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Obituaries

Charles Thomas Cagle

Charles Thomas Cagle, 86, passed away peacefully Aug. 15, 2026, at his home after a long illness.

He grew up in Knoxville, the son of Frederick Eules Cagle and Gracie Mae Tittle Cagle. He became a Christian at an early age while attending Elm Street Baptist Church. He loved and participated in all kinds of sports, especially football.

Charles graduated from Young High School and joined the U.S. Navy, where he traveled throughout the Pacific. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Sandra Lunsford.

After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Charles was employed by the Anderson County school system as a speech pathologist for 30 years, spending most of his career at Lake City Elementary School. He later earned two additional college degrees from Union College and Tennessee Tech.

In retirement, Charles enjoyed golfing with his friends, traveling, spending time with his family and attending Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Gracie Cagle; his sister, Glenda; and his brother, Jim Cagle.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sandra Cagle; daughter, Kimberly (Keith) Burnett; grandsons, Kaleb (Abbey) Burnett and Keaton Burnett; sisters, Darlene Sharp and Annette (Darrell) Catlett; brother-in-law, Darrell (Brenda) Lunsford; sister-in-law, Gloria Lunsford; and several nieces and nephews.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of UT Hospice for their care.

The family will receive friends at noon Thursday at Woodhaven Cemetery, with the service and burial to follow. The Rev. Teresa McClure will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Keith Burnett, Kaleb Burnett, Keaton Burnett, Darrell Lunsford, Darrell Catlett and Jeff Catlett.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an animal shelter of the donor’s choice.

Ronnie Edward Haggard

Ronnie Edward Haggard, 81, of Claxton, passed away Aug. 14, 2026, in Otto, North Carolina.

He was of the Baptist faith. Ronnie loved watching Westerns, tinkering with old motors and showing them off at flea markets.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Haggard; sister, Pat Morgan; brothers, William Haggard, Dale Haggard and Danny Haggard; and brothers-in-law, Virgil West and Lloyd Lee.

Ronnie is survived by his daughter, Jessica Scruggs and husband Darin; sons, Chris Haggard and wife Diana, Brian Haggard and wife Amanda, and Jason Haggard and Stephanie; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Stella West and Hazel Lee; brothers, Gary Haggard, and David Haggard and wife Debra; sister-in-law, Betty Haggard; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at Jones Mortuary. A graveside service and interment will follow at 2 p.m. at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens.

Jones Mortuary is honored to serve the Haggard family.

Allen Martin Linkes

Allen Martin Linkes of Clinton, Tennessee, passed into the arms of the Lord on Aug. 12, 2026. Allen was born Feb. 15, 1944, to Ashley Dalton Linkes and Nina Ruth Linkes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pat Linkes; the mother of his children, Joyce Linkes; siblings, Billie Loveday, Ashley Dalton Linkes Sr., Joan Heaton, Edith Shockley, David Linkes, Gayle Linkes and Lynn Linkes; and his precious grandson, Jonah Linkes.

Allen is survived by his brother, Paul Linkes; children, Katherine Bumgardner and David Wallace, Melissa and Robert Nolan, and Todd and Sonja Linkes; grandchildren, Adam Bumgardner and Jessi Jones, Chad Nolan and Morgan Whaley, Ashley and Ryan Human, Isaac Nolan and Lauren Eiler, Ada Nolan, Josh Linkes, and Sarah Linkes and Diego Wallace; great-grandchildren, Tavyn Bumgardner, Gabriel Bumgardner and Rhett Nolan, with great-grandson Reed Allen Nolan expected soon; and his best friend and loyal companion, Julie Osborne. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Allen graduated from Clinton High School in 1962. Throughout his life, he worked as a barber, musician and brick mason, but whatever he did, he left an impression on the people around him.

Music was a great part of Allen’s life. He played throughout East Tennessee and became well known in the area. He performed on the Cas Walker Show, played on local radio stations and in nightclubs, and had the opportunity to sing on the same stage as Dolly Parton on many occasions.

