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Obituaries

AUDRE MAE CAWOOD VAN PELT

Audrey Mae Cawood Van Pelt, 91, Clinton, devoted wife, mother, and beloved aunt died, peacefully Friday, April 29, 2022, at NHC in Farragut.

The youngest of four daughters of Joe Wheeler Cawood and Dora Ellen Shell, Audrey was born Oct. 2, 1930, in Evarts, Ky. She graduated from Evarts High School, Evarts, Ky., and attended the University of Kentucky for two years before marrying her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) Ray Van Pelt, beginning a love story that lasted more than 71 years. They moved to the Clinton area in 1958. She devoted the rest of her life to being a homemaker, loving wife, and mother.

She was a faithful member of Memorial United Methodist Church in Clinton for more than 63 years. She was part of the Mary Marthas Women’s Circle, enjoyed playing bridge, and enjoyed shopping – especially yard sales.

Audrey was preceded in death by: Parents; and sisters, Evelyn “Ebb” Sallie Cawood (J.D.) Housley, Jean Jacqulion “Jackie” Cawood (Wilbur) Adams, and Pauline “Polly” Mayree Cawood (Dennis) Ball.

She is survived by: Husband Bill; son, William Brett (Lexie) Van Pelt and granddaughter, Haley Elise Van Pelt of Knoxville; daughter Amy Cawood Van Pelt (Gina Ruffner) and family of Columbus, Ohio; and nieces and nephews, Kim Karen Housley (Bill) Pate and Elijah David Pate of Ft. Pierce, Fla.

The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Memorial United Methodist Church in Clinton.

The family will receive friends from noon - 1:30 p.m. before the service.

Burial will be at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Oak Ridge, following the funeral service.

www.holleygamble.com

EALPH 'SAM' HINCH

Ralph “Sam” Hinch, 79, passed away at his home in Clinton Thursday, April 28, 2022.

Sam played basketball while attending Jacksboro High School and was awarded a scholarship to King College in Bristol, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree. While attending King College, Sam was the captain of the basketball team. Throughout his adult years, he stayed in contact with his former teammates. He loved the University of Tennessee Vols and Pat Summit. Sam dedicated his time to his career in distribution sales, and in his free time he enjoyed woodworking, cooking, and living the simple life on his farm in Clanton, Ala. He was very well-known for his chocolate pecan pie. A favorite book of Sam’s, which is one that he passed along to all of his friends was, “Flight Path,” by Dr. Frank Barker.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends whom he leaves behind.

Sam was preceded in death by: Parents, William and Della Mae Hinch; wife, Mary Meadows; brother, Earl Hinch.

He is survived by: Mother of his children, Linda V. Barwick; daughters, Susan Keenan (John), Stephanie Walsh (David), Dr. Emily Anne Nava; brothers, John Hinch (Louise), Jack Hinch; grandchildren, Blaise and Ada Keenan, Jane and Gib Walsh.

The family will receive friends in the Chapel of Jones Mortuary from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2022, and Sam’s celebration of life will begin at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Brian Riggs officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you consider donating to the American Diabetes Association.

Jones Mortuary, LLC. in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.

COURTNEY DeSHAY THOMAS

Courtney DeShay Thomas, 42, Powell, departed this life April 28, 2022, at Wellstar Community Hospice Hospital, Austell, Ga.

He was a member of Haven Chapel United Methodist Church. He enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends.

Preceded in death by: Father, Howard Louis Robinson; grandmothers, Pauline Robinson and Robbie Reynolds; grandfathers, Eugene Weaver, Thomas Rowe, and John Reynolds; grandchildren, Jaceon Spears, Decision Kennedy, Nephew, Marquise Thomas, Uncle, Kimmie Rowe; cousins, Brittany Frazier, Darian Brabson, and Heaven Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memories: Devoted mother, Wanda Thomas; wife, Michelle Thomas; siblings whom he loved dearly, LaToshia Thomas, Howard Thomas, and Jasmine Robinson; a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and stepchildren; Godson, Tevon Brown; special friends, Tony Brown, Scottie Gallaher, and Ricky Willis.

