HOPE MEREDITH BRUCE
February 10, 2022
Hope Meredith Bruce, 19, changed her address from here on earth to Heaven Feb. 10, 2022.
Hope was a graduate of Karns High School Class of 2020 and a member of Grace Baptist Church. Hope was artistic and had a passion for art and photography. Hope was enthusiastic about her favorite music and tv shows. Her favorite pastime was attending concerts and meeting celebrities. She loved to collect Funko Pop figurines and assemble Lego sets. She also enjoyed playing video games with her friends. Her world consisted of her love for her boyfriend, Justin Kenner, her sisters, and her two cats, Dj and Suki. She was a beautiful and kind soul and felt deeply for her family, friends and others.
She was preceded in death by: Her “Nana,” Carol Roth Larson; aunt, Rita Roth; great-grandparents, Marcus "Coonie" and Mary Louise Amburn, Mary Deck, the Rev. Elbert and Lois Baird and Robert and Edith Bruce; uncle, Russell Bruce.
She is survived by: Parents, Greg and LeAnn Bruce; sisters, Holly and Hannah Bruce; grandparents, Ron and Kathy Lay and Gary and Phyllis Bruce; aunt and uncle, Debi and Jimmy Sutton of Rock Hill, S.C.; uncles, Jeff and Randy (Jill) Roth; boyfriend, Justin Kenner; and a host of cousins.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at Grace Baptist Church, 7171 Oak Ridge Highway, with a celebration of life service to follow at 7 p.m., Dr. Bobby Lewis and the Rev. Bryan Thomas officiating.
Family and friends will meet at Berry Highland West Cemetery, 9913 Sherrill Blvd., Knoxville, at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, for graveside services.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Young Williams Animal Shelter, 3201 Division Street, Knoxville, TN 37919 www.young-williams.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Bruce family.
JAY MONROE DAVIS JR.
February 10, 2022
Jay Monroe Davis Jr., 32, Oak Ridge, passed away Feb. 10, 2022, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
He was of the Baptist faith. He loved playing his guitar, camping, and fishing.
He was preceded in death by: Grandmother, Ruby Lowe Davis; other grandparents, Vestal (Toby) Sharp and Faye Sharp of Briceville.
He is survived by: Father, Jay Monroe Davis Sr. of Oak Ridge; mother, Iva Davis of Briceville; sister, Nikita Davis Fleenor and husband of Bristol; half-sister, Christel Davis Woods and husband of Oak Ridge; half-brother, Joe Moore of Halls; great-aunt, Essie Baker and Donna West of Petros-Joyner; two special cousins, Natasha West of Oliver Springs and Amber Duncan of Coalfield; a host of cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Visitation will be from 4-5 pm Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, at Premier Sharp Funeral Home.
A memorial service will begin at 5 p.m. with Troy Harmon and Kenny Sharp officiating.
Premier Sharp Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Davis family.
www.Sharpfh.com
MARY KATHERINE (KATHY) CRAWFORD GUYTON
February 8, 2022
Mary Katherine (Kathy) Crawford Guyton went to be with her Heavenly Father Jan. 31, 2022.
Kathy was born Jan. 25, 1958, in Clinton to Lee and Bonnie Crawford. Kathy was the most loving, sweet and kind person who could light up the room with her smile. Kathy’s greatest love were her sons and being Yaya to her grandchildren, whom she loved with all her heart. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Kathy is survived by: Son, Camden Guyton and wife Laura; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Logan, and Annabelle Guyton; sister, Edna Taylor; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Kathy was preceded in death by: Parents, Lee and Bonnie Crawford; beloved son, Nicholas Guyton; sisters, Corrine Foust, Hazel Elliott; and brothers, Cleve, Luther, and Jerry Crawford.
Kathy was a wonderful and devoted mother, sister and Yaya (grandmother), who was greatly loved and will forever be missed.
The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
SANDRA FAYE PERRY
February 7, 2022
Sandra Faye Perry, 80, passed away at her home in Powell Monday, Feb. 7, 2022.
