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Obituaries

Ginger Lea Stone

Ginger Lea Stone, 60, went home to Heaven on Dec. 25, 2023, at Turkey Creek Medical Center.

She fought a courageous six-month battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. There had been several instances where we thought we were going to lose her over the last six months, but she kept pushing. Unfortunately, her counts couldn’t recover and she was septic more often than not. She was still able to have some good days where she would obsessively watch The Fog and enjoy spending time with her daughters and mother, Sheila.

She was a 1981 graduate of Clinton High School. She worked as a nail tech for nearly 40 years and was well known to many.

She was preceded in death by father, Robert Stone; maternal grandparents Louise and Ted Hankins; and paternal grandparents Park and Ada Stone; Aunts Blanche Davis, Doris Stone Higdon and Virigina Stone Tokes and cousin Rob Tokes.

Left behind to be utterly lost and try to manage to live without her is her mother Sheila Hankins Stone; daughters Taryn Torbett and husband Chris, Taylor Lay, Trista Lay; brother Robert “Bubber” Stone; ex-husband Scott Lay; and former in-laws James and Betty Lay; her beloved German Shorthaired Pointer, Cott, who helped mend her broken heart after her father’s passing; and several other cousins and family members who she loved dearly.

Receiving of friends was held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 29 at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. The funeral followed at 7 p.m.

Flowers were welcomed, but donations to the American Association For Cancer Research are preferred.

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Houston Mayson Duncan

Houston Mayson Duncan, 79, of Lake City, Tennessee, passed away Dec. 17, 2023, at the UT Medical Center in Knoxville.

He was born in Briceville, Tennessee, on Aug. 28, 1944, to Melvin Duncan and Martha Harness.

He was a welder for Y-12. He loved animals and woodworking, and was an avid football fan.

Houston was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Martha; brothers Lawrence Duncan and Joe Duncan; and sisters Sadie Jeans and Gladys Fately.

He is survived by his wife, Jill Duncan; daughters,  Stacy Guinn and Stephen; Sonya Cox and Jamie; sister, Nellie Allen; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation was held from 5 -7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at the Hatmaker Funeral Home chapel. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. in the Hatmaker Funeral Home chapel, with the Rev. Jimmy Ault officiating.

Family and friends met at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens for a 2 p.m. interment.

Military honors were presented by the Campbell County Honor Guard. 

Joshua Lee Carden

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. - Matthew 5:8

Our beloved Joshua left us to go be with Jesus on Dec. 21, 2023. Our hearts are broken, and we already miss him more than mere words can express. But we take great comfort in knowing without a doubt that he is indeed with Jesus, and we will see him again! Joshua was a member of Park West Church in Knoxville, and his faith and family were the two most important things in his life.

Joshua was a lifelong resident of Clinton. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Leo Carden of Clinton.

He is survived by his parents Tim and Wanda Carden and his devoted older brother (and best friend) Christopher Carden all of Clinton; his grandmother Mary Lou Carden and grandparents Donnie and Dot Daugherty all of Clinton; his Uncle Leroy and Aunt Tanya Miller of Johnson City; his Uncle Glen and Aunt Tisa Liford of Clinton; his Aunt Cheryl Daugherty and his Cousin Victoria Daugherty of Clinton.

Joshua loved and appreciated the small and simple things of life. He enjoyed being outdoors and doing outdoor activities. He loved classic cars and trucks, especially square-body trucks. He was an amazing and talented mechanic. He had a God-given natural ability to work on engines, and that was how he loved to spend his spare time.

Joshua loved with a pure and innocent heart. He had the heart of a servant and selflessly cared for those he loved. He consistently strived to live life with a positive attitude, and his witty sense of humor made us laugh every day.

Our lives will never be the same, and our hearts will forever long for the day we are reunited with him.

Matthew 10 International Ministry was very important to Joshua. This ministry does wonderful and awesome work for the Kingdom of God. Joshua had plans of being involved with this ministry.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be made in honor of Joshua and his memory to Matthew 10 International Ministry. matthew10.com/joshua.

The family will receive friends at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton on Wednesday, Dec. 27, from 1- 3 p.m., with a service held at 3 p.m. Bart Elkins will be officiating. A procession will immediately follow to Black Oak Baptist Church cemetery, Clinton, where a burial service will be held.

Pallbearers will be Tim Carden (father), Christopher Carden (brother), Glen Liford (uncle), Jason Childs (friend), John Nikitas (friend) and Daniel Gentry (Friend).

