Patricia “Pat” Chamblee
May 2, 2025
Patricia “Pat” Chamblee, 74, of Clinton passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
She was born June 6, 1950, in Fraterville, Tennessee, to Leo and Juanita Chamblee.
Pat was a longtime member of Clinton Church of God, where she served for many years as a Girls’ Club teacher for God’s Little Lambs. She treasured her time with her granddaughters, Sarah and Cassie, above all else.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Joan Weaver and Rebecca Cagle; and brother, Steve Chamblee.
She is survived by her son, Chris Chamblee and wife, Amanda, of Clinton; granddaughters, Sarah Chamblee and Cassie Chamblee, both of Clinton; sisters, Caroline Miller, Leona Rush and Anna Chamblee, all of Clinton; brothers, David Chamblee and wife, Kathy, of Florida, Dan Chamblee and wife, Happi, of Clinton, and Mark Chamblee and wife, Margaret, of Clinton; and her beloved granddog, Luke. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.
A funeral followed in the chapel, officiated by her brother, Mark Chamblee.
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Woodhaven Memorial Garden.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com.
Ronald Lynn Johnson
May 1, 2025
“Old Soldiers Never Die, They Only Fade Away”
Ronald Lynn Johnson passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love and tears of his family and the dedicated staff at Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans Home. He was born at home on Park Road in Clinton on Feb. 7, 1941, to Corrina Mae (Wallace) Johnson and Henry Sherman Johnson, the youngest of six sons.
Ronald was a retired master sergeant in the U.S. Army with a 22-year career as an infantry paratrooper. He began his military service at age 15 with the Tennessee National Guard, and enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from Clinton High School in 1958.
His career included combat tours with the 82nd Airborne Division in the Dominican Republic in 1965 and with the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) in Vietnam in 1965 and 1966. His service took him across the globe, including assignments in Korea and multiple tours in Germany. During his first tour in Berlin, Germany, he met and married his wife of 49 years, Hedwig “Heda” (Knaus) Johnson.
Their first child, Hans-Jurgen, was born in Berlin; daughter Kyra was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and son Erick Andreas was born in Knoxville while Ronald was engaged in heavy fighting in Vietnam. Ronald embraced the German language and culture through his love for Heda, and he cherished the time spent with her family in Butzbach, Germany.
Ronald’s military honors include: National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army Occupation Medal (Germany), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart (for wounds received in action in Republic of Vietnam on May 11 1966), Army Commendation Medal for Heroism (for exceptionally valorous action on May 11, 1966, near Bu Gia Map, Republic of Vietnam), Army Commendation Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster for Heroism (Sept. 21, 1966, near Tuy Hoa, Vietnam), Bronze Star Medal (for meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force, Republic of Vietnam, Jan. 1-Nov. 11, 1966), Expert Infantryman Badge and the Good Conduct Medal.
Ron retired from Fort Bragg, his last military duty station to Andersonville in 1979, where he and Heda became active grandparents and built a welcoming home along the banks of the Clinch River much enjoyed by family and friends. They became active members of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He later worked for 10 years as an energy advisor for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Ron believed that his military service would be his legacy, but those who knew him would say his greatest legacy lay in the deep bonds he formed with family and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Heda (1940–2013), he was preceded in death by his five brothers: Carl Lee Johnson (born 1925), Byron Trent Johnson (1926), George Wallace Johnson (1928), Roy Paul Johnson (1931), and Sherman Johnson Jr. (1933).
He is survived by his children, Hans-Jurgen Johnson, Kyra Johnson and Erick Andreas Johnson; five grandchildren, Joshua, Justin, Travis, Taylor and Aden; and nine great-grandchildren, Krissy, Jared, Jasada, Ally, Cole Wade, Heidi, Little Justin, Aunah and Summer.
Services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3425 Andersonville Highway, Andersonville, TN, 37705, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11 a.m..
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Columbarium Fund.
Arrangements are by Cremation Options, Inc., 865-6WE-CARE (693-2273), cremationoptionsinc.com.
Barbara Ann Graham
April 27, 2025
Barbara Ann Graham, 68, of Clinton passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Knoxville.
She was born Nov. 13, 1956, to Herman and Barbara Williams. Barbara was a devoted Christian and a longtime member of North Clinton Baptist Church.
