RUBY JEAN SMITH MACK
December 29, 2024
Ruby Jean Smith Mack, 91, of Clinton, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024.
Ruby was born on Nov. 5, 1933, in Clinton to the late Jess and Axie Hensley Smith. Ruby’s life was a testament to her love for her family. In her early years, she worked at Magnet Mills. Ruby enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cooking, and watching game shows, particularly Family Feud. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family. She was a faithful member of Jarnigan Chapel Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Floyd R. Mack, with whom she shared a beautiful bond of 70 years;
brother, George Walter Smith and infant brother Howard Smith; granddaughters, Brandy Mack and Valerie Malinda Mack; and great-granddaughter, Valerie Nichole Mack.
She is survived by her children, Marlin Mack, Terry Mack (Janie), and Gail Mack-Bramlette (James); she leaves behind a legacy of love in her grandchildren, Aaron Mack (Krista), Charity Enix (Chris), and Josh Mack (Brittany); and great-grandchildren, Isaiah Mack, Madelynn Mack, Tucker Mack, Luke Enix, Noahlynn Enix, and Easton Mack. She is also survived by her brother, Riley Smith, and several nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home. The funeral followed and was officiated by the Rev. Gary Smith. Interment took place immediately after at Jarnigan Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is handling arrangements. For more information, visit holleygamble.com.
GREGORY ROETTGER
December 25, 2024
Gregory Roettger, 84, of Clinton, passed away at his home on Dec. 25, 2024.
Greg was born on Dec. 9, 1940, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to the late Lawrence and Margaret Roettger. He attended St. John’s Catholic College for two years before joining the U.S. Navy, where he served for 20 years and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During his service, he studied nuclear power and served two tours in Antarctica. A Vietnam veteran, Greg earned several awards for his service.
After retiring from the military, he worked for nine years in Palo Verde, Arizona, where he earned his master’s degree in health and safety. He later worked at Bechtel in Oak Ridge before retiring. Greg enjoyed gardening, traveling, and ballroom dancing. He was a member of both St. Mary’s Catholic Church and First Baptist Church in Clinton.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Marilyn Steryk.
Greg is survived by his loving wife, Juanita Burress Roettger; brother, Michael Roettger (Ruth); sisters, Kathryn Johnson (Frank) and Barbara Linn; and stepchildren, Kathy Pemberton (Bill), Scott Burress, and Sheree Long (Walter).
The family extends special thanks to UT Hospice for their love and care.
The family received friends at Holley Gamble Funeral Home on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. The funeral followed at 7 p.m.
Greg’s interment, with full military honors provided by the Campbell County Honor Guard, took place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy., Knoxville, TN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton was in charge of all arrangements. holleygamble.com.
MICHAEL RONALD ESLINGER
December 25, 2024
Michael Ronald Eslinger, better known as "Ron," passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at his home in Clinton, TN. He was born April 1, 1948, in Newport, TN to the late Mike and Vivian Eslinger. Ron served in the Marine Corp, Army and Navy. He retired as a Navy Captain with a total of 36 years of military service. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Clinton, TN with Danny Chisholm as his pastor.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his sister Vicki Eslinger Beasley.
Ron is survived by his wife, Karen Brooks Eslinger; sons, Doug Powell and wife Andi, Drake Powell and Corbyn Fulmer; daughter, Cynthia Lynn Powell; grandson, Shade Powell; sister, Patti Sharp and husband Park; sister-in-law, Joy Brooks; nieces, Dayna Austin, Melissa Croly, Sara Brummett, Susan Donaldson, Jessica Brooks, Jennifer Williams; and nephew Michael Beasley.
Ron's pallbearers will be Doug Powell, Drake Powell, Shade Powell, Rob Ray, Jim Simerville, and Mark Ray.
Ron's family will receive his friends on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm with his funeral service to follow at 4:00 pm in the chapel of Jones Mortuary. Pastor Danny Chisholm and Dr. Mike Thompson will be officiating. Graveside service for Ron at the East TN State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy. 168, Knoxville, TN 37920, will be on Monday, January 6th, 2025, at 12:30 pm with full military honors.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton, TN is honored to serve the family of Michael Ronald Eslinger.
DONALD R. WEAVER
December 23, 2024
Donald R. Weaver, 60, of Clinton, joined the Lord’s choir on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at Methodist Medical Center.
Don was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee. He worked as the manager of project development for Silikal America, and was an avid softball fan who loved traveling to watch his granddaughter Bryana play. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, playing and singing music.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Regina Weaver; mother, Peggy Bayless; father, Daniel M. Weaver; brother, Darrell; sister, Tammy; and motherin-law, Dorothy York.
Don is survived by his daughter, Dana Weaver of Clinton; son, Russell Fielden and wife Annebelle of Harriman; grandchildren, Isaac Fielden, Bryana Holt, and Izzy Rueff; father-inlaw, Bob York; and a host of family and friends.
The family received friends on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. The service was officiated by the Rev. Todd Reynolds. Family and friends met at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at 1:15 p.m. to join the funeral procession to Bells Campground for a 2 p.m. interment.
holleygamble.com.
MICHAEL DAVID WILLIAMS SR.
December 22, 2024
Michael David Williams Sr., 59, of Heiskell, Tennessee, passed away at home on Dec. 22, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Mike was born on April 9, 1965, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Herman and Barbara Williams of Blaine, Tennessee. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.
