FOSTER CHARLES EMCH 'TYKE'
December 23, 2022
Always known as “Tyke,” Foster Charles Emch, 80, passed on from this life to the next at 4:40 p.m. Dec. 23, 2022, with his loving wife of 33 years, Tammy Holt Emch, at his side.
He was a West Virginia man who found true love in a Tennessee girl; a diehard fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers, the Tennessee Volunteers, and the Atlanta Braves; a snazzy dresser with crazy t-shirts and hats galore; a big man with an even bigger heart.
Tyke was a 1960 graduate of Magnolia High School in New Martinsville, W. Va., where he was active in FFA and football, and studied business at Kent State University in Akron, Ohio. He served as Secretary of Local Chapter of the United Steelworkers of America Union in Youngstown, Ohio, and later was a member of Laborers’ Union Local 438 in Atlanta, Ga., where he retired from work as a chemical process operator for Crown Cork & Seal in 1994.
Tyke was a Christian who attended the Evangelistic Center of Clinton and was best known locally as a highly decorated volunteer at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, longtime manager and DJ of Tambo’s Karaoke, and co-owner of Tykester’s Antiques, Jams, and Jellies in Clinton. He always had fun, and he made sure everyone around him did too.
Tyke was preceded in death by: Father, Foster C. Emch; mother, Thelma Meadus Swann Emch; and daughter, Karen Emch Luoma.
He is survived by: That Tennessee girl, Tammy, and her three special sisters, all of whom babied him to no end; two brothers-in-law, one whom was his buddy; his little brother, ”Muggs” and family; daughter, Leshia Ann Emch, who idolized him, and her family; two sons, Foster Charles Emch II, of Warren, Ohio, and Robert Lee Emch of Culpeper, Va., and their families; two nephews and their families in Charleston, W. Va.; several nieces and nephews in Clinton and Nashville; three granddaughters and four great-grandchildren; two special great-nieces and a special great-nephew; and a great many bowling and music friends.
Tyke loved fried catfish, eggs, chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, and noodles, and black raspberry cobbler. He never met a stranger, never made an enemy, and never missed a chance to make a joke. He was fun-loving and funny, and everyone loved him.
We will greatly miss him as he, like his favorite cowboy hero Roy Rogers, rides off into the sunset.
The family will receive friends at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home from 2 – 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, with the funeral service to follow in the Chapel with pastor Judy Delatte officiating.
Interment will be held at Overton Cemetery following the funeral service.
www.holleygamble.com
MARGIE LEE McNELLEY
December 22, 2022
Margie Lee McNelley, 90, Clinton, passed away at Diversicare in Oak Ridge, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022.
Margie enjoyed going to church and she enjoyed volunteering for the Salvation Army. In her free time, she did embroidery. Above all, Margie loved her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: Parents, Alfonzo and Mary Rittenhouse; father of her children, Robert Lunsford; late husband, James McNelley; son, Robert Lunsford Jr.; brothers, Maurice Rittenhouse and Hoyt Rittenhouse.
Margie is survived by: Daughter, Novella Shaw of Rocky Top; grandchildren, Chris McClung, Michael McClung, Billy Dodson and John Dodson; great-grandchildren, Preston McClung, Lily McClung, and Leo Dodson.
There are no memorial services scheduled at this time.
Jones Mortuary, LLC. in Clinton is serving the Family of Margie McNelley.
MICHAEL 'MIKE' RAY SMITH
December 21, 2022
Michael “Mike” Ray Smith, 66, Clinton, passed away at his residence Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022.
Mike was born Feb. 16, 1956, in Mobile, Ala. Mike was a veteran of the United States Navy and served on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mike retired from DOE as a security officer after 31 years of service. Throughout his life, Mike loved to read and collect knives. The love of his life was his grandchildren, whom he loved spending time.
He was preceded in death by: Father, Willie Smith.
