Betty J. Bramlette
February 5, 2026
Betty J. Bramlette, 82, of Clinton passed away Feb. 5, 2026, at Tennova North Health Center.
Betty loved the Lord and was very active in her church prior to her illness. She loved her family and everyone she met. She was nicknamed “Smiley” at Norris Health and Rehab, where she spent the last three years of her life. She was an avid University of Tennessee fan and watched the Vols whenever she could.
She loved Coke Zero and could tell the difference if Pepsi was purchased instead.
She adored Cades Cove and spent many hours there. She loved Big Ed’s Pizza, which she enjoyed each year on her birthday.
A great cook, Betty shared her secret hot dog chili recipe with her family, a favorite at all family gatherings. Even when she ate very little toward the end of her life, she would always enjoy a Git’N Go hot dog.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Louise Kennedy; her husband, Carrol J. Bramlette; sons, Charles E. Bramlette and Douglas Carrol Bramlette; brothers, James, Robert, Henry and Earl; sisters, Billie, Shirley and Caroline; and a brother-in-law, Kenneth R. Helms.
She is survived by her son, James B. Bramlette and wife Gail of Clinton; her sister, Janice Knox of Corbin, Kentucky; a special niece, Camillia Howells and husband Ernie of Corbin, Kentucky; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. She was often referred to as “Mamaw Betty” by many neighborhood children, a name she dearly loved.
The family will receive friends Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A private burial will be held at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
The family extends special thanks to the staff at Norris Health and Rehab for the care and love shown to Betty during the last three years of her life.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Bramlette family.
holleygamble.com.
Lloyd “Eddie” McConkey
February 4, 2026
Lloyd “Eddie” McConkey, 84, of Rocky Top passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. He was born Feb. 24, 1941, in Sweetwater, Tennessee, to Lloyd and Ruth McConkey.
Eddie was the longtime owner and operator of Eddie’s Barber Shop in Clinton. He devoted many years to his work as a barber, serving the community with skill and kindness.
He enjoyed life on the farm, raising cattle, and camping, pursuits that brought him great joy. Eddie was a member of Glade Spring Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Elizabeth Braden and Billie Shelby; his brother, James McConkey; his nephews, Michael Braden and Mark McConkey; and his niece, Myra Glandon.
Survivors include his wife, Leona McConkey of Rocky Top; sister, Virginia Richards of Knoxville; special nephews, Jeffrey Braden and Randy Braden; and several nieces, cousins, friends and other family members.
A graveside service was be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Chris Stanley officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com.
Leroy Warfield
February 3, 2026
Leroy Warfield, 96, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication and love.
Born in Anderson County, Tennessee, Leroy lived a life marked by commitment to his family and country. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in May 1951 and served honorably in Berlin, Germany, until May 1953. His time in the military reflected his strength, resilience and patriotism.
Following his service, Leroy worked for 37 years as a line mechanic at Heekin Can Company in Clinton. His strong work ethic and loyalty were admired by all who knew him.
After retiring, he owned and operated PLW Pallet Company, serving the needs of local businesses. He was known for his tireless work ethic and dedication to “getting the job done.”
A devoted father of six, Leroy centered his life around family, home and farm. He had a gift for growing vegetables and raising beef cattle, and he proudly supported 4-H and FFA programs. In his later years, Leroy remained mentally sharp and defied “old age” by continuing to work on his farm.
He would often recall his times in the Army and share stories about his friends living in the Brushy Valley community. He enjoyed the simple life, working with his hands and helping others.
He will be remembered for his loyalty, honesty and hard work. He attributed his longevity to God’s purpose for him as a provider, husband, father and friend. Until his death, Leroy would pray nightly for his country, family and the unsaved.
He is survived by his children, Patricia Marcum, Philip Warfield, Kila Worthington, Kim Guinn, Katrina Byrd and John Warfield; sister, Velma Jean Foust; niece, Pam Boyd; 14 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife and “sweetie,” Ruth, whom he loved dearly.
A memorial service was held at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Leroy’s family invites all who knew him to celebrate his life and share in the memories of a man who touched the lives of many.
Nancy Lou Duncan
February 2, 2026
Nancy Lou Hoff LaMance Duncan, 91, of Elgin, South Carolina, passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.
Born in Pontiac, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Otto and Helen Herman Hoff.
While Nancy held various occupations throughout her life, she considered her greatest calling to be that of mother and grandmother. She loved her family and cherished time spent with them, whether fishing from the family pontoon boat or gathered around the kitchen table playing board games.
Nancy attended Sinking Springs United Methodist Church in Clinton, and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She enjoyed exercising, and worked out daily at a local fitness center, often proudly noting that she walked more than five miles each day. She was also a longtime season-ticket holder for the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team.
An animal lover, Nancy always had a dog as her bed companion. She had a great sense of humor and loved to embarrass her children with her antics. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include her sister, Phyllis Landowski of Waterford, Michigan; children, Dianna Deaderick (Douglas) of Columbia, Randy LaMance (Traci) of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Julie Clark of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; grandchildren, Amy Deaderick, Beth Laws, Taylor LaMance, Cameron LaMance, Denver Clark and Ivey Grace Clark; great-grandchildren, Rachel Laws and Amelia Laws; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by the father of her children, Ralph L. LaMance; her husband, Billie Damon Duncan; and siblings, Freida Parkinson, Louise Hoff, Marguerite O’Neil, Henry Hoff, Dorothy Chapman and Frank Hoff.