Mike began his career as an electrician, and later worked as a property manager for Joe Hollingsworth Sr. for 18 years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Greg, Rickey, and Herman; niece, Nicole Morrison; and brother-in-law, Terry Daniels.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kim Williams of Heiskell; daughter, Samantha (Josh); son, Michael; grandchildren, Jordan, Dylan, Emilee, Dalton, Kayleigh, Neyland, Brynleigh, Cason, and Kasen; sisters, Sherry (Perry) Trent of Straw Plains, Barbara Graham of Clinton, Jackie (Hobert) of Jefferson City, and Brenda (Don) Carney of Blaine; sister-in-law, Tammy (Daniel) Morrison; brother-in-law, Jerry Daniels of North Carolina; and several nieces, nephews, and many other family members and friends.
Family and friends gathered at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. The service followed at 8 p.m.
holleygamble.com
BRENDA JOAN DICKS
December 21, 2024
Brenda Joan Dicks (Taylor), a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2024, at her home in Clinton, Tennessee. She was 75.
Born April 26, 1949, in Jellico, Tennessee, Brenda was the daughter of Charles and M. Irene Taylor. She grew up in Forest Hills, Michigan.
Brenda shared 57 years of an unbreakable bond with her husband, Ken Dicks. Their love story was built on mutual respect and unwavering support that inspired everyone who knew them. It
remained unshakable even during Brenda’s brief battle with breast cancer. Their marriage bond, love and devotion to one another were inspiring.
Her greatest joy in life came from her daughters, Jackie Weaver and Leesa Campbell. Brenda’s heart swelled with joy whenever she listened to Jackie and Leesa’s achievements and stories. These moments brought light into her life like nothing else could and were the things that made her life beautiful.
Brenda is survived by her husband, Ken Dicks; daughters, Jackie Weaver and Leesa Campbell; son-in-law, David “Davy” F. Campbell IV; grandsons, James Weaver and William Weaver; and her beloved dogs, Ruby and Patches.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and M. Irene Taylor, and her brothers, Donald “Donnie” Taylor and Robert “Bob” Taylor.
JAMES “JIMMY” NORMAND ILAR
December 21, 2024
James “Jimmy” Normand Ilar graduated to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 21, 2024.
Jim was preceded in death by his father-inlaw, Dr. Jack L. Pemberton; grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Stansberry (“Poppy” and “Gaymom”); great-grandmother, Beatrice “Mom Bea” Rathbone; and grandparents, Madelyn and Norman Rathbone.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kristi Ilar; daughters, Molli Nyburg and husband Sam, Emmalee Hart and husband Len A. Hart, Lenzi Valedon and husband Jose, and youngest daughter, Sarah Ilar; grandchildren, Jemmalee Atterson and husband Nicklas Atterson, Ilar “Woody” Valedon, Ilee Flo Valedon, Jolen “JoJo” Valedon, Oaklen James Hart, Hyland Jack Nyburg, and Rali Beth; his spiritual father, Apostle Jerry E. Upton; mother-in-law, Dianne Pemberton; sister, Joy Lynn Ilar, and her children, Cameron and Landon; and brothers-in-law, Jack Lee Pemberton and Daniel Pemberton, and their children, Blake and Austin Pemberton.
Jim, as he was known to family and friends, was an avid golfer, outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman. He enjoyed his family every day he walked the Earth, and would do anything for his children and grandchildren whenever they needed help.
Jim attended Honey Rock Victorious Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, a ministry
dedicated to the inner city and global missions. He contributed to establishing numerous churches and schools in North Africa, providing supplies, computers, and food for children in the area.
In his younger life, Jim enjoyed playing all sports, but especially football, which earned him a scholarship to ETSU in 1983. He was a four-year letterman, starting as a freshman and continuing through his senior year, and was named to the All-Southern Conference team.
Jim had the luxury of taking his wife and family to unbelievable destinations that most people can only enjoy in books and magazines, and was able to fish almost every body of water from the South to North and from the East to the West. Jim really enjoyed fly-fishing in upstate New York, and out west in areas such as Yellowstone, Island Park, Snake River in Idaho, and Columbia River in Washington. There was never a time that Jim’s wife Kristi did not accompany him on his adventures into the wild as he always wanted his wife and family near.
Jim worked in the Department of Energy for 32 years, being blessed to travel extensively across the United States as a consultant in health and safety and industrial hygiene. He built a wide network of friends and professional connections throughout his career.
The family received friends on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by a celebration of life service officiated by Apostle Jerry Upton at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton.
A private graveside ceremony will be held at the Ilar family farm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: American Kidney Fund: kidneyfund.org or Honey Rock Victorious Church: 4113 Holston Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914.
holleygamble.com.
Lanny K. Fox
December 14, 2024
Lanny K. Fox, 75, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at his home, surrounded by loved ones.
Born Aug. 5, 1949, to Rubin and Lucille Fox, Lanny lived most of his life in Briceville, Tennessee.
He enjoyed playing music, attending church and lodge meetings, watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show and MASH, fishing, and most of all, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life.
Lanny was a loving man and a friend to many. He was a faithful member of Tennessee Hollow Baptist Church for more than 30 years and a loyal member of Briceville Lodge 616 for more than 50 years. He was a U.S. Navy and Army veteran with honorable discharge.
In addition to his parents,he was preceded in death by his sister, Freddie Forrest, and brother, Eddie Fox.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Katie Fox (Daniels); son, Lanny Fox (Melanie); daughters, Tabatha Bunch (Bailey) and Tonya Ezell (Ricky); grandchildren, Haley Bridges (Andrew) and Ayden O’Neal; and great-grandchildren, Cole Bridges, Dawson Fox-Bridges, and Katie-Beth Bridges.
He is also survived by his special daughter, Kendra Hayes; special nephew, Donnie Fox (Kasey), and their children, Bella, Presli, and Cooper; sisters, Linda Green and Shirley Carroll; and brother, Donnie Fox. Lanny also leaves behind a host of step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. Pastors Troy Harmon and Randy Lowe officiated. A graveside service was held at noon Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton.
For more information, visit leachfamilyfuneralhome. com.
