MARGARET ELIZABETH HINDS
April 5, 2023
Margaret Elizabeth Hinds, 87, Powell, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.
The daughter of Rina and Velma Russell Haun, she was born in Clinton on Aug. 6, 1935.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Garner.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, and enjoyed working puzzles and going to flea markets.
Margaret is survived by: Son, Stanley Garner and wife Edwina of Vanore; daughters, Sharon Lord and husband Bobby of Maynardville, Connie Shelton of Powell, Linda Scott and husband Billy of Luttrell, and Angie Kerr and Sam Williams of Rocky Top; sister, Pearl Scates of Karns; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.
The Hines family received friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023, in the Jones Mortuary Chapel, and the funeral service will begin at 8 p.m. with the Rev. Wade Brantley officiating.
A graveside service was conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2023, in the Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Powell.
Jones Mortuary, LLC of Clinton, is serving the family of Margaret Elizabeth Hines.
BILLY THOMAS 'BILL' HICKS SR.
April 4, 2023
Billy Thomas “Bill” Hicks Sr., 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, April 4, 2023, after years of battling health issues.
A native of Clinton, Bill played football in high school for the Dragons and then at Tennessee Wesleyan College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in education. While at Wesleyan, he met incoming freshman, Sandra Copeland of Harriman, whom he had been asked to “watch over” by a mutual friend. He did. The two were married on March 20, 1959. Bill then shipped off to boot camp and served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six months while continuing his education. Bill and Sandy soon started a family in Oak Ridge with a daughter, LeeAnn, in June of 1963, and then an “Irish Twin” son, Billy Jr. “Chip,” the following June.
Bill earned his master’s degree in education from The University of Tennessee before spending several years teaching sixth grade science at Norwood Elementary and Jefferson Jr High, where he also coached football. He was then hired away by what was then Union Carbide. He spent the next 30 years in the personnel department, retiring in 1996 as a benefit plans administrator. It seemed that everyone knew Bill. He often joked that he “either hired ‘em or fired ‘em.” Never one to sit around and watch the paint dry, less than a year after retiring, Bill took over as owner/operator of The Daily Grind, a small coffee shop in Jackson Square in Oak Ridge. A “people person” from his core, Bill loved the opportunity it gave him to mingle with friends and neighbors. So much so, he eventually opened another Daily Grind in his hometown of Clinton. Unfortunately, Bill’s health issues made it impossible to continue running either location and he missed it immensely every day since.
Another of Bill’s passions was serving as Chairman of the Board of the Y-12 Federal Credit Union. During his 30 years as Chairman, the credit union opened more branches than any other period in their history. As chairman, Bill’s name appears on the outside of many of them. Bill was proud to have been born, raised, and educated in Tennessee and was an avid fan and supporter of the Tennessee Vols. Bill loved his family and his God and he never met a stranger.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Mary Hicks.
Survivors include: Wife of 64 years, Sandra Lee Copeland Hicks; daughter, LeeAnn Hicks Sherrill and husband Joseph; son, Billy Thomas “Chip” Hicks Jr. and wife Susan; grandchildren, Landon Sherrill and wife Lauren, and Zachery Sherrill and wife Nichole; step-grandchildren, Adam and Chad Kennedy; great-grandchildren, Iris, Ruby, and Dean Sherrill; and step-great-grandchildren, Hannah and Chad Garet Kennedy.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Commonwealth Senior Living and Amedisys Hospice for the care they provided and to Kern Memorial United Methodist Church for their love and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations In Bill’s honor to Tennessee Wesleyan University at tnwesleyan.edu/alumni-friends/ways-to-give/index.php.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Weatherford Mortuary.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be left at weatherfordmortuary.com.
CORTELL WHITIS
April 2, 2023
Cortell Whitis, 100, Clinton, Tennessee passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
He was the son of Evan and Opha Dugger Whitis.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: Wife, Shirley Ann Whitis; brothers; Louie Whitis, Lonnie Whitis, and Clell Whitis.
Cortell was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and served during World War 11 in Normandy, France, Ardennes and Central Europe. He received several medals, including American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory, European African, Eastern Theater Ribbon with six Bronze Stars. He also worked for Y-12 from 1969 to 1986.
