MARL EASON
March 23, 2022
Our beloved Mark Eason passed from this life to eternal joy in the Lord March 23, 2022.
He often spoke of his dependence on God’s grace and strength, and his faith was strong.
He is greatly missed by his family, friends, neighbors, and the various fellowships he has been a part of.
Mark has lived in Oak Ridge most of his life, with a few years also spent in Clinton, Dutch Valley and Wartburg. He also spent two years based in Miami, Fla., as a scuba diving master. Most recently he has resided at his home in the Woodland community in Oak Ridge.
Mark was born June 19,1957, at Oak Ridge Hospital. He grew up in Emory Valley and attended Woodland School, Jefferson Jr. High School and Oak Ridge High School.
His youth was filled with school, camping, boating, fishing, water skiing, and hiking, both with family and with the Boy Scouts. Mark and his brother Rick (Richard) Eason received their Eagle Scout award the same day in 1974 in Troop #229. For his Eagle project, Mark built a baseball backstop at Hillbrook Christian Camp in Karns. While still in high school, he also began part-time carpentry work, assisting the Downtown Shopping Center with marketing efforts and doing other jobs around town to earn spending money and to engage his many creative talents.
Mark graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1975, having majored in both academic and craftsman classes. His love for tools, carpentry and metalwork led him to fulfill a lifelong passion centered on building things, fixing problems, and creating unique solutions for a wide variety of needs.
Mark studied at Roane State Community College and the University of Tennessee and then worked at Y-12 National Security Complex for several years supporting the computer and data teams there. At the same time he began part-time carpentry work, helping to build both commercial and private buildings. He worked with K.B. Reedy Construction and other firms on several buildings in Oak Ridge.
He launched his remodeling and handyman business in the late 1970’s and worked at this under his own banner for the rest of his life. This allowed him the flexibility not only to sharpen and perfect his craftsmanship and building skills, but also to take some time out to explore other things he was interested in. He served as a rural postal carrier in the Marlow area for several years and later became a Scuba diving instructor for an Oak Ridge scuba shop. He also spent two years working out of Miami, Fla, as the divemaster on a sailing vessel in the Caribbean with Blackbeard’s Dive Cruises in the Bahamas.
During the last part of his life, while continuing his remodeling business, Mark also became involved with Christian missions and several local helping ministries. He also participated in various community volunteer efforts in Oak Ridge, as an organizer and assistant coach for AYSO youth soccer, a team leader for Habitat for Humanity projects, and a contributor on other local projects helping those in need. He was constantly assisting neighbors and family who needed his carpentry and engineering skills.
Mark was involved with both Heritage Fellowship Church in Oak Ridge and Faith Promise church in Knoxville, where he assisted several ministries. He went on four mission trips overseas, twice to Zambia, Africa, and then to Managua, Nicaragua and Ecuador in South America. On each of these he helped lead construction and church building projects. Notably, Mark was an engineering leader for a team building a bridge over a river in Zambia which received high praise from government officials as well as Christian missionaries who desperately needed it. After these trips, Mark continued supporting orphans and other young people he met overseas and mentoring them remotely as they grew up.
His other passions in recent years have been woodcarving, camping in the Smokies and spending a lot of time with family and friends while still doing some remodeling work around town. He was a passionate boater and fisherman. All his life Mark has been a collector of tools of all sorts and could often be seen walking around and trading tools at the Oak Ridge Flea Market.
Mark is survived by: Mother, Betty Skidmore Eason of Oak Ridge; children, Ashlee Mathis (Mike) of Arlington, Texas, and Cody Eason of Knoxville; two grandchildren, Michael Jr. and Megan of Arlington, Texas; brothers, Alan Eason (Natalia) of Oak Ridge, Richard Odell Eason (Mary Anne) of Orono, Maine,, and Timothy Eason (Vanessa) of Knoxville; along with uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by: Father H. Odell Eason Jr. of Oak Ridge; and sister, Jacque Eason Keen of Marietta, Ga.