Sandra was a long-time employee of the Walmart in Halls and has worked at Chick-Fil-A for the last six years. She enjoyed going to church and was an avid sewer. Sandra was a member of the Crossroads Apostolic Church in Halls for 25 years.
Sandra was preceded in death by: Parents, Robert and Carrie McGill; brothers, Charles McGill and Carl Edward McGill; sisters, Rita McGill and Elsie Andreasen.
She is survived by: Daughters, Lisa Lynch (David) of Powell, Anita Dobbs of Powell, Tina Juarez (Israel) of Seymour; brothers, Robert McGill Jr. (Sandra) of Knoxville, Billy McGill (Jane) of Front Royal, Va.; sisters, Georgia West (Bill) of Tazewell, Frankie Pendleton of Sparta; grandchildren, Chanel Webster and Jason of Palmetto, Fla., Kayla and Michael Funderburke of Lexington, S.C., Emaleigh Gwinn of Knoxville, Maggie Murmann of Knoxville, Kelsea and Jory Cunningham of Powell; great-grandchildren, Maddison Webster, Mackenzie Webster, Ava, and River Funderburke.
The family will receive friends at the Crossroads Apostolic Church in Knoxville from 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.
The funeral service will begin at 7 p.m. The Rev. Hosack, Bishop Grey, and Bishop McCool will be officiating.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at Clapps Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery.
Jones Mortuary, LLC. in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
ELENORA EASTERLY EDWARDS
February 5, 2022
Elenora Easterly Edwards was born in LaFollette to Guy and Lucille Easterly.
Guy was Publisher/Editor of The LaFollette Press and instilled in Elenora a love of writing, news, and a good story, leading her to pursue a career in journalism. After graduating from LaFollette High School in 1961, she attended Maryville College where she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper. She earned a degree in English from Maryville College in 1965 before attending graduate school at the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri at Columbia. While in graduate school, Elenora worked on the city desk of the Columbia Missourian, the local city newspaper published at the school.
Elenora began as a reporter for the Courier News of Clinton in 1970, and worked her way up to News Editor, a position she held until 1981 when her son, Ben was born. Elenora also served as Editor of The Tennessee Press, a publication of the Tennessee Press Association, from 1991 through 2013. She was a Trustee of the Tennessee Press Foundation from 2014 until 2022. A former President of the East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalism and former board member of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, Elenora most recently served as President of the Timely Topics Club. She was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church of Clinton where she sang in the choir. She loved her work, family, friends, and most of all, her son Ben, who she cared for until the time of her passing.
Elenora was preceded in death by: Parents, Guy and Lucille Easterly; husband, Thomas Edwards; and nephew. Guy Tucker.
She will be greatly missed by: Son, Ben; sister, Helen Anne Tucker; numerous cousins, extended family, countless friends, and the community she served.
Her joyful spirit, easy smile, and enthusiasm for life will be remembered by all with whom she came in contact.
Interment was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Clinton. A celebration of life service followed at 1 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church in Clinton.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to a fund designated for Ben Edwards’ long-term care. Gifts can be sent to Memorial United Methodist Church, 323 North Main Street, Clinton, Tennessee 37716. www.holleygamble.com
SHIRLEY C. BYRGE
February 5, 2022
Shirley C. Byrge, Graves Gap, crossed over Jorden singing the praising of the Lord Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.
She was born Oct. 30, 1946, in Clinchmore, at a mining camp to Dewey and Marie Wright Duncan. The Lord loaned us one of his angels for a while complete with his understanding, his love, and his smile. Her passion was singing at church. She was a member of Graves Gap Baptist Church, where she was the church clerk for 45 years. Also the first couple to ever be married at the church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: Husband, the Rev. Donnie Hugh Byrge; son, Donald E. Byrge; granddaughter, Susan Lynn Byge; sister, Debra Jean Duncan; brothers, Terry Chelma Duncan, Robert Lee “Bob” Duncan, Clay Duncan; father and mother-in-law, Jesse Byrge and Aline Brown Byrge.
