Jerry Martin Edwards
September 9, 2024
Jerry Martin Edwards, 72, of Andersonville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was retired from the Clinton Utility Board and was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Powell.
He loved the outdoors, Westerns, classic cars, fishing, and participating in church activities. He was also a U.S. Navy veteran.
Born in Knoxville on March 16, 1952, Jerry was the son of the late Bud Underwood and Wanda Love Underwood, and his second father, Austin Edwards. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Monnie Champion.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Long Edwards; son, Austin Edwards (Rhiannon) of Oliver Springs; sisters, Debbie Hill (Rob) of Clinton, and Tonya Love (Robert) of Knoxville; grandson, Dawson Seiber; his faithful companion, Bella; special extended family member, Tommy Martin; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, from 5 p.m. until the time of the funeral at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Jones Mortuary in Clinton.
The service will be officiated by the Rev. Billy Moore and the Rev. Jimmy Davidson.
Military graveside rites, conducted by the Jellico Honor Guard, will take place Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville.
Jones Mortuary of Clinton is serving the family of Jerry Martin Edwards.
Terry Lynn Ratcliffe
September 6, 2024
Terry Lynn Ratcliffe, 66, of Clinton, passed away Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church and loved reading, loved his family and spending time with them, and being active in his church.
Born Oct. 26, 1957, at Eglin Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, Florida, Ratcliffe was the son of the late Worth and Wilma Maney Ratcliffe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sherry Messer.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Charlene Brooks Ratcliffe; daughters, Brandi Anderson and Kelli Lee (Brian), both of Clinton; sisters, Beverly Neal (Eddie) of Leicester, N.C., and Carla Trull (Keith) of Candler, N.C.; grandchildren, Skylar Boor and Jack, Nathan Lee, and Garrett Lee; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
The family received friends Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, from 5 p.m. until the time of the funeral at 7 p.m. in the Jones Mortuary Chapel. The service was officiated by the Revs. Todd Reynolds and Don Martin.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at 1 p.m. in the Pleasant View Baptist Church Cemetery in Clinton.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is in charge of arrangements for the family of Terry Lynn Ratcliffe.
Gloria Reynolds Oakes
September 3, 2024
Gloria Reynolds Oakes of Andersonville, Tennessee, reunited with the love of her life in the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. She was born April 12, 1941, to the late George and Georgia Reynolds. Gloria lived to accomplish many goals in Christ. She was a beloved member of Bethel Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School director, and director of discipleship training.
She retired from the Y-12 National Security Complex, where she worked in administration, and spent her free time instructing CPR, gardening, quilting, traveling, camping, entertaining, and watching University of Tennessee sports.
A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Oakes, whom she met at 16 while working at Norris Drug Store. She was also preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Gelna Beaty, Sue Tate, and Darrell Reynolds; and her grandson Hunter Oakes.
Gloria married Carl Oakes of Andersonville in 1960, and they raised two surviving children: Paul Oakes of Andersonville and Lea Oakes-Martinez of Kingston. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ashley (Chad) Chuako of Knoxville, Chad Loy of Andersonville, Kendra (Nate) Coon of Kingston, Vincent Oakes of Knoxville, Jacob Oakes of Florida, and Helena McGilvery of Knoxville. Gloria’s grandchildren blessed her with eight great-grandchildren: Bryton, Kaedynce, Rhiannon, Maggie, Tucker, Karli, Carter, and Tanner. She is also survived by her sister Linda (Cecil) Hopson of Arizona.
The family received friends on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, with the funeral following at 6 p.m. in the chapel. Family and friends met Monday at 10:30 a.m. for the funeral procession to Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery for an 11 a.m. interment. Pallbearers were Chad Loy, Vincent Oakes, Jacob Oakes, Chad Chuako, Nate Coon, Bryton Loy, and JD Oakes.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is handling arrangements. holleygamble.com
Dorothy Jean Leinart
September 3, 2024
Dorothy Jean Leinart, 92, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sept. 3, 2024. She was born May 28, 1932, in Anderson County, Tennessee, to Homer Clark and Sarah Ella Courtney.
A native of Clinton, she graduated from Norris High School and worked at Magnet Mills in Clinton.
She married Bill Leinart on Christmas Day 1956 and became a homemaker. Jean was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to all who met her. She cherished time spent with her family and friends.
A devout Christian, she was a long-standing member of Second Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Lee Courtney; daughter, Angela Leinart Blackmon; and son, Bill Leinart Jr.
She is survived by her husband, Bill Leinart; daughter, Patrice and her husband, Mark Davis; brother, Clark Courtney and his wife, Carol; five grandchildren, Joseph Blackmon, Courtney and her husband, DeWayne Mosquinski, Will Leinart, Elizabeth and her husband, Jason MacGeorge, and Ben Leinart; two great-grandchildren, David Mosquinski and Willa Mosquinski; and niece, Debbie Stooksbury and her husband, Sam Zachary.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, with a funeral following.
