2024

Ruth Louise Wilmot Light aged 85 passed away peacefully on Thursday 6th of June 2024 at 9:50 pm at Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville, TN after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born in Syracuse, NY, she lived in Church Hill, TN most of her life before relocating in later years to Maryville, TN. Ruth was a devout member of the Catholic faith and Church. She was a loving, devoted mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Surviving her is a daughter Mrs. Katherine Elaine Light Woolley of London, United Kingdom; two estranged sons Dr. Ryan Eugene Light of Virginia Beach, VA. and Michael Del Edward Light of Maryville, TN.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Clifford Lilburn “Speedy” Light in 1987, parents George Wilmot and Rosa Sabin Quillen and a brother Anthony Wilmot.

Mass will be conducted at Saint Dominic’s Catholic Church Kingsport, TN on Wednesday 19th of June at 1:00 pm and she will then be laid to rest at East Lawn Memorial Park and Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Ground Hospice House, 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918.

Hyojin (Jina) Johnson

Jina Johnson flew away to the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ on June 6, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer.

Born on July 7, 1976 in Busan, South Korea, she spent her early life with her close-knit family. She worked and studied, earning Bachelors and Masters degrees in Russian Linguistics and Literature. She spent much of her time serving her Lord through local congregations, playing piano, singing and ministering to others through her gifts. She served Korean churches as well as Russian congregations and North Korean refugees. She also served for a period performing missionary work in Azerbaijan.

On October 25, 2009, God presented Jina with her most challenging opportunity when he introduced her to her future husband, Jeff. For him, it was a miracle. For her, it was a mission. After several months of communication and visits, Jina traveled to the USA, where she would ultimately remain, marry and begin a family. In this way, God spread His love through her beyond her home country and into the hearts of so many here.

Jina had a beautiful singing voice, an engaging smile and could light up a room and her husband’s heart when she entered. She had a quick wit and could easily put Jeff in his place with a playful jab. Her life was characterized by love, compassion, care and service of others. The proof is in the tremendous outpouring of concern and love shown to her and her family during her illness and passing.

Jina is survived in the US by her devoted husband, Jeff and their two sons, Daniel and Nathan, her mother-in-law, Evelyn and sisters-in-law, Susan Arru (Louis) and Carol Jaynes (Greg). She leaves in South Korea: her father, Chasoo Kim and mother, Okrae Bak; sisters, Jeong-Eun, Seong-Eun, Yeong-Eun and Seong-Jin and brother, Dong-Gun as well as brothers-in-law and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a legacy of love in the form of countless friends all around the world.

A celebration of Jina’s life will be held on her birthday, Sunday, July 7, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at the West Lonsdale Baptist Church Family Life Center. We’ll remember, love, laugh and enjoy all sorts of fruit together just as she did.

Douglas E. Back, 66 of Robbins, Tennessee passed away on June 6, 2024. He was born on June 11, 1957. He was a beloved father, papaw, brother, and uncle. 

Doug loved woodworking, fishing, motorcycles, and nascar. He had a deep love for his family and friends.

He leaves behind his daughter Jamie(Ryan) and son Brian(Desiree). Grandkids, Dakota, Abby, Jason, Dylan(Anna) great grandbaby Nova. He leaves behind brothers Greg, Randy, and Tommy and sisters Penny and Cindy(Bobby). His girlfriend Vicky. Numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.

Anna Marie Wilhite, age 45, left this earth on June 8th, 2024, at her home in Knoxville, TN. She was born May 25th, 1979, in Knoxville, TN to parents David Wilhite and Debbie Beatty. She is preceded in death by her Beloved grandmother Edna Wilhite, and stepfather Earnest Beatty. She is survived by her parents Debbie Beatty of Knoxville and David and Judith Wilhite of Louisville. Her son Demetrius Wilhite of Knoxville. Daughter Kamara Dotson and son in law Jose Torres, and her precious grandson Sol. Her brother John and Shanna Wilhite of Knoxville and her special nephews Isaac, Isaiah, and Jacob.

Anna had a kind soul, and her love knew no limits. Her kindness touched the hearts of many. A devoted mother to her two children, Anna poured her heart into nurturing her family. Her friendliness was extended to any and everyone, she left a huge impression on those who were lucky enough to meet her. With a personality that will never be forgotten, we will move forward with her forever in our hearts. She will forever be missed.

