DR. GENE CALDWELL
March 8, 2017
Dr. Gene Caldwell, beloved pediatrician who often said he was the luckiest guy in the world, died Saturday, March 4, 2017, at NHC of Oak Ridge from congestive heart failure. He would have turned 85 in 10 days.
He had suffered a cardiac arrest more than a year ago while visiting family in Colorado. His daughter Debbie Bader and his grandson Jeremy Birdwhistell called paramedics and instituted CPR, restoring Gene to life. Although the episode slowed him down, it didn’t change his characteristic positive attitude, and Gene continued to claim he was the luckiest man on Earth.
Born Marvin Gene Caldwell to Georgie B. and Evelyn Brown Pruett Caldwell on March 14, 1932, he grew up on his parents’ farm in Woodland Mills in Tennessee’s Obion County. From the beginning, Gene knew the importance of education. As a student at Woodland Mills High School, he learned that in order to gain admission to the University of Tennessee, he needed a credit in an advanced math course that his school didn’t offer. It was decided that the principal would order the math textbook and teach Gene, and Gene in turn would teach the subject to his fellow students.
Gene graduated from the University of Tennessee’s College of Agriculture in 1953 with a bachelor of science degree in agronomy. At UT he was a founding member, No. 009, of Alpha Gamma Rho, the fraternity of agriculture students, and he and his fellow members, plus their spouses, became lifelong friends who held reunions twice a year. Gene never missed a UT Homecoming.
He joined the U.S. Navy while still at UT. After graduation in 1953 he married Bobbie McCoy, also from West Tennessee and a UT graduate. He and his young family were stationed in Portsmouth, Va., in 1954, and the following year they moved to Nashville, where he worked as a recruiter for the Navy. While there he did postgraduate work at Vanderbilt University, with an eye toward attending medical school. He always enjoyed teasing his Vanderbilt friends about going to Vanderbilt to get his grades up so he would be admitted to UT medical school.
He was indeed admitted to UT medical school in 1956 and graduated in 1959. Following graduation he was stationed at the Naval hospitals Boston, Mass., and in Portsmouth, Va., and completed his internship at Boston Naval Hospital. He spent 1963-66 at the Naval hospital in Millington, achieving the rank of lieutenant commander. In 1966 the family moved to Oak Ridge, where Gene, a board-certified pediatrician, began his practice with the Children’s Clinic of Oak Ridge. He retired in 1994 after 27 years.
Gene and Bobbie always shared an active interest in politics and the Democratic Party in particular. In 1996 he successfully ran for office to represent the 33rd District in the Tennessee House of Representatives. He served three terms in the House, retiring in 2002. His wife, Bobbie, died in 2004.
Gene was always involved in community affairs. He served on the UT Board of Governors and was also an active volunteer in several political campaigns. He was a member of the Breakfast Rotary Club and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He also belonged to the East Tennessee Economic Council.
Among his many honors were receiving ETEC’s “Muddy Boot” Award for inspirational leadership, and the Home Federal Hometown Hero Award. In 1966 he was named one of the Outstanding Young Men of America by the National Jaycees organization. In 1992 he was awarded the Eugene Joyce Achievement Award, and in 1995 he received a prestigious Chapter Achievement Award created in his honor by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In 2012 he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam for his dedication and compassionate work on behalf of children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. Several days prior to his death, longtime friend state Sen. Randy McNally delivered a Proclamation from the Governor for his outstanding service to the state of Tennessee.
In 2008, after the Anderson County Commission asked the Emory Valley Center to leave the Daniel Arthur Building in Oak Ridge, Gene and Dottie Thompson, the second love of his life, became co-chairmen of the Capital Campaign to raise funds for a new building to house the Emory Valley Center. The building, to be dedicated the Caldwell-Thompson Building, is nearing completion, and Gene had hoped to attend the ribbon-cutting, set for late spring.
He greatly enjoyed reading, walking the Emory Valley Trail, and attending Oak Ridge High School basketball games. He particularly loved following the UT Lady Vols and nearly always attended their championship games. After his retirement, he visited 36 different countries, trekking through noted gardens in many of them. He enjoyed going to the Oak Ridge Playhouse and in later years he developed a strong interest in attending musical performances.
Gene was preceded in death just one week earlier by his sister Carol.
He is survived by: Three daughters, Debbie Bader and her husband Curt of Virginia, Amanda Caldwell and her husband Jimmy Long of Oak Ridge, and Jennifer Weaver and her husband Chris of Knoxville; and by a son, Randy Caldwell of Munich, Germany.
His daughter Sarah Caldwell died in 1983.
