Janice Ray Fowler Smelcher
December 7, 2025
Janice Ray Fowler Smelcher, 89, of Knoxville, formerly of Clinton, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 7, 2025, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and loving family. She went to be with the Lord after a life devoted to faith and family.
She was a 1954 graduate of Clinton High School, where she was a majorette and a member of the band, drama club, FHA and 4-H. She was also named FFA Queen and played saxophone. She attended Tennessee Tech and later retired from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she worked in the Office of Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Janice’s family was her greatest joy. She loved Tennessee football — especially Peyton Manning — as well as history, music, musicals, classic films, walking at the track and reading. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, patience, sweet smile and unwavering love. Giving her time was her way of showing love. She was a beautiful soul, inside and out, and will be missed beyond words.
This is not goodbye, this is see you soon sweet Momma/Grammie. We love you! Oxox
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Ophelia Fowler; daughter, Lisa R. Muse; infant son, Scotty Smelcher; brothers, Paul Fowler and David Fowler; and sister, Rose Ann Jansky.
She is survived by her children, Steve Smelcher and wife Lisa, Jana McCarty and husband Mark, and Dara Chadwell and husband Andy; grandchildren, Blake Simpson, Brooke Simpson, Amaris Chadwell, Amanda Hopson, Ashley Muse and James Muse; great-grandchildren, Elliot Simpson and Jayda Sliger; brother, Ronnie Fowler; sister, Diane Cooksey; sister-in-law, Jeanne Fowler; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by the father of her children, Jim Smelcher.
The family received friends at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A graveside service followed at Sunset Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Steve Smelcher, Mark McCarty, Andy Chadwell, Blake Simpson, Ryan Chagnon and Bobby Kelley. Jim Smelcher served as honorary pallbearer.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to have served the Smelcher family.
holleygamble.com
Richard F. “Dick” Brown
December 7, 2025
Richard F. “Dick” Brown went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of Dec. 7, 2025. He went gently and quietly, just as he lived his life, leaving behind a legacy of service, honor and love.
Dick was born in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, to Charles and Edna Brown, and lived there until joining the U.S. Air Force after graduating from high school. He proudly served four years and received an honor recognizing his integrity. While stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, he met his future wife, Ruth. They were married for nearly 68 years and raised three children together.
Following his military service, Dick earned an accounting degree from Penn State University and the University of Tennessee. He began his career at the Department of Energy in Oak Ridge, where he worked for 30 years. He was well known among coworkers for writing poems to honor them on birthdays.
Dick later served three years with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria, touching many lives and earning the distinction of being called “the best boss they ever had.” He continued his tradition of celebrating coworkers with coffee and cake. After returning to the United States, he enjoyed contract work for government agencies in Oak Ridge.
Dick’s greatest passion was spreading the gospel of Christ. He was a longtime member of West Towne Christian Church in Knoxville and a strong advocate for missions. He supported Christian institutions financially and served physically whenever possible. Each summer, he dedicated a week of vacation to serve at Smoky Mountain Christian Service Camp, returning home with laughter-filled stories.
After retirement, Dick and Ruth spent summers serving at TCM International Institute in Heiligenkreuz, Austria, a Christian graduate seminary that trains leaders in Eastern Europe. He loved working with others who shared his same philosophy, and embraced praying with people from other cultures who loved his Lord.
In his later years, Dick served Johnson University whenever he could. A longtime financial supporter, he also volunteered by cleaning dorm windows, stuffing and stamping envelopes, and serving during Senior Saints weekends. He loved so many of the staff there and was button-popping proud to have a son and granddaughter attend.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Edna Brown of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania; his sister, Irene Freed of Orwigsburg; and his granddaughter, Emily Marie Brown, of Cookeville, Tennessee.
He was loved by and will be greatly missed by his wife, Ruth Brown of Powell; sons Michael Brown (Stephanie) of Powell and Rick Brown (Georgianna) of Cookeville; and daughter Kelly Brown (Gerry) of Lexington, Kentucky; grandchildren Benjamin Brown, Samuel Brown, Anna Brown, Steven Brown, Jared Brooks, Molly Rehmel and Joni Brooks; and great-grandchildren Branson Miller, Bristol Brooks, Bryson Brooks and Ella Rehmel.
The family extends special thanks to Stephanie Brown for her loving care during the past five months; to Sallie Pierce for her assistance; and to the staff and volunteers at Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville, for their compassion and support.
Services to honor Dick will be held Saturday, Dec. 20, at West Towne Christian Church, 9300 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m., with a celebration of life to follow at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Johnson University.
Checks should be payable to Johnson University and mailed to 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37998, with a note indicating the gift is in memory of Richard Brown for the student scholarship fund.
Contributions also may be made online at johnsonu.edu/donate with a memorial designation.