A graveside service followed at Sunset Cemetery.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is handling arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Roy Edmond Smith
September 2, 2024
Roy Edmond Smith, 87, of Clinton, passed away Sept. 2, 2024, at Methodist Medical Center.
Born Aug. 17, 1937, Roy enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR racing, and wrestling.
He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.
Smith is survived by his wife, Joan Smith of Clinton; sons, Carl Smith of Oak Ridge and Charles Smith of Clinton; brothers, Ronnie Ezell of Andersonville and Darryl Ezell of Clinton; brother-in-law, Larry Cunningham of Clinton; grandchildren, Jasmine Smith, Alexandria Smith, Regina Johnson, and Jason Smith; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Wendell Curtis Riggs
September 1, 2024
Wendell Curtis Riggs passed away at his home on Sept. 1, 2024, at the age of 59 after a long battle with cancer. Curtis was born on May 11, 1965, to Shirley and Wendell Riggs. He worked as a lineman and foreman with TVA, where he was beloved by all who worked with him.
Curtis enjoyed playing pool, boating on Norris Lake, working on classic cars, spending time with his grandchildren, and gardening. He never met a stranger and never went anywhere without running into friends. He loved his community, and his community loved him in return. His children and grandchildren often recall how simple errands would turn into long, extended catch-up sessions because Curtis ran into old friends and couldn’t stand to leave without asking how they were doing. His deep care for his friends and family and his funny, loving nature will always be remembered.
He is survived by his mother, Shirley Riggs; his brother, Bobby Riggs; his wife, Susan Riggs; his children, Allie Riggs, Robert Hutchison, and Collin Riggs; and his grandchildren, Dylan Hutchison, Garret Riggs, Layla Hicks, Jasper Halcomb, and Elaina Halcomb.
The family received friends beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City, Tennessee, with the service following at 7 p.m.
Michael Scot Stooksbury
August 31, 2024
Michael Scot Stooksbury, 51, of Clinton, died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. He was born April 27, 1973, in Dalton, Georgia, and graduated from Anderson County High School in 1991. He was a member of the Baptist faith.
Michael was a devoted family man, with his daughters, Stephanie and Blakely, being his pride and joy. He enjoyed playing Xbox, watching movies — particularly sci-fi and Star Wars, shooting guns, and spending time with family.
He is survived by his daughters, Stephanie Brooks and husband Austin of Clinton and Blakely Stooksbury of Clinton; parents, Jerry and Wanda Stooksbury of Clinton; grandson, Stetson Brooks of Clinton; sister, Sarah Trepanier and husband Chad of Clinton; and aunt, Janet Hawkins and husband Dan. He also leaves behind several other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home. A service will follow in the chapel, with the Rev. Mark Dison officiating. The graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Norris Memorial Garden. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements. Visit holleygamble.com for more information.
Douglas Denver Mabe Sr.
August 30, 2024
Douglas Denver Mabe Sr., 87, of Heiskell, Tennessee, went to his heavenly home on Aug. 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Denver was born March 17, 1937, in Pulaski, Virginia, to Miles Mabe and Reba Hughes Mabe.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Miles Mabe Jr.; and sisters, Doris Mabe Malone, Patsy Mabe Holt, and Shirley Mabe Farmer.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Jo Mabe; sons, Douglas Mabe Jr. and David Mabe (Heather); daughters, Cynthia Johnson (Mark), Kimberly Curtis (Jerry), Stacy Daugherty (Randy), Karen Campbell, and Madison Mabe; grandchildren, Melissa Mabe, Jennifer Tisdale, Brandi Grant, Andrew Curtis, Matthew Campbell, Christina Folden, Rachel Vowell, Douglas Hill, David Arthur Mabe, Salena Mabe, and Eden Campbell; great-grandchildren, Hunter Thomas, Kanan Curtis, Ava Thomas, Brooke Moore, Tucker Thomas, Shiloh Curtis, Douglas D. Hill, Elijah Hill, Aspen Curtis, Harper Hill, Maverick Curtis, and John David Mabe. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews, and one brother, Larry Mabe, of Chillicothe, Missouri.
Denver gave his heart to Jesus at Clinton Church of God, where he faithfully attended for more than 50 years.
That decision would leave a legacy upon his family. It was at that church where he met the love of his life, Mary Jo House. They were married Dec. 16, 1956, and together raised six biological children and one great-granddaughter. He loved the church and helped design and build the Clinton Church of God with former Pastor Dewayne Greene.
Denver and Mary Jo enjoyed traveling and were members of a camping club. He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons. He cherished his family and was beloved by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He took great pride in his large family and often shared words of guidance and encouragement.
The family wishes to thank the hospice nurses who cared for Denver, especially Valerie Dugger, who cared for him for more than two years.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, with a celebration of life following at Clinton Church of God. Pastors Curtis Akers and Doug Hill officiated. Burial was Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Overton Cemetery in Heiskell.
Woodhaven Funeral Home in Claxton is handling arrangements.
