Peggy Jean Higdon
March 11, 2025
Peggy Jean Higdon, 87, of Clinton passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025.
Born on June 18, 1937, in Knoxville, Peggy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
She was known for her creativity, outgoing personality, sense of humor, and exceptional sense of fashion and style. Peggy enjoyed decorating, working with flowers and plants, shopping and crafting.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Philip L. Higdon; children Terry R. Miller, William D. Miller (Paige), and Tracy H. Edwards (Russ); grandchildren Brandon L. Miller (Brittany), Ketry B. Miller, Taylor N. Edwards, and Griffin L. Edwards; great-grandchildren Avery E. Miller, Eleanor G. Miller, and Isaiah L. Miller; and siblings Betty L. Goddard, Jimmy L. Goddard (Mary Ellen), and Philip D. Goddard (Laura).
A private service will be held at Norris Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Peggy will be dearly missed and remembered for her generosity, style, and gift for conversation.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com.
Jerry Elliott Burnette
March 9, 2025
Jerry Elliott Burnette, 54, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Oak Ridge.
He was born on Feb. 6, 1971, in Lake City to Jack and Cloia Burnette.
Jerry loved his family and the outdoors. He was an avid fan of the University of Tennessee and the Atlanta Braves.
He enjoyed fishing, camping and swimming, and had a passion for rock and roll music. Jerry was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Cloia Burnette.
Survivors include his father, Jack Burnette of Clinton, Tennessee; his wife, Anjeanette Burnette of Knoxville, Tennessee; his daughter, Christina Braden and her partner, Jalen, of Caryville, Tennessee; his son, Michael Loper and wife, Kevina, of Tazewell, Tennessee; his brother, Mark Burnette and wife, Stacy, of Clinton, Tennessee; his sisters, Charlotte Kittrell and husband, Mickey, of Kingston, Tennessee, and Melissa Delisle and husband, Leo, of Pensacola, Florida; two special cousins, Teresa Gross and Brenda Wilson; and grandchildren, Steeley, Ridge, and Colter Loper. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and many loving family members and friends.
The family received friends on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Jones Mortuary Chapel, with the funeral following at 7 p.m. A procession will depart from Jones Mortuary on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. to Oak Grove Cemetery in Rocky Top for an 11 a.m. graveside service.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is serving the family of Jerry Burnette.
Charles “Buzz” Duane Buffington
March 9, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Charles “Buzz” Duane Buffington, 83, on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Buzz is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence “Flo” Buffington; his sister, Barbara Jasper of Olympia, Washington; his son, Tim Buffington (Debbie); and his three grandchildren, Lauren, Jennifer and Jack. He was preceded in death by his parents, Millie and Cloyd “Bud” Buffington.
Buzz was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he grew up enjoying hunting, fishing, guiding and working in wildlife conservation. He earned a master’s degree in wildlife management from the University of Idaho, where he also met his wife, Flo. He later received a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and moved to Norris, Tennessee, where they raised their son, Tim.
He spent his professional career with the Tennessee Valley Authority, retiring as vice president of land management after working his final years at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. He and Flo eventually settled back in Clinton, Tennessee.
In retirement, Buzz devoted himself to community service. He volunteered his organizational skills to the local fire department, the Arts and Crafts Guild, and the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation. His true passion was the outdoors — especially fly-tying and fly-fishing. He had a deep love for nature and conservation, and was happiest with a fly rod in hand, wading through the Clinch River or Norton Creek and teaching others,young and old, the art of casting or tying flies.
Buzz was a charter member of the Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, where he served as a board member emeritus. He played a key role in establishing the John Thurman Trout Camp and volunteered with Operation Healing Waters and the Wounded Warrior Project, organizing outdoor activities for those facing adversity. He also participated in countless river cleanups, kids’ fishing days, and fly-tying lessons, especially for his niece Allie and his grandchildren, who were likely the only kids at school who were enthusiastic creators of “woolly booger” flies.
Known for his patience, humor, and wisdom, both in fishing and in life, Buzz taught those around him the value of perseverance, a love for nature, and the joy found in simple moments.
He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and active community member who always had a smile and a stick of gum to share with a friend.
A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Norris Community Center. Friends and family are invited to this casual gathering to share memories and honor his life.
Charles “Buzz” Duane Buffington
March 9, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Charles “Buzz” Duane Buffington, 83, on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Buzz is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence “Flo” Buffington; his sister, Barbara Jasper of Olympia, Washington; his son, Tim Buffington (Debbie); and his three grandchildren, Lauren, Jennifer and Jack. He was preceded in death by his parents, Millie and Cloyd “Bud” Buffington.