Winston Brooks

Winston Brooks, 86, of Heiskell, Tennessee, was born June 21, 1937, and passed away on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gillis and Nelia Brooks; brothers Buck and Bill Brooks, Leo Brooks. Sister Lillian Yeary.

Winston is survived by his wife of 66 years Mary Brooks; sons Gary Brooks and Terry Brooks; grandchildren Ian Brooks Miller, Heather (Justin) Snider, Wade Brooks and family, Brittney (Brian) Clark, Cody (Lindsey) Brooks, and Rachel Brooks; 11 great grandchildren; sister Beulah (Charlie) Ausmus; brother Bobby (Nora) Brooks; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

The family will receive friends Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Coffey Funeral Home in Tazewell.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. the Coffey Funeral Home chapel.

A graveside service will follow in the Hopewell Cemetery.

Minister: Dr. Greg Lindsey.

Pallbearers: Cody Brooks, Brandon Brooks, Ian Brooks Miller, Skyler Brooks Miller, Justin Snider, and Brian Clark.

Theresa Elaine Flatford

Theresa Elaine Flatford, 64, peacefully entered her eternal home with her family by her side on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, the Rev. Ondes and Dorothy Crowley, and siblings, Otella Russell, W.F., Jack, and Terry Crowley.

Theresa dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren. She learned hard work from her parents, growing up in a family of 15 children. She selflessly provided for her family. Her motherly instinct extended to others as well; she was a mom and nana to many.

Theresa had a heart for giving. She always put others before herself and protected the ones she loved. People often gravitated to Nana’s house for coffee and conversation. She loved cleaning and arguing with her best friend and sister, Gail. 

Left to carry on her legacy is her high school sweetheart and husband Roger Flatford; children, Roger Flatford II and wife Suzanne, Doyle Flatford and wife Nikki, Lacey Metcalf and favorite son-in-law Daniel, Aaron Flatford, and Brad Hillard and wife Brandi; and 9 grandchildren, Makayla, Katelyn, Jacob, Scotty, Jeremiah, Emily, Natelie, Branch, and Brantley. She also leaves behind a host of siblings. She was a mom, nana, aunt, and friend to many others.

The family will receive friends at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 5-7 p.m., with a service to follow at 7 p.m. with the Revs. Luke Kidwell and David Crowe officiating. Family and friends will meet at Holly-Gamble at noon on Thursday, Dec. 21, and go in funeral procession to her final resting place at Ridenour Cemetery, where a burial service will be held.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve the Flatford family.

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Proverbs 31:28 - “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”

RODNEY BRADEN

Rodney Braden, 72, of Rocky Top passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 at his home. He was born on Oct. 18, 1951, to Harry Carl and Betha Mae Birchfield Braden.

Rodney was a beloved husband and father, and the best Papaw. He was a master craftsman with a servant’s heart. Rodney was a devoted deacon of Indian Bluff Baptist Church and was a 50-year member of Crystal Lodge 616. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: sister, Kay Elizabeth Duncan; and bother-in-law, Perlie Duncan.

He is survived by: wife of 54 years, Janie Phillips Braden; sons, Rodney Dewayne Braden and wife Kay, and Jamey Braden; siblings, Richard Braden and wife Nettie, and Edith Ladd and husband Johnny; brother-in-law, Danny Phillips; grandchildren, McKenzie Alexis Braden, Kobe Dewayne Braden, and Kayla Marie Chapman; several nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

The family received friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, from 5-7 p.m.

The funeral followed at 7 p.m. with the Revs. Greg Goodman and Jason Goans officiating. His body laid in state at Indian Bluff Baptist Church Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, from 2-3 p.m., followed by the graveside service at 3 p.m. in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in honor of Rodney Braden to the Indian Bluff Baptist Church Building Fund at 3316 Briceville Highway, Briceville, TN 37710.

ALMA JEAN FRAKER

Alma Jean Fraker, 86 died peacefully on Dec. 10, 2023, at Diversicare, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She grew up in the Claxton community and lived in the old homeplace. Her greatest joy was being with her eight siblings and doing things for them. When she was healthier, she attended Bishopville Baptist Church.

Her other interests were cooking for her family and going to flea markets. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Nora Childress Fraker; siblings, Robert Fraker, Clyde Fraker, Dorothy Ogle and husband Rev. Harold Ogle, Glen Fraker and wife Elizabeth, Ross Fraker and wife Jean, Ralph Fraker, Wanda McMahan and husband Jack, Mary Jane Morgan and husband Jack and special friend Bobby Walker.

