James “Tommy” Ridenour Sr.
October 13, 2024
On Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, James “Tommy” Ridenour Sr., of Ladson, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at the age of 85. He went to meet his Lord and Savior. He was born on April 17, 1939, in Clinton, Tennessee, to Clyde and Helen Ridenour.
Tommy was raised in the mountains of Clinton, but left at age 17 to join the U.S. Navy. His Navy career took him to many places, as he became a submariner. His final station was the Charleston, South Carolina, Naval Base, which became his home. After his time in the Navy, he worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, from which he retired.
Tommy had a passion for old cars, where some of his children would play while he worked under the hood. He loved shooting pool, and twice won trips to Las Vegas to compete in national championships. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed recounting the many trips he and his brother David made to races, parking in the center circle. Tommy’s love for racing extended to a brief career in stock car racing.
Tommy was known for his generosity. He offered friends a place to stay, never met a stranger, and gave what he could to anyone in need. He also made monthly tithes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Tommy was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Guess Ridenour; his mother, Helen Oliver Ridenour; his sisters, June “Buggy” Hammonds and Janice Hatmaker. He is survived by his brother, David Ridenour and Gwenn Sanford; sisters, Jennie Hodges (Eddie) and Lois McMillan (Charlie); his children, James Thomas Ridenour Jr., Judi Kay Ridenour Marek, Becky Barrett, Tom Ridenour, Roy Ruppert, Denise Hanna Lundblad, and Cherie Muldoon Nyhus. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at his home, 1240 Royle Road, Ladson, South Carolina. Time is yet to be determined, with additional information to be posted on Afterall.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The family would like to thank Darren Floyd for his many hours of talking and praying with Tommy. Special appreciation is also extended to Tommy’s lifelong friend, Glenn Alley, and all the friends he made during his time with us.
Nan Elizabeth Bryant
October 13, 2024
Nan Elizabeth Bryant, 67, of Powell, Tennessee, was born on Nov. 30, 1956, in Greenville, South Carolina. Nan went to Heaven a shoutin’ on Oct. 13, 2024, surrounded by her family.
Nan had a special talent for perfect timing in the kitchen, and she found joy in cooking large meals for her loved ones and church family. She was a feisty and fiery redhead with an eye for detail, schedules, and organization. Yard sales and flea markets were no match for Nan, as evidenced by the treasures in her home. She was an incredible hands-on grandmother who wore the title proudly. She cherished time with her grandchildren, teaching them new things and making lasting memories. Words cannot describe the great love she had for her husband of 20 years, Sherman Bryant. Their devotion and care for each other, through sickness and health, was an inspiration to everyone who knew them.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Ruth Brown, and her father, Billy Marion Reese.
Nan is survived by her siblings, Henry Clinton Reese, Pamela Ruth Reese, and Charles Leroy Pulliam Jr.; her five children, Joey Hall, Tracey Powell (Stan), Melissa Hurst (David Sr.), Kevin Bryant (Janet), and Derek Bryant (Janine); and her nine grandchildren, Josh Hall, Sydney Moyers (Billy), Kaleigh Redfeairn, James Bryant, David Bryant, Sammie Jo Hurst, Alexandra Fawzi, Michael Fawzi, and David Jr. (Alexis) Hurst. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Dash and Jax Hall, Kennedy, Julionna, Grayson, and McKenzie Moyers, and Augie Hurst; as well as her nieces, Christie Scully and Heather Ocho. The family would like to extend a special thank you to “Ma and Daddio,” Bill and Yevonne Douglas, for loving Nan as their own.
Pallbearers were Kevin Bryant, Derek Bryant, James Bryant, David Bryant, David Hurst, and Tim Lambdin. Honorary pallbearers were Joey Hall and Josh Hall.
Nan will be greatly missed by her family not only for her ability to keep everyone well -fed but also for making everyone feel well-loved. The family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the arms of Jesus. Her testimony included an awesome redemptive story about the powerful love of Jesus that covered great pain and suffering of the past. Nan had incredible faith, as she was regularly overheard saying, “I have no fear.” If you do not know her Savior, who can provide this peace, we encourage you to seek Him. She would also encourage anyone to be generically tested for Alpha-I COPD if you have lost family members to lung problems in their younger years.
Nan was a devoted member of Shepherd of the Hills Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations to the church would be appreciated.
The family received friends and family beginning at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the church, at 400 E. Beaver Creek Drive, Knoxville. A memorial service, led by the Rev. Leland Lyon, followed at 6 p.m.
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.