Buzz was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he grew up enjoying hunting, fishing, guiding and working in wildlife conservation. He earned a master’s degree in wildlife management from the University of Idaho, where he also met his wife, Flo. He later received a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and moved to Norris, Tennessee, where they raised their son, Tim.
He spent his professional career with the Tennessee Valley Authority, retiring as vice president of land management after working his final years at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. He and Flo eventually settled back in Clinton, Tennessee.
In retirement, Buzz devoted himself to community service. He volunteered his organizational skills to the local fire department, the Arts and Crafts Guild, and the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation. His true passion was the outdoors — especially fly-tying and fly-fishing. He had a deep love for nature and conservation, and was happiest with a fly rod in hand, wading through the Clinch River or Norton Creek and teaching others,young and old, the art of casting or tying flies.
Buzz was a charter member of the Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, where he served as a board member emeritus. He played a key role in establishing the John Thurman Trout Camp and volunteered with Operation Healing Waters and the Wounded Warrior Project, organizing outdoor activities for those facing adversity. He also participated in countless river cleanups, kids’ fishing days, and fly-tying lessons, especially for his niece Allie and his grandchildren, who were likely the only kids at school who were enthusiastic creators of “woolly booger” flies.
Known for his patience, humor, and wisdom, both in fishing and in life, Buzz taught those around him the value of perseverance, a love for nature, and the joy found in simple moments.
He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and active community member who always had a smile and a stick of gum to share with a friend.
A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Norris Community Center. Friends and family are invited to this casual gathering to share memories and honor his life.
Kathy Susan Graham
March 5, 2025
Kathy Susan Graham, 68, passed away Monday evening, March 10, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
She was born March 9, 1957, in Lake City, to Charles and Mary Helen Bullock.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Helen Bullock; brother Roger Dale Bullock; and beloved sister Gail Harris.
Kathy married Don Graham on Sept. 29, 1975, while she was still a senior in high school. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Kathy and Don lived most of their married life in Lake City, with the exception of a few years in Alvarado, Texas, where their children, Alisha and Anthony, were born.
Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Don; daughter Alisha Lindsay and husband Jake; son Anthony Graham and wife Crystal; grandchildren Morgan, Abby, and Emma Lindsay, Makayla Graham, Autumn Harmon and husband Derek, and Hunter Lindsay. She was the seventh of 13 siblings, the youngest of six girls, and always affectionately known as the “baby sister.” She is also survived by 10 siblings: Bill Bullock of Fratersville, Tennessee, Reba Collins and husband Max Holton of Alvarado, Texas, Betty Ecord of Alvarado, Texas, Pat Gambrell of Grandview, Texas, Margie Johnson and husband Jerry of Lake City, Tennessee, Tony Bullock of Fratersville, Tennessee, Johnny Bullock of Caryville, Tennessee, Jimmy Bullock of Norris, Tennessee, Jerry Bullock and wife Tina of Lake City, Tennessee, Andy Bullock and wife Linda of Clinton, Tennessee, and Chris Bullock and wife Janis of Fratersville, Tennessee.
Kathy also leaves behind very special friends Rick and Kathy Fields, Tonia and Jeff Gossett, Janet Parks, Janet Deal, and Patrick Hurst. The family is deeply grateful for their love and friendship. Kathy is also remembered fondly by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and her beloved little dog Regan.
Kathy was the cafeteria manager at Lake City Middle School for 28 years, making lifelong friends. She loved the students and made sure that no student went hungry.
She dearly loved her family and loved spending time with them, especially her granddaughters, whose accomplishments filled her with pride. She prayed for enough time to see them through school.
Kathy and Don were adventurous. During their motorcycle years they enjoyed extended motorcycle trips with friends. They were quite a sight, the two of them and their beloved little dog, rolling down the highway with their do-rags on their heads. Soon, an RV replaced the bike, and the trips turned into frequent weekend camping adventures.
Kathy and Don were active and cherished members of Briceville First Baptist Church, where Kathy’s presence will be greatly missed. Her passing leaves a great void in both family and friend’s lives, We will miss the twinkle in her eyes and her slow drawl as she relates a funny happening, keeping all laughing.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation. The funeral followed at 7 p.m., and was officiated by the Revs. Jacob Lindsay and Danny Lawson. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Oak Grove Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Trent Bullock.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations of snacks and drinks for the 117 Isaiah House. Donations may also be made to the American Cancer Association.
www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Eddy Weaver
March 5, 2025
Eddy Weaver, 79, of Heiskell passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at his residence with his loving wife by his side.