Mike leaves behind: Loving wife of 40 years, Kim Smith of Clinton; sons, Zack Smith of Andersonville and Zane Smith and wife Morgan of Clinton; mother, Jean Smith of Knoxville; grandchildren, Carson Hargett, Haley Smith, Jackson Smith, Isaac Smith, Raylan Smith, Braydon, and Bristol Jenkins; brothers, Brent Smith and wife Cindy, Greg Smith and wife Connie, Jon Smith and wife Susan, and Vann Smith an wife Charlotte; sisters, Nancy Morgan and husband Scott, and Shannon Goldschmitt; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home.
His funeral service will follow in the chapel, with the Rev. Clayton Duncan officiating.
His graveside will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
MYRA NORTH DUNCAN
December 19, 2022
Myra North Duncan, 84, Clinton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and loved ones whom she loved dearly and loved her very much Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
Born Feb. 11, 1938, in Pinsonfork, Ky, she was the daughter of Arthur H. and Belle Centers Duncan.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by: Daughter, Betty Hansen; brothers, Harry Duncan and Austin Duncan; sisters, Lavenna-Lou Beach, Shirley “Patty” Vasquez; sons-in-law, Richard Hansen and Ralph Watzlawick; and a grandson, Bobby Sutton.
In addition to being retired from Levi Straus, when she was young she also worked at Hoskins Drug Store and the Richey Creme in Clinton. Her favorite pastime was working puzzles. She loved music boxes, snow globes, and watching her soaps. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She was loved by anyone who knew her and will be missed forever.
She is survived by: Son, Tim Crawford of Clinton; daughters, Helen “Karen” Watzlawick of Clinton, Janie Fails and husband Doug of St. Augustine, Fla., and Tina Crawford of Knoxville; brother, James Duncan and wife Donna of Caryville; sister, Gloria Duncan of Andersonville; grandchildren, Toni Ann Sutton, David Martin, Chasta Foust, Donald Crawford, Cody Crawford, Kayla Wilson, Carla Morgan; great-grandchildren, Sabra Martin, Nicole “Jennifer” Alberts, Desirae Eads, Sierra Lestingi, Nevaeh Lestingi, Emmerson Webster, Serenity Morgan, Forrest Morgan, Rebel Morgan, Leo Crawford, Khaleesi Crawford, and Ryder Crawford; other loved family members, Robert Morgan, Marty Morgan, Nikki Shauni Crawford, Gabriel; and many nieces and nephews that loved her dearly.
A memorial service celebrating Myra’s life will be scheduled at a later date.
Jones Mortuary, LLC of Clinton is serving the family of Myra North Duncan.
BETTY LOU STEELE BLEVINS
December 16, 2022
Betty Lou Steele Blevins, 92, passed away peacefully Dec. 16, 2022, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
She is survived by: Children, Deborah J. Wright (Rick), Teresa L. Johnston (Rod), Rody R. Blevins (Mary Beth); grandchildren, Rachael E. Manhard (Chris), Roderick R. Blevins, II (Svenja), Betty Ann Wright (Jon), and Abigail E. Fortenberry (Robert); great-grandchildren, Sophia M. Manhard and Ryan C. Manhard; special friend, Linda Bledsoe (Chuck).
She was one of nine children raised in and around Edgeley, N.D., and is survived by: Siblings, Evelyn D. Genzel, J. Francis Steele (Myrtle), Margaret M. Steele, and James L. Steele (Mary); many cherished nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by: Son, Thomas H. Blevins; parents, William Lewis C. Steele and Doris Burnett Steele; brothers, Gail F. Steele (Alice Lee), Benjamin L. Steele (Marilynne), and Stanley D. Steele (Pat); sister, Shirley E. Burland (Robert).
Betty served in the Air Force during the Korean War era as one of a very few female
meteorologists and, unlike the custom at the time, was allowed to continue her military service after marrying due to her outstanding work as a meteorologist. She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 1957, majoring in math and physics, while married, being the mom of two small children, and expecting her third child. After her youngest child started kindergarten, Betty joined the workforce, briefly teaching high school math and physics in Lake City before joining the Atomic Energy Commission (later called the Department of Energy) as a mathematician. She spent much of her career doing top secret work. She was also a gifted artist, painting many oil-on-canvas landscapes and floral still-lifes, which she generously presented to family and friends.
