beginning at 2:15 p.m. The procession will depart promptly at 2:30 p.m. Dr. Daniel Chisholm will lead a devotional and prayer prior to interment.
Favorite quote:
“All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.”
— Anglican hymn, circa 1848
Favorite Bible verse:
“With God all things are possible.”
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 268, Clinton, TN 37717; Interfaith Health Clinic, 315 Gill Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917; Girl Scout Museum at Daisy’s Place, GSCSA, 1567 Downtown West Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37919; or to a charity of your choice.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve the Smith family.
holleygamble.com
Taylor LeeAnn Bales
October 1, 2025
Taylor LeeAnn Bales, 25, of Powell passed away on Oct. 1, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
She was born on Oct. 7, 1999, in Knoxville, to Harold Bales and Brandy LeeAnn Daniel Rhea.
Taylor worked as a sales associate for JCPenney. She loved her baby boy, who was the center of her world. She also enjoyed social media, makeup, and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Bales; great-grandparents, Sammy and Hattie Lee Watson; grandfather, David Bales Sr.; grandmother, Teiresa Hammers; and uncle, Paul Rhea.
She is survived by her parents, Brandy and William Rhea; son, Colton Geoffrion; brother, Trevor Rhea; sister, Hailee Moser; grandmothers, Patricia Daniel and Joyce Beckham; cousin, James Bales and wife, Becky; aunt, Donna Rhea; and special friend, Zach Geoffrion. She is also survived by a host of other family members and friends.
Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City. Services followed at 7 p.m. in the Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jamie Brewster officiating.
