Richard passed away peacefully at his home on July 12, 2022 after a battle with cancer.
He is preceeded in death by his Father Perry Abbott Shields, Mother Eva Cobb Shields, Brothers Robert “Bobby” Shields and wife Glenda, John “Buzzy” Shields
Survived by – Companion of 45 years Linda Caylor and daughter Gina, Sons – Ricky & Jennifer, David, Kevin. Sister – Edith Shields Abbott and Don, Brother – Mike Shields, Sister-in-law – Linda Shields of Charleston SC.
Nieces – Paula, Darla, Teresa Abbott, Karen, Terri, Vicky Shields, Nephews – Bobby and Troy Shields. Special longtime friend Ronnie Hepperly. Many other family and friends.
Graveside Services are scheduled for Saturday, September 24 at 11:00 am at Caylor’s Chapel Cemetary, 486 Webb Road, Townsend, with Pastor Ronnie Hepperly officiating. A lite lunch will be served at RIO Townsend for fellowship after the service at 325 Webb Road, Townsend.
Alfred Courtney, age 45, was born on July 11, 1977 and passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022. Alfred had a big heart and was deeply loved by his family and friends. He will be remembered for his bright smile, nurturing spirit, work ethic and love of his nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his mother, Tresia Courtney; brother, Jason Courtney; sister, Tonya Jarrard; Uncle Jerry Courtney (Sally); Aunt Deborah Townsley; nephews Corey Jarrard, Derick Jarrard, Ayden Courtney, Braylon Courtney; niece Trishia Jarrard; two great nephews Corey Jarrard Jr, and Carter Forsythe; and great niece Bentlynn Forsythe.
Family and friends will always cherish the good memories and times that was spent with Alfred. He was a chef at the Waffle House where people would travel for miles to eat one of his world famous omlettes. Our hearts will forever feel the loss and emptiness of his absence. There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Jaycee Park, 314 Nave St, Clinton, TN 37716 for family and friends.
Karen Dee Morgan Rickels, age 59, of Seymour, passed away Monday August 22nd, 2022. She was a longtime active member of Valley Grove Baptist Church. She loved being a wife and mama, but her favorite title was “DeeDee.” To know her was to see Proverbs 31 lived out before us.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Jesse (J.P.) and Louise Morgan; father-in-law and mother-in-law, William (Bill) and Jean Rickels; She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Gregory (Greg) Rickels; children, Whitney (Ronnie) Hanline, and Derrick (Alli) Rickels; grandchildren, Hadley Hanline and Colson Rickels; sisters, Judy (Jon) Braswell and Donna (Jim) Barger; brothers-in-law, Steve (Jodi) Rickels, Don Rickels, and Richard (Teresa) Rickels; many special nephews and cousins; countless dear friends.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Thursday August 25th at Valley Grove Baptist Church in the parlor. We invite you to make a donation to Valley Grove Baptist Church in her honor, in lieu of flowers.
Allen M. Hodge (Bud), 67, passed away August 21,2022. He suffered from multiple illnesses for a period of time. He was a veteran of the United States Army from 1975-1978. He was proceeded in death by Mother, Mary B. Hill; Brothers, Charles S Hodge (Stimey) and Gregory Hill (Greg). He is survived by Sister, Donna Johnson and Brother, Marty Hill. Bud will be greatly missed by many. There will be no services at this time. Will update at a later time.
Mike Martin, 63, passed away in his Knoxville home on August 12th, 2022.
He is preceded in death by parents, Woody Martin and Ann Covington.
Mike is survived by his children: Michael, Leigh Ann, Natalie, and Tiffini Martin; grandchildren: Mikey, Rayleigh, and Courtney Martin, and Blake and Avah Hopper.
He worked the last 14 years at Pips Iron Works in Knoxville as a Steel Fabricator and was well liked by all he encountered. Those who knew him well described him as kind, loving, and loyal.
A celebration of life will be held for his local friends at The Casual Pint Brewery, 10677 Hardin Valley Rd, Knoxville, TN 37932 on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 6 – 8pm.
A memorial service will be held at Landmark Baptist Church, 321 CR 23, Dennis, MS 38838 on Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 4-6pm. Flowers and Gifts can be requested from Southern Elegance Florist & Boutique (662) 279-5763.
Gary Lee Wilson, 56, of Maryville, TN, passed away on August 7, 2022.
Gary was predeceased by Grandparents Ruby & Fred Wilson and Thelma & Elmer Breeden.
He is survived by his spouse Teresa Wilson, daughters Samantha Wilson & Tabitha Wilson, grandchildren Gauge Hicks & Conner Headrick, parents James & Carolyn Wilson, and twin brother Larry Wilson.