She was a loving and devoted wife to her late husband, Gerald, for 39 years, and selflessly stepped into a parenting role for Jerry, whom she deeply loved along with her cherished grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Graham; and brothers Herman Williams, Ricky Williams, Mike Williams, and Greg Williams.
She is survived by her son, Jerry Graham and his partner, Melinda Williams, of Clinton; sisters Sherry Trent and Jackie Howard, both of Dandridge, Tennessee, and Brenda Carney of Grainger County; grandchildren Jerry Graham III, Nick Graham, Alyssa Graham, Autumn Graham, and Madison Graham; and special nieces Samantha Byrge and Tausha Williams.
The family extends special thanks to Covenant Hospice and Sacred Ground Hospice for their compassionate care.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary, with a funeral immediately following at 7 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Jason Johnson.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Woodhaven Memorial Garden in Powell, Tennessee.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Graham III, Nick Graham, Jason Leinart, Jason Phillips, Adam Sharp, and Robert Gifford.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is serving the Barbara Graham family.
Vicki Washburn Chapman
April 25, 2025
Vicki Washburn Chapman was born May 23, 1954, in Victoria, Texas, to Troy and Ann Washburn.
An Air Force brat, Vicki lived in England, Germany, Arizona and Virginia before the family settled in Tennessee. She graduated from Farragut High School in 1972. In 1986, Vicki married her husband, Mike, and they built a life together in the Claxton community, raising their two sons.
Over the years, she held several jobs, including administrative assistant at her parents’ business, Ridge Metals. She later worked for and retired from Y-12 Federal Credit Union, where she was known as everyone’s “favorite teller.”
Vicki enjoyed time in her garden, caring for her chickens, and hunting for yard sale treasures. You could find her at Aspire Park with her grandchildren enjoying beautiful sunny days.
She is survived by her sons, Cory Chapman and wife, Kristen; and Casey Chapman and wife, Jimmye; grandchildren, Sam, Seeley, Sloane, Caldwell and Cameron; brothers, Scott and Brian Washburn; and best friend, Roni Stubbs.
A celebration of life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Highland View Church in Oak Ridge.
Isaac Cage Matchett
April 20, 2025
Isaac Cage Matchett, 21, of Clinton passed away Sunday, April 20, 2025.
He was born June 25, 2003, in Oak Ridge,
Isaac loved hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed listening to music in his car and visiting the overlook at Norris Dam. Isaac cherished his job and coworkers at Noble Metals in Oak Ridge.
Isaac was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Annie Phillips.
He is survived by his parents, Ben and Angela Matchett; son, Colton Matchett; fiancée, Megan Wright; brothers, Jacob Matchett (fiancée Macy Godsey) and Dillon Matchett; sisters, Alyssa Matchett and Ruby Matchett; niece, Timberly Matchett; grandparents, Frank and Mary Matchett; aunts and uncles, Bobby and Lori Matchett, Georgia Phillips, Melissa Huff, and Keith Phillips; and cousins, Amber Williams, Anna Williams, and Alexandra Williams.
The family received friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary. The funeral followed at 7 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Dustin Bean.
A graveside service was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Sunset Cemetery.
Jones Mortuary is serving the Isaac Matchett family.
Bobby Arthur Leach
April 18, 2025
Bobby Arthur Leach, 82, of Clinton passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on Friday, April 18, 2025. He was born June 1, 1942, in Chattanooga and was born again on June 6, 1965.
Bobby was born to W.H. and Mavia Leach, and was raised in New River by his grandparents, the late Lewis and Belle Coker. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam. After his service, he attended the University of Tennessee on the GI Bill and earned a degree in business administration.
Bobby worked as an ironworker and later became vice president of Ohio Valley Riggers and Erectors Inc. before returning to East Tennessee to enter the coal industry. He was a stockholder in several mining companies and other businesses throughout Tennessee and Kentucky. Following his time in mining, he focused on B&D Equipment Company, Inc., which specializes in large-scale excavation and mining reclamation projects.
A man of deep faith, Bobby was a member of Clinch River Baptist Church. He faithfully attended Sunday School at Clinch River and worship services at Beech Park Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, cheering on Lady Vols basketball, and riding ATVs in the mountains of East Tennessee.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronnie Coker Leach, Jimmy Leach and Doug Leach; his aunt and uncle, Pearl and Reuben Phillips; and his uncle, Verldon Coker — all of whom played vital roles in his upbringing.
