RONALD (RON) AUBREY ROSKELLY II
Ronald (Ron) Aubrey Roskelly II, Clinton, died Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. He was 68. Ron was preceded in death by: Beloved wife, Cinda Roskelly; mother, Ruby Roskelly; and brother, Ricky Roskelly; as well as many other family members. He is survived by: Father, Ronald Audrey Roskelly Sr.; sisters, Regina Darby, Redonna Dabbs, and Diana Roskelly; children, Faith Bullock (Andrew), Kristal Tate (Charles), and Ronald Roskelly III (Beth); and grandchildren, Alexander Tate, Aaron Bullock, and Maggie Tate; as well as many other family members. Ron was born in Clovis, N.M, to Ronald and Ruby Roskelly. He grew up in Madison, Ohio. He got his GED then joined the US Air Force for six years. He spent much of his time in the Air Force deployed in England. When he came back to the U.S. he was stationed in Great Falls, Mont., where he met the love of his life, Cinda. Ron and Cinda then moved to East Tennessee where they raised three kids. Ron worked as a machinist for much of his life. He eventually retired from Rexnord in Clinton. Ron enjoyed many hobbies including motorcycles, photography, renaissance festivals, and reading. He was a dog lover who had many dogs in his life. Ron also enjoyed spending time with family. Ron will be greatly missed by family and friends. At Ron’s request, there will be no services. The Staff at Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Mr. Ronald Roskelly II holleygamble.com
William R. “Russ” Oaks, 64, passed away unexpectedly Aug. 16, 2023, at home in Andersonville.
He was born in Knoxville, and was preceded in death by his parents, William “Bill” Oaks and Robinette Catherine Kesley Oaks.
Russ grew up in Halls. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1981, and was commissioned as an Armor Officer in the U.S. Army. His duty posts included Fort Hood; Fort Knox; Headquarters, US Army, Europe in Germany; Fort Leavenworth; Fort Stewart; and the Pentagon. During his time at Fort Stewart, he was deployed to Kuwait twice. He retired as a Lt. Colonel after 20 years of service to his country. After his retirement in 2001, he accepted a position with Knox County Schools. He served in several jobs culminating with Chief Operating Officer. He retired in 2022.
Russ was a rock for his family, his friends, and his colleagues. He was described as reserved, reliable, responsible, supportive, a problem solver, kind, generous, a good leader, pragmatic, and inspired those qualities in others. He was steadfast. In his retirement he rekindled a hobby from his high school days, Ham radio. He also enjoyed woodworking, repairing anything around the house (he was usually successful), and genealogy. He had recently become involved with the Union County Cemetery Association as several of his ancestors are interred in that county.
He is survived by: Wife of 33 years, Teri; son Will; three brothers, Randy (Jo Dell), Michael, and David (Allison); niece, Rebekah; and nephew Jeffrey; and numerous cousins in the Knoxville area and Florida.
The family will receive friends from 4 – 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel with a celebration of life to follow.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to Anderson County High School Band, Clinton, TN which Will was a member of for four years, or your favorite organization/charity.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mynattfh.com
On Aug. 16, 2023, surrounded by her beloved family, Avonia Gail (Taylor) Rubright, 64, Clinton, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gail was born Aug. 24, 1958, to Earl Taylor and Pearl Lane in Knoxville. After Gail graduated from Young High School in 1976, she earned a nursing degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and began her first nursing job at Baptist Hospital. She went back to school to complete a master’s degree in nursing administration from East Tennessee State University allowing her to work for the Tennessee Department of Health until she retired in 2022.
In June 2012, Gail married Tom Rubright, blending two families together. Gail and Tom shared a love of traveling, whether it was on the back of a motorcycle through the mountains, on a cruise ship to a tropical destination, or on a simple beach trip with family. The importance of spending time with family was evident in their presence at school productions, ballgames, dance recitals, graduations, and musicals. Both Tom and Gail loved attending Highland View Church of Christ for years and are currently members of Hardin Valley Church of Christ.
