Obituaries

Jo Ellen Blessing Adcox passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 15 at her home in Crossville. Jo was born on Jan. 24, 1937 in Columbus, OH, the third of four daughters born to the late William E. and Jeannette M. Blessing. In addition to her parents, Jo Ellen is preceded in death by her sisters and brothers-in-law,...

Max William Apple, Jr., 65, of Crossville, passed away June 30, 2026.
Born December 12, 1960, in Terre Haute, IN, Max was the son of Max William Apple, Sr. and Glenda (Sherrill) Apple. He was a member of Terre Haute North Vigo High School, Class of 1979, and carried with him throughout his life the values of hard...

John "David" Bell, 78, of Owosso, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, at Nelson-House Funeral Home. The family received friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on...

Graveside Services for Mr. Floyd Bilbrey, 88, of Crossville, were conducted at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at the Crossville City Cemetery.
Floyd passed away at home on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. He was born at home in Overton County, TN on Oct. 20, 1937, to the late Johnie and Reba Deck Bilbrey. He was a 1957...

Linda Lee Blevins, age 73, of Crossville, TN, passed away at her home on March 13, 2026.
Mrs. Blevins was born on July 1, 1952, in Chelsea, MA, daughter of the late James Broyles and Laura (Travis) Broyles.
She is survived by her daughter, Laura Chaney (Ben); son, Randall Broyles (Tasha); grandchildren, Courtney...

Thomas Elmo Brewer, age 81, passed away on July 14, 2025 at his home in Stone Mountain, GA. Mr. Brewer was born on Oct. 28, 1943, in Pleasant Hill, the son of the late Elmo Mitchell Brewer and Winona (Smith) Brewer. He was predeceased by brother, Gary Ephraim Brewer. Survivors include a sister, Gale Brewer of...

Sue was born in Whittier, CA, and raised in Southern California. She often reflected on her incredible privilege of growing up on the California beaches in the surfing sixties.
She was a California surfer girl. She soaked up the sunshine that radiated from her smile. Susan lit up a room when she walked in, her...

Linda Carole Robinette Brown entered this world on Dec. 10, 1942, in Appalachia, VA and departed to Heaven on June 11, 2026. She is the daughter of John Creed and Carmel Robinette now residing with Linda in Heaven. Her earthly span was for 83.5 years. She is a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother,...

Michael Chance Byars, 43, of Fort Campbell, KY, passed away at his home on Aug. 16, 2025.
Former Command Sergeant Major Byars was born on May 19, 1982, in Nashville, TN, son of Frank Dwight Byars and Martha Linnie (Peavyhouse) Byars.
He loved his children, his mother and extended family. Chance was a wonderful son,...

Robert E. Cayot, 92, of Fort Wayne, IN and formerly of Crossville, died May 2, 2026. Retired from BF Goodrich and survived by wife, Janice (Fairfield) Cayot and his children and grandchildren. Janice and Bob enjoyed their 25 years in Crossville. Bob was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and a 4th...

George Edward Hurd Chard passed away on May 5, 2026, at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville.
Born March 21, 1940, in Chicago, IL, he graduated from Elmwood Park High School and the University of Illinois, completing the PhD in speech and theater at Northwestern University. He taught at the University of West...

Michael Joseph Converse of Maryville, 88, passed away on Jan. 11, 2026. Born in Massillon, OH, he was the son of Leo and Florence Converse. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, three sisters and two brothers.
He is survived by beloved wife of 63 years, Betty (Kimmel), children: Jerry (Lori), Michele...

Jerry Eugene Cox
Oct. 31, 1937 — Feb. 9, 2026
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Bilbrey FH

Jerry Eugene Cox, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in his Crossville home. Jerry was born on Oct. 31, 1937, to James Wiley Cox and Zola Elizabeth Phipps Cox in Ashe County, Crumpler, NC.
When his family moved to Maryland, Jerry...

Lorene Ellyson Cunningham passed away peacefully at her home in Crossville on Oct. 1, 2025.
She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years Douglas "DJ" Cunningham, and her children, daughters, Kay (Mike) Powers and Pam (Paul) Royko; and sons, Mike (Kim) Cunningham and Mark Cunningham. She is also survived by...

