Virgil Thomas Callaway Jr.
December 17, 2025
Virgil Thomas “Tommy” Callaway Jr., 87, of Norris passed away Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, at Tennova North Medical Center in Powell.
He was born Feb. 13, 1938, in Beckley, West Virginia, to Virgil and Faye Callaway Sr.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark Callaway.
He is survived by his wife, Gale Callaway of Norris; son, Michael Callaway of Norris; sisters, Jerry Crenshaw of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Becky Rosenbaum of Clinton.
Tommy was a loving son, husband, father and brother. He was always willing to help anyone in need. He began working right out of high school with Bill Dyer Sign Company and eventually retired from Signco.
Jones Mortuary of Clinton is honored to serve the family of Virgil Thomas Callaway Jr.
Whitney Hammond
December 13, 2025
Whitney Hammond, 49, of Powell passed away suddenly Dec. 13, 2025, after spending a wonderful day celebrating Christmas — his favorite time of year — with friends and family.
Whitney was the kind of man who made everyone around him feel special. He had a gift for lighting up every room he entered, and if you knew him, you loved him. He approached life with intention and purpose, making every day count. His kindness, sincerity and generous heart touched all who were fortunate to know him.
A devoted husband, Whitney adored his wife, Melissa, throughout their 25 years of marriage, creating a storybook life filled with love and adventure. As a father, he was everything a dad should be — present, supportive and loving beyond measure. His son, Cole, 21, wasn’t just his child but his best friend, while his daughter, Presley, 17, remained his baby girl no matter her age.
Whitney was a man of many talents — there was nothing he couldn’t do. By profession, he was a logistics manager, but his true passion was adventure. He loved traveling to new places, spending time at the lake, riding Jeeps through the mountains, and creating epic memories with his family. Born and raised in Norris, he made Powell his home and filled it with laughter and love.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patsy Hammond; grandparents, Carolyn and Clifford Overton and Drew and Betty Hammond; and his uncle, James Overton.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Melissa Hammond; son, Cole Hammond; daughter, Presley Hammond; father, William Hammond; brother, James “Jimbo” Hammond and wife, Sherry; aunts, Erin Humphrey and husband, Danny, and Kay Weaver and husband, Jim; uncle, Patrick Hammond; mother-in-law, Cathy Wilson; numerous cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews; and countless friends who became family.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel, 2000 Powell Drive, Powell. The funeral followed. Guests were invited to honor Whitney by wearing their favorite tie-dye, band T-shirts or Christmas attire.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Whitney Hammond Powell High School Band Scholarship or a trust being established to benefit Cole and Presley. The family will share more details as they become available.
Whitney’s life was a testament to love, family, friendship and living fully. Though he was taken far too soon, the mark he left on this world and the hearts of those who loved him will never be forgotten.
James “Alex” Carroll
December 12, 2025
James A. Carroll, better known as Alex, passed away on Dec. 12, 2025. He was born on Jan. 12, 1958.
A graduate of Oak Ridge High School, Class of 1976, Alex met the love of his life, Tamela “Tami” Chapman Carroll, during those years. Their love story began in high school and continued through 37 years of marriage, spent building a life together in Oak Ridge filled with love, laughter and deep devotion. Tami preceded him in death in 2018, and Alex never stopped loving her.
Alex spent most of his career in radio advertising, where he stood out as a natural-born salesman. His gift for conversation and ability to connect with others made him unforgettable in both his professional and personal life. A music lover at heart, Alex especially cherished his time doing sound for the popular local band Boys Night Out — memories he often spoke of with great joy.
An avid golfer until he could no longer play, Alex enjoyed the game and loved talking about it with friends and family. He was known for his quick wit, engaging personality and unmistakable laugh — traits that made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Family meant everything to Alex. He was preceded in death by his wife, Tami Carroll; his parents, James E. and Nancy W. Carroll; his sister, Martha Bridges; his father-in-law, John M. Chapman; and his mother-in-law, Cindy E. Chapman.
