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Obituaries

REBECCA MAXINE HAYES

Rebecca Maxine Hayes, 69, Briceville, passed away Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, in Oak Ridge.

She was born in Detroit, Mich., to the late Henry and Marie Cherry on Sept. 15, 1949. Rebecca was a member of the Tennessee Hollow Baptist Church, where she loved attending church and spending time with family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Rebecca was preceded in death by: Husband, John Hayes Sr.; sisters, Teresa Vatalaro, Norma Macintosh, Peggy Mayle, Jean Rachko, Patricia Daughtery; brothers, Joe Cherry and Bill Cherry; brother-in-law, Keller Daughtery; sisters-in-law, Annette Braswell, Henrietta Moser and Evelyn Hayes.

Survived by: Children, Kim Paris and husband Joe, John Hayes Jr. and wife Kim, Jodie Alley and husband Shannon; grandchildren, Melanie York, Cody Alley and wife Breyanna, Zachery Long, Chad Alley and wife Emily, Tori Hayes, Logan Hayes, Kaleasha Welch and Kala Welch; great-grandchildren, Gabe and Bella York, Riley and Cooper Alley, Madelyn Welch; brother, Johnny Cherry and wife Marlene; brothers-in-law, Ricky Hayes and wife Mildred, Billy Hayes, Von Moser and Curly Rachko; sisters-in-law, Doris Bunch and husband Wesley, Sharon Tindell and husband Tony; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

The family received friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Rocky Top on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019, with the funeral service following at 8 p.m., with the Rev. Rickey Hayes and the Rev. Troy Harmon officiating.

Her graveside service was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, at Anderson Memorial Garden.

www.holleygamble.com

HOWARD CARSON (H.C.) RIDENOUR

Howard Carson (H.C.) Ridenour, 85, Norris, passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

He was a member of Greenway Baptist Church in Clinton and enjoyed attending as long as his health permitted. He loved the Lord and didn’t care to witness to those he came in contact with. He retired from Martin Marietta Y-12 Nuclear Plant in 1995. Prior to his employment at Y-12 he had worked for Volunteer Construction Company. H.C. enjoyed traveling, working jigsaw puzzles, playing music and watching westerns, especially “Gunsmoke,” which was his favorite. He had been a devoted husband and caregiver to both his wives who predeceased him. He loved his family and treasured every moment spent with them.

Preceded in death by: First wife, Jean Ridenour and second wife, Dorothy Ridenour; parents, James Douglas and Amanda Jane Graves Ridenour; several siblings; and one step-grandson, Christopher Gee.

Survivors: Daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa and Virgil Copeland of Madison, Carrie Jane and David Blalock of Heiskell; grandchildren, Brad Copeland, Brian Copeland, Christi Goins, Anthony Blalock; great-grandchildren, Lauran, Whitney, Brice, Micah, Esther, MaKayla, Bella and Serenity; great-great-grandson, Clay; special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Betty and Walter Risden of Clinton; sister-in-law, Thelma Bailey of Union County; step-daughter, Victoria Gee; step-granddaughter, Tish Gee; step-grandsons, Mike and Steve Wampler; step-great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Derick, Zach, Bailey and Zane; many nieces and nephews who he loved very much and a host of extended family and friends.

The family received friends from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, 2019, at Greenway Baptist Church.

Graveside service followed the visitation at 1p.m. in the church cemetery with the Rev. Eddie Chasteen and Pastor Danny Light officiating.

Online register book can be signed at www.frakerfuneralhome.net.

Fraker Funeral Home of Kingston was in charge of all the arrangements.

MILDRED ‘SUG’ JONES

Mildred “Sug” Jones, 91, Clinton, formerly of Briceville, passed away Feb. 22, 2019, at the Lantern at Morning Pointe.

Mildred was born in Anderson County on April 30, 1927, to the late Jack and Lillian Bolton Scarbrough. She was saved and baptized as a teenager and was a member of Briceville Baptist Church. In her younger years she was a Bluebird and Campfire Girls leader. Mildred was very active in her community and was instrumental in getting a free health care clinic. She loved telling stories, growing flowers and visiting shut ins. She was well known for being a prankster and having a green thumb. Mildred will be dearly missed.

In addition to her parents Mildred was preceded in death by: Husband, Fred M. Jones; brothers, Jackie Scarbrough and Ralph Scarbrough; brothers-in-laws, Jim White and Shelby Fateley.

