WILLIAM L. ‘PERK’ COOPER JR.
February 2, 2019
William L. “Perk” Cooper Jr., Colonel, USAF Retired, passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at the age of 90.
He was born in Balkan, Ky., July 18, 1928. Colonel Cooper graduated from Fork Union Military Academy, and earned a B.S. degree in biology/chemistry at Carson-Newman College, a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering at Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science Degree at the University of Tennessee. He also graduated from the United States Air Force Pilot Training School, the Squadron Officers School, the Command and Staff College, and the Air War College. In addition, he graduated from the Advanced Fighter Weapons School, Physiology School, Senior Cryptographic School, and Logistic School.
He spent 28 years in the Air Force, flew more than 500 combat sorties in Korea and Vietnam Conflicts. He was a project engineer and flew newly developed conventional weapons systems, and completed a tour with the Defense Intelligence Agency as Operations Officer of the Defense Special Missile and Astronautics Center with the National Security Agency. He retired from active duty February, 1979, with more than 6,000 flying hours. Decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 16 Oak Leaf Clusters and numerous other medals and ribbons.
After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as an engineer at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory from which he retired in 1990.
He was a life member of the Air Force Assn., VFW, Military Officers Assn., and National Assn. of Uniformed Services. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Clinton, since 1939.
Preceded in death by: Parents, William L. and Kathryn Cooper; and wife, Rachel S. Cooper.
Survivors: Sons, William L. Cooper III and wife Nancy Tabor of Knoxville, Tim Charles Cooper and wife Denise of Memphis; daughters, Anne Edith Cooper Lovain of Knoxville, Amy Katheryn Cooper of Chicago; and six grandchildren, Rachel K. Lawson and husband Tyler of Powell, Kristofer Cooper, Abby Cooper and Caroline A. Lovain of Knoxville, Kathryn Cooper and Sarah Cooper of Memphis; great-grandson, Cooper C. Lawson of Powell; niece, Jane Taylor of Dalton, Ga.
Family and friends will meet at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, for a service at 9:30 am in the Rotunda of the East Tennessee Veteran’s Cemetery on Lyons View Pike, Knoxville. The Rev. Dean Taylor will be officiating. Full military honors will be provided by Campbell County Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wounded Warriors Project.https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
www.holleygamble.com
MARY RUTH MILLS
February 1, 2019
Mary Ruth Mills, 67, Rocky Top, passed away Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at Lafollette Medical Center.
She was born Sept. 5, 1951, in Speedwell to the late Boyd Edward and Mary Jane McDonald Rogers.
When she was able she enjoyed cooking and reading.
In addition to her parents, Mary Ruth was preceded in death by: Sisters, Frances Ann Brantley and Lois Marie Wright; brother, Ruben Frank Rogers; niece, Jannie Marsee.
Survived by: Daughter, Heather Schwarzen and husband Christopher; son, Preston Mills and wife Deborah; sisters, Norma Lou Myers, Trudy DeArmond and husband Frank; brother, James Ronald Roger and wife Pat; grandchildren, Babita, Mary Hannah, Mathaus, Jack, Phineas, John Mark, Birdie, Simon and Jude; nieces and nephews, Butch, Dewayne, Ronald Lynn, Marquetta, Angela, Chuck, Subrena, Kathy, Teresa, Shelia and Jeannie; brother-in-law, Bobby Wright; sister-in-law, Bonnie Rogers
The Family received friends from noon -1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Rocky Top, with the funeral service following at 1 p.m. Mary Ruth’s interment was held at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Clinton following the funeral service.
www.holleygamble.com
MARGARET GRACE MANLEY
February 1, 2019
Margaret Grace Manley, 87, Andersonville, passed away Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at her home.
She was a wonderful wife and mother, loved her kids and grandchildren. Margaret was loyal, generous, never met a stranger and was liked by everyone she met.
Margaret was preceded in death by: Parents, Ernest and Ruth Foust; husband, James Robert Manley; twograndsons, Matthew Rummel and Jim Hollamon.
Margaret is survived by: Sons, Gary Wayne Manley and wife Donna of Clinton, and James Michael Manley and wife Rhonda of Clinton; daughters, Brenda Gentry and husband Dale of Arizona, Kay Price and husband Gordon of Andersonville, Kim Gentry and husband Waylon of Clinton, and Jennifer Manley of Arizona; sister, Jewell Seto of Oak Ridge; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; niece, Teresa Melton; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Margaret’s family will receive her friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, with her funeral service to follow at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Jones Mortuary with the Rev. Jeff Hamilton officiating.
Margaret’s interment will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, at the Veterans Cemetery on Lyons View Pike in Knoxville.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.jonesmortuaryllc.com
MARY L. THOMAS
January 28, 2019
Mary L. Thomas, 69, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, surrounded by loving family and friends.
Mary enjoyed gardening, but most of all she enjoyed her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Mary was a member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ether and Pauline Phillips. She was also preceded in death by: Brother, Ether “E.B.” Phillips Jr.; and grandson, Andrew Thomas.