Please join us for a memorial service honoring Anna’s life on June 29th, 2024, at 6:00 PM, to be held at Island Home Park 2225 Estelle Cir, Knoxville, TN 37920.

David King Blakey, 78, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on June 21, 2024. 

David was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on November 11, 1945, to parents, Robert Lee Blakey and Maurine C Blakey. After graduating from Hopkinsville High School in 1964, he went on to study at Murray State University where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology. He had a prolific career as a project manager in the construction and engineering industry. About 2016, David retired from Bechtal Corporation with his last assignment at Y12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

David was an avid car enthusiast and loved vintage racing. In retirement, he spent much of his time dedicated to racing and restoring antique cars primarily MG’s. He also loved traveling with his wife Sarah and enjoyed their time at sea on the Queen Mary II and the Queen Elizabeth.

David was predeceased by parents, Robert Lee Blakey and Maurine C Blakey.

David is survived by his loving wife, Sarah, of 33 years; his son, Matthew (wife Missy Blakey) of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his Brother Robert C. Blakey of Castalian Springs TN. Matthew’s mother, Bonnie McDade of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his two grandchildren, Davis Blakey and Parker Blakey of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and many other family members and cherished friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Visitation/Commemoration of life to honor David Blakey. It will be at the Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton, Tennessee 37716, Monday, July 1st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Following this service there will be a graveside service in Hopkinsville, Kentucky in September. Date and time will be confirmed at a later time.

Dewey Cornelius Hatfield (June 28, 1934- June 23, 2024)

Dewey Cornelius Hatfield passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. After a long battle with cancer, he succumbed. He was reunited with his wife Clovetta in heaven on June 23, 2024. He was born June 28, 1934, in Morgan County TN.

Dewey was preceded in death by his wife Clovetta, his sisters Georgia Bradely and Bobbie Holiway as well as a newborn infant sibling.

He is survived by his sisters Donna Bullock and Frankie Courtney. He was a loving father to Terry, Tina, Gary and Lisa. Father in law to David Caldwell. Grandfather to Justin Shuster, Erin and Andrew Hatfield and great grandfather to Clovetta Shuster.

Dewey was a long time employee of Consol Coal Company retiring in 1991. He was an avid golfer almost his whole adult life, enjoying numerous friendships made on the golf course and in life. He was an exceptional handyman, almost never failing to fix what went wrong. He was a lover of music particularly Jazz and Big Band. He enjoyed long walks with his Dogs almost up until passing. He will be missed by not only his family but many friends and past co-workers.

A memorial service for Dewey and a celebration of the lives of Dewey and Clovetta will be held on the afternoon July 29, 2024, at his home between 3 and 7 pm.

Anna Marie Winters, of Maryville, TN, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, after a long illness. She had a love for art music, family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved Mother Brandy Kaye Moore; Grandmother Linda Moore; Grandfather Robert Winters; Cousin Jade Martin Tipton.

Anna is survived by her Father Marc Robert (Stephanie) Winters; Brothers Trever (Heidi) Moore, Jacob Winters and Mathew Winters; Sister Marissa Grace Winters; Step sister Alexe Cilley; Grandmother Vivian Winters; Grandfather David Moore; Aunts and Uncles Shannon Connor, Cory and Sarah Winters, Brett and Tammy Martin, Sam Nelson; Niece and Nephews Lillie, Tobias, Charlie and Conway; Cousins Fawn, Brea, Gabby, Lucas, Leela, Ben and Jerry. She had a profound love for John Tyler Andies and Tiffney Self, who will forever miss her.

We will all forever miss her goofy sense of humor and her sweet soul. Our beautiful red haired, brown eyed, baby girl Anna Marie.

Debra Jean Gage, born August 6, 1966, in Decatur, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was a cherished daughter, sister, and aunt whose life was marked by a deep love for her family and friends.

Debra graduated from Tucker High School in 1984 before continuing her education at the University of Georgia, where she earned her BBA in Risk Management. During her time at UGA, Debra was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, forging enduring friendships and fond memories. Her passion for the UGA Bulldogs was lifelong and unwavering.

