Nadine W. Bush
October 8, 2024
Nadine W. Bush of Oak Ridge passed away peacefully on Oct. 8, 2024, after a long battle with dementia.
She was born July 14, 1939, to Oren and Veola White in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Nadine was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband of 50 years, the Rev. Danny Bush. She is survived by her children, Charlotte Cunningham (Jerry) and Mark Bush; and grandchildren, Carolyn, Ian, and Gabby Miller, Olivia Daniels, and Sierra and Collin Bush.
Nadine began playing the piano as a young child, performing at church services by the age of 8. While her husband was a student at Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, she studied the organ.
She played at many churches throughout her life, most recently at The United Church Chapel on the Hill in Oak Ridge, and First Baptist Church of Clinton. She was an accomplished organist and pianist, performing at numerous weddings, funerals, and events.
Nadine was proud of her education, earning a master of science degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville at age 60. She worked for John Auxier at Auxier and Associates, and later at International Technologies in Knoxville.
She also taught piano and organ to hundreds of children and adults over the years. Her students have won many awards, with several majoring in music in college. In her early teaching years, she taught in students’ homes or at a church. One of her adult students later bought her a brand-new piano for her home, and a few years after that, her husband, Danny, gifted her a beautiful black grand piano, which became Charlotte’s prized possession.
The family will hold a private service for Nadine later this month. Many thanks to Fabian Mott of Mott McKamey Funeral Home in Oak Ridge for his thoughtful and professional care. Gifts in her honor should go toward helping families struggling in the aftermath of Helene in Nadine’s beloved mountains of North Carolina.
Gene Jarnigan
October 7, 2024
Gene Jarnigan, 80, of Clinton passed away on Oct. 7, 2024, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
Mr. Jarnigan was born Feb. 2, 1944, to Lucy and Clinton Jarnigan. He enjoyed spending time with family, being a jokester, and working.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Clifton, Tom, Clarence, J.W., Condy Jarnigan, Myrtle Bunch, and Bonnie Jones.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Juanita Jarnigan; daughter, Sherri Beaty and husband Carl; son, Dennis Jarnigan and wife Patricia; grandchildren, Dillon Jarnigan, Jordan Long and husband Shawn, Victoria Jeffers and husband Alex, Steven, Abby, and Ben Beaty, and Corey Runkles; great-grandchildren, Liam and Zion Long; in-laws, Bobby Lloyd and wife Angie, Marilyn Johnson and husband Owen, Donna Chambers and husband Doug, Eugene Lloyd, Marie Lloyd, Janice Lloyd, Joyce Jarnigan, and Wilma Jarnigan; special nephew, Neil Jarnigan; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends; and special friends, Charlotte Brakebill and son Michael, and Dr. Frank White.
Gene’s children would like to thank the 4-West nurses and hospice staff at Methodist Medical Center for the love and compassion that they showed to their dad.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.
A service will follow in the funeral home chapel with the Revs. Tony McAfee and Luke Kidwell officiating.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Anderson Memorial Garden.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com.
JUDY FAYE CRAWFORD
October 4, 2024
Judy Faye Crawford, 72, of Powell, Tennessee, went home to be with her Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. Judy worked at K-25 and Y-12.
She enjoyed knitting sweaters, monogramming, and creating stained glass.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bonnie and Roy Crawford. She is survived by her sisters, Carol Braden (Louis) and Connie Singleton (Bernis); brother, Tim Crawford; and several nephews, one niece, and numerous cousins and friends.
The family will hold a celebration of Crawford’s life at a later date.
Dillmon (Donnie) Chambers
October 4, 2024
Dillmon (Donnie) Chambers of Clinton went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.
Donnie was preceded in death by his mother, Imogene Lawson Crowley; parents-in-law, Lee and Helen Holbrook Phillips; brother-in-law, Randy Phillips; and close friend and pastor, Ed Dennison.
He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Beverly Chambers; daughter, Lesli (Brent) Hannah; son, Jason (Ashley) Chambers; grandchildren, Parker and Grant Hannah, Holston and Cade Chambers; sisters, Della (Jackie) Rains, Charlotte (Malcolm) Maples, Rosetta (Robbie) Dabney, Helen Terry, Ella Kay Crowley, Lisa (Tim) Tackett, Renee (Dwight) Bullock, Janis (Chris) Bullock; brothers, Ronnie Chambers, Charles (Susan) Chambers, James (Missy) Crowley; sister-in-law, Sandy (Steve) Lyles; brothers-in-law, Gary (Janet) Phillips, Jerry (Lisa) Phillips; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
Donnie was a constant source of wisdom and love to all who knew him. His devotion to his faith, family, and friends was unmatched. He was a man of great character, integrity, and commitment. Whether serving at Faith Baptist Church, where he was an active member and deacon for more than 45 years, attending his grandsons’ sporting events, or welcoming people into his home, Donnie exemplified the love of Christ in all he did.