Shirley K. (Stevens) Greene
December 1, 2025
Shirley K. (Stevens) Greene of Oak Ridge passed away peacefully on Dec. 1, 2025, with her son and daughter-in-law by her side.
She was born in 1936 in Roan Mountain, and moved to Oak Ridge in 1944 with her family. She attended Highland View Elementary School, Robertsville Junior High and Oak Ridge High School.
Shirley worked at Grove Center Pharmacy before beginning a 40-year career at Oak Ridge Hospital (now Methodist Medical Center), where she served in the Pharmacy and Day Surgery departments. She also helped run Greene’s Cycle Shop alongside her husband, Carroll Greene.
A woman of faith, Shirley was an active member of New Salem Baptist Church in Clinton.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Voretta Stevens; brothers, C.L. Stevens and Don Stevens; sister, Jody Hyer; her first husband, Austin Towns; and her second husband, Carroll Greene.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law; sister, Wilma Nichols; brothers, Ralph Stevens and Mike Stevens (Eleanor); stepdaughter, Becky Breaux; and step-granddaughters, Andy, Leah and Charlotte Breaux. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the National MS Society at nationalmssociety.org.
Delmer Lee Russell
November 28, 2025
Delmer Lee Russell, 76, passed away peacefully Friday evening, Nov. 28, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, surrounded by his loved ones.
Mr. Russell was a longtime member of Big Mountain Baptist Church, where he played guitar until his health declined and prevented him from continuing the work he felt the Lord had called him to do.
Before retiring in 2011, Delmer worked many years for Oak Ridge Schools as part of the maintenance and custodial staff. He enjoyed gospel music, fishing, ATV riding and entertaining friends.
He is survived by his children, Steve (Darrion) Russell of Jamestown, Tennessee; Darrell (Christina) Russell of South Carolina; Jamie Russell of Florida; and Brian Russell of Boston, Massachusetts. He also leaves behind grandchildren Robert Chapell, Steven Russell, Hannah, Chesni, Charli and Henry.
Surviving siblings include brother James (Faye) Russell of Clinton; sister Marilyn Duncan of Clinton; sister Naomi Russell Gaylon (Lynn) of Harriman; brother Donald (Mary) Russell of Oliver Springs; and brother Glen (Bobbie) Russell of Clinton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Rhoda Lee Russell; sister Rachel Russell Wilson; brother Charles Russell; sister Evelyn Standifer; and brother Jerry Standifer. He is also preceded in death by several nieces, nephews and many special friends, including Patsy Mitchell, Abbie Kitts and Mike Freels.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at Sharp Funeral Home, with a funeral to follow at 7 p.m., officiated by Bro. David Coffman and Bro. Lonnie Lowe. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
Sharp Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Russell family during this time of need.
Linda Gail Williams
November 27, 2025
Linda Gail Williams, 63, passed away Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, at her home in Benton, Tennessee.
She was born March 20, 1963, in Oak Ridge to George and Betty Wilkerson.
Linda loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She was a member of Lone Mountain Baptist Church and enjoyed attending services when she was able. She also loved listening to gospel music. Linda was known for her warm smile and willingness to help others.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her son, Junior Williams of Oak Ridge; daughter, Rhonda Williams of Benton; brothers, David Wilkerson of Heiskell and Terry Wilkerson of Rocky Top; and grandchildren, Dakota Williams, Jeremiah Williams, Hunter Williams, Levi Williams and Jacob Williams.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at Jones Mortuary in Clinton. A funeral followed at 7 p.m., officiated by Eddie Childress and Derek Mitchell. A graveside service was held at noon Monday, Dec. 1, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Andersonville.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to serve the family of Linda Gail Williams.
Darlene Ruth Brown
November 22, 2025
Darlene Ruth Brown, 78, of Clinton passed away at her home on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Born Oct. 28, 1947, in Knoxville, she was the daughter of the late Deward Jerome and Ruby Farris.
Darlene dedicated 35 years to B&T Distributing in Knoxville, retiring after 35 years of committed service, marked by hard work and dedication.
She had a lifelong passion for sewing and crocheting and took great pride in creating outfits and custom curtains for her family. She also enjoyed family beach vacations and crossword puzzles.
Above all, Darlene cherished her family. Time spent with her loved ones was the most important part of her life, and she found her greatest joy in the love she shared with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving husband, William “Ernie” Brown; children, Kendall Brown and wife, Marion, and DeAnna Clemmons; grandchildren, Cameron Clemmons, Cory Clemmons and Brady Clemmons; sister, Sherry Gibson and husband, Carl; nephews, Tim Gibson and wife, Pam, and Kevin Gibson and wife, Kristi; great-nephews, Taylor, Alec, Logan and Ryan Gibson; and great-nieces, Leah, Rylei and Kloei Gibson.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. A celebration of life followed in the chapel.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
HolleyGamble.com
Oliver Lynn ‘Chicken’ Parks
November 21, 2025
Oliver Lynn “Chicken” Parks, 84, of Lake City passed away Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.
