CHARLES 'STUMPY' FOUST
March 10, 2021
After nearly 93 full years of life, Charles Clyde Foust went to his heavenly home Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021.
Charles was born on April 8, 1928, in Coal Creek, as the second of seven children to Kelly and Chloe Foust.
Charles was a much loved man whom many felt connected to. This lead to many nicknames being given to him by his various friends and family members. Depending on how you knew Charles would be the deciding factor as to what his name was to you; if you worked with him you may have called him Charlie, if you grew up with him you would have called him Stumpy, his siblings called him Dank, Dink or Clyde. This eventually lead to Charles giving each of his grandchildren their own special nickname, and then lead to nicknames for his great-grandchildren.
Family was always the center of his life. He took great pride in saying, "I met Jean (wife) at a church weenie roast when she was 15 years old, and from that came a family of more than 40 people." Charles and Jean were married for 71 years. The legacy they left in their family was something they lovingly reflected on, particularly in their later years. Charles was known for putting his family first. He gave up multiple professional opportunities that would have moved him further from his parents and grandparents or uprooted his children and wife. He would surprise his children and grandchildren with fun pets like ponies, sheep, goats, pigs, and bunnies. He built putt-putt courses, badminton courts, ping pong tables, playhouses, and softball fields. He created fun evenings of weenie roasts and firefly catching, and made cane poles for everyone for fishing outings. He drove his children cross country to see America, took beach vacations with kids and grandkids always impressing with his high dives off the pool diving board, rafting trips out in big ocean waves, and diving down to collect sand dollars. Every trip was filled with singing and he loved having his family singing along with him on road trips. Charles enjoyed cooking for his family, always making fruit cobblers, chili, fresh biscuits and gravy, or his famous drinkable oatmeal. He loved having all of his family gather together at the home he built with his own two hands, celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthdays, anniversaries, or any reason to gather and celebrate the family.
Charles was a fearless, hardworking, dedicated, entrepreneurial, humorous, Vol loving, always learning, Charlie Pride listening, storytelling, and a giving human being. Following high school, he joined the Navy during World War II. He served as a Navy aircraft mechanic, and trained as a gunner. After his years of service in the Navy, he and Jean married and began living a life that formed a strong family legacy. Charles went on to attend the University of Tennessee studying chemistry, while there he joined the Volunteer football team. At just 5'6" "Stumpy" was known to be very athletic. He always loved the Vols, was proud to be a VFL, always watched UT football games and both the men's and women's basketball games right up until just a couple of days before he passed away. Utilizing his chemistry background led to a career working at Oak Ridge National Lab, where he spent 35 years before retiring. He also was the founder of Foust Chemical Co., where he invented a new chemical for the dairy industry. He and wife, Jean, also owned and operated Pants 'n Things, a women's clothing store where Charles created patterns and made his own line of women's slacks. An avid gardener for most of his life, he considered himself a farmer and when asked, would often state that as his career. He kept a bountiful garden, fruit trees, bushes, and bees. He canned, made jellies, and was always sure to share his abundant crops with family and friends. You always left his home with a bag of tomatoes, a jar of jelly, a bottle of his homemade muscadine wine, or a can of his fresh green beans. Working his land was a hobby he took very seriously.
Stumpy's time working with aircraft in the Navy, spurred a love of flying, and in later years he turned this into another hobby. He would go on to get his pilot's license and co-own a plane with his younger brother, Jim. Family and friends have memories of him flying them in the Grumman American Yankee. Being a member of the Coal Creek Masonic Lodge was important to him and he was heavily involved until more recent years when his wife became ill. Jean passed away in February, 2020. Charles was her dedicated caregiver for years as she lived with Alzheimer's Disease. He was always by Jean's side, and was her constant love and support. Charles lived a life that his family admired, respected, appreciated and will strive to proudly continue sharing his legacy for generations to come.
