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.

Nancy L. (Swartz) Marks, age 85, passed away Monday, August 26, 2024 at her home at South High Senior Living in Knoxville, Tennessee. She passed peacefully with family by her side and joined her husband in heaven on his birthday. 

Nancy was born in Johnson City, Tennessee on August 11, 1939. Her early years were spent living with her grandparents, then living on her own and working while completing high school. She graduated from Science Hill High School in 1957 with honors. She worked in Johnson City in the X-ray Department at Memorial Hospital and for the Draft Board during the Vietnam Conflict as an Administrative Assistant. She had a short first marriage, divorced, and was an incredible single mother until 1966, when she married James “Jimmy” Marks. During her second marriage, Nancy became a homemaker, a title she earned in the truest sense of the word as she truly made a home for her family. She also held titles of homeroom mother, team mother, scorekeeper, and various PTA/committee/volunteer titles as she was actively involved in every aspect of her children’s lives. After the passing of her husband, she moved to Mauldin, South Carolina, where she lived for eight years before moving to Knoxville in 2022. Nancy was a longtime member of North Johnson City Baptist Church then Mauldin First Baptist Church.

Nancy was well known for her ability to fight through adversity and keep a smile on her face, which she demonstrated early in life as she struggled through circumstances, then later in life as she struggled with illness. She was a great bowler, bowling many games above 200 in league matches, and once bowled a 278. Nancy was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and had a very impressive collection of Elvis memorabilia, which was once featured on the local news. She was an avid reader, enjoying mostly mysteries and romance novels. Her favorite television shows were detective shows and game shows. She was a sales representative for Sarah Coventry jewelry, Tupperware, and Avon. She enjoyed playing games, especially Yahtzee and bingo. Nancy loved her family’s pets and was especially close to their cat, Sandy. She enjoyed time with her friends eating meal together and going to garage sales. Nancy was rarely seen without wearing her Revlon Coffee-Bean-colored lipstick. She was well known among family and friends for her delicious chicken and dumplings and her chicken spaghetti. She loved going to Cracker Barrel and some of her favorite foods and drinks included fried okra, pinto beans, cornbread, Dairy Queen Dilly Bars, grilled cheese sandwiches, Kit Kat bars, blueberries, red grapes, cappuccino, and Diet Coke.

Nancy loved her family dearly, which was very evident in the way she lived her life. If you had a picture in your mind of the perfect, always-in-your-corner Mom, she was it. Her greatest joys included anything and everything involving her family. She especially loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports and she attended all of their school and church events. She loved reliving family memories through pictures and had shelves full of photo albums and walls full of framed family photos. Nancy told stories about her children and grandchildren to anyone who would listen. She taught her family what unconditional love looks like through her words and through her actions. Conversations with her children and grandchildren usually ended with, “I love you dearly. Call me if you need me.” Her love for her family was truly inspirational.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Jimmy Marks; brother, Bill Swartz; son-in-law, Troy Tittle; and baby granddaughter, Kaitlyn Marks. She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Tittle of Cumming, Georgia; son, Todd Marks (wife Lori) of Mauldin, South Carolina; daughter, Micki Morris (husband Matt) of Knoxville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Renee Fritts, Jeremy Marks, Brandon Marks, Chelsea Marks, and Ashlyn Swaggerty; great-grandchildren, Logan Fritts (wife Taylor) and McKinley Fritts; great-great-grandchildren, Everleigh Love and Kaden Love; sister, Brenda Jenkins; brother, Garry Swartz; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nancy also leaves behind many family friends who called her Mom and Mamaw because she had a way of making everyone feel like family.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at South High Senior Living, who provided excellent care and love to Nancy during her final months of life.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the outdoor pavilion at North Johnson City Baptist Church, 305 Ferndale Road in Johnson City. Guests are invited to dress casually and come anytime between 12:00 – 3:00 pm, with a service starting at 1:00 pm. The family requests that in-lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which was Nancy’s favorite charity, or The Alzheimer’s Association.

Peggy Jo Morris, 79, of Allen Drive of Knoxville, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 31.  She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved Jesus and was a believer and follower all her life. 

She loved her beautiful flowers and the birds that flocked to them. She loved a good joke and a good laugh. She enjoyed game shows, books, puzzle books and word finds. She loved a chocolate donut!

She retired from Charles D. Owen Manufactuing Plant where she was a supervisor.