He is also survived by: Eight grandchildren, Nathan and Jeremy Birdwhistell, Ian Caldwell, Cameron and Bailey Weaver, and Sean, Sarah and Adam Spaid; three step-grandchildren, Hannah, Emily and Jacob Long; and five great-grandchildren, Jason and Katie Birdwhistell, and Hailey, Kelsey and Harper Birdwhistell.
The family request that any memorials be in the form of gifts to the Emory Valley Center Capital Campaign, for which he worked so passionately the last years of his life. Contributions should specify the Capital Campaign of the Emory Valley Center, P.O. Box 5328, Oak Ridge, TN 37831.
The body was to be cremated.
The family will receive friends from 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, which is handling arrangements. The address is 675 S. Charles Seivers Blvd.
VIRGINIA BROOKS CROWE
March 8, 2017
Virginia Brooks Crow, 92, Clinton, went to be with the Lord March 4, 2017.
She was born at home in Anderson County to the late Charlie and Margaret Brooks. She grew up on the family farm where along with her brother and sisters had many chores. She attended Fairview Elementary School, Norris High School and Knoxville Business School, which led to her job as a secretary at Jewel Tea Company.
Virginia married the boy next door, George W. Crow, and settled down on his adjacent family farm where they had three sons. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Anderson County Highway Department and later for the state Social Service Office from which she retired at age 75. Baking for family and friends was a joy for Virginia. She was a Matron in the Eastern Star, and for her entire life was very involved with Moore’s Gap United Methodist Church where she played the piano and led the choir.
In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by: Husband, George W. Crow; sisters, Grace Walker, Maude King and Violet Geis; brother, J Will Brooks.
She is survived by: Three sons, Steve (Linda) Crowe, Sidney (Gena) Crowe, and Wes (Chris) Crow; grandchildren, Nicole (Greg) Randall, Daniel Crowe, Alyson Crow, and Hannah Crow; great-granddaughter, Kadance Crow; sister, Betty (Bobby) Mosteller of Chatsworth, Ga.; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home from noon – 2 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2017, immediately followed by the funeral service. Interment will follow at Norris Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Moore’s Gap United Methodist Church, 164 Moore’s Gap Road, Heiskell, TN 37754.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
www.holleygamble.com
RANDY LEON DUNCAN
March 8, 2017
Randy Leon Duncan, 55, Clinton, passed away peacefully at his home March 4, 2017.
He was a member of Gospel Baptist Church and employee of Carlisle Tire and Wheel. He was a former firefighter with the Clinton Fire Department and was an avid go cart racer and loved bowling, all Vol sports, NASCAR and the Dallas Cowboys.
He was preceded in death by: Parents, Leon and Lou Duncan and niece, B. J. Miller Brown
He is survived by: Sisters, Debra Langlois and Linda Miller both of Clinton; nephews, Jason Rush, Jeremy Miller, Josh Langlois; niece, Holly Langlois; great-nieces and nephews, Kahlea and Gabriel Brown, Lilly, Lydia and Lexi Baldwin, Jason Jr., Sydnie, Kaleb, Janessa, and Leon Rush; uncle, Larry Bailey; feline companion, Snowball; many cousins and a host of friends
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2017, in the Chapel of Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.
Funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Rev. Bill Roop officiating.
Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2017, to proceed to Woodhaven Memorial Gardens for a graveside service at 11 a.m.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all services.
www.holleygamble.com
WANDA A. HILL
March 8, 2017
Wanda A. Hill, Clinton, entered eternal peace Tuesday Feb. 28, 2017, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
Wanda was born Oct. 6, 1934, daughter of the late William and Anna Mae Lee. She attended Clinton High in Clinton. She married the late Charles H. Hill Sr. in May 1950.
Wanda was a kind soul. She selflessly cared for her son, following his car accident, for more than 34 thirty-four years. She loved and cared for animals.
She was predeceased by: Beloved husband, Charles Hill Sr.; mother, Anna Mae Osborn; and siblings, Charles Lee and Roy Sullivan.
She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by: Children, Vickie Adams, Deborah Evans, Mitzi (Edward) Straub, and Charles H. Hill Jr.; grandchildren, Ali Benore, Thomas (Monique) Loope, Sherri (Sean) Golder, and Alexander Adams; and great-grandchildren, Thomas, Taylor, Tanner and Trevor Loope and Theodore and Tiffany Ozanski.
Wanda’s graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Sunset Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the The Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
MR. JESSIE MOORE
March 8, 2017
Mr. Jessie Moore, 86, Clinton, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2017, at Summit View of Rocky Top.
He was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church.
