HAMILTON COUNTY

Albert Carter

Albert Carter, 83, of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in a local hospital.

Arrangements will be announced by Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel.

Muriel Davis

Muriel Denise Williams Davis, 47, of Chattanooga, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

Preceded in death by her daughter, Leah Davis; parents, Fred and Frances Williams Sr.; and brother, Paul Williams.

Survived by her husband, Tony Davis; daughter, Rachel Davis, both of Chattanooga; sister, Lori Wilkens, of New Jersey; brothers, John Williams, of Chattanooga, and Fred M. Williams Jr. of California; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Funeral from the Wallis Memorial Chapel Thursday at 2 p.m.

Visitation today 6-9 p.m.

Wallls-Wilbanks Funeral Home LaFayette.

Dale Dowden

Dale “Buck” Wiley Dowden, 49, of Soddy-Daisy went to heaven on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

He was of the Christian faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Frankie; brother, Deno.

He leaves behind his children, Dale Jr., Nathan, Brian, Megan, Misty; sisters, Debbie, Deeonna, Denise (Daryl), Sabrina; brothers, David (Pat), Rev. Daniel (Chris); friend, Phyliss; two grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Graveside service will be noon Thursday at Ruth Cofer Cemetery with the Rev. Don Kelley officiating.

Family will receive friends from 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.

Arrangements are by Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.

Josephine Ellis

Josephine Ellis, 77, of Chattanooga, passed away Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in a local healthcare facility.

Funeral today at noon at First Baptist Church of Hixson with Pastor Charles L. Jackson officiating.

Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Arrangements by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga Inc.

JoAnn Harper

JoAnn Harper, 62, of Chattanooga, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at her residence.

She was employed by Chattanooga State.

Survivors: son, Ricky Harper, Sr.; grandson, Ricky Harper, Jr.; sisters, Mary Hogue, Sylvia Harper, Gloria Price and Stephanie Burton, all of Chattanooga; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, devoted friends, Debbie (David) Adams, Karen Kjeldgaard, Chattanooga State Family and many other friends.

Funeral: Thursday at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Taylor Funeral Home.

Family hour will be today from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Wendell Hill III

Wendell Davis Hill III, 58, of Chattanooga, passed away on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

He was born in San Juan Puerto Rico on April 18, 1951, but moved to Chattanooga at an early age. He graduated from Brainerd High School in 1969 and thereafter attended GM Institute in Flint, Mich.; He was an automotive engineer by trade.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wendell D. Hill Jr. and Virginia B. Moses.

Survivors include his sisters, Sharon Marie Hill and Carlys Ann Hill; brothers, James Michael Hill and Mark Alan (Andrea) Moses.

A private family memorial service will be held at later date.

Interment will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

The visitation will be held today, Nov. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the North Chapel.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

Arrangements are made by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Lillie Ingram

Lillie M. Ingram, 93, of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, November 13, 2009, in a local healthcare facility.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Easton and Mary Louise Butts Easton; sisters, Gennie V. Burkeen, Ida Bell Burton and Annie Laura Williams; brother-in-law, Thomas A. Burkeen; and husband, James Ingram.

Survivors: daughter, Audra Dean Ingram, of Chattanooga; nieces, Sandra Louise (Russell) Moore, of Brooklyn, N.Y., Lorine Burton and Evelyn J. (Ocie Lee) Kelsey, both of Milledgeville, Ga.; other relatives and friends.

Funeral: Thursday at 1 p.m. at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church with Father Schmidt officiating.

Burial: Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Family hour: today from 6-7 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home.

Thelma Knox

Thelma R. Knox, 86, died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, at her residence.

She was born to the late Herman Ross and Rosa L. Ross-Allen.

Ms. Knox was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Knox Jr.; granddaughter, Carolyn A. Knox; five sisters and two brothers.

