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Obituaries

Shelby Lucas Drinkwater

Shelby Lucas Drinkwater, 84, of Clinton, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.

She was born June 26, 1940, in Dungannon, Virginia, and graduated from Dungannon High School in 1957. Shelby loved spending time outdoors and had a passion for gardening and flowers.

Her steadfast love for her husband, Watson Drinkwater III, was a radiant example of devotion. She cherished him for more than 60 beautiful years until his passing in March 2024. Shelby’s boundless love for others and her refusal to complain were testaments to her uplifting spirit. She especially treasured time spent with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Watson Drinkwater III; her parents, Grover and Edna Lucas; and her brother, Kenneth Lucas.

She is survived by her son, Richard Drinkwater; her sister, Carol Lucas of Dungannon, Virginia; and many cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.

A graveside service will follow at Grandview Memorial Garden.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.

holleygamble.com.

Frances Edna Dunlap Lowe

Frances Edna Dunlap Lowe, 72, of Clinton passed away at home on Feb. 3, 2025, on Laurel Hollow Road due to heart failure.

Born Dec. 17, 1952, in Clinton, she was the daughter of Frank and Bobbie Dunlap. In her early years, she enjoyed crime TV, working in her flower garden, and spending quiet time at home. After being a stay-at-home mother, she worked at numerous retail establishments, the Anderson County Office on Aging, and as an in-home care provider for seniors.

She is survived by her brother, Rob Dunlap, and his wife, Mary, of Knoxville; a niece, Jeana Dunlap Kunz, and her husband, Brad, as well as their children, Kayla and Callen, of Wagener, S.C.; a stepson, Dwight Hill of Clinton; and a grandson, Jerry Kerby of Clinton.

In addition to her husband, J.R. Lowe, and her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Curt Dunlap; sons, Bobby Joe May and Lynn May; and her nephew, Scot Dunlap, all of Clinton.

In accordance with her wishes, Ms. Lowe will be cremated, and a private service will be held.

holleygamble.com

Roger W. Sharp

Roger W. Sharp, 71, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed away Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.

He was born Aug. 4, 1953, in Lake City, Tennessee, to Russell and Elizabeth Martin Sharp. He was a 1971 graduate of Jefferson City High School. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, R.T. Sharp.

Roger dedicated his career to the family-owned grocery business. He worked at Piggly Wiggly locations in Jefferson City, Lake City, Clinton, and Strawberry Plains before purchasing his own store in 2005, operating Gateway IGA in Rockwood, Tennessee.

He loved his work and community. In his 54 years in business, Roger employed many high school and college students, often giving them their first jobs and helping prepare them for the working world. He led by example, working diligently and prioritizing customer service. He never asked an employee to do anything he wouldn’t do himself, treating his staff with fairness and respect. In turn, the employees had great respect for him and learned lessons he hoped would serve them well in their futures.

His customers frequently praised his store as the cleanest they had ever visited, and appreciated his friendly and helpful employees.

Over the years, Roger turned many customers into dear friends and extended family, who would often seek him out when they came into the store to share life events with him. Whether it was happy news like weddings and births, or sad news of health issues or lost loved ones, they knew Roger would be there to listen and share kind, encouraging words and support. They showed their care and support by bringing in goodies for him and Mary to share, from pies and cakes to chicken noodle soup. He appreciated every bite.

It was rare for Roger to go anywhere in Knox, Anderson, or Roane County without running into someone who knew him from the stores. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed University of Tennessee sports, antique cars, and traveling.

Roger leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Maples Sharp. He is also survived by his son, Charles “Chuck” Sharp; grandchildren, Courtney Sharp and Tyler Sharp; great-grandson, Miles Griffin; brothers, Ron Sharp and Kenny Sharp (Robin); sister, Donna Sharp; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. ET Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. The funeral will follow at 8 p.m. with Chaplain Bruce K. Foster officiating. Graveside and entombment services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Powell, Tennessee.

The family extends their gratitude to Covenant Health Homecare and Hospice for their care during Roger’s final weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Evans Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Roger W. Sharp.

Salvatore William Varsalona

Salvatore “Sal” William Varsalona, 60, passed away suddenly on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025.

Sal was born Oct. 19, 1964, in Jersey City, New Jersey. In 1993, he became an attorney and began his practice in Clinton, Tennessee, where he practiced until his death.

Sal brought love and light to those around him and was known for giving everyone a nickname. He lived to serve others and had a gift for bringing hope to any situation — even if it was hoping Notre Dame would win another championship. He dearly loved his family, his many friends and his church family. He was a member of Main Street Baptist Church, and he will always be remembered for his beautiful voice and his talent on the trumpet.

On Sunday, he was received with tremendous love into God’s mercy and abundant grace. We rejoice in the precious promise of Heaven.

Sal was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Varsalona. He is survived by his mother, Linda Varsalona; his sister, Angel Varsalona Sexton (Wade); nephews Samuel Sexton (Raelin), Ben Sexton (Claire) and Noah Sexton; great-nephews Maverick and Walker Sexton; great-niece Kollins Sexton; special friends Catherine and John Walter George; and many other friends and colleagues in the legal community.

