Judith Ann (Sharp) Kirkpatrick
October 25, 2025
Judith Ann (Sharp) Kirkpatrick of Clinton passed away Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
Born in LaFollette to Elbert and Mary Lou (Vinsant) Sharp and raised in Habersham, Judy built a life centered on faith, family, joy and laughter.
Judy earned a bachelor of science degree in early childhood development from East Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in early childhood development from the University of Tennessee.
Teaching was not only her profession, but her calling. Former students remember her steady kindness, her laugh that could fill a hallway, and the way she made her classroom feel like a second home.
In 1963, Judy moved to Santa Maria, California, where she taught for a year before returning to Tennessee in 1964 to serve as the Maury County 4-H extension agent in Columbia for seven years.
Through 4-H, she mentored hundreds of young people, cheering their efforts, celebrating their blue ribbons, and teaching practical skills that built lifelong confidence.
While completing her master’s degree, Judy met the love of her life, Frank David Kirkpatrick.
They were married in June 1971 at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia.
After moving to Clinton, Judy served as the Anderson County 4-H extension agent from 1971–73, then stepped into her favorite role of all — raising her three children — before returning to the classroom.
From 1982 to 2015, Judy taught science and home economics at Norris Middle School. For more than three decades, she guided generations of students, mixing baking lessons with life lessons, and lab safety with curiosity, and always a generous measure of encouragement. Every errand around town turned into a reunion, as former students greeted her with smiles and stories of where life had taken them.
Judy and her family were longtime members of Memorial United Methodist Church in Clinton.
After retirement, Judy stayed joyfully busy. She was an active member of the Wednesday Club of Clinton, loved volunteering, and treasured spending time with dear friends at monthly meetings. Wherever she went, Judy made people feel welcome. One friend said, “If she was breathing, she was laughing.”
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Frank David Kirkpatrick; parents, Elbert and Mary Lou Sharp; and brother, James Elbert Sharp.
She is survived by her brother, Hugh Calloway Sharp; children, Jennifer (Jamie) Justus, Matt (Jan) Kirkpatrick, and Drs. Michael (Erin) Kirkpatrick; and grandchildren, Eli, Cal, Sharp, Lillian Kirk, Oliver, Maggie, Mary Lou, and Libby.
Judy had a laugh that lit up the room. Whether it was a silly giggle or a burst of joy, her laughter was a gift shared freely. It was the soundtrack of family gatherings and the comfort in hard times. Her joy reminded all who knew her that life is meant to be lived with warmth and humor. Her legacy lives on in every friend she loved, every child she encouraged, and every joyful spirit she inspired.
The family received friends from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at Memorial United Methodist Church, 323 N. Main St., Clinton. A celebration of life service followed. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at Grandview Memorial Gardens.
In honor of Judy’s life, the family requests that memorials be made to the Wednesday Club of Clinton, P.O. Box 327, Clinton, TN 37717.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Kirkpatrick family.
holleygamble.com
Trisha Rebecca Riley
October 24, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Trisha Rebecca Riley, 41, who passed away on Oct. 24, 2025. She was born on Nov. 6, 1983.
Trisha was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, and “NeNe” to her special niece, Layla June. Layla was the light of her life, and the two shared a special bond, especially when cheering “Go Byron!” on Sundays.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Carvel and Willa Dean Dagley and Warren and Donna Kirkland; special cousin, Anessa Hohman; mother-in-law, Sue Swinny; and aunt, Diane Long.
Trisha is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Riley; parents, Denny and Lisa Kirkland and Tim and Angie Swain; sister, Casey Swain (T.J.); stepbrother, Nic Kirkland (Adele); grandparents, Arnold and Wilma Swain; brother-in-law, Mark Newborn; sister-in-law, Sandy Mullins (Josh); nieces and nephews, Layla Daugherty and Ziva, Cign, and Lydia Kirkland; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, stepsisters, and special friends.
A celebration of life will be held at Black Oak Baptist Church in Clinton on Nov. 6.
Receiving of friends will be from 5 to 7 p.m., with a service to follow.
Ricky Bailey
October 17, 2025
Ricky Bailey, 65, of Clinton passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Oct. 17, 2025. He will be missed far more than words can express.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Plez and Foustine Bailey, and eight siblings, including his beloved twin sister, Darlene Bailey.
Ricky is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Leslie Bailey; daughters Lisa (Richard) Lay of Clinton, and Brandie Brewer and fiancé Gary Lowe of Rocky Top; and son, his “boy,” Donnie (Jessica) Hays of Rocky Top.
