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Obituaries

SARAH JANE STOOKSBURY

Sarah Jane Stooksbury, 73, Andersonville, went to be with Jesus Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, at North Knoxville Medical Center.

Sarah was born at home Feb. 15, 1950, in Clinton to Alex and Alverta Turpin. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. She loved playing the piano and singing. She loved “playing” in her flowers and graduated from Norris High School in 1968.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Duane Stooksbury.

She is survived by: Sons, Rob Stooksbury and Sharon Irwin, and Danny Stooksbury and wife Farrah; sister, Diane “Sissy” Martin; brothers, Eddie “Red” Turpin and wife Kathy, and Steve Turpin; grandchildren, Beth Kirk and husband Braxton, Pippi Stooksbury and fiancé Cole, Dylan Stooksbury, Jackson Stooksbury, and Annalia Stooksbury; great-grandchildren, Teddy Kirk and Benji Kirk; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and host of friends.

The family received friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home.

Her funeral service followed in the chapel with the Rev. Darryl Taylor officiating.

Sarah’s graveside was at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Norris Memorial Garden.

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

holleygamble.com

RONNELL NEIL WEAVER

Ronnell Neil Weaver, 76, Norris, passed away peacefully Sept. 25, 2023, at home in the loving care of his family.

Ron was born in Norris to Rufus M. and Beulah Massengill Weaver. He was a graduate of Norris High School and Carson-Newman University. Following graduation, he taught 4th and 5th grades at Rosedale Elementary School. In 1969 he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country. He returned to Norris in 1971 and began a 33-year career with the Tennessee Valley Authority. He worked first with the Public Safety Service as an officer at Norris Dam, Lieutenant and Captain at Norris Dam and Bull Run Steam Plant, and Assistant Chief of the Eastern Area in Knoxville. He ended his career as a chemical analyst at Bull Run Steam Plant.

Ron was a long-time member of Norris First Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting arrowheads and other artifacts and taking drives to enjoy the beauty of our region. He loved classic cars and classic rock. Ron was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather. He was a kind and gentle soul, a good listener, and a loyal friend. He loved his family and took great delight in the hugs and antics of his grandchildren.

Ron was preceded in death by: Parents, Rufus M. and Beulah Massengill Weaver; and his grandson, Mason Archer Weaver.

Left to cherish his memory are: Amanda, his wife of almost 50 years; daughter, Whitney and son-in-law Alex North; son, Ben and daughter-in-law Brittanie Weaver; beloved grandchildren, Walter Isaac North, Mollie Lynn Weaver, Clara Brynn North, and Manning Bennett Weaver; beloved Weaver and Massengill cousins; and a host of extended family and friends.

Receiving of friends was from 1 – 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, Clinton, with funeral service at 3 p.m. with the Rev. David Seiber officiating.

Burial immediately followed at Norris Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to MAWS Cause 124 Deer Trail Lane, Lake City, TN 37769.

www.holleygamble.com

GEORGE HENRY KREBS SR.

George Henry Krebs Sr., 92, Clinton, passed away Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Canterfield of Oak Ridge with his beloved wife Shirley “Tootie” at his side.

George was born in Newport, Ky., to George L. and Julia J. Strategier Krebs. He met his wife Tootie as a second grader at St. Therese Catholic School in Southgate, Ky. As a high schooler, he was employed by Brienes Jeweler in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he apprenticed to learn the art of clock and watch repair. He was a graduate of Newport Catholic High School in Newport, Ky., and attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. During the Korean Conflict, George served in the U.S. Air Force as an aviation instrument mechanic in Japan and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. George and Tootie were married in February, 1954, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Southgate, Ky., after his return from Japan. George worked with family at Simon & Fischer Oldsmobile in Newport, Ky., until 1969, when George and his family moved to Clinton. There, with Tootie at his side, he started Krebs Chevrolet, Inc. in Clinton, operating it for 22 years until retiring in 1991. George continued to collect and repair clocks and watches throughout his life and into retirement.

George was a devout Catholic and long-time member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Clinton, where he was one of the original founding members. In addition, George was a long-time member of the Clinton Civitan Club and the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Board of Directors for First American Bank (now Regions Bank) and the Clinton City School Board. Other interests included Major League Baseball, having played ball as a child with his lifelong friend, Hall of Famer Jim Bunning, and attending clock shows as a member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors.

Left to cherish his memory are: Tootie, his wife of 69 years; sons, Dr. George Krebs Jr. (Myra), Joe Krebs (Chantel); and 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, Peyton Krebs; step-grandchildren, Branton Brown, Dan Edmondson, Josh Edmondson (Charity), Katie Meister (Jon), Carla Pimental (Mike), Cory Richardson, Cameron Richardson (Carolyn); and great-grandchildren, Avalyn Maier, Josie Burns, Keaton Schreiber, and Kaiden Schreiber.