She is survived by her love; her husband of 61 years Stanley Morris, daughter Rebecca Schrader (Mark) son Kenneth Morris (Tammy) grandchildren Shaunacie McCallum (Ian) Matthew Bowman, Tristan Cornette, Brookelynn Haun (Randy) Stephee Haun. Great-grandchildren Madison, Caden, Paisley, Gracie, and Courtney.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father George Bascombe and Devona Chandler, daughter Trudy Gardner, brothers George, Jerry, James Chandler, sisters Ida Pressley, Allie Bogan.

She is also survived by brother Glenn Chandler (Jurdy) And sister Betty Grant of N.C

We want to thank everyone with U.T. Hospice., nurses and aides at the Sacred Ground Hospice House. It’s such a wonderful place and everyone that took care of Peggy did so with God’s love and kindness.

The family will be having a memorial at a future date and time. In leau of flowers we ask that any donations would go to Sacred Ground Hospice House.

“He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds” Psalm 147:3

Carolyn B. Reed, 88, of Maryville, TN and formerly White Stone, VA, Keene, NH, and cities in MA and CT, passed peacefully on August 31, 2024. She was born October 4, 1935, to the late Winston and Geraldine (Olive) Blake of Andover, MA, and was the adored wife of the late Burton D. Reed, Jr. for more than 63 years. She is survived by her brother, Winston Andrew (Celeste) Blake, and her children, Robert (Sue) Reed, Charles (Deb) Reed, Maggie (Paul) Silfee, Larry (Pamela) Reed, and Doug (Abby) Reed. She is lovingly remembered as “Ernie” by her eleven grandchildren – Melanie (Paul) Todd, Jacqueline (David) Gerber, Natalie (Rudy) Barrera, Brad (Erin) Reed, Jonathan (Kristie) Reed, Valerie (James) Jack, Michelle (Wilmer Cano) Cano-Reed, Alex Reed, Andrew Reed, Austin (Andrea) Reed, and Tiffany Reed – and eleven great grandchildren – Xavier, Aurora, Ruben, Gavino, Anna, Tyler, Austin, Elijah, Nathan, Grayson, and Madeline. She also leaves behind nieces Jennifer Kenny and Jessica Delano, nephews David and Matthew Blake, June Blake, Jorge Aguilar, and many other cherished friends.

After a childhood in Andover, Carolyn met Burt at Boston University, and he spoke of how captivating she was and was still verklempt about how he felt back then over 60 years later. After they wed, they moved around the country – GA, TX, TN – while Burt was a pilot in the US Air Force. Carolyn steadfastly made a loving home, often enrobed with beautiful gardens and flowers, wherever their next adventure took them as they welcomed their five children and eventually moved closer to family in the northeast. Burt’s career in insurance then took them to White Stone, VA, where they enjoyed the Northern Neck of the Chesapeake (loved the seafood, did not care for the hurricanes) for many years.

Carolyn was proud of the wide-ranging roles she took on over the years, including over a decade as a postal carrier for a rural route in Holden, MA, (delivering mail but also biscuits for the dogs) and teaching exercise classes for senior citizens in Kilmarnock, VA. She was known for her love for animals, her everlasting energy, and how she cherished her family and friends near and far. Over the years she nurtured and loved countless dogs and cats, even once rescuing a stray kitten that fell off their docked boat into the water, and she and Burt developed a fondness for Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Whether for her home or when she volunteered for charities, she always tackled a new project with zeal, organizing (often via scribbled lists on legal pads), learning new skills, and recruiting others to help as well. Carolyn had a special knack for making those around her feel celebrated and welcomed, and her grandchildren knew calls from Burt and Ernie would be full of love and joy. She was a natural social butterfly, and getting to know those in her community was a personal mission. She revered friendships she managed to hang on to for decades despite her many moves. An invitation to a meal at Burt and Carolyn’s house was always welcomed by recipients as she was a fantastic host and cook, serving specially acquired foods to dazzle guests. Carolyn and Burt enjoyed traveling together in their later years, meeting new friends and sharing new experiences. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and playing bridge.

Carolyn’s family is forever grateful to those that took care of her as her health declined, took time to visit her despite their busy days, and adopted her pets when she could no longer care for them. The family will have a celebration memorial for her October 4, 2024, near her gravesite in Hartford, CT, where she will rest alongside Burt. Donations can be made in Carolyn’s honor to the Young-Williams Animal Center in Knoxville, TN at https://www.young-williams.org/support/one-time.

Ricky R. Mendenhall, 64, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on September 4, 2024. Born on November 29, 1959, Ricky was known for his selfless, kind, and understanding nature.

Ricky graduated from Fulton High School and spent much of his life in Knoxville, where he was deeply involved in his community and cherished by many. His presence was a comforting fixture in the lives of those around him, always ready to offer support or a listening ear.

