MICHAEL KENNY STANFORD
April 6, 2023
Michael Kenny Stanford, better known as “Mike,”63, Clinton, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home Thursday, April 6, 2023.
Mike loved camping, being outdoors, having cookouts with his family and friends, and he loved sitting on his porch. Aside from enjoying being outdoors, Mike was an avid University of Tennessee Vols Football fan, he enjoyed cooking (as he was very good at it), he loved eating Reese Cups with his granddaughter, Tori, and he had a special love for classic country music. He was a sight! Above all, Mike was a loving husband, father, grandfather, dog dad (to Dolly Mae), and in general, a jack of all trades. He will be remembered as a kind soul who was a lifelong friend to many people, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Phyllis Stanford.
Mike leaves behind: Wife of 43 years, Robin Stanford of Clinton; son, Joseph Stanford and wife Deanna of Clinton; brother, Marvin Stanford and wife Pam of Lafollette; sister, Connie Kitts and husband Clark of Lafollette; granddaughter, Victoria Michelle Stanford; special friends, Sharon and Bobby Duncan, Leinna Slone, and Vivian Comer; brother-in-law, William Hedgecoth and partner Kat Gail; sister-in-law, Cathy Chercourt.
He also leaves behind many friends that are considered extended family members, and a host of nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Jones Mortuary, LLC. in Clinton has the honor of caring for the Stanford Family.
ISAAC LUKE EDWARD SHRADER
April 6, 2023
It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved Isaac Shrader on Thursday, April 6, 2023, who was 11 years old and a 5th grader at Clinton Elementary School.
Isaac was only with us for a short time, but he lived a full and exuberant life. Isaac's favorite place to be was outside; he loved walking with his Dad at Norris Dam, and through the woods. He loved riding his Moto Dirt Bike. He could take anything apart and put it back together again no matter how difficult it was. He loved playing with Legos, making origami, and playing video games. He loved spending time with his Poppy Ron in the garden together and watching movies with Grandma Nel. He loved swimming at his great-uncle Terry and aunt Susan Shrader's house. He loved going on vacations with aunt Tippi and Grandma Nel.
Isaac was preceded in death by: Mother, Frances Rutherford, whom he loved dearly; godfather, Timothy Joe Morris, whom he loved spending time with; and grandfather, Tommy Phillips.
He is survived by: Father, Todd Shrader; step-brother, Jacob Rutherford; grandparents, Ron and Nel Shrader; grandmother, Brenda Phillips; aunt, Tippi Moore and husband Ricky; cousin, Britt Lamson; great-uncle, Terry Shrader and aunt Susan; great-uncle, Mike Shrader; cousin, Kristin Shrader; cousin, Pam Gray and husband Stacy; cousin, Nik Gray; and a host of other family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held from 4 – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Second Baptist Church in Clinton with a brief tribute to follow.
The family encourages all who knew Isaac to attend.
There will be a private burial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee Valley-Clinton, P.O. Box 537, Rocky Top, TN 37769, or the American Red Cross.
The family would like to thank all of our dear friends and church family who have comforted and loved us during this time.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
MARGARET ELIZABETH HINDS
April 5, 2023
Margaret Elizabeth Hinds, 87, Powell, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.
The daughter of Rina and Velma Russell Haun, she was born in Clinton on Aug. 6, 1935.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Garner.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, and enjoyed working puzzles and going to flea markets.
Margaret is survived by: Son, Stanley Garner and wife Edwina of Vanore; daughters, Sharon Lord and husband Bobby of Maynardville, Connie Shelton of Powell, Linda Scott and husband Billy of Luttrell, and Angie Kerr and Sam Williams of Rocky Top; sister, Pearl Scates of Karns; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.
The Hines family received friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023, in the Jones Mortuary Chapel, and the funeral service will begin at 8 p.m. with the Rev. Wade Brantley officiating.
A graveside service was conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2023, in the Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Powell.
Jones Mortuary, LLC of Clinton, is serving the family of Margaret Elizabeth Hines.
BILLY THOMAS 'BILL' HICKS SR.
April 4, 2023
Billy Thomas “Bill” Hicks Sr., 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, April 4, 2023, after years of battling health issues.