Cortell is survived by: Son, James Whitis of Clinton; sisters-in-law, Thelma Davison and Joyce Leathers; nieces, Becky Whitis Langner, Libby Whitis, Earlene Davison Giglierano, Kimberly Moor Poore; nephews, Evan Whitis, Scott Whitis, Michael Davison, Sean Leathers; several grand nieces, grand-nephews and friends.
Jones Mortuary, LLC of Clinton is serving the family of Cortell Whitis.
WINONA 'ANN' COOPER LENOIR
March 31, 2023
Winona “Ann” Cooper Lenoir passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Friday, March 31, 2023, at the age of 93.
She was born Sept. 8, 1929, in Perryton, Texas, to Gol and Elizabeth Giles Cooper. She was the oldest of three children.
Ann was preceded in death by: Husband, Richard H. Lenoir; and brother, Hunter Giles (Bud) Cooper.
Ann is survived by: Daughters, Elizabeth Leuthold (Duane), and Sherrie Hamby; grandchildren, Ashley Cox (Glenn), Adam Hamby (Elizabeth), Riley Leuthold (Jessica), and Alex Leuthold (Samantha); great-grandchildren, Lillian Belle and Tate Hamby, Peyton and Avery Cox.
She is also survived by: Sister, Nancy McKinney; brother-in-law, the Rev. Henry Lenoir (Betty); sisters-in-law, Evelyn Marie Chandler and Louise Childress.
Ann is also survived by special family, Phyllis Blair, Linda Hall, Hope Leab, Susan Schite, Ron and Ruth Ingram.
Ann came to Norris in her early teens. Since housing was not available in town, her family lived in a cabin at the Norris Dam State Park. She worked at the Norris Drug Store, the Tea Room at the state park, and at the restaurant in the Norris Community Building. Ann was a charter member of the Norris United Methodist Church where she had been very active in many roles including the choir. She sang with the Norris Choral Society. She was actively involved in the schools with her children and grandchildren. She supported her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sports activities. She was an excellent homemaker who enjoyed sewing, crafting, and gardening.
Services will be Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton.
Visitation is from noon – 2 p.m. with services immediately following.
Burial will be at 3 p.m. at Anderson Memorial Cemetery on Oliver Springs Highway.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Norris Elementary School Campus Beautification Fund (P.O. Box 949, Norris, 37828) or Norris Animal Shelter (P.O. Box 1090, Norris, 37828).
Holley Gamble funeral home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
LEROY SMELCHER
March 31, 2023
Leroy Smelcher, born Aug. 2, 1936, beloved brother, father, and grandfather, passed into the arms of Jesus Friday, March 31, 2023.
He will be greatly missed by: Siblings, Jim Smelcher and Louise Miracle; children, Terry Smelcher (Danette), Sherry Brummitt, Michael Smelcher, John Winters (Judy), Tim Winters (Heather); and grandchildren, Angie, Chip, Kristie, Ronald, Ashley, Patrick, Gabrielle, and Ty; great-grandchildren, Matt, Emma, Annabelle, Lulu, T.J., Savannah, and Dakota; as well as his great-great-grandchildren.
He will also be missed by countless friends including his breakfast club and church family.
He was preceded in death by: Mother, Lyda Smelcher; sister, Geniva Christine; wife, Eileen Smelcher; brother-in-law, Eldon Miracle; and son-in-law, Ron Brummitt Sr.
He was a lover of all things University of Tennessee, motorcycles, and classic cars. He was everyone’s papaw.
Receiving of friends will be from noon – 2 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home, with the funeral immediately after.
Leroy will be buried at Sunset Cemetery in Clinton next to his wife Eileen.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
CAROLYN LUGENE OWENS
March 30, 2023
Carolyn Lugene Owens, 86, Clinton, passed away peacefully March 30, 2023 surrounded by family.
Born April 13, 1936, in Hoffman, Ill.,, Carolyn was the eldest daughter of Eugene and Verna Hohman and grew up in a loving family with three siblings. She spent her childhood and adulthood in Clinton, where she attended Clinton High School and played on the basketball team.
Carolyn began her long career as the office manager at The White Store in 1975 and gained many close friendships there. She attended Faith Lutheran Church of Oak Ridge and was a member of Good Sam Club and GWRRA.