Receiving Friends and Family will begin at 6pm. The funeral service will follow at 7pm. Services will be held on August 19th, 2022 at Lone Oak Baptist Church located at 831 W Lamar Alexander Parkway Maryville, TN 37801.
Pamela Michelle Steely Breeden Cruse, passed away suddenly at home Saturday July 30, 2022. She is proceeded in death by her parents Robert and Mary Steely, brother Robert Steely Jr, niece Brittany, nephews Aiden and Robby. She leaves behind her children and grandchildren Veronica (Bo), Jama (Daniel), Hunter and Emma, Casey (Lindsay), Weston and Audrina, Valerie (Eric), Chevy, Special grandchildren Jeremy, Brianna, Jarred, Brooke, Courtney, her sister Angela (Jimmy), Jessica, nephew Joshua, niece’s Brandi and Ashley, Special friends Bill, Jimmy and Bree, Partner in crime Mary, several friends of Maryville Towers.Memorial service for friends and extended family will be held at the Blount County Public Library Saturday August 6, 2022 from 11-1. Speaking will begin at 12:30.
James Meletiou, 85, passed away peacefully on July 24th, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. He graduated from Lee College in 1969 with a bachelor of science degree, majoring in history. He worked for many years as an adult education instructor with the Knox County school system. James taught literacy and GED skills to prisoners as part of his job as well. He spent much of his free time reading and writing, gardening, hiking, and ministering to those he taught in prison.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lucian and Irene Meletiou.
James is survived by his loving wife Iris Joan Crownover Meletiou; children Mary Raney, Michael Meletiou; grandchildren Anna Raney and Micah Raney; sisters Effie Bazos and Melba Poulos; and many other friends and family.
A receiving of friends and celebration of life will be held on Saturday July 30th, 2 o’clock with a service to follow at Knoxville House of Faith, 416 Lovenia Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Pastor Nathan Floyd will be officiating the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Knoxville House of Faith or River’s Edge Christian Academy.
Dale Wayne Chess passed away on July 17, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer.
Born on February 29, 1956, Dale was a hard worker, loved his family, and was an avid sports fan, Go Steelers! He was also a member of the Christus Victor Church.
He was preceded in death by parents, Mildred and Glenn Chess; brother, Gene.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Joyce; daughter, Shannon (Ryan) Theobald; grandchildren, Luke and Annabelle; sisters, Joy (Rob) Dragasavac and Rhonda Chess; step-daughter, Leah Carter; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Noreen.
The family would like to recognize Amedisys Home Health Care and Hospice for their great care.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Christus Victor Church (4110 Central Ave Pike, Knoxville, TN). In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local humane society in Dale’s honor.
Ramona Ann Didier, 81, joined the angels in heaven onJune 29, 2022. Ramona left this world embraced by her daughters, Kimberley and Valerie de Ropp, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. She was preceded in death by her parents, the late Ruth and Donald (“Big Don”) Buttry, and close family friend, Sam Cody.
Ramona earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French with a minor in Musical Theater at UT. She taught voice, piano, French and Spanish; owned three boutiques (where she was a trendsetter with her own clothing designs); sang in a combo band; and was named a finalist in the 1959Miss Knoxville pageant. For 40 years, she served the community as proprietor of the family businesses “Big Don The Costumier” and “Big Don’s Elegant Junk” in the Old City.
Ramona worked as the costume designer for a myriad of musicals in greater Knoxville including such favorites as West Side Story, Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, and Annie. She was active with the sororities and fraternities at UT and costumed their productions of Carnicus and All-Sing. Her costumes were worn by Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell in the 1996 feature film Box of Moonlight.
Ramona was featured many times in the Knoxville News Sentinel and on local TV as the premier professional for special events, birthday parties, balloon deliveries, Halloween and holiday costumes. Ramona was an aficionado of singing telegrams and a free-thinking eccentric who often stayed in costume after performances to run errands still dressed as a gorilla or flapper.
Her favorite character was “Sparkles the Clown”, which she created in the 1980s. “Sparkles” entertained children of all ages with magic tricks, face painting, and animal balloons. Ramona delighted in making people smile and especially loved children and young people for their innocence and imagination.
Ramona found strength in her faith and always believed God was watching over her. “Let go and let God” and “God, you know my needs” were her mantras. She loved her family, animals, gardening, traveling (especially to the beach) and collecting antiques.
In addition to her daughters, Ramona is survived by her son-in-law John Alderson, Jr.; grandson, Ryan de Ropp; and granddaughter, Maria Farmer.
Ramona’s daughters would like to thank Jim and Diane de Ropp, the staff of The Groves, and Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to local animal shelters.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Halloween Eve, October 30th, a date that is fitting for the “costume queen of Knoxville”. Location TBA.