Preceding Charles in death was: Wife, Wilma Jean Miller Foust; parents, Kelly and Chloe Foust; sister, Faye Foust Adkins; brother, Jim Foust; sister, Helen Foust Morton; daughter, Linda Gale Foust Dyer; and son, Charles Clyde Foust II.
Charles is survived by: Sister, Louise Foust Hartnett of Aiken, S.C.; sister, Janet Foust Adkins of Statesville, N.C.; brother, John Foust of Rocky Top; daughter, Patricia Foust Osteen (Bill) of Beech Island, S.C.; daughter, Connie Foust Lackey (Mike) of Sylva, N.C.; daughter, Kathy Foust Waldrop (Loy) of Farragut; and daughter-in-law, Karen Foust (widow of Charles "Chuck" Foust II).
Charles and wife Jean shared 14 grandchildren: Amanda Sharp Hill (Len), Laura Waldrop Okada (Jun), Jessica Sharp Carnathan (Doug), Leigh Dyer Long (Bruce), Jill Marie Dyer, Allison Osteen Hendrix (Andy), Casey Osteen Williams (Josh), William Foust Osteen (Natalie), Jennifer Smith Thielker (Matthew), Jenna Lackey Bauer, Leslie Nicole Smith, and Morgan Smith Lewis (Spencer).
His legacy will also continue through the lives of his 28 and counting great-grandchildren. He was also blessed with many surviving nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as his uncle, Jack Reed.
Services were held Thursday, March 4, 2021, at Main Street Baptist Church in Rocky Top, where Charles was a member since birth.
The family received friends from 11 a.m. – noon, followed by a memorial service officiated by Pastor Wayne Phillips at noon. Interment followed in Leach Cemetery at Clear Branch Baptist Church with Hatmaker Funeral Home overseeing arrangements. Masks were worn and social distancing observed.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Stumpy's honor. Funds may be sent to Main Street Baptist Church noting the Charles "Stumpy" Foust Memorial Fund. Funds will be donated directly to the church's food pantry to provide needed nourishment for members of the community. Stumpy often spoke of how grateful he was throughout the depression that his family never had to be without food because of the family livestock and gardens. He had a heart for those families who were not as fortunate.
SAMUEL 'EDDY' QUEENER
February 27, 2021
Samuel “Eddy” Queener, 81, Clinton passed away at his residence on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021.
Samuel was a member of Second Baptist Church and a member of the Chapter B Motorcycle Club. He retired from K-25 Fire Department as a Commander and in his earlier years was a dispatcher and volunteer for the Clinton Fire Department and also a dispatcher for the Clinton Police Department. Throughout his life he loved going to yard sales, fishing, and riding motorcycles.
He was preceded in death by: Parents, Robert Earl and Edna Mae Queener; sister, Laura “Ann” Queener Melton.
He is survived by: Loving wife of 62 years, Mary “Lynell” Roberts Queener of Clinton; daughters, Vickie Queener Wilson of Clinton and Janie Edwards and husband John of Oak Ridge; brothers, Jimmy Queener and wife Freddie of Clinton and David Queener and wife Glenda of Clinton; sister-in-law, Sandra and husband the Rev. James Jones Jr. of Harriman; granddaughter, Katie Simmons of Norris; loving loyal companion, his dog Mattie.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home.
His funeral service will immediately follow his visitation with Dr. Michael Thompson and the Rev. James Jones Jr. officiating.
Samuel’s graveside will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Woodhaven Memorial Garden.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
www.holleygamble.com
RUSSELL HAESE
February 27, 2021
God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.
Our beloved Russell Haese, 72, Clinton, passed away Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021.
