William (Bill) Sprano, Sr passed away peacefully October 11, 2024, at Life Care Center of Blount County, Louisville, TN.

He was born in Burlington, VT, May 1, 1936, to the late Florence Katherine (Russin) and Joseph Sprano, Sr.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded by siblings: Joseph Sprano, Jr., Raymond Sprano, Sr., Dora Palomba, and Carol Dusablon; nephews Raymond Sprano, Jr., Richard Sprano; and niece Shelly Lomartire.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Linda Sprano of Maryville, TN; children William Sprano, Jr. of Huntington, VT, Kathy Benoit of Seymour, TN; grandchildren Rebecca Sprano, Daniel Sprano, Kristin Benoit, Erica Browning and husband Timothy, Johnathon Benoit and their father Richard Benoit of Knoxville, TN; siblings Sandra and Cosino Lomartire, Michael Sprano, Albert and Laurie Sprano; sisters-in-law Claire Sprano and Sheila Sprano; and many more nieces and nephews.

Linda would like to extend a special thanks to her niece and her husband, Susan and Steve Levesque, for showing Bill and Linda the sights of East Tennessee. They cherished all the outings, and their meals shared along the way.

Lee Edward Bentley

In loving memory of Lee Edward Bentley, 59, who passed away on October 16, 2024. Lee Bentley was born on December 6, 1964 in Montgomery, West Virginia. In 1985, Lee met the love of his life, Michelle, at Duff’s Buffet in Florida. In their 37 years of marriage, Lee and Michelle went on to have four children, Timothy, Brian, Paris, and Jessica. Lee was a loving, selfless, and caring husband, father and Poppop. Lee loved his family as well as NASCAR racing and Ice Bears hockey.

Lee is survived by his children Timothy, Brian and Amber, Paris and Cody, and Jessica, and his grandchildren Braxton and Austin. He is also survived by his Mother, Elsie Bentley and his sister, Ronda Bentley. 

Memorial service will be held at Pathway’s Church on Wednesday, October 23th. Family and friends are welcome at noon. The service will begin at 1:00pm. If you are able to join us, please wear a hat, preferably baseball cap, as the man never left the house without one.

Nina Suzanne Michi, born on June 6, 1953, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. She lived a life full of love as a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother. Nina was a retired nurse, known for her golden heart and dedicated service.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Louise Morris; her sister, Carol Moore; and her son, Ricky Hawks. Nina leaves behind her husband, Steve Michi; her sister, Theresa Reeves; her daughters, Kimberly (David) O’Connell and April (Jason) Baker; her step-son, Robert (Jennifer) Michi; and her grandchildren, Zion, Alle, Nicole, Jeanelle, Eli, Emery, Rylan, Bri’ella, Matthew, and Lauren.

A celebration of Nina’s life, “Going Home Celebration,” will take place at Newport First Apostolic Church on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 2 PM. Pastor Stephen Thornbury will officiate the ceremony. Nina will be deeply missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Newport First Apostolic Church to honor her memory.

Robin Lee White age 70 passed away Sunday October 20,2024 at Fort Loudon Medical Center.

She is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Hattie Maples, daughter Ruth Ann White, and husband Carl White. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Hooks and fiancé Bobby Russell. Grandchildren Johnthan Shane and Samatha Hooks, Kimberely and Shane Love, David Hooks. She has 14 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at later date determined by the family.

Dennis Dwayne Brock passed away surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in Knoxville, TN. He was born the middle child and only son to Janet and Donald Brock on August 25, 1961, in Anaconda, Montana. He leaves behind his two children Michael Dayle Brock (Emily Sturgeon) and Lilia Paige Brock (David Colvin), his granddaughter Isla Maureen Brock, his mother, his older sister Kim (Randy) Zickuhr, younger sister Christy Brock, and the mother of his children Elizabeth Diamond. He is preceded in death by his father. Dennis was not only a beloved father, grandfather, and best friend, but also a stalwart of his community. As a teacher at Copper Ridge Elementary for over 30 years, he leaves behind a legacy of students and coworkers. In addition to his time dedicated in the classroom, many remember Mr. Brock from his involvement in the school’s environmental programs, the school garden, and Adopt-A-Road litter pick up days along Brushy Valley. Dennis was a passionate environmentalist and outdoorsman. His other lifelong hobbies included woodworking, hiking, and fly-fishing. He was a truly groovy guy. While he is no longer with us in the traditional sense, he will forever live on in the generous ways he has impacted each of us and our community. He is rooted in us. His wisdom and kindness will continue to grow. Please join us for a gathering of friends and family in remembrance at the McIlwaine Friendship Pavilion at UT Gardens (2518 Jacob Drive) on Sunday, December 8 from 12:00-2:00PM.