A celebration of life was held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at Main Street Baptist Church in Rocky Top, Tennessee, with the Rev. Wayne Phillips officiating.

Sal loved young people. He was a member of the Joy Singers for 24 years, where he helped mold many young lives. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made toward a new youth facility at Main Street Baptist Church, P.O. Box 405, Rocky Top, TN 37769.

Barbara Ann Walls Hensley

Barbara Ann Walls Hensley, 88, of Clinton passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born April 8, 1936, to Algie and Pearl Walls of Oliver Springs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank V. Hensley; brothers, Clyde Hicks and Benjamin Walls; and sisters, Frances Johnson and Mable Goans.

She is survived by her sons, Brian Hensley and wife, Elaine, of Nashville, and Michael Hensley and wife, Kathie, of Clinton; grandchildren, Amber Pebley and husband, Bo, of Clinton, and Eric Hensley and wife, Nikki, of Murfreesboro; great-grandchildren, Brook, Aubrey and Piper Pebley of Clinton; Caroline, Aubrey and Christian Hensley of Murfreesboro; and Tyler Hensley of Nashville. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was a member of Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. She worked as a reading assistant for more than 10 years in Anderson County Schools.

She loved decorating, gardening and, most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.

holleygamble.com

Susie Marie Collins

Susie Marie Collins, 96, of Heiskell passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville.

She was born Oct. 10, 1928, to John Columbus and Rachel Elizabeth Wolfenburger.

Susie loved her family and friends. She was a very strong-willed person.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Collins; daughters, LaVern Perry and Linda Wilkerson; son, Jimmie Collins; and sister, Frances Cooper.

She is survived by her sons, Jerry Collins and wife, Dorothy, of Maynardville; Larry Collins and wife, Audrey, of Oak Ridge; and Barry Collins and wife, Lori, of Halls; son-in-law, David Wilkerson of Heiskell; sister-in-law, Wanda Collins of Heiskell; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jones Mortuary. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. in the chapel, officiated by Pastor Dwayne Fortner. A graveside service was held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at New Loyston Memorial Garden in Maynardville.

Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to serve the family of Susie Marie Collins.

Ricky D. Williams

Ricky D. Williams, 67, of Norris passed away Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 24, 1957, in Marietta, Ohio, to Kenneth and Ruby Williams.

Ricky was a lifelong member and former youth director at Bethel Baptist Church. He retired after 25 years as a firefighter at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He also earned an associate degree in photography from Pellissippi State Community College.

He served as assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 73 in Norris and was a former assistant track coach at Anderson County High School.

His passion for photography was evident in every picture he took, and many will remember his exceptional photos of Anderson County High School athletes over the years. He captured thousands of images of these athletes, often recalling unique details about each one.

Ricky had a special place in his heart for teens struggling with mental illness or facing difficult circumstances. He dedicated many hours to Mispacha, an organization focused on preventing teen suicide, helping countless young people across the country. Although he did not have children of his own, he was a father figure to many throughout the nation.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Lynn Williams.

He is survived by his twin brother, Randy Williams of Norris; nephews, Zack Williams and wife, Brooke, of LaFollette, and Drew Williams of Norris; nieces, Olivia Williams and Chantel Fleming and husband, Dakota, of Clinton; great-nieces and nephews, Maleah, Carter, Ruby and Hendrix Fleming of Clinton; sister-in-law, Laura Williams of Harriman; and special friend, Jeri Ann Stonecipher of Cleveland.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church. A service will follow with the Revs. Darryl Taylor, David Seiber and Bo Pebley officiating.

Friends and family will meet at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at Holley- Gamble Funeral Home and proceed to the Bethel Baptist Church cemetery for an 11 a.m. graveside service.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.

holleygamble.com.

Harold A. Whitson

Harold A. Whitson, 84, of Clinton passed away peacefully on Jan. 30, 2025.

Born in Corbin, Kentucky, Harold moved with his family to Oak Ridge in 1955. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kettry Earl Whitson Sr. and Ruth Peace Whitson, and his siblings, Raymond L. O’Neal, Walter Whitson, Patricia O’Neal Terrell and Brenda Kay Edwards.

While attending Oak Ridge High School, he was a member of the 1958 national and state championship football teams. He went on to attend Western Kentucky University on a football scholarship, and later studied at the University of Tennessee.

Harold served as president of H-S Whitson Construction for 12 years before retiring. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling across the country and exploring new and interesting places. He was a faithful member of Claxton Church of Christ.

An avid fisherman, he cast his line in waters ranging from the Everglades to Alaska.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years and fishing partner, Cheryl D. Whitson; his son, H. Stephen Whitson (Shannon); daughters, Susan Whitson Hodges (Michael), Robin Hann Atkins (Wayne) and Merri Hann Everett (Chad); and several grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings, Phil Whitson, Zona Whitson, Ket Whitson and David Whitson.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, with a service to follow. A graveside service will be held immediately afterward at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

holleygamble.com