Russell graduated from Oak Ridge High School before receiving his physics degree from Tennessee Technological University. He taught high school mathematics in Georgia. After teaching he secured a job at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Mich., as a car and engine design engineer. He always had a wonderful work ethic throughout his lifetime. He had a good sense of humor and loved spending time with his family and friends. He said that he lived a fulfilling life accomplishing many milestones, traveled many places and had no regrets. Interests included his love of animals; he raised four dogs with his wife. He enjoyed sports and other hobbies. He was musically inclined and enjoyed playing the piano and organ. After retirement, Russ and Sue, moved to Tennessee, his home state and resided in Clinton.
He is preceded, in death by: Parents, Louis and Grace Haese; brother, Ronald Haese; and sister-in-law, Judy Haese.
His well lived life will forever be loved by his survivors, including: Wife, Susan; sister, Lois Haese-Szluh; brother, Randy Haese; sister-in-law, Nancy Haese; sisters-in-laws/brothers-in law, Elaine and Bob Guttenberg, Karen and Paul Liker; and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass, officiated by Father Richard Armstrong, will be held at St Therese Catholic Church, 701 South Charles G. Seivers Blvd. Clinton at 11 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2021.
Directly following the internment, officiated by Pastor Larry Bourdon of Grace Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge, will be at Anderson Memorial Gardens, 640 Oliver Springs Highway, Oak Ridge.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider a donation to the Humane Society, Diabetes Association or Kidney Foundation.
TOMMY TAYLOR
January 24, 2021
Tommy Taylor, 75, Clinton, passed away Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
Tommy was a member of Edgemoor Baptist Church where he stayed very active helping with the Building and Grounds Committee and the Awana’s. Tommy retired from Anderson County School System in the maintenance department. Throughout his life he enjoyed playing musical instruments, fishing, and bee keeping. For many years Tommy helped work the Anderson County Fair. He was born Oct.r 1, 1945, in Anderson County to Joe Taylor and Pearl Owenby Miller.
He is survived by: Loving wife, Betty Taylor of Clinton; daughter, Marcell Fay Taylor Bean of Oliver Springs; sons, Anthony Taylor of Clinton, and Toby Taylor and wife Candice of Caryville; sisters, Janice Morell of Rockwood, Patsy Calway and husband Robert of Oak Ridge, and Connie Wreyford Cheeck of North Carolina; brothers, Carl Taylor of Oak Ridge, Ronnie Taylor and wife Donna of Heiskell, Leon Taylor of Clinton, and Timothy Rogers of Cordova; step children, Sherry Bryant of Clinton, Gayle Brown and husband Tracy of Clinton, Denise Sissom and husband David of Clinton, Stephanie Brock and husband Joe of Clinton, and Laura Garrett and Ryan of Knoxville; several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The family will have a graveside service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, at Farmers Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Rick Miller.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
www.holleygamble.com
CLYDE BULLOCK JR.
January 22, 2021
Clyde Bullock Jr., Rocky Top, passed away the morning of Jan. 22, 2021.
He was a Korean War veteran (Army) and served in West Germany. He had several jobs while he lived in Ohio and was finally a machinist in Oak Ridge. Besides his family, he enjoyed traveling and watching westerns
He was preceded in death by: Parents, Clyde Bullock and Belvia Relford Bullock; wife, Joie Loretta Helton Bullock; and son, Clyde Eugene “Pete” Bullock.
He’s survived by: Daughter, Pamela Irene Seay (Robert); daughter-in-law, MaryAnn Bullock; former daughter-in-law, Georgia Shroyer (Randy); grandchildren, Nathan Clyde Bullock (Lorri), Danielle Bullock, Travis Bullock, and Robyn Seay; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Clyde Bullock, Andrew Bullock, Logan Bullock, Ciara Hatmaker, Preston Sieber, Jacob Sieber, Lance Bullock; and great-great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Clyde Bullock and Phoenix Bullock.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The East Tennessee Kidney Foundation.
www.holleygamble.com
JAMES BUFORD TAYLOR
January 17, 2021
James Buford Taylor, 78, Marietta, Ga., passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, after a three-month battle with COVID-19.
