News Opinion Sports Videos Community Schools Churches Announcements Obituaries Events Search/Archive Community Schools Churches Announcements Obituaries Calendar Contact Us Advertisements Search/Archive Public Notices

Obituaries

William Reece Blodgett

William Reece Blodgett was born on March 23rd, 1945, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated from this earth and was promoted to Heaven on Saturday, January 13th, 2024 at 9pm. Bill was employed through X-10 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee where he worked as an instrument technologist for 32 years. He was a member of the Smokey Mountain MENSA. He was a 12 – year veteran of the Air Force where he worked on the “Minute Man” missile project. He was a former board member of Appalachian Arts and Crafts in Norris, Tennessee. Bill belonged to the Upper Room Church in Rocky Top, TN where he and Nancy, his wife, had an active role in community service. Bill was a prolific artist, his art included pen and ink original drawings, acrylic paintings, but his passion was crafting stained glass. On his website which had over 2,000 followers, he created all his unique patterns, making them available to everyone free of charge. Bill is survived by his wife of 34 years, Nancy Blodgett, his daughter, Cyndi Belcher, granddaughter, Cheyenne Belcher, siblings, Mary Woodcock Shultz and Ned, Devonna Sumner and Bobby, Richard Herbster and Andrea, David Herbster and Janice, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. We celebrate Bill’s graduation and honor the life he lived. He loved unconditionally. Visitation: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Monday, January 22, 2024 at the Hatmaker Funeral Home in Rocky Top. Funeral Service: 3:00 PM, Monday, January 22, 2024 in the Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Derek Sharp officiating. A graveside service will follow the funeral service at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rocky Top with Military Honors presented by the Honor Guard of Campbell County.

Billie Mac Hewitt

Billie Mac Hewitt, 83, of Clinton passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. She was born Sep. 26, 1940, in Richlands, Virginia, to Woodrow and Allene Onstott. 

Billie was a graduate of Norris High School and was a cheerleader at Hiwassee College, where she received her associate’s degree toward her education degree. Throughout her life, she was an avid decorative painter, and enjoyed time entertaining her grandchildren. She was a very active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was a worthy matron several times of Oak Ridge Chapter 390.  She was appointed state grand officer in 2001 and received a 25-year pin.

She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Jimmie “Jim” Hewitt of Clinton; daughters, Stephanie Owen and husband Sean of Knoxville and Kim Paduch and husband Frank of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, Morgan and Colby Holbrook and Tom Paduch and wife Lauren and McKenzie Rice and husband Chase; great-grandchildren, Emery and Ryder Holbrook and one expected great-grandson, Hunter Thomas; brother, Tom Onstott and wife Mary Dudley; several nieces and nephews.

The family is honoring Billie’s wishes and her celebration of life and graveside service at Woodhaven Memorial Garden will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 390, 121 Duncan Drive, Oliver Springs, TN 37840, or Kern Memorial United Methodist Church, 451 East Tennessee Ave., Oak Ridge, TN 37830.  Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. holleygamble.com

Mary Etta Paskell

Mary Etta Paskell, 77, of Clinton, Tennessee, born Sep. 20, 1946, went peacefully to be with Jesus on Jan. 16, 2024, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Mary was a loving mother, wife, sister and friend to many.  Mary’s loving and caring personality will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mary was preceded in death by parents, Odus and Margaret Walker, son Terry Webber, daughter Tisa Farmer, grandson Seth Webber, Brother Dewey Walker

Mary is survived by loving husband Shannon Paskell, son Scott Webber and wife Savannah, stepdaughter Robin Hutson and husband Todd. 

Sisters Barbra Elkins, Ethel Davis and Carolyn Oxendine, and brothers Billy Walker and Jackie Walker.

Grandchildren: Isabella Webber, Logan Farmer, Ryan Farmer, Tyler Webber and Alexis Webber, Kayla Miller and Nick Canon.

Great-grandchildren: Easton Farmer, Carson Webber, Hadley Webber, Isiah Farmer, Amara Farmer, Cannon Miller, Camilla Miller, Holden Canon, Jonas Canon and Lyra Canon.

Special friend: Henrietta Adkins.

Special sister-in-law: Charlene Burt.