She is survived by son, Carlton Knox; daughter, Sandra Byrd; two granddaughters, Vellvenia Knox and Tia Byrd; grandson, Jeremy Byrd; three sisters, Norma (Eddie) Williams, Betty Ross and Willena (Leroy) Samples; two brothers, Herman Caffey and Jimmy (Linda) Allen; 10 great-grandchildren; five great-great- grandchildren; host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home with Pastor Alfred Hawkins officiating.

Interment in National Cemetery.

The body will lie in state after noon today with the family receiving friends from 7-8 p.m. today at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.

Hartley Lee

Hartley Grace Embrey Phipps Lee, 101, passed away Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, in her Hixson home.

She was born Jan. 24, 1908, to the late Perry and Maggie Hixson Phipps. “Aunt Hartley” was a lifelong Hixson resident who worked for many years at Carter Brothers Manufacturing. She loved her family and pets and will be greatly missed.

The family wants to express appreciation to Dr. Donald Ziegler, nurse Lauren, loving caregivers Charlotte Garrett and Mary Reed and to Mildred for her friendship.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Ellen, Mary, Maggie, Pansy; brother, Murrell; niece, Marion Corinne; and husband, William V. Lee.

She is survived by niece, Sandra Hill (Randy) Doyle and their children, Josh and Sarah; by nephew, Phipps Martin (Christine) and their children, Karen, Lyn and Renee; by niece, Juanita Bull and her children, Ricky, Randy and Cheryl.

Services for Hartley will be held at 3 p.m. today at the North Chapel with Rev. Paul Longmire officiating.

Burial will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.

Marilyn Lee

Marilyn “Mickey” Johns Lee, 74, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at her home in Hixson after an extended illness.

Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. today, Nov. 18, followed by the memorial service at 6 p.m. at Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace.

Visit www.lane-coulterchapel.com to send condolences.

Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations are sent to Hospice of Chattanooga.

Brenda McDowell

Brenda Sue McDowell, 58, lifelong resident of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at her home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Kelley; and brother, Robert Kelley.

Survivors include her daughter, Kelli Mullins, of East Ridge; sons, Terry Tittle, of Ooltewah and Brian Tittle, of Chattanooga; sister, Donna Goins, of Fort Oglethorpe; brothers, Keith Olson and Steve Kelley; seven grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel.

Interment will follow in Lakewood, East.

Visit www.lane-coulterchapel.com to send condolences.

Visitation is from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace.

Tommy Neighbors

Tommy C. Neighbors, 72, of Soddy-Daisy passed away Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at a local healthcare facility.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. today in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Tom Goss officiating.

Interment will follow the service at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers those who wish may make contributions to the American Cancer Society or to Mile Straight Baptist Church.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.

Arrangements are by Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike; Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.

Tilda Oehmig

Tilda Thomas Oehmig, 83, died peacefully in her sleep at her Lookout Mountain home, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009.

Known affectionately as simply “Tilda” by countless friends both young and old, she was the last of a generation of Oehmigs who had called Chattanooga home for more than 100 years.

The daughter of the late Dr. Charles and Louise Thomas, she was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Daniel West Oehmig.

Tilda’s prismatic life, punctuated by great enthusiasms and deeper contemplations, resulted in many rewards and recognitions, among them being named Girls’ Preparatory School's Distinguished Alumna. She was also a president of the Junior League of Chattanooga, the Lookout Mountain Garden Club and a member of countless organizations, including the Colonial Dames. Following graduation from GPS, Tilda graduated from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

She is survived by her brother, Dr. William H. Thomas and his wife, Dickie, Chestnut Hill, Mass.; 10 nieces and nephews, William Britain Oehmig and his wife, Neal, L. West Oehmig, Ruth Oehmig, Marion Oehmig Latimer, all of Lookout Mountain; H. King Oehmig and his wife, Margy, Chattanooga; Randolph Oehmig and his wife, Janet, Crystal River, Fla.; William C. Oehmig and his wife, Alice, Houston, Texas; Donna Oehmig, Arundel, Maine; Annie T. Williams, Virginia; Susie T. Macleod and her husband, Morris, Brookland, N.Y.; 14 great nieces and nephews and 15 great-great-nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Church of the Good Shepherd, Lookout Mountain with the Rev. Robert Childress and the Rev. H. King Oehmig officiating. The interment of the ashes will follow the service.