Survivors include: Wife of 23 years, Joyce Kuhn-Taylor; son, Andy Taylor (Denise); daughter, Sandy Annis (Tim); sister, Deidrie Ritts (Jim); eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, Buford and Ruth Wise Taylor.
Photography was a lifelong passion. A native of Clinton, he owned and operated both Photo Boutique and LaFollette Art Studio, photographing many schools, sports teams, weddings and buildings in the Anderson County area. He contributed photos to newspapers and advertising and photographed for the Y-12 facility. His interest in the history of the people and places of his home area prompted him to contribute many of his photos to websites dedicated to Clinton history. Like his mother, he also enjoyed watercolor painting, and playing the banjo. In his spare time he was a most proficient ballroom dancer and occasionally wrote some poetry. He could build anything he could envision, even a sailboat once!
During the Christmas holiday, his natural white beard made him the perfect Santa. On Christmas cruises he took his Santa suit and truly enjoyed making both children and adults happy. He probably enjoyed these experiences more than the cruisers.
Three-plus years ago, Jim and Joyce became sponsors for the Monday Ballroom Practice at the West Cobb Senior Center. They took over for the couple who started this club almost 25 years ago so that retired seniors could dance and socialize.
For many years he operated a home repair and remodeling company known as Taylor Home Care Services. His work history also included being a surveyor for Georgia Kraft. Because of their love of dancing, Jim and Joyce started a company 20 years ago known as Dance Shoes of Atlanta, selling ballroom dance shoes. They traveled extensively throughout the states attending big band weekends and ballroom dance competitions.
Above all, he enjoyed a good joke and making others laugh.
A Funeral Service was held at noon Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home, Historic Marietta Chapel.
The family received friends at 11:30 a.m. prior to interment at 2 p.m. at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Tucker, Ga.
JUDY HIGDON COWELL
January 16, 2021
Judy Higdon Cowell (August 22, 1940 - January 16, 2021)
Judy loved and lived life to the fullest. She never met a stranger. She was energetic, always giving generously of herself to everyone who knew and loved her. A member of the Norris High School Class of 1958, Judy was well-known as a gourmet cook, active in Knoxville real estate apartment management, and enjoyed world travel. Quick with a laugh and smile, with a twinkle in her eye, she was very likely among the world's greatest story tellers and certainly among the most avid of Tennessee Volunteer fans. Judy would have liked for everyone to know "I had the best time in the whole wide world!"
She is preceeded in death by: Father and mother, Lyle Higdon and Mertie Johnson Higdon.
Survived by: Sons, William Simpson (wife Mari) and Samuel Simpson; sisters, Manya Higdon Pirkle (husband John) and Carol Sue Higdon Human (husband Ben); brother, Phillip Higdon (wife Peggy); and grandchildren, Melissa Simpson Reott (husband Aaron) and Matthew Simpson (wife Rachel).
The family would like to thank the staff of Westmoreland Health and Rehabilitation Center for the devoted care they provided during her residence with them.
Family and friends may call at convenience from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.
Judy’s graveside will be held at Norris Memorial Garden at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.
www.holleygamble.com
BETTY NICHOLS STAIR (BETTY JOYCE)
January 16, 2021
Betty Nichols Stair (Betty Joyce) passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge
She was a lifelong Christian.
She was preceded in death by: Husband, Edward (Ed) Stair Sr.; parents, Otto and Katherine Nichols; and brother, Vaughn Nichols.
Betty is survived by: Sons, Edward (Eddie) Stair, Jr. and Michael (Mike) Stair and their families.
Betty worked for a number of years at DOE and Boeing in Oak Ridge where she retired. Betty felt she had the most wonderful friends in the world and cherished each one. She was a 1949 graduate of Clinton High School and loved to remind everyone she was the first CHS majorette.
The immediate family will gather privately per her wishes.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or charity of choice.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
www.holleygamble.com