She is survived by: Children, Danny Lee Jones and wife Barbara, Beverly Ann Morgan and husband Richard, Pamela Jean Byrge and husband David; sisters, Darleen Fateley, Carolyn White, Jeannie Massengill and husband Mickey; grandchildren, Russell Byrge and wife Jackie, Matthew Byrge and wife Selina, Katelyn Jones, Luke Jones; great-grandchildren, Grant Byrge and Elaina Manley; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Special thanks to the staff at the Morning Pointe and Alavon hospice for their loving care.

The family received friends from 2 – 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, at Main Street Baptist Church in Rocky Top, with the service following with the Rev. Wayne Phillips officiating.

Mildred’s interment was held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, 2019, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

www.holleygamble.com

JAMES SEYMOUR COLE

James Seymour Cole, 100 years and 10 months, Oak Ridge, passed away at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge Feb. 20, 2019.

Born in Hartford, Conn., to parents Edwin B. Cole and Ruth Belden Cole on April 5, 1918.

He was a veteran during World War II with the Army Air Corp. James came to this area 74 years ago from Brooklyn, N.Y. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church for 57 years, a 67-year member of Elks # 1684, 32 years with the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2514, American Legion for 32 years, Oak Ridge Boat Club, Union Carbide, K-25/Y/12 employee where he worked for 37 years. He was with the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II and through the military he was brought to Oak Ridge for the Manhattan Project, Second Engineering Detachment.

He was preceded in death by: Parents; wife, Dolores MacNeil Cole (Aug. 14, 2016) and daughter, Judy McCarthy.

He is survived by: Son, Jay Cole and wife Gwen of Clinton; sister, Grace Cole Jones, Greenwich, Conn., and her children, Keith Jones (Joan), Essex, C.T. and Grace Vineyard (William), Hendersonville, N.C.; grandchildren, Sean McCarthy and his children; step-grandchildren, Jackie Webb (Frances), Johnny, and Donna Roby (James); nine great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; special great-grandson, Jordan Webb (Missy) and their child, Ranger; several great-nieces and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in James’ memory to the Clinch River Quilts of Valor, 193 Laurel Road, Clinton, TN 37716.

The memorial service was held Saturday, March 9, 2019, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church with Father David Lovett officiating. Military honors were provided by Volunteer State Honor Guard and the Tennessee Army National Guard.

Interment of ashes followed at St. Stephen’s Memorial Garden. Following the interment, a reception was held at the church.

An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com

CHRISTENE BOWLING STRINGFIELD

Christene Bowling Stringfield, 87, Knoxville, passed away peacefully at home Feb. 18, 2019.

From her birth on March 5, 1932, on a farm in Anderson County to her death, she was a quiet and intelligent person with a quick wit who was well-read and loved crosswords and bridge. After graduation from Norris High School she started work in the transportation business for 48 years and was involved in all the aspects of office work at Mason Dixon Freight Lines, and other transportation companies. She belonged to Beta Sigma Phi and the Professional Business Women’s Society, and she was involved with real estate management as well. During this time she also learned how to fly a small engine airplane and flew solo which was a lifelong dream. Then, she worked with Anderson County Schools as a substitute teacher and enjoyed the many students, staff, and teachers with whom she worked.

She is survived by: Husband of 69 years, Charles L. Stringfield; daughter, Sara S. LeSueur (James E. “Eddie” LeSueur Jr.); grandchildren, Chase S. Swann (Katie), and their sons, Jack and Ollie; granddaughter, Christina Brandon (Josh) and their daughters, Sara Bell and Mattie Brandon. There are many cousins, nieces, and nephews she loved and shared wonderful memories. Her dearest cousin, Margaret Weaver of Clinton; special sisters-in-law, Betty Erb of Nashville, and Connie Kendall (Dennis) of Dayton; and her dear friend and former co-worker, Elizabeth Rochelle, of Knoxville, were always the closest of friends.

Her favorite quote when leaving was, “Toodle-loo! I love you!”

She was preceded in death by: Parents, Roy and Irene Bowling of Clinton; sister, Carolyn Bowling of Clinton, brothers R.L. Bowling of Florida, Kermit Bowling of Nashville, Glen W. Bowling (Ann) of Tazewell, and dear cousin, Gene G. Garner, of Alcoa.