He is survived by his children, Lori Ellis and husband Mike of Rocky Top; Robbie Leach and wife Kim of Oliver Springs; and Brad Leach of Somerset, California; grandchildren, Beth Higgins and husband Jon, Brooke Ellis, Blair Martin and husband Brian, Blake Leach and wife Shana, and Kayla Elliott; great-grandchildren, Lola Ellis, Baylor Higgins, Belle Higgins, Zoey Elliott and Rook Leach; brothers, Gary Leach and wife Amy, Randy Leach and Billy Jacobs; sister, Cissy Hurd and husband Steve; and several cousins and many other relatives and friends.
Robbie and Lori extend a heartfelt thank you to the Bob Swisher family for their years of unconditional love, friendship and support for their daddy.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 21, at Beech Park Baptist Church, 1085 E. Tri-County Blvd., Oliver Springs. A funeral followed at 7 p.m., with his son, Robbie Leach, officiating.
A graveside service was be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, at Phillips Cemetery in New River. Pallbearers were David Cofer, Dennis Coday, Jason Bunch, Kerry Templin, Jackie Phillips and Mickey Phillips.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beech Park Baptist Church Building Fund.
Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation is honored to serve the Leach family.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
Stacey Dawn Sievers
April 16, 2025
Stacey Dawn Sievers, 59, of Heiskell, passed away at her residence.
She was born July 29, 1965, in Asheville, North Carolina, and graduated from Clinton High School in the class of 1983. Stacey grew up in the Claxton community.
Her life was a testament to her love of books and writing. She had a deep passion and talent for writing, which she nurtured throughout her life. Her love for reading and collecting books was immeasurable.
She created blogs on Facebook titled “Healing Morning” and “Healing Morning II.”
Stacey also enjoyed crocheting and made many blankets over the years. She especially loved snow and considered it one of nature’s most beautiful sights. She adored Snoopy and all the Peanuts characters, and she had a special fondness for otters.
Stacey’s professional journey was equally diverse and accomplished. She worked with many companies creating websites, producing technical writing, and helping new businesses get started. She was a licensed massage therapist and NAIC tech, and also worked as a makeup artist with Glamour Shots.
Stacey had a loving heart and a generous spirit. She loved many, and loved big.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Billy E. Sievers and Janet Regan Sievers.
She is survived by her brother, Elliott Taylor Sievers and his wife, Lara Strickland Sievers; sister, Paige Lenore Sievers; nephews, Garrett Taylor and Mason Douglas; brother-in-law, Edward J. McGimsey; and caregiver, Lisa B. Ross. She also leaves behind many extended family members and friends. Stacey’s love for her family and friends was as boundless as her other passions, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a library of your choice, or books may be donated in her memory.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
James C. “Jim” Ilar
April 10, 2025
James C. “Jim” Ilar, 81, of Clinton passed away on April 10, 2025. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia, and was a longtime member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.
Jim was a natural-born salesman, working with companies including J.C. Penney, Great Dane and GE Trailers. When he wasn’t working, he could be found fishing on Norris Lake — day and night on the weekends — with his son, Jimmy Ilar, or with friends. He won multiple fishing tournaments on Norris Lake, Watts Bar Lake and Melton Hill Lake, frequently bringing home 10 or more fish per trip.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin C. and Charlotte Ilar; his brother, Paul Ilar; and his son, Jimmy N. “Jim” Ilar.
Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Norma L. Ilar; daughter, Joy L. Ilar; grandsons, Cameron J. McGhee and Landon J. McGhee, both of Clinton; granddaughters, Molli I. (Sam) Nyburg and great-grandson, Hyland Nyburg, all of Knoxville, Emmalee I. Hart and family, Lenzi I. Valedon and family, and Sarah Ilar; several great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
He is also survived by sisters-in-law Barb (Andy) Darnell and Nancie (David) Butler; nieces, Jessica Henry and Jennifer Parris; great-nephews, Brandon D. McGhee, Ryan D. McGhee and Joshua Lloyd; great-niece, Maggie Lloyd; and Jason (Ashley) McGhee.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be planned by his wife and daughter.
