Obituaries

MILDRED ‘MILLIE’ MILLER

Mildred “Millie” Miller died Monday, April 24, 2017, at Tennova Residential In-Patient Hospice. Mrs. Miller was born on June 15, 1925, and was the only child of the late Clara Belle Foust and Alonzo Foust. After her mother passed away when she was five years old, Mrs. Miller was raised by her stepmother, Mandy Mae Belle Foust, who continued to live with Mrs. Miller until her own death in 1999. Mrs. Miller was a dedicated wife to the late W.M. Miller Jr. for 63 years. She worked with her husband in the family business, Miller’s IGA, for decades. Mrs. Miller was a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church in Clinton and then later at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Clinton, where she was also an active member of the St. Mark Trinity Women’s Circle. Mrs. Miller loved to entertain in her home and prided herself on being an excellent cook of southern food. She enjoyed playing backgammon and bridge over the years with her friends and she was an avid quilter. Mrs. Miller regaled her grandchildren with stories of how she won the dance contest trophies on her bookshelves and other stories from her youth. Mrs. Miller made the best bunny rabbit cake for Easter every year and loved to organize Easter egg hunts and special visits from Santa at her house especially for her grandchildren. Mrs. Miller was preceded in death by: Parents; stepmother; husband; and daughter-in-law, Sharon Penney Miller. She is survived by: Three children, R. Steve Miller, John M. Miller (Judy), and Kathy Miller Guinn (Roger). Mrs. Miller is also survived by her grandchildren, Penney Miller, Brandy Miller Vachtsevanos (Chris), William M. Miller, Charley Turpin, Amy Guinn Phillips (Josh), Derek Guinn (April), Becky Guinn Pless (Travis); and 11 great-grandchildren. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces, and grand and great-grand nephews. The family wishes to thank the staff at Meadow View Senior Living Facility for their care of Mrs. Miller while she was a resident there. Additionally, the family would like to thank the Ladies and men of St. Mark United Methodist Church for their support, friendship, and generosity of time over the last several years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (www.pdf.org) or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org). The family received friends from 7 – 8 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 2017, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, Clinton, with Memorial Services immediately following. There was a private graveside service at 11 a.m. Friday, April 29, 2017, at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is responsible for all arrangements. www.holleygamble.com

ETHEL BERNICE PATTERSON

Ethel Bernice Patterson, 73, Lake City, passed away Friday, April 13, 2017. She was born Oct. 10, 1943, in Union County to the late Lester Dale and Grace Lucille Smith Hunley. She was a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by: First husband of 49 years and father of her children, Doug Hamock; brother, Edgar Hunley; sister, Maxine Kesterson; son, Keith Hamock; granddaughter, Nevaeh Hope Bolding; and grandson, Christopher Jones. Survivors include: Husband, C. E. Patterson; brother, Eugene Hunley and Joyce; son, Jimmy Douglas Hamock and Wylene; daughters, Debby M. Hamock Rutherford and Terry, Kimberley D. Hamock Jones and Ralph, Shelly V. Hamock Lewis and David, Shenna N. Hamock; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several other family members and friends. Bernice was loved by many and will be missed by all. Visitation was from 5 – 7 p.m. Sunday, April 16, 2017, at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City. Funeral service was at 7p.m. Sunday, April 16, 2017, in the Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Alvis Richardson officiating. Family and friends met at 11 a.m. Monday, April 17, 2017, at Loyston Cemetery in Union County for Bernice’s graveside service. You can also view Ethel’s guestbook at www.hatmakerfuneralhome.com Hatmaker Funeral Home, Lake City, was in charge of arrangements.

REV. VERNON RAY SILER

Reverend Vernon Ray Siler went to be with his Heavenly Father April 25, 2017. He was pastor of Demory Baptist Church in Lafollette for 18 years. Prior to his ministry, he had a successful career with ORNL and TVA, as well as 20 years distinguished service with the United States Air Force. He was preceded in death by: Parents, Frank and Ida Carter Siler; father and mother-in-law, Loy Brownlow Cook and Zella Jennings Cook Hudson; sisters, Anna Belle Glasgow, Barbara Wilder (Jack), Lillian Broyles (Glenn); and two brothers, William “Buster” (Mossie) and Frank (Frances). Survived by: Wife of 60 years, Phyllis Cook Siler; sons, Timothy (Kathy), Steve (Kim), Vernon Ray II; and daughter, Rebecca Wright (Randy); five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017, in the chapel of Holly Gamble Funeral home in Clinton, with interment following at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. A special, “Thank you,” to the doctors and staff of Fresenius Dialysis Center in Oak Ridge for their devoted care. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Demory Baptist Church, P.O. Box 283 Jacksboro, TN 37757, in care of Deborah Carter. Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Reverend Vernon Siler. www.holleygamble.com

HUGH L. CLOWERS

Hugh L. Clowers, 78, Lake City, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017. He was born on June 24, 1938, in Anderson County. Hugh was a member of the Rocky Top Worship Center. He loved riding his mule, “Ike,” with his daughter Lisa, fishing, camping and all sports. Hugh also loved spending time with his grandchildren and was very active in his church. He was preceded in death by: Parents, Riley and Ollie Christopher Martin, and Roy Clowers; sisters, Mildred, Nancy, Shirley, Pat, Ollie Jean and Jerry; brothers, R.C. and Billy. Survivors include: Wife, Shirley Phillips Clowers of Lake City; sons, Ricky Clowers and Stephanie of Lake City, Ronnie Clowers of Lake City; daughter, Lisa Clowers Smith and Gray Smith III of Lake City; brothers, David Martin of Florida, Lewis Foust of Lake City, Mack Foust of North Carolina; sisters, Shelby Wilson of Cleveland, Ohio, Peggy Simon of Alabama, Margie Goodman of Lake City; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 6 – 8 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Rocky Top Worship Center in Lake City. Funeral service was at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Rocky Top Worship Center in Lake City with Pastor Chris Tackett and Pastor Sheryl Roberts Dugger officiating. Family and friends met at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 21, 2017, at Hatmaker Funeral Home to go in funeral procession to the Leach Cemetery in Lake City for an 11 a.m. interment. You may also visit Hugh’s Guestbook at: www.hatmakerfuneralhome.com Hatmaker Funeral Home, Lake City, is in charge of arrangements.

