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Obituaries

BILLIE VIRGINIA (GINNIE) PARKS

Billie Virginia (Ginnie) Parks, 93, passed away March 30, 2021.

She lived her entire life in Mayfield, Ky., until 2007, when she moved to Clinton. She met her husband, Robert (Bob) Harrison, while working at her first job in the concession stand of the local movie theater. They married in September, 1946, and had two children. After being widowed at age 62, she and her widowed neighbor, Mr. Clois Parks, married in 1995.

Ginnie went from homemaker to business owner practically overnight. Henry and Richard Bloch were offering franchises for sale, Ginnie’s oldest child was in middle school, and she became one of the original H&R Block franchise holders, signing the franchise papers in her living room. The Bloch brothers chose to spell the name Block with a “K” to avoid mispronunciation. Over the next 20 years, with the help of Bob, she expanded her business to include offices in three different cities. In 1990 she received a personal letter from Henry Bloch, congratulating her for 20 years of dedicated service to H&R Block.

Her hobbies included golfing, gardening, boating on Kentucky Lake, and club work. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, Mayfield, Ky.

Ginnie had a busy lifestyle in the last decade of her life. She enjoyed all the activities provided by assisted living. Her last facility, Alexander Guest House, provided wonderful experiences. During the pandemic, she moved into the house with her son-in-law’s parents, Dennie and Ruth Worthington. There she enjoyed walking in the beautiful neighborhood. She passed away peacefully and suddenly at the Life Care of Blount County, where she was recovering from hip surgery. She would have celebrated her 94 th birthday on April 5, 2021.

She is survived by: Daughter, Anne Worthington; son-in-law, David Worthington; loving grandson, Dennie Worthington; son, Kent Harrison of Bristol, Ill.; and loving former daughter-in-law, Michelle Lockard.

She is also survived by special sister-in-law, Betty Wade Smith of Benton, Ky., and several devoted nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in Mayfield, Ky., at a later date.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is honored to serve the Parks family.

DICIE M. BUNCH

Dicie M. Bunch, 82, Clinton, passed away Monday, March 29, 2021, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.

Dicie was born June 27, 1938, in New River to Matthew and Mattie Phillips.

She was preceded in death by: Parents; husband, Bailey Ray Bunch; daughter, Sherry Acuff; and multiple brothers and sisters.

Dicie worked at the Anderson County Sherriff’s Department for 20 years as a cook and retired in 2002. She loved to cook and quilt and was a devoted mother who loved her family. Dicie was one of a kind and will be missed by many.

She is survived by: Children, Patricia Carter, Evelyn Bjelland, Billy Bunch, Bobbie Silcox, Pam Bunch, Bailey (Junior) Bunch, Tabatha Bunch; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Dykes; and long-time companion, Fletcher Johnson.

Visitation was from 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021, at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City.

Funeral service was at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021, in the Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Troy Harmon officiating.

Family and friends met at 10:15 a.m. Friday, April 2, 2021, at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City to go in procession to Sunset Cemetery in Clinton for an 11 a.m. graveside service.

GARY ALLEN JACKSON SR.

Gary Allen Jackson Sr., a native of Knoxville, and resident of Trussville, Ala., died March 29, 2021.

Born May 5,1945, Gary attended Clinton High School, graduating in 1963 and studied at Tennessee Technological University where he also played football. Upon graduation and following a move to Nashville, Gary married the love of his life, Shirley Anne Rich, on Aug. 31,1968. The couple later moved to Brentwood, where they raised their treasured children, Jennifer and Allen. Gary worked for many years in the mortgage industry. Seeking to share daily life with their family, Gary and Shirley relocated to Trussville, Ala., in 2013. Ever the big-hearted encourager, “Pappy” was often found cheering on his grandchildren at their various sporting events. He delighted most in time shared with family, and some of his happiest moments were spent gathered around a table enjoying a meal, listening to music, or playing a card game. Gary savored many holiday get-aways on Sanibel Island; he loved days spent by the sea, biking, exploring, and soaking up the sunshine.