Mary is survived by: Husband, Johnny Thomas; sons, Johnny Dewayne Thomas, Jason Michael Thomas; daughters, Tammy Ford (Paul), Melinda York (John), Janet Weatherly (Keith); sisters, Patsy Weaver (Mike), Evelyn Powers Davidson (Ed), Betty Haggard (Danny), Martha Powers (Wayne), Doris Conatser; grandchildren, Tyler, Sable, Elizabeth, Christine, Brian, Tiffany, Megan, Eric, Brittany, Kristen, Dawson, Justin, Ethen, A.J., Cody, Christian, and Ceirra; nine great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their sincere love and appreciation to Mary’s special friend and nurse, Gayle Marks, of Methodist Medical Center for going above and beyond her call of duty during this difficult time.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Tim Bradshaw and Donnie Chambers officiating. Family and friends will meet at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, and go in funeral procession to the Sunset Cemetery for a noon interment.
www.holleygamble.com
THOMAS LEE ROBERTS
January 28, 2019
Thomas Lee Roberts, 68, Powell, passed away at his home Monday, Jan. 28, 2019.
Mr. Roberts was born Dec. 21, 1950, to Norman J. and Lelia Roberts. He was a member of Redemption Church in Knoxville.In earlier years, Mr. Roberts worked as a brick mason. He served in the Army from 1970 through 1972 and also served in Korea.He loved fishing, University of Tennessee football and basketball, and enjoyed helping at his church.
Mr. Roberts is preceded in death b: Parents; brother-in-law, Leon Corder; and nephew, Doyle Corder.
Thomas is survived by: Children, Lori Roberts, William Roberts, and Jessica (Jamie) Curtis; grandchildren, Brent Taylor, Chesnie Trupiano, Jaci Curtis, and Jackson Curtis; siblings, June Corder, Leon Roberts, Rick (Sue) Roberts, Larry (Beverly) Roberts, and David Roberts; special friends, Kyle Bunch, Frank Gault, and J.O. Adams; and a host of nieces and nephews and many friends.
Visitation will be from 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in the chapel of Woodhaven Funeral Home, with the funeral to follow at 7 p.m. Interment will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
To share your thoughts and condolences please go to www.woodhavenfh.com.
Woodhaven Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens are honored to serve the Roberts Family.
ANDREW TYLER CARROLL
January 28, 2019
Andrew Tyler Carroll, 35, Briceville, passed away Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, at Fort Sanders Medical Center in Knoxville.
He was born Nov. 26, 1983, in Knoxville to Dennis Ray and Martha Braden Carroll.
He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Andrew was a member of Indian Bluff Baptist Church. He will be dearly missed.
Preceded in death by: Grandparents, Jimmy and Parlee Carroll and Blanche Braden-Smith; great-grandparents, Charlie and Margaret Braden; uncle, James Randolph.
Survived by: Parents, Dennis Ray and Martha Braden Carroll; sister, Tesa Marie Hinton and husband Steve; special aunts, Mary Randolph, Inez Braden, and Jean Duncan; special uncle, Rudy Carroll and wife Connie; along with a host of other uncles and aunts; cousins, Blake Randolphand wife April, Macie and Cooper; special friends, Calvin and Katherine; and a host of other cousins and other family and friends.
The family received friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at Holey-Gamble Funeral Home in Rocky Top, with the funeral service following at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Jimmy Ault and the Rev. Jimmy Byrge officiating.
Family and friends met at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, and went in funeral procession to the Indian Bluff Cemetery for a 10 a.m. interment.
www.holleygamble.com
BOB EVANS
January 28, 2019
Bob Evans, 83, went to be with the Lord Jan. 28, 2019, at his home in Oak Ridge.
Bob worked at Evans Contracting with many of his brothers for 40-plus years. He was a gifted carpenter who loved his family and fast cars.
Bob is survived by: Sue, his wife of 56 years; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Jerry Chambers; daughter, Jeanine Evans; and beloved grandchildren, Jessica Chambers and Jacob Holbrook.
Bob is also survived by his twin, Bill, as well as brothers Tommy, Von, Kenny, Jimmy, and Pug.
Preceded in death are brothers, Clifford, Tiny, and Larry.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to his caregivers Pam, Christina, and Bobby, and his many hos-pice care givers for their loving care and friendship. We will always be grateful.
The family received friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clin-ton.
His graveside was at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at Woodhaven Memorial Garden.
Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to St Jude's or KARM.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. www. holleygamble.com
DARLENE BYRGE IRWIN
January 27, 2019
Darlene Byrge Irwin, 64, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, at Norris Rehabili-tation Center in Andersonville.
She loved to cook, spend time with her children, grandkids, her pets, and going to church when she was able. Darlene also enjoyed being with her lifelong companion, Jimmy Kirby, whom loved and took care of her and stayed by her side until she went home to be with the Lord.
Darlene was preceded in death by: Husband, Kenneth Glen (Slick) Irwin; father and mother, Johnny and June Stittums Byrge; aunts, Wanda Day, Bonnie Jo Pike; uncles, Paul Stittums, Harry Stittums, and Lonzie Byrge, and several other uncles.
Darlene is survived by: Life-long companion, Jimmy Charles Kirby; son, Kenny Kirby; daughter, Kim Kirby; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren; aunts, Pearl and Fred Williams, and Lovey Byrge; uncles, Dennis and Evelyn Stittums, and Jimmy and Dorothy Stittums; many cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.
Darlene’s family will receive her friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, with her funeral service following at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Jones Mortuary. Darlene’s interment will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Oak Ridge.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.jonesmorturyllc.com
