HAMILTON COUNTY
John Ainsworth Sr.
John H. "John Deere" Ainsworth Sr., 64, of Chattanooga, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2008, at a local hospital.
He had lived most of his life in the Chattanooga area where he was a member of the local Brick Layers Union, a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Vietnam era and the CB Naval Reserve.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Geneva Ainsworth.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Janice Ainsworth; two children, John H. Ainsworth Jr. of Richmond, Va., and Jennifer "Missy" Ainsworth, of Chattanooga; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors provided by American Legion Post 95 and the Army National Guard.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Lung Association at 3335 Ringgold Road East Ridge, TN 37412, or www.lungusa.org.
Condolences may be sent to www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
Visitation will be after 1 p.m. today at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.
Irene Alden
Irene L. Alden, 77, of Ooltewah, died peacefully Saturday morning March 29, 2008, at a local hospital.
Mrs. Alden was born in Chicago on Aug. 16, 1930, she graduated from high school in Crown Point, Ind., and later studied for her bachelor's degree in English from UTC in 1983.
Her first love was her family (three children) followed by an old farmhouse cottage in Provence, France, for autumn holidays for a number of years.
She was happy with her several roles with the Chattanooga Little Theatre during the 1960s. Later she and the family moved to Sweden (where her father was born) for several years' 1972-74 during her husband's nuclear power engineering consultancy there; and more recently to South Korea -- she was a good expatriate American representative. She paddled in many weeklong canoe camping trips with the family down the Buffalo National River in Arkansas, but was probably the happiest in her kitchen.
As a teenager, she was confirmed into the Luther Augustana Church in Chicago, where she directed the junior choir.
She was recently preceded in death by two of her children, John Alden III and Elizabeth A. Clark.
Irene is survived by her husband, John Alden; daughter, Victoria A. Love, of Tulsa, Okla.; grandchildren, John R. Love, of Nashville, and Audry E. Clark, of Chattanooga; as well as sisters, Toni L. Hickling, of Seattle, and Victoria L. Allen, of Schererville, Ind.
Funeral services will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Olin Ivey officiating.
Interment will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Arrangements are made by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
Gary Arnold
Gary Leon Arnold, 36, of Chattanooga, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2008, at his residence.
A memorial service will be held for his many friends and associates at The Rock Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), 1601 Foust St., Chattanooga, TN 37404.
Friends and associates are invited to remember Gary at The Rock MCC Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 2 p.m.
Bettie Barva
Bettie Jane Ramsey Barva, 76, of Signal Mountain, died Friday March 28, 2008, at her home.
She was born in Harrison, had lived in Cleveland, Ohio, from 1952 until 1982 and moved to Signal Mountain in 1982. She loved her career working with children at Bachman Elementary as the cafeteria manager and worked seven years at Fairmont Orchards on Signal Mountain. She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and was very active in Animal Rescue.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, David Barva.
Survivors: daughter and son-in-law, Deborah (Craig) Deimling, Signal Mountain; two grandsons, Aaron and Adam Deimling; two granddaughters, Alexandria and Alicia Deimling.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Coulter Chapel of Lane Funeral Home.
Interment will be in Chattanooga Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to lane-coulterchapel.com.
Arrangements by Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace, 877-3524.
Leona Bates
Leona T. Bates, 90, passed away Friday, March 28, 2008.
Mrs. Bates was a lifelong resident of Apison and a member of Concord Baptist Church. She was a member of the Eastern Star in Ooltewah for over 50 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace A. Bates Sr.; and grandson, Jeff Bates.
She is survived by her son, Wallace A. Bates Jr. and wife, Angela, Apison; daughter, Mildred Vance, Ooltewah; grandchildren, Lisa Vance, Andy Bates, Eric Bates, Josh Bates, Sherrell Sanders; great-grandchildren, Carrington Bates, Alexandra Bates, Brandon Goins, Ashley Mull and Macie Bates; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday at Heritage Funeral Home chapel.
Interment will follow in Plowman Cemetery in Apison.
Condolences may be sent at www.heritagefh.com.
The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. today at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Harrison Beene Jr.
William Harrison Beene Jr., 82, of Chattanooga, died on Friday, March 28, 2008.
Mr. Beene was a 1944 graduate of Chattanooga Central High school. He worked for TVA for 38 years at John Sevier Steam Plant in Rogersville, Tenn., while residing in Morristown, Tenn., and was president and business manager of IBEW Local 365 for 15 years.
Mr. Beene was preceded in death by his parents, William H. Beene Sr. and Willie Martin Beene; brothers, Charles, Edward and Robert Beene; sisters, Frances VanDyke, Virginia Espy, Lucile Talley and Wanda Beene.
Survivors include one son, William H. (Sonny) Beene III; and five stepchildren, James D., William Todd, Ronald E., Donald E. and Sheryle A. Haughton.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2008, at Chattanooga National Cemetery with the Rev. Melvin Walker officiating.
Interment will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 3 to 6 p.m. today, March 30, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Arrangements are made by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
Tom Conley
Thomas G. "Tom" Conley, 80, of North Chattanooga, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 28, 2008.
Tom was a native and lifelong resident of the North Chattanooga area.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Bessie Conley; and a sister, Eva Mae Wright.