Carolyn was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Marvin, for more than 66 years. They were inseparable, enjoying countless camping trips in the Great Smokey Mountains and adventuring out of her comfort zone riding on the back of his motorcycle just to be with him. She loved playing dominos and hosting large family gatherings in her home, which she adored.
Carolyn was the most doting grand, great-grand and great-great-grandmother, and protective mother to her two daughters who reciprocated with devoted support till the end. She loved and defended her whole family fiercely. She also adored her pets over the years and was very fond of the hummingbirds that visited her windows.
Carolyn was preceded in death by: Parents, Eugene and Verna Hohman; two brothers, Jack and Lowell Hohman.
She is survived by: Husband, Marvin Owens; two daughters, Tena Southard (Joe) and Linda Rankin (John); grandchildren, Jamie Southard, Andrea Brown, Tyler Southard, Amanda Rankin and David Rankin.
She was the great-grandmother to: Xander, Hayden, Lilly, Jasper, Jet, Elayna, Claire, Pierce and August; as well as a great-great grandmother to Easton.
Also survived by: Sister, Dolores Crowley (L.B;); sister-in-law, Norma Hohman; and nieces and nephews.
The visitation will be held at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023, with service to follow.
A brief graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens.
www.holleygamble.com
Rest in peace, Carolyn “Mamaw.” You will always be our favorite firecracker.
SHELBY JEAN CAMPBELL
March 29, 2023
Shelby Jean Campbell, 84, Lake City, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at St. Thomas River Park Hospital in McMinnville.
She was born May 15, 1938, in Briceville to Graham Boggs and Billie Nelson Boggs. Shelby was of the Baptist faith and a member of Main Street Baptist Church. She loved painting scenery, landscapes, and floral arrangements, and she was a member of the Women Democratic party.
Shelby was preceded in death by: Parents, Graham and Billie Boggs; brothers, C.W. Boggs and wife Jane Boggs, Gerald Boggs; and husband of 62 years, William "Bill" Campbell.
She is survived by: Son, William Campbell and Marlene, McMinnville; daughter, Kim Morgan and John of Port Richey, Fla.; sister, Helen Taylor and Bob Flowers; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
Visitation is from 5 – 8 p.m. Monday, April 3, 2023, at Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel in Lake City.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Phillips officiating.
Interment will follow the funeral service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Lake City.
RALPH WILLIAM (BILLY) FOSTER
March 27, 2023
Ralph William (Billy) Foster passed away peacefully March 27, 2023, at the Home of his loving daughter and son-in-law, Mindy and Theo Bachman, in Eagle River, Alaska, who took special care of him.
Preceding him were: Parents Ralph and Lois Foster of Clinton; grandparents, Mr. And Mrs. Walter Foster and Mr. and Mrs. William Murray Boring; brother-in-law, Johnny Walls; and nephew, Josh Walls
Billy was saved at an early age and a member of North Clinton Missionary Baptist Church
Leaving behind are: Devoted children, Mindy Bachman (Theo), Joni Lawson, son, Ernie Foster (Molly); the mother of his children, Brenda Foster; two grandchildren that he was so proud of, Sean Bachman and Caleb Bachman; five sisters and brothers who loved him dearly, Jackie Walls (David), Judy Courtney (Glen), Debbie Walls, Mike Foster (Barbie), and Jeff (Karen); nieces and nephews, Jill, Scott, Christie, Glen Allen, Eric, Stacie, Jessi, Cody, Moriah, Alex and Tiffany, Sarah and James, who he loved to pick on; aunts, Jerrie Boring and Yvonne Davis of Maryville and Jean Dishman Kingsport; lots of grand-nieces and nephews.
Billy enjoyed fishing, and tinkering on anything with a motor in it and watching the races every Sunday. He loved spending time in Alaska with his daughter, most of all he loved spending time with his faithful friends, and he had lots of them, especially Jr. Roberts, and Mamie who he lived with for a while in Clinton, and Glen (Porky) Burris who was always there to help, Mark Dishman (cousin) but more like a brother, and special niece Abbie whose Grinch laugh would make him laugh out loud every time.
Billy will be missed every day, by all who loved him. He asked that no service be held, and for everyone to remember all the memories he made with all of us.
Assisting the family, Janssen Funeral Home, Anchorage, Alaska.
