Oak Ridge Today

Obituary: Franklin ‘Tommy’ Lee Murphy

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Franklin "Tommy" Lee Murphy

Franklin “Tommy” Lee Murphy

Franklin “Tommy” Lee Murphy, age 72, of Oak Ridge, passed away Tuesday, January 27, at Methodist Medical Center.

He was born October 13, 1942, in Winfield, Tennessee, the son of Nora Wilson Murphy and Ned Edward Murphy.

Mr. Murphy served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. He trained for a career with the railroad in Minnesota and retired from Burlington Northern, Santa Fe in Spokane, Washington. After retirement, he and his wife, Pat, relocated to Oak Ridge in 2006.

He enjoyed woodworking, auto mechanics, fishing, and computers. [Read more…]

UT entomology professor to give honeybee talk on Feb. 5

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John A. Skinner

John A. Skinner

A University of Tennessee professor will discuss honeybees and pollinators during a Thursday talk at Roane State Community College in Oak Ridge.

John Skinner is a University of Tennessee entomology professor, Extension apiculturist, and Extension coordinator. His talk is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5.

According to the UT Institute of Agriculture website: “A nationwide network to monitor and maintain honey bee health is the aim of the Bee Informed Partnership, a five-year, $5 million program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Penn State University is the lead institution, with the University of Tennessee providing IT support for the Partnership.” [Read more…]

ORFD will recognize members for cardiac arrest save; honor firefighter, officer

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Steve London

Steve London

Eric Mocsari

Eric Mocsari

The Oak Ridge Fire Department will host a February ceremony that will recognize members for a cardiac arrest save in November and honor the firefighter and fire officer of the year.

The ceremony will be at 6 p.m. February 13 at Fire Station Number 3, which is at 333 Tuskegee Drive.

The Department will recognize Engine Company 2C for the cardiac arrest save, a press release said. This was the sixth cardiac arrest save within the last 12 months for the Oak Ridge Fire Department. [Read more…]

Obituary: Aaron Trey Gunter

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Aaron Trey Gunter

Aaron Trey Gunter

Aaron Trey Gunter, age 17, a resident of the Stephens community in Morgan County, passed away Monday, January 26, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Aaron was born November 3, 1997, in LaFollette. He has lived in this area all of his life.

Aaron was a student at Central High School in Wartburg. He additionally attended the Morgan County Career and Technical Center, where he was a welding student and enthusiast. He formerly attended the Coalfield School.

Aaron loved life, and especially spending time with his family and friends.  [Read more…]

Obituary: Wilma Geraldine Allison

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Wilma Geraldine Allison, age 81, a resident of Oliver Springs, passed away Monday, January 26, at her home while surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Allison was born March 6, 1933, in Oliver Springs. She was a lifelong resident of this area.

Wilma was a homemaker, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was also an avid pet lover.  [Read more…]

Obituary: Lawrence Vincent Annunziata, Sr.

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Lawrence Vincent "Vinnie" Annunziata Sr.

Lawrence Vincent “Vinnie” Annunziata Sr.

Lawrence Vincent Annunziata, Sr., lovingly known to all as “Vinnie,” passed away Saturday, January 24.

Vinnie was a devoted husband and best friend to his wife of almost 51 years, Vivian.

His greatest love besides his wife were his five grandchildren Jessica, Erica, Sophia, Olivia, Michael Gabriel, and his only child Lawrence Jr. and his wife Cindy, all of Oak Ridge. He is also survived by his beloved brother Joe Warren Annunziata, lovingly known to him as “Bo,” and his sweet wife Laura of Long Island, NY; and dear sisters, Anita, Rosemarie, and Teresa. [Read more…]

Obituary: Billy Joe Attkisson

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Billy Joe Attkisson

Billy Joe Attkisson

Billy Joe Attkisson, age 83, of Oak Ridge, passed away Tuesday, January 27, at Methodist Medical Center. He was affectionately known as Catman.

He was born December 10, 1931, in Lawrence County, Tennessee, the middle child of Clyde Dixon Attkisson and Louise Elizabeth Holt Attkisson.

Mr. Attkisson served with the U.S. Army from 1952-1954.

He retired in 1987 from the City of Oak Ridge, working as a supervisor in the utilities division. [Read more…]

Pet of the Day: Hercules

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Pet of the Day: Hercules

Submitted

I am a beautiful black and tan coonhound—named Hercules, of course—cause I’m such a marvelous specimen of a good dog.

When I came in, I had apparently had it out with a coon or two, but that just means I’ve been a great hunter for my owner. I’m super super friendly, and would love to be in your yard, or in your lap. I am available!

Fee is sponsored at 50 percent! (AS/AB) [Read more…]

Obituary: Georgia Alyce Griffin

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Georgia Alyce Griffin

Georgia Alyce Griffin

On Monday, January 19, God reclaimed the spirit of Georgia Alyce Griffin, while a patient at Roane Medical Center, in Harriman. She only surrendered her body in death—for her soul will live forever. Her passion for the spiritual development of the youth was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

Born in Oliver Springs, on April 2, 1929, she was the seventh of eight children of the late Walter Joe Griffin and Laura Anna Crozier Griffin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Alfred and Marzel Griffin; and three sisters, Pauline Griffin Woods, Samretta Griffin Boulware Fritz, and Catheline Griffin Lide. [Read more…]

Cat of the Day: Ivan

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Pet of the Day: Ivan

Submitted

Ivan can’t figure out why no one loves him. We showed him some love and made him the Cat of the Day for Thursday.

We hope one of you out there will show him he’s loved by adopting him. That would be the ultimate gift, the gift of a forever home of his own.

He’s a complete lovebug that would love a home where he is the only feline. He’s been waiting for the right person to come along and sweep him off his feet. Your reward will be unconditional love, gratitude, and head butts. Pretty sweet deal if you ask us. [Read more…]

Wildcat Pride Club raising awareness of autism this week

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Oak Ridge Wildcats LogoThe Wildcat Pride Club of Oak Ridge High School hopes to raise awareness for autism this week as they promote “Hoops for Autism.”

This cause hits home with Lady Wildcats Coach David Scott because his son Daniel was diagnosed with autism at an early age, a press release said.

The club is holding fundraisers this week at the High School with all proceeds from the fundraisers going to the research of autism. Activities have been planned that will culminate on Friday night as the Wildcats host the Central Bobcats in basketball. [Read more…]

Shirley Raines to speak at Altrusa January 28

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“Like Lessons Learned from Children’s Books and Stories” will be the topic when Shirley Raines speaks to the Altrusa Club of Oak Ridge on Wednesday, January 28.

Raines—who is a speaker, consultant in education and leadership development, and former president of the University of Memphis—will delight us with her humorous approach about how stories shape our lives in families, in classrooms, and in careers.

Raines began her career as a teacher of young children, then became a Head Start and child care director. She later wrote 14 books for early childhood educators. [Read more…]