Marilyn “Tut” Portwood
May 29, 2025
Marilyn “Tut” Portwood, 94, passed away peacefully May 29, 2025, at NHC Healthcare in Oak Ridge.
She loved the Lord and spent her life in faithful service to Him. A devoted member of South Clinton Baptist Church for more than 60 years, Marilyn cherished her church family and her pastor, Dr. Roger Pugh. In earlier years, she taught Sunday School and was active in the church choir. She was deeply loved by her neighbors and friends, especially those from South Clinton Baptist.
Marilyn retired from EG&G Instruments, where she worked as an electronics inspector. She enjoyed gardening, swimming and traveling throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Portwood; parents, Jake and Elizabeth Dew; brothers, Joe and Bob Dew; and sisters, Edith Queener, Louis Wallace and Naomi Dew.
Survivors include her daughters, Angela (Scott) Fleming of Clinton and Sharon (Sam) Moore of Morristown; grandsons, Matthew (Carrie) and Russell (Jill); many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her niece, Lana Woods, shared a particularly close bond with Marilyn, and their visits and trips together brought her much joy.
A graveside service was held at Grandview Memorial Garden with Dr. Roger Pugh officiating.
The family expresses deep appreciation to Dona, Jess, McKeena, Amber and Pam for their exceptional, compassionate care; the nurses and staff at NHC; Caris Healthcare for their compassionate caring and guidance; her special friend at NHC, Effie, who cared for her; and her close neighbor Eunice, who fed her and the ladies with wonderful cooking from her kitchen.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to South Clinton Baptist Church, 1000 Clinch Ave., Clinton, TN 37716.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton was in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
James Dale Cox
May 25, 2025
James Dale Cox, 89, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, leaving behind his devoted family to begin his eternal life in heaven.
Born on June 26, 1935, in Clinton, Tennessee, Dale graduated from Clinton High School in 1954, where he played multiple sports and was active in the Future Farmers of America. In 1971, he moved his family to South Florida in search of a warmer climate, greater job opportunities, and a better life for his loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joyce Foust Cox; his parents, Joe L. and Rose E. Cox; and his grandson, J. Joshua Cox.
Dale is survived by his children, J. Alan Cox (Tracy), Susan E. Artz (Ray), G. Brian Cox (Kym), and Rebecca A. Swavely (Brad); 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Dale took great pride in the many ways he provided for his family and served his community. He served in the Tennessee Army National Guard and worked as a lineman for CUB, KUB, and Florida Power & Light. He was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), holding multiple leadership roles, and was active in local PTA and booster clubs. He also coached several recreational sports teams for his children.
He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found joy in fishing, hunting, gardening, or simply watching nature from the porch. After retiring, he and Joyce spent their summers in Clinton and winters in South Florida, where he continued to focus on family, gardening and a growing passion for saltwater fishing.
Those who knew Dale had a variety of positive things to say about his impact on their lives. His advice, guidance, wealth of practical knowledge, encouragement and generosity of his time to friends and community was endless. He valued hard work and dedication to family and friends, with expectations of himself setting the right example. Having “never met a stranger,” there was seldom a time when he wouldn’t run into someone he knew or had a common friend with; and with genuine sincerity he always wanted to hear how everyone was doing and what they were up to.
A man of quiet giving, Dale made many unsolicited donations to churches and charities close to his heart, including Second Baptist Church of Clinton, Deep Springs Baptist Church in Heiskell, Black Oak Baptist Church of Clinton where he attended with his family before moving to Florida, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Dale was a fan of flowers in his yard and nature, but not so much for cut flowers. In lieu of flowers, he would be pleased if donations were made to one of his favorite churches or charity.
The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Woodhaven Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 160 Edgemoor Road, Powell, with a service to follow.
Harold Eugene “Gene” Holcomb
May 25, 2025
Harold Eugene “Gene” Holcomb, 85, of Clinton passed away peacefully May 25, 2025, at NHC HealthCare in Oak Ridge.
He was born Dec. 17, 1939, in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in Bolton, where he attended West Fulton High School. A sports enthusiast, Harold earned a football scholarship to the University of Georgia, where he studied business finance.
He began his professional career as manager of GAC Finance in Bremen, Georgia, and served in the Army National Guard. After relocating to Tennessee, he worked for 14 years as manager and vice president of the loan department at TVA Employees Credit Union. Prior to retiring, he found great enjoyment in sales and held both a Tennessee real estate broker license and an insurance license.