George was preceded in death by: Parents, George L. and Julia J. Strategier Krebs; brothers, the Rev. Paul F. Krebs, and Stanley M. Krebs; son-in-law, Marshall H. Puryear; and granddaughter, Leza A. Watts.

The family wishes to extend special thanks for the loving and compassionate care received from the staff at Canterfield of Oak Ridge, Amedisys Hospice, and dear friend Deacon Dan Hosford of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Norris.

Receiving of friends will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Clinton, with funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.

Burial will immediately follow at Grandview Memorial Garden.

A separate memorial Mass is being planned for the very near future in his hometown of Southgate, Ky.

In lieu of flowers, a donation 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 Fund at Canterfield of Oak Ridge (200 Bus Terminal Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830).

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is handling arrangements in Clinton.

FRANK TAYLOR ADKINS

Frank Taylor Adkins went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, surrounded by his wife and family by his side.

Frank was born Feb. 5, 1943, in Jellico to Christine Wilson Adkins and Boyd Morrison Adkins. Frank was named after his grandparents, Frank Adkins and Taylor Wilson, and later earned the nickname “Tractor Pull Frank (a family joke).” He was saved at an early age and belonged to New Salem Baptist Church. He loved to hunt and fish, enjoyed sports, coached Little League Baseball, football, and basketball, and most loved going to watch his children and grandchildren in their sports. Most of his life he worked in construction as a carpenter; there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2006.

Frank is survived by: Wife of 62 years, Wilma Miller; children, Charlotte Burress, Ricky (Vangie) Adkins of Clinton, David (Tina) Adkins of Gallatin, Michael (Christy) Adkins of Karns; grandchildren, Stephen (Christina) McNally, Jessica Burress, Jonathan (Erin) Adkins, Matt (Heather) Adkins, Taylor Adkins, Chandler (Katelyn) Adkins, Luke Adkins, Carlee Adkins; great-grandchildren, Elijah Burress, Vova and Kyrylo Adkins, Sutton, McKenna, Chase and Magnolia McNally, Gabriel Adkins, Gatlin Adkins; siblings, Annette Ross and late husband Gerald of Kingston, Libby Sharp and husband Earl of Knoxville, Barbara Baird of Frankfort, Ky., Ben Adkins and wife Donna of Clinton; brother-in-law, Roy Lee Harber and late wife Shirley of Clinton; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Thanks to all of the people who took care of him, from Gentiva Hospice Group, Chrissy, and The Waters - who did what we could not have done on our own.

The family will receive friends at Holley Gamble Funeral Home from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, 2023, with service at 7 p.m.

Burial will be at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve Frank’s family.

www.holleygamble.com

WANDA NADINE NELSON

Wanda Nadine Nelson, 86, Clinton, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023.

Wanda worked at Magnet Mills in Clinton. She also worked at South Clinton Elementary as the cafeteria manager. She retired from Modine and Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. She enjoyed playing on the basketball team for Claxton in her early years and she also enjoyed working in her flower garden and canning homegrown vegetables.

She was preceded in death by: Parents, L.C and Pearl Fox; siblings, Marjorie, Stella, Ruby, Nellie Marie, Willa Sue, Bobby, Charles, Lloyd; brothers-in-law, Everette, Cleo, Henson, Archie; daughter, Susie Kirk; son, Randy Nelson; son-in-law, Perry Kirk

Wanda is survived by: Husband, Joseph (J.D.) Nelson of 71 years; daughters, Judy Nelson, and Sandy Braden (Neal); grandchildren, who she loved unconditionally, Kara Carmack (Jamie), Joshua Nelson (Samantha), Jordan Braden (Ashley), John Nelson (Sarah), Chandler Braden (Kendall), James Nelson (Brianna), and Gavin Braden; great-grandchildren, Briley, Kayleigh, Caden, Kasen, Eleanor, Carter, and “little special buddy” Cason; sister, Doris Webber; brothers-in-law, Estel Nelson (Shirley), and Calvin Braden; sisters-in-law, Betty Laurendine, and Virginia Nelson; several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to send out a special thank you to Amedisys Hospice Samantha, Bridget, Mike, Maxine, Stephanie, Lora, and Adam.

The family received friends at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home from noon – 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, with the funeral service following in the chapel with the Rev. Bobby Metcalf and the Rev. Mike Nelson officiating.

Wanda's interment was held at Farmer's Grove Baptist Church Cemetery following the funeral service.

holleygamble.com

HELEN 'JOY' DABNEY

Helen “Joy'' Dabney, 75, Norris, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, at Prosperity Pointe in Knoxville.