Lynn was well known in the community for his abundant vegetable gardens and his towering sunflowers that brightened the roadside and brought smiles to passersby. He loved tractors and took great pride in helping with the Anderson County Fair’s tractor and garden displays each year alongside his friend Howard Farmer.
A 50-year member of the Coal Creek Masonic Lodge, Lynn was deeply involved with the Shrine Paper Sale, raising funds for Shriners Children’s Hospitals. He especially looked forward to greeting shoppers during the annual fundraiser at Food City.
He logged more than three million miles in a tractor-trailer over the course of his career, first hauling coast-to-coast with Metler Hauling and Rigging, and later delivering gasoline locally for Exxon. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Lynn often shared humorous tales of his time stationed in France, and was deeply patriotic. He frequently said, “I don’t need to travel, I saw it all in a truck.”
He loved our flag and all it represents. Lynn’s stories of his life on the road were always filled with humor and adventure. He cherished his friendships from Glenn’s Pizza, where he sat at the “liars’ table,” from Cracker Barrel in Lake City, and among his longtime neighbors and friends in South Clinton and Dutch Valley. A proud Laker, he would often clarify, “Rocky Top is a song, Lake City is a town.” He was Forever a Laker!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Georgia Parks.
Survivors include his former wife of 47 years and devoted caregiver and friend, Faye Parks; daughter, Angela “Hoppy” Merryman and husband, Jeff; sister, Ella Ayers and husband, Phil; grandson, Kolby Merryman; and Brandon Isabell, whom he loved like a son, will cherish Lynn’s wit, smile, and joy for life along with his “country as cornbread” sayings that sprinkled humor and wisdom into everyone’s daily journey.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Leach Family Funeral Home in Lake City. A funeral followed with Chaplain Ben Neal officiating. Interment followed at Grandview Memorial Garden.
Lynn often said, “I am just an old farmer who has been blessed all his life.” He loved passing the blessings on to others. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Anderson County High School FFA, 140 Maverick Circle, Clinton, TN 37716; Clinton High School FFA, 425 Dragon Drive, Clinton, TN 37716; or Shriners Children’s Hospitals at donate.shrinerschildrens.org.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Wendy May and staff at UT Family Physicians; Dr. Daniel Ibach and the Tennessee Cancer Center team; Dr. Andrew Conrad, Tyler Irwin and the Vista Radiology team; Fort Sanders Radiology Department; Parkwest Medical Center staff; Dr. Brian Christiansen of Arches Foot Care in Oak Ridge; and Anderson County EMS for their compassionate care.
Special thanks to cousins Kay Foust and Sammy Foust, and dear friends John Martin, Randy Pettit and Glen Toler for their visits, joy and support over the past few months. You are loved and appreciated.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
Ricky Dewain Caswell
November 21, 2025
Ricky Dewain Caswell, 64, departed this life and entered his eternal rest on Nov. 21, 2025, at Tennova North Medical Center in Knoxville. Born March 3, 1961, he lived a life marked by humor, loyalty and a deep love for his family, friends, and the Tennessee Volunteers.
In the late 1970s, Ricky honorably enlisted in the United States Army, serving as an 81C cartographic support specialist. After completing his active-duty service, he continued his commitment to his country by joining the U.S. National Guard, where he served in the same specialty until the late 1980s
A passionate sports fan, Ricky loved fishing, cheering for the UT Vols and the Raiders, and following college football, basketball and NASCAR. He carried an impressive knowledge of sports statistics and was always ready with a sharp-witted remark or one of his signature dry jokes. His humor, warm spirit, and unique personality will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna T. Caswell; father, Willie Oliver; uncle, William Thomas “Hi-Pockets” Gist; aunt, Francis “Tinker” Beatty; grandmothers, Mary Beasley and Bernice Beatty; and other cherished family members who greeted him on the other side.
He is survived by his sons, Jordan Caswell of Knoxville and Tyler Caswell of Atlanta; brothers, Darryl (Tammy) Caswell of Knoxville, Kevin Caswell of Clinton, and Willie Oliver Jr. of Oak Ridge; eight nieces and nephews; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.
He is also survived by his devoted “ride or die” friends, Quincy and Benny; special friends, Shawn McCane and Toi Howard; along with devoted family members who held a special place in his heart, Christopher Beatty of Powell and Desmond (Kristin) Beatty of Smyrna, Georgia.
The family will receive friends Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 2 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. at Woodhaven Funeral Home, 160 Edgemoor Road, Powell.
In honor of Ricky’s spirit and passion, we won’t say goodbye — we’ll echo the cheer he carried throughout his life:
Go Vols and Raider Nation!
