DR. JOSEPH RAINEY
December 13, 2023
Join us in celebrating the 88 years of the life of Dr. Joseph Rainey, Sept. 8, 1935-Dec. 11, 2023.
He was a lifetime believer. We are comforted to know he is now with our Father in heaven. He is joining his parents, Horace and Mildred Rainey.
Missing him, but never forgetting sweet memories of his life, are members of his big family. Family was important to Joe and he was a blessing to them. He was married to the love of his life, Pamela Golden Rainey for 32 years. Children and spouses are daughters Gina Hendrix, spouse Brian Hendrix, daughter Kristy Van Hesse and spouse Jim VanHese. Grandchildren are Jennifer Scott, husband Lucas Scott, Nick Raby and loved great-grands, Kayden and Vivian Scott, and Drew VanHesse who called him Doc, and brother-in-law, Jule Wenk.
Joe loved his many nephews and nieces, but too many to mention, and they loved Unc dearly. Dr. Joe had a special relationship with his two nephews Dr. Bill Emendorfer and Dr. Phil Wenk.
In heaven, Joe is joining his two sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Anne Peaglar, Patricia Wenk, and Jack Peaglar. Mary Anne and Patricia, older sisters, were both guilty of spoiling their little brother. Joe never objected.
Treasured family members, as well as dear friends, are his sister-in-law and brother, Karen and Wayne Cary. They shared travels, holidays, and years of loving companionship. They are a blessing in many ways.
Extroverted, social Joe had too many friends to list. He loved people and was loved by many. Many friendships lasted decades. If you were friends, he remembered story after story of your time together. If you were out with Joe, you would run into someone he knew and they would be glad to see him. If you were with Joe, he was fully present and focused on time with you.
A private practice dentist for 47 years, Joe loved to share his knowledge. He mentored many including young adults considering going into dental school, and dentists with beginning practices, and finished his career as a University of Tennessee faculty member mentoring dental school residents.
His honors were many and deserve to be included so the reader will know how the community recognized his service:
The 2023 UTHSC Distinguished Service Award Winner, 2021 University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Spirit Award, City View Top Doctors, 2020 and 2021; Cityview Top Doctors, 2010; Anderson County Hall of Fame for “Lifetime, Achievement,” 2007 award for Dedicated Service to the Board of Directors of Delta Dental of Tennessee, 1998 Second District Dental Society – Dentist of the Year, 1995 U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal; 1995 Fellowship International College of Dentistry, 1990 Fellowship Award of the Tennessee Dental Association, 1989 Air National Guard: Dental Officer of the Year, 1989 U.S. Air Force: “Air War College” graduate, 1989 Fellowship American College of Dentists, 1986 U.S. Air Force Achievement Medal, and 1965 Clinton Jaycees’ Young Man of the Year.
Joe believed in helping others and was proud of his 21 years of military service in the Tennessee National Guard. He served as a dental surgeon and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Joe was a true patriot and loved his country.
Dr. Joe also served his community. He was the longest-serving Tennessee election commissioner, serving 54 years. He also served 50 years on the board of the Anderson County Economic Development Association. Additionally, he served numerous positions in the church he loved, Memorial Methodist Church,
Joe was a special and great man. He only had one flaw: Sweet, easy-going Joe became scary, evil Joe behind the wheel. Riders white knuckled the ride and were relieved to arrive alive at their destinations. He was convinced he was the only driver in Tennessee who knew how to drive. He was the only one in Tennessee who agreed with him.
The family appreciates all the support received this year from friends, family, Memorial Methodist Church, and the University of Tennessee staff. The love and support have carried the family through this year.
Treasure your memories of Joe. He treasured his time with you. We are better because he touched our lives. He requested his life be celebrated. Honor his life by sharing Doc Joe stories and laughs with friends.
The family is honoring Joe’s wishes and there will be no visitation. Friends and family will gather at noon, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Memorial United Methodist Church for a celebration of Joe’s life. His graveside service will immediately follow at Grandview Memorial Garden with full military honors.
Because Joe loved Memorial Methodist Church, in lieu of flowers, please donate to his church, Memorial United Methodist Church, 323 N. Main St., Clinton, TN 37716.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
ROGER DALE JENNINGS
December 13, 2023
Roger Dale Jennings, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. He was 79.
Roger could fill a room not only with laughter but with love and light. He treated everyone with kindness, and never met a stranger. He had a way of making everyone feel included; whether it was a pastor or bug man, no one ever went unnoticed. His generosity and genuine compassion were evident to everyone who met him.
