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Obituaries

HOYT FRANKLIN MCCULLOUGH

Hoyt Franklin McCullough, 88 of Clinton passed away at home surrounded by his family on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

He was born June 17, 1935, in Rockwood, Tennessee, to Frank and Francis McCullough. He served in the U.S. Navy and retired from ORNL. Hoyt was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and was a long-time member of Lee Village Baptist Church of Harriman, Tennessee.  He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, reading, snow skiing, and spending time with his family.  He especially enjoyed watching his grandsons play sports.

Hoyt was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, CA McCullough of Rockwood and Ronnie McCullough of Spring City; and sister, Janice Osborne.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Reba Sexton McCullough; daughters, Cheryl McCullough and Linda Chandler & husband Ron; grandsons, Spencer and Conner Chandler; 1 step-grandson, R.D. Chandler; 4 step great-grandchildren; 3 sisters-in-law, Wanda Oney of Somerset, KY, Norma McCullough of Spring City, and Betty Cloud of Rockwood; brother-in-law, John Osborne.

The family would like to thank all the nurses from PCM and Amedisys Hospice for their care during this time. They would also like to thank the members of their Sunday School Class from Bethel Baptist Church for all the visits and prayers that meant so much to the family.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.

His graveside service will immediately follow at Liberty Baptist Church cemetery in Wartburg at approximately 2 p.m., with the Rev. Matt Connon officiating. 

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. 

holleygamble.com

ELIZABETH WALLACE

Elizabeth Wallace, a remarkable woman whose life spanned nearly a century of dedication, love, and service, passed away on Nov. 14, 2023, at the age of 98.

Born on June 29, 1925, Elizabeth’s journey was one of profound impact and enduring legacy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Wallace, and son, Brian Wallace. Elizabeth’s memory will be treasured by her son Bob Wallace, daughter Jan Shields, grandchildren Patrick Baker (Hollie), Robert Baker, Charlie Shields (Angela), Sarah Perez-Shields (Felix), and Katie Barteaux (Jonathan), and great-grandchildren Aurora, Charlotte, Evie, and Kiara.

Elizabeth played a significant role in history as a control operator in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, contributing to the Manhattan Project during World War II. Her professional path also led her to be a dedicated bookkeeper for her husband’s accounting business.

Her commitment to her community was evident through her active membership and role as financial secretary at the First Baptist Church in Clinton, Tennessee. Elizabeth also enriched the lives of many as a member of the Professional Business Women’s Association and the Timely Topics Club.

Elizabeth’s creative spirit shone through her hobbies in interior decorating and floral design, bringing beauty and joy to those around her.

A service to honor and remember Elizabeth will be held at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton on Nov. 22, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Grandview Memorial Cemetery in Clinton.   Her legacy, woven through her family, career, and community service will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

The family would also like to thank the exceptional care provided by the nursing and hospice staff at The Waters of Clinton.

The staff at Holley-Gamble is honored to serve the family and friends of Mrs. Elizabeth Wallace.  

THERESA HOUSEHOLDER VEST

Theresa Householder Vest, 68, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away on Nov. 16, 2023.

Theresa was born on Nov. 8, 1955, to Robert and Wanda Householder.

She worked at and retired from Y-12/K-25 land field. She loved her job and loved all the people she worked with; they were really good to her.

She loved to crochet, and made the prettiest Afghans. She loved to cook, and loved cooking for the family, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas/ She also loved spending time with her family and friends. She will be missed by all. She had such a huge heart and was loved by so many.

She is survived by her husband Joe Vest; sons, Robert and Daniel Fuller; grandkids, Chase, Nevaeh, Coby, and Tristan; sisters, Donna Mahan, and deceased husband Gary Mahan and family, Cristy McDaniel and husband Greg and family; brothers, Butch Householder, Jim Householder and wife Monica and family, Tom Householder and wife Lisa and family, Russ Householder and wife Sheryl and family, along with many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends; best friend, Kathy Dwelley and son Josh and wife Ashlee Crawford; special pets, Mattie, Pepper, Gracie, and Knox.

 The family received friends from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home with funeral following in the chapel. 

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.

holleygamble.com

LAYMON "MOE" BUNCH

Laymon “Moe” Bunch, 73 of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at the Norris Health and Rehab Center in Andersonville, Tennessee, following a period of declining health.

Born on Jan. 18, 1950, he was the son of the late Arthur and Rosa Phillips Bunch. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Jeffers; brothers, Oscar Bunch and Leamon Bunch. He was a retired timber cutter.