Gail loved the Lord and was a selfless servant of Christ, an excellent example of loving your neighbor as yourself. She tirelessly and generously put into practice a love for serving others, putting others first, and helping people in need. Her smile was infectious and made you feel accepted when that smile was directed toward you. She was driven and determined, hard-working and caring, a thoughtful gift-giver, and an avid Vol fan. She held several titles…mother, wife, nurse, sister…the icing on the cake being her job as Nana. She loved her sons but her granddaughter, Lynlee became her world.
She was preceded in death by: Parents, Earl Taylor and Pearl Lane; her dear stepfather, Clifford Lane; and nephew, Christopher Kinkead.
She is survived by: Beloved husband, Tom Rubright; son, Eric Salage and his wife Chanell; son, David Salage; granddaughter, Lynlee Salage; brothers, Donnie Lane, David Taylor and wife Erin Taylor; sister, Renee Lane; nieces and nephews, Austin Kinkead, Madison Taylor, Donnie Lane Jr., Stacy Sweeney; many great-nieces and nephews; and the Rubright family: stepdaughter, Teresa McNelly and her husband Doug; stepdaughter, Jennifer Cummins and her husband Eric, stepdaughter, Cara Sheets and her husband Trevor; grandchildren, Becca Ray, Savannah McNeely, Sydney McNelly, Neal, Ben, Luke, and William Cummins, Anderson and Crosby Sheets.
A receiving of friends is scheduled from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, with a service to follow.
Graveside services will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at Grandview Memorial Garden, Clinton. Larry Cline, minister at Hardin Valley Church of Christ, will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Gail to The American Cancer Society or The University of Tennessee Medical Center. Gifts can be made online (https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/give-back/ways-give) or sent to the Office of Philanthropy at: 2121 Medical Center Way, Suite 110, Knoxville, TN 37920.
Gail’s legacy of helping those in need could also be continued at Christmastime by generously giving to and supporting ministries that help provide presents and necessities to local children.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
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Velma “Chestine” Beaty Farr, 92, Powell, passed away peacefully in the care of Sacred Ground Hospice House Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Mrs. Farr was born July 24, 1930, in Forbus.
Chestine graduated as salutatorian from York Institute (High School) in Jamestown in 1948, where she earned a scholarship to attend Tennessee Technological University. At TTU, she studied to become a teacher and later taught school for two years at the elementary school she attended as well as York Institute. She later attended the Tennessee School of Beauty in Oak Ridge and then ran her own shop in Claxton for a few years, Edgemoor Beauty Shop. Her business and beauty skills later came to benefit her whole family when she became the in-house beautician for her children, grandchildren, and other beloved family members.
In the summer of 1952, Chestine’s cousin invited her to spend the summer in Dayton, Ohio. It was while she was working in Ohio, that Chestine met her future husband, Bruce Jackson Farr. Bruce, a Marine from Tennessee, was working in Dayton as well. They met on July 13, 1952, and he claims to this day, that it was the luckiest day of his life. They married on Nov. 8, 1952, and were together for 71 years.
Chestine worked outside of her home for many years, but for the most part, she considered herself to be a fulltime homemaker. She enjoyed English and was an avid reader. She taught all three of her children to read by age four and diagram sentences by 7th grade. She ensured that all of her grandchildren were early readers as well. Chestine’s grandchildren loved visiting her and finding toys, puzzles, and arts and crafts activities in the “toy closet” in the hallway in her home to play with her. A proficient seamstress, her sewing skills evolved into a love for quilting and she happily made quilts for multiple family members.
Mrs. Farr was a member of the Tennessee Order of Eastern Star (369 Clinch Valley Chapter) for years. Chestine and Bruce have been members of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church in Knoxville for many years. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping, dressing up, traveling with her husband to Korean War veteran events, and spending time with her family. She had a great sense of humor and always made people laugh.