Tom is survived by his sister, Iva M. Young; four nieces; and a special friend, Chuck Cagle.
The family will have a private burial service at Chattanooga Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Center.
Share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist.
Ervin Crayton
Ervin "Fish" Crayton, 66, of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, March 28, 2008, at a local hospital.
Personal and professional services entrusted to Franklin-Strickland Funeral Directors, 1724 McCallie Ave.
Paul Daugherty
Paul E. Daugherty, 66, of East Brainerd, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 27, 2008.
A longtime resident of Chattanooga, Mr. Daugherty was a self-employed carpet installer for over 35 years. He was a member of Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle and formerly a member of Harmony Baptist Church, where he had served as deacon and Sunday school superintendent.
Survivors are his wife, Linda Daugherty; two daughters, Denise Smith and Tracey Haney; grandsons, Jeremy Smith and Blake Haney, all of Chattanooga; five sisters, Charlotte Hadley, Illinois, Lois Ford, Florida, Velma Smith and Patsy Karabach, both of Alabama, and Virginia Coker, Chattanooga; two special nephews, Grayson and Garrett Freeland.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. today with the Rev. Jerry Atkins and the Rev. Calvin Headrick officiating.
Burial will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East, with Don Paul, Scott Freeland, Bob Mankin, Bobby Gann, Tim Headrick and Gary Eldridge serving as pallbearers.
Condolences may be sent at www.heritagefh.com.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.
Andrew Davis
Andrew Lee "Drew" Davis, 20, of Hixson, died Thursday, March 27, 2008.
Drew loved video games, movies, family activities and loved to make people laugh. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Thomas Reed Johnson; and grandmother, Adena Miller McDade.
He is survived by his 2-month-old son, Gage Spencer Davis; parents, Laura (Kenneth) Cross and David Davis; siblings, Dustin and Devin Davis; grandparents, Linda Johnson, James and Mary Cross, Glen McDade, Cecil Davis and Johnny Barnett; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gage Spencer Davis trust fund.
A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, at Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace.
Jerome Del Pino
Jerome Frank Del Pino, formerly of Chattanooga, died Thursday, March 27, 2008, in Minnesota.
Funeral services will be held at Camphor Memorial UMC in St. Paul, Minn., on April 2, 2008.
Courtesy announcement by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.
Daniel DiPillo
Daniel Joseph DiPillo, 90, of Chattanooga, died Friday, March 28, 2008, in a local hospital following a brief illness.
He was born in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1918 and was the son of Italian immigrants. His father, William DiPillo, and his mother, Agnes DiPillo, immigrated from Italy to the United States in 1905. Agnes DiPillo died shortly after her arrival to the United States and William DiPillo later married Ida DiPillo, who was a loving stepmother to the five DiPillo children. Mr. DiPillo dearly loved his brothers Frank and Frank, and his two sisters, Helen and Yola. He lived most of his adult life with his family in Jersey City, N.J., and was a retiree from the Western Electric Co.
Mr. DiPillo was of the Catholic faith and was preceded in death by the love of his life and a saintly woman, Mary Donlon DiPillo. He also was preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers, Frank and Frank DiPillo and Helen DiPillo.
Survivors include his sons, William (Teena) DiPillo, of Summerville, Ga., Jerry DiPillo, of Chattanooga, Steven Pilat, of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Jamie Russell and Nicholas DiPillo, of Summerville, and Michelle Hayes; sister, Yola Herlihy; and loving family members who reside in New Jersey and Arizona.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. today, March 30, 2008, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Entombment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
The family will gather with friends today from noon until the hour of the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, SE, Tennessee Chapter, and 7625 Hamilton Park Drive, Suite 8, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all of Mr. DiPillo's friends at St. Barnabas Apartments.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153.
Gene Drakeford
Gene F. Drakeford, 83, of East Ridge, passed away Friday, March 28, 2008, at his home.
He was a member of East Ridge Baptist Church and was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in World War II.
Gene worked as an educator for many years before serving as a commissioner and as the city manager for East Ridge. He was instrumental in bringing several major businesses into the city of East Ridge. He later worked for the U.S. Postal Service before retiring.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Drakeford.
Survivors include his three daughters, Gayle (Walt) Norman, of Chattanooga, Madeleine (Lowell) Sharp, of Ringgold, Ga., Debbie (Sam) Wages, Levelland, Texas; six grandchildren, Amy (Kris) Parsons, Jennifer (Jason) Dittmar, Shelley (Danny) Fow, Tara (Ken) Wolfe, Melissa O'Brien, Wendy (Derek) Bradley; and 13 grandchildren, Blake and Zachary Parsons, Brady, Olivia and Braelinn Dittmar, Daniel, Benjamin and Zachary Fow, Kevin Wolfe, Sammy and Aaron O'Brien, and Dylan and Jeremy Bradley.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Henry Preston officiating.
Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military rites being conducted.
Ross Fox, Danny Fow, Ken Wolfe, Kris Parsons, Justin Dittmar and Derek Bradley will serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road.
Nell Eiselstein
Nell Gates Eiselstein, 93, of Chattanooga, died on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, following a brief illness.
