CRAIG JAMON DIXON
June 25, 2022
Craig Jamon Dixon, 59, Clinton, peacefully went to be with the Lord Saturday, June 25, 2022, surrounded by family.
He was born April 3, 1963, in Los Angeles, Cali., to James (Jim) Dixon and Marion Holt. Craig worked for Anderson County Schools as a special education teacher and devoted his career to inspiring kids through sports. He enjoyed working with the youth, playing music, and traveling with his family.
He leaves to cherish his memories: Loving and devoted wife, M. Annette Dixon; three children, daughters, S. Camill Bostick (Darius) of Charlotte, N.C., Tyra Lee (Geoffrey) of Oak Ridge, and son, Jordan Dixon of Charleston, S.C.
Craig was the youngest of four brothers: Les Holt (Diana), Tony Dixon, Aaron Holt, and Dorin Bickers (Denise), all of California. He was affectionately known as Pawpaw by his 10 grandchildren, Montario, Cameron, CaMayah, Cairon, Azariah, Cayden, Jaida, Elliana, Dakota, and Kourtlyn; and a great-grandson, Emmett. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Clinton.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, 621 S. Charles G. Seivers Blvd., Clinton, with services immediately following.
Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery in Clinton.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that you donate to the Craig Dixon Memorial Scholarship Fund, 425 Dragon Dr Clinton TN 37716 with Coach Dixon in the memo.
RONNIE LEE MITCHELL
June 24, 2022
Ronnie Lee Mitchell, 80, passed away at University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Friday, June 24, 2022.
Ronnie worked for the Anderson County Highway Department for 25 years, and he was a hard-working man who enjoyed sharing stories with others about his work with the ACHD. In his free time, Ronnie liked to talk to people, he liked to walk around to collect buckeyes, and he enjoyed playing jokes on his coworkers. Ronnie was the type of man who never met a stranger, and he befriended everyone he met. He was so loved by many and will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by: Parents; wife, Betty J. Mitchell; and sister, Gail Mitchell.
Ronnie is survived by: Son, Raymond Mitchell of Oak Ridge; brothers, Vestel Mitchell (Pat) of Clinton, Jerry Mitchell (Patsy) of Clinton; sisters, Joyce Dagley of Clinton, and Phyllis Mitchell of Clinton.
Ronnie also leaves behind special friends Mark and Tessie Weaver, and Ashley Appleyard.
Friends and family will gather in the Chapel of Jones Mortuary from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2022, for visitation.
Ronnie’s funeral service will begin at 1 p.m.
Following his service, friends and family will meet at Sunset Cemetery in Clinton around 2 p.m. for his interment.
Jones Mortuary, LLC. in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
LORETTA ADKINS LEE
June 23, 2022
Loretta Adkins Lee, 98, was born in Fonde, Ky., in 1924 to coal miner Dock Adkins and Minnie Goad Adkins (deceased).
Siblings, deceased, were Bobby, Glyness, Lacy, and Lorene. She was the wife of Howard Jonathan Lee Sr. (Pinky), deceased, who was from Colmar, Ky.
Loretta leaves behind: Two children, Donna Lee Strohl (Fred), and Howard Jonathan Lee Jr.; 10 grandchildren, Adria Landmesser (Jimmy), Whitney Hammer (Will), Haylee Strohl (Tate Frodsham), Cameron Strohl, Allyson Hooper (Steve), Cody Lee (Aimee), Gentry Lee, Cheyenne Jensen (Brandon), Cherokee Thomas (Ben), Tucker Lee; ten great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; sisters, Barbara Woodard (Denny) and Avalene Ross.
Second to her family she most enjoyed gardening of both flowers and organic vegetables and together with her husband provided her family and friends with enough food to last a year by canning, freezing, and drying. Other activities she assisted with on the farm were tending chickens, cattle, and at one time, hogs. This is how she grew up especially during the Great Depression.
In addition, she loved sewing, embroidery, oil painting, cooking, reading, and lots of other things as she believed to never waste a minute. She was most proud of the marble front porch she built by herself and said she was sad to have to leave behind. Before her children arrived, she worked in a variety of secretarial positions in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Tennessee in which she excelled beyond expectations.
Being a coal miner’s daughter in depressed areas, she strived to rise above her circumstances and did so with her multitude of talents and good example.
A small graveside service will be held at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
www.holleygamble.com
WILLIAM CONDY JARNIGAN
June 22, 2022
William Condy Jarnigan, 83, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday morning, June 22, 2022.
Condy was a lifelong resident of Clinton. He was an inspiration to anyone he met and could light up the room with his smile. You could expect to laugh if you were in his presence. He loved the outdoors and his family.
Condy was preceded in death by: Daughter, Henrietta Jarnigan; parents, William Clint and Lucy Cook Jarnigan; sisters, Nancy Jarnigan, Myrtle (Wilburn) Bunch, and Bonnie Jones; brothers, Private Clifton Lee Jarnigan, Clarence (Betty) Jarnigan, Tom Jarnigan, and J.W. Jarnigan.