A native of Clinton, Bill played football in high school for the Dragons and then at Tennessee Wesleyan College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in education. While at Wesleyan, he met incoming freshman, Sandra Copeland of Harriman, whom he had been asked to “watch over” by a mutual friend. He did. The two were married on March 20, 1959. Bill then shipped off to boot camp and served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six months while continuing his education. Bill and Sandy soon started a family in Oak Ridge with a daughter, LeeAnn, in June of 1963, and then an “Irish Twin” son, Billy Jr. “Chip,” the following June.
Bill earned his master’s degree in education from The University of Tennessee before spending several years teaching sixth grade science at Norwood Elementary and Jefferson Jr High, where he also coached football. He was then hired away by what was then Union Carbide. He spent the next 30 years in the personnel department, retiring in 1996 as a benefit plans administrator. It seemed that everyone knew Bill. He often joked that he “either hired ‘em or fired ‘em.” Never one to sit around and watch the paint dry, less than a year after retiring, Bill took over as owner/operator of The Daily Grind, a small coffee shop in Jackson Square in Oak Ridge. A “people person” from his core, Bill loved the opportunity it gave him to mingle with friends and neighbors. So much so, he eventually opened another Daily Grind in his hometown of Clinton. Unfortunately, Bill’s health issues made it impossible to continue running either location and he missed it immensely every day since.
Another of Bill’s passions was serving as Chairman of the Board of the Y-12 Federal Credit Union. During his 30 years as Chairman, the credit union opened more branches than any other period in their history. As chairman, Bill’s name appears on the outside of many of them. Bill was proud to have been born, raised, and educated in Tennessee and was an avid fan and supporter of the Tennessee Vols. Bill loved his family and his God and he never met a stranger.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Mary Hicks.
Survivors include: Wife of 64 years, Sandra Lee Copeland Hicks; daughter, LeeAnn Hicks Sherrill and husband Joseph; son, Billy Thomas “Chip” Hicks Jr. and wife Susan; grandchildren, Landon Sherrill and wife Lauren, and Zachery Sherrill and wife Nichole; step-grandchildren, Adam and Chad Kennedy; great-grandchildren, Iris, Ruby, and Dean Sherrill; and step-great-grandchildren, Hannah and Chad Garet Kennedy.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Commonwealth Senior Living and Amedisys Hospice for the care they provided and to Kern Memorial United Methodist Church for their love and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations In Bill’s honor to Tennessee Wesleyan University at tnwesleyan.edu/alumni-friends/ways-to-give/index.php.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Weatherford Mortuary.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be left at weatherfordmortuary.com.
CORTELL WHITIS
April 2, 2023
Cortell Whitis, 100, Clinton, Tennessee passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
He was the son of Evan and Opha Dugger Whitis.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: Wife, Shirley Ann Whitis; brothers; Louie Whitis, Lonnie Whitis, and Clell Whitis.
Cortell was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and served during World War 11 in Normandy, France, Ardennes and Central Europe. He received several medals, including American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory, European African, Eastern Theater Ribbon with six Bronze Stars. He also worked for Y-12 from 1969 to 1986.
Cortell is survived by: Son, James Whitis of Clinton; sisters-in-law, Thelma Davison and Joyce Leathers; nieces, Becky Whitis Langner, Libby Whitis, Earlene Davison Giglierano, Kimberly Moor Poore; nephews, Evan Whitis, Scott Whitis, Michael Davison, Sean Leathers; several grand nieces, grand-nephews and friends.
Jones Mortuary, LLC of Clinton is serving the family of Cortell Whitis.
WINONA 'ANN' COOPER LENOIR
March 31, 2023
Winona “Ann” Cooper Lenoir passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Friday, March 31, 2023, at the age of 93.
She was born Sept. 8, 1929, in Perryton, Texas, to Gol and Elizabeth Giles Cooper. She was the oldest of three children.
Ann was preceded in death by: Husband, Richard H. Lenoir; and brother, Hunter Giles (Bud) Cooper.
Ann is survived by: Daughters, Elizabeth Leuthold (Duane), and Sherrie Hamby; grandchildren, Ashley Cox (Glenn), Adam Hamby (Elizabeth), Riley Leuthold (Jessica), and Alex Leuthold (Samantha); great-grandchildren, Lillian Belle and Tate Hamby, Peyton and Avery Cox.
