Delores (Rhyne) Neal-Reed
October 2, 2024
Delores (Rhyne) Neal-Reed, 81, ran joyfully to the arms of Jesus on Oct. 2, 2024.
Delores was born in Knoxville on May 12, 1943, to Miles and Violet Rhyne. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Louise Rhyne; and brother, Duane Rhyne. She is survived by her husband, Jack Reed; children, Jay Neal (Gretchen), Terry Neal (Robin), and Melisa Smith (Marc); siblings, Patricia Johnson (Butch), M.W. Rhyne Jr. (Susie), Stanley Rhyne (Sandy), and Denise Barlow (Jeff); sister-in-law, Carole Rhyne; grandchildren, Jessica Woods (Josh), Brittney Tomczak (Justin), Brandon Neal, Madison Iannaccone (Jeff), Ryan Neal, Trey Smith (Alexis), and Trysten Van Fleet (Branson); 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Delores enjoyed a career in the Department of Education at the University of Tennessee. A long-time member of Clinton Wesleyan Church, she pursued Jesus, family, and community with passion and dedication. Known for her generosity, she was a gifted singer, pianist, seamstress, and baker. Her presence brought warmth to any gathering, and her friendship, prayers, and homemade sourdough bread were cherished by all. Delores selflessly provided food, clothing, and other necessities to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.
Her unwavering faith in God, love for her family, and joy for life enabled her to face a decades-long illness with hope and poise, inspiring all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of compassion will continue to brighten the world for generations to come.
The family received friends from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home. The funeral service followed at 6:30 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Jay Neal. Interment took place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Mt. Herman United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Choices Resource Center, where Delores volunteered:
Choices Resource Center, P.O. Box 7001, Oak Ridge, TN 37831.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Margaret Eleanor Catlett Biddle
October 2, 2024
Margaret Eleanor Catlett Biddle of Oak Ridge died at home Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.
Biddle was raised in Kodak, Tennessee, as the youngest of five siblings. She married Roy E. Biddle on Dec. 11, 1954, and they were married for 68 years until his passing in 2022. They had three sons, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Margaret was known for her green thumb, maintaining an impressive collection of plants both indoors and outdoors. She and her husband enjoyed entertaining and playing cards with friends.
She loved children and ran a daycare from her home for many years. Biddle often shared stories about those times and maintained relationships with some of the families throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, siblings, and her eldest son, R. Gregory Biddle. She is survived by her son Anthony, daughter-in-law Christie, granddaughter Brynn, and son Bradley.
No services will be held for Mrs. Biddle.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton, Tennessee is honored to serve the Margaret Biddle Family.
Dr. Kyle Otis Rutherford
September 25, 2024
Dr. Kyle Otis Rutherford, M.D., 98, of Halls, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, surrounded by his family. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
After graduating from Norris High School, Dr. Kyle joined the army and remained stationed in Arkansas until the war ended in 1945. A proud alumnus of UT Knoxville, UT Memphis Medical School, and Emory University, "Doc," as he was lovingly called, devoted his life to healing and helping others. He was a pioneering figure in the medical community, being the first doctor in Seymour, Tennessee, where he made house calls and provided compassionate one-on-one care to his patients. One of Dr. Kyle's many significant contributions to the medical field included serving as a physician for Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). In 1969, he joined the Knoxville Radiology Group, which provided essential radiology services to Knoxville and surrounding counties. Later, he proudly held the position of Chief Radiologist at Parkwest Hospital in Knoxville, where he impacted countless lives through his expertise and care. He served the community in this capacity until his retirement in 1986.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Kyle was a generous donor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Children's Hospital, quietly supporting children and families in their times of need. He also helped many other medical institutions through donations, as he believed in helping others with great passion. His loving spirit was evident in his everyday actions, as he embodied the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
A man of many interests, Dr. Kyle loved fishing on Norris Lake with his son Kyle Jr., traveling, gardening, collecting antiques, painting, and enjoying his family. He was a lifelong fan of the Tennessee Volunteers, holding season tickets for over 60 years and contributing to the construction of Thompson-Boling Arena. His passion for sports was shared with his family and played a huge part in the core memories of his children and grandchildren.
