Oak Ridge Today

Gary Neal Halstead

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Gary Neal Halstead

Gary Neal Halstead

Gary Neal Halstead, 58, of Oak Ridge, passed away on Nov. 5.

He was born to parents James Joseph and Ruth Natvig Halstead in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 18, 1954.

He had served as an officer with the New York Police Department.

His survivors include his daughters, Susan Halstead and Jo-Anne Mathier of Asheville; brother, James Joseph Halstead Jr. and wife Cathy of Brooklyn; nephew and niece, James Joseph Halstead III and Kristine Halstead Klepper; and grandchildren, Samantha, Kaylee, Jerica, and Deandra.

A memorial service will be held in the chapel of Weatherford Mortuary at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, with Rev. Steve Martin officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday, Nov. 11, from 3–4:30 p.m. in the chapel of Weatherford Mortuary.

An online guest book may be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.

Zora Elizabeth Shepherd Goins

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Zora Elizabeth Shepherd Goins

Zora Elizabeth Shepherd Goins

Zora Elizabeth Shepherd Goins, of Clinton, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 6.

She was born on Jan. 2, 1920, in Jellico, Ky., but she lived most of her adult life in Oak Ridge and Clinton.

Along with her beloved husband, Vincent, she spent many years fishing, hunting, and camping. She loved nature and all God’s creatures. She often commented on how she could have been a veterinarian, and she would have been a good one. She practiced on unsuspecting farm animals at a young age.

She worked for many years in the cafeteria at South Clinton Elementary, where she was loved by all. She attended South Clinton Baptist Church. Zora was well known and loved by numerous people in the Clinton community .

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is a gain.” (Phillipians 1:21)

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Oma Cassidy Shepherd; husband, Vincent Goins; her oldest daughter, Doris Ann Ketner; brothers, Albert, Cletis, Bob, Herschell, Jim, and Jerry; and sisters, Flora, Buleah, and Lucille.

Her survivors include son, Lowell Goins; daughter, Demaris Goins Holt and husband Sonny; son-in-law, Bud Ketner; grandchildren, Brian Ketner, Larry and Glen Goins, Maria Goins Ritchie, David Courtney and Shawna Courtney Summers; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and best friend for the last 28 years, Bob Chadwick.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. The graveside service will be held on Friday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. with Pastor Garvin Walls officiating.

The family requests that memorials be in the form of donations to American Cancer Society, Women’s Cancer.

An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com.

Bennie Louise Cloninger Sanders

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Bennie Louise Cloninger Sanders

Bennie Louise Cloninger Sanders

Bennie Louise Cloninger Sanders, 85, of Oak Ridge, passed away on Nov. 5 at Asbury Place in Maryville.

She was born to parents Benjamin A. and Louise M. Armbruster Cloninger on Aug. 10, 1927, in Chattanooga.

Bennie was a member of First United Methodist Church for 45 years, where she enjoyed volunteering as a “Hello Girl” in the earlier years.

For nearly 50 years, she was also a member of the Oak Ridge Lioness Club and the Oak Ridge Lions Club. She had served as a Pink Lady with the Methodist Medical Center and was a member and officer of the Oak Ridge Woman’s Club.

Survivors include husband, John P. Sanders Sr. of Oak Ridge; sons, John Sanders Jr. and wife Laurel of Martinsburg, W.V., and Robert Sanders and wife Donna of Forest, Va.; grandchildren, Mattea Sanders of Washington, D.C., and Corbin Sanders of Fairfax, Va.; and brother, Robert O. Cloninger and wife Arlene Rae of Falmouth, Mass., and their children, Dean and Paula.

The family will receive friends at First United Methodist Church from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at the church with Rev. Stella Roberts officiating. Entombment will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

The family requests that memorials be in the form of donations to First United Methodist, Music Program, 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 or to the Oak Ridge Lions Club, PO Box 4085, Oak Ridge, TN 37831.

An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com.