She was a graduate of Chattanooga High School and the University of Chattanooga. She was a lifetime member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where she had served as a Sunday school teacher for over 40 years, Senior Choir member for 25 years, St. Catherine's Chapter of ECW chairperson for 10 years, Altar Guild, Outreach Committee and many more. Mrs. Eiselstein taught in the Chattanooga city school system for over 40 years, having retired while at Woodmore Elementary School. She was a member of Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, AAUW, a volunteer at Red Cross for over 25 years, a READ Volunteer and for many years a volunteer at St. Barnabas Nursing Home and Apartments.
Mrs. Eiselstein was preceded in death by her husband, George Eiselstein; parents, Dr. and Mrs. William Fred Gates Sr.; brother, the Right Rev. William Fred Gates Jr., former Suffragan Bishop of Tennessee.
Mrs. Eiselstein is survived by her three sons, Fred (Nancy), Bill (Judy) and Tommy (Patty) Eiselstein, all of Chattanooga; one daughter, Suzin (Mark) Seaton, of Kingston, Tenn.; sister, Elizabeth Gates Abel, of Houston, Texas; nine grandchildren, Billy, Kyle (Stacy), Mary Hadley Eiselstein (Mike) Ozburn, Robin, Scott, Emily, Michael (Lori), Brian, Kristen Eiselstein Jones (Ashley); two stepgranddaughters, Crystal Seaton, Jennifer Seaton (Rob) Jones; 10 great-grandchildren, Brendan, Meagan, Sarah, Ryan, Nelson, Kylie, Jane, Will, MaryBlythe, Cooper; and three nieces, Anne Gates (Reginald) Kincer, Susan Gates Edwards, Jo Anne Abel (Wayne) Sparkman.
Funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 3 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2008, with visitation at the church beginning at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Donald Fishburne will officiate.
Interment will follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Book of Remembrance of St. Paul's Episcopal Church or St. Barnabas Apartments Endowment Fund.
Please share your thoughts and memories at Mem.com.
Arrangements are made by East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, TN 37412.
Bruce Eustice
Bruce Eustice, 41, of Chattanooga, died on Thursday, March 27, 2008.
He was a graduate of Hixson High School.
Mr. Eustice was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Eustice.
Mr. Eustice is survived by his mother, Addie Eustice; sisters, Marilyn (Ethan) Halcomb, Sherilyn (Haytham) Eustice, Terri (Wayland) Stewart; wife, Annette Eustice; two sons, Hunter Eustice and Shawn Eustice; special friends, Angie Barrett and Blaze Barry; several nieces and nephews, many special friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2008, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Dr. Butch Varner, the Rev. Will Fix, the Rev. Estle Sanders and Rev. Wayland Stewart.
Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 2-4 to 6-8 p.m. today, March 30, 2008, at the North Chapel.
Arrangements are made by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
Katie Evans
Katie Lou Evans, 94, of Chattanooga, died Saturday, March 29, 2008.
She was the widow of James E. "Scrapiron" Evans.
Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced in Monday's Times Free Press.
Turner Funeral Home Inc., Highway 58 Chapel, is in charge of arrangements, 622-3171.
Eric Ferguson
Eric A. Ferguson, 61, died from mesothelioma on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008.
Contributions can now be made for his children and grandchildren's educational fund to Eric A. Ferguson Memorial Fund, Regions Bank, 3894 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37415.
Thanks to everyone for their prayers and continued support from Stephanie M. Ferguson and family.
Nancy Jo Harden
Nancy Jo Harden, 60, of Ooltewah, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 27, 2008.
She was a member of New Shepard Hill Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. today in the Highway 58 Chapel of Turner Funeral Home with the Rev. Ernest Sutton officiating.
Burial will be private.
The family will receive friends today up to the hour of services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Bethel Bible Village Children's Home, 3001 Hamill Road, Hixson, TN 37343.
Turner Funeral Home Inc., Highway 58 Chapel, is in charge of arrangements, 622-3171.
Paul Harmon
E. Paul Harmon, 96, of Lookout Valley, passed away Friday, March 28, 2008.
He was born in North Carolina and moved to Chattanooga as a young man.
He was a member of Mountain View Presbyterian Church and was retired from The Chattanooga Times.
Mr. Harmon was preceded in death by his parents, Columbus and Ava Harmon; sisters, Alpha Jenkins, Anna Mae Goodnight; and his brother, Earl Harmon.
Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Gertrude M. Harmon; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Harry Snyder and the Rev. Walter Gienapp officiating.
Interment will follow in Lakewood Memory Gardens, West.
The family will receive friends from noon-3 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Mountain View Presbyterian Church.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.mem.com.
Arrangements by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 S. Moore Road.
Les Heard
Leslie H. Heard, of East Ridge, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2008.
Les was president of the American Federation of Musicians for 18 years and president emeritus of Local 80 U.S. and Canada. He served on the executive board prior to being elected president. He was an active member of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Association Orchestra for 28 years, and a teacher of music, since age 16, with a particular love of jazz drums.
Les graduated East Ridge High School in 1969 and attended University of Tennessee Knoxville and graduated University of Tennessee Chattanooga in 1974. He also performed with the Chattanooga Youth Symphony and Knoxville Symphony and was a member of Jones Memorial Methodist Church.
Mr. Heard was preceded in death by his father, Jack Heard, of East Ridge.