Their story was one for the books. Nickie and Roger met over marigolds, yes, marigolds. Nickie had a flower shop with marigolds out front in full bloom. They were so beautiful that Roger just had to stop to admire them. Little did he know he’d soon meet his love of a lifetime. Nickie and Roger spent more than 20 years expanding their family from just the two of them to three to four and then to five.
His family was precious to him. Just this past Thanksgiving, after saying the blessing, Roger shared how incredibly fortunate he was, and how he never felt more loved than he did at that moment. We each take comfort in knowing that he is at peace.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, George and Cora Jennings.
Survived by his love of a lifetime, Nickie Ward; son, Ben; and daughters, Bella and Autumn; best friend and almost father-in-law, Gary Ward (Cathie); bonus son, Brandon Carroll (Jenna); sister, Opal Fritz; special nephew, Randy Bumgartner; grandchildren, Jaxon Jennings, Eli Jennings, Cara Jennings and Greyson Jennings; many, many cousins, family members, friends, and neighbors. Last but certainly not least, Toby and Chester will miss their sleeping companion and couch partner.
The family received friends on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, from 5-7 p.m., with a funeral following at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, Tennessee, the Rev. Aaron Hester of Temple Baptist Church officiating.
Roger will be laid to rest at Sartin Cemetery in Clinton on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, at 11 a.m., also with the Rev. Hester officiating.
As a lasting tribute to the man who touched so many lives are his three beautiful children, Ben, Bella, and Autumn.
These amazing children carry with them the unselfishness, beauty, and grace that was uniquely Roger.
May they grow into respected humans with the example Roger was to them, and may they continue to make him proud.
KAREN SUE ROBERTS
December 13, 2023
Karen Sue Roberts, 77 of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at her sister’s home. She enjoyed fishing, shopping and working in the yard. Karen always had a helping hand to offer to those who needed it.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Lorene Roberts; brothers, Lawrence S. (Butch) Roberts, James E. (Jim) Roberts, John C. Roberts and William J. (Jack) Roberts; sister, Judy A. (Roberts) Taylor; sister-in-laws, Hallie Roberts and Welma Roberts.
Karen is survived by her brothers; Gerald (Jerry) Roberts and wife Becky of Oak Ridge, Tn., Lewis C. (Junior) Roberts and Mamie Hogsed of Clinton, Tn. and Jeffrey L. (Jeff) Roberts and wife Amanda of Claxton, Tn.; sister, Iva K. (Tinker) Marlowe and husband Rick of Clinton, Tn.; sister in laws, Maria Roberts of Cookeville, Tn., Shirley Roberts of Norris, Tn. and Jan Roberts of Lenoir City, Tn.; special nieces and nephews, Theresa Burgess, Jennifer Ambrose, Kristen Ledford, Nikki Roberts, Glen Roberts, Larry Roberts, Dwayne Roberts, James Roberts, Jr., Eddie Taylor, Spike Taylor, Shane Taylor, Brian Roberts, Greg Roberts, Michael Roberts, Bryce Roberts and Chris Roberts and a host of additional family and friends.
The family would like to sincerely thank Karen’s part-time caregivers, Jennifer Ambrose and Kim Stevens, for all of their hard work. And a very special thank you to Theresa Burgess for her full-time, long-term care of Karen throughout her illnesses. We also want to thank the University of Tennessee Medical Center Hospice Team, especially Justin, Heather and Ben, for their care and compassion these past few weeks.
Karen’s family received her friends on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023. from 5. to 7 p.m. in the Jones Mortuary chapel. Her funeral followed at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Brian Ford officiating. Her graveside service was at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Claxton, Tennessee.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton, Tennessee, is honored to serve the family of Karen Sue Roberts.
BETTY RUTH CRABTREE
December 6, 2023
Betty Ruth Crabtree, age 83 of Clinton, Tennessee went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, November 20, 2023 following a period of declining health.