 Mary is also survived by several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

 The family will gather for a celebration of life on Jan. 27, with receiving of friends at 4 p.m. and service to follow at 5 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Clinton, Tennessee.

holleygamble.com

Troy Ronald “Ronnie” Hall

Troy Ronald “Ronnie” Hall passed away on Jan. 10, 2024, at 11:09 p.m., surrounded by his family. Ronnie took great pride knowing when he drew his last breath on Earth, he was going to see Jesus’ face. Ronnie looked forward to seeing his lovely bride Lelia of 57 years, who went to heaven before he did. Ronnie longed to hear Lelia fuss at him for taking so long to get home.

Ronnie went to Clinton High School. After high school, he worked as a mechanic, construction worker, handyman, and laborer, and in many factories. Ronnie worked at Byrd’s Wrecker Service for good friend Dennis Byrd for several years. Ronnie retired from Pathway Bellows in 2003. He volunteered with the Anderson County Rescue Squad for many years. He was known to be able to physically tear doors from cars with his bare hands. Ronnie was a hard worker, one of the strongest men you would ever meet. He was a gentle giant.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his lovely bride Lelia, his parents, George and Dessie Hall, brother’s George Jr. and JE Hall, sisters Shirley Taylor and Martha Lou Scarboro.

He is survived by children Ricky Hall and wife Connie of Clinton, Tennessee, Robin Elliott and husband Wesley of Lake City Tennessee, Rodney Hall and wife Kim of Jonesborough Tennessee; Grandchildren Justin Hall, Dr. Brittney (Hall) Kerber and husband Dr. John Kerber, Austin Elliott (Ashley Carl), Angela Elliott (Jacob Baxter), Kristen Hall, and Ryan Hall. Great-grandchildren Cannen Baxter and Lily Carl. Sisters Lana Flo Kelly and Sue Beets.

The family received friends at Jones Mortuary, 375 N. Main St., Clinton Tennessee. Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, with his funeral following at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Jones Mortuary with David White and Ricky Hall officiating. Family and friends gathered for his graveside service on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 3 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, 1501 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family strongly requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or your local charity.

Jones Mortuary in Clinton, Tennessee, is honored to serve the family of Troy Hall.

Katherine J. Kroeger

Katherine J. Kroeger, 64, passed from this life on Jan. 12, 2024, surrounded by the unconditional love she created and gave to us all. Kathy was born Aug. 29, 1959, in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up in Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee, with her many siblings. Though life circumstances sometimes created physical distance, her love was always present. Kathy was always a fierce protector of those she loved, and an advocate for those she viewed as an underdogs in any given situation.

Kathy received her undergraduate degree in 1982 and her juris doctorate in 1986 from the University of Tennessee. After spending a few years in private practice at Mostoller & Stulberg, Kathy joined the 7th Judicial District’s Public Defender’s Office in June 1990, where she spent more than 30 years as an assistant public defender. She fought tirelessly and fiercely for her clients, while being exceptionally reasonable and respectful to her clients and her adversaries.

In some circles, she was affectionately known as “the Beast.” Kathy excelled at her job and was respected by colleagues, friends and adversaries alike. Her work family was just that, family. If you had the pleasure of her friendship, you knew she would treat you like family, and family was very important to her. Kathy had many roles in her personal life — beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin — but the role that was most important to her was Mom. Her three daughters were able to witness her tenacity, courage, strength and unconditional love, not only for them, but for others. Kathy believed in truth and justice, that everyone deserved to have their voice heard, and all should be treated with kindness. Her love and compassion were unconditional and limitless. She always listened and tried to understand others’ points of view. She passed these attributes, along with a love of reading, writing, and especially argumentation, to her strong-willed (just like Mama) daughters. We hope to honor her and her life by emulating her.