Les is survived by his wife, Ernestine "Ernie" Heard; mother, Dorothy Heard, of East Ridge; daughter, Juliet Heard Westbrook, husband, Chris Westbrook and expected son, of Tucson, Ariz.; son, Matthew Heard; granddaughter, Michelle Heard, of Boulder, Colo.; sister, Jacqueline Heard Owens; husband, Don, of Knoxville; nieces, Amy Owens Purcell and husband, Jason, Mary Owens Brown and husband, Dustin, of Knoxville; nephews, Reed Brown and Noah Purcell.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayland Stewart officiating.
Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Donations may be sent to Hospice of Chattanooga.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.mem.com.
Arrangements by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 S. Moore Road.
Rosa Howard
Rosa Mae Howard departed this life Wednesday, March 26, 2008.
She was retired from U.S. Postal Service after 28 years. She worked with the Foster Grandparents program serving in the North Chattanooga Headstart Program.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and husband.
She leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Rosalyn Mitchell; stepson, Tommy Howard, New York; grandchildren, Genese Evans, Nashville, Michael (Sondra) Mitchell, Willa Townsend, Myron Mitchell; five great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be at noon Monday, March 31, at Second Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul A. McDaniel officiating.
No visitation.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memorial of Rosa Howard to the Mission and Benevelence Fund of Second Missionary Baptist Church and Trinity Hospice.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.
Charles Johnson
Charles Milford Johnson, 76, of Chattanooga, died Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at his home.
He was born in Oneida, Tenn., and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Korean War.
He was retired from Tennessee Valley Authority and was a dedicated walker and member of the Chattanooga Track Club.
Survivors are his wife, Barbara Callaway Johnson; a stepson, Greg Toomey, of California; two sisters and two brothers, Helen Roberts, of Dallas, Texas, William Johnson, of Oak Ridge, Tenn., Dan Johnson, of Powell, Tenn., and Ruth Stephens of Dallas, Texas; five stepgrandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday at Chattanooga National Cemetery with the Rev. Ben Matherly officiating.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m.-noon Monday at the funeral home.
Honorary pallbearers will be Guy Broome, Aaron Broome, Jimbo Callaway, Jim Johnson, Kirk Johnson, Glenn Merritt.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, P.O. Box 19269, Chattanooga.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga.
Dr. C.S. Knapp
Dr. C.S. Knapp, 82, passed away Friday, March 28, 2008.
The Rev. Knapp was a Southern Baptist minister for 51 years having pastored nine churches including, Ulcanush Baptist, Coffeeville, Ala.; Gallion Baptist, Gallion, Ala.; Mount Hebron West Baptist, Elmore, Ala.; South Seminole Baptist, Chattanooga; Sherwood First Baptist Rome, Ga.; Good News Baptist, Selma, Ala.; First Baptist of Stevenson, Ala.; Morris Hill Baptist, Chattanooga; and Westview Baptist, Chattanooga.
He retired from Westview Baptist Church in 1990 and was named pastor emeritus of that congregation. After his retirement he served as interim pastor at East Lake Baptist, Chattanooga, twice; and at First Baptist, Stevenson, Ala., twice. In retirement he also preached a number of revivals and taught study courses. Dr. Knapp was the author of a widely circulated book, "Heroes of the Faith." He served on numerous denominational boards and committees. He was selected for "Who's Who in Religion in America in 1976."
Dr. Knapp received his B.A. degree from Samford University, Birmingham, Ala., his master's degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, his doctorate from Luther Rice Seminary.
Dr. Knapp served in the U.S. Navy from November 1942 through July 1946. He was attached to the 3rd Marines and participated in the invasion of Bougainville in November 1942. He spent 35 months in the South Pacific Theater of Operations in World War II.
Dr. Knapp was a member of South Seminole Baptist Church, where he had served as pastor from 1968 to 1976.
Dr. Knapp was preceded in death by his son, Victor "Buddy" Knapp.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Knapp; two daughters, Patricia Johnston, Wildwood, Ga., and Judith (Claude) Petty, Hixson; seven grandchildren, Geni Brownfield, Scott Adair, Charles Burnette, Marty Burnette, Joy Clemons, Jennifer Ward and Andrew Knapp; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Florence Knizley, Mobile, Ala., and Judith St. Laurent, Houston, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at South Seminole Baptist Church with Dr. Ron Perry officiating.
Burial will be in Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to South Seminole Baptist Church in memory of Dr. C.S. Knapp.
Special thanks to the staff at Tennessee State Veterans Home for the kind and loving care they provided for Dr. Knapp for the past two years and to Odyssey Hospice for their part in his final week.
Condolences may be sent at www.heritagefh.com.
The family will receive friends Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.
W.T. Mahoney
Wilbur T. Mahoney, 84, of Chattanooga, died Saturday, March 29, 2008, in a local health care facility.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Heritage Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, East Brainerd Road.
Wanda McCullough
Wanda Lee Ivens McCullough, our beautiful mother lost her short battle with cancer on Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008.
She was born in Mentone, Ala., Feb. 8, 1927, and was the youngest daughter of 11 children born to Frank and Minnie Ivens.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Harry Richard McCullough and Baby Boy McCullough; granddaughter, Jennifer Jenkins; sisters, Pearl, Edith, Ruth, Irene and Kathleen; brothers, Sanford, Borden, Cleo and A.J.