Wendell Howard Shoemaker

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Wendell Howard Shoemaker, 72 of Oak Ridge, passed away on Friday, Nov. 2, at his home on Melton Hill Lake.

Wendell worked with Jameson Shaw, who operated the most exclusive salon in Atlanta. When he returned to Knoxville, he established and opened Wendell’s Hair Fashions and Wendell’s School of Beauty.

Preceding him in death were his father, Marley Shoemaker; mother, Ruby Shoemaker Walker; and daughter, Wendy Baskin.

He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Sayona and Gary Groover; grandchildren, Kara Baskin and Jaima Baskin; former wife Shelby Shoemaker; and several loving family members and friends.

The family requests that memorials be in the form of donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Cancer Society, or to a charity of their choice.

The receiving of friends will be held on Friday, Nov. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary.

An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com.

Darrell Powers

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Darrell Powers

Darrell Powers

Darrell Powers, age 56, of Clinton, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 31, at Norris Health and Rehabilitation Center in Andersonville.

He loved fishing, car racing, and his dog, Toby. He attended Guiding Star Church.

Darrell was preceded in death by his father, J.C. Powers; daughter, Ginger Powers; and infant sister, Kathy Powers.

He is survived by his mother, Betty Powers, of Clinton; daughter Kristi Overbay and husband Toby of Jackson; stepdaughter, Lisa Nelson of Clinton; brothers, Michael Powers of Maynardville, and Randy Powers and Archie Powers, both of Clinton; and grandchildren, Haley, Aiden, and Dyllan Overbay. Darrell is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Darrell’s family received friends on Friday, Nov. 2, and funeral services followed in the chapel of Jones Mortuary with Rev. Gene Scarbrough officiating. His interment was Saturday, Nov. 3, at Foust Cemetery in Lake City.

Robert Lee Higgins

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Robert Lee Higgins

Robert Lee Higgins

Robert Lee Higgins, age 90, formerly of Oak Ridge, passed away Saturday, Nov. 3, at Shannondale Health Care Center in Knoxville.

Bob was born in Charlestown, Mass., on Aug. 20, 1922, to the late Westra Hutchinson and Mae Orr Higgins.

He completed his secondary education at Boston Public Latin School. Bob attended New York University in New York City and was recruited to work in Oak Ridge during World War II, where he served in the Special Engineers Detachment.

While in Oak Ridge, he met his wife of 65 years, Jane. He was employed by Union Carbide/Martin Marietta for 49 years. Bob was a charter member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where he was involved in many ministries. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Throughout the years, he enjoyed genealogy, computers, photography, boating, golfing, fishing, and flying. He was a licensed pilot and was a member of The Flying 64th, EAA, and AOPA. He was a former member of the Friendship Force, Oak Ridge 43 Club, Silver Tops, and Buckingham Community Association.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife Jane Haywood Higgins, his brother Jack Higgins, and his son-in-law Ronnie Bright.

Bob is survived by his son Alan Westra Higgins (Sara Morrison) of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter Mae Higgins-Bright of Knoxville; granddaughter Hailey Bright of Los Angeles, Calif.; grandson Devin Bright of Knoxville, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 4 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church of Oak Ridge with the Rev. Craig Kallio officiating. It will be followed by the interment in the church memory garden. A reception will follow in the church parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 212 N. Tulane Ave. Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

The family would like to thank the staff of Shannondale Health Care Center for their constant care and devotion.

Mamie Irene Wheeler

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Mamie Irene Wheeler, 92, formerly of Oak Ridge, died Thursday, Nov. 1, at Baptist Health Care in Lenoir City after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge where she was an active member for many years. She was a devoted wife and mother who took great pride in her home and family while also maintaining a career in credit management, working for several major retailers.

She was the daughter of the late James Bailey of Knoxville and Marie Galloway of Dayton, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jeanne Wheeler; son, Michael Wheeler; husband, J.P. Wheeler and brother, Ernest Bailey.