Harold was a member of Black Oak Baptist Church in Clinton and of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerald and Gussie Bell Holcomb; brother, Jack Holcomb; and sisters, Bonnie Armstrong, Mattie Fout, Ann Linsey, Wynell Roper, Dean Webb and Virginia Holcomb.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Bobbie Mitchell Holcomb; daughter, Gina Courtney and son-in-law, John Courtney; granddaughters, Katie Farrar and Abigail Courtney; and grandson, John Ryan Courtney, all of Clinton; as well as special nieces, Jamie May and Letha Reschke, both of Georgia.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Harold’s physicians, Dr. Niva Misra of Summit Medical Group and Dr. Michael Thompson of Thompson Oncology Group, and to the caring staff at NHC HealthCare and Caris Hospice, all of Oak Ridge.
In accordance with Harold’s wishes, interment will take place at Riverview Memorial Gardens in Smyrna, Georgia.
A memorial service will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, 621 S. Charles G. Seivers Blvd., Clinton. Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. holleygamble.com
Wilma Patricia Shoun
May 21, 2025
Wilma Patricia Shoun, 84, passed away May 21, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
She was born Sept. 22, 1940, in Roxboro, North Carolina, to Bernard and Wilma Loftis.
In her spare time, Wilma enjoyed watching murder mysteries and often joked that she had missed her calling to be a detective.
She also loved a hearty Southern meal — especially when it included cornbread. It was not uncommon for her to eat a pan a day.
Wilma found joy in caring for her two beloved cats, Sally and Patches. Wilma loved her cats so much and looked forward to taking care of them every day.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle Shoun; and her son, Curtis Scott Woods.
She is survived by her stepson, Doyle Shoun Jr.; stepdaughter, Loretta Trent; sister, Phyllis Hutchinson; step-grandchildren, Alisha (Andrew) Berger and Sasha (Derek) Ciuffini; niece, Mitzi (Gary) Parsons; nephew, Todd (Sharon) Hutchinson; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, other extended family members and friends.
A private graveside service will be held at Norris Memorial Garden.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Charles E. Fowler Jr.
May 21, 2025
Charles E. Fowler Jr., 91, passed away from this life Wednesday, May 21, 2025. A devoted Christian, he was the son of the late Charles E. Fowler Sr. and Kathleen Rhyne Fowler.
Charles was a longtime member of Zion Baptist Church and a current member of South Clinton Baptist Church, where he was active and had grown up as a child.
He graduated from Clinton High School in 1951 and attended the University of Tennessee. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean conflict.
Charles owned Fowler Electric Co. in Clinton for many years, and retired from Oak Ridge National Laboratory after 34 years of service. In retirement, Charles and his wife, Betty, traveled extensively. He also enjoyed woodworking, camping, hiking, playing the QChord and singing with the Grace Noters Musical Group. He was a man of many God-given talents.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Betty Jane Lane Fowler; grandson, Mark Wolfenbarger; sister, Irene Fowler Steadman and her husband, Claude; brothers, Paul Fowler and wife, Ruth, and Bruce Fowler; and brother-in-law, James Clyde Lane Jr.
He is survived by his daughters, Janie Wolfenbarger (Marvin) of Luttrell and Andrea Dawn O’Neal (Keith) of Blaine; son, Douglas Kelvin Fowler (Cathryn) of Colorado; grandchildren, Aaron and Nathan Wolfenbarger (Kristen), Brendan O’Neal, Teryn Espinar-Bastidas (Ricardo), Zaira O’Neal, Lauren Meyer, Hannah Musick and Caitlyn Puhl; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Eve Wolfenbarger, Paul, Asher and Ruth Wolfenbarger, Jackson, Benjamin and Elliott Meyer, and Max and Bodie Musick.
He is also survived by sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Lee Price (Ray), Helen Fowler and Edith Lane; and many nieces and nephews, including Shirley Elder, Margaret Tackett, Dennis Fowler, Debbie Crocker, Holly Smith, Heather Brittan, Nathan Fowler, David, Danielle, Jae J, Cindy, Kyna and Nikki.
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Grandview Memorial Garden, with full military honors.
The family requests memorials be made to the South Clinton Baptist Church Building Fund, 1000 Clinch Ave., Clinton, TN 37716.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
Shirley Ann ‘Tootie’ Krebs
May 20, 2025
Shirley Ann “Tootie” Krebs, 93, of Clinton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Canterfield of Oak Ridge Assisted Living.
Tootie was born March 12, 1932, in Southgate, Kentucky, to Edward William and Aileen Elizabeth Simon.
She attended St. Therese Catholic School in Southgate, where she met her future husband, George Henry Krebs Sr. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in Covington, Kentucky, and married George in February 1954 following his return from service in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Together, they raised four children.