Surviving her are special niece Karen Ogle Cole and husband Roy, and nephew Danny Ogle and wife Annette. She is survived by several more nieces and nephews. Sisters-in-laws Deltha Fraker and Betty Fraker.

We are very thankful for the care that was given to our Aunt Jean by the staff at Diversicare.

The family will receive friends at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, from 6-7 p.m. with funeral at 7 p.m. with Bro. Steve McDonald officiating. Interment will be on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Zion Baptist Church in Claxton.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve Jean’s family.

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DR. JOSEPH RAINEY

Join us in celebrating the 88 years of the life of Dr. Joseph Rainey, Sept. 8, 1935-Dec. 11, 2023.

He was a lifetime believer. We are comforted to know he is now with our Father in heaven. He is joining his parents, Horace and Mildred Rainey.

Missing him, but never forgetting sweet memories of his life, are members of his big family. Family was important to Joe and he was a blessing to them. He was married to the love of his life, Pamela Golden Rainey for 32 years. Children and spouses are daughters Gina Hendrix, spouse Brian Hendrix, daughter Kristy Van Hesse and spouse Jim VanHese. Grandchildren are Jennifer Scott, husband Lucas Scott, Nick Raby and loved great-grands, Kayden and Vivian Scott, and Drew VanHesse who called him Doc, and brother-in-law, Jule Wenk.

Joe loved his many nephews and nieces, but too many to mention, and they loved Unc dearly. Dr. Joe had a special relationship with his two nephews Dr. Bill Emendorfer and Dr. Phil Wenk.

In heaven, Joe is joining his two sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Anne Peaglar, Patricia Wenk, and Jack Peaglar. Mary Anne and Patricia, older sisters, were both guilty of spoiling their little brother. Joe never objected.

Treasured family members, as well as dear friends, are his sister-in-law and brother, Karen and Wayne Cary. They shared travels, holidays, and years of loving companionship. They are a blessing in many ways.

Extroverted, social Joe had too many friends to list. He loved people and was loved by many. Many friendships lasted decades. If you were friends, he remembered story after story of your time together. If you were out with Joe, you would run into someone he knew and they would be glad to see him. If you were with Joe, he was fully present and focused on time with you.

A private practice dentist for 47 years, Joe loved to share his knowledge. He mentored many including young adults considering going into dental school, and dentists with beginning practices, and finished his career as a University of Tennessee faculty member mentoring dental school residents.

His honors were many and deserve to be included so the reader will know how the community recognized his service:

The 2023 UTHSC Distinguished Service Award Winner, 2021 University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Spirit Award, City View Top Doctors, 2020 and 2021; Cityview Top Doctors, 2010; Anderson County Hall of Fame for “Lifetime, Achievement,” 2007 award for Dedicated Service to the Board of Directors of Delta Dental of Tennessee, 1998 Second District Dental Society – Dentist of the Year, 1995 U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal; 1995 Fellowship International College of Dentistry, 1990 Fellowship Award of the Tennessee Dental Association, 1989 Air National Guard: Dental Officer of the Year, 1989 U.S. Air Force: “Air War College” graduate, 1989 Fellowship American College of Dentists, 1986 U.S. Air Force Achievement Medal, and 1965 Clinton Jaycees’ Young Man of the Year.

Joe believed in helping others and was proud of his 21 years of military service in the Tennessee National Guard. He served as a dental surgeon and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Joe was a true patriot and loved his country.

Dr. Joe also served his community. He was the longest-serving Tennessee election commissioner, serving 54 years. He also served 50 years on the board of the Anderson County Economic Development Association. Additionally, he served numerous positions in the church he loved, Memorial Methodist Church,

Joe was a special and great man. He only had one flaw: Sweet, easy-going Joe became scary, evil Joe behind the wheel. Riders white knuckled the ride and were relieved to arrive alive at their destinations. He was convinced he was the only driver in Tennessee who knew how to drive. He was the only one in Tennessee who agreed with him.

The family appreciates all the support received this year from friends, family, Memorial Methodist Church, and the University of Tennessee staff. The love and support have carried the family through this year.

Treasure your memories of Joe. He treasured his time with you. We are better because he touched our lives. He requested his life be celebrated. Honor his life by sharing Doc Joe stories and laughs with friends.

The family is honoring Joe’s wishes and there will be no visitation. Friends and family will gather at noon, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Memorial United Methodist Church for a celebration of Joe’s life. His graveside service will immediately follow at Grandview Memorial Garden with full military honors.

Because Joe loved Memorial Methodist Church, in lieu of flowers, please donate to his church, Memorial United Methodist Church, 323 N. Main St., Clinton, TN 37716.

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

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