Born in Robbins, Tennessee on May 12, 1940 she was the daughter of the late Shelby Coin Gunter and Clansy Louise Hamby Gunter. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Walter Crabtree. Betty had lived in Wartburg and later moved to Clinton where she made her home the last twelve years. She was a member of Covenant Life Church.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Michael Crabtree of Harriman, Tennessee; her daughters, Katherine Osborne of Clinton, Tennessee and Scyleesa Crabtree of Wartburg, Tennessee; her brothers, Bill Gunter and wife Sue and Bacel Gunter and wife Pam both of Wartburg, Tennessee; her sister, Sue Russell of Wartburg, Tennessee; grandchildren, Alan Bostley, Josh Crabtree, Nicole Bostley, Taylor Hughes, Shelbi Osborne, Jayden Chatmon and Madison Chatmon; great-grandchildren, Riley Bostley, Mason Bostley, Jake Crabtree, Kylie Crabtree, Natalie Hughes, Austin Bostley and other nieces and nephews and relatives and friends.
Friends visited with the Crabtree Family on Saturday, November 25, 2023 in the Jones Mortuary Chapel. Graveside rites followed in the Oak Ridge Memorial Park at 1501 Bethel Valley Road in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Pallbearers were Michael Crabtree, Alan Bostley, Joshua Crabtree, Taylor Hughes, Jayden Chatmon and Jake Crabtree.
Jones Mortuary of Clinton, Tennessee is serving the family of Betty Ruth Crabtree.
BETTY RUTH HARNESS KELLY
December 6, 2023
Betty Ruth Harness Kelly, aged 92 of Clinton, TN went to be with the Lord Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her children. Betty was a loving wife, mother and mamaw. She was also a steadfast friend. Betty was a Christian and never wavered on her beliefs. She was strong willed, independent and devoted to her family. Betty always saw the best in people. She enjoyed traveling, live music, singing, camping and was working on a cookbook at the time of her death.
In this time of profound loss, we find solace in the memories we shared and in her unwavering faith through Jesus. Her absence will leave an indescribable void, but her spirit will forever be in our hearts. As we mourn the loss of a remarkable woman, may we also celebrate the gift of her life, the impact she had on us and her enduring legacy. She taught us the power of faith, resilience, and unwavering love. We will miss her immensely but we will see her again.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Carroll Jack Kelly; son, David Wayne Kelly; parents, Stella McDaniel and Hubert Harness; step-father O.C. (Mack) McDaniel; brother, Walter L. Harness, and son-in-law Tommy Hendricks. She is survived by son George Jack Kelly of Clinton; daughters, Kathy Branham & Danny of Clinton, and Nancy Hendricks of Clinton; grandchildren, Jacque Hendricks, Kim H. Van Valkenburgh & Charles, Dr. Daniel G. Branham & Cassidy, Joshua George Kelly, Katie Ruth Branham Kerr & Andy; great grandchildren, Makenzy & Mallory Van Valkenburgh; Jack, Luke & Gunner Branham; Sam & Piper Kerr; Rosita Van Valkenburgh Hembree & Hunter, many nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.
Services was held on Friday, Dec. 1st, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Black Oak Baptist Church in Clinton, TN. Her interment will be at Anderson Memorial Gardens immediately following services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Black Oak Baptist Church. A memorial will also be held in the spring to celebrate Betty’s life. Jones Mortuary LLC in Clinton, TN is honored to serve the family of Betty Ruth Harness Kelly.
BOB E. FOUST, SR.
December 6, 2023
Robert E. Foust, Sr., age 94 of Rocky Top, passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2023 at his home. He was born on December 10, 1928 to the late Edward K. and Minnie Lee Bowman Foust in Anderson County.
Bob was a member and deacon of Clinch River Baptist Church. He sang in the church choir and for many years participated in the Mission by Faith work crew. He was a member of the Coal Creek Masonic Lodge 492. Bob took pride in writing poetry and gardening. His greatest joy was sharing his words and his vegetables with family and friends. He was a true fisherman who could be found on the river below Norris Dam when the water was down. In his younger days he and his brothers, wherever they were working, would gather on opening day of trout season in the Tellico/Citico streams of Cherokee National Forest to see who could catch the biggest fish. He came out on top many times. He was a hardworking man who never understood the meaning of “vacation” but was always ready to tackle any project that needed to be done {even if it was something he had never done before}. He was quick to make friends and start up a conversation. Bob will be dearly missed by family and all those he called friend.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Lucille Braden Foust; daughter Barbara Gayle Lively and husband Vic Lively; brothers, Edward K. Foust, Jr., Warren K. Foust, Laurence E Foust and Walter Foust; sisters, Helen Holler, Ruthie Eloise Lopstitich, Marie Amerine, and Edna Lee Hyder. Grandchildren, Adam Payne, Jonathan Dustin Payne and Ashley Henning. Great grandchildren Drew Payne and Maleigha Henning.