Preceded in death by: Parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Currier Moore; wife, Doris Moore; brothers, Goldman, Avon, Joe, and Granville Moore.
Survived by: Son, Jeff Moore (Robin Robinett) of Clinton; daughter, Judy (Lyle) Craig of Knoxville; step-daughters, Jean, Ann, Faye, Wanda and Louise; sisters, Jo Ann (Jack) Hill of Clinton, Cora Lee (Clifford) Wilson of Clinton, Mary (Cecil) Cate of Powell; grandchildren, Corporal Tyler Moore of the U.S. Marine, First Class Petty Officer Jeremy (Amber) Craig of the U.S. Navy, Eric (Aime) Craig of Atlanta, Ga.; several step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017, with funeral services following at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Holley-Gamble Funeral Home with Reverend Kenny Rains officiating.
Family and friends met at 1:45 p.m. Sunday, March 5, 2017, at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens for a graveside service at 2 p.m.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
www.holleygamble.com
ESTHER LEE ‘LOWE’ PARKS
March 8, 2017
Esther Lee “Lowe” Parks, 83, of the Laurel Grove Community, passed away peacefully in the arms of her loving daughter, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at her residence.
She was born Feb. 5, 1934, in Anderson County to the late Mikey Lowe and Evalena Smith.
Esther was a member of Laurel Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 55 years, where she loved her Sunday school class. Esther enjoyed quilting, crocheting, canning pickles and green beans for her grandchildren. Before her illness, she took great pride in her Sunday dinner for her family.
In addition to her parents, Esther was preceded in death by: Husband, Ivan “Mike” Parks; son, Ivan Parks Jr.; brothers, Leon, Alvin, and Luther Lough; sisters, Helen Brown and Gladys Hensley; niece, Lillian Brown; and nephews, Mikey Lough and Brian Strickland.
Survivors include: Daughter, Rita Parks Durham and James of Laurel Grove; daughter-in-law, Lorry Parks of Oliver Springs; brothers, Albert Lough and Lilly Faye of Oliver Springs, Lloyd Lough of Frost Bottom; grandchildren, Carrie Giles and Robbie of Clinton, Michael Parks and Amanda of Andersonville, Chris Harness and Crystal of Halls, James “BJ” Durham and Ashley of Heiskell, Daniel Parks and Tonya of Knoxville, Desiree Black and Darren of Halls; the loves of her life; great-grandchildren, Matthew Harness, Gracie and Ethan Giles, Noah, Abram, Ezekiel Parks, Jameson and Jonathan Durham, Aubrey and Dalton Black; very best friend, Lillian Hooks; several other family members and friends.
The family would like to thank Charlie, Darlene, and Jillian with Amedysis Hospice for their loving care.
Visitation was from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City.
Funeral service was at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at Laurel Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Briceville with the Rev. David White and Brother Audrey Goins officiating.
Interment followed the funeral service at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Briceville.
You can also visit Esther’s Guestbook at: www.hatmakerfuneralhome.com
Hatmaker Funeral Home, Lake City, was in charge of arrangements.
FRANCIS C. ‘WOODY’ UNDERWOOD
March 8, 2017
Francis C. “Woody” Underwood, 81, Jacksboro, passed away Feb. 28, 2017, at his residence.
He was born Aug. 10, 1935, to the late George Lee and Lissie Elizabeth Thompson Underwood in Anderson County.
Woody was an entrepreneur who had his hand in many endeavors. He was a man of boundless energy and optimism. Woody was an experienced timberman, and owned and operated sawmills for many years. He was owner and operator of Woody’s Market in Jacksboro also for a number of years. He was a member of the Church of Christ. No one ever outworked Woody. He was a man of great physical strength, and considered a firm handshake between friends to be a great virtue. He was a man of his word.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: Twin brother, Franklin D. Underwood; sisters, Jerrilene DeLozier and husband George, Alline Dinkins and husband Ralph, and Suzie Cooper and husband Sam; and step-daughter, Janice Pinner.
Survived by: Wife of 44 years, JoAnn Underwood; daughters, Debora Sue Underwood, Junelle Lewis and husband Bobby; step-children, Richard K. Broyles and wife Dixie, Leisa Biggs, Eddie Worley, Denise Worley; brothers, H. Eugene Underwood and wife Patsy, Max Underwood and wife Reba; sister, Junie Gilliam and husband Larry; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.
Family and friends met at the Holley-Gamble Funeral Home at 1p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017, for a memorial service with nephew Robbie Underwood officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Children in Crisis at New Pathways for Children at P.O. Box 10, Melber, KY 42069 or Amedisys Hospice Care. www.holleygamble.com