Gary was a man of deep faith, and it was his faith in Jesus along with the faithful care of his wife that carried him as he bravely persevered through many years with Parkinson’s Disease. Even as his physical condition diminished, Gary held onto hope, keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus and running his race with endurance. Gary’s tender spirit, sly humor, warm hugs, and genuine affection touched all who had the gift of knowing him; he will be terribly missed.

Gary is survived by: Beloved wife of 52 years, Shirley; daughter, Jennifer and her husband Jeff of Trussville, Ala.; son, Allen and his wife Natalie of Lookout Mountain; cherished grandchildren, Jackson, Benjamin, William and Mary Fran Lamons and Evie, Mac, Thomas, and Gabby Jackson; and his adoring father, James Walter Jackson of Oak Ridge.

Gary was preceded in death by his loving mother, Mary Elizabeth Jackson.

There was a family memorial service Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Faith Community Fellowship where Gary was a member.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends please consider contributing to The Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org).

BENNIE L. COX

Bennie L. Cox, 92, Clinton, died March 28, 2021, at Fort Sanders Hospital, Knoxville, after a short illness.

He was born July 26, 1928, in the Hillvale Community.

Preceding him in death were: Parents, Roy L. Cox and Lissie Williams Cox Hafley; sisters, Mary Ruth Ensley and Josephine Wallace; and brother, Walter L. Cox.

He was a 1947 graduate of Norris High School where he was captain of the varsity basketball team. He and his wife, Mary Alice McGhee, were married Oct. 21, 1949. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and Camp Pendleton, Calif., and was a Korean War Veteran.

A member of Sinking Springs United Methodist Church, he had served on the Administrative Council and as a trustee.

Special interest was woodcarving and oil painting.

He had been an automobile sale representative in Clinton since 1950. He was a Hall of Fame member of the Chevrolet Legion of Leaders, Truck Sales Honor Club and Chevrolet’s Mark of Excellence rewards program. He retired from Fox Chevrolet Dec. 31, 2011.

Survivors include: Wife; daughter, Leigh Ann and her husband Stephen Payne of Clinton; nieces and nephews; and a special brother-in-law, Eddie L. McGhee and wife Kay, of Clinton.

Family and friendscalled at their convenience from noon – 4 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home.

The family will have a private graveside service with the Rev. Billy Kurtz officiating and full military honors presented by the Campbell County Honor Guard.

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

www.holleygamble.com

MARY SUE FARR LEINART

Mary Sue Farr Leinart, 81, (AKA, “Nanny” by her grandchildren) earned her angel wings Sunday March 28, 2021.

Mary had battled respiratory issues for the last five years and was “Miracle Mom” to her family because she was such a fighter to these respiratory issues. Mary loved baking, doing all kinds of different crafts, and spending time with her six grandchildren before she became ill.

Mary was preceded in death by: Daughter, Janet Wallace Moore; parents, Edith and William Farr; and several siblings.

Mary is survived by: Daughters, Terry Davis and husband Larry, Rhonda Wallace and partner Nancy; son, Jeff Wallace and wife Mary; grandchildren, Jeffrey Wallace and fiancé Megan, Tyler Wallace and wife Elena, Katlynn Wallace, Emily Bowes and husband Luke, Matthew Davis and wife Kierstan, and Jennifer Moore; great-grandchildren, Dawson Davis and Liam Wallace; brother, Tommy Farr and wife Vera; sisters, Louise Ledbetter and Betty Fraker; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Shannondale Healthcare Center for the great care they gave to their mother, and a special thank you to Nurse Janice that Mary really loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tennessee Prader-Willi Association Inc., 40 Burton Hills Blvd., Suite 170, Nashville, Tn., 37215, or online at www. pws-tn.org.