Eddy was born May 29, 1945, in Knoxville to Edsel and Mabel Weaver.
He became a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church at 14, and was the church’s longest-serving member.
He was an ironworker before joining his father at Weaver Auto Parts, which closed in 1995.
Afterward, he worked for the Humphrey family in construction, and eventually returned to the auto parts industry at Advance Warehouse.
Throughout his life, Eddy loved to play music and met many great musicians who became like family to him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Tracy Edward Weaver, and his sister, Barbara Weaver.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dianna Hurd Weaver; niece, Kelli Randolph and her husband, Edmond, of Powell; nephew, Craig Keller and his wife, Samantha, of Idaho; and their children, Zane, Ian, and Keara Lyons.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Holley- Gamble Funeral Home, with the service following in the chapel, officiated by the Revs. Charles Tindell and Jack Gwinn.
Interment followed at Norris Memorial Garden, with Lucas Hurd officiating the graveside service.
Pallbearers were Daniel McCoy, Chad Niner, Carter Nelson, Camden Nelson, Andrew Moore and Nathan Hurd.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton was in charge of arrangements.
For more information, visit holleygamble.com.
Charles Melton O’Dell
March 5, 2025
Charles Melton O’Dell, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Medical Center at Bowling Green in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
He was born Dec. 14, 1937, to Lonzolie and Cora Montgomery O’Dell.
Charles grew up in South Clinton, and enlisted in the Army National Guard, training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina.
He later moved to Kentucky and became an X-ray technician, working at Adair Memorial Hospital. Over a span of 60 years, Charles served as the director of radiology at Westlake Cumberland Hospital, Casey County Hospital and Greensburg Hospital.
In his spare time, he enjoyed farming, spending time with his family, admiring antique and classic cars, and watching his favorite Westerns on TV.
Charles is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lynetta Coffee O’Dell; two sons, Kevin O’Dell (Amy) and Bentley O’Dell (Tara), both of Columbia, Kentucky; a brother, Curtis O’Dell (Stella) of Hodgenville, Kentucky; and a sister, Brenda House (Tommy) of Andersonville, Tennessee. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Andy O’Dell, Hannah Mercado (Lucas), and Charli O’Dell; a great-granddaughter, Veronica Eleanor Mercado; and three step-grandchildren, Quinton Warriner (Kaitlyn), Desta Blakey (Devin), and Blakesley Selby (Alex).
He was preceded in death by three sisters, Elizabeth Russell, Reba Puckett, and Hazel Linderman.
Following a private service at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home, Charles was laid to rest at Haven Hill Cemetery in Columbia, Kentucky.
Onah June Stair Fox
March 5, 2025
Onah June Stair Fox, 90, passed away at her home in Franklin, surrounded by family and friends during her final days. She was born in the Blowing Springs community and lived in Clinton for 87 years. In her three years residing in Franklin, she made many cherished friends.
Onah was married to the late Fred Fox and was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Clinton, where she enjoyed caring for 2-year-olds in the nursery. She loved Clinton, often walking the city and greeting everyone she met. A sports enthusiast, Onah was an active member of her bowling team, which competed across the United States, always wearing matching outfits.
She worked for more than 40 years in purchasing at Union Carbide/Martin Marietta. Onah lived most of her life on Delta Street, where she often played pitcher for both teams in backyard baseball. Known for her hospitality, she loved the “Delta Gang,” frequently sharing food and organizing the occasional hayrides. Her zest for life and joyful, spunky spirit will be deeply missed. She loved her family and there are a lot of them to love.
In addition to her husband, Fred, she was preceded in death by her son, Scott Fox; her parents, Virgil and Edna Stair; her sisters, Mary Wilson and Juanita Stair; and her brothers, Howard, Malachi, Edward, Eugene, and John “Dub” Stair.
She is survived by her daughter, Venessa Fox Seivers (David); grandchildren, Chelsea McMasters (Nathan), Evan Seivers (Emily), Mackenzie Fox, Skylar Fox, and Jordan Fox; and great-grandchildren, Neal McMasters, Fiona McMasters, Kiera McMasters, Sloan Seivers, Venus Seivers, and Mack Seivers.
Onah was also blessed with many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, regarding them as her own children.
A graveside service will be held at noon Friday, March 14, at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton, with Dr. Danny Chisholm officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Clinton, P.O. Box 268, Clinton, TN 37717. Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com.