Kathy was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, William C. and Leora M. Kroeger, Sr; and uncle, William C. Kroeger, Jr. (Sharon, surviving). Kathy is survived by her three daughters, Victoria Kroeger (Anne Hensley), Leora Boyd (Gabriel), and Rachel Boyd (Alec); her parents, Don and Ann Kroeger; her siblings, William (Ann) Kroeger, Kevin (Sarah) Kroeger, Shari (Dale) Bennett, Jonathan (Dawn) Johnston, Alan (Andi) Johnston; Valerie (Greg) Lay, and Steve (Norma) Martin. She also leaves behind to cherish her memories many nieces, nephews, and cousins: Anna, Cheng-Hou, and Miles Lee; Ben Sanders; Caitlyn Johnston; Cate and Luke Kroeger; Isabel Kroeger; Bill Kroeger; Andrea Diaz; the extended Boyd family; the Lay family; and the Martin family. There are many other friends who are considered family, including several of her children’s friends who thought of Kathy as a second mom, as well as her best friends, Nancy Meyer and Karla Stuber. A special thanks to all those at Tennessee Cancer Specialists for their care and kindness during Mom’s journey. An extra special thanks to JoAnna and Shaunda for helping us navigate this journey with Mom with dignity and grace. Kathy’s family will receive friends at Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, with a celebration of life service to follow at 3:30 p.m.

All who have been touched by her light are welcome to attend and share memories of Kathy.

Kenneth Johnson

Kenneth CR Johnson went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 7, 2024. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kendra Jan Johnson; son-in-law's, Barry Norris, Steve Seifert; wife, Ruby Johnson; and grandchild, Justin Woods. He is survived by his first wife, Sylvina Jane Johnson; daughters, Kim Norris, Kristi (Dave) Biles, and Kathy Seifert; grandchildren, CJ Ison, Kenney Ison, Sierra (Bo) Corser, Bradley Norris; great grandchildren, Kenney Ison Jr., Ethan Ison, Layla Ison, Aiden Woods, Sean Woods, Hunter Corser; step-children, Dawn Thomason, Bryant (Lynn) Thomason; step-grandchildren, Reid Thomason and Brentley Thomason. The family will receive friends Friday, January 12, 2024, from 12:00pm-1:30pm at Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel. A service will follow immediately at 1:30pm with Franklin Eppinette officiating. Graveside service will be held the same day, 3:00pm at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Johnson family and invites you to view and sign the online registry at www.gentrygriffey.com.

Mary E. Brooks

Mary E. Brooks, 83, of Heiskell, Tennessee, was born July 20, 1940, and passed away on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Cora Short; husband of 66 years, Winston Brooks; brother, Kenneth Short; sister-in-law, Wanetta Short; sister, Wilma Bridges; and brother-in-law, Paul Bridges.

Mary is survived by her sons Gary Brooks and Terry Brooks; grandchildren Ian Brooks Miller (Lara), Heather (Justin) Snider, Wade Brooks and family, Brittney (Brian) Clark, Cody (Lindsey) Brooks, and Rachel Brooks; 11 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Beulah (Charlie) Ausmus; brother-in-law Bobby (Nora) Brooks; and sister-in-law Bonnie Brooks; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

The family will receive friends Friday Jan. 19, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Coffey Funeral Home in Tazewell. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. in the Coffey Funeral Home chapel.

A graveside service will follow in the Hopewell Cemetery. Minister will be Dr. Greg Lindsey; pallbearers will be Cody Brooks, Brandon Brooks, Ian Brooks Miller, Skyler Brooks Miller, Justin Snider and Brian Clark.

Coffey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Mary “Lynell” Queener

Mary “Lynell” Queener, 83, passed from this life into her heavenly body on Dec. 28, 2023. She was born on Dec. 7, 1940 to Clifford and Thelma Jane (Kirkpatrick) Roberts in LeRoy, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sam (Eddy), her parents, a brother, William C “Billy” Roberts, and a sister, Ina Joan Heck.

Leaving behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Vickie Wilson, Mary Jane “Janie” Edwards (John); her faithful companion, her dog, Maddie; sister, Sandra Jones (James “Junior”); brothers-in-law, James Queener (Freddie) and David Queener (Glenda); granddaughter, Katie Simmons (Miles Mobley); nephew, Bobby Roberts (Cathy), and many groups of friends.

Lynell was a member of Second Baptist Church in Clinton.

Friends visited with the family at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. The burial took place at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Claxton on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at 11 a.m.

The family would like to thank Jamie Parton with Amedisys Hospice Care for her loving care of Lynell.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve the Queener family.

holleygamble.com