Karen Doris Tilley
April 2, 2025
Karen Doris Tilley, 67, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
She was born April 19, 1957, to Sam and Thelma Reaves.
Karen was a professed born again by the blood of Jesus Christ and present member of Piney Grove Baptist Church.
She will be remembered for her love for the Lord, her kindness toward others and her unwavering love for her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Kenny Reaves; and brothers-in-law, Claude Clapp and A.C. DeCosta.
She is survived by her husband, Carlos Tilley; daughters, Kathy Golden and husband, Gene, and Christine Rhea and husband, Greg; son, Wes Tilley and wife, Shari; and “like a daughter,” Lisa Elder and husband, Tommy.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Katelyn Roberts and husband, Blake, Kamryn Golden, Madelyn King and husband, J.T., Kaitlyn Rhea, Brianna Rhea, Levi Rhea, Whitley Toler and husband, Darrell, Isiah Tilley and wife, Abby, Kendra Rogers and Taylor Rogers; and great-grandchildren, Grayson and Charley Kate Roberts.
Additional survivors include sisters, Sharon Clapp and Nancy DeCosta; sister-in-law, Liz Reaves; cousin, John Meredith and wife, Charlene; and many nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.
The funeral followed, with the Revs. Bill Smith and Calvin Braden officiating.
Family and friends met at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. Sunday and traveled in procession to the graveside service at Norris Memorial Gardens.
Barbara Ann Crowder
April 1, 2025
Barbara Ann Crowder, 84, of Clinton passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard E. Crowder Sr.; a son, Jimmy Ray Crowder; a daughter, Sharon K. Crowder; a brother, Leon Parker of Oak Ridge; her father, Hugh Leroy Parker; her mother, Ella Mae Guttery of Oak Ridge; and her adoptive father, Fred Guttery of Oak Ridge.
She is survived by her son, Howard E. Crowder Jr. and his wife, Kimberly, of Clinton; a grandson, Cameron Crowder of Briceville; a granddaughter, Madison Crowder of Clinton; a sister, Patti Atkinson of Oak Ridge; a brother, John Guttery and his wife, Gale Dawson Guttery, of Knoxville; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
She was born in Church Hill, Tennessee, and led a full and exciting life that included work with NASA on the Gemini program and later with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Scientific and Technical Information, from which she retired.
She loved to travel and cook, but most of all, she loved being a grandmother. Her infectious smile and positive energy brought happiness to everyone around her. Many memories were made along her earthly journey, and they will be cherished by her family and friends. She will be remembered with love by all who knew her.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. The burial followed. Barbara was laid to rest at Oak Ridge Memorial Garden.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Bonnie Albright Shoemaker
March 30, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and dear friend, Bonnie Albright Shoemaker, who passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 30.
Bonnie was truly one of a kind. Her love, passion and infectious humor touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was not only a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but also an accomplished writer, editor, teacher, shift superintendent, college graduate and master gardener, among many other roles.
She was born May 7, 1950, in Fairhope, Alabama,, the fourth of five daughters of Mary and Stanley Albright. At age 4, she moved with her family to Clinton, when her father was assigned to work in Oak Ridge. Bonnie and her three older sisters persuaded their parents to put down roots in Clinton, where she met many lifelong friends.
She is survived by her children, Aaron Shoemaker (Kerri), Trey Shoemaker (Mattie) and Alison Shoemaker Poor (Joe); her grandchildren, Owen, Hannah, Emma, LillyAnn, Jackson, Spencer and Scarlet; and her sister, Jonnie Beets (Mark). She is also survived by many close nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at Mott-McKamey Funeral Home in Oak Ridge. A service will follow.
Mott-McKamey Funeral Home is assisting the Shoemaker family.
Walter Risden
March 29, 2025
Walter Risden, 86, of Clinton passed away peacefully Saturday, March 29, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.
He was born Sept. 19, 1938, in Elk Valley, Tennessee. Walter was a founding member of Greenway Baptist Church in Clinton, where he served as a deacon for more than 50 years. He retired from the Y-12 National Security Complex, where he worked as a laborer and truck driver. He was also the owner and operator of R & R Small Engine Repairs in Clinton.
Walter loved working on small engines, woodworking, birdwatching and feeding his birds. He could be found every evening watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Elmer and Nettie Ruth Risden; sisters, Lena Meredith, Bernice Sayles and Iva Risden; and brother, James Edward Risden.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Betty Risden of Clinton; sons, Jeff Risden and wife, Joan, of Clinton, Walter Risden Jr. and wife, Sherry, of Clinton, and Tim Risden and wife, Penny, of Clinton; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers, Willis Risden of Clinton, Cecil Risden and wife, Gail, of Heiskell, and Kenny Risden and wife, Linda, of Waterford, Michigan; sisters, Nadine Prince and husband, Richard, of Holly, Michigan, Lois Sayles of Waterford, Edith Barnett of Clinton, Evalene Horton of Clinton, and Alma Ruth Risden of Clinton.
He is also survived by special friends, Mike Henderson of Clinton, Wayne Hart of Seymour, and Ronnie Silva of Harriman; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Greenway Baptist Church, with a funeral to follow at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The Revs. Danny Light, Darrell Griffis and Eddie Chasteen will officiate. Interment will follow at Greenway Baptist Church Cemetery.