His love of music was also an important part of his faith. As a member of Dutch Valley Baptist Church, Allen faithfully played his guitar and sang at church every Sunday and many Wednesdays. He also loved the University of Tennessee Volunteers, especially when he could watch them with his children and family.

To many, Allen was known as the “Chimney Doctor.” He worked as a brick mason for decades and helped build many local buildings, including the DOE Federal Building and the Appalachian Underwriter building. For more than 50 years, he built and repaired chimneys throughout the area. There was rarely a street in Clinton or Oak Ridge that Allen could travel down without pointing out a house where he had worked.

His family extends its thanks to all his loyal customers.

Allen never really stopped working. Even from his ICU bed, he was still giving directions to make sure a job was finished. That was simply who he was. He also never stopped preaching, sharing his faith, telling people he loved them and making everyone around him laugh.

Allen suffered an aortic aneurysm and miraculously survived it. His family believes God gave them three more precious weeks with him so he could continue preaching and sharing His message, make sure the people he loved knew exactly how much he loved them, and give his family final closure.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 22 at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. The funeral will follow, with the Rev. Ryan Human officiating.

Family and friends will gather at Grandview Memorial Garden for a graveside service at 2 p.m. Aug. 23.

Serving as pallbearers will be Adam Bumgardner, Chad Nolan, Isaac Nolan, Josh Linkes, Gabriel Bumgardner and Justin Linkes.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to serve the Linkes family.

holleygamble.com

Dorothy Roxanna McFarland

Dorothy Roxanna McFarland, 65, of Clinton passed away Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.

Dorothy, affectionately known as “Peanut,” had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She had a special love for cats, especially her beloved Tiger, who held a cherished place in her heart.

Dorothy enjoyed spending time working in her yard and took great pleasure in watching Madea movies. She will be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit and the simple joys that brought her happiness.

She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Joyce Ann and Luther Lane; and her father, Kelly White.

She is survived by her husband of eight years, Wayne Carden; son, Christopher McFarland and his children; brother, Raymond Lane; and special friends, Chris Braden and his girlfriend, Ashley Taylor, Don Bailey, and Carolyn and Wayne Roberts.

The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. A graveside service was held Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, at Farmers Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to serve the McFarland family.

holleygamble.com

Robert “Bobby” Edward Chastain

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert “Bobby” Edward Chastain of Clinton on Aug. 2, 2026, at the age of 78.

Bobby was born July 25, 1948, in Oak Ridge. He was a graduate of Clinton High School and the University of Tennessee, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business. He was also a certified master plumber.

Bobby lived a life filled with laughter and a genuine appreciation for the simple things. He could often be found “piddling” around his houses. He enjoyed walking and biking around town, where he was sure to see friends and catch up. He loved traveling to family reunions in Georgia, the mountains, the beach or wherever the road took him.

He served as a Clinton city councilman, where he strived to improve the community he loved. He was also involved with the Friends of the Library, where he supported lifelong learning and literacy. Bobby had a genuine interest in politics and enjoyed thoughtful conversations about current events and public affairs.

More than anything, Bobby treasured time with his family and friends, whether sharing stories or simply enjoying each other’s company. His warm smile and easygoing nature will be remembered by all who knew him.

Bobby was preceded in death by his wife, Angelyn “Angie” Chastain; parents, Robert D. and Etta Chastain; and brother, Jerry Chastain.

He is survived by his daughter, Bobbie Harris (AJ); sons, Chase Chastain (Marina) and Danny Williams; grandchildren, Zeke Harris, Zoe Harris, Zane Harris, Madison Welch (Nicholas), Aston Williams, Kaden Williams and Kinley Williams; and great-grandchildren, Nihanna and Mordecai Welch, who will forever cherish the love, wisdom and memories he leaves behind.

Though he will be deeply missed, Bobby’s legacy of kindness, generosity and joy in life’s simple pleasures will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Jones Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Robert Chastain.

Melody Perry Holloway (“Mimi”)

Melody Perry Holloway, affectionately known as “Mimi,” beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away Aug. 1, 2026, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, at the age of 65.