Survivors include her daughters, Sherry (Tim) Jenkins, Mitzi McCullough, Judy McCullough, Wendy Beckley; and son, Jason McCullough; grandchildren, Kim Neumann, Eric Sheffron, Shannon Marsden, Todd (Jackie) Jenkins; great-grandchildren, Joshua, Trevor and Casey; sister, Geneva (Leo) Chadwick-Mills; many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at noon Monday, March 31, 2008, at Oakwood Memorial Park, 22601 Lassen St., Chatsworth, CA 913311.
Mom, we love and miss you so much! You will be forever in our hearts and souls and may you rest in peace with all of those who have gone before you. Until we meet again. Mom, you have been and always will be the wind beneath our wings.
Local arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Bill Mendenhall Jr.
William "Bill" Mendenhall Jr., 79, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2008, at his residence.
A native of Athens, Tenn., Mr. Mendenhall had been a longtime resident of Chattanooga and was retired after many years of service from Union Local 917.
He was preceded in death his parents, William Sr. and Edith Mendenhall; as well as two sons, Larry and Jimmy Mendenhall.
Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Frances R. Mendenhall; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Pete Birdsong, of Peachtree City, Ga.; sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Cindy Mendenhall, of Peachtree City, Ga., Alan "Pooch" and Sandy Mendenhall, of Harrison; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2008, at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Dr. Steve Granger officiating.
Interment will follow in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
The family will receive friends for visitation today from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 404 S. Moore Road.
Catherine Pittard
Catherine Bowers Pittard, born March 8, 1916, in Chattanooga, daughter of Clifton Jacob Bowers and Grace Adair Bowers, died Wednesday, March 26, 2008.
She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Forrest Earl Pittard of Winterville, Ga., and Chattanooga.
She grew up on Signal Mountain. She was educated at the University of Chattanooga and Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C.. Through her early years she was employed by the Cavalier Corp., the Tennessee Valley Authority, Kaiser Industries, the American Red Cross and later by Catawba College.
She and her husband Earl were married on Signal Mountain and later lived in Salisbury from 1950 to 1986. While in Salisbury, she was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she was an ordained elder, Sunday school teacher, Circle leader and served on various Presbytery committees. She was a Girl Scout leader and was active in the Salisbury Woman's Club, the Friday Afternoon Book Club, the Rowan Art Guild, and the Republican Women. In 1982 she was awarded an honorary life membership in the Presbyterian Women.
In 1986, she and Earl moved to Springmoor Retirement Community in Raleigh. Catherine continued her community service at White Memorial church, the Raleigh Music Club, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and at Springmoor on several committees and as a member of the Line Dancers and the Chapel Choir.
She was a serious Bible student and generously shared her knowledge with various church groups and in leading devotions. Her faith was her guiding light. The life membership award states: "Her greatest contribution is the quiet, gentle and unassuming spirit she shows in whatever she is doing."
She was preceded in death by her brother, Clifford William Bowers, of Augusta, Ga.; and by her sister, Emma Sue Jones, of Signal Mountain.
She is survived by an only daughter, Pamela Pittard Perreault, of Chapel Hill, N.C.; her son-in-law, William D. Perreault Jr.; two grandchildren, Suzanne and Elizabeth Perreault, of New York; and several nieces and nephews, including Marjorie Jones Rowland and Susan Jones Harris, of Signal Mountain.
A memorial service in the auditorium at Springmoor Retirement Community at 1500 Sawmill Road, Raleigh, Saturday, April 5, 2008, at 11 a.m.
Memorials may be made to White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC 27608; or to the First Presbyterian Church, E Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28144.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, N.C.
Jimmie Russell
Jimmie Jerome Russell, 66, passed away Friday, March 28, 2008, in a local hospital.
Jimmie was a retired supervisor with 22 years service with Cushion-Cut Co. in California. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was predeceased in death by his parents, Harvey and Bonnie Russell; and one sister, Peggy Brooks.
Jimmie is survived by his wife, Dale L. Russell; and one son, Christopher Ewton Russell, both of Chattanooga. Also two brothers, Harvey Eugene (Caroline) Russell, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Danny Gordon (Merrie) Russell, of Colorado. He will also be greatly missed by his little dog, Petie.
A chapel service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 31, 2008, at Bryan Funeral Home with Sister Estelle Trotter and Sister Patsy Fry officiating.
Burial will follow at McNabb Cemetery, Raccoon Mountain.
Visitation will be today, March 30, 2008, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by J. Avery Bryan Funeral Home, Chattanooga.
Rhoda Watson
Rhoda Faye Ross Watson, 65, of Ooltewah, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2008, at her residence following a courageous fight with cancer.
She had been employed as a secretary at DuPont for 13 years, and had also worked at Provident and Mills & Lupton.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cicero and Ethel Ross.
Mrs. Watson is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Bill Watson; sisters, Dorcas (Charles) Irwin and Ora Lee (George) Humphrey; brother-in-law, Charles Watson; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; three godchildren; and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. today, in the Heritage Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Sterling Jetton and the Rev. Al Miller officiating.
A private burial will take place on Monday at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Condolences may be sent at www.heritagefh.com.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Ed Wooden
Thomas Edward Wooden, 93, of Chattanooga, died on Friday, March 28, 2008, in a local hospital.