An online register book is available at FrakerFuneralHome.net.
Fraker Funeral Home of Kingston is in charge of arrangements.
Ronnie Malicoat
March 27, 2025
Ronnie Malicoat, 79, went home to be with the Lord and his wife of 59 years on Thursday, March 27, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born Jan. 4, 1946, in LaFollette, and was employed by the city of LaFollette Street Department for 34 years.
Ronnie’s greatest joys in life were his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. He left behind a legacy of love that will carry on for a lifetime. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help someone in need.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ralphine Hawkins Malicoat; parents, Hubert Malicoat and Mae Riggs Parker; stepfather, John Parker; sister, Monnie; infant brother, Earl Malicoat; mother-in-law, LeOpeal Hawkins; father-in-law, LeRoy Hawkins; sisters-in-law, Della Kitzmiller (Marvin), Pat Sandefur and Lois Gregg (Tom); and brothers-in-law, Boone Hawkins, Genis Hawkins (Robin) and David Hawkins.
He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Hays (Donnie); sons, Benny Malicoat (Evy) and Steve Malicoat; grandchildren, Zack Malicoat, Noah Malicoat (Hannah), Hunter Hays (Samantha), Sara Malicoat and Olivia Hays (Alia); great-grandson, Wesley Hays; and grand-dog, Teddy Bear.
Other survivors include sisters-in-law, Becky Quattlebaum and Donna Hawkins; brother-in-law, Jeff Hawkins (Jeannie); special niece, Cassie Carroll; and a host of family and friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Amedisys Hospice Care, Olivia, Alia and Hannah, for the care provided.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at Jones Mortuary chapel. The funeral followed with the Revs. Glen Marlow and Pete Lowe officiating.
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 31, at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is serving the family of Ronnie Malicoat.
Charles Lee Giles
March 25, 2025
Charles Lee Giles, 87, of Clinton passed away March 25, 2025, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.
He was born May 17, 1937, to Fred and Alberta Steele Giles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Robbins Giles; brothers, Jack Giles, Frank Giles, Wayne Giles and Troy Giles; and sisters, Betty Wilcox, Pat Perritt, Lucille Jones and Maxine Lowe.
He is survived by his daughter, Laura G. McAfee of Portland, Tennessee; sons, Charles Giles Jr. and James Giles, both of Clinton; and brother, Sam Giles, and sister-in-law, Bethea Giles, also of Clinton.
Charles loved sports, music, working outdoors and telling stories. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1956, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois, and received a master’s degree in library science from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
He served in the Army National Guard and went on to teach at Norris High School, Rule High School (Knoxville) and Whittle Springs Middle School (Knoxville). He also worked for the state of Tennessee as a library supervisor and later as a media center supervisor.
Charles was a librarian and soccer coach at Oak Ridge High School and spent many years with Anderson County Schools as a Chapter 1 reading coordinator before retiring in 1993. He later returned to education as a librarian at Norwood Elementary and Briceville Elementary.
He was a passionate advocate for education who loved books, learning and helping others grow through knowledge.
Above all, Charles was a devoted family man who took great pride in caring for his loved ones and his home. He will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Sinking Springs United Methodist Church.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is serving the family.
Mary Lou Byrd
March 23, 2025
Mary Lou Byrd, 71, of Anderson County passed away March 23, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
Mary was born and raised in Anderson County, daughter of the late Ernest and Ada Byrd. She was an avid bird feeder and enjoyed working in her flower beds. Her sons often made sure she had the best-looking yard on her street. She also loved visiting Cades Cove, where her late father had served in the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Byrd and Ada Turpin, brother, Dale Byrd, and her son, Jason Sherwood.
Survivors include her son, Robert Sherwood and wife, Kari; brothers, Paul Byrd, and Johnny Byrd and wife, Karen; sister, Martha Crow and husband, Tim; grandchildren, Chriss Sherwood and Megan Taylor; and sister-in-law, Regina Byrd. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
The family met for a memorial service at 6 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home Chapel in Clinton.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Robert “Keith” Pitts
March 22, 2025
Robert “Keith” Pitts, 48, of Clinton passed away on March 22, 2025, and was welcomed into the arms of the Lord.
Born on April 25, 1976, Keith was a loving husband, brother, son, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed. He was a man who truly loved life. He spent his days working alongside his brother and being surrounded by family and friends — especially his beloved wife of 26 years, Marcia, and his loyal dog, Duke.
Keith’s passions ranged from working on cars and riding ATVs in the mountains to drag racing. He was a proud Ford enthusiast, a diehard Tennessee Vols fan and a notorious prankster.
A skilled mechanic, Keith could fix just about anything and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
Whether tinkering in the garage or riding through the hills, he found joy in his hobbies and loved sharing those moments with others.
His heart was as big as his personality, and his kindness and generosity knew no bounds. Keith’s love for others left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia Pitts; father, Jim (Dusty) Disney; brother, Jason (Loren) Webber; in-laws, Larry (Frankie) Byrge; brother-in-law, David (Kim) Byrge; sister-in-law, Monica (Anthony) Ford; and aunt, Barbie Smith. He also leaves behind several cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of close friends who were like brothers to him.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet Pitts; father, Michael Webber; and sister, Casey Webber Phillips.
A celebration of Keith’s life will be held in late April. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to support his wife during this difficult time.
Keith will never be forgotten. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