Survivors include his sister, Cathy Freels (Doug); his brother-in-law and close friend, John M. Chapman; his sisters-in-law, Chery Vesser, Linda Brackins (Mark), and Leslie Woodall (Jeff); and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who loved him dearly.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at Weatherford Mortuary in Oak Ridge.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Alex’s memory to the food pantry at Brysonn’s Closet, 350 N. Illinois Ave., Oak Ridge, TN 37830, or to a Parkinson’s disease nonprofit in your area.
Alvin Jones
December 10, 2025
Alvin Jones, 81, of Oliver Springs passed away peacefully at home while holding the hand of his loving wife.
A true outdoorsman at heart, Alvin enjoyed motorcycles, hunting, fishing and spending time in nature. He was a master carpenter whose craftsmanship left a lasting mark on many homes and buildings throughout the community, including his contribution to the renovation and construction of Sharp Funeral Home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Isabell Jones; a son, Richard Jones; and a niece, Lavonna England.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Jenna Jones; sons, David Jones and Keith Jones; a daughter, Brooke Jones; a nephew, Aaron Jones (Randa); great-nieces, Deanna England and Kalleen England; a great-nephew, Briar England; and a host of other family members and friends.
The family invites all who knew and loved Alvin to gather in remembrance Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs from 2-5 p.m. Those who wish may take part in one of Jones’ favorite pastimes, knife trading. Guests are also encouraged to share stories and memories as his life is remembered.
Sharp Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jones family during this time.
Lionel Franklin Edwards
December 9, 2025
Lionel Franklin Edwards, of Pioneer, formerly of Andersonville, passed away Dec. 9, 2025.
Lionel lived a quiet, outdoorsman’s life and found his greatest peace in the mountains and woods he loved.
He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and digging for ginseng, and he carried a true sportsman’s spirit throughout his life.
He also had a natural talent for drawing, and found joy in listening to music, especially rock and roll. Over the years, he cared for several beloved pets who were his loving companions.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly; mother, Gladys Edwards; brother, Shannon Edwards (Melissa); sisters, Vickie Edwards (Patrick) and Alicia Chapman (Curt); niece, Sheena Reynolds (Elliot); nephews, Kendall Edwards (Amanda), Joshua Edwards (Colleen) and Nate Edwards; great-nieces, Kaylee and Aurora Edwards; and great-nephews, Nicholas Reynolds and Brycen Edwards.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Frank Edwards; grandmother, Lea Omia Bible; and aunt, JoAnn Anderson.
Lionel was deeply loved by his family, who will remember him for his connection to the outdoors and the peaceful life he chose to live.
Janice Ray Fowler Smelcher
December 7, 2025
Janice Ray Fowler Smelcher, 89, of Knoxville, formerly of Clinton, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 7, 2025, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and loving family. She went to be with the Lord after a life devoted to faith and family.
She was a 1954 graduate of Clinton High School, where she was a majorette and a member of the band, drama club, FHA and 4-H. She was also named FFA Queen and played saxophone. She attended Tennessee Tech and later retired from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she worked in the Office of Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Janice’s family was her greatest joy. She loved Tennessee football — especially Peyton Manning — as well as history, music, musicals, classic films, walking at the track and reading. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, patience, sweet smile and unwavering love. Giving her time was her way of showing love. She was a beautiful soul, inside and out, and will be missed beyond words.
This is not goodbye, this is see you soon sweet Momma/Grammie. We love you! Oxox
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Ophelia Fowler; daughter, Lisa R. Muse; infant son, Scotty Smelcher; brothers, Paul Fowler and David Fowler; and sister, Rose Ann Jansky.
She is survived by her children, Steve Smelcher and wife Lisa, Jana McCarty and husband Mark, and Dara Chadwell and husband Andy; grandchildren, Blake Simpson, Brooke Simpson, Amaris Chadwell, Amanda Hopson, Ashley Muse and James Muse; great-grandchildren, Elliot Simpson and Jayda Sliger; brother, Ronnie Fowler; sister, Diane Cooksey; sister-in-law, Jeanne Fowler; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by the father of her children, Jim Smelcher.
The family received friends at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A graveside service followed at Sunset Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Steve Smelcher, Mark McCarty, Andy Chadwell, Blake Simpson, Ryan Chagnon and Bobby Kelley. Jim Smelcher served as honorary pallbearer.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to have served the Smelcher family.
holleygamble.com
Richard F. “Dick” Brown
December 7, 2025
Richard F. “Dick” Brown went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of Dec. 7, 2025. He went gently and quietly, just as he lived his life, leaving behind a legacy of service, honor and love.