He is survived by his sons; Alvin Bunch of Windham, Ohio, Jason Bunch of Cleveland, Ohio and Cory Ryan Miller of Clinton, Tennessee; daughers, Lisa Morley and Teresa Aviles both of Cleveland, Ohio; brother, Freeman Bunch of Rocky Top, Tennessee; sisters, Velma Seiber, Zelma West and Sue Mardis all of Clinton, Tennessee and Gracie Seiltze of Columbia Station, Ohio; numerous grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Friends visited with the Bunch family on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, from 11 a.m. until time of the funeral at noon in the chapel of Jones Mortuary in Clinton.

Burial followed in the Phillips Cemetery in New River, Tennessee.

Jones Mortuary in Clintonn is serving the family of Laymon “Moe” Bunch.

SHIRLEY HUTCHISON TIPTON

Shirley Hutchison Tipton was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Shirley’s life did not come to an end with her death.

She passed away Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Shirley retired after a 27-year career in the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk’s Office.

In retirement, Shirley spent years volunteering with the American Red Cross, serving many people throughout the United States during multiple natural disasters. However, her greatest joy was loving her family.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ed and Bessie Wyrick; parents Claude Hutchison and Imogene Skinner; special aunt, Geraldine Foust; and her beloved pets, Wiggles the dog and Skipper the horse. 

Shirley is survived by her loving husband Fred Tipton; daughter, Stephanie McClain; stepchildren, Suzanne Flatford, Laura Guyton, and Jason Tipton; her beloved grandchildren Dalton James, Kennedy Stroup, Dillon James, Katelyn, Scott, Emily and Natalie Flatford, Mackenzie and Logan Guyton, and Brennon and Graylynn Tipton. She was blessed with her great-grandchildren, Beau and Leo James, and Phil McClain.

Visitation was held Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, . Clinton, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Red Cross in Shirley’s name.

NORMA LYNN LAY FRAKER

Norma Lynn Lay Fraker passed from earthly life into eternal life after a lengthy battle with dementia.  She was a beloved wife to Alfred, a devoted mother to Darla, an extraordinary nana to Bradley and Blake, and a doting mother-in-law to Joe.  

The simplest pleasures in life brought joy to Norma.  She loved reading, jigsaw puzzles, crossword and wordsearch puzzles, old Western television shows, gardening, cross-stitching, and quilting.  Norma loved spending time in her kitchen creating delicious meals for her family.  If you ever had the privilege of eating a cake or dessert baked by Norma, you were blessed.  She also loved taking trips with her husband and the JOY group of Second Baptist Church.  Her greatest delights came from spending time with her grandsons.  

She married her high-school sweetheart, Alfred, on Dec. 28, 1962, at Black Oak Baptist Church.  She attended Clinton High School and graduated in 1961.  After completing business school, she returned to her alma mater, Clinton High School, and became the school secretary.  Next, Norma was employed at X-10 (ORNL) where she was the secretary in the ecology and environmental department, where the Apollo X and XI experiments were conducted.  She then returned to the Anderson County school district as the secretary at Clinton Junior High.  She cherished her time there and the lasting friendships she made.  Norma completed her secretarial career at the Girl Scouts Council in Knoxville where she was blessed with wonderful coworkers.  She also served in the food ministries at South Clinton Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church. 

Predeceasing Norma in death were her parents Herbert (H.L.) “Hub” and Gypsy Wright Lay, and her sisters Aileen Lay Portwood and Hazel Lay Fraker. 

Norma is survived by Alfred Lonas Fraker, who was her loving husband for 60 years.  She is also survived by her daughter, Darla Fraker Williams and husband Joe, her grandsons, Bradley Williams and Blake Williams, her sister, Judy Lay Melton (Clifton), special nieces and nephews, and numerous other extended family members.

 The family would like to thank UT Hospice for their compassionate care during Norma’s disease progression.  The family’s love is sent to her caregivers Dezi Gordon, Emilee Runkles, Morgan Davis, and Brooke Dunn during their time with Norma.  The family sends an extra special thank you to Tina Woods of CNS Cares.  The family thanks you for the care, love, and comfort given to Norma during your time with her. 

 Norma loved animal print and bright colors, so the family asked that attendees dress accordingly and wear animal print or bright colors in honor of her.  