She was preceded in death by: Parents, James “Caster” and Nova Tennessee (Upchurch) Beaty; son, Ivan Brent Farr; son-in-law, John M. Miller; and sister, Mary Beaty (Fred) Farley.
She is survived by: Husband, Bruce Jackson Farr; daughters, Judy Farr Miller and Jill Farr Browder (Tom) Smith; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Goans Farr; grandchildren, Brandy Miller (Chris) Vachtsevanos, Brittany Browder (Adam) Boone, William Miller, Julia Browder (David) Grubb, Cara Farr (Fiancée, Hunter Smith), and Allison Farr; great-grandchildren, Ellie and Sophia Vachtsevanos, Brighton and Bodey Boone, Elowen Grubb; sister, Gail Beaty (Danny) Voiles; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family will receive friends at Holley Gamble Funeral Home from 10 a.m. - noon Saturday, July 29, 2023, immediately followed with a service officiated by the Rev. Kent Williams.
Graveside service and internment will be at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sacred Ground Residential Hospice or a charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank the staff at NHC Place Farragut and Sacred Ground Hospice House for their wonderful care of Mrs. Farr.
On the evening of Tuesday, July 18, 2023, Steve Brown, a great friend to many, slipped quietly and peacefully into his eternity after a short illness. From the moment in time that he was diagnosed, his wife and family were there to tend to his every need.
In his last week, Steve’s loved ones kept a round-the-clock vigil at his bedside; praying; holding his hands; reminiscing with life stories; and never leaving
his side. Steve was born Feb. 5, 1965, and raised in the Frost Bottom community of Oliver Springs. He was the youngest of eight children and was commonly and affectionately known as “da baby” and “baby brother” throughout his life – even in his adult years. The Brown kids were spread out over approximately 20 years, so growing up, his sisters, Alma and Wilma, tried to spoil him rotten. Because of the age difference, Steve grew up with many of his nieces and nephews. Steve was always outside rounding everyone up to play some sort of ball game. They all hoped they would end up on his team because they knew no matter what sport it was, he played to win. His competitiveness and grit were instilled in him at an early age by his big brother Jim (Big Jim). Most would say, losing wasn’t in his vocabulary. This trait stayed with him throughout life. Growing up, there was never a dull moment around Steve, and it was never known what he would do next. He even made a golf course out of 2-liter Coke bottle bottoms to teach his nieces and nephews how to play. Steve learned to be tough growing up with four older brothers. He survived being trampled by a pony and ran over by a motorcycle — both at the hands of his brother Larry. Steve was known as the “fun uncle” that was adored and revered by all his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Steve attended Oliver Springs schools and even ventured over to Clinton’s rival (Anderson County) for a brief period, but he would soon find out his blood ran orange and black. When love calls, the heart can change, and this is where he met the love of his life, the former Lisa Rena’ Smith. They met while working at the local McDonald’s, and Lisa was one of his managers. Steve learned the importance of respect and keeping the boss happy (this later translated into “happy wife, happy life”). Steve and Lisa were married for 37 years and raised their three children in Clinton. The word “dad” was by far his favorite title and he never took it lightly; however, his grandbabies would tell you that being called “Grandpapa” was the best. Steve was a hands-on dad, always hustlin’ his work buddies at a game of pick-up ball with his daughter, Alicia. He always convinced them to play because “he was only bringing his little girl and he knew they didn’t really have a chance to win.” Needless to say, Steve always left with a big smile on his face saying, “Sorry boys, she’s a ringer.” Because of Steve’s passion for sports, it was only natural that he passed that trait to his children and grandchildren. He was their biggest fan as well as their biggest critic. He could be tough, but he also had a very soft (and big) heart.
Of all the things Steve accomplished in life, he would always say that his children were his greatest accomplishment and his pride and joy. Another thing he passed along was the love for his favorite NFL team, formerly the “Oakland” Raiders.