The family extends its gratitude to the staff of The Blake at Woodcreek Farms who showed her abounding love and compassion.
Memorials may be made to the animal shelter or ministry of the donor’s choice.
Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at dunbarfunerals.com.
Betty Sorrells
January 31, 2026
Betty Sorrells, 89, of Clinton passed away on Jan. 31, 2026.
She was born Oct. 4, 1936, to Dave and Viola Evans of White Oak, Tennessee.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Sorrells; daughter, Anita Smith and husband, Mike; stepmother, Ethel Evans; brothers, Everett, Garrett, Buster, Walter and Frank Evans; twin sister, Eva Sue Foust Seeber; and sisters, Eloise Clark, Tommie Sutton and Ann Summers.
She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Mahaffey and husband, Terry; sons, Marc Sorrells and wife, Retina, and Curtis Sorrells and wife, Edwina; grandchildren, Amanda Smith, Brittney Spann and husband, Tyler, and Andrew Sorrells; and beloved niece, Tami Foust Bright and husband, Bruce, whom she loved like her own; as well as many cherished great-grandchildren.
Betty was a faithful member of South Clinton Baptist Church and an active participant at the Clinton Senior Center, where she formed many lasting friendships. She was known for her wit, warmth and love of community. She often joked that she wanted a house without a kitchen so she could spend more time with her friends and less time cooking and cleaning. We hope she is now enjoying her heavenly home — a place where she never has to lift a finger.
She never lacked for social engagements, and truly loved being out and about with her many friends. She will be waiting in heaven for her special friends — Willie “Next-Door” Martin, Cecil Allison, Jimmy Beets, Faye Parks, Louise Ledbetter, Billie Marlow, Angie White and Alice White.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Ben Atchley State Veterans Home for the love, compassion and care shown to Betty. Their kindness brought peace and comfort during her time there and will always be remembered.
The family will receive friends Thursday, Feb. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, with a service to follow. A graveside service will be held Friday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sorrells family during this difficult time.
www.holleygamble.com
Larry Kent Mabe
January 31, 2026
Larry Kent Mabe went to his Heavenly home on Jan. 31, 2026.
He was born in Pulaski, Virginia, to Miles G. Mabe and Reba M. Hughes. The family later moved to Heiskell, Tennessee, where Larry was raised alongside his two brothers and three sisters.
Larry loved life in the Smoky Mountains and enjoyed hiking with his dog, dancing, working on home and auto projects, traveling, helping others and studying the Bible.
He was a loving father to two daughters, Laura Huff and Darla Laffey, both of Chillicothe, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings; and his youngest daughter, Darla.
Larry is survived by his daughter, Laura Huff; three granddaughters, Adrian Cooper, Sidni Esposito and Jessie Lee; and six great-grandchildren, all of Chillicothe, Missouri. He also leaves behind many friends and extended family members.
Larry was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
Robert Lynn Murphy
January 26, 2026
Robert Lynn Murphy, known as Lynn, 69, a lifelong resident of Clinton, passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, from congestive heart failure.
Lynn was a graduate of Clinton Senior High School, Class of 1974. He later earned a degree in criminal justice from Walters State Community College and graduated magna cum laude in political science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
A dedicated public servant, Lynn began his career after high school as a 911 dispatcher for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department and became the first 18-year-old to complete the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in Donelson. He went on to serve as a patrol officer, supervisor, training officer and detective. While working full time as a deputy, Lynn also volunteered as a firefighter for the city of Clinton.
In 1988, he made a career change, becoming a Clinton firefighter and emergency medical technician, eventually reaching the rank of assistant chief. For many years, Lynn spent his vacation time serving as an adjunct instructor for the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy. He was part of an East Tennessee instructor team recognized by then-Gov. Don Sundquist for teaching the first live-burn firefighting class at the newly opened Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy training facility in Bell Buckle.
Lynn later served as director of the City of Clinton Emergency 911 before becoming director of public works for the City of Clinton, where he worked tirelessly for 19 years. He retired as director in 2018 after more than 40 years of service in local government. At the time of his death, Lynn was serving as a local government consultant for the City of Clinton.
Lynn was the son of the late Robert and Ruth Murphy of Clinton.
He is survived by his daughter, Lyndsai; siblings, Stephen and Deborah; and many friends he considered family.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public memorial service. In Lynn’s memory, he requested that donations of time or money be made to the Anderson County Animal Rescue Foundation, P.O. Box 181, Clinton, TN 37717, (acanimalrescuefoundation.org) or to the charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements by Cremation Options Inc.
Donal Lee Sharp
January 25, 2026
Donal Lee Sharp, 80, of Heiskell went to be with the Lord Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
He was a member of Deep Springs Baptist Church in Heiskell.
Donal worked as a logger in his younger years and also built homes and farmed. He was a quiet man until you got to know him — but to know him was to love him. He was a devoted family man who loved his children and grandchildren dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Odra Lee and Beulah Mae Sharp.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sandra Sharp; son, Franklin Sharp and wife, Amber; daughter, Donna Heath; grandchildren, Kaylee Raines (David), Emmalee Heath, Brandon Heath, Maggie Sharp and Johnse Sharp; and many special friends.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at Jones Mortuary in Clinton, with a funeral to follow at 7 p.m. with the Revs. Matthew Prosise and Dale Parker officiating.
A graveside service and interment will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at Wolf Valley Cemetery in Heiskell with the Rev. James Hamock officiating.
Jones Mortuary of Clinton is honored to serve the family of Donal Lee Sharp.