KATHERINE TRAMMELL

Katherine Trammell, 91, Conyers, Ga., formerly of Clinton, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at Piedmont Hospital. Katherine was preceded in death by: Husband, James R. Trammell; parents, Ollie and Flora Spurlock; sons, R.B. and Buddy Corbin; daughter, Jackie Chambers; brother, James Spurlock; sister, Jean Sands. She is survived by: Sons, Frank Trammell and wife Tory of Covington, Ga., James Corbin and wife Martha of Rockhold, Ky.; daughter, Faye Adkins and husband Ronnie of London, Ky; brothers, Jessie Spurlock of Florida, Bill Powers and wife Judy of Goshen, Ind.; sisters, Ruth Davenport of Goshen, Ind., Goldie Powers of Goshen, Ind.; 17 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews The family received friends from 2 – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home with funeral services following in the chapel. Her graveside followed at Dutch Valley United Methodist Church Cemetery. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton was in charge of all arrangements. www.holleygamble.com

BRUCE D. HALE

Bruce D. Hale, 88, Knoxville passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Parkwest Medical Center. Bruce was a member of First Baptist Church in Clinton and a member of First Baptist Church in Kingston. Bruce retired from Y-12 as an engineer technician after 32 years of service. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Preceded in death by: Wife, Dorthy Hale; parents, Everett and Connie Hale. He is survived by: Children, Robert Hale and wife Cindy of Ft. Worth, Texas, Patricia Wayne and husband Roy of Knoxville, Nancy Burnette and the late Perry Burnette of Knoxville; grandchildren, Ivan and Samantha Hale, Sarah McGill, Ashley Johnson, Emily Binger, Dylan Underwood, Alexandra Inman, and Asa Burnette; 14 great-grandchildren; several very loving stepgrandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family received friends from 1 – 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home. His graveside service followed at Sunset Cemetery. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. www.holleygamble.com

ELSE MAE DUNCAN

Elsie Mae Duncan, 91, Briceville, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at her son’s home in Rocky Top. Elsie was a wonderful loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, great-great-great-grandmother, and mother-in-law. She was a best friend to everyone. Elsie was very giving, if she knew someone was in need, she would see to it that their need was met. Elsie was a member of Fratersville Baptist Church. Elsie was preceded in death by: Parents, Gilford and Carrie Frost; husband, Tester Duncan; son, Gerald Duncan; daughter, Dathia Frazier; brothers, Arnold Frost, Arthur Frost, Floyd Frost, Omer Frost; sisters, Sophie Bymon, Hazel Wilson; and four grandchildren. Elsie is survived by: Son, Terry Duncan and Donna of Rocky Top; daughters, Wanda Duncan of Briceville, Theresa Duncan of Wichita, Kan., and Jeanette Duncan of Rocky Top; sister, Alice Helton of Clay County, Ky.; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-great-grandchild; and a host of other relatives and friends. Elsie’s family received her friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2016, with her funeral service following at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Jones Mortuary with Chaplain Ben Nell officiating. Elsie’s interment was at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Ridgeview Baptist Church in Rocky Top. Jones Mortuary in Clinton was in charge of all arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.jonesmortuaryllc.com

MRS. MARTHA JANE SHARP RUTHERFORD

Mrs. Martha Jane Sharp Rutherford, 85, Granger, Ind., formerly of Lake City, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017. Martha was born in Harlan, Ky., Sept. 19, 1931, to the late Stephen and Lou Sharp. She was a 1950 graduate of Lake City High School, where she played basketball. She belonged to Liberty Baptist Church for most of her life. Martha loved camping. Her whole life revolved around her boys and her family. In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by: Husband, Clarence Randall “Cotton” Rutherford; brothers, James Sharp and J.C. Sharp; and sisters, Mary Lou Baker, Edna Ayers, and Wanda Mitchell. Survivors include: Sons, Dennis J. (Sandi) Rutherford of Granger, Ind., Steve R. (Darla) Rutherford of Dunde, Mich.; grandchildren, Kellee (Joe) Collins and Lauren, Brynn, and Reid of Springboro, Ohio, Ryan J. Rutherford, Raegan and Ashton of Granger, Ind., Tiffiney Justice, Madison and Natalie, Amber (Marco) Esho and Wyatt, Joshua Rutherford and Connor, Stephanie Rutherford. Steve Rutherford Jr.; a host of other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Harbour Light Hospice, or the Alzheimer Foundation. Visitation was from 2 – 5 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2017, at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City. Funeral service was at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2017, in the Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel in Lake City with the Rev. Tom Byrge officiating. Family and friends met at 1 p.m. Monday, April 24, 2017, at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens in Oak Ridge for interment. You may also visit Martha’s guestbook at www.hatmakerfuneralhome.com Hatmaker Funeral Home, Lake City, was in charge of arrangements.