Donal Lee Sharp
January 25, 2026
Donal Lee Sharp, 80, of Heiskell went to be with the Lord Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
He was a member of Deep Springs Baptist Church in Heiskell.
Donal worked as a logger in his younger years and also built homes and farmed. He was a quiet man until you got to know him — but to know him was to love him. He was a devoted family man who loved his children and grandchildren dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Odra Lee and Beulah Mae Sharp.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sandra Sharp; son, Franklin Sharp and wife, Amber; daughter, Donna Heath; grandchildren, Kaylee Raines (David), Emmalee Heath, Brandon Heath, Maggie Sharp and Johnse Sharp; and many special friends.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at Jones Mortuary in Clinton, with a funeral to follow at 7 p.m. with the Revs. Matthew Prosise and Dale Parker officiating.
A graveside service and interment will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at Wolf Valley Cemetery in Heiskell with the Rev. James Hamock officiating.
Jones Mortuary of Clinton is honored to serve the family of Donal Lee Sharp.
Patricia Ann D’Andrea Sandlin
January 20, 2026
Patricia Ann D’Andrea Sandlin passed away Jan. 20, 2026. Known affectionately as “Patti,” she lived a life guided by faith and strong family values. Her family was her greatest prority. Patti was the devoted mother of four amazing children, a loving grandmother to five grandchildren, and a proud great-grandmother to one great-grandson.
She was the beloved daughter of Francis and Nina D’Andrea, a sister, an aunt, and a loving presence to her many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Patti is survived by her children, Billy Ray Sandlin; Shelly Ann Sandlin Jones and husband Ronald Dwayne Jones; Charles Hugh Wayne Sandlin; and Nina Francis Sandlin; grandchildren, Shelby Leann Sandlin, Ronald Dwayne Jones Jr., Cloe Shyann Sandlin Fox, Aimee Lynne Sandlin, and Charlene Grace Sandlin; and great-grandson, Leon Dallas Fox.
She is also survived by her siblings, Teryse “Teri” D’Andrea (Kenneth Anson), Anthony “Tony” D’Andrea (Kristy), Joseph “Joey” D’Andrea (Breanna), and James “Jimmy” D’Andrea (Mandy); aunts, Grace D’Andrea Fort and Francine Jessel Mendoza (Paul Mendoza); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Patti was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Wayne Sandlin; her parents, Francis Joseph D’Andrea and Nina Lorraine Jessel D’Andrea; her brother, Francis “Frankie” D’Andrea; and her uncle, Marcello Joseph Fort.
Family was always at the center of Patti’s life. She treasured her many phone calls with her Aunt Grace, and as it became harder for her to travel, her world remained full through a wide circle of conversations and connections. She maintained a full chain of relationships, staying close to so many people through calls filled with love, laughter, and care.
If you were lucky enough to be loved by Patti, you knew it. She made sure to tell you — every time. “Love you, always and forever” was how she ended her letters, texts, and phone calls, a reflection of the way she lived and loved.
Patti was also an eight-year cancer survivor who fought a brave and determined fight with quiet strength and grace. Throughout her journey, she continued to care for others, often sharing comforting, heartfelt recipes as another way of showing love and empathy.
As I was privileged to stay with my sister during her final days, I witnessed the love that surrounded her. I heard whispers of “I’ll miss her forever,” “She loved me when I couldn’t even love myself,” and others softly saying, “She was my best friend.”
She was my sister, my first roommate, and a steady source of love, laughter, and light in my life. To witness a life lived with such love is a gift I will carry always.
Her life was truly a life well lived.
She will be loved and missed beyond words.
This was how Patti always ended her conversations with me:
“Love you, always and forever.
“Your Sis”
William Battle Fellers
January 19, 2026
William Battle Fellers, 72, of Clinton passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Jan. 19, 2026.
He was born April 27, 1953, in Oak Ridge to Henry and Jessie Fellers.
A 1971 graduate of Oak Ridge High School, Bill went on to earn a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Tennessee in 1976.