The family will receive friends from noon – 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home, 621 S. Charles G. Seivers Blvd., Clinton.

Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Bea Thomas officiating.

Family and friends will follow in procession to Woodhaven Memorial Gardens where Courtney will be laid to rest.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is honored to serve the family of Courtney DeShay Thomas.

holleygamble.com

CARL EDWARD WRIGHT

Carl Edward Wright, Clinton, passed away April 25, 2022, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville.

He was born in Clinton June 17, 1956.

Carl was preceded in death by: Mother, Edna Stubbs (Wright); and foster mother, Mary Louise Wright.

He is survived by: Wife, Jan Wright; son, Travis Wright; mother of his son, Annette Altes; stepdaughter, Misty Hall; foster father, Boyd Wright “Pap;” sister, Brenda Huckaby; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family.

Carl enjoyed fishing with “Pap” and rose gardening among other hobbies. Everyone who knew Carl enjoyed his great sense of humor and generous personality. Carl worked for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for 39 years and was very active in the ATLC Union which he loved.

Services will be held at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton Saturday, May 7, 2022.

Visitation from noon – 2 p.m. with funeral service to follow, and interment at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens at 1 p.m. Monday, May 9, 2022.

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

www.holleygamble.com

JAMES T. (J.T.) McCORMICK

James T. McCormick (J.T.) 83, Clinton, went home to be with the Lord April 8, 2022, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.

He was born Oct. 14,1938, in Logan County, Ky., to James T. McCormick Sr. and Rosa B. Hightower McCormick.

J.T. was preceded in death by: His parents; brother, Kenneth H. McCormick; and sister, Brenda Toury

He was a lifelong member of St. Mark United Methodist Church in Clinton and enjoyed taking part in church activities.

He is survived by: Qife of 56 years Patricia M. McCormick; children, Chris McCormick (Cindi) of Heiskell, Mike McCormick (Kim) of Heiskell, Sandy Doyle (Charlie) of Canton, Ga., Leslee Wilkinson (Jason) of Knoxville; grandchildren, Joshua (Chasty) McCormick, Kayla Holcomb, Molly McCormick, Kelsey Gardner (Ethan), Grayson McCormick, Jake and Zoe Ann Wilkinson; great-grandchildren, Brentley, Kennedy and Gabriel; special sister-in-law, Doris Cobb McCormick; brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Donna Sanders.

J.T. graduated from Clinton High School class of 1957, he attended Tennessee Tech and Emory & Henry.

He served in the United States Marine Corp (Semper Fi), he retired from Y-12 plant after 31 years. He loved to fish, watch University of Tennessee football and golf, (thank you, dear friend Phil Holbrook), he enjoyed family gatherings and his grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Chuck and Brenda Smith for all their help and care. Special thanks to the staff of Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.

There will be a graveside service at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at Anderson Memorial Gardens with pastor Wayne Hedrick officiating. Full military service provided by the Campbell County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers the family are asking donations to be made to:

St. Mark United Methodist Church 252 North Main Street, Clinton, TN 37716

Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements

www.holleygamble.com

STEVEN EAYNE PYATT

Steven Wayne Pyatt, 65, Norris, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2022, following complications from heart surgery.

He was surrounded by his wife and children. Steve was born July 14, 1956, to John and Margaret Pyatt in Knoxville. He was raised in Clinton, where he spent his life giving back to the community.

Steve was a 1974 graduate of Clinton High School. During the summers of his high school and college years, Steve was a lifeguard at the Clinton City pool, along with his brothers, Larry and David Pyatt. Steve was an outstanding high school basketball player and earned a position on the 1974 junior varsity team at the University of Tennessee. Following UT, Steve worked for the Anderson County Juvenile Court, Regions Bank and in 1985 founded Steve Pyatt Insurance. He was a member of the Anderson County Industrial Board, treasurer for the Clinton City Fireman’s Association, a volunteer fireman for 45 years, as well as a board member of the Anderson County Emergency Communication District.