For nearly two decades, Debra dedicated herself to a successful career in claims litigation management, serving with distinction at leading commercial insurance carriers across the Southeast. Her expertise and commitment were evident in handling complex cases that spanned industries and jurisdictions.

After relocating to Tennessee, Debra continued to contribute her skills to organizations in the Knoxville area.

Debra was preceded in death by her father, Ralph G Gage, and is survived by her loving mother, Ann Gage of Gainesville, GA. She leaves behind her siblings, Beth Hamil (Mike) of Knoxville, TN, Amy Weber (Brian) of Braselton, GA, Jon Gage (Rhonda) of Pass Christian, MS, and her cousin Richard Grenfell of Decatur, AL. Debra loved her role as “Aunt Debra” and will be missed by her seven nieces and nephews whose lives she enriched with her love and care.

A private family service to celebrate Debra’s life will be held at a later date near her favorite spot on Lake Lanier. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Debra’s memory with a donation to your local Humane Society, reflecting her passion for supporting animal welfare causes.

Debra’s legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

Eric Gordon Carlson, 59, passed away unexpectedly on July 29, 2024 in his home in Maryville, Tennessee. He was born on August 7, 1964 in Charlston, South Carolina, son of Hillis Gordon Carlson and Helen Jean (Stephenson) Carlson, and grew up in Colorado with his two sisters, Andrea and Julie. Eric graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1984, and later joined the United States Marines. Eric worked as a truck driver and retired from XPO in April of 2024.

Eric was adventurous, especially in his younger years. Eric approached life with conviction, from the time he was a little kid, whatever he decided he wanted to do, he did wholeheartedly.

Having grown up in Colorado, his father made sure he and his siblings had many outdoor experiences. His love for the outdoors was obvious through his favorite activities, hiking, biking, water skiing, and camping. In his adult years he would speak of spending hours on Horse Tooth Reservoir, water skiing with his dear friend, Cathy Hooper. Although Eric was an outdoor advocate, he was also a complete ‘dork’ as he loved spending time playing Magic with his son, son-in-law, and grandson, and countless hours playing Dungeons and Dragons with his lifelong friends Bill, Thomas, Todd, and Chuck. Eric also loved building model planes and trains, grilling, visiting local breweries and restaurants, and riding his motorcycle. Eric joined the United States Marine Corps after high school, following in his father’s naval footsteps. He spent eight years happily serving his country and was honorably discharged as a Sergent in 1992. He remained friends with Dale and Jeff who also served in the Marines with him. Eric dedicated his time to his children as they grew, he volunteered as a Boy Scout leader, made a mean derby race car and an amazing mountain man breakfast, coached baseball, and loved to tease his children. He loved to spend the weekends out on the lake/river on his boat with Dan and his many friends and family members. He loved to pull the kids around in a tube and make them laugh. Eric was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, and was loved and admired by all who knew him. There was nothing he would not do to make sure his family was provided for.

Eric is preceded in death by his parents Hillis Gordon Carlson and Helen Jean (Stephenson) Carlson. He is survived by his wife, Tracy (Niemeyer) Carlson, his three children; Arianna Brooks (Michael), Rebecca Carlson, and Geoffrey Carlson, his grandchildren; Samuel Lane and Sophie Brooks, his stepchildren; Miranda (Gulnac) Watson (Logan), and Riley Gulnac, and his two sisters; Julie Lynn Carlson and Andrea Lee Carlson.

There will be a Celebration of Life in Knoxville, TN at a date and location to be determined for friends and family who are able to gather. In lieu of flowers, please consider make donations in Eric’s honor to The Fallen Soldiers Foundation, a local foster, or a charity of your choice.

William Jack Small, known affectionately as Bill, or Papa (pronounced Papaw), passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024, in Alcoa, Tennessee, at the age of 79. Born on August 24, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bill dedicated much of his life to pastoral service, profoundly impacting communities across Tennessee and Kentucky.

Bill graduated from Alcoa High School before answering a higher calling that led him to the Golden Gate Theological Seminary. His commitment to faith was evident in his service from 1978 until September 2023 at several Baptist churches, including Calvary Baptist Church in Alcoa, TN, First Baptist Church in Tompkinsville, KY, Indian Creek Baptist Church in Flippin, KY, Trammel Creek Baptist Church in Greensburg, KY, and Rockford Baptist Church in Rockford, TN, where he served until his retirement.

