2021

Lavenna (Lou) Beach, age 90, died Wednesday morning, February 17, 2021, in the Meadows residence, a caring and loving community at the Courtyards Senior Living in Knoxville.  She was born in Stone, Kentucky, September 1, 1930 to Arthur and Belva (Centers) Duncan.  She is the oldest of seven children.  She was married to George (‘Ady’) Vowell in Lake City, Tennessee, in 1947, and was married for 44 years.  They lived half of that time on the coastline of southern California.  After George’s death, she was remarried to Charles A. Beach for 19 years.  After his passing in 2011, she continued with her hobbies and crafting.  She loved her family and loved to plant flowers.  She played piano in her younger years and was very active in several churches in California while residing there for many years.  Lou has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Clinton, Tennessee in the mid-80s to early 90s. Lou loved her elder residents in her care through those years.  She is preceded in death by her brothers, Harry Duncan and Austin Duncan, and also by her sister Patty Duncan and her grandchildren, Aaron Vowell and Michaela Buckner.  She is survived by her brother Jim Duncan (wife Donna), her sisters Gloria Norfalise and Myra Crawford, all in Anderson County, and sister-in-law Dorothy Duncan in Lee’s Summit, Mo.  She also leaves two sons, Ron Vowell (wife Gigmar) and Randy Vowell (wife Mary), along with two daughters, Rhonda Beffre (husband Gene) and Robin Hoffman.  Lou had 10 grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all who loved her. She will be laid to rest in Leach Cemetery, Lake City, next to her husband, George. The family will have a graveside service at a later date.  

In Loving Memory of Mildred Eileen Newman, 78, of Knoxville, Tennessee, who passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones, Saturday, February 13th, 2021.

Eileen was born in Hayden, Colorado, in 1942 and graduated from Littleton High School in 1960. During high school, Eileen was a talented photographer and contributed greatly to her senior yearbook and other school events.

Being a great conversationalist and thoughtful listener, Eileen spent many years working on the phone in several different industries. She fulfilled her dream of becoming a 911 call processor, from where she retired at 65. After a year of retirement, with the desire to stay active and social, she sought out employment at GC Services in Knoxville, where she retired a second time at the age of 76.

After retirement, Eileen enjoyed spending time with her family, watching movies, listening to music, playing games, and chatting on social media. She also spent time with her bird, “Cowboy,” and her dogs “Dizzy” and “Cheebs”.

Eileen was a resilient woman, who despite hardships and many challenges throughout her life, was funny, kind-hearted, and had a smile that would warm your heart. She was loved and cherished by many, and though she will be dearly missed, she will live on in the memories of those whose lives she touched.

Eileen is survived by her four treasured daughters, Vicki Patterson, Casey Giles, Shannon Kerwin, and Jackie Newman (Mikey), and a dear Son, Scott Neubill. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Bill Patterson (Sarah), David Patterson, Dan Patterson, Stephanie Kish (Chris), Jessica Coleman (Gary), Grant Boss, Kiefer Boss, Leanna Peavy (David), Michelle Neubill (Jeremiah), Matthew Neubill (Zoe), and many wonderful great-grandchildren.

There will be no funeral services at this time, but a Celebration of Life Ceremony is in the planning stages for Spring. In lieu of flowers, bring potato salad and join us in the Spring to share some wonderful memories of this sweet and beautiful soul.

Dillard F. Harrod, age 78, of Seymour, TN, passed away peacefully at home on February 22, 2021. Dillard was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and friend to many. He was also an avid fisherman, hunter, gardener, and trophy-winning trap shooter. Preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Helen Brazzell Harrod; his parents, Lloyd and Maude Harrod; and his brothers, Ed and Arnold Harrod. He is survived by sister, Glenora Revis; sons and daughters-in-law, Alan and Angie Harrod, Nathan and Hope Harrod; daughter and son-in-law, Jami Harrod-James and David James; grandchildren, Melissa (John) Halter, Jordan (Amanda) Harrod, Cody James and Lauren James; great-grandchildren, Eli, Cole and Ben Harrod, Hattie and baby-on-the-way Halter; faithful four-legged companion, Reba Jo, granddog, Roxy and great-granddog, Cammie. There will be no funeral service at this time, but a Celebration of Life Ceremony for both Dillard and Helen will be held in the Spring. The family wants to extend special thanks to Dillard’s caregivers Debbie Johnson, Paula Keith, and Penny Wallace. Arrangements by Dogwood Cremation. 

Darrin “Buster” Thompson went home to his Heavenly Father at the age of 52 on Sunday, February 28. Buster was born on January 16, 1969, in Nashville, Tennessee. Only Heaven will reveal how many people Buster touched. He never met a stranger and was loved by many. He loved his family, K5 Blazers, his dog Dewie, fishing, hiking, and camping. Darrin was a talented artist and passionate advocate for equality. 

He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Ruby Robbins; his grandfather, Dossie Robbins; his mother, Marjorie Robbins-Thompson; his father, Robert C Thompson; his brother, Bobby Thompson; and sister-in-law, Tracy Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Thompson, his siblings Ronnie, Mike, Ricky, Randy, and Sissy, his children Brittany, Jamie, Nick, Sara, and Brody, his grandchildren Hayden, Kolsyn, and Rileigh, several cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends who he considered family.

No memorial service is immediately planned. The family will notify loved ones when a service is scheduled.

Shirley Linn Ogle lost her battle with COVID-19 last week. She is preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Ogle, and her parents, Dr. Jay G. Linn Jr. and Beulah D. Linn. She is survived by her four sons Brent E. Ogle, David C. Ogle, Troy E. Ogle, and M. Scott Ogle and his wife Treva.