Having worked at Accurate Paper Box Company for nearly 50 years, Donnie was no stranger to hard work, a value he carried into his retirement. He was never idle, enjoying time playing golf, cruising in his Corvette, and being with family. The void left by his passing is filled with the hope and promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, at Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 241 Beechwood Lane, Clinton. A celebration of life service will follow, with Pastor Larry Tilley and the Rev. Mike Dennison officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 332, Clinton, TN 37717.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at UT Medical Center, Vanderbilt Medical Center, and Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center for the care Donnie received in the final months of his life here on earth.
Delores (Rhyne) Neal-Reed
October 2, 2024
Delores (Rhyne) Neal-Reed, 81, ran joyfully to the arms of Jesus on Oct. 2, 2024.
Delores was born in Knoxville on May 12, 1943, to Miles and Violet Rhyne. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Louise Rhyne; and brother, Duane Rhyne. She is survived by her husband, Jack Reed; children, Jay Neal (Gretchen), Terry Neal (Robin), and Melisa Smith (Marc); siblings, Patricia Johnson (Butch), M.W. Rhyne Jr. (Susie), Stanley Rhyne (Sandy), and Denise Barlow (Jeff); sister-in-law, Carole Rhyne; grandchildren, Jessica Woods (Josh), Brittney Tomczak (Justin), Brandon Neal, Madison Iannaccone (Jeff), Ryan Neal, Trey Smith (Alexis), and Trysten Van Fleet (Branson); 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Delores enjoyed a career in the Department of Education at the University of Tennessee. A long-time member of Clinton Wesleyan Church, she pursued Jesus, family, and community with passion and dedication. Known for her generosity, she was a gifted singer, pianist, seamstress, and baker. Her presence brought warmth to any gathering, and her friendship, prayers, and homemade sourdough bread were cherished by all. Delores selflessly provided food, clothing, and other necessities to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.
Her unwavering faith in God, love for her family, and joy for life enabled her to face a decades-long illness with hope and poise, inspiring all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of compassion will continue to brighten the world for generations to come.
The family received friends from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home. The funeral service followed at 6:30 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Jay Neal. Interment took place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Mt. Herman United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Choices Resource Center, where Delores volunteered:
Choices Resource Center, P.O. Box 7001, Oak Ridge, TN 37831.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Margaret Eleanor Catlett Biddle
October 2, 2024
Margaret Eleanor Catlett Biddle of Oak Ridge died at home Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.
Biddle was raised in Kodak, Tennessee, as the youngest of five siblings. She married Roy E. Biddle on Dec. 11, 1954, and they were married for 68 years until his passing in 2022. They had three sons, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Margaret was known for her green thumb, maintaining an impressive collection of plants both indoors and outdoors. She and her husband enjoyed entertaining and playing cards with friends.
She loved children and ran a daycare from her home for many years. Biddle often shared stories about those times and maintained relationships with some of the families throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, siblings, and her eldest son, R. Gregory Biddle. She is survived by her son Anthony, daughter-in-law Christie, granddaughter Brynn, and son Bradley.
No services will be held for Mrs. Biddle.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton, Tennessee is honored to serve the Margaret Biddle Family.
Dr. Kyle Otis Rutherford
September 25, 2024
Dr. Kyle Otis Rutherford, M.D., 98, of Halls, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, surrounded by his family. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
After graduating from Norris High School, Dr. Kyle joined the army and remained stationed in Arkansas until the war ended in 1945. A proud alumnus of UT Knoxville, UT Memphis Medical School, and Emory University, "Doc," as he was lovingly called, devoted his life to healing and helping others. He was a pioneering figure in the medical community, being the first doctor in Seymour, Tennessee, where he made house calls and provided compassionate one-on-one care to his patients. One of Dr. Kyle's many significant contributions to the medical field included serving as a physician for Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). In 1969, he joined the Knoxville Radiology Group, which provided essential radiology services to Knoxville and surrounding counties. Later, he proudly held the position of Chief Radiologist at Parkwest Hospital in Knoxville, where he impacted countless lives through his expertise and care. He served the community in this capacity until his retirement in 1986.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Kyle was a generous donor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Children's Hospital, quietly supporting children and families in their times of need. He also helped many other medical institutions through donations, as he believed in helping others with great passion. His loving spirit was evident in his everyday actions, as he embodied the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
A man of many interests, Dr. Kyle loved fishing on Norris Lake with his son Kyle Jr., traveling, gardening, collecting antiques, painting, and enjoying his family. He was a lifelong fan of the Tennessee Volunteers, holding season tickets for over 60 years and contributing to the construction of Thompson-Boling Arena. His passion for sports was shared with his family and played a huge part in the core memories of his children and grandchildren.