The family will receive friends from 3-3:30 p.m. Thursday at the church. Following the services there will be a celebration of her life at her home.

The family requests that contributions be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd, 211 Franklin Road, Lookout Mountain, TN 32350; or to the Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, One Siskin Place, Chattanooga 37403.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.

Maurene Pierce

Maurene Bedford Pierce, 95, truly a genuine Christian and a gracious Southern lady with a sweet spirit, went to be with the Lord on Monday evening, Nov. 16, 2009.

A devoted stay at home mom until her three children were grown, then retail management as a career in later life. Maurene possessed endless talents and creative skills from fashion and design to upholstery and gardening.

She was born on April 26, 1914 in Lynchburg, Tenn., the daughter of the late Steven Edd and Carrie High Bedford. She later moved to Chattanooga where she met and married William E. “Ed” Pierce Sr., who after 50 years of marriage, preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Margaret Bedford Himes and Aileen Bedford; and brothers, B.C. Bedford Sr. and I.R. Bedford Sr.

She is survived by sons, William E. “Bill” Pierce Jr. (and wife, Jan) and Greg Pierce (and wife, Susan); and daughter, Brenda P. Waters (and husband, Cleve), all of Chattanooga. She also is survived by seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was a member of Eastdale Baptist Church most of her adult life, before becoming a charter member of Eastwood Baptist Church of Ooltewah, where she was an active member of the Joy Club, the Joy Sunday School Class and worked on the church history committee.

A service of thanksgiving and celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Burkett officiating.

Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery with Dr. Cleve Waters, Tim Pierce, Ruston Pierce, Brandon Waters, Evan Pierce and Jared Waters serving as pallbearers.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who assisted in her care, particularly the more than wonderful staff of “The Lantern” at Morning Point of Collegedale for their exceptional compassion, respect, and loving care for our mother.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Southeast Tennessee Chapter Inc., 7625 Hamilton Park Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute.

The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. today at Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Betty Smith

Betty Ruth Keeble Smith, 84, of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

She retired from DuPont of Chattanooga after 28 years of service.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday morning until the service.

Funeral services will be held in the chapel at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 2009.

Online register book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes, J. Avery Bryan Chapel, Chickamauga, Ga.

Paul Smith

Paul Alvin “Cotton” Smith, 86, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, at his residence.

Graveside services will be 12:30 p.m. today at National Cemetery with Rev. Joe Novenson officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, P.O. Box 19269, Chattanooga, TN 37416.

Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort with the family.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

Jeanette Stone

Jeanette Stone, one of God’s angels, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. She passed away peacefully at her home with her two sisters, Martha and Agnes by her side. Jeanette was a joy and Blessing to all who knew her.

She attended Orange Grove Center for over 40 years.

Survivors include her sisters, Kathleen Conner, Mary Ann Schenk, Virginia Ragghianti, Martha Stone and Agnes Stone; extended family, Mary and Tee Armour; several nieces and nephews.

We will miss her, but hope to see her again. May her soul and the souls of all of the faithful departed rest in peace.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m Thursday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church Holy Family Hall.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Father Augustine Idra officiating.

Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road.

Tony Treppard

Carl Anthony “Tony” Treppard, 47, of Chattanooga, passed away in Phoenix, Ariz., on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009.

Tony was born in Chattanooga Oct. 19, 1962, and graduated from Hixson High School in 1981. After graduation, he served four years in the United States Marine Corp and was wounded in the terrorist attack on Beirut Lebanon in 1983. He was a member of IBEW Local 175 and worked as an electrician/lineman for 20 years. He enjoyed sports such as sky-diving, white water rafting, and umpired fast pitch softball for a number of years.

Tony was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Margaret Morris and John O. Treppard.