He worked as an electrician at Oak Ridge National Laboratory for 32 years and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Bill married Deborah Wilson in 1978, and they shared 47 years of marriage. He was a devoted husband, a loving father to his two daughters, Jessica and Hillary, and was later blessed with a grandson, Will. He enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling to new places together. Bill was an avid car enthusiast and could often be found detailing cars or attending car shows on the weekends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Jessie Fellers, and by his brother, John Fellers.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Fellers of Clinton; daughters, Jessica Fellers of Clinton and Hillary Fellers of Knoxville; and grandson, Will. He is also survived by his brother, Henry Fellers; and sister, Mary Lou Yoder.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at Mott-McKamey Funeral Home in Oak Ridge. A funeral will follow in the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society. .
Mott-McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Fellers family.
Melvina Janie Bridges
January 18, 2026
Melvina Janie Bridges, 81, of Rocky Top went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026.
She had a strong testimony of faith and was a faithful, longtime member of West Side Baptist Church. Known lovingly as “Mamaw” and “Nanny” to many, Melvina never turned away anyone in need.
She enjoyed cooking, fishing, camping, hunting ginseng and tending to her flowers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Georgia Walker; husband, Lawrence Bridges; sister, Carolyn West; and great-grandchild, Savannah Kohler.
Melvina memory is carried on by her beloved children, the Rev. Eddie and Anna Bridges of Clinton, and Rebecca and David Brooks of Heiskell; grandchildren, Melinda Mayes and Jay Smith, the Rev. Jeremy and LeeAnn Bridges, and Jennifer and Jarred Stephens; great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Wendy Kohler, Ryan Mays, Lula Bridges, Elsie Bridges, Jeb Bridges, Ruby Bridges and James Bridges; and great-great-grandchild, Savannah-Grace Kohler.
She is also survived by brothers, the Rev. David and Diane Walker of Lake City, and Gary and Frances Walker of Lake City; sisters, Kathy Jenkins of Caryville, Debbie and Joe Harness of Caryville, and Donna and Brian Carlton of Clinton; and close friend and neighbor, Joan Leonard.
A private viewing was held Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Jones Mortuary in Clinton. A graveside service and interment took place Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Mountain View Cemetery in Rocky Top, with the Rev. Jeremy Bridges and the Rev. Kyle McDowell officiating.
Jones Mortuary of Clinton is honored to have served the family of Melvina Bridges.
Billie Charles ‘Bill’ Russell
January 17, 2026
Billie Charles “Bill” Russell, 71, of Clinton, passed away Friday, Jan. 17, 2026, at The Waters of Clinton.
The family extends special thanks to the staff and nurses at The Waters for taking great care of him.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, Billie Gene Russell; brothers, John Russell and Tom Russell; and sister, Jenny Bradfield.
He is survived by his mother, Margarete Russell; sister-in-law, Carla Brewer, and her children, Stephen Shipley and Matthew Davis; brother-in-law, Rick Bradfield; and nieces and nephews, Jade Russell (and fiancé Matt Garrett), Danieal Boliver, Renee Taylor, Allie Rosenbalm, Canon Martin, Luke Rosenbalm, Landrie Rosenbalm, Stacey York (and husband Jeff York), Aaron York, Andrew York and Amber York. He is also survived by special friends, Jeremy and Joshua Hargett.
Per his request, no formal services were held. However, visitation took place from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton.
A graveside service followed at 3:30 p.m. at Grandview Memorial Garden.
The family is forever grateful to all who cared for Bill throughout his 71 years.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to have served the Russell family.
holleygamble.com
Ollie Sue Livingston
January 15, 2026
Ollie Sue Livingston, 74, of Clinton passed away Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at Methodist Medical Center.
She was born Jan. 10, 1952, to Denver Green and Lucille Robbins. Ollie enjoyed bird watching, gardening in her flower beds and spending time with her beloved family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Denver and Lucille Green.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Larry Livingston; sons, Matthew Livingston and wife Lindsay, and Marcus Livingston; a sister, Emma Gene; and six grandchildren.
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home Chapel in Clinton.
The funeral followed at 7 p.m. Interment will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. holleygamble.com
Jack Rucker
January 14, 2026
Jack Rucker, 77, took his last breath Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at around 7:10 p.m., with his beloved wife, Beth, by his side.