Dr. Kyle was a loving husband to his late wife of 64 years, Ramona Loraine Rutherford. He adored her, and together they built a life that has impacted our family in a mighty way. He took immense pride in his role as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, leaving behind a legacy through his four children: Denise Crawhorn of Heiskell, Sherry Whitaker of Halls, Tammey Seeber of Heiskell, and Kyle Otis Rutherford Jr. and his wife (Doc's favorite daughter-in-law) Elaine of Halls. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Greg Seeber and wife Shae of Knoxville; Lisa Williford and husband Mark of Sevierville; Jelena Williford and husband Michael of Seymour; Jessica Jackson and husband Nathan of Heiskell; Christina Crawhorn of Heiskell; Catherine Jones and husband Parker of Andersonville; as well as his great-grandchildren: Andrew, Emily, Ashlyn, Kobe, Alyssa, Brennan, and Brylee Williford; Colson, Chloe, and Colin Seeber; Molly Jackson; Harper Jean Jones; and great-great-granddaughter Olivia Williford.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Cora Rutherford of Andersonville; brother Ray Rutherford of Knoxville; and sons-in-law Gary Seeber of Heiskell, Richard Whitaker of Heiskell, and John Crawhorn of Heiskell. He is fondly remembered by his surviving siblings Christine Wallace of Clinton and Ben Rutherford of Clinton.
Special thanks to friend and colleague Dr. Robert Montgomery.
Our family will be forever grateful for the care and love our precious dad and grandad received, and because of it, he lived out his days in the comfort of his home. There are no words to convey our gratitude towards Sherry Whitaker, Kyle Otis Rutherford Jr., and Donna Mcvey for the care and extreme sacrifice of pure love they've bestowed upon our precious father and grandfather.
Thank you, Grandad, for loving us big, sharing yourself with us, and giving us the best life on this earth. We will forever cherish you.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home. Doc's Celebration of Life service will follow, officiated by Rev. Jerry Copeland. Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on September 28 at Norris Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers donations to be made to East Tennessee Childrens Hosptial, 2018 W Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. www.holleygamble.com
Frankie June Melhorn Seivers
September 20, 2024
Frankie June Melhorn Seivers, 95, passed away on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, after a brief stay at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She was born at Bell Farm, Kentucky, on Aug. 27, 1929, to Charlie Christian Melhorn and Vella Dolen Melhorn.
Frankie grew up in a coal-mining camp in Fork Mountain, Tennessee, and moved to the family farm in Petros, Tennessee, when she was 9 years old. She was confirmed into St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wartburg, Tennessee, on Oct. 1, 1944.
After graduating from Wartburg Central High School, Frankie took a summer job in Clinton, where she met her future husband, “Jiggs” Seivers. Instead of starting nursing school as planned, she eloped to Rossville, Georgia, at age 18.
Frankie and Jiggs were married for almost 70 years and remained in Clinton, where she first worked at Magnet Mills and then at EG&G Ortec Lab in Oak Ridge from 1967 until she retired in 1994.
They were blessed with two children, Lana Seivers and Larry Seivers, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Frankie and Jiggs loved spending time in Longboat Key, Florida, going to weekly movies, playing cards, and attending Major League Baseball and Tennessee Vols games, especially football. They rarely missed games or events involving their children and grandchildren and were close to many of their children’s friends.
Frankie loved cooking, gardening, reading, and shopping.
Most of all, she loved her family.
After Jiggs’ death in 2017, Frankie moved to The Villages independent living residences in Murfreesboro, where she made many new friends, enjoyed bingo, and shared her fried chicken recipe with the chef. An article about Frankie in The Villages of Murfreesboro Spotlight said, “Her goal is to live a full life and enjoy being with her friends here. Seeing her family and old friends who stay in touch and come to visit is special to her. She considers herself blessed in so many ways.”
“Her children rise and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28
In addition to her husband and parents, Frankie was preceded in death by her brother, Duard Melhorn; sister Claudia Caddell; brothers-in-law Charles “Bones” Seivers and Hoyt Seivers.
She is survived by her children, Lana Seivers and Larry Seivers (Sally); grandchildren, Matthew Yarbrough, Jennifer Nash (Nathan), and Charlie Seivers (Haley); great-grandchildren, Cameron and Caitlin Nash, and Harper and Deakin Mac Seivers; many special nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends.
Pallbearers are Larry Seivers, Charlie Seivers, David Seivers, Michael Seivers, Chris Melhorn, Steve Mitchell, Don Elledge, Bear Stephenson, and honorary pallbearer Jenks Bostic.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. The funeral will follow at 6:30 p.m., with the Rev. Steve Misenheimer officiating.
Friends and family will meet at Grandview Memorial Garden on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, for an 11 a.m. graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Frankie’s memory may be made to the Michael Dunn Center, Attn: Seivers Memorial, 1324 Lawnville Road, Kingston, TN 37763, or at michaeldunncenter.org.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is honored to serve the family.
holleygamble.com
Joseph Lincoln King
September 15, 2024
Joseph Lincoln King, age 65 of Clinton, Tn. went off-line for the final time on Saturday, September 15, 2024 at his home unexpectedly. Joe was a wonderful husband, father, brother and grandfather with a lust for life and will leave a huge void, which may never be filled, in addition to the love he had for his family and friends Joe also enjoyed fishing ,cooking and video games and he would never pass up the opportunity for a good joke. Joe served in the U.S. Army and worked as a Radiation Technician.