A memorial service will be conducted Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at Memorial Methodist Church, 323 N. Main Street, Clinton.
Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.
HOBART EUGENE SCARBROUGH
December 15, 2022
Hobart Eugene Scarbrough, 77, passed away Thursday Dec. 15, 2022, at his home in Clinton.
Gene was born March 24, 1945, to Earl and Helen Scarbrough of Clinton. He was a veteran of the U.S Army and served in Germany and France in the 1960’s.
He was preceded in death by: Parents, Earl and Helen Scarbrough; and brothers, Ray, Bill, and Henry.
He is survived by: Wife, Kathy Scarbrough; daughter, Lisa and Charles Millsaps of Maryville; sons, Darrell Scarbrough of South Carolina and Scott Scarbrough of Clinton; granddaughters, Lauren (Elijah), Nikki, Katie; grandsons, Bradley (Amy) Aaron, Bubba, Coty (Taylor) and Cameron; great-grandchildren, Kalie, Emma, Aubrey, Amelia, Annabella, Wyatt, Lincoln, and Elijah; sister, Nancy (Michael) Lowe of Clinton; brothers, Dee Scarbrough of Clinton, J.D. (Pat) Scarbrough of Dallas, N.C., Roger (Diane) Scarbrough of Buford, Ga., Michael (Robbin) Scarbrough of Bethlehem, Ga., Chuck (Barbara) Scarbrough of McDonald, Ga., Bobby (Lorie) Scarbrough of Buford, G.; several nieces and nephews.
Gene pastored several churches in this area before He became disabled. The joy of his life was pastoring, sharing the word of God, and Singing.
Another love of his was aggravating his kids and grandchildren and making them laugh and loving his great-grandbabies.
The family of Gene Scarbrough will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. with his funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, with full military honors.
Family and friends will gather no later than 10:20 a.m. at Jones Mortuary in Clinton, to prepare to go to Sunset Cemetery for Genes 11 a.m. burial Dec. 19, 2022.
Singers will be: Niece, Linda Scarbrough and Parsley Family; and brother-in-law, Michael, will say prayer; and Pastor Michael Parsley will be officiating services.
Jones Mortuary LLC, Clinton is serving the Family of Gene Scarbrough.
SARA A. BUMPUS
December 15, 2022
Sara A. Bumpus, 76, Clinton, passed away at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022.
She was born in Knoxville, Dec. 12, 1946, to Amos and Myrtice Miller Offutt. Sara was a member of First Baptist Church of Clinton.
In addition to her parents, Sara was preceded in death by her daughter, Tracey Bumpus-Cook.
Survived by: Sons, Jonathan Eric Bumpus and Brian Jeffrey Bumpus; grandchildren, Brittany Nichole Jared, Jordan Eric Bumpus, Jessica Noel Bumpus and Sara Breann Bumpus; great-grandchildren, Trevor, Blake, Greison, Kadence, Ahlyna and Lucas; a host of other family and friends.
The family will receive friends from noon – 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m.
Sara’s interment will be held at Oak Ridge Memorial Park following the funeral service.
www.holleygamble.com
GINA 'SISSY' KITE TODD
December 14, 2022
Gina "Sissy" Kite Todd, 52, Clinton, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022.
Sissy was born April 20, 1970. She was a graduate of the Kentucky Mission Bible Training Center, of which she was very proud.
Sissy was preceded in death by: Mother, Loretta Golden; and son, David Leach.
Like the butterfly I will be transformed, where anything is possible, we might walk on water and fly like butterflies! 1 Corinthians 15:40
Survivors: Daughter, Brittney Godfrey and husband Dixon; brother, Gary Kite and wife Jackie; father, Charles Kite; special aunt, Georgia Golden; special cousins, Bobby, Barb, and Elaine; special friend, Jeff Jackson; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the Kentucky Mission Bible Training Center for their wonderful support, compassion, and care toward Sissy.
At this time, no services are scheduled.
You may also view Gina's obituary at http://www.hatmakerfuneralhome.com
Hatmaker Funeral Home, Lake City, is in charge of arrangements.
