Mary Lee Stooksbury Hamilton
February 13, 2025
Mary Lee Stooksbury Hamilton, 64, of Pioneer, Tennessee, passed away Feb. 13, 2025, in her home, surrounded by her sons.
Born April 20, 1960, in Knoxville, to Minnie Jane Stooksbury and Lon Stooksbury.
She was raised in Norris, where she made many friends and created wonderful memories.
Mary Lee was preceded in death by her husband, Charles J. Hamilton; her mother, Minnie Jane Stooksbury; her father, Lon Stooksbury; and her brothers, Jeff and Dale Stooksbury.
She is survived by her sons, Charles J. Hamilton II of Conway, South Carolina, and Daniel Bryce Hamilton of Jacksonville, Florida., and her dear brother, Lon Stooksbury of Andersonville, Tennessee.
Services will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Norris Dam Shelter 2.
Areties Housely McKamey
February 8, 2025
Mrs. Areties Housely McKamey of Clinton, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the age of 100.
She was born Jan. 23, 1925, in the Walnut Grove community near LaFollette, Tennessee, to Una Theodore Housely and Magnolia Robbins. Her family lived on 200 acres along the Powell River, which was inundated by Norris Lake in 1936.
At 16, Mrs. McKamey began working as a telephone operator in LaFollette. In 1943, at the age of 18, she joined the Clinton Engineering Works as a switchboard operator on the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge. She later retired in 1989 as chief switchboard operator at Martin Marietta Corp.
Her lifelong hobby and passion was cooking and baking for all of those around her. She was well known for her recipes and sourdough bread. She was an unwavering believer in Christ, and lived out her faith through her hands of service and heart of devotion.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lon McKamey, and her sisters, Helen Mills, Hazel Adkins, Hester Dowell and Jean Morgan.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Melani McKamey of Tullahoma, Tennessee; and her grandchildren, William Kenneth McKamey of Tullahoma, Margaret McKamey, Skip York and Deveraux Areties McKamey, all of Clinton, Tennessee, Lissa McKamey of Alexandria, Virginia, and Francis Lonnie McKamey of Taft, Tennessee. She has loved and been loved by countless friends and family, many of whom preceded her and others who grieve her passing.
Visitation was held from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Weatherford Chapel in Oak Ridge. A graveside service followed at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens on Edgemoor Road in Powell, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials or donations be made to a local church or a favorite church in her honor.
Gary Lee Calvert
February 8, 2025
Gary Lee Calvert, 76, passed away Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Aug. 1, 1948, in Oak Ridge to Audrey Opal Lee (Gilbert) and Oney Caleb Calvert, and was the fourth of their five children. Childhood trips to his extended family’s home in Kentucky and family vacations to the Gulf Coast of Florida led to a lifelong love of travel and the outdoors, from the mountains to the desert to the beaches of Casey Key and Punta Gorda, Florida.
After graduating from Oak Ridge High School in 1966, Gary attended Middle Tennessee State University, where he met Linda Gail King. They were married in 1970. In their free time, Gary and Linda enjoyed touring the Southeast on a series of motorcycles.
Following his service in the Army National Guard, Gary began a distinguished career with the Department of Energy, starting with electrical engineering, power operations, and utilities at K-25. He was a member of the Oak Ridge Lodge of the BPO Elks, and went on to become the second-longest-serving active member, at 54 years.
Much to the relief of their parents, Gary and Linda finally got around to starting a family with the birth of their son Chad in 1977. A second son, Jeffrey, was born in 1979, followed by daughter Rebecca in 1982. With his children came one of the greatest projects of his life: building a houseboat at Sequoyah Marina on Norris Lake. It became the family’s home away from home, where Gary hosted countless gatherings and taught generations of children how to fish, swim, and water-ski. He manned his barbecue grill and helped so many “lake friends” that he became known as “The Mayor” of their dock.
He pursued further studies at the University of Tennessee before earning his degree from Tusculum University. In 1984, Gary transferred from K-25 to Y-12, where he led the plant’s efforts in recycling, energy management and conservation. He retired as a plant shift superintendent after 35 years of service.
A passionate believer in community service, Gary volunteered extensively with organizations including 4-H, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Oak Ridge Rowing Association. He enjoyed sharing the practical, hands-on knowledge he gained from his father.