Dr. Kyle was a loving husband to his late wife of 64 years, Ramona Loraine Rutherford. He adored her, and together they built a life that has impacted our family in a mighty way. He took immense pride in his role as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, leaving behind a legacy through his four children: Denise Crawhorn of Heiskell, Sherry Whitaker of Halls, Tammey Seeber of Heiskell, and Kyle Otis Rutherford Jr. and his wife (Doc's favorite daughter-in-law) Elaine of Halls. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Greg Seeber and wife Shae of Knoxville; Lisa Williford and husband Mark of Sevierville; Jelena Williford and husband Michael of Seymour; Jessica Jackson and husband Nathan of Heiskell; Christina Crawhorn of Heiskell; Catherine Jones and husband Parker of Andersonville; as well as his great-grandchildren: Andrew, Emily, Ashlyn, Kobe, Alyssa, Brennan, and Brylee Williford; Colson, Chloe, and Colin Seeber; Molly Jackson; Harper Jean Jones; and great-great-granddaughter Olivia Williford.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Cora Rutherford of Andersonville; brother Ray Rutherford of Knoxville; and sons-in-law Gary Seeber of Heiskell, Richard Whitaker of Heiskell, and John Crawhorn of Heiskell. He is fondly remembered by his surviving siblings Christine Wallace of Clinton and Ben Rutherford of Clinton.
Special thanks to friend and colleague Dr. Robert Montgomery.
Our family will be forever grateful for the care and love our precious dad and grandad received, and because of it, he lived out his days in the comfort of his home. There are no words to convey our gratitude towards Sherry Whitaker, Kyle Otis Rutherford Jr., and Donna Mcvey for the care and extreme sacrifice of pure love they've bestowed upon our precious father and grandfather.
Thank you, Grandad, for loving us big, sharing yourself with us, and giving us the best life on this earth. We will forever cherish you.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home. Doc's Celebration of Life service will follow, officiated by Rev. Jerry Copeland. Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on September 28 at Norris Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers donations to be made to East Tennessee Childrens Hosptial, 2018 W Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. www.holleygamble.com
Frankie June Melhorn Seivers
September 20, 2024
Frankie June Melhorn Seivers, 95, passed away on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, after a brief stay at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She was born at Bell Farm, Kentucky, on Aug. 27, 1929, to Charlie Christian Melhorn and Vella Dolen Melhorn.
Frankie grew up in a coal-mining camp in Fork Mountain, Tennessee, and moved to the family farm in Petros, Tennessee, when she was 9 years old. She was confirmed into St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wartburg, Tennessee, on Oct. 1, 1944.
After graduating from Wartburg Central High School, Frankie took a summer job in Clinton, where she met her future husband, “Jiggs” Seivers. Instead of starting nursing school as planned, she eloped to Rossville, Georgia, at age 18.
Frankie and Jiggs were married for almost 70 years and remained in Clinton, where she first worked at Magnet Mills and then at EG&G Ortec Lab in Oak Ridge from 1967 until she retired in 1994.
They were blessed with two children, Lana Seivers and Larry Seivers, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Frankie and Jiggs loved spending time in Longboat Key, Florida, going to weekly movies, playing cards, and attending Major League Baseball and Tennessee Vols games, especially football. They rarely missed games or events involving their children and grandchildren and were close to many of their children’s friends.
Frankie loved cooking, gardening, reading, and shopping.
Most of all, she loved her family.
After Jiggs’ death in 2017, Frankie moved to The Villages independent living residences in Murfreesboro, where she made many new friends, enjoyed bingo, and shared her fried chicken recipe with the chef. An article about Frankie in The Villages of Murfreesboro Spotlight said, “Her goal is to live a full life and enjoy being with her friends here. Seeing her family and old friends who stay in touch and come to visit is special to her. She considers herself blessed in so many ways.”
“Her children rise and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28
In addition to her husband and parents, Frankie was preceded in death by her brother, Duard Melhorn; sister Claudia Caddell; brothers-in-law Charles “Bones” Seivers and Hoyt Seivers.
She is survived by her children, Lana Seivers and Larry Seivers (Sally); grandchildren, Matthew Yarbrough, Jennifer Nash (Nathan), and Charlie Seivers (Haley); great-grandchildren, Cameron and Caitlin Nash, and Harper and Deakin Mac Seivers; many special nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends.
Pallbearers are Larry Seivers, Charlie Seivers, David Seivers, Michael Seivers, Chris Melhorn, Steve Mitchell, Don Elledge, Bear Stephenson, and honorary pallbearer Jenks Bostic.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. The funeral will follow at 6:30 p.m., with the Rev. Steve Misenheimer officiating.
Friends and family will meet at Grandview Memorial Garden on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, for an 11 a.m. graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Frankie’s memory may be made to the Michael Dunn Center, Attn: Seivers Memorial, 1324 Lawnville Road, Kingston, TN 37763, or at michaeldunncenter.org.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is honored to serve the family.
holleygamble.com