Opal Lee Davidson, 86, of Crab Orchard, passed away on Dec. 27, 2025, at Cumberland Medical Center.
Mrs. Davidson was born on May 17, 1939, in Crossville, daughter of Joe Wright and Rhoda (Smith) Wright.
Opal was a Homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Davidson; children, Scott Davidson, Freda Davidson,...

Mildred "Millie" Kay Deatherage, 84, of Crossville, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, April 30, 2026, at Willow Ridge Center in Maynardville, TN.
Born on Feb. 22, 1942, in Berkeley Springs, WV, she was the daughter of the late Herbert Taft Barnes and Annetta Margaret Unger Barnes. She was a graduate of...

Edwin Barton "Eddie" Dunn was born on July 31, 1950, in Savannah, GA to Roy Calvin and Wilma LaNelle Griffin Dunn. He passed away at his home on May 23, 2026. Known to family and friends as "Eddie," he attended Savannah High School and later earned his GED after enlisting in the United States Army.
Eddie proudly...

Robbie Edwina Elmore, 83, of Crossville, passed away on May 30, 2026. Edwina was born Oct. 28, 1942 in Celina, TN, to Paul and Magdalene Scott Colson.
Edwina leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and grace. She was a woman who gave freely of herself and asked for nothing in return. Her family and all who knew her...

Kenneth Eugene Fenton of Crossville, passed away of natural causes and is now traveling peacefully with his Eternal Father.
Ken was born in 1936 to Wayne and Vesta Fenton and spent his early years in the Cortland and Vienna, OH communities. He attended Vienna public schools and following in the footsteps of his...

Nicholas F. Fitzgerald, born Dec 8, 1988 in Hyannis, MA. He was a graduate of Powell High School in TN. He resided most of his life in and around the Knoxville Area. Nick passed away on Aug. 8, 2025, after a long battle with colon cancer. He was a lover of life and music.
Proceeded in death by his mother, Heidi Ann...

Jack Flewelling, a man whose laughter was as infectious as his love for life, passed away on March 23, 2026. Born on Feb. 4, 1929, in Flint, MI, Jack lived a life filled with extraordinary moments and simple pleasures. He loved bowling and also enjoyed golfing for many years. The Crossville, Tennessee community will...

Dr. Bud Fray of Crossville, peacefully passed away Oct. 29, 2025, at the age of 97. Bud was born Sept. 28, 1928 in Kennet, MO. He attended Ouachita Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in preparation to serve as a church pastor.
He married Jane (Dawley) Fray on Aug. 14, 1949. Together...

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of David Wayne Garrison on Saturday, April 4, 2026 after an extended illness. David was born Jan. 20, 1953 to Margaret and DM Garrison of Crossville. He was preceded in death by his father, DM, and brother Jack Vaughn. He is survived by his mother,...

Donna K. Gocella, 87, of Crossville, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026. Born on Dec. 21, 1938, in Bradford, PA, to Ruth Alberta and Lloyd J. Brown. Donna lived a life defined by deep faith, unwavering love for her family and a generous spirit that touched everyone around her.
On Oct. 24, 1959, Donna married the...

We are sad to announce that Charles Edward Green has passed away at the age of 79.
He died the same place he was raised, Crossville.
Charles is fondly remembered for his love of family, country, and God. Charles served two years in the Vietnam War. Stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He was an active member of his church...

Larry W. Hainstock of Crossville, passed away on Sept. 8, 2025. He was born on March 18, 1944, in Viroqua, WI, to William and Hazel Hainstock.
He was retired from J.I.Case, UAW Local 180, after 34 years, a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, and an Army veteran having served two tours in the Vietnam war.
He loved to...

Jeffrey Allen Hall, 64, of Crossville, passed away on Aug. 13, 2025. He was the son of Don and Jan Hall and the beloved husband of Preston Hall. Jeff was a devoted father to Jeffery Hall, Christian Hall, and Meredith Hall, and a loving brother to Darrell Hall and Mike Hall.
Jeff graduated from Cumberland County High...

Sherry Hedgecoth, 68, of Crossville, passed away on May 20, 2026, at University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Ms. Hedgecoth was born on June 3, 1957, in Crossville, daughter of the late Roy Hedgecoth and Willene (Rose) Hedgecoth.
Sherry worked in HR at Flowers Bakery until her retirement. She loved working in her...