In retirement, Gary devoted more time to home projects, but was always willing to set them aside to help friends and family. This past May, he applied his building skills to a float celebrating the 100th Gilbert family reunion, part of the 94th Mountain Laurel Festival parade in his mother’s hometown of Pineville, Kentucky. Gary had attended the reunions and parades nearly all his 76 years, as well as Calvert family reunions.
When he wasn’t tinkering in his shed or tending to his immaculate landscaping, Gary, Linda, and Rebecca loved to travel, particularly to Florida — from the beaches of his youth to Daytona for NASCAR with his brothers and all the way to Key West.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Linda; his children, Chad (Ashli), Jeffrey (Joshua), and Rebecca; his grandson, Max; his brothers, Lynn, Doug, and John Calvert; his sister, Karen (Michael) Baker; and numerous other relatives and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his loving parents and many other family members and dear friends who will welcome him with open arms.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
The family received friends at Weatherford Mortuary in Oak Ridge on Friday, Feb. 14. A celebration of life service, conducted by the Rev. Steve McDonald, was held Saturday, Feb. 15, with burial following at Anderson Memorial Gardens.
Marilyn “Gail” Harris
February 5, 2025
Marilyn “Gail” Harris, 74, passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2025, surrounded by loving family at Methodist Medical Center.
She was born Jan. 11, 1951, in Lake City, Tennessee, to Charles and Mary Helen Bullock. She resided for many years in Oak Grove, Tennessee.
Gail was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Jerry Harris; her parents, Charles and Mary Helen Bullock; and her brother, Roger Dale Bullock.
She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Cleckner and husband, Randy; grandsons, Jordan Lively, Logan Blackwell and Jeremiah Blackwell; and her cherished great-granddaughter, Denver Mae.
Gail was the fourth of 13 siblings and is survived by Bill Bullock of Fratersville, Tennessee; Reba Collins and husband, Max Holton, of Alvarado, Texas; Betty Ecord of Alvarado, Texas; Pat Gambrell of Grandview, Texas; Margie Johnson and husband, Jerry, of Lake City, Tennessee; Kathy Graham and husband, Don, of Lake City, Tennessee; Tony Bullock of Fratersville, Tennessee; Johnny Bullock of Caryville, Tennessee; Jimmy Bullock of Norris, Tennessee; Jerry Bullock and wife, Tina, of Lake City, Tennessee; Andy Bullock and wife, Linda, of Clinton, Tennessee; and Chris Bullock and wife, Janis, of Fratersville, Tennessee. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Gail was a devoted member of Briceville First Baptist Church, where she was active and loved by many. She was a kind and generous person with too many good qualities to mention, always willing to help those in need. She had a beautiful voice and sang at her church, never turning down a request to sing at funerals. She sang at a funeral just two days before being hospitalized. She will be deeply missed but leaves behind many fond memories.
The family wishes to thank the ICU nursing staff and 4 West at Methodist Medical Center for their excellent care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Briceville First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 102, Briceville, TN 37710.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation. The funeral followed at 7 p.m., officiated by Pastors Danny Lawson and Terry Sweat.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at Oak Grove Cemetery.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
Shelby Lucas Drinkwater
February 5, 2025
Shelby Lucas Drinkwater, 84, of Clinton, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.
She was born June 26, 1940, in Dungannon, Virginia, and graduated from Dungannon High School in 1957. Shelby loved spending time outdoors and had a passion for gardening and flowers.
Her steadfast love for her husband, Watson Drinkwater III, was a radiant example of devotion. She cherished him for more than 60 beautiful years until his passing in March 2024. Shelby’s boundless love for others and her refusal to complain were testaments to her uplifting spirit. She especially treasured time spent with her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Watson Drinkwater III; her parents, Grover and Edna Lucas; and her brother, Kenneth Lucas.
She is survived by her son, Richard Drinkwater; her sister, Carol Lucas of Dungannon, Virginia; and many cousins and friends.
The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.
A graveside service will follow at Grandview Memorial Garden.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com.
Frances Edna Dunlap Lowe
February 3, 2025
Frances Edna Dunlap Lowe, 72, of Clinton passed away at home on Feb. 3, 2025, on Laurel Hollow Road due to heart failure.