Dick was born in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, to Charles and Edna Brown, and lived there until joining the U.S. Air Force after graduating from high school. He proudly served four years and received an honor recognizing his integrity. While stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, he met his future wife, Ruth. They were married for nearly 68 years and raised three children together.
Following his military service, Dick earned an accounting degree from Penn State University and the University of Tennessee. He began his career at the Department of Energy in Oak Ridge, where he worked for 30 years. He was well known among coworkers for writing poems to honor them on birthdays.
Dick later served three years with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria, touching many lives and earning the distinction of being called “the best boss they ever had.” He continued his tradition of celebrating coworkers with coffee and cake. After returning to the United States, he enjoyed contract work for government agencies in Oak Ridge.
Dick’s greatest passion was spreading the gospel of Christ. He was a longtime member of West Towne Christian Church in Knoxville and a strong advocate for missions. He supported Christian institutions financially and served physically whenever possible. Each summer, he dedicated a week of vacation to serve at Smoky Mountain Christian Service Camp, returning home with laughter-filled stories.
After retirement, Dick and Ruth spent summers serving at TCM International Institute in Heiligenkreuz, Austria, a Christian graduate seminary that trains leaders in Eastern Europe. He loved working with others who shared his same philosophy, and embraced praying with people from other cultures who loved his Lord.
In his later years, Dick served Johnson University whenever he could. A longtime financial supporter, he also volunteered by cleaning dorm windows, stuffing and stamping envelopes, and serving during Senior Saints weekends. He loved so many of the staff there and was button-popping proud to have a son and granddaughter attend.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Edna Brown of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania; his sister, Irene Freed of Orwigsburg; and his granddaughter, Emily Marie Brown, of Cookeville, Tennessee.
He was loved by and will be greatly missed by his wife, Ruth Brown of Powell; sons Michael Brown (Stephanie) of Powell and Rick Brown (Georgianna) of Cookeville; and daughter Kelly Brown (Gerry) of Lexington, Kentucky; grandchildren Benjamin Brown, Samuel Brown, Anna Brown, Steven Brown, Jared Brooks, Molly Rehmel and Joni Brooks; and great-grandchildren Branson Miller, Bristol Brooks, Bryson Brooks and Ella Rehmel.
The family extends special thanks to Stephanie Brown for her loving care during the past five months; to Sallie Pierce for her assistance; and to the staff and volunteers at Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville, for their compassion and support.
Services to honor Dick will be held Saturday, Dec. 20, at West Towne Christian Church, 9300 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m., with a celebration of life to follow at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Johnson University.
Checks should be payable to Johnson University and mailed to 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37998, with a note indicating the gift is in memory of Richard Brown for the student scholarship fund.
Contributions also may be made online at johnsonu.edu/donate with a memorial designation.
Shirley K. (Stevens) Greene
December 1, 2025
Shirley K. (Stevens) Greene of Oak Ridge passed away peacefully on Dec. 1, 2025, with her son and daughter-in-law by her side.
She was born in 1936 in Roan Mountain, and moved to Oak Ridge in 1944 with her family. She attended Highland View Elementary School, Robertsville Junior High and Oak Ridge High School.
Shirley worked at Grove Center Pharmacy before beginning a 40-year career at Oak Ridge Hospital (now Methodist Medical Center), where she served in the Pharmacy and Day Surgery departments. She also helped run Greene’s Cycle Shop alongside her husband, Carroll Greene.
A woman of faith, Shirley was an active member of New Salem Baptist Church in Clinton.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Voretta Stevens; brothers, C.L. Stevens and Don Stevens; sister, Jody Hyer; her first husband, Austin Towns; and her second husband, Carroll Greene.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law; sister, Wilma Nichols; brothers, Ralph Stevens and Mike Stevens (Eleanor); stepdaughter, Becky Breaux; and step-granddaughters, Andy, Leah and Charlotte Breaux. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the National MS Society at nationalmssociety.org.