She was born Oct. 20, 1947, to Ralph C. and Rita Fugate Dougherty in Kingsport. Joy spent her early career as a hair stylist, but was most proud of her time at TVA where she developed many close friendships that bonded into family. She was a member of Greenway Baptist Church in Heiskell.

Joy will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: Husband, Charles Dabney; sisters, Faye Wilson, and Gaye Carden.

She is survived by: Son, Jimmy Rains of Clearwater, Fla.; daughter, Tracy Dabney Chitwood of Heiskell; grandchildren, Travis Chitwood (Ashley), Chelsi Chitwood, Dylan and Dusty Rains; great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Chitwood; brother, Mitch Dougherty (Denise); special friend, Sherry Whitaker; several nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation Chapel from noon – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023.

The funeral service will be held immediately, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Wayne Phillips and the Rev. Darrell Griffis officiating.

Following the funeral procession from Rocky Top, Joy’s interment will be at Greenway Baptist Church Cemetery in Heiskell.

www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

PAT (DISNEY) LONG

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Pat Long, 76, Lake City.

Pat was born Oct. 19, 1946, to parents Ted Disney and Lula Mae Heatherly.

Pat was preceded in death by: Siblings, Jackie Disney (Infant), Georgia Mae (Disney) Vowell, Benny Joe Disney, Con Ray Disney, William “Bill” Harvey Disney, Edna Grace (Disney) Wallace, and Barbara Jean (Disney) Mozingo.

She is survived by: Husband, the Rev. Fred “Buddy” Long Jr.; children, Suzanne Long-Holstein (Robert), Charles Long (Lori), and Curtis Long; grandchildren, Tyler Long and Kierstan Davis (Matt); great-grandchildren, Dawson and Parklynn Davis; and sister, Louise Phillips of Jacksboro; including a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pat was a deeply devoted Christian woman of the Baptist faith, a beloved wife and loving mother, as well as a cherished grandmother and adored great-grandmother. She peacefully entered her eternal rest at home, surrounded by her family, Sept.18, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and nurturing. Pat’s unwavering devotion to her church families, and to the Lord, was a constant guiding force in her life. Her spirit of kindness and compassion were a comfort to all who knew her.

As a long-time hairdresser, Pat’s gentle and caring demeanor extended far beyond the “beauty shop,” touching the lives of her family, friends, customers, and community. Pat was not only a talented hairdresser but also a master of southern cooking. Her kitchen was a place of love and warmth, where she created mouthwatering dishes that brought joy to anyone lucky enough to eat her food. Her love for cooking was matched only by her green thumb, which was always her happy place as she tended to her beloved flowers and vegetable garden.

Finally, her passion for genealogy, which she shared with her brother Benny Joe, connected generations and preserved their family’s heritage. Above all, Pat cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love and wisdom were a guiding light for her children and a source of endless joy for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The memories of her laughter, her warm hugs, and her unconditional love will continue to comfort and strengthen her family for years to come. Her love knew no bounds, and her family was the center of her world. Her legacy of faith, love, and family values will guide and inspire her descendants for generations to come.

As we say our earthly goodbyes to Pat, we take comfort in knowing that she is now in the loving embrace of her Creator and reunited with loved ones who have gone before her.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory inspire us all.

Visitation of family and friends was held from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, at Hatmaker Funeral Home, 503 S. Main Street, Lake City, Tenn.

The Funeral service was held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, at Hatmaker Funeral Home, 503 S. Main Street, Lake City, Tenn., with the Rev. Jimmy Ault officiating.

Family and friends met at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, at Hatmaker Funeral Home to go in procession to Island Ford Baptist Church Cemetery for a 2 p.m. graveside service.

You may also view Pat's guestbook online at www.hatmakerfuneralhome.com

AARON PAUL GATES

Aaron Paul Gates, 34 Clinton, passed away suddenly Monday, Sept. 18, 2023 in Knoxville.

He loved spending time with his family and had a great love for his children, nieces and nephews. He had great enjoyment in making people laugh. Aaron loved the outdoors, the mountains, hiking and skateboarding, fishing, and riding four wheelers.

Aaron loved the mother (Celeste) of his children.

Aaron was preceded in death by: Father, Brian Gates; grandparents, Paul and Gail Gates and Kathy Scheibel.

He is survived by: Mother, Kim Halloun and husband Kamil of Clinton; grandfather, Jim Kirby; son, Gray Gates; daughters, Ariana Gates and Briana (Bri) Gates; sisters, Aleisha Gates and significant other Kenny Chambers of Knoxville, Ashley Hakes and husband Ricky of Jacksboro, Kaycee Treacy and husband Luke of Georgia, and Ciara Kirby of Clinton; uncle, Kenny Kirby of Clinton; aunt, Nicki Steelman and husband Brandon of Oak Ridge.

He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service for Aaron will be announced at a later date.

Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to serve the family of Aaron Gates.