Henry "Hank" John Henning, 78, of Crossville, passed away at Select Specialty Hospital in Knoxville on July 11, 2026.
Hank was born on April 6, 1948, in Detroit, MI, son of the late Henry Carl Henning and Josephine Mary (Lazuka) Henning.
Hank served in the Navy and was a manager for a phone company.
He is survived...

David John Hess, devoted husband, father, grandfather, attorney, CPA, and co-founder of Wealth Enhancement Group, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, wisdom, faith, and love. He was born March 18, 1947 and passed away Feb. 14, 2026.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army.
A...

Charles Edward Hewston, lovingly known as Charlie, passed away on Jan. 20, 2026, in Knoxville, TN after a brief illness.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, the late John and Regina Hewston.
Charlie's life was deeply shaped by the love and care of those who became his chosen family. He was taken in and...

Mary Lou Houston was born Maria Luisa Martinez on Nov. 5, 1943 in Mesilla, NM. She was the ninth child born to Simon and Manuela (Aleman) Martinez. She grew up in Mesilla, attending the Basilica of San Albino Catholic church on Mesilla Plaza.
On the afternoon of July 1, 1963, she married Airman Roscoe Houston. After...

Nancy Janel Hyder, 75, of Crossville, passed away April 5, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of service, kindness, and unwavering devotion to others.
Nancy worked as an educator and coach at Cumberland County High School for 37 years touching countless lives through her guidance, wisdom, humor, and investment in each...

Richard Alan Jenkins, 69, of Rockwood, TN passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on April 5, 2026. He was born in Akron, OH May 22, 1956 to the late Betty (nee Smith) Jenkins and Albert (Ted) Jenkins. Rick was a 1974 graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School and earned his degree from the University of Cincinnati in...

Lura Georgiann Johnson, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother died Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on Nov. 15, 1931, she lived a life marked by devotion to her family and her faith.
Georgiann was primarily a homemaker who dedicated her life to nurturing her children and instilling in...

Cherie Kazmierczak, 70, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Cherie was born to John and Joy Nedeau Nairn on Aug. 4, 1955. The second youngest of five children, Cherie spent most of her childhood in Florida as her father completed and retired from his military service. As an adult, life brought Cherie to...

Linda M. Stone King went home to be with Jesus on Feb. 1, 2026, following an extended illness.
She was born on Jan. 19, 1949, and was raised in Crossville.
Linda devoted her life to God and her family. She raised her sisters, Cookie and Kathy beside her own children. Linda, nicknamed "Queenie," was the undisputed...

Marilyn Sherrill, 86, of Crab Orchard, died peacefully at home on July 23, 2025.
Born in Minneapolis, MN to Arthur Stanley Kurtz and Leocadia Seraphia Mallack Kurtz, young Marilyn loved catching lake critters with her father, being athletic, being part of the Catholic faith, reading geographical and cultural...

Tommie Ann Leamon (Hardy) went to heaven on May 6, 2026. She was 95 years old. She was born in Omega, GA, and spent her retirement years on the lake at Tansi Resort with her beloved husband Rex Leamon. She is survived by her four children, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by...

Lynne Mary (Kartlie) Lynch was born on Jan. 6, 1945, in Camden, NJ and died on Dec. 20, 2025, at Parkwest Hospital in Knoxville, TN after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Lynne was the daughter of the late John Oswald Kartlie and Margaret Wilma (Mauer) Kartlie. She married the love of her life, Carmin E....

Clemothene "Clem" Mathis, 89 of Crossville, passed away Nov. 8, 2025 at home in Fairfield Glade.
Clem was born Dec. 29, 1935 in Nashville, GA, son of the late Scranton S. Mathis and Retha Inell Hughes Mathis.
He is survived by his wife, Angela R. Mathis, and son, Stephen C. Sims and daughter-in-law Nichole Lynn...

James Mayberry, 70, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and member of the Crossville community, passed away peacefully at his home on July 6.
Above all, James was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vicki Mayberry; his sons, Nick Mayberry and wife Ivy, and Josh...