Yalanda Brock passed away on Monday December 9, 2024, at UT Medical Center, Knoxville, TN. She was a resident a Fairpark Health & Rehabilitation in Maryville, TN. Yalanda was born on May 18, 1968, at Bowling Green Hospital to Ernest and Ruth Brock. She grew up in Russell Springs, KY and later moved to Tennessee. Yalanda had a passion for people and through her work as a massage therapist and makeup artist she touched many lives. She left indelible memories from coast to coast. Yalanda is survived by her longtime partner Jeff Keaton; brother Steven Brock; Aunt Marcie Gilliam; and cousins Bobbie Michelle Willard, Randall Jackson, Bobbie Perry. A funeral Service will be held at 10am on Tuesday December 17, 2024, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church 1041 N Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37917. Yalanda’s ashes will be placed at Fairview Cemetery in Bowling Green, Kentucky at a later date.

Martha (Wright) Cox, age 72, went peacefully to her Heavenly home to share her new birthday with Jesus on December 25, 2024. Born on October 28, 1952, in Concord, TN, she devoted her life to nurturing each soul in the large and loving family she built here on earth. Her caring heart was a precious gift that will be remembered forever.   She is preceded in death by her parents, John & Temperance Wright, brothers, Raymond, Kenneth, Eddie, & John Jr., and devoted husband, Jerry Cox.

She is survived by her sisters, Mary and Phyllis (Ron); loving daughters, Ame (Steve) & Stacy; grandchildren, Jake. (Tiffanie), Sarah, Rachel (Kyle), Katelyn, Hemi; great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Keenan, Kasyn, Mila, Jett, & Murphy, and several nieces, nephews, and friends who she loved dearly. A celebration of life will be held on January 5th, at 2pm, at the Karns Community Club located at 6616 Beaver Ridge Rd Knoxville, TN.

Hugh Gilbert Caudill passed away January 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving daughters and grandchildren. Hugh was born July 1, 1931, to Robert and Sue Caudill. Upon his retirement from Delta Airlines, Hugh enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, boating and traveling. He also enjoyed volunteering his time to the Optimist Club and the Commemorative Air Force. Hugh loved spending time laughing, cracking jokes and sharing stories with his family and friends. He will always be remembered for his love of the Tennessee Vols, World War II aircraft and for being the ultimate gentleman.

Hugh was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Sue Caudill; sister Nancy Sherman; and his first wife Nancy Ann Caudill. He is survived by his wife Mary Ella Caudill; daughters Terri Brandau and Becky (Frank) Turner; grandchildren Veronica Brandau, Mackenzie Brandau, Christian Brandau, Rachelle Ziegler and Katie Turner; great-granddaughter Kinsley Arden; many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday January 18, 2025, at 1 o’clock at Trinity View, 2533 Hendersonville Road, Arden, NC 28704. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to the Kidney Foundation or the University of Tennessee Scholarship fund.

Dortha J. Starrett, 87 of Louisville passed away January 10, 2025, proceeded in death by her husband and son. Survived by Kathy & Donnie Gibson, Jordan Gibson, Imbri and Caleb Hitson, Cindi and Roger Starrett, and several nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by all.

Lisa Ann Carter

Surrounded by her loving family, Lisa Ann Carter, 60 went to be with the Lord on January 20,2025 after a fierce and courageous battle with breast cancer.

Born October 8, 1964, in Knoxville, TN to Marvin Stafford and Patsy Stafford, Lisa was a member of Northshore Fellowship Church of God

Lisa met the love of her life, husband Alain Carter in 1982 they were married on May 9,1983 sharing three children and enjoying life together for 41 years. Lisa was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, known for her positive attitude even during the most difficult of times. She was a huge prankster and loved making people feel special; she had a contagious laugh; her smile would light up and room she entered.

Lisa was preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Patsy Stafford, brother, Marvin “Randy” Stafford and mother-in-law, Lucienne Carter.  Lisa is survived by her devoted husband, Alain Carter, and three loving children, daughter Christine Carter, and sons Christopher Carter and Jacob Carter. She is also survived by the joy of her life, granddaughter Savannah Marie Carter, sister Angela Stafford and beloved nephew Jordan Lester.

A celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, January 29th with receiving of friends beginning at 6:00 pm. The service will immediately follow at 7:00 pm at Northshore Fellowship Chruch of God, 10015 South Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922, Pastor Stephen Smith officiating.