SIDNEY JEANETTE WILEY McMASTER
September 8, 2022
Sidney Jeanette Wiley McMaster, aka GG, or Jeanette, was born Friday, Jan. 22, 1932, in Tupelo, Miss., the eldest child of Eugene “Gene” Fulton and Mildred “Mid” Newell Wiley.
She died Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, in Oak Ridge.
Predeceasing her were her mother and father; brother, David Lee Wiley; and husband, William Murray McMaster.
Left to remember her are: Sisters, Ann Can Hassel of Heiskell, and Mary (Bill) McWhorter of Oak Ridge; children, Bruce (Karla) McMaster of Oak Ridge, Jane McMaster (Dan Clemons) of Petaluma, Calif., and Catherine (Paul) Pietrow of Rhineback, N.Y.; grandchildren, Lindsay (Corwin Walls) and Kasey (Ren Li) McMaster, Anne and Rachel Pietrow, and Ben Clemens.
GG was beautiful and carried herself with class (was it just a coincidence she and Queen Elizabeth II passed away the same day?). She graduated from Maryville College and attained her master’s in library science from Florida State University. An avid reader and lover of books, she spent her career as a librarian. She leaves behind many memories; both those she recounted and those she made with her family. There were the regular visits to Pontotoc, Miss., to visit her grandparents when she was a young girl. There was the train ride during which she and her sister, Ann, traveled together to Knoxville from Pontotoc (at the tender ages of 12 and 6) to join their parents when they first moved to East Tennessee. She reminisced about lying in bed at her Aunt Gracie’s house in Nashville, with no air conditioning, sweltering, during the regular summer stints at the Vanderbilt Divinity School Library under her aunt’s tutelage. Then there was her daring trip to Mexico City with Gracie, in the 1950s (via bus!).
GG often spent time in the Smokies, and some of her other adventures include the time she made the difficult climb up the front of the Chimney Tops at the ripe age of 50, with Jane and Catherine. Another memorial hiking trip, with her family, was to Spence Field where she supported the fending off of a hungry bear that interrupted the family as they picked blueberries and sunbathed, and had to be chased away by a shoe to its nose.
GG was also an accomplished pianist and a dedicated gardener. A naturally commanding presence, GG did not hesitate to “boss around” her next younger sister, Ann, who was able to return the favor in the past 18 months as Ann cared for GG at home.
We recall Ann and GG watching football (or basketball) games with a glass of white wine in one hand and Cheetos in the other. GG loved to cook (just kidding), but despite that, she made delicious fried chicken and always the best of the best carrot cake for family occasions.
IF you wish to memorialize Jeanette, consider a donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
She will be missed.
To leave your condolences please visit www.woodhavenfh.com
The staff of Woodhaven Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens is honored to serve the Sidney Jeanette Wiley McMaster family.
GARY DENNIS WEST
September 7, 2022
Gary Dennis West, 62, Caryville, passed away Sept. 7, 2022, at his residence.
Gary was born June 26, 1960, in New York to Virdeth west and Ruby Wilson. Gary lived in Cleveland, Ohio, and had lived in Tennessee for 45 years. He was of the Baptist faith and went to Temple Baptist Church in Knoxville.
He was preceded in death by: Parents Virdeth West and Ruby West; wife, Edith Byrge West; and brother, Jerry West.
He is survived by: Sons, Ryan West, Gary Shane West; special friends, Carl Daugherty, Ron Evans; sister, Lisa West; niece, Amanda Adcock; grandchildren, Landon West, Briann Asberry, Madison West, Riley West; a host of other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 4 – 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in the Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral service was held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in the Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Lindsay officiating.
Interment followed the funeral service at Sam Foust Cemetery in Lake City with Military honors presented by the Campbell County Honor Guard.
You may also view Gary's obituary and guestbook online at www.hatmakerfuneralhome.com
Hatmaker Funeral Home, Lake City, was in charge of arrangements.
BILLY WADE BROCK
September 3, 2022
Billy Wade Brock, 88, Clinton, passed away at his home surrounded by his family Sept. 3, 2022.
He was an active member of St. Mark United Methodist Church and served on many committees. Wade was a veteran of the United States Army having served in the Korean conflict. He was a mason and member of Lodge # 376 A&M Masonic Lodge and former Past Master, also the Eastern Star and Odd Fellows. Wade was past board member of Clinton Senior Center and honored by Mayor and Anderson County Commission in 2018 for his service to Anderson County. He was also a member of Anderson County Fair Association.
