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Obituaries

Michael Zachary Smith

Michael Zachary Smith, 38, passed away May 16, 2025, at his residence in Oak Ridge.

He was born June 19, 1986, in Knoxville.

Michael enjoyed spending time outdoors, exploring caves, and studying Native American history. He was a devoted sports fan who could talk about any sport or athlete in great detail. Above all, he cherished time spent with his son, Raylan.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Bailey Sr. and Eleanor Bailey; grandfather, Willie Smith; and father, Michael R. Smith.

He is survived by his son, Raylan Smith; mother, Kimberly Smith; the mother of his child, Amanda Jenkins; brother, Zane Smith and wife, Morgan; niece and nephews, Haley Smith, Carson Hargett, Jackson Smith, and Isaac Smith; and his special K9 companion, Hercules. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends.

The Smith family wishes to share the following message:

“To anyone who will listen: If you’re considering using drugs, don’t. They will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay. ‘For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ — Romans 6:23”

The family received friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. The funeral followed, officiated by the Rev. Mark Kitts. A graveside service was held afterward at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens.

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

holleygamble.com

John Warren Chase Jr.

John Warren Chase Jr., 77, of Lake City passed away on May 8, 2025, at North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell.

He was born May 8, 1948, in Lake City to John Chase Sr. and Bobbie Sams Chase. John proudly served in the U.S. Army and later worked for many years as a detective with the LaFollette Police Department.

He had a deep passion for fishing and a keen interest in researching both fact and fiction — especially topics related to local and U.S. history, mafia lore and politics.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Chase; sisters, Shirley Orvetz and Sharon Manley; and brother, Jerry Chase.

He is survived by his sons, John J. Chase of Lake City, Jeremy Chase of Mississippi, and Kevin Young of North Carolina; daughters, Christine Chase Stooksbury and husband, Shawn, of LaFollette, and Aggi Chase of Ohio; brother, James Chase and wife, Robin, of Alabama; sisters, Sandra Gorny-Barrish of Ohio, Erma Lanum and husband, John, of Ohio, and Shelia Skuza and husband, Russ, of LaFollette.

John is also survived by his grandchildren, Johnathon Chase, Noah Chase, Leigha Chase, Breanna Chase, Tyler Chase, Brendan Chase and Abbi Chase Stooksbury; great-grandchild, Damon Chase; and a host of extended family members and friends.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9 (KJV)

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City. A funeral will follow at 7 p.m. in the Hatmaker Funeral Home chapel, with the Rev. Mark Dison officiating.

A graveside service with military honors provided by the Campbell County Honor Guard will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Leach Cemetery in Lake City.

You may also view John’s obituary and sign the guestbook at hatmakerfuneralhome.com.

Hatmaker Funeral Home, Lake City, is in charge of arrangements.

Gary Edsel Johnson

Gary Edsel Johnson, 77, of Powell passed away Tuesday morning, May 6, 2025, at his home. He was born March 27, 1948.

To know Gary was to love him. The most devoted husband, father and grandfather, he lived out his vows and faith as a devout Christian and served as a model of integrity. Revered in his business community as a natural leader, he was also a beloved uncle, foster parent, and grandfather to many — both related and chosen family.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean Johnson; father, Sheridan Johnson; and mother, Carrie Johnson.

He is survived by his son, Michael Johnson and daughter-in-law, Shannon; grandchildren, Easton and Kaitlyn Johnson; sister, Dora Norris; and nephew, Roger Norris. He also shared a special bond with his in-laws, Jim and Peggy Vandergriff, Dorothy Crowe, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved companion, Barbara Elkins, and her family.

The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church in Clinton. A funeral followed, officiated by the Rev. Daryl Taylor.

Family and friends met at 10:15 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2025, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel, to travel in procession to Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Heiskell for a graveside service.

Condolences may be made at mynattfh.com.

Alexander Dawson Reams

Our beloved son, Alex Reams, 22, left this earth unexpectedly on May 5, 2025, and entered his heavenly home.

Born July 27, 2002, in Clearwater, Florida, Alex was the beloved son of Phil and Karen Reams. He graduated from Clinton High School in 2021 and worked as a technician at Jiffy Lube in Farragut.

Alex was a vibrant and adventurous soul with a passion for fast cars, getting his hands dirty repairing cars, and anything related to them. He was a reliable friend, always ready to lend a helping hand. His quick wit and infectious smile brought joy to everyone he met.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Vernon and Lucille Fritz; and his paternal grandparents, Lester and Virgie Reams.