She is also survived by: Sister, Nancy McKinney; brother-in-law, the Rev. Henry Lenoir (Betty); sisters-in-law, Evelyn Marie Chandler and Louise Childress.
Ann is also survived by special family, Phyllis Blair, Linda Hall, Hope Leab, Susan Schite, Ron and Ruth Ingram.
Ann came to Norris in her early teens. Since housing was not available in town, her family lived in a cabin at the Norris Dam State Park. She worked at the Norris Drug Store, the Tea Room at the state park, and at the restaurant in the Norris Community Building. Ann was a charter member of the Norris United Methodist Church where she had been very active in many roles including the choir. She sang with the Norris Choral Society. She was actively involved in the schools with her children and grandchildren. She supported her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sports activities. She was an excellent homemaker who enjoyed sewing, crafting, and gardening.
Services will be Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton.
Visitation is from noon – 2 p.m. with services immediately following.
Burial will be at 3 p.m. at Anderson Memorial Cemetery on Oliver Springs Highway.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Norris Elementary School Campus Beautification Fund (P.O. Box 949, Norris, 37828) or Norris Animal Shelter (P.O. Box 1090, Norris, 37828).
Holley Gamble funeral home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
LEROY SMELCHER
March 31, 2023
Leroy Smelcher, born Aug. 2, 1936, beloved brother, father, and grandfather, passed into the arms of Jesus Friday, March 31, 2023.
He will be greatly missed by: Siblings, Jim Smelcher and Louise Miracle; children, Terry Smelcher (Danette), Sherry Brummitt, Michael Smelcher, John Winters (Judy), Tim Winters (Heather); and grandchildren, Angie, Chip, Kristie, Ronald, Ashley, Patrick, Gabrielle, and Ty; great-grandchildren, Matt, Emma, Annabelle, Lulu, T.J., Savannah, and Dakota; as well as his great-great-grandchildren.
He will also be missed by countless friends including his breakfast club and church family.
He was preceded in death by: Mother, Lyda Smelcher; sister, Geniva Christine; wife, Eileen Smelcher; brother-in-law, Eldon Miracle; and son-in-law, Ron Brummitt Sr.
He was a lover of all things University of Tennessee, motorcycles, and classic cars. He was everyone’s papaw.
Receiving of friends will be from noon – 2 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home, with the funeral immediately after.
Leroy will be buried at Sunset Cemetery in Clinton next to his wife Eileen.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
CAROLYN LUGENE OWENS
March 30, 2023
Carolyn Lugene Owens, 86, Clinton, passed away peacefully March 30, 2023 surrounded by family.
Born April 13, 1936, in Hoffman, Ill.,, Carolyn was the eldest daughter of Eugene and Verna Hohman and grew up in a loving family with three siblings. She spent her childhood and adulthood in Clinton, where she attended Clinton High School and played on the basketball team.
Carolyn began her long career as the office manager at The White Store in 1975 and gained many close friendships there. She attended Faith Lutheran Church of Oak Ridge and was a member of Good Sam Club and GWRRA.
Carolyn was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Marvin, for more than 66 years. They were inseparable, enjoying countless camping trips in the Great Smokey Mountains and adventuring out of her comfort zone riding on the back of his motorcycle just to be with him. She loved playing dominos and hosting large family gatherings in her home, which she adored.
Carolyn was the most doting grand, great-grand and great-great-grandmother, and protective mother to her two daughters who reciprocated with devoted support till the end. She loved and defended her whole family fiercely. She also adored her pets over the years and was very fond of the hummingbirds that visited her windows.
Carolyn was preceded in death by: Parents, Eugene and Verna Hohman; two brothers, Jack and Lowell Hohman.
She is survived by: Husband, Marvin Owens; two daughters, Tena Southard (Joe) and Linda Rankin (John); grandchildren, Jamie Southard, Andrea Brown, Tyler Southard, Amanda Rankin and David Rankin.
She was the great-grandmother to: Xander, Hayden, Lilly, Jasper, Jet, Elayna, Claire, Pierce and August; as well as a great-great grandmother to Easton.
Also survived by: Sister, Dolores Crowley (L.B;); sister-in-law, Norma Hohman; and nieces and nephews.
The visitation will be held at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023, with service to follow.
A brief graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens.
www.holleygamble.com
Rest in peace, Carolyn “Mamaw.” You will always be our favorite firecracker.