Jerry Hilton Mayo born March 5, 1945 died on March 3, 2026 and is survived by his wife Patricia Ann Scott Mayo to whom he was married 61 years. Jerry is survived by their four children, Gloria Mayo of Bowling Green, KY; Jerri Hope Whelan (Mike) of Fayetteville, TN; Max Mayo (Emily) of Nashville, TN, Marty Mayo...

Nancy C. McKeen, 89, of Crossville passed away Aug. 6, 2025.
She was born on March 15, 1936 to Sylvester Vance, S.V., and Satia Clark of Logan, OH and had 9 siblings, of which Helen Marlene Jakeway is the surviving sister. The family moved to Springfield, OH when she was in elementary school. Nancy graduated from...

Jacqueline "Jackie" Melton Griswold, 64, of Knoxville, TN, passed away at her home on Feb. 2, 2026.
Born to Ervie Charles Melton and Sue Melton on Oct. 21, 1961, in Crossville, Jackie was the eldest of three siblings. She graduated at the top of her class from Cumberland County High School in 1979 where she was a...

Jack Flynn Mullis Jr., 83, of Crossville, passed away on Feb. 28, 2026, at his home.
Mr. Mullis was born on Feb. 17, 1943, in Mobile, AL, son of the late Jack F. Mullis Sr. and Dorothy (Smith) Mullis.
Jack served in the United States Army and later was a convenience store owner.
He is survived by his children, Dixie...

Ellen Myles, 73, of Crossville, passed away at her home on Aug. 2, 2025.
Mrs. Myles was born on July 19, 1952, in Cumberland County, daughter of the late Rex Smith and Doris (Lightfritz) Smith.
Ellen worked as a restaurant manager and lead cook and was a member of the Crab Orchard Church of God.
She is survived...

Donald Emery Nelson, 95, a cherished and well-respected resident of Uplands Village Retirement Community in Pleasant Hill, passed away peacefully Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
Born in Norwood, MA to Edwin W. and Dorothy E. Nelson of Islington, MA., he and his late younger brother, Robert "Bob" Nelson, moved with their...

Donald "Don" Irwin Nuhfer, 73, of Crossville, passed away peacefully in Tampa, FL, after a courageous battle with cancer on Feb. 27, 2026. Born on Nov. 17, 1952, in Toledo, OH, to parents Eugene and Virginia Nuhfer, Don lived a life defined by service, devotion to family, and quiet strength.
A proud veteran of the...

Mr. Nick Owens, 80, of Lebanon and formerly of Crossville passed away Nov. 20, 2025, at his home.
Born William Nicholson Owens on March 15, 1945, in Birmingham, AL, he is the son of the late Paul and Lucille Holt Owens. He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and went on to the University of...

Our brother, Thomas "Troy" Parsons, passed on to be with the Lord Sept. 14, 2025. He was born to Thomas Troy Parsons and Evelyn Marie (Whittaker) Parsons on May 12, 1951.
Troy was a loving brother who always looked out for us as that older brother. He had a great sense of humor and a heart of gold. He helped many...

Edna Sue Harrison Patton passed peacefully at home Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. Born in Pleasant Hill in 1937 to George and Meta Harrison, she grew up in Crossville and loved her hometown and its history. She loved to write, she loved to garden, and she loved her family and friends. She held special her contemporaries in...

Born in Anderson, IN Jerry was a business owner, from Texaco Stations, The Shamrock Bar to an Auto Trader.
Jerry lived his life for those around him. He'd give you the shirt off his back. Jerry loved to play cards and sports. "Go Hoosiers and Go Cubs!" Jerry was an avid bowler. He even gave tips to opposing players...

Terry Evelyn Qualls, 71, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 2, 2025. She was born on Dec. 28, 1953, in Cookeville.
Terry lived a life marked by love, kindness, and a deep dedication to her family. A gifted educator, Terry devoted over 20 years of her life to teaching at...

Elizabeth Morean Randol, 86, of Crossville, Tennessee, went on to be with the Lord on Sept. 13, 2025. Moe, as she was known by most, was born on Feb. 8, 1939, to Lester and Gertrude Eldridge.
Morean was married to Jerry Reeder Randol. Together, they built a family and served the Lord.
She was proceeded in death by...