He is survived by his parents, Phil and Karen Reams; and numerous cousins on both sides of the family.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Second Baptist Church, 777 Public Safety Lane, Clinton.

Receiving of friends will begin at 2 p.m., with the service to follow at 3 p.m.

Alex Reams

Our beloved son, Alex Reams, 22, left this earth unexpectedly on May 5, 2025, and entered his heavenly home.

Born July 27, 2002, in Clearwater, Florida, Alex was the beloved son of Phil and Karen Reams. He graduated from Clinton High School in 2021 and worked as a technician at Jiffy Lube in Farragut.

Alex was a vibrant and adventurous spirit. He was passionate about fast cars, along with getting his hands dirty repairing cars, and anything related to them.

He was a reliable friend, always ready to lend a helping hand. His quick wit and infectious smile brought joy to everyone he met.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Vernon and Lucille Fritz; and his paternal grandparents, Lester and Virgie Reams.

He is survived by his parents, Phil and Karen Reams; and numerous cousins on both sides of the family.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Second Baptist Church.

Receiving of friends will begin at 2 p.m., with the service to follow at 3 p.m.

Rev. Charlie Mac Marlow

Rev. Charlie Mac Marlow, 75, of the Frost Bottom community in Oliver Springs, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

Born Aug. 24, 1949, to JD and Rosa Marlow, he was raised on Vowell Mountain in Rocky Top. At age 17, Charlie Mac was called to preach the Gospel, beginning a 58-year ministry that blessed and guided countless lives. He pastored many churches in the surrounding area and, for the past 25 years, served as the pastor of Schultz Hollow Baptist Church — a congregation that he dearly loved.

In addition to his ministry, Charlie Mac dedicated more than 50 years to the insurance industry. He was also a proud member of the Oliver Springs Masonic Lodge, where he found fellowship and purpose beyond the pulpit.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Shirley Carter, Aliene Adkins and Wanda Sue Flynn; nephews, Johnny Carter and Eddie Burton; mother- and father-in-law, Albert and Vaudie Rainey; brothers-in-law, Johnny Flynn and Fred Mason; and nephews, Rylan Glenn and Dawson Harness.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Rebecca Marlow; great-nephew and son by heart, Wesley Steelman; sisters-in-law, Mary Mason and Ollie Carter; brothers-in-law, Danny and Steve Adkins; special friends, Barbara Massey and Tommy and Bertha Hawkins; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs. A funeral service will followed at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Wayne Morgan officiating. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2025, at Frost Bottom Cemetery.

Sharp Funeral Home of Oliver Springs is honored to serve the Marlow family during this time of rememberance. www.sharpfh.com.

Sandra Kay Jones

Sandra Kay Jones, 69, passed away at her residence on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

She was born Aug. 6, 1955, to the late Howard and Grace Webber. Sandra had a passion for collecting purses and jewelry and always enjoyed her iced coffee.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gerald Webber; sister, Kathy Vanhuss; nephews, Jamie Vanhuss and Allen Scott Webber; and daughter, Ginger Powers.

She is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Michael Jones; daughters, Lisa Nelson and husband, Clint, and Kristi Overbay and husband, Toby; nephew, Kevin Webber and wife, Nicole; niece, Becky Carroll and husband, Eb; and grandchildren, Haley Overbay, Keely Nelson, Colton Nelson, and Aiden and Dylan Overbay.

Patricia “Pat” Chamblee

Patricia “Pat” Chamblee, 74, of Clinton passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

She was born June 6, 1950, in Fraterville, Tennessee, to Leo and Juanita Chamblee.

Pat was a longtime member of Clinton Church of God, where she served for many years as a Girls’ Club teacher for God’s Little Lambs. She treasured her time with her granddaughters, Sarah and Cassie, above all else.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Joan Weaver and Rebecca Cagle; and brother, Steve Chamblee.

She is survived by her son, Chris Chamblee and wife, Amanda, of Clinton; granddaughters, Sarah Chamblee and Cassie Chamblee, both of Clinton; sisters, Caroline Miller, Leona Rush and Anna Chamblee, all of Clinton; brothers, David Chamblee and wife, Kathy, of Florida, Dan Chamblee and wife, Happi, of Clinton, and Mark Chamblee and wife, Margaret, of Clinton; and her beloved granddog, Luke. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.

A funeral followed in the chapel, officiated by her brother, Mark Chamblee.

A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Woodhaven Memorial Garden.

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

holleygamble.com.