William “Bill” Pruitt, 80, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on February 27, 2021.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Pruitt, parents, James Oliver and Claudia Mae Pruitt.

Survivors include his son, Lonny (Deneen) Pruitt; daughter, April (Michael) Stratton; grandchildren, Joseph Papageorgeon, Bradley Pruitt (Rebecca), and Autumn Papageorgeon (Merri-Ashley);  and sister, Gerry Wilson.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in Bill’s memory.

Tracey Marie Venable, 46, passed away on March 11, 2021, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. 

She is survived by her husband, Jack; children, Peyton Rogers and Wesley Rogers; step-children, Jackson Venable, Troy and Rachel Venable, and David Venable; 5 grandchildren; parents, Raymond and Rose Marie Krulac; step-sister, Diane and Oliver Vontroll; step-brother, Danny Krulac; uncles and aunts, Dan Krulac, Mary Ann and Fred Andel, Bill and Dava Dursa.

Tracey got a BSN in Nursing from Kent State University, a graduate of Solon High School where she played volleyball.

Tracey was the best wife, mother, and daughter, always so loving, so thoughtful, and so caring. She had a passion for scrapbooking. She was a Nurse for 25 years, and her patients always came first. Tracey always made holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries so special.

A special thanks to the wonderful staff of the CVICU at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center for the exceptional care to her and her family during this time. She will be missed by so many!

The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Randall Dale Born, age 69, passed away Saturday, March 13th, 2021, at his home in Maryville. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Elaine Born (Kinney), in 2015.  He is survived by his children, Heather Gomez, Mathew Born, and Rachel Robocker; his grandchildren Cecilia Gomez and Alister and Cassie Robocker; his brother, Roger Born; and his sisters Billie Thompson and Beverly Rice-Anderson.

Randy was born in Kenton, Ohio, in 1952 to Jack and Martha Born.  His talent with machinery led him to enlist in the Air Force in 1972.  Over the course of his career, he obtained degrees in criminal justice and aircraft mechanics.  He was married to Elaine in 1973.  They lived at Beale AFB in California before he joined the National Guard and was stationed at McGhee Tyson.  During his 36 years of military service, Randy performed tours of duty around the world.  His gift was the ability to fix or build anything he set his mind to.  He loved the outdoors, cars, woodworking, watching sports, and spending time with his grandkids.  Randy’s dedication to his family and to his country was an inspiration; his memory will live on in the generations to come.

Hugo W. Bertini, 94, died March 18, 2021, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Born on December 12, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, to immigrant Italian parents, Hugo joined the Army at the age of 17, the earliest he could join during World War II. Always athletic, he boxed while he was in the service. Once the war ended, he decided to pursue his education. To do so, he had to redo his high school degree on a more academic track and then complete the first two years of college at Wright Junior College. He then graduated from Northwestern University with an undergraduate degree. He earned a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Tennessee in 1962. He used this advanced degree in his decades of work in nuclear physics in the Neutron Physics Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He published a number of scientific articles during that time and performed pioneering research into the uses of solar energy.

Hugo passionately pursued his interests in fitness, hunting, fishing, marksmanship and the outdoors throughout his life. He gave his three sons a childhood like no other by involving them in these interests. He regarded these pursuits as opportunities for learning and for exposure to new and fascinating experiences, including eye-opening adventures in exploring the wilderness in Arizona and Colorado in search of lost treasures. His sons cherish these memories, as they do their memories of their father’s ever-present sense of humor and his booming, hearty laugh.

Hugo is preceded in death by his father Rizieri Bertini and mother Matilde Bertini, by his brother Reno Bertini, and by his sister Lola Bertini Bennett. He is survived by his longtime beloved companion, Peggy Tiner; his sons Steven Bertini, Michael Bertini, and Peter Bertini, their mother JoAnne, and their spouses; his niece, Nina Bennett Smith; and by numerous grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oak Ridge Sportmen’s Association, 2625 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 37830.

GANGONE, Larry – 81 – Larry passed away on March 18th, 2021, at his home in Knoxville. He was born on April 6th, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York. Larry spent his early years growing up in Riverside, NJ, in a large Italian family, the fifth of seven brothers and sisters born to Frank & Anne Gangone.

Ted Helms, 73, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on March 28, 2021.

Ted was a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Master’s degree in public health and safety. He worked at Oak Ridge National Lab for most of his career. He had a passion for cooking, photography, biking and hiking, tennis, playing bridge, classical music, and travelling.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary Helms, and sisters, Barbara Bumgarner and Mable Helms.

Survivors include nephew, Nelson Bumgarner; nieces, Susan Biglin and Lori Bumgarner.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ted’s memory to Church Street United Methodist  (900 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902) or Amedisys Hospice Care (1420 Dutch Valley Dr, Suite C, Knoxville, TN 37918).

The family will have a private service.

Lisa Michelle Whitehead, 46, passed away on April 7, 2021, at home, surrounded by family and friends. 

She is survived by her husband, Larry; son, Dalton Black; godchild, Kaiden; mother, Carolyn; Brother, Sam; and wife, April Johnson. Several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whom she loved very much.

Lisa was the best mama, wife, and daughter who was always so loving, so thoughtful, and so caring. Upon meeting Lisa, it didn’t take you long to know just how much she loved her son, cause she would tell you over and over again. She had a passion for her family, food, candy, and scrapbooking. Lisa always made holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries so special.

She is preceded in death by her father, Claude Johnson; her Brother, Randy Johnson; and her Grandmother, Mary Johnson.

She will be missed by so many!

The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date