A Celebration of Life will be announced.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Nurse Chrissy Brandon, granddaughter, and to Avalon Hospice nurses, Wendy, Moe, and Cheryl, and Kathleen, Social Service, and to Best Home Care nurse, Angela, for all their attentiveness and loving care.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 610 Bethel Road, Clinton, TN 37716

WANDA HANNA

Wanda Hanna, 74, Clinton, passed away Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, at Roane Medical Center.

Wanda was born July 21, 1944, in Anderson County to the late William and Maggie Bumgardner. Throughout her life Wanda loved crafting and spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents Wanda was also preceded in death by her daughter, Darlene Baker.

She is survived by: Children, Becky Hanna and wife Nicole, Brenda McCrary, William Derrell Hanna and wife Dena, Deadre Hanna and wife Jessica; grandchildren, Armand and Rapheal. James Robert, Jamie, Stacy, Beth, Billy, Sara, Tashia, Megan, Justin, Kody, Kolby, and Kelly; sister, Louise Gray and husband Doug; brother, Delmer Bumgardner and wife Hess; several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family met 11:00 am, Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at Grandview Memorial Garden for a graveside service.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.

www.holleygamble.com

GENE McGHEE

Gene McGhee, 73, Clinton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Feb. 18, 2019.

He was a proud Christian since Dec. 19, 1976, and avidly studied the Bible. He was a hard worker and instilled those characteristics in his children. He loved sports, the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was a quiet, humble man who loved his family dearly and lived his life to serve the Lord.

Preceded in death by: Parents, Brassfield and Marie McGhee; and brothers, Harolddean and Shubert McGhee.

Survived by: Wife of 51 years, Delaine McGhee; daughter, Gina Accawi and husband Fuad; and son, Matthew McGhee and wife Lyndsay; grandchildren, Anwar Zane Accawi, Serenity Accawi, Parker McGhee, and Deacon McGhee; siblings, Florene (Kenny) Sturgill, Ronnie (Cathy) McGhee, Brenda Hart and Terry McGhee; brothers-in-law, Tony (Melissa) Martin and Jim (Lula) Martin. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, in the Clinton Chapel of Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.

Service will follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Jimmy Ault officiating. Family and friends meet at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, and proceed to Grandview Memorial Gardens for interment at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Binghamtown Baptist Church at 1 Gateway Drive Middlesboro, KY 40965 or Tennessee Wildlife Federation at www.tnwf.org/donate/

www.holleygamble.com

IRENE VIRGINIA DAVIS BLEVINS

Irene Virginia Davis Blevins, Clinton, passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.

Irene was born in Bland County, Va., on Dec. 16, 1923, to Andrew William Davis and Mary Parcell Davis. She grew up on the Davis farm in Giles County, Va., overlooking the Appalachian Trail and the New River.

On Feb. 19, 1944, Irene married Archie Blevins and in 1954 they moved to Oak Ridge, where they were lifelong members of Glenwood Baptist Church. They reared three daughters, by whom she is survived: Wanda Olson (Bob) of Oak Ridge, Carol Broughton of Clinton, and Linda Killion of Clinton. She is also survived by: Sister, Doris Davis of Ripplemead, Va.; and a sister-in-law, Johanna Davis of Danville, Va

Irene’s five granddaughters, Suzzette Grayson of Clinton, Paige Penland of Decatur, Ga., Cher Price (Troy) of Clinton, Beth Penland of Atlanta, Ga., and Kym Stone of Knoxville, share many Granny Irene experiences and stories.

She is survived by: Great-grandchildren, Brandi, Brittny, and Brenden Grayson of Clinton, Ches Thibodeaux of Decatur, Ga., and Macy and Bailey Price of Clinton. She also is survived by: Great-great-grandchildren, Sage and Za’Leya; and several nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by: Parents; husband; sisters, Macie Griffith and Margaret Dudley; brothers, Hubert, Frank, Wayne and Charlie Davis; brothers-in-law, Green Griffith and Berkley Dudley; nephew, Roger Griffith; and sons-in-law, Sam Morrison, Joseph Penland, Challis Broughton and Mike Killion.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, who treated Irene and her family with compassion and love during her last days.

The family will receive friends from 1 – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, on what would have been Irene and Archie’s 75th wedding anniversary.

A private graveside service will be held at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank, 136 Harvest Ln, Maryville, TN 37801.