She leaves behind: Children, John David Byrge, Jesse Byrge III, and Matthew Israel Byrge; granddaughters, Melinda Hope Stagnolia, Amber Faith Byrge, Leah Charity Byrge; grandson, Jacob Peyton Byrge; great-granddaughter, Stephanie Stagalia; sisters, Maxine Lutner of Lake City, Sue Price of Keauy, Ky., Pat Ford of Knoxville, Ava Yocum of Andersonville, Charlene Mobley and Charlotte Duncan, both of Knoxville; sisters-in-law, Louise Byrge, Fannie Byrge, both of Lake City, and Nadine Braden of Briceville.
She also leaves behind her amazing church family and a multitude of extended family and friends.
Shirley had some very difficult challenges and became a source of strength and inspiration for her family. She would want them to remain steadfast and strong, and not lose heart. ‘There are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys’, but life is beautiful and worthwhile.
Friends may visit with the Byrge family from beginning at noon Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, at Graves Gap Baptist Church, Briceville, until the time of service at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Lonnie Lowe and Bro. Wayne McBurnnett officiating.
Interment will follow the funeral service at the church cemetery.
Premier Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
JIMMY D. BAILEY
February 5, 2022
Jimmy D. Bailey, 75, Oliver Springs, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday morning Feb. 5, 2022, after courageously battling cancer.
He was born June 26, 1946, in LaFollette to General Lee and Robbie Sue (McDeerman) Bailey.
Jimmy married the love of his life, Vicki J. (Humphrey) Bailey, Dec. 15, 1969, in Andersonville. Together Jimmy and Vicki lovingly welcomed their two children: Boyd Lee Bailey wife Paula Rose Bailey and Becky Jane Bailey Shelton husband Bryan Todd Shelton; five grandchildren, Jacob Owen, Bryant Bailey, Jonathan Bailey, Timothy Bailey and Grace Shelton; and great-granddaughter, Mercy Jane Wilcox.
He served with the United States Navy 1964 to 1970, continuing his service in the Naval Reserves. Jimmy served multiple tours in Vietnam, earned two bronze stars and four additional service medals.
Jimmy retired from the Department of Energy Facility Y-12 after 30 years of dedicated service. Previously serving eight years with the City of Oak Ridge Fire Department.
He earned his private pilot’s license in 1980 under the instruction of the late Guy M. Jones. Jimmy loved spending his days flying, boating and fishing with his family.
Jimmy was preceded in death by: Parents, General Lee and Robbie Sue (McDeerman) Bailey; brother, Bobby L. Bailey; sisters, Mary Bailey Woods, Debra Bailey Reesor; brother-in-law, Michael R. Humphrey.
Survived by: Brothers, Billy R. Bailey, Johnny W. Bailey; sisters, Patricia Hope Bailey Lloyd (Clarence), Linda S. Bailey Rosenbalm (Wendell); brother-in-law, Joseph T. Humphrey; sisters-in-law, Kathy Langston (David), Terri Jo Humphrey, Rosemary Cox (Rudy).
He will be lovingly missed by a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
www.holleygamble.com
PATRICK GRAVES
February 5, 2022
Patrick Graves, 41, Clinton, passed away Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Oak Ridge March 28, 1980, to Lanny and Joyce Rucker Graves. Patrick was a member of Norris First Baptist Church. His true passions were soccer and family.
Our hearts are broken loosing Patrick so young. We are comforted to know that he is with Jesus, no longer in pain and we have precious memories.
Patrick was preceded in death by: Father, Lanny Graves; grandparents, Margrie Cole Brooks, Walter Rucker, J.C. and Bonnie Fraker Graves; aunt, Kathy Graves; nephew, Jason Hatmaker.
Survived by: Mother, Joyce Rucker Graves; sister, Megin Graves Hatmaker; aunt, Sheila Atchley (Brian); nephews, Alexander and Spenser Hatmaker; son-in-law, Timothy Hatmkaer; cousins, Haley and Colton Atchley.
Many thanks to Kelly and Leslie of Amedysis Hospice, Erica and Stacy of Amedysis Home Health and Wendy FNP for great care.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. David Seiber officiating.
Patrick’s interment will be held at Norris Memorial Garden at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.
www.holleygamble.com