Mrs. Wheeler is survived by her daughter, Patricia Dail of Farragut; sisters, Ethel Elder of Titusville, Fla., and Carolyn Bailey Weseman of Knoxville; and brother, Howard Bailey of Lenoir City. She is also survived by a grandson, Shawn Dail, and great-granddaughter Ashley Dail, and several nieces and nephews.

The family received friends on Sunday, Nov. 4, at Weatherford Mortuary. A private graveside service will be held at Jacksboro Cemetery with Rev. James Buttram officiating.

The family asks that any memorials be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.

Loretta Claudine Simpson

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Loretta Claudine Simpson, age 77,  passed away Monday, Oct. 29, at Golden Living Center-Windwood in Clinton.

Loretta was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Lake City.

Loretta’s family would like to thank the Windwood staff for all their hard work.

She was preceded in death by her father, Claude Spears; mother, Ella Bullock Spears; husband, Charles Edward Simpson; and sister Wilma Ann Spears.

She is survived by her brother John Patrick Spears of Lake City; sister Shirley White of Clinton; nephews Jeff White and Chris White, both of Clinton; great-nephews Tyson Baker, Trae Spears, and Patrick Spears; nieces Paula Carroll and husband Dusty and Mitzi Baker, also of Clinton; and great-nieces Kayla Baker and Stephanie Carroll.

Loretta’s family will have a memorial service at a later date.

Martha Louella Felknor Nichols

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Martha Louella Felknor Nichols

Martha Louella Felknor Nichols

Martha Louella Felknor Nichols, 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, Nov. 1, at Greenfield Senior Living in Oak Ridge.

Mrs. Nichols was born on Oct. 29, 1924, to Edward M. and Love H. Felknor in Morristown. She spent her early years in the Fountain City area of Knoxville and was a graduate of Knoxville’s Central High School.

She attended the University of Tennessee, where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority and played french horn in the University of Tennessee Marching Band. While at UT, she met her future husband, Hugh Chandler Nichols.

In 1945, they came to Oak Ridge to work in the plants. They married on Sept. 7, 1946, and remained in Oak Ridge for their lifetimes.

Mrs. Nichols was very active in the community, having served as Regent from 1953 to 1954 of the Clinch River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; as a member of the committee of the Guild of the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association, which put together the calendar “Oak Ridge, The Way It Was, 1942 – 1992” as a fundraiser for the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra; and Panhellenic.

She was an avid golfer and won several tournaments at the Oak Ridge Country Club. She also enjoyed swimming at the Oak Ridge Civic Center with the group “Swimmin’ Women.”

Mrs. Nichols had an inherent talent and lifelong love for making music. She taught private piano lessons in her home for many years. She frequently played the organ at various churches in Oak Ridge for weddings and other services. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church for almost 70 years.

Mrs. Nichols was preceded in death by her husband and her brothers Edward and John Felknor.

Mrs. Nichols is survived by her son Hugh Chandler Nichols Jr. and his wife Jackie of Oak Ridge; daughter, Susan N. Collins and her husband Tom of Jacksonville, Fla.; granddaughters, Jennifer N. Dokos and her husband J.R. of Houston, Texas, and Julie N. Walden and her husband Seth of Nashville; and many nieces and nephews. She recently took great delight in getting to meet her first great-grandson Reid Chandler Dokos. Above all else, Mrs. Nichols reveled in the lives of her granddaughters and left many fond memories for the family to forever cherish.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, Nov. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Oak Ridge.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. at Shiloh Cemetery in Pigeon Forge. The Rev. Sharon Youngs, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her memory to the First Presbyterian Church Parish Nursing Program, 1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

Grover Emby Stephens

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Grover Emby Stephens, age 79, of the Solway community, died Tuesday, Oct. 30, at Methodist Medical Center.

He was born April 23, 1933, in Winfield, one of eight children born to Cal and Erna Walker Stephens.

He served his country with the U.S. Navy and retired in 1974 as a Senior CPO.