Mr. Wooden was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, a 1934 graduate of Tyner High School and a retiree of Dave L. Brown Construction Co. A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed vegetable gardening, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the former Shepherd Baptist Church and recently attended Heritage Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by father, Thomas B. Wooden; mother, Bettie M. Wooden; two sisters, Bertha Morrison and Velma Johnson; brother, Chester Wooden.
Survivors include wife of 63 years, Gladys R. Wooden; and daughter, Linda S. Wooden.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at Tyner Cemetery (adjacent to Heritage Baptist Church) with the Rev. Walter Hicks officiating.
The family will receive friends today from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Valley View Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Heritage Baptist Mission Fund, 2934 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
TENNESSEE
Robert Blevins
McMINNVILLE -- Robert Marion Blevins, 83, died Saturday, March 29, 2008.
Service is 11 a.m. CDT Monday in the chapel of High Funeral Home, McMinnville, (931) 473-2137.
Stella Haustman
DAYTON -- Stella Mae Haustman, 68, died Thursday, March 27, 2008, at the Life Care Center of Athens, Tenn.
She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Theda Hale Broughton.
Survivors include her daughter, Tracy Messer, Dayton; three sons, Brian (Angela) Haustman, Spring City, Tenn., Ricky Haustman, Woodstock, Ga., Randy Haustman, East Liverpool, Ohio; brother, James Broughton; sister, Geri Shields, both of Wellsville, Ohio; six grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral: 1 p.m. Monday at the chapel of Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home with the Rev. Clyde Fitzgerald officiating.
Visitation: 4-8 p.m. today at Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home Inc., Dayton.
Billy Norris
GRUETLI-LAAGER -- Billy J. Norris, 70, died Friday March 28, 2008.
He was born on April 14, 1937, to William Chester and Liza Roberson Norris, who preceded him in death along with his brother, Carl Norris; and sister Mary Long.
He is survived by his wife, Avene Estel Griffith Norris; son, Wayne (Donna) Norris; daughters, Mary "Sissy" (Mike) Fults, Rita (Jeff) Sweeton, Stephanie (Kevin) Gibbs and Sharon Sanders, daughter of his heart; sisters, Velma Shrum and Linda Holcomb; grandchildren, Michael Brown, Jeremy Huntley, Robert, Will and Sarah Norris, Makayla Sweeton, C.J., Eliza and Dawson Gibbs; great-grandchildren, Cadance, Peyton and Skylar Huntley, Hunter Norris.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. CDT Monday in the funeral home chapel with Bros. Sam Long, Mack Hampton and Tony Newsome officiating with burial to follow in the Griffiths Creek Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Layne Funeral Home, Palmer, Tenn.
Claude Sharp Jr.
CLEVELAND -- Claude Luther "C.L." Sharp Jr., 63, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2008.
Services will be today at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with burial following in Spence Cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared at williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.
John Slagle
JONESBOROUGH -- John C. Slagle, 89, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at Johnson City Medical Center.
Mr. Slagle was a native of Washington County and son of the late Jake and Ida Hawes Slagle. In addition to his parents, Mr. Slagle was also preceded in death by two sisters, Laura Deaton and Pearl Green; and two brothers, Will Slagle and Robert Slagle.
He was of the Methodist faith.
Mr. Slagle was a veteran of the U.S. Army and Navy, having served in World War II. He retired from IBM. His IBM career began in Kingsport, Tenn., and ended in Chattanooga. During retirement in Jonesborough, Mr. Slagel worked at the Tobacco Warehouse, enjoyed having a booth at the flea market and shared his vegetable garden with friends and neighbors.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Huff Slagle, who he met at Eden Methodist Church, Jonesborough; three sons and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Bonnie Slagle, Brenda, Ariz., Tom Slagle, Williamson, Ga., and David W. Slagle, Rapid City, S.D.; two daughters and son-in-law, Shirley and Richard Street, Fairburn, Ga., and Linda Allen, Lookout Mountain, Ga.; five grandchildren, Jay Slagle, Jennifer Pigeon, both of Georgia, Chip Street and wife, Monica, Jonesborough, Shannon Bettis and husband, Mark, Carrollton, Ga., and Trip Allen and wife, Sandra, Willits, Calif.; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and several nephews and nieces.
Graveside services will be conducted 10 a.m. Monday, March 31, 2008, at Mountain Home National Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today, March 30, 2008, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent to the Slagle family online at www.dillow-taylor.com.
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, 753-3821.
GEORGIA
Eldred Barrett
TRION -- Eldred Deforest Barrett, 87, passed away Friday, March 28, 2008.
Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. today, March 30, 2008, at the Erwin-Petitt Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel.
Interment will follow in West Hill Cemetery.
Brenda Brooks
ROSSVILLE -- Brenda Lee Brooks, 62, passed away Saturday, March 29, 2008, at her residence.
She was a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga and North Georgia areas where she had been a den leader for the Cub Scouts in Hixson, a bookkeeper for Kmart on Highway 58 and a member of the East Brainerd Church of God.
She was preceded in death be her parents, Arlie Burton and Dorthy Vaughn; and grandparents, Charlie and Elizabeth Nail.