He is also dearly missed by his faithful and wonderful service dog, Bandito, with whom he was often seen around town.
Services are as follows:
On Thursday, March 31, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. there will be a receiving of friends (open casket), at Holly-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at New York Avenue Church of Christ in Oak Ridge on Saturday, April 2, 2022. Receiving of Friends will begin at the church at 1 p.m. and the service will begin at 2 p.m.
The family is requesting donations in lieu of flowers. The selected charities are:
Friends of the Smokies and Friends of the Oak Ridge Animal Shelter.
(Donations can be made at Friendsofthesmokies.org)
(Donations to Friends of Oak Ridge Animal Shelter — FORAS — can be made via PayPal at our email address friendsofoakridgeanimalshelter@gmail.com or by mail at FORAS, P.O. Box 6014, Oak Ridge, TN 37831.)
WALTER B. ATTERSON
March 23, 2022
Walter B. Atterson, 93, New Castle, Ind., went home to be with his Lord Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at his residence.
He was born Dec. 7, 1928, in Davidson, Tenn., to William Walter and Florence Belle Atterson.
He spent his early years with Harvey and Hattie Fox in Kentucky and his teen years with William Walter and Florence Atterson in Tennessee. He was a Veteran of the US Army, 82nd Airborne where he was a drill instructor. Walter retired from Ingersoll Steel following more than 40 years of service. He was an active member at Chicago Corner Church for more than 60 years, where he served on various boards and was a deacon and elder. He was also involved with the Masonic Lodge for many years, a firefighter with the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department and Mended Hearts (helping others cope with heart issues). He had a heart for helping people and enjoyed gardening, golfing and woodworking.
He is survived by: Wife, Jennifer Atterson of New Castle, Ind.; daughter, Dee Ann Atterson of New Castle, Ind.; son, Brian (wife Karen) Atterson of New Castle, Ind.; grandchildren, Corey, Ethan and Luke Atterson all of New Castle, Ind., Evan (husband Mike) Erickson of Westfield, Ind.; great-grandchildren, Alex R. Smith and Jon Henry Maynard; brother, Harvey Atterson of Beverly Hills, Fla.; several nieces, nephews and close friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: First wife, Bona Jean Atterson; infant son, Alan Walter Atterson; brothers, Bill and Jim Atterson; and special uncle and aunt, Harvey and Hattie Fox.
Services were at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Chicago Corner Church with Pastor Roger Hendricks officiating.
Burial followed in Mooreland Cemetery.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chicago Corner Church or American Heart Association with envelopes available at the church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com.
JAMES RICHARD STEADMAN
March 23, 2022
James Richard Steadman, 79, Clinton, passed away at home Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
He was a native of Anderson County and enjoyed genealogy. Richard retired from Galbraith Laboratory in Knoxville after many years.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Steadman and mother, Irene E. (Gault) Steadman.
Richard is survived by: Son, Russ Steadman; daughters, Karla Steadman and Harriett (Jessie) Lough; grandsons, Blake Shirk, Luke Lough, and Maxley Lough; granddaughter, Elizabeth Lough; plus many aunts, uncles and other family and friends.
The graveside service will be held at a future date to be determined.
To share your thoughts and condolences please go to www.woodhavenfh.com. Woodhaven Home & Memorial Gardens are honored to serve the James Richard Steadman Family.
MARGARET ANN (GIBBY) MAYES
March 23, 2022
Margaret Ann (Gibby) Mayes, 73, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2022, with her family by her side.
Preceded in death by: Husband, James Mayes; parents, Grover and Annie Mae (Loyd) Gibby; sisters, Patricia Webster and Sandy Kelly; and brother, Kenny Gibby.
Survived by: Daughters, Carol Self and Karen Hayes (Rick); sisters, Jackie Martin (Eddie) and Cathy Wilson; grandchildren, Madison Cox (Thomas) and Jamie Hayes; and great-grandson, Jude Cox; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Margaret was a member of Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. She retired from Y-12 in 2008 Where she was a utilities supervisor and she worked at the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
She will be dearly missed by all.