He is survived by: children, Robert “Butch” Foust, Jr., Michael Foust, and wife Debbie, and James “Chuck” Foust, and wife Delores.
Loving Papaw of nine grandchildren, Amber Reese, and husband Bryan, Travis Foust, and wife Holly, Joshua Foust, and wife Kerri, Heather Holder, and husband Todd, Jessica Middleton, and husband Nic, Trevor Foust, Jason Lively and wife Jessica, and Melissa Lively Baker. There are seventeen great grandchildren.
If you had the pleasure of meeting Bob you would never forget him.
The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 5-7pm with the funeral service to follow at 7pm with Robbie Leach, Travis Foust, and Darryl Arrender officiating. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 10:30am on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 and will go in funeral procession to Leach Cemetery for an 11:00am graveside service. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
GWEN LITTLETON
December 4, 2023
Gwen Littleton, age 81 of Clinton went home to be with her heavenly father on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Gwen was born February 21, 1942, in Jefferson County to the late Roy and Ethel Sherwood. Gwen was a member of Greenway Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and was a selfless servant of Christ. Throughout her life, she loved cooking, sightseeing, flowers, and most of all spending time with her family. She held several titles…..wife, mother, sister, and friend…..the icing on the cake was her job as a grandmother and great-grandmother. For many years she worked at Modine in Clinton and later worked at Methodist Medical Center. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Jilda Lynn Littleton; brothers, Billy Sherwood, Jack Sherwood, Ancil Sherwood, Ken Sherwood, and Donnie Sherwood.
She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Franklin Littleton of Clinton; sons, Franklin Matthew Littleton & wife Susie of Clinton and Andrew Mark Littleton & wife Nikki of Clinton; grandchildren, Whitley and Alyssa Littleton and Katelyn and Landon; great-grandchildren, Kolton and Damon Fields; sister, Sue Moore & husband Greg of Heiskell; brother-in-law, Charles Littleton of Dayton, OH; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 3-5 pm on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, at Greenway Baptist Church. Her funeral services followed with Pastor Danny Light officiating. Her graveside was at 1:00 p.m., Monday, Dec. 4 at Greenway Baptist Church Cemetery. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
DOROTHY JEAN HUTCHESON
December 4, 2023
Dorothy Jean Hutcheson née Graham was born December 16, 1930, and completed her earthly race peacefully at her home on Nov. 30, 2023, just short of turning 93 by 16 days. She was born in Clinton, TN, and lived in the local community in Clinton, Andersonville, and Norris, as a child.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Howard Adams Hutcheson, parents John Richard Graham and Roxie Graham née Cox, brother, Edward Boyd Graham, and grandson Zachary Andrew Stephenson. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Mary Jeannine Stephenson née Hutcheson (William Howard Stephenson, Jr.), grandchildren, Laura Elizabeth Morefield née Stephenson (William Joe Morefield, Jr.), Rebecca Christine Dahlberg née Stephenson (Cole Alexander Dahlberg), William Howard Stephenson, III (Codi Lorine Stephenson née Branam), Abigayl Kathryn Stephenson, Lilly Analiese Meinke née Stephenson (Benjamin Dakota Meinke) and great-grandchildren, Payzley Grace Dahlberg, Isaac Gabriel Dahlberg, Autumn Aviyah Dahlberg, Andi Jean Stephenson, Ryland Annalee Stephenson, and Lincoln Mayes Morefield.
Dorothy Jean’s passion was working in the church and sharing Christian principles. She was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church for 69 years. Her work in the faith was accomplished by becoming a lay-leader and working in both the Holston Conference and local church in United Methodist Women. During this time, she served terms as president and secretary of United Methodist Women for the Holston Conference and president of her local church United Methodist Women. She would often remind everyone that “this too shall pass” and “God’s in control”. Her relationship with Jesus was her forefront and primary focus for many years.
She was a dedicated professional entering the workforce in 1949 for Atomic Energy Commission, which later became Department of Energy, retiring in 1989. She began her career in the typing pool and retired in as an Administrative Assistant in the Managers Office in Oak Ridge, TN.
Dorothy Hutcheson will be laid to rest at a private interment at Sunset Cemetery in Clinton, TN on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her honor to the Memorial Fund at St. Mark United Methodist Church a charity near to your heart.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve Dorothy’s family.
www.holleygamble.com