Survivors include her husband, Michael Brooks; four children, Mike Defriese, Missy Smith, David Witt and Cathy O'Neal; sister, Barbara Payne; brother, Dean (Linda) Cofer; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three nephews; two nieces; and two great-nephews.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at the East Brainerd Church of God with the Rev. Harold Swaggerty and the Rev. Donnie Sutton officiating.
Interment will follow in the Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Condolences may be sent to www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
The family will receive friends from 3-8 p.m. today at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, Rossville.
Randall Campbell
ROCK SPRING -- Randall Greer Campbell, 71, passed away Friday, March 28, 2008, at a local hospital.
A resident of the Rock Spring area for the past 33 years, he was formerly of East Ridge and was a former employee of Roadway Express, where he worked for 38 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Winnie Smith Campbell; and 12 brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Georgia Qualls Campbell, of Rock Spring; two sons, Randy Campbell, of Acworth, Ga., and Jeff Campbell, of Summerville, Ga.; grandson, Brad Campbell, of Rock Spring; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel.
Interment will follow at LaFayette Memory Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 4-9 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. until funeral time Monday at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Home, LaFayette Chapel, LaFayette, Ga.
Martha Farris
RINGGOLD -- Martha Farris, 63, died Friday, March 28, 2008, in a local health care facility.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Keith McLeod officiating.
Interment in Lakewood Memory Gardens, South.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2115 Chapman Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Condolences may be sent at www.heritagefh.com.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
William Queen Sr.
DALTON -- William Clyde Queen Sr., 70, died Friday, March 28, 2008, in Chattanooga.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Edna Queen; brother, Bobby Queen.
Survivors are wife, Aileen Burger Queen, of the residence; daughters, Aelana Queen and Kelli Queen, of Dalton; son and daughter-in-law, William Clyde "Will" Jr. and Stephanie Queen, of Dalton; sisters, Barbara Rice, of Ten Mile, Tenn., and Bernice Clayton, of Ringgold, Ga.; brother, J.R. Queen, of Sweetwater, Tenn.; three grandchildren, William Kyle, Kaci Lena and William Carter Queen, of Dalton; aunt, uncle, nieces, nephews.
The funeral will be 4 p.m. today at the Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home with the Rev. Frankie Ridley officiating.
Burial will be at United Memorial Gardens.
A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.
Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Messages of comfort may be sent to the family at www.julianpeeples.com.
Julian Peeples Funeral Home, Pleasant Grove Chapel, Dalton, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Homer Rice
ROSSVILLE -- Homer Richard Rice, 66, passed away Friday, March 28, 2008, at his residence.
A native and lifelong resident of the Rossville area, Mr. Rice enjoyed his employment as a truck driver and was of the Baptist faith. He also served his country in the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dewey Richard Rice; and grandson, Christopher Phillip Rice.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Barbara Rice; sons, Raymond Howard (Tammy), of Rossville, Randy Lee (Mitzie), of Rock Spring, Ga., Ryan Lee, Rossville, and Damon (Monica) Rice, Rock Spring; mother, Beatrice Rice; sister, Marie Chastain, of Rossville; seven grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the South Crest Chapel with the Rev. Joe Dodd officiating.
Burial will follow in Cloud Springs Cemetery.
Visit www.lane-southcrestchapel.com to share your thoughts and memories.
The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. Monday at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.
Charlotte Sparks
ROSSVILLE -- Charlotte Bird Sparks, 83, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2008, in a local hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today in the South Crest Chapel with the Rev. Natalie Smart officiating.
Burial will follow in Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park.
To share your thoughts and memories, visit www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
Arrangements are by South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.
Pauline Wolfe
RINGGOLD -- Pauline Hale Wolfe, 84, passed away Saturday, March 29, 2008.
A longtime resident of the North Georgia area she was a member of Westside Baptist Church. Mrs. Wolfe was the former co-owner of Hale's Gulf Station on East Third Street.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Hale.
Survivors include her husband, J.L. Wolfe; daughters, DeLane Hale Washburn, Betty J. Hale Adams, all of Ringgold; stepchildren, Leon Wolfe, Johnny Wolfe, Brenda Shelton, all of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Lisa Champion, Leslie Russell, Donnie Wallin, Melissa Stone, Lori Nolen; great-grandchildren, Kelsey and Kayla Champion, Caitlyn and Moriah Russell, Anna Grace Stone and Natalie Nolen; and several stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel with the Rev. Gary Moore officiating.
Interment will follow in Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park.
Condolences may be sent at www.heritagefh.com.
The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. Monday at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
ALABAMA
Paul Dake
FLAT ROCK -- Paul Garrison Dake, a resident of the Cartersville community, died at his residence on Thursday, March 27, 2008.
Paul was the son of the late Samuel Breeden and Francis Garrison Dake. He was born in Meigs County and raised in Athens, Tenn.
He graduated from McMinn County High School, Tennessee Wesleyan College and Cumberland University. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps in the European Theater from May 1942 until October 1945. On Dec. 20, 1942, he married Christine Elizabeth Scott.
Before and immediately after his military service, he worked for TVA in Chattanooga. In 1947, he started a 33-year career with Union Carbide Corp. He initially worked at the Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Oak Ridge, Tenn., and in 1967 transferred to the Electronics Division in Simpsonville, S.C., where he was a senior chemical engineer until his retirement in 1981.