He is survived by his daughter, Keefer Mendenhall-Cooper; grandchildren, Draxxon and Keyairah Cooper; father-in-law, Jack Burnette Sr.; brother, Tim Mendenhall; and his companion, Diane Wood. Ricky was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lisa Burnette-Mendenhall, and his parents, Jim and Judy Mendenhall.

A receiving of friends will be held September 22 from 2 to 4 PM at New Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Corryton, followed by graveside services at Rocky Dale Cemetery. Ricky’s life and legacy will be honored as friends and family gather to share memories and say their goodbyes. His gentle spirit and compassionate demeanor will be missed by all who knew him.

On Friday, September13th 2024, Christy Nicole Daugherty was called to heaven. She was born on September 11th, 1976, in Knoxville, Tennessee to her late father Glenn “Buddy” Daugherty and her mother Debra Daughtery. Christy welcomed her one and only daughter Mackenzie Lamb, to the world on her 25th birthday.

Christy will be remembered by her mother, Debra, her daughter Mackenzie, and friends & family. She was the most supportive, trusting, and kindhearted person, whether serving as a mother, daughter, partner, or friend. Christy lived by the Serenity Prayer, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, and the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”, and tried to better herself each day. She always brought sunshine and rainbows. Christy will be forever missed.

A small, private gathering amongst family will be held in the following weeks for Christy’s Celebration of Life.

Clifton Paul Campbell was born July 5, 1938, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He passed away on September 21, 2024, in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he had lived longest.

Cliff is survived by his loving wife Linda of almost 54 years, two sons – Scott (Dana) and Douglas, two grandchildren — Aiden and Mikayla Campbell, one sister — Barbara (David) Kesler, two nieces and several grand-nieces and -nephews, and devoted friends.

Cliff completed his doctorate in Industrial Education at the University of Maryland in 1971 and then taught at universities in Maryland, Delaware, and Tennessee until 2000. He joined the US Navy in 1955 as a Seaman Recruit and advanced to the rank of Commander before retiring in 1993.

Cliff was a 33rd degree Master Mason, Scottish Rite member, and Shriner for more than 50 years. He was an active member of National Sojourners, The Military Order of the World Wars, and several other veterans’ organizations.

He loved to travel, especially internationally, which he did at every opportunity. Over his lifetime, he visited more than 50 countries. He and Linda lived in Taiwan for a year and in Saudi Arabia for almost 8 years. They both felt a special love for vacationing in the Isle of Man and, in later years, in Germany, especially the city of Bad Kissingen where they traveled often just to enjoy the orchestra there and the orchestra friends made over the years. There were only a handful of towns in Germany that he never had a chance to visit.

Cliff has been cremated and his cremains will be interred at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville. He was a private man, and specifically requested no funeral service.

Gordon Wilson Alley age 85 was born April 5, 1939, and passed quietly in his sleep on Saturday October 5th. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his wife Nadine and watching his grandkids play in the swimming pool he had installed just for them. He leaves with us many beautiful and fun filled memories. He served in the US Army as an M.P., stationed in France as a young man, then worked for the U.S. Post Office for 35 years before retiring. He was member of the VFW Post 1733 in Knoxville.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hayes Wilson Alley and Mary Cruz Alley; his sister Jean Ward; and his twin brother Kenneth Alley. He is survived by his wife Nadine Alley, his son Jason Alley (Robin) and his grandchildren Luna, Lucas and Logan Alley. He will be missed.

At Gordon’s request, a small, private gathering among family members will be held within the days to come.

Michelle Lynn Pratt-Pass

In loving memory of Michelle Pratt-Pass, age 68 of Knoxville, TN has passed from this world to be with her heavenly father on Oct.11, 2024.

Michelle was a loving and caring sister, aunt and friend. Michelle was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Rose Pratt, and older brother Kenneth Pratt. Michelle was married previously to Robert Pass, who was waiting to welcome her home.

Michelle loved her family, friends and horses. She loved sharing her riding skills with others, and often took her nieces and nephews out to give them a chance to ride.

Michelle will be greatly missed by her surviving siblings Kimberly and Brian Rickerson, Alfred (Kevin) and Leah Pratt, Micheal Pratt and Scott Pratt. Michelle had several nieces and nephews Alexandria and David Peacock, Micah and Emily Rickerson, Quinn and Kayla Rickerson, and Vivian Rickerson who will always remember many fond events they shared. Michelle had great- nieces and nephews who made her life more enjoyable.

Michelle will be greatly missed and remembered by all those who loved her.