Born in Oak Ridge, Tn. on January 17, 1959 he was the son of the late Martin Luther King, Sr. and Estle Lean Simms King. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Joanne Marie Van Pelt King; sisters: Nannie Gallion and Wilma Branstetter.
Joe is survived by his son: Steven Van Pelt; daughter: Sara King; brother: Martin Luther King, Jr.; sister: Kathy Vowell; grandchild: Genesis King, all of Clinton, Tn. and many other relatives and friends.
Friends may visit with the King Family from 5:00 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Jones Mortuary in Clinton on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Claxton, Tn. with Military Honors by the Jellico Honor Guard.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton, Tn. is serving the family of Joseph Lincoln King.
Horace Robert Williams Sr.
September 12, 2024
Horace Robert Williams Sr., 89, of Claxton, Tennessee, passed away Sept. 12, 2024.
Horace was a lifelong member of Edgemoor Baptist Church in Claxton, where he was active on many mission trips and served on the Building Grounds Committee as an adult.
He was a dedicated member of the Claxton community, serving with various organizations, including the Claxton Community Youth Organization, the Claxton Optimist Club, and IBEW Local Union 270, where he was business manager emeritus from 1969-70. He also coached for many years with the Claxton Football Association.
Horace was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Beulah Williams; granddaughter, Jessica Graham; mother-in-law, Thelma Dean; brothers, Herman, Fred, Joe, and Tommy Williams; and sister, Argie Bell.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Anne Dean Williams; children, Horace Robert Williams Jr. (Beverly) and Tracy Wray Williams; grandchildren, Travis Lee Evans, Taya Wrayanne Sharp, Dylan Ray Williams, Brady Williams, Ashley Smith, and Heather Jones; and great-grandchildren, Madly Anne Sharp, Lilly Wray Sharp, Beckham Ray Williams, Mary Lavell Williams, Claira Walker, Nolan Smith, Juliette Smith, Collette Smith, Ellie Jones, Grayson Jones, and Alaina Jones.
Visitation was held Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel, 2000 Powell Drive, Powell, Tennessee.
The funeral followed and was officiated by the Rev. Travis Lee Evans.
The family met Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at 1:45 p.m. for a 2 p.m. graveside service at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens, 160 Edgemoor Road, Powell.
Pallbearers were Travis Evans, Dylan Williams, Brady Williams, Jonathan Sharp, Robert Williams, and Glen Williams.
Special thanks to UT Hospice, C.B. Helping Hands Caregivers, and his extraordinary private caregivers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Ronnie Riggs
September 10, 2024
Ronnie Riggs, 80, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.
He was born Feb. 6, 1944, in Andersonville, Tennessee, to Grady and Pauline Hutson Riggs.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Larry, his sister-in-law, Pat, their daughter, Rene Foy, and his sister, Vicky Riggs.
Riggs is survived by his loving wife, Libby Riggs; son, Kirby Riggs; daughters, Kim Legg and husband Reid, and Kari Cox; grandsons, Hayden Legg and Grady Cox; granddaughters, Journey Legg and Karissa Cox; and sister, Carol Ann King and her husband, Sandy.
The family would like to express special thanks to Tom Howard, Ronnie’s best friend of more than 40 years, and his friend John Sharp. Their help is forever appreciated. Also, special thanks to Bridgett, Anita and Laura from Amedisys Hospice for their loving care.
Visitation was held Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. A graveside service followed at Andersonville Cemetery.
holleygamble.com.
Jerry Martin Edwards
September 9, 2024
Jerry Martin Edwards, 72, of Andersonville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was retired from the Clinton Utility Board and was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Powell.
He loved the outdoors, Westerns, classic cars, fishing, and participating in church activities. He was also a U.S. Navy veteran.
Born in Knoxville on March 16, 1952, Jerry was the son of the late Bud Underwood and Wanda Love Underwood, and his second father, Austin Edwards. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Monnie Champion.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Long Edwards; son, Austin Edwards (Rhiannon) of Oliver Springs; sisters, Debbie Hill (Rob) of Clinton, and Tonya Love (Robert) of Knoxville; grandson, Dawson Seiber; his faithful companion, Bella; special extended family member, Tommy Martin; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, from 5 p.m. until the time of the funeral at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Jones Mortuary in Clinton.
The service will be officiated by the Rev. Billy Moore and the Rev. Jimmy Davidson.
Military graveside rites, conducted by the Jellico Honor Guard, will take place Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville.
Jones Mortuary of Clinton is serving the family of Jerry Martin Edwards.