Survivors include his daughter, Jessica Marie; son, Matthew Charles; parents, Carl and Pat Treppard; brother, Michael, all from Chattanooga; sister and brother-in-law, Debra and John Gilluly, of Austin, Texas; nieces, Emma and Maggie Gilluly; nephews, Jake and Charlie Gilluly and James and Alex Treppard.

Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Terry Evans officiating.

Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Visit www.lane-coulterchapel.com to send condolences.

Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 pm Thursday at Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel with a prayer service at 8 p.m. with Father Mike Creson officiating.

Vivian Vandergriff

Vivian Chapman Vandergriff, 81, of Chattanooga, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009.

The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m. today at the North Chapel.

Services for Vivian will be held at 10 a.m. today at the North Chapel with Rev. Bert Jones and Dr. Adam Dooley officiating.

Burial will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens with Ed Mitchell, Kenny Vandergriff, Charles and Jim Chapman, Hoyt Samples and Bill Harvey serving as pallbearers.

The Ruth Welch Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Vivian’s name to the Red Bank Baptist Church Library, 4000 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37415 or the Community Kitchen, 927 E. 11th St., Chattanooga, TN 37403.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.

TENNESSEE

Robert Baker

CALHOUN — Robert J. “Bob” Baker, 68, died Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009.

A retired ironworker from TVA, Local 704 of Chattanooga.

Chapel Service is 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19.

Visitation: 5-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Smith Funeral & Cremation Service of Athens is in charge of arrangements.

Kathy Fisher

DAYTON — Kathy Ann Fisher, 52, died Friday, Nov. 13, 2009.

She was preceded in death by her father and is survived by her mother, son, brother and three sisters.

There will be no visitation or services.

Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City, is in charge of arrangements.

J.B. Gibson

DECATUR — J.B. Gibson, 76, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at his residence.

He was born in Meigs County, Tenn., and retired from Vulcan Materials in Athens, Tenn.

Funeral services are 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at Bowers Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Hugh Bryan officiating.

Interment will be 11 a.m. Friday at MountainView Memorial Gardens, Decatur.

Family will receive friends on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home Decatur Chapel of Decatur, 423-334-3661.

Roger Goodman

TULLAHOMA — Roger Goodman, 73, passed away Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at Life Care Center in Tullahoma.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Tullahoma Funeral Home and online condolences may be left for the famiily at www.tullahomafuneralhome.com.

James Hipps

ETOWAH — James E. Hipps, 64, died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, at Woods Memorial Hospital.

Service will be 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the South Chapel, with visitation from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the service.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah in charge of arrangements.

Charles Inman

TEN MILE — Charles W. Inman, 84, a well known farmer in the Ten Mile community, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday in Edgemon Cemetery with the Rev. Rick Duncan officiating.

Smith Funeral & Cremation Service of Athens is in charge.

Dorothy Morgan

ATHENS — Dorothy Ann Mosier Morgan, 43, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at Athens Regional Medical Center.

Visitation will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at McMinn Memory Gardnens Mausoleum with graveside following at 1 p.m.

Ziegler Funeral Home, Athens in charge of arrangements.

Eddie Robinson

JASPER — Benette “Eddie” Edward Robinson, 69, passed away, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

He was preceded in death by his father, Benette Woodrow Robinson.

He is survived by his mother, Edna Bryant Robinson; four sons, Keith (Sandy) Robinson and David Robinson, both of Jasper, Tenn., Matt (Rachel) Robinson and Geoff (Rhonda) Robinson, both of Dayton, Tenn.; daughter Candy Robinson (Kirk) Hudson, South Pittsburg, Tenn.; sister, Lexie Robinson (Andy) Harey, Spring, Texas; grandchildren, Cody, Chase, Ben, Heather, Zack, Taylor, Hailee, Brayden, Spencer and Cassidy.

Funeral services will be conducted from the funeral home chapel at 11 a.m. CST Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, with Ronnie Case and Terry Case officiating.

Entombment will follow in Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends today, Nov. 18, 2009, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. CST.