The biggest contribution one can make to their community is their time. Steve loved sports (all sports) and Steve also loved kids, so it was only natural that he became “Coach Steve.” He was known for always wearing a visor, his loud raspy voice, tough love, and he loved every child he coached, whether it was his own or not. Everyone seemed to love Steve, including most referees and umpires, even when they didn’t always see eye-to-eye. Steve touched the lives of many families throughout his coaching years (Lil’ Rascals, East Tennessee Pearls, Clinton High School Softball, Unleased, Wolfpack, Coalfield, and countless rec teams) and each player, coach, and parent left an impact on him as well. Steve often affectionately referred to his players as his “little knot-heads.” Steve positively encouraged and motivated his teams with statements like “always believe;” “work hard and you will succeed;” and
“never quit.” He had an ability to push players to their full potential while at the same time making competition fun.
Steve was employed for almost 35 years at Techmer PM serving as a Plant Supervisor. His coworkers commonly knew him as their “fearless leader” and he had the reputation for jumping in to help when needed. A few years ago when President Obama visited East Tennessee and toured Techmer PM, Steve was bestowed the honor to help serve as one of his escorts and explained Plant operations. If you ever tried to “one up” Steve, he would reply, “Well, have you ever met the President?!”
Steve was commonly referred to as a jokester and the family comedian. While Steve fought his health battles and his health declined over the past few months, he continued to be an encouragement to others with his sense of humor as there was never self-pity. During his month-long stint in the hospital, in Steve Brown competitive style, he joked with all the nurses about how he was going to win “patient of the week.” He would tell everyone that his wife, Nurse Lisa, “was the best nurse he’d ever had.” He reminded his family often, “I have lived a great life,” and repeatedly told them “it’ll be okay.” Even with
a dim prognosis, Steve fought his illness bravely and courageously while also assuring us that he was ready. S
ome additional strong advice he gave us was, “the past is the past,” and “don’t have hate in your heart.” What a better world we would have if we all lived by Steve’s advice.
Steve sealed his acceptance into heaven as a believer in Jesus Christ and a professed Christian. He was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. Even as Steve exited this world, his competitive spirit was exhibited as he beat older family members to Heaven. No doubt, the welcoming committee at the Pearly Gates included family members: Son, Anthony; parents, Clifton and Ruby Brown; brothers, Terry, Wayne, and Doug; nephew, Jason Griffith; and father-in-law, John Smith.
Steve leaves behind to cherish his memory: Wife and soulmate, Lisa; daughters, Alicia Brown Phillips and Gracie Brown; three grandchildren whom he adored, Harper Phillips, Henley Phillips and Anthony Phillips; brothers, Jim (Connie) of Soddy Daisy and
Larry (Lisa) of Oliver Springs; sisters Alma Lively (Billy) and Wilma Griffith (Bobby Kilgore), both of Oliver Springs; mother and father-in-law, Julie and Lee Barth of Athens; brother-in-law, Greg Smith (Kym) of Andersonville; sister-in-law, Valerie Smith of Andersonville; sister-in-law, Rhonda Brown of Clinton; special extended family, Bruce and Zobie Rockers of Farragut; his Techmer PM family; many extended family members including nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many very special friends.
Steve was also adored and will be missed by his 4-legged family members, Odie and Wolfie.
The life of Steve Brown, “the man, the myth, the legend, the coach,” will be celebrated from 5 – 8 p.m. Monday, July 24, 2023, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton with the service beginning at 8 p.m.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Anderson Memorial Gardens in Clinton. Services will be conducted by Dr. Steve McDonald, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Jimmy Brown, Casey Daugherty, Mark Raines, Kirk Sliger, Brandon Smith, Brian Walker, Jason Webber, and Shane Woods.
Our family invites all of our family and friends to join us as we honor and celebrate a life well lived.
Memorial contributions can be made to Clinton High School basketball/softball programs and mailed to 425 Dragon Drive, Clinton TN 37716.
“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.”
-Unknown