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Obituaries

DOROTHY MAE SISSON HALL

Dorothy Mae Sisson Hall, 88, Oliver Springs, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, May 14, 2022, in her home with her family by her side.

She was born on May 31, 1933. in Windrock to Alma Justice, who preceded her in death.

A popular student, Dorothy excelled in her studies and enjoyed playing basketball. While she was in high school, she coached girls basketball at the elementary school. She graduated in 1950 from Oliver Springs High School. She went on to attend the University of Tennessee and went to work for the federal government at the K-25 plant in Oak Ridge. Dorothy, a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Oliver Springs, met her future husband, Luther Stanley Hall, in the summer of 1941 during vacation Bible school at the church; she was nine years old and he was 11 years old.

Years later, Luke joined the United States Air Force. He returned home to Oliver Springs on a 30-day leave in the fall of 1952 and proposed to Dorothy. They married on Oct. 31, 1952, at First Baptist Church. The couple moved to Presque Isle, Maine, where they lived on the airbase until Luke had completed his military service. They returned to Oliver Springs in 1954. Dorothy and Luke welcomed a son, Luther Stanley Hall Jr., July 26, 1955.

Dorothy was a substitute teacher at both the Oliver Springs High School and the elementary school. She was proud to have started the first kindergarten program at the elementary school.

She taught countless local children and often recalled those experiences throughout her life.

In addition to teaching, She deeply loved her family and caring for them and their home.

In addition to her mother, Dorothy was preceded in death by: Son, Stanley; sister, Lynette Seeber; and a brother, Ben Irwin.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory: Husband of 69 years, Luke Hall of Oliver Springs; granddaughter, Leean Tupper of Clinton; niece, Janice Daugherty of Oliver Springs; nephews, Kelly Hall and wife Mary of Oliver Springs, Kent Hall and wife Gale of Sevierville; sisters, Marilyn Seeber of Kentucky and Mabel Irwin of Elizabethton; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Dorothy’s family will receive friends at the old Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Springs St. in Oliver Springs from noon – 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Kenny Rains officiating. Interment will follow in Anderson Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church, Steeple Repair Fund, PO Box 601, Oliver Springs, TN 37840.

To leave a note for Dorothy’s family or to share a memory, please go to the online guestbook at jacksonfuneralservices.com.

DORIS VANAMAN

Doris Vanaman, most recently of Knoxville, and previously of Clinton, entered larger life Thursday, May 12, 2022.

She had a long full life of 90 years and touched so many lives with her sweet caring personality. Faith, family and friends were central to Doris’s life. A long-time member of New Salem Baptist Church in Clinton, she had recently moved her membership to Oliver Springs Baptist Church. Doris enjoyed birdwatching, gardening, and beachcombing for shells in Florida. Family and friends remember Doris as a devoted Christian, loving wife, mother, and grandmother and friend, whose encouragement, support, guidance, determination, and unconditional love in good times and challenging times will continue to inspire them and provide an exceptional example of how to live one’s life.

Doris was born Sept. 30, 1931 in Claremore, Okla., to James Louis and Maggie Leona Moore.

In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by: Grandfather, John Henry Horner from Ava, Mo.; 10 siblings; and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Fred Hudson who died in 1997. She later married Don Vanaman who died in 2017.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Paul Hudson, who passed away in 2014, and Paul’s wife, Regina, in 2021 and her son Nathan’s wife Nancy in 2012.

Cherishing her memory are: Son, Nathan Hudson of Oak Ridge; grandsons, Matthew Hudson of Oak Ridge and Will Hudson of Knoxville; granddaughters, Kristy Hudson Branson and husband Travis, Katie Hudson; and great-granddaughters, McKinley and Macey Branson, all of Atlanta.

The family will have a graveside service at 3 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2022, at Sunset Cemetery with the Rev. Kenny Raines officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Oliver Springs First Baptist Church, 206 Roane Street, Oliver Springs, TN 37840.

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

holleygamble.com

CHARLES EDWARD WALTON

Charles Edward Walton, 79, also known as “John Boy,” was called home to our Lord on May 8, 2022, after a long battle with Vascular Dementia.

Charles was born July 13, 1942, in Knoxville. He was a graduate of Clinton High School and served his country in the Tennessee National Guard. Charles eventually wed Evelyn Geraldine Walker, May 6, 1966, and they went on to have two daughters, Kimberly, and April.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Alpha Lodge 376 in Clinton, and worked for more than 40 years at TVA Bull Run Steam Plant as a boilermaker foreman.

His interests included restoring antique cars, home renovations, enjoying time with his grandchildren, and traveling to the Smoky Mountains.

He was predeceased by his father, Charlie Burl Walton, and his mother, Stella Mae Gregg.

Survived by: Two daughters Kimberly Everett (Steve) and April Schemmel (Roman); four grandchildren, Michael, Abigail, Elijah, and Jacob; ex-wife, Evelyn Geraldine Walton; and younger brother, Jerry Walton (Trula) of Heiskell.

He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Honorary pallbearers: Michael Schemmel, Steve Everett, Elijah Everett, Joe Hinson, Sean Cash (Big Sean), and Leo Elliott.

Family will be receiving friends at Mynatt Funeral Home from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 14, 2022.

Funeral will be held at noon with interment following at 1:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

Condolences may be sent to Kim Everett 5406 Bandera Park Court, Houston, TX 77059, and April Schemmel 518 Standwick Way, Louisville, KY 40245.

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