Dale Burchfield, age 40, a resident of New River, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, June 30.
Dale was born June 5, 1973, in Lake City. He was a lifelong resident of New River Community in Anderson County.
Dale was employed as a machinist/metal fabricator. He and his wife formerly owned and operated Oliver Springs Flower and Garden.
He was an accomplished musician who played several instruments. He spent countless hours playing, and he also played professionally. [Read more…]
Lavada Carlyle Bacon Smith
Lavada Bacon Smith, age 91, of Oak Ridge, born June 28, 1921, passed away, Wednesday, June 19, at Tennova Residential Hospice.
Lavada and Dwight Smith have been residents of Oak Ridge since 1943 and among the earliest members of First Baptist Church.
Lavada was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight H. Smith; daughter, Linda Smith Thomas; parents, Clyde and Stella Bacon; and brothers, Charles and Paul Bacon. [Read more…]
Curtis Lee Kerley
Curtis Lee Kerley, age 89, of Oak Ridge, died Friday, June 14, at Tennova North Medical Center after a brief stay at Golden Living Windwood Skilled Nursing Facility in Clinton. He was born March 29, 1924, in Carlock, Ill., the son of George and Elsie Kerley.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Alvin Kerley and Ruby Rogers; his beloved wife Martha Kerley of over 61 years; and son-in-law, Bob Dix.
Mr. Kerley attended Lenoir City High School, but left before graduation in 1943 to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He had perfect school attendance from first grade all the way through. In 1970, he was awarded his diploma. He served with the U.S. Navy from May 19, 1943, to November 28, 1945, and served aboard the Destroyer #679 in the Pacific.
In 1947, he graduated from Knoxville Business with a degree in salesmanship and business administration. He worked at the Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge after World War II as an accountant, where he met his wife Martha Eula Smothers. In 1951, he attained a certificate in accounting from the University of Tennessee. [Read more…]
William David Fox, age 65, of Clinton, passed away on Saturday, June 29, at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville.
He enjoyed the outdoors and fishing. David was a member of Moran Baptist Church in Clinton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Macel Fox. [Read more…]
Willie Ruth (Wid) Parten, age 85, a resident of Oliver Springs, passed away Thursday, June 27, at NHC in Oak Ridge.
Miss Parten was born Sept. 12, 1927, in Knox County. She has lived in Oliver Springs since 1929.
Willie Ruth was a member of the Oliver Springs First Baptist Church. Before her retirement, she was employed as a bookkeeper at several area automobile dealerships. [Read more…]
Donald “Thump” Wayne Posey
Donald “Thump” Wayne Posey, age 45, of Powell, died Wednesday, June 26, in Knoxville.
He was born March 19, 1968, in Oak Ridge.
Donald’s whole life revolved around music. He was producer of the record label N.O.C as well as Dinero Boyz and Manhattan Project. He was a well-known rapper in the area, going by the name of “Donald Thump,” aka “The Mayor.” [Read more…]
Wesley “Wes” Martin Johnson Jr.
Wesley “Wes” Martin Johnson Jr., of Kingston, passed away Monday, June 24, in Knoxville.
Wes was born on Jan. 6, 1943, in Chattanooga to Pauline Peden Johnson and Wesley Martin Johnson Sr.
He graduated from the University of Tennessee, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order, with a degree in engineering. He later earned a master’s degree from George Washington University. While at UT, Wes met Sheryl Maxine Reagan Johnson, who would become his loving wife for 41 years.
After graduation, Wes became a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Wes retired after thirty years with the FBI, and he and Sheryl moved back to Tennessee. Wes was a member of the Church of Christ, most recently worshipping with the Hardin Valley Church of Christ. [Read more…]
Jaanai Xaeren Dickerson
Jaanai Xaeren Dickerson, 19 of Oak Ridge, passed away on June 22.
Jaanai was born on Dec. 6, 1993, in Mt. Vernon, Ill., to parents Claude and Rebecca Dickerson. She had worked for Lincoln’s Sports Grille as a waitress.
Among her interests she enjoyed riding bikes, being with her friends, music—especially playing the tuba, for which she had received many awards—and art, with some of her work being permanently displayed at the Municipal Building. But poetry was her passion.
“It’s Just The Beginning”
Note to My Future Self:
Â
I hope you are still well.
And I sure as hell hope you didn’t forget.
To never allow yourself to quit. [Read more…]
Jeffrey Allen Rayfield, age 45, of Knoxville, passed away suddenly on Friday, June 21, at his residence in Knoxville.
He enjoyed NASCAR racing, the UT Vols, and his dog Maggie. Jeffery adored his mother and father-in-law, Everette (Quack) and Virginia Nelson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Johnnie Mae Rayfield; and his brother-in-law, Terry Lynn Nelson.
Jeffery is survived by his wife, Tammy Rayfield of Knoxville; two stepsons, Danny Whitt and Dandrus Whitt; one brother; two sisters; and one step-grandson, Jordan Whitt. He also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends. [Read more…]
Sandra Elizabeth Lee, age 74, a resident of Knoxville, passed away Wednesday, June 19, at N.H.C. in Oak Ridge.
Sandra was born May 11, 1939, in Knoxville. She was a lifelong resident.
She was a member of the Solway United Methodist Church and the Methodist Women’s Club. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and she enjoyed spending time with her family.
She was a former Brownie Scout leader and softball coach.
Before her retirement, she was employed as an administrative bookkeeper at the Emory Valley Center. She formerly worked as a bus driver for the Knox County School System. [Read more…]