He is survived by: Spouse, Joyce Jarnigan; children, Gary Jarnigan, Dianne Rymer, and Daryl (Cynthia) Jarnigan; grandchildren, Chad (Taylor) Jarnigan, Condreana (Landon) Mann, and Noah Jarnigan; great-grandson, Colt William Mann; brother, Gene (Juanita) Jarnigan; and sisters-in-law, Wilma Jarnigan, Loretta Cox, and Lois Bray; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank Dr. Daniel Ibach and his team at Tennessee Cancer Specialist for taking care of Dad and us on this journey.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Sunday, June 26, 2022, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m.
www.holleygamble.com
NAHIDA 'LINDA' JONES
June 21, 2022
Nahida “Linda” Jones, 64, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Knoxville Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
Linda was actively involved in church, and she enjoyed going to YMCA, the flea market, and talking with her brother. What Linda wanted most out of life is to see her children happy. She will be deeply missed by her family.
She was preceded in death by: Parents, Hanna and Victoria Kaoud; and her husband, Charles Jones.
Linda is survived by: Son, John Jones of Halls; daughter, Victoria Jones of Halls; sisters, Sue Mubarak (Charlie) of Halls, Suoad Lussi of Chicago, Ill.
Linda is also survived by a host of grandchildren and other relatives.
Jones Mortuary, LLC. in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
MARY LEE HOOKS
June 20, 2022
Mary Lee Hooks, 79, passed away in the early hours of June 20, 2022, at Beech Tree Manor in Jellico.
A resident of Lake City, Mary Lee was an animal lover and enjoyed spending time with her various pets throughout the years. She spent many years working retail jobs including Watsons and JCPenney. She loved decorating, knitting, shopping, and music. She had an appreciation for all things beautiful, and especially loved butterflies. She was a member of Briceville First Baptist Church.
She preceded in death by: Loving parents, Lawrence and Opal (Williams) Perry; and loving husband of more than 50 years, Bobbie Hooks.
She is survived by: Cousins, Bobby McCoy, Lorie Wlson, Shawn McCoy, Reagan Wilson, Jack Wilson, Ella McCoy; special friends and neighbors, Donnie and Audrey Duncan, and Joyce McCoy.
The family will receive friends at the Holley-Gamble Funeral Home from 11 a.m. - noon Wednesday, June 22, 2022, with the funeral service to follow at noon with the Rev. Tim Russell officiating.
Her burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
www.holleygamble.com
MARTHA ANN MASSEY
June 19, 2022
Martha Ann Massey, 65, Knoxville, passed away suddenly Sunday, June 19, 2022.
“A wife, a mother, and mamaw too, a legacy of love we have from you.”
She was preceded in death by: Father, James Wilson; mother, Betty Wilson; siblings, James Wilson, Robert Wilson, and Susie McNabb.
Survived by: Husband, Herman “Danny” Massey; sons “Rick” Huggins, Quentin Huggins, “Paul” Massey; and daughter, Amber Wagers.
Martha was a woman with the biggest heart who’s love knew no boundaries. She proved that families don’t have to match and that they are not defined by looks or last names. She was a gospel loving Christian woman who loved soap operas, candy, and cats. However, no-one mistook her sweetness for weakness. A very tall woman who always wore short hair because bold was beautiful on her. No matter what time of day, we could always depend on her to answer the phone, even though most of us took those phone calls for granted. Even on the hard days she loved her family even harder.
The Family plans to hold a celebration of life in her hometown of Chattanooga, July 9, 2022.
May she Rest In Peace.
LESLIE EVERETT WINNINGHAM
June 19, 2022
Leslie Everett Winningham, 81, passed away Sunday, June 19, 2022.
He was born on July 3, 1940, in Byrdstown to Ward Porter Winningham and Mary Lou (Mitchell) Winningham. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville for many years before moving to Cookeville and attending the First United Methodist Church of Cookeville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: Loving wife, Peggy Jean (Pickens) Winningham; siste, Elese (Winningham) Richardson; and grandparents, Walter Harrison and Hattie Jane (Young) Winningham and Benton McMillan and Euma Elizabeth (Parris) Mitchell.
He is survived by: Daughters, Carrie Scott and husband Chris of Richmond, Va., Allison Goolsby and husband Andrew of Rickman, Shannon Railling and husband Michael of Cookeville, Jennifer Owens and husband Shon of Charlotte, N.C., and Sarah Keith and husband Joey of Knoxville; grandchildren, Sophie and Sam Jared, Trevor Scott and wife Miranda, Brandon Scott, Dylan and Drew Goolsby, and Cole and Anna Cate Railling; sister, Glenna Allen; brothers, Donald Winningham and wife Yoshiko, Roger Winningham and wife Meg, Ward Winningham and wife Patsy, and Doug Winningham and wife Ann; along with many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Born in Pickett County to Mary Lou Mitchell Winningham and Ward Winningham, he was the fourth of seven children. Losing his father when he was only 11 years old, Winningham was raised by a mother who instilled in him Christian living and the value of hard work.