Wade retired from Clinton Utilities Broad with 40-plus years of service. He never met a stranger and was comfortable with all he met, whether rich or poor. Wade enjoyed city and county commission meetings whether attending or watching them on local television channel. He enjoyed helping others and was an Anderson County Constable for 16 years.
He was preceded in death by: Parents, Robert and Thelma Brock; sister, Caroline Brock Viles and husband Ray; brother, James Samuel Brock; infant son, Lindsey Brock; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Lindsey and Hoyet Hill; sister-in-law, Kay Lindsey.
To cherish his memory, he leaves: Wife of 66 years, Lynda Brock; son, Cris Brock; daughter, Lisa Brock Hancock; granddaughter, Kennedy, who he adored; sister, Wanda Hill; brother-in-law, Maurice Lindsey; sister-in-law, Brenda Lindsey; many nieces, nephews, special cousins and friends.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow with the Rev. Sam Reese, the Rev. Wayne Headrick, and Chaplain Greg Bennett officiating.
Family and friends will meet at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, and go in funeral procession to Woodhaven Memorial Garden for an 11 a.m. interment.
The family expresses thanks to University of Tennessee Hospice healthcare providers, especially Stephanie Elliott and Melissa and Dr. Wendy May for her excellent care over the years.
Memorials may be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church, 248 Main Street Clinton, TN 37716.
www.holleygamble.com
TIMOTHY LEE FAGAN
September 1, 2022
The Man, The Myth, The Legend — Timothy Lee Fagan was born April 4, 1965, in Frankfort, Ind., raised in Clinton, went to be with the lord Sept. 1, 2022.
Tim was married to the love of his life for 38 years, Peggy Fagan. He was a die-Hard Tennessee Volunteer fan. Graduated from Clinton High School in 1983, Tim was a Baptist, and a proud member of the CHS Band. Tim was a jack of all trades and loved building anything he could picture. He loved going to watch the races and his Tennessee Football, but Tim’s beyond favorite time was always spending time with family and friends.
Preceded in death by: Brother/cousin, David Scott Hanson; grandmother, Letha Pearl Owens; son-In-law, Justin Lynn Braden; parent, Gaines Harold Fagan; parent, Bob Wayne Tompkins; uncle and aunt, J.T. and June Pyles.
Survived by: Wife of 38 years, Peggy Sue Fagan; children, Joshua Lee Fagan, Kimberly LeeAnne and David Stringfield, Heather AshLee Fagan and Hunter Robbins; grandchildren, Izzy, Gabi, Nat-Bug, Sissy, Deano, Aaliyah, McKinzlee; mother, Nancy Tompkins; special brother/family, Gary and Brenda Thornton, Kyle and Sonya Thornton; sister, Tamara Queen; favorite in-laws, Flossie and Jack Ferguson; brothers-in-law, Wayne and Lisa Ferguson, John and Aimee Ferguson; a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Visitation was held from 5 – 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022, at Hatmaker Funeral Home.
Funeral service was at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, in the Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel.
A graveside service was held following the funeral service Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, at New Vasper Cemetery in Caryville.
ROBERT 'BOB' HAZEL
September 1, 2022
Robert “Bob” Hazel, 80, Clinton, went home to be with his Lord and savior Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, surrounded by his family who adore him.
He fought a good fight, but his fight is finally over. His family rejoices in the fact that his body has been made new once again.
Bob proudly served in the United States Army as well as the National Guard. He loved his country and his community and celebrated both as often as he could. Bob loved his time as a Boy Scout leader in Claxton and shared this hobby with his sons. Bob enjoyed his lifelong career at Y-12 as a master plumber/pipefitter. During his tenure, he was proudly involved in the Manhattan Project. In any free time, you could find Bob in a tree-stand, or with a fishing pole in his hand. He had a great love of nature and an admirable respect for the outdoors.
Among his most proud moments, his family was his world.
He leaves behind: Beloved “bride,” Melody Hazel; children. Christine Woods and Mike, Robby Hazel and Paula, Brian Hazel and Tammy; grandchildren, Michelle Torrence, Katie Camp, Haley Hazel, Brooklynn Hazel, Darcey Hazel, Ashley Woods, Jordan Yaste, and Macenzie Howard; great-grandchildren, Jamison Torrence, Owen Torrence, and Addison Torrence; as well as brother, Joe Hazel and Sandra.
The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Mike Torrence officiating.
Family and friends will meet at the East Tennessee Veteran Cemetery 2200 E. Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, for Bob’s graveside service with full military honors presented by Campbell County Honor Guard.
www.holleygamble.com
GERALD VERNON PIERCE
August 30, 2022
Gerald Vernon Pierce, 88, went home to be with his Lord Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022.