Services will be held at Holley-Gamble in Clinton from noon – 2 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022, with a celebration of life service immediately following with Lee Younger officiating.
A processional will follow with burial at Clinch River Baptist Church Cemetery in Lake City.
www.holleygamble.com
HENRY D. 'DANNY' FORRESTER
March 23, 2022
Henry D. “Danny” Forrester, 72, Clinton, passed away from Parkinson’s disease Wednesday morning, March 23, 2022, at Fort Sanders Hospital in Knoxville.
He was born March 12, 1950, in Dayton, Ohio, to Henry D. and Edna Seal Forrester. Danny was employed for many years as a construction superintendent at the Oak Ridge plants and Blaine Construction Company. He attended St. Mark United Methodist Church.
In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by: Special grandmother, Momma Cora Ann Owens; and brother, Ronnie Forrester.
Danny is survived by: Wife of 31 years, Helen Rutherford Forrester; sisters, Frances Egeler, Sharon Woodward (Joe), Beth Dennis; brother, Ted Forrester (Connie); son, Daniel Forrester (Chrissy); daughters, Tobi Russell (Rodney), Amanda Byrge (Stevie); stepdaughters, Sherry Sander (JR), Ginger Ramsey (Andrew), Leigh Ann Warwick. 12 grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; and three great-granddaughters.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2022, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Samuel Reese officiating.
Danny’s interment will be held at Woodhaven Memorial Garden at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2022.
www.holleygamble.com
MARY JANE (LIGHT) MARTIN
March 21, 2022
Mary Jane (Light) Martin, 77, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022, with her family by her side in Oak Ridge.
She was born Nov. 8, 1944, to the late Maynard and Regina Light. She was a devoted caregiver to her family and enjoyed maintaining a beautiful garden. Jane was a member of Greenway Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Ted Light.
She is survived by: Loving husband, Paul Ray Martin; son, Paul Ray Martin Jr. and wife Maggie; grandchildren, Linus and Veda Martin; sister, Sue Walton; brothers, Danny Light, David Light, and Darrell Light; several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from noon – 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2021, at Greenway Baptist Church with funeral service to follow.
Jane’s graveside will immediately follow at Greenway Baptist Church Cemetery.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
BENNY ELKINS
March 20, 2022
Benny Elkins, 79, Claxton, left this earthly home to be in his Heavenly Home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, March 20, 2022, at his home.
He was born in Andersonville July 6, 1942, to Robert and Mossie Allred Elkins. Benny was in the United States Army from 1967-1969, then went on to work at Y-12 for 29 years. Benny married his beloved wife of 51 years Nov. 27, 1970. He was a member at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, Benny was preceded in death by: Sister, Wilma Jean Owens; and brother, James C. Elkins
Survived by: Wife, Brenda Elkins; daughters, Pamela Michelle Elkins-Williamson; brothers, Duane (Shirley) Elkins; sister, Sara Elkins (Don); grandchildren, Zachary Williamson, Robert Williamson and James Williamson; beloved yorkie, Bella; beloved mountain Cur, Zeke; many beloved nieces, nephews, friends and church family.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2022, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Tom Aiken.
Benny’s interment will be held at Woodhaven Memorial Garden in Claxton at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022.
www.holleygamble.com
BILLY DWIGHT BUNCH
March 20, 2022
Billy Dwight Bunch, 69, passed away at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge Saturday, March 20, 2022.
Billy enjoyed wrestling, going to Gatlinburg, watching westerns, and he was a fan of the Atlanta Braves. Above all, Billy loved his daughter, Holly, dearly.
He was preceded in death by: Parents, Lonnie and Estelle Bunch; wife, Donna Bunch; brother, Johnny Howard Bunch.
Billy is survived by: Daughter, Holly Ward of Clinton; sister, Becky Horton and husband Sam of Waynesboro; grandson, Cayden York.
There are no memorial services scheduled at this time.
Jones Mortuary, LLC. in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