From 1965 to 1971, Bill was a proud member of the Air National Guard, a testament to his dedication to service in both spiritual and national capacities.

Bill’s passions extended beyond the pulpit; he was an avid collector of insulators, carnival glass, coins, and various antique items, cherishing the time spent in his man cave surrounded by his collections.

He was a beacon of love and generosity, often described as a man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. His life was a living example of the biblical teachings he cherished, and he found great joy in the hymns of faith, especially those that spoke of heavenly promises.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Mickie; daughters, Karen Small and Sandy (Todd) Smith; grandchildren, Heather (Josh) Ramsey, Kayla (Casey) Westfall, Brady Hatcher; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Hollyn, Alexandria; sisters, Joyce Allen, Linda (Larry) Payne, Kathy Morgan; numerous nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Jack Small and Ardys Gillaspey Small, and will be forever remembered by his best friend and companion, Buddy, his dog.

The family will receive friends at Rockford Baptist Church in Rockford, Tennessee, August 10, 2024, from 5-7 PM, with the funeral service following at 7 PM, with Rev. Mark Grubb officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rockford Baptist Church in his memory. Rockford Baptist Church also assists with the funeral arrangements, ensuring Bill’s commitment to his faith community continues even in his passing.

JT Jackson Jr., known as “Jacky” to his siblings and close friends, passed away peacefully at the age of 76 on August 22nd, 2024 in Knoxville, TN. Born in Hobbs, New Mexico, JT lived a life marked by quiet strength, dedication, and love.

He was the beloved son of the late LaVerne Faye Bonner and JT Jackson Sr. JT is survived by his wife of 42 years, Julia Somervell Jackson, his three children, Evelyn Rose Jackson Bolton, Hannah Renee Jackson, and Jubal Somervell Jackson, and his loving siblings, Candy Jackson, Melanie Materson, and John David Jackson. He was also a proud grandfather to four grandchildren who brought him immense joy.

JT served his country as a member of the US Army from 1968 to 1971, including time on duty in Vietnam, a period that shaped much of his life. He concluded his service as an E-5 Sergeant. After his service, he embarked on a successful career with AT&T- formerly BellSouth- from which he eventually retired.

An avid car enthusiast, JT spent countless hours working on cars and building projects, a passion that brought him great satisfaction. He was also a dedicated volunteer with Feral Feline Friends of East TN; bottle-feeding kittens and fostering countless homeless and sick cats so they could be adopted into loving homes.

JT had a deep love for UT Football, often cooking out for game days and sharing those moments with family and friends. In his younger years, he was an avid hunter and a collector of firearms, hobbies that reflected his love for the outdoors and his keen eye for detail.

Though a man of few words, JT was deeply observant and had a profound impact on those who knew him. He approached life with a quiet determination, doing his best and earning the love and respect of those who crossed his path.

An intimate memorial service was held on August 25th, 2024. Condolences may be sent to his mountain home, where his wife continues to reside. JT’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ruby Christine Watkins, 82, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024. She was born in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee on December 18, 1941. 

During her early years, she worked as a surgical technician. As she was moving into her middle age she worked at the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) in Florida. Heading toward her retirement years, she worked as a Private Investigator. She later returned to Tennessee in 2021 to enjoy her retirement.

Ruby Christine is preceded in death by her parents Willie F. and Elle Brooks, and daughter, Robin Collins. She is survived by her husband, Robert Watkins, of 23 years, daughters Janet (Mike) Mckeehan, Melanie Lee. Stepchildren: DeeDee (David) Garner, Holly Hayes, Nora (Michael) Bondanza, Wynn R. Watkins (Kim) Grandchildren: Brandon Stormer, Ashley Beeler, Justin Rooks, Cassie Hunter, and Brittany Amburn. Many loving step grandchildren in Florida and many loving great grandchildren.

The family is very appreciative of the love, guidance and care delivered by Smoky Mountain Hospice. We also would like to thank the many caregivers who helped during her journey.

A celebration of life will be held at New Season Church of God, 718 Downing Lane, New Market, Tennessee 37820, Thursday, August 29, from 7PM – 9PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the New Season Church of God.