He was born Feb. 8, 1934, in Baton Rouge, La., to Carl Murray and Ruth Vernon Pierce. Gerald grew up in the town of Kentwood, La., graduating from Kentwood High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Louisiana State University in 1957. Gerald was recruited almost immediately to work in Oak Ridge. Over the course of his career as a chemical analyst, he worked at each of the plants, some more than once. After retiring from Martin Marietta, Gerald went on to work at DPI doing forensic product failure analysis and writing reports on product failures.
While in his new hometown, Gerald visited Glenwood Baptist Church with a friend. There he was introduced to Gloria Lane, whom he would marry in 1960. They resided on East Drive, where they raised their family, for the remainder of their lives. Gerald became a member and served Glenwood Baptist Church as deacon, choir director (twice), and choir member until Parkinson’s disease limited his abilities. In between his time at Glenwood, Gerald served as “temporary” music director at Clear Branch Baptist Church in Lake City (Rocky Top) for
nearly 31 years.
Gerald was a quiet man, but people who met him instantly could tell his love for them and for his Lord were genuine. He loved good music and the hymns of the church. He sang for
many years with the Tennessee Baptist Men’s Chorale, a singing group composed of church choir directors from across the state. He had a marvelous tenor voice and frequently would sing solos and duets with Gloria at church. Favorites of his to sing were “The King Is Coming,” “Calvary’s Love,” “The Holy City,” “In the Garden,” and “Whispering Hope.”
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Gloria.
Survivors include: Three children, Edward Pierce and wife Jessica of Knoxville, Randall Pierce of Nashville, and Nancy Pierce of Clinton; brother, Alan Pierce and wife Shelia of Tulsa, Okla.; grandchildren, Julia and Elliot Pierce; and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom he loved with his whole heart.
The family would like to thank nurses, Vileta and Carol, and therapists, Ryn, Jeff, and Kyle, for the loving and dedicated care they provided to Gerald.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Gerald’s memory to the American Parkinson Disease Association at apdaparkinson.org/get-involved/memorial-and-tribute-gifts/ or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org/donate.
The family will receive friends from noon – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, at Glenwood Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Robert Lane of Harbour Light Baptist, Princeton, W. Va., and the Rev. Mark Walton of Glenwood Baptist, officiating.
Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at Anderson County Memorial Gardens.
Masks are optional but will be available for those attending.
Online condolences may be left at weatherfordmortuary.com.
OPAL MAE GILL
August 28, 2022
Opal Mae Gill, 86, Heiskell, passed away Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022.
She was born in Anderson County to Willie and Cora Smith and was raised in the Dutch Valley Community in Clinton. She attended Clinton High School and later retired as the Supervisor of School Nutrition for Anderson County Schools. She was a loving mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by: Companion of 21 years, Steve Baxter; son, Don (Pat) Gill; and daughter, Sonya Graham; as well as grandson, Brandon (Megan) Gill; granddaughter, Mandy (Robby) Marrs; grandson, Jimmy (Kristi) Graham; grandson, Charlie (Mary Ellen) Graham; granddaughter, Jenny (Jeff) Pemberton; grandson, David Gregory; and six great-grandchildren.
She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
Family and friends will meet at 12:30 p.m. for a 1 p.m. graveside service Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, at Lynnhurst Cemetery, 2300 Adair Drive, Knoxville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 510 Old Dutch Valley Road, Clinton, TN 37716.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
CARLEEN BULLOCK THURMAN
August 28, 2022
Carleen Bullock Thurman, 88, Clinton passed away Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, at Canterfield Assisted Living.
Carleen was a member of Second Baptist Church and retired from TVA after 30-plus years of service. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1954 and was a member of the Clinton High School marching band.
She was preceded in death by: Husband, W.P. Thurman; parents, Carl and Lena Bullock.
She is survived by: Sister, June B. Dotson; nephew, David Dotson and wife Tina; great-niece, Grace Dotson; aunt, Margaret Morgan; nephews, David Lawrence and Louis Thurman; nieces, Karen Lawrence, Lydia Higgins, Linda Thurman Pash, Lori Thurman Pyle, and Leah Thurman Roberts; several other great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank special friend, Debbie Kirk, for the loving care and friendship given to Carleen and her husband, W.P.
Friends and family can call at their convenience from 9 – 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home.
Her graveside service will be at noon Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at Norris Memorial Garden with Dr. Michael Thompson officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Second Baptist Church Building Fund, 777 Public Safety Lane, Clinton, TN 37716.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