Winningham was educated in Pickett County Schools. Les and his siblings were known around Byrdstown for being dedicated Bobcats Basketball players.
His dedication to education was evident when he hitchhiked from Byrdstown, Tenn., Swannanoa, N.C., to attend college at Warren Wilson College where he graduated with a A.A. in forestry in 1961 while lettering in both basketball and baseball. He then went on to further his education at Tennessee Technological University where he earned his B.S. in education in 1964 and M.A. in education in 1967.
Winningham married Peggy Pickens Winningham in 1967, and they raised five daughters: Carrie Winningham Scott, Allison Winningham Goolsby, Shannon Winningham Railling, Jennifer Winningham Owens, and Sarah Winningham Keith. Les and Peggy.
They raised their children in the First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville, Tenn., and passed on the importance of education. Winningham was the proud “Pa” of eight grandchildren: Sophie and Sam Jared, Brandon and Trevor Scott, Dylan and Drew Goolsby, Cole and Anna Cate Railling.
Winningham became the youngest ever elected school superintendent when he was elected as Pickett County’s Superintendent in 1968.
He created a professional life that in every step focused on improving the lives of children in Tennessee. From coaching countless high school basketball players, to classroom teaching, assistant principal and principal positions, his goal was to help every student reach their potential and succeed. Under his leadership as Principal, Scott High School was named a Governor’s Great School of Tennessee in 1987.
In 1984, Winningham was elected to the Tennessee Legislature to represent the 38th district. During a prestigious 26-year career in the legislature he represented counties including Clay, Jackson, Macon, Pickett, Scott, and part of Anderson.
Winningham served as Chair of the House Education Committee for 10 years and as the Chair of the Joint Select Oversight Committee on Education. He also served on the Education Oversight Committee, House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, House Calendar and Rules Committee, House Higher Education Subcommittee, House Transportation Committee, House Public Safety and Rural Roads Subcommittee, the Joint Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation Committee, Joint Lottery Scholarship Committee, and Joint Lottery Oversight Committee.
Winningham sponsored or was instrumental in passing legislation that has made an immeasurable positive impact on millions of Tennessee children, teachers, and families- including the Tennessee Coordinated School Health Improvement Act of 2000 and its statewide expansion in 2006, the Meth Free Tennessee Act of 2005, the Jason Flatt Act of 2007, the Tennessee Clean Energy Future Act of 2009,
as well as playing a key role in the establishment of lottery scholarships for Tennessee students to attend college, the establishment of Pre-K classrooms in Tennessee, and ensuring rural roads remained a priority of the Transportation Committee.
Many of those who served with him in the legislature would say he never raised his voice, but if you talk to any of his basketball players, they might disagree! He had a sharp, dry wit with a deadpan delivery that often left the listener unsure whether to laugh or believe he was serious, much to his amusement.
During his career, Winningham has been recognized by many state and local organizations including being named Legislator of the Year by the Tennessee Development District Association, Legislator of the Year by the Tennessee Human Resource Agency, receiving the Leadership Award from the Tennessee Adult Education Task Force, recognition for outstanding contributions to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, recipient of the Tennessee Education Association Presidential Merit Award, and was inducted into the Scott County Hall of Fame.
His community involvement and organizations include the National Education Association, the Tennessee Education Association, the Appalachian Arts Council Board of Directors, Scott Appalachian Industries Board of Directors, and the Putnam County Impact Club.
During retirement Winningham has enjoyed volunteering with the Cookeville First United Methodist Church Food Pantry and watching his grandchildren play sports.
He has been referred to by many as “Mr. Public Education” in Tennessee and as “an educator in the hills, the halls, and the House.” Many of his colleagues have commented on his modesty. He was fair and willing to work across party lines to do what was best for the people he served. He has been called one of the greatest statesmen in Tennessee, but for those who knew him well, he will be remembered as a good and faithful servant of Christ.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 4 – 8 p.m. Friday, June 24, at First United Methodist Church in Cookeville.
Visitation will also be held from 10 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2022 with the Rev. Rob Wheeler officiating.
Eulogy will be provided by Representative John Mark Windle with special remarks by L. Mayfield Brown. Burial will follow at the Smyrna Cemetery in Byrdstown, Tennessee.
Pallbearers will be his nephews: Jimmy Richardson, Tom Allen, Jeff Winningham, Jason Winningham, Brian Winningham, Robert Richardson, and Brad Richardson.
Honorary Pallbearers will be his sons-in-law: Chris Scott, Andrew Goolsby, Michael Railling, Shon Owens, and Joey Keith and nephews Johnny Richardson, Jason Winningham, Daniel Winningham, George Winningham, and Greg Winningham.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following:
First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville, TN; First United Methodist Church of Cookeville Food Pantry; or The Jason Foundation