While residing in Tennessee and South Carolina, he was an avid volunteer in various civic activities including the Lions Club and neighborhood associations. He served over 30 years with the Boy Scouts. For his entire adult life he supported the United Methodist Church in multiple leadership roles.
Paul and Christine retired to the family farm on Sand Mountain, Ala., where Christine had been raised. Their retirement years could not have been better. They enjoyed frequent travel as a couple and with family. They worked vigorously in adult education as volunteers. In 1994, they were named Volunteer Adult Educators of the Year for the state of Alabama.
Paul enjoyed tending his vegetable and flower gardens during the summers, and in the winters he honed his skills as a master furniture maker.
At the time of his death, he was the assistant pastor of the Forest Hills Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sarah Francis Dake; and his brother, David Thomas Dake.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Christine; his sons, Dr. Thomas Scott (Judy) Dake, of Columbia, Tenn., Dr. James David (Dotty) Dake, of Arlington, Va., Robert Samuel (Kay) Dake, of North Hollywood, Fla., Stephen Paul Dake, of Arlington, Va., John Garrison Dake, of Flat Rock, Ala., Dr. William Austin (Laura) Dake, of Versailles, Ky.; grandchildren, Amanda Christine Dake (Chris) Rowley, of Dallas, Texas, Allyson Lovell Dake (John) Kingston, of New York, N.Y., Julie Christine Dake, Janet Lyn Dake and James Matthew Dake, all of Versailles, Ky.; and a great-grandchild, Thomas Dake Rowely, of Dallas, Texas.
Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. CDT today at Forest Hills Methodist Church.
Burial will be at the Beulah Cemetery.
Paul's sons and his granddaughters' husbands will proudly serve as pallbearers.
The family will visit with friends from 3-4 p.m. CDT today, March 30, at Forest Hill United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to the Upper Sand Mountain Parish of the United Methodist Church, 24474 Alabama Highway 75, Sylvania, AL 35988.
Arrangements by Corner Stone Funeral Chapel.
Carolyn Shrader
HENAGAR -- Carolyn Willkie Shrader, 51, died Friday, March 28, 2008, at Erlanger hospital.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Bonnie Shrader Willkie.
Survivors include, daughter, Anita McWhorter, Flat Rock, Ala.; son, Rayford McWhorter; father, Clenon Willkie; granddaughter, Breeanna Shrader; brother, Johnny Willkie; sisters, Wanda White and Louise McCarty; nieces and nephews, Johnny Brittany, Ricky, Brandy, Shae, Pennie and Tony.
Funeral services are 2 p.m. CDT Monday, March 31, at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Sister Trina Massengale officiating and burial in Green's Chapel Cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT today and 9 a.m. CDT until service time Monday.
OTHER AREAS
William Hays Jr.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- William "Bill" David Hays Jr., 78, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2008, after a brief illness.
He was born in Syracuse, N.Y., and spent his early years in Eastern Tennessee. He moved to Jacksonville with his family in 1962.
Bill served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was retired from Southern Bell Telephone Co. in 1991 with 35 years of service. He was an avid sports car enthusiast, competitive water skier and great cook.
Bill was predeceased by his brother, Robert Marion Hays.
Bill is survived by his wife of 48 years, Myra G. Hays; three children, Chip, Betsy (Jeffrey) Jacobs, Scott; and three grandchildren, Haley, Hays and Hannah Jacobs, all from Jacksonville. His sister, Booncy (Roger) Ingvalson resides in Chattanooga. Cousins include Bonnie (Richard) Trevillian, of Kingsport, Tenn., and Tony (Dorothy) Riley, of Leveland, Texas.
A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m., April 1, Southside United Methodist Church in Jacksonville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or Southside United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Eternity Funeral Home in Jacksonville.
James Mathis Sr.
DARLINGTON, S.C. -- James William Mathis Sr., 87, died Friday, March 28, 2008, in a Florence hospital after an illness.
Mr. Mathis was born in Chattanooga, a son of the late Walter Neil and Mamie Louise Stephens Mathis. He was member of the Gregg Avenue Church of Christ and a member of the Ware Branch Church of Christ in Harrison. He retired from the Railroad.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Bertha Estelle "Topsy" Leamon Mathis in 2007; parents; brothers, Estes Mathis and Bob Mathis; and two sisters, Evelyn Jarrett and Margaret Mathis.
Surviving are a daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Bob) Boyd, of Darlington; son, James William (Phyllis) Mathis Jr., of Harrison; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; brothers, Joe T. Mathis and Fred D. Mathis, both of Chattanooga; sisters, Elizabeth Walker, Jenny Davis and Barbara Roberson, all of Chattanooga; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Church of Christ, 618 Gregg Avenue, Florence, SC 29501; Ware Branch Church of Christ, P.O. Box 333, Harrison, TN 37341; or to the McLeod Hospice House, PO Box 100551, Florence, SC 29502.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2008, in the Turner Funeral Home chapel in Harrison.
Burial will follow in the Old McDonald Cemetery, Harrison, directed by Turner Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends from 6-8:30 p.m. today, at Turner Funeral Home in Harrison.
Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home of Florence is assisting the family with local arrangements.