After retirement from the Navy, he began working at Martin Marietta Energy Systems and retired in 1994 from Y-12, where he was a stores keeper. He was a member of Freewill Baptist Church, enjoyed working in his yard and was an avid camper.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Edward and Charles; an infant sister and sister, Edna Carol; and by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mitchell and Gertrude Stanfill.

He is survived by his wife, Billie Stanfill Stephens, with whom he would have celebrated 56 years of marriage on Feb. 5. He is also survived by son, Timothy Stephens and his wife Renea of Ten Mile; daughter, Pamela White and husband Terry of Oak Ridge; brothers, Lawrence Stephens and wife Geneva, John Stephens, and Tom Stephens and wife Carol, all of Winfield; three grandchildren, Jeremy White and wife Crystal, and Kaitlyn and Ashton Stephens; and two great-grandchildren, Hailey and Ashlie White.

The family received friends on Friday, Nov. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Tim Stephens, Jeremy White, Donald Stephens, Sam Stephens, Jim Stanfill, and Morris Stephens. Full military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.

Etta Davis

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Etta Davis

Etta Davis

Etta Davis, of the Dutch Valley Community in Anderson County, passed away Monday, Oct. 29, at her home with her family by her side.

She was born Feb. 6, 1935, in Devonia. She has lived in Dutch Valley since 1966.

Etta was a homemaker, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister to many. She enjoyed her family and led a full and happy life. She was a member of the Dutch Valley Missionary Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Marie Overton, and by brothers, Agee and Benny Overton.

Etta is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Ted Davis, and by her children, Debra Davis, Diane Wood and husband Kevin, Eugene Davis and wife Sharel, Robert Davis, Sandra Mitchell and husband Michael, Marietta Davis, Karen Haynes and husband Chris, Tammy Davis, Tina Embleton and husband Allen, and Teddy Davis. She is survived by many loving grandchildren, including Lacy Smith, Sharyl Aslinger, Brandon Haynes, Jamie Giles and husband, Thomas, Megan Jenkins and husband, Aaron, Matthew Hall, Curtis Davis and wife, Rachelle, Gunter Hedges, Chanse Davis, Emma Davis, Destany Davis, Savannah Davis, Madison Embleton, Alyssa Hedges, and Carter Embleton, and she is blessed with several great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Ned “Buddy” Davis; by brothers, Arvel and Bill Overton; and by a sister, Nellie Daugherty.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Sonali Deo, Mike Hughes, RN, and the staff of Covenant Home Health for their kindness and compassion of our beloved Etta. The family also expresses their gratitude to Aaron Nance and family for their support and assistance during our time of need.

The family received friends Tuesday, Oct. 30, between 6 and 8 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home. The funeral followed at 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Aaron Nance officiating.

Burial and graveside services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. at Anderson Memorial Gardens.

Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com.

William Fred Griffith

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William Fred Griffith

William Fred Griffith

William Fred Griffith, 88, of Oliver Springs, passed away on Oct. 26 at Methodist Medical Center.

He was born Dec. 21, 1923, in Deming, N.M., to parents William and Roberta Griffith. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during World War II.

He was member of West Village Christian Church where he had served as a deacon and had been very active until his declining health and he was a member of the Masonic Order, Omega Lodge #536, Oliver Springs.

Fred retired from Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Y-12 facility, as a general foreman.

His survivors include his wife, Dorothy Duncan Griffith, of Oliver Springs; son, Bill Griffith and wife, Eloise, of Oak Ridge; sister, Ethel Griffith, of Erwin; grandson, Matt Griffith and wife, Kelley, of Oliver Springs; and great-grandchildren, Addison Grace and Avery Kate Griffith.

The funeral service will be held in the chapel of Weatherford Mortuary at 8:15 p.m. Monday with Rev. Bruce Martin officiating. There will be a Masonic service prior to the service at 8 p.m.

The graveside service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 11 a.m. at Anderson Memorial Gardens.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Austin Benevolence Fund in care of West Village Christian Church, 637 Robertsville Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

The family will receive friends tonight from 6–8 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary in Oak Ridge.