Arrangements by Tate Funeral Home, Jasper, 423-942-9500, www.tatefh.com.

Leif Thomas

JASPER — Leif Evan Thomas, 52, died suddenly Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009.

He is survived by his wife, Nicole Crabtree Thomas; mother, Marilyn (Ray) Williams; eight children; three stepgrandchildren; five siblings; three nephews; and three stepbrothers.

Funeral services will be conducted from the Jasper Chapel of Rogers Funeral Home, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at 1 p.m. CST with Rev. Howard Howell officiating.

The family will receive friends for visitation today, Nov. 18, from 5-8 p.m. CST at Rogers Funeral Home in Jasper.

Condolences may be sent at www.rogersfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rogers Funeral Home, 400 Laurel Ave., South Pittsburg, TN 37380.

Maria Tumlin

EVENSVILLE — Maria Tumlin, 82, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in Chattanooga.

She was a lifelong resident of Rhea County, Tenn., and member of Dayton First United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by husband, Wallace Ray Tumlin; parents, Xaver and Maria Strebl.

Survivors include daughters, Rosemarie (Rex) Sullivan, of Evensville; two brothers and one sister, Xaver and Karl Strebl and Mathilda Strebl, all of Germany; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be 1 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Harold Edmonds and Rev. John Anderson officiating.

Burial in French Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Greg Carlton, Duane Weller, Bobby, Joshua, Matthew and Jeremiah Sullivan.

Visitation from 5-9 p.m. today at Coulter-Garrrison Funeral Home, Dayton.

GEORGIA

Darel Henderson

CHICKAMAUGA — Darel Clayton Henderson, 79, passed away Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

He was born in Harlan County, Ky., to the late Borders A. and Jessie Ruth Raines Henderson.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam and Korean War and retired after 20 years of service. During his service he received the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device 1960, two Overseas Service Stars, Good Medal and the 3d Award. After retiring from the military, he worked at Rossville Yarn & Spinning and Downey's Auto Parts. He was of the Protestant faith.

He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Henderson-Bell, of Chickamauga; son, Clayton Wayne Henderson, of LaFayette, Ga.; brother, Thelbert D. Henderson, of Nashville; grandchildren, Brandon Bell, Chris (Laura) Henderson and Katy Henderson; great-grandson, Carson Bell; several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends today from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at Pleasantview Cemetery in Graysville, Tenn., with Minister Tim Dodd officiating.

Online register book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes, J. Avery Bryan Chapel, Chickamauga.

Monroe O’Dell

TRENTON — John Monroe O’Dell, 76, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

Funeral services noon EDT Thursday at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Higdon.

Burial in Fuller Cemetery, Ider, Ala.

Visitation today 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home, Bryant, Ala. and Thursday 10 a.m.- noon at the church.

Fred Pitts

CHICKAMAUGA — William Fred Pitts, 57, passed away Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

He was a lifelong resident of Northwest Georgia and of the Baptist faith. He was known for his sense of humor and he loved to cook on his grill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Frances Pitts; son, Daniel Pitts; and sister, Elizabeth Pitts Kirby.

He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Carmen Pitts; daughter, Tiffany Pitts (Ryan) Avila, of Savannah, Ga; son, Aaron (Erica) Pitts, of Flintstone; three stepchildren, Tammy Plemons, of Rossville, Lew Myers II, of Chickamauga, and Tony Myers, of Chattanooga; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Steven Kellogg officiating.

Interment will follow at Forrest Hills Cemetery, Chattanooga.

The family will receive friends all day today and prior to the service Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Forgotten Childs Christmas Foundation.

Arrangements by W.L. Wilson and Sons Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe.

Danny Sorrells

LYERLY — Danny Lee Sorrells, 27, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.

Survivors, caregivers, Jeff Dotson, Laura Dotson, Dwight Dotson, Zack Dotson; father, Dwight Sorrells; mother, Paulette Sorrells; brothers, Michael Sorrells, Quinton Youther.

Funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday at Mason Funeral Home, Summerville.

Visitation is noon until 2 p.m.

Thursday.

ALABAMA

Dorothy Blaylock

IDER — Dorothy Blaylock, 85, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2009, at Cloverdale Nursing Home.

Mrs. Blaylock was a member of Ider Baptist Church.

Survivors include daughters, Myra Thomas and Karen Hughes, Ider; sister, Loretta Faye Holland, Nashville; grandchildren, Chris, David and Ernie Hughes, Shane and Becky Blaylock, Deidre Dixson, Todd and Brad Thomas; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Christen, Jessica, McKenzie, Morgan, Kirt, Ella, Kayla, Chelsey, Tucker and Zane.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Nov. 19, at 11 a.m. CST at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Rev. Chris Guinn and Rev. Brad Thomas officiating. Burial in Lakewood Memorial Gardens South.

Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. CST today and 9 a.m. until service time Thursday.

Billy White

PISGAH — Billy Blake White Sr., 75, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at his residence.

His service will be Thursday Nov. 19, 2009, at 2 p.m. CST in Kerby Funeral Home Chapel.

Interment in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

OTHER AREAS

Ann Donnally

McMINNVILLE, Ore. — Ann deJarnette Donnally died Monday, Nov. 9, 2009.

She was born in 1921 the daughter of Harriett Lyons deJarnette and Rev. Lyle deJarnette. Raised in Soddy, Tenn., where her father was the Congregational Minister.

She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Donnally Davidson and Mary Donnally Lamoreux.

Michael Riley

GALVESTON — Michael D. Riley, 62, passed away unexpectedly in Galveston Sunday night, Nov. 15, 2009.

Mike was born in Chicago, Ill., on July 30, 1947, to Earl and Lola Scarborough Riley, and the family moved to Mount Pleasant, Texas, when he was an infant.

Mike graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1965 and began his career with Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation, Inc., at the Baker Hotel in Dallas the same year. Well-known and admired by fellow employees, friends and business associates, he remained with the same company throughout his entire career, and was President of Moody Gardens and Vice President-Operations for Gal-Tex at the time of his death.

Mike held a number of progressively responsible positions with Gal-Tex, first as an accountant, then in sales and marketing, food and beverage and finally property management. He transferred from the Baker in Dallas to the Read House in Chattanooga, then to Kingsport, Tenn., where he was General Manager of what was then the Ramada Inn.

In Tennessee, he was President of the Upper East Tennessee Tourism Bureau, a member of the Tennessee Governor’s Council on Tourism, a member of the Board of Directors of Holsten Valley Hospital, a member of the board of Junior Achievement, a member of the Board of Adult Education at Dobyns-Bennett High School, and active in Kiwanis.

Mike was named Vice President of Gal-Tex and moved to Galveston in 1985. He became Executive Director of Moody Gardens Inc., 10 years later, serving as the company’s on-site representative during the construction of the Discovery Museum, Moody Gardens Hotel and the Aquarium Pyramid. He was named President of Moody Gardens, Inc., in 2000, overseeing the entire operation of Moody Gardens while performing his duties as Vice President-Operations of Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation.

In Galveston, Mike served as a member of the Galveston Park Board of Trustees, a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Travel Industry Association, Salvation Army, Galveston Airport Advisory Committee and United Way of Galveston.

Predeceased by his parents, Mike is survived by his wife, Vicky Sparks Riley, of Galveston; son, Michael Brian Riley, and his wife, Susan, and daughters, Grace and Caroline, all of Hendersonville, Tenn.; sister, Joan Cromwell and her husband, Phillip, and their daughter, Traci Krause; and brother, James, his wife, Karla, all of Mount Pleasant.

The family requests donations be made to the Salvation Army in Galveston in lieu of flowers.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bates, Cooper and Sloan Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant, Texas, and funeral services are planned for 10 a.m. Saturday at Nevills Chapel in Mount Pleasant.

A Galveston memorial service is planned for December 1 at Moody Gardens.