Steve’s true passion in life was refereeing basketball which began at age 12 and continued through March of 2022. Steve rose to the top calling Division I teams which included numerous trips to the NCAA tournaments. God and church were foremost in the way he lived life and he never wavered in his faith. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Clinton.

Steve was married to Lindy Lyon Pyatt for 24 blessed years. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Steve is survived by: Wife, Lindy; mother, Margaret S. Willard (Jay Lewis); son, Jonathan D. Pyatt (Manda); step-daughter, Casey Wise (Aaron); step-son, Jason Lewis (Wendi); grandchildren, Victoria and Tyler Pyatt, Eva and Abe Wise, Jayce and Clay Lewis; and brothers, Larry Pyatt (Nancy) and David Pyatt (Sherry).

He was preceded in death by: Father, John Pyatt; daughter, Katie M. Pyatt Davis; and grandparents, James and Cleo Farmer Silvey; James and Clara Miller Pyatt.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home.

His celebration of life service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 14, 2022, at Clinton First Baptist Church with the Rev. Danny Chisholm officiating.

Steve’s graveside will immediately follow at Grandview Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 268, Clinton, TN 37717.

JOHN 'RAY' DEAL

John “Ray” Deal, 78, Clinton, passed away at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge Friday, April 8, 2022.

He was born in Chattanooga Aug. 10, 1943. Ray was a member of Edgemoor Baptist Church.

Ray was a kind and gentle soul and very generous to people and his church.

He loved cars and clocks, and his very best furry friend, Buddy.

Ray was preceded in death by: Parents, John and Gladys Deal; grandparents, Amos and Bertha Brazzell.

He is survived by: Brother, Gary Deal; sister, Patricia Burnum, both of Florida; two sons, Mike and Raymond of Vancouver, Wash.; best friends, Wanda Bowling, Jim Kennedy, and Ken Andrews.

Receiving of friends will be held in the Chapel of Jones Mortuary from noon – 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2022.

A graveside service will follow at Woodhaven Memorial Garden with the Rev. Rick Miller officiating.

Jones Mortuary, LLC. in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.

NATHAN WAYNE RIDENOUR

Nathan Wayne Ridenour, 48, Heiskell, went to be with our Heavenly Father April 7, 2022, in LaFollette from heart complications.

Nathan was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, pops and friend. He was a third-generation Mason and was loved by many and known for his skilled craftsmanship. Nathan was a family man who loved his wife, kids, and family. He spent many years of his life watching his children play softball and baseball. Nathan was always expressing his passion for the sports his children played. He was an avid boat lover, drag racer, and was a jack of all trades.

Nathan was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.

He was preceded in death by: Grandparents, Hubert and Vernie Wilson and Gwendolyn "Dixie" and Millard Ridenour; uncles, Jeff Wilson, Warren Wilson, Wade Wilson; cousins, Casey Wilson and Tony Ridenour; aunts and uncles, Janice Goforth, Leonard Ridenour, Peggy Turpin and James Ridenour; and lifelong friend, Greg Stokes.

Nathan is survived by: Wife of 20 years, Amy Ridenour; children, Ali (Matthew) Stone, Isaak Ridenour, and William Ridenour; parents, Bob and Susan Ridenour; brother, Justin (April) Ridenour; grandchildren, Lashley, Gwendolyn and Ana Cate Stone; nephews, Xan and Blake Ridenour; mother-in-law, Frieda Thornton and Louis Caldwell; father-in-law, James Thornton; brothers-in-law, Mark, Kimbel, and Scottie Thornton; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family received friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2022, in the Trinity Funeral Home Chapel.

The service followed with Reverend Allen Giles officiating.

Family and friends met at 11:45 a.m., Monday, April 11, 2022, at Trinity to go in procession to New Loyston Cemetery for a 1 p.m. graveside service.

Trinity Funeral Home, LLC, Maynardville, has the honor to serve the family of Nathan Ridenour.

www.trinityfuneralhome.net