Born Jan. 27, 1961, in Morristown, Tennessee, Melody lived a life defined by warmth, deep faith and an extraordinary capacity to love others well.

For 27 years, Melody was a dedicated professional at Estate Planning Enterprises, where her hard work and care touched countless lives. Beyond her career, her heart was firmly rooted in her community and faith. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Hendersonville for more than 25 years and was an active member of the local Kiwanis Club.

To know Melody was to know her quick wit, generous spirit and love for storytelling. She found her greatest joy in the simple, beautiful moments of life: scenic car rides, snuggling up with a good book or classic movie, and spending precious time with her family. Christmas held a special place in her heart, and she took immense delight in turning her home into a cozy, festive sanctuary for those she loved.

Melody is survived by her devoted husband, Russell Holloway; children, Olivia Holloway and Thomas Holloway (Amber); stepson, Keith Holloway (Erin); grandchildren, Stella, Donna, Cooper and Graham; nephew, Matthew Perry (Christy); and great-nephew, Jackson.

A celebration of Melody’s life was held Monday, Aug. 17, in the chapel of First Baptist Hendersonville, 106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd., with visitation from 9-11 a.m. and the service following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Melody’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause reflecting her generous heart and desire to care for others.

Arrangements were entrusted to Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside in Hendersonville, (615)822-4442. www.sumnerfuneral.com

Michael Scott Golden Sr.

Michael Scott Golden Sr., known to family and friends as Scott, 69, of Clinton, passed away July 27, 2026.

Scott lived a life defined by service, advocacy and hard work. A proud U.S. Navy chief petty officer who served aboard the USS Midway, he remained committed to supporting his fellow veterans long after his military service ended.

He contributed to advocacy and legislative efforts that helped shape major updates to the GI Bill. He traveled frequently to Washington, D.C., as part of his advocacy work and helped advance legislation establishing government contracting set-asides for veteran-owned businesses, providing veterans with opportunities comparable to those available to other federally recognized disadvantaged business groups.

Scott was actively involved with Rolling Thunder, a veterans motorcycle advocacy organization, and served as president of a local chapter. Through that work, he rode in support of veterans’ rights, accountability for prisoners of war and those missing in action, and proper recognition for those who served.

Throughout his career, Scott led and supported major staffing efforts during times of national need. He helped coordinate personnel following hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked with McKesson Corp. to recruit and organize workers who stocked warehouses supporting Moderna’s vaccine operations. He also collaborated with an Australian team working to develop safer military vehicles.

Scott enjoyed riding his motorcycle, working out at the gym and caring for his lawn, landscaping and garden. Above all, he loved his family deeply and took great pride in providing for and spending time with those closest to him.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. Golden and Nell Golden; brother, Walter Golden; and grandparents, Cecil and Louise Golden and Walter and Delilah Davis.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary L. Golden; son, Michael Scott Golden II and his wife, Yulun; daughter, Maria Nia and her husband, Rez; sister, Janelle Golden; and other extended family members and special friends.

The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. The Campbell County Honor Guard presented military honors at 2 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to serve the Golden family.

Robert Lee Powers

Robert Lee Powers, known as Bobby to many, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on July 18, 2026. He was 67.

Raised in East Tennessee, Robert was a 1978 graduate of Halls High School. He later earned his nursing degree from the University of Tennessee in 1996.

As a devoted nurse, Robert dedicated his career to helping people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. He brought exceptional skill, calm reassurance and compassion to every person he encountered.

Robert was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Dee Ann (Parks); son, Thomas; daughter, Stephanie; eight cherished siblings; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members whose lives were enriched by his love.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Hula Powers.

Robert will be remembered for his extraordinary kindness. He possessed remarkable wisdom and a steadfast faith that made him a source of comfort and guidance for many.

Robert’s legacy is one of service, generosity, faithfulness and love. The countless lives he touched stand as a lasting testament to the man he was. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A service celebrating Robert’s life was held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 25.