Born Dec. 17, 1952, in Clinton, she was the daughter of Frank and Bobbie Dunlap. In her early years, she enjoyed crime TV, working in her flower garden, and spending quiet time at home. After being a stay-at-home mother, she worked at numerous retail establishments, the Anderson County Office on Aging, and as an in-home care provider for seniors.
She is survived by her brother, Rob Dunlap, and his wife, Mary, of Knoxville; a niece, Jeana Dunlap Kunz, and her husband, Brad, as well as their children, Kayla and Callen, of Wagener, S.C.; a stepson, Dwight Hill of Clinton; and a grandson, Jerry Kerby of Clinton.
In addition to her husband, J.R. Lowe, and her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Curt Dunlap; sons, Bobby Joe May and Lynn May; and her nephew, Scot Dunlap, all of Clinton.
In accordance with her wishes, Ms. Lowe will be cremated, and a private service will be held.
holleygamble.com
Roger W. Sharp
February 3, 2025
Roger W. Sharp, 71, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed away Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
He was born Aug. 4, 1953, in Lake City, Tennessee, to Russell and Elizabeth Martin Sharp. He was a 1971 graduate of Jefferson City High School. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, R.T. Sharp.
Roger dedicated his career to the family-owned grocery business. He worked at Piggly Wiggly locations in Jefferson City, Lake City, Clinton, and Strawberry Plains before purchasing his own store in 2005, operating Gateway IGA in Rockwood, Tennessee.
He loved his work and community. In his 54 years in business, Roger employed many high school and college students, often giving them their first jobs and helping prepare them for the working world. He led by example, working diligently and prioritizing customer service. He never asked an employee to do anything he wouldn’t do himself, treating his staff with fairness and respect. In turn, the employees had great respect for him and learned lessons he hoped would serve them well in their futures.
His customers frequently praised his store as the cleanest they had ever visited, and appreciated his friendly and helpful employees.
Over the years, Roger turned many customers into dear friends and extended family, who would often seek him out when they came into the store to share life events with him. Whether it was happy news like weddings and births, or sad news of health issues or lost loved ones, they knew Roger would be there to listen and share kind, encouraging words and support. They showed their care and support by bringing in goodies for him and Mary to share, from pies and cakes to chicken noodle soup. He appreciated every bite.
It was rare for Roger to go anywhere in Knox, Anderson, or Roane County without running into someone who knew him from the stores. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed University of Tennessee sports, antique cars, and traveling.
Roger leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Maples Sharp. He is also survived by his son, Charles “Chuck” Sharp; grandchildren, Courtney Sharp and Tyler Sharp; great-grandson, Miles Griffin; brothers, Ron Sharp and Kenny Sharp (Robin); sister, Donna Sharp; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. ET Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. The funeral will follow at 8 p.m. with Chaplain Bruce K. Foster officiating. Graveside and entombment services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Powell, Tennessee.
The family extends their gratitude to Covenant Health Homecare and Hospice for their care during Roger’s final weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Evans Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Roger W. Sharp.
Salvatore William Varsalona
February 2, 2025
Salvatore “Sal” William Varsalona, 60, passed away suddenly on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025.
Sal was born Oct. 19, 1964, in Jersey City, New Jersey. In 1993, he became an attorney and began his practice in Clinton, Tennessee, where he practiced until his death.
Sal brought love and light to those around him and was known for giving everyone a nickname. He lived to serve others and had a gift for bringing hope to any situation — even if it was hoping Notre Dame would win another championship. He dearly loved his family, his many friends and his church family. He was a member of Main Street Baptist Church, and he will always be remembered for his beautiful voice and his talent on the trumpet.
On Sunday, he was received with tremendous love into God’s mercy and abundant grace. We rejoice in the precious promise of Heaven.
Sal was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Varsalona. He is survived by his mother, Linda Varsalona; his sister, Angel Varsalona Sexton (Wade); nephews Samuel Sexton (Raelin), Ben Sexton (Claire) and Noah Sexton; great-nephews Maverick and Walker Sexton; great-niece Kollins Sexton; special friends Catherine and John Walter George; and many other friends and colleagues in the legal community.
A celebration of life was held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at Main Street Baptist Church in Rocky Top, Tennessee, with the Rev. Wayne Phillips officiating.
Sal loved young people. He was a member of the Joy Singers for 24 years, where he helped mold many young lives. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made toward a new youth facility at Main Street Baptist Church, P.O. Box 405, Rocky Top, TN 37769.
