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
MACK DONALD COOK
June 17, 2022
Mack Cook, 97, Unicoi, passed away Friday June 17, 2022, at Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville.
He loved old cars, especially Fords. Before discovering his love for the building industry, Mack was in the sawmill business. Later he started Cook Brothers Building Company with his family. They all joked, “He was the brains of the operation.” Mack was of the Apostolic faith. He is remembered as a kind, loving, and very giving person.
Mack was preceded in death by: Parents, the Rev. Charlie Roosevelt Cook and wife Carrie Estella Gouge Cook; first wife, Cora Evelyn Newton Cook; second wife, Barbara Scott Cook.
He also was preceded in death by his only son, Warrant officer Donald Richard Cook, (KIA) Vietnam 1970; brother, the Rev. Dallas Cook and his wife Mabel; sisters, Argie Lee Rachel Williams; and brother–in–law, Garner Williams.
Mack is survived by: Sister, Betty McCool and her husband Bishop Billy D. McCool; several nieces, nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
The Cook family welcomes friends to join them at Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E Watauga Ave., Johnson City, Tuesday, June 21, 2022 for Mack’s visitation from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
A celebration of life will begin at 7 p.m. with Bishop Billy McCool officiating, assisted by Pastor Mark McCool.
Friends and family will gather for the committal and interment at Evergreen Cemetery. 1100 7th St. Erwin, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2022.
On behalf of Jones Mortuary and the Cook family, we would like to extend a special thanks to the Appalachian Funeral home for allowing us to utilize their facilities.
Jones Mortuary, LLC of Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
DAVID D. TUCKER
June 17, 2022
David D. Tucker passed away June, 17, 2022.
Father of two sons, Matthew Tucker (deceased), and Trenton Tucker; uncle of surviving nephews, Christopher Tucker, Christopher Ross Tucker; and niece, Brandy Tucker.
Mr. Tucker was a retired United States Federal Postal Inspector, Freemason, and lover of all things educational. Mr. Tucker graduated from the University of Tennessee with a masters-degree in accounting.
"To all future generations; learn all you can, enjoy life as much as possible... make the most of everyday you have." -David Tucker
There will be a ceremony held at his Masonic lodge at 4 p.m. June 26, 2022. Contact family for further details.
The Family requests donations be made to "Sacred Grounds Hospice House" and "The American Cancer Society."
ELMER WENDELL BELL
June 15, 2022
Elmer Wendell Bell, 78, passed away at Fort Sanders Medical Center in Knoxville, Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
Elmer was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Andersonville. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be remembered as a hard-working man.
Elmer was preceded in death by: Parents, Luther and Lizzie Mae Bell; brothers, Ray Bell and Hubert Bell; sisters, Barbara Jean Wallace and Georgia Pyles.
He is survived by: The love of his life and his soulmate of 20 years, Becky Quattlebaum; sons, James Bell (Jeannine) of Heiskell, Ricky Bell (Lisa) of Heiskell; daughter, Teresa Webber (Darryl) of Heiskell; brother, Millard Bell (Darlene) of Andersonville; sister-in-law Joyce Bell; sister, Verdie Demarcus of Knoxville; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other friends and relatives.
The family welcomes friends to join them in the Chapel of Jones Mortuary for a visitation from 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday, June 18, 2022.
Elmer’s celebration of life will begin at 8 p.m. with the Rev. Dennis Galloway, the Rev. James Adkins, and the Rev. Ed Seibers officiating.
Interment will be held at Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 19, 2022.
Jones Mortuary, LLC. in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
NANCY ELLEN STRINGFIELD (MIMI)
June 15, 2022
Nancy Ellen Stringfield (Mimi), Heiskell, passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born Nov. 22, 1942, in Cookeville to Samuel and Gracie Whitaker Bullock. Nancy enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting, and creating crafts of all kinds. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by: Husband of 63 years, Kenneth R. Stringfield (Pop); son, Kenneth W. Stringfield (Pewee); brothers, Carl and Gary Bullock.
She is survived by: Son, Randy (Vicki) Stringfield; daughter, Carolyn (Kenny) Shell; grandchildren, Cody Shell, Kasey Stringfield, Kortney Stringfield, Heather Stringfield, Alicia Stringfield, and David Stringfield; great-grandchildren, John Collins and Josh Collins; sister, Dorothy Fox; brothers, Steve Bullock and Jr. Bullock; special family and friends, Joe and Natalie Collins, Linda Holder; several nieces, nephews and host of other family and friends.
The family will receive friends at Holley-Gamble funeral Home from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2022, with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Jerry Walton officiating.
Family and friends will meet at the Stringfield Cemetery at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 18, 2022, for Nancy’s interment.
www.holleygamble.com
HELEN MOWERY
June 14, 2022
Helen Mowery, 83, Heiskell, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at her residence.
She was born Jan. 29, 1939, in Lake City to Silas and Stella Daniels Hatmaker. Helen was a member of Blowing Springs Baptist Church. She enjoyed fishing, watching westerns and doing puzzle books.
In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by: Husband, Joe Glen Mowery; daughter, Pamela Carden (Mowery); and beloved companion, Snowball
Survived by: Daughters, Diane Coapman, Lisa Mowery, Melissa Goodman (Jason); sons, Kenneth Mowery, Bill Mowery; grandchildren, Michael Coapman, Kaci Stockwell (Cal), Ashley Brown (M.J.), Daniel Goodman, Aaron Mowery, Cassie Wilkinson (Chris), Matthew Carden (McKenzie); 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.
The family will receive friends at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home from 6 – 8 p.m. Monday, June 20, 2022, with the memorial service to follow at 8 p.m. with the Rev. Rick Hall officiating.
Helen will be buried beside husband at Anderson Memorial Garden.
www.holleygamble.com