In 1969, the Krebs family relocated to Clinton, where they owned and operated Krebs Chevrolet for 22 years. Tootie served as office manager and bookkeeper, a skill she developed working for her father at Simon & Fischer Oldsmobile in Newport, Kentucky.
A devout Catholic, Tootie was a founding member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Clinton. She was active in the Council of Catholic Women, participated in Bible study groups, sponsored numerous converts through the RCIA process, and promoted devotion to the Divine Mercy. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her sister, Donna Timmers; sons, Dr. George Krebs Jr. (Myra) and Joe Krebs (Chantel); daughters, Lori Puryear and Julie Edmondson (Carl); grandchildren, Sarah Burns (Joseph), Alex Krebs (Emma), Katie Schreiber (Bryan), Andrew Cook, Ryan Cook, Matthew Puryear, Blake Edmondson (Kelsey) and Peyton Krebs; stepgrandchildren, Branton Brown, Dan Edmondson (Andrea), Josh Edmondson (Charity), Katie Meister (Jon), Carla Pimental (Mike), Cory Richardson and Cameron Richardson (Carolyn); great-grandchildren, Avalyn Maier, Josie Burns, Keaton Schreiber and Kaiden Schreiber; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, William “Bill” E. Simon and his wife, Dixie; brother-in-law, Paul “Tim” H. Timmers; and son-in-law, Marshall H.
The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the administration and staff of Canterfield of Oak Ridge Assisted Living, Tanya Maxie, R.N., of Covenant Hospice of Oak Ridge, and Theresa Tinch, Tootie’s devoted sitter and friend. Special thanks also to Father Dennis Kress, pastor of St. Therese Catholic Church, and Deacon Dan Hosford of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Norris, for their weekly visits, prayers and spiritual support.
The family will receive friends at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Clinton. A funeral mass will follow at 10:30 a.m., with interment immediately afterward at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Building Debt Reduction Fund at St. Therese Catholic Church, 701 S. Charles G. Seivers Blvd., Clinton, TN 37716, or the Employee Appreciation Fund at Canterfield of Oak Ridge, 200 Bus Terminal Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Please note all donations are in memory of Tootie Krebs.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
Kathy Diane Fairbanks
May 19, 2025
Kathy Diane Fairbanks, 64, passed away May 19, 2025, at her residence in Clinton.
She was born on July 19, 1960, in Knoxville.
In her spare time, Kathy enjoyed crocheting, working word searches, and watching Judge Judy.
She was always accompanied by laughter, known as the “class clown” of every gathering, and never shied away from some juicy gossip. She especially loved spending time with her family, and cherished her role as “Granny” to her grandbabies.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents, Robert and Dorothy Wilkerson; and brother-in-law, John Jones.
She is survived by her husband, Douglas Fairbanks; sons, Tony (Rebecca) Fairbanks and Adam (Carmen) Fairbanks; daughters, Brittany Davis, Elizabeth Davis (Austin Saltkill), Holly (Daniel) Wiles, Kelly (Adam) Detwiler and Kristen (Erik) Behan; and sisters, Vicki Jones and Janet (Fred) Myers.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Samuel, Amara and Malachi Knox; Miles Saltkill; Caden, Chloe, Westin and Maci Detwiler; Derek Wiles; Alison and Lily Behan; and Tucker Fairbanks.
Other survivors include her niece, Renee Jones; nephew, Bruce Jones; and a host of other family and friends.
The family received friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. Following the visitation, friends and family met at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery for a graveside service. The Rev. Tim Day officiated.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Millie L. Hendrix Beets
May 19, 2025
Millie L. Hendrix Beets, 96, passed away Monday, May 19, 2025, in Clinton.
Millie was a member of Hillvale Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, and tending her flower garden.
Throughout her life, she traveled extensively, living in several countries during her husband’s military career.
She was employed by Community Action in Clinton for 15 years and enjoyed volunteer work.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred L. Beets; parents, H.L. Hendrix and Stella Braden Hendrix; sisters, Artie Smith and Della Wilcox; and brothers, Carl Hendrix, Floyd Hendrix and Leon Hendrix.
She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Battle and Linda Golden, both of Clinton; son, Eddie Beets and wife, Debi, of Clinton; grandchildren, Ashley Battle and Melinda Fisher, Margaret Gore and husband, Joe, Brian Mayes, Leslie Hutson, Jordan Beets and wife, Lacy, and Tanner Beets and Meagen; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by a special nephew, John Hatfield and wife, Lisa, as well as several other nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary. The funeral followed at 8 p.m. Pastor Bill Boggs officiated.
Family and friends met at Jones Mortuary at 9 a.m. Friday, May 23, and traveled in procession to Foust Cemetery for a 10 a.m. graveside service.
Jones Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Millie Beets.