The family received friends on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, at Second Baptist Church, Clinton. The funeral followed in the sanctuary with the Rev. Gary Swaggerty and Dr. Mike Thompson officiating. 

There will be a procession from Second Baptist Church to Grandview Memorial Garden Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, with burial service at 11 a.m.  Pallbearers will be Joe Williams, Blake Williams, Ronnie Adkins, Reece Adkins, Don Fraker, Ernie Fraker, and Steve Portwood.  Honorary pallbearer will be Bradley Williams.  Online register book can be signed at FrakerFuneralHome.net .

Fraker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

TAYLOR WILLIAM HINKEL

With great sadness, we announce the death of our beloved brother, son, fiancé and friend Taylor William Hinkel, aged 22, on Sunday, October 29, 2023.



Taylor was born on June 21, 2001, in Knoxville, TN. Throughout his life, he was inquisitive and adventurous. As a child, he would spend hours launching rockets, and building model Lego sets. He once said "he liked to break things" and was always taking apart devices just to know how they worked. He was always willing to explore the woods and creeks near this family's home with his brother and neighborhood friends and was always happy to be pushed down the bumpy hills and roads on the latest scooter, bike, or other set of wheels. He was a lifelong video game enthusiast, meeting and playing with friends he made online, and was eager to explore the possibilities from virtual reality--of which he was a proud early user.



He became just as fascinated about the world, history, and people. He graduated from L&N STEM Academy in Knoxville in 2019. In high school, he canvassed and worked on political campaigns and volunteered as a tutor. He then attended Georgetown University in Qatar from which he graduated in May 2023 with a degree in International Politics and became proficient in Arabic. At university, he worked in the offices of Executive and Professional Education as a Program Coordinator and as a research assistant.



He is remembered most for his deep care and for the kindness that he provided to everyone he met. He had an astounding ability to relate to people on their level and empathize with them no matter what. His ability to connect has provided unforgettable and immeasurable love and support to people all over the world.



He is survived by his fiancé Raina Islam, his father Theodore Neal Hinkel, his mother Karen Hope Hinkel, and his brother Tanner Neal Hinkel along with the people from all over the world whose lives he touched.



Family and friends will hold a visitation on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Holly Gamble Funeral Home located at 621 S Charles G Seivers Blvd, Clinton, TN 37716. Attendees are encouraged to bring special stories or memories to share in their memory and come as they are.



In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorial donations to be made to support the 988 Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline at https://988lifeline.org/donate/



Or to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital at https://www.etch.com/ways-to-give/make-a-donation/



Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. holleygamble.com

Carolyn Sue Merritt Goins

Carolyn Sue Merritt Goins of Andersonville passed away peacefully with her loving girls by her side on October 25, 2023. She was of Baptist faith and trusted in Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She was a loving mother, grandmother and devoted caregiver to her mother, grandmother and sister, often at the same time.

Carolyn was an Assembly Manager for 25 years at EG&G ORTEC and worked for CSI Electronics for many years before her health prevented her from doing so.

She loved to travel with her friends and family, always jumping at the chance to take a trip with her loving brother Tony and his wife Pat. She adored her grandchrildren and never missed an opportunity to spoil them. She had a wonderful laugh, just one of the many things that will be missed.

She battled health issues that prevented her from her work and travel for the last 18 years. She fought hard while never complaining and always faced her struggles with a strength that inspired all that knew her.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Edith Merritt, sister, Rita (Aunt Cindy) Kay Rhea, and Grandmother, Lillian Ballinger.

She is survived by: Daughters: Andrea Goins Norton and husband Randy of Andersonville, TN

Anita Goins O’Reilly and husband Kevin of Knoxville, TN. Brothers: Tony Merritt and wife Pat of Seguin, TX and Jerry Merritt and wife Kathy of McMinnville, TN. Grandchildren: Jesse Norton, Lilly Norton, Braedan O’Reilly, Ian O’Reilly and Shane O’Reilly. A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends that she cherished greatly.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Westmoreland Health and Rehabilitation Center, the University of Tennessee Transplant Center, Dr. Edward Newman, Anita Buckle NP and staff at Knoxville Kidney Center, and Meadow View Assisted Living for extending her life through many years of care.

The family will receive friends at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home on Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 1:00-3:00PM with the funeral service to follow at 3:00PM with Rev. Randy Norton officiating. Carolyn’s interment will be held at Bethel Baptist Church following the funeral service. www.holleygamble.com

The family would like to encourage everyone to consider giving the gift of life through the act of organ donation.