Jack began life Sept. 18, 1948, in LaFollette, Tennessee. Shortly after, his family moved to Upland, California, where he spent the first 30 years of his life. In California, he is remembered with love by his niece, Lori, and nephew, Jimmy, along with other cherished family members. Early on in his California life, he met Joe Cebellas and promptly nicknamed him ‘Pinky.” They remained lifelong devoted friends.
An adventurer at heart, Jack was known for his keen curiosity regarding those around him. His journey eventually brought him back to Tennessee — Andersonville, specifically — where he met up with many new friends and cohorts in his multiple escapades. In 1995, he met Beth, a good-looking blonde with beautiful eyes and a fiercely loving personality. Their first date was over pizza at Mr. Gatti’s, subsequently finding themselves on long meandering drives and very shortly realizing they belonged together in a love which endured. Their adventures were numerous and, sometimes, notorious. Each was talkative and engaging, acquiring multiple friendships along the way.
In honor of Jack’s gift for friendly chat, Beth nicknamed him ‘Jaws’. He spent countless hours with friends at Tommy’s Garage, where he worked on cars and swapped stories. He considered Tommy Martin and Joe Alley his brothers. “Talk time” with Dennis York — also considered a brother — at the Git n Go along with other numerous friends in the Andersonville and Clinton areas made Jack’s life fun and full. These comrades and their families became Jack and Beth’s family.
He was especially close to Jaime and Hugo, co-owners of Habaneros Restaurants. Years ago, they nicknamed him “Cheech and Chong” after he pulled up in his roadster — yet another nickname was born.. Jack proudly played Santa Claus at the restaurant and treasured the time he spent there.
As Jack and Beth merged their friendships, each considered the other’s friends their own allies as well. Beth’s friend, Georgia, became a trusted marble-playing partner and confidante to Jack, especially in recent years. He also held deep appreciation for Marion Davis and many other neighbors and friends. His neighbors Jessica and Ryan, along with their children, Marky, Esco and Jack, brought joy and laughter during difficult times.
There was a very special spot in Jack’s heart for a young man with a warm giving soul and a special haircut which elicited a nickname ‘Freeway’.
Among Jack’s most cherished relationships was with Roy “Freeway” Trujillo, a young man he and Beth came to love like a son. Jack held deep pride in Freeway’s success as a restaurant owner and father.
There are truly too many friends to name. They know who they are. Jack was sincere with his friendship and appreciation for others in his life.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Rucker and Gert Smith; his brothers, Tommy and Jimmy Rucker; and his uncle, Jack Rucker.
Jack loved and is loved passionately in return by his wife, Beth. He is also survived by his cousin Debbie Reed, for whom he held a special regard; many other beloved cousins; and a host of dear friends who were like family. Jack’s in-laws—David, Elaine, Ellen and Andrew—and their families loved and appreciated him deeply. He had a particularly close bond with Erin Torbett, whom he considered more daughter than niece.
Jack was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, Jan. 26, at Vista De Rio Restaurant, 1625 Oak Ridge Highway, Clinton. Friends and family are welcome to gather any time after 1 p.m. The celebration will continue as long as stories are shared and memories are honored.
Robert Stanley French
January 13, 2026
Robert Stanley French, 76, of Anderson County bid farewell to this world on Jan. 13, 2026.
He was born on June 21, 1949, in Knoxville. A proud graduate of Carter High School, Robert was known for his athletic talent. Following his passion for service, he later served in the U.S. Army, demonstrating his commitment to his country.
Robert found joy in the outdoors — fishing quiet waters and camping under the stars were among his favorite pastimes. He was known for his quick wit. He had a natural talent for lightening the mood with his jokes and charming personality.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James French and Nellie Smith French.
Robert will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his son, Robert “Tyler” French of Clinton; brothers, Jim French and wife Lisa of Sevierville, and Mike French and wife Janis of Strawberry Plains; sisters, Glenda Brock of Clinton, and Rebecca Donehew of Virginia. He is also survived by his special friend, Mylina French of Andersonville, and several nieces and nephews.
A man of integrity, Robert Stanley French leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will continue to warm the hearts of those who knew him..
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home, with the funeral following. Interment will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at Cate Cemetery in New Market.