The family received friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2021, in the chapel of Woodhaven Funeral Home. Pastor Rick Miller officiated a graveside service in Woodhaven Memorial Gardens at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021.

Woodhaven Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens are honored to serve the family of Mary Leinart.

JOY RENEA PATE (SEEBER)

Joy Renea Pate (Seeber), “our beautiful butterfly,” has gone home to fly with the angels in Heaven. She passed away March 26, 2021, at the age of 50.

Joy was born on March 10, 1971, the daughter of Leon and Janice Seeber. She was raised in Oliver Springs where she attended Norwood Elementary and Junior High, Oliver Springs High School, and Roane State Community College. Joy worked as a registered nurse in the surgical department at several local hospitals including Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, St. Mary’s Hospital and Tennova North. When Joy was not working, she enjoyed gardening and flowers, fishing with her husband and her son, Levi, the Great Smoky Mountains and boating with family and friends. Most importantly, Joy loved her family dearly and cherished the time spent with them.

She was preceded in death by: Parents, Robert Leon Seeber and Janice K. (Jones) Seeber.

Joy is survived by: Husband of 16 years, Kyle Pate; son, Levi Jackson; step-children, Brittany and Preston Pate; brothers, Terry Seeber and his wife Sara, Richard Seeber and his daughter Kasie; sister, Amanda Harness and her husband Darrell and their children Payton and Jake; grandchild, Lydia Riddle; father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Sarah Pate; sister-in-law, Sherri Sutton and her daughter Samantha; many aunts, uncles, and extended family.

Visitation was from 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 202,1 at Premier Sharp Funeral Home. A graveside service was held at noon Thursday, April 1, 2021, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

Premier Sharp Funeral Home was proud to serve the Pate-Seeber family. www.Sharpfh.com.

WILLIAM DALPHINE LEDFORD

William MacDermott, 77, Huddleston, Va., passed away at his residence Friday, March 12, 2021.

William was a veteran of the United States Navy and was born Feb. 12, 1944. Throughout his life he loved writing music, motorcycle riding, but most of all building hot rod cars and drag racing.

He was preceded in death by: Brother, Ronnie Smith; sisters, Carolyn, Barbara, and Naomi; granddaughter, Sabrina MacDermott.

He is survived by: Sons, William T. and wife Kimberly Irene MacDermott of Harriman and Jerry W. MacDermott of Oliver Springs; grandchildren, Thomas MacDermott, Venitta Tipton, Jerry MacDermott Jr., Joseph MacDermott, and Hunter MacDermott; great-grandchildren, Noah Smith, Sophia MacDermott, Jeremiah MacDermott, Jaylee MacDermott, Jayden MacDermott; three expected great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The family received friends from noon – 2 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2021, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home.

His graveside service will followed at Taylors Chapel Cemetery.

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

www.holleygamble.com

JOHNNY RAY TINDELL

Johnny Ray Tindell, 67, Rocky Top, passed away suddenly Friday, March 12, 2021, at his home.

He loved his family and grandchildren, and enjoyed spending time with them. Johnny enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed reading his Bible and was a member of the Light House Church of God in Rocky Top. He was very talkative and never met a stranger. Johnny also enjoyed gardening.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Banard and Lucille Tindell.

Johnny is survived by: Wife, Patty Tindell of Rocky Top; sons, Adrian Tindell of Knoxville, and Jesse Tindell and wife Lindsay of Heiskell; brothers, Tony Tindell and wife Sharon of Briceville, Tommy Tindell and wife Yoanna of Powell, and Timothy Tindell and wife Kimberly of Oak Ridge; sister, Patricia Campbell and husband James of Knoxville; grandchildren, Ashlyn Grace Baker, Adalynn Rae Tindell, Gabriel Alexander Tindell, Emmalyah Lucille Tindell, and Calliope Oakley Tindell; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date by Jones Mortuary.

Jones Mortuary In Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.

Condolences can be made to the family at www.jonesmortuaryllc.com