He was a proud and loving grandfather to Hunter, Olivia, Cloe, Emily, Jaxson, Garrett, Aaliyah, Samantha and Isaiah, and a great-grandfather to Wesley Hays. He also leaves behind his special nephew, Billy Bailey, along with many other family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Family Medicine West, Dr. Thakur, PCP Robert Dowell and nurse Maria Turpin for their exceptional care, as well as to special family friends Lee, Sheila and Kaitlyn Weaver for their love and support.
Ricky will be remembered for his kind heart, steady strength and unwavering love for his family. His presence will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at Jones Mortuary in Clinton. The funeral followed at 7 p.m., with the Rev. Jimmy Woods officiating.
The graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Island Home Cemetery in Norris.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to have served the family of Ricky Bailey.
David Alister Graham Byars
October 14, 2025
David Alister Graham Byars, 76, of South Knoxville, formerly of Clinton, Tennessee, and Aberdeen, Scotland, passed away Oct. 14, 2025, at Ben Atchley Veterans Home in Knoxville.
Born Aug. 22, 1949, in Aberdeen, Graham emigrated to the United States with his parents and sister in 1957. The family first settled in New York, before moving to East Tennessee in 1959, living in Oak Ridge, Knoxville and Norris before making Clinton their home.
He graduated from Clinton High School in 1967 and attended the University of Tennessee before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1968.
While serving in the Republic of South Vietnam, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Following his military service, Graham returned to the University of Tennessee to complete his education, and later pursued technical training at the Tennessee Institute of Electronics.
His career began with local firms and progressed into roles in information technology with IBM and Wang Laboratories. He later worked as a consultant with TVA, and transitioned into education at ITT Technical Institute as an instructor and director of placement. He concluded his professional journey at Cendant Corporation, where he rose to an executive position.
Graham retired in 2005 and enjoyed spending time with friends, caring for his dogs, and tending to his home and garden.
He was preceded in death by his father, David Noel Byars; mother, Vera Donald Belitz; and adoptive father, Bruce Herbert Belitz.
He is survived by his sisters, Kathleen Jones, Pat Bean and Susan Coe; brother, Bruce Belitz; their spouses and children; and his longtime friend and roommate, David Clark, and his wife, Sharon.
The family would like to thank Dr. Douglas Marlow, his physician for many years; the staff at Deane Hill Assisted Living; Amazing Angels; and the staff at Ben Atchley Veterans Home for their loving care.
In accordance with Graham’s wishes, no funeral or memorial services will be held.
Michael Raymond “Mike” Warwick
October 5, 2025
Michael Raymond “Mike” Warwick, 77, of Clinton passed away Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Mike attended Powell High School before proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force. He later served the city of Clinton in both the police and fire departments for many years, retiring as assistant fire chief.
After retirement, he became the owner and operator of C&M Painting Company.
Mike was an amazing cook who loved feeding his friends and family. He also enjoyed bird watching, especially watching his hummingbirds.
He was preceded in death by his son, Tony Anderson; parents, E.A. “Jack” Warwick Jr. and Veda Louise Warwick; grandmother, Nannie Robbie Shelley Warwick; and aunt, Mary Katherine Nickle.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Lee Warwick; daughter, Shelley Bolin and husband Todd; son, Michael Brandon Warwick and wife Brandi; brothers, E.A. Warwick III and Timothy Mark Warwick Sr. and wife Tonya; mother-in-law, Barbara Anderson; grandchildren, Whitley Anderson and fiancé Jonathon Cole, Kendra Bolin, Hudson Warwick and Henley Warwick; and a host of extended family and friends.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. in the chapel of Mott-McKamey Funeral Home, followed by a funeral at 7 p.m.
A graveside service at the Veterans Cemetery will be scheduled at a later date.
Mott-McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Warwick family.
Charles “Keith” Stalnaker
October 4, 2025
Charles “Keith” Stalnaker, 73, passed away Oct. 4, 2025, at his home.
He was born Oct. 30, 1951, in Columbus, Ohio, to Charles Dee and Sarah Emily (Dean) Stalnaker.
Keith was a lifelong learner. He graduated from Pleasant View High School in 1969; earned a degree in welding engineering from Ohio State University in 1973; a master’s degree in business administration from Ohio University in 1982; and a Ph.D. in occupational safety from the University of Tennessee in 1998.
Keith began his career at the Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, Ohio, where he served as supervisor of environment, safety and health before transferring to Y-12 in Oak Ridge in 1992 to join the Conduct of Operation Compliance Group. After retiring in 2005, he joined the Paragon Company in Hilliard, Ohio, as project manager of the DOL SEM Project.
He also served on the advisory board and as an instructor at Columbia Southern University, and had several articles published in Professional Safety magazine.
Keith loved God, whom he served faithfully; his family, whom he worked hard to provide for; and football—especially The Ohio State Buckeyes. He never met a stranger and would give you the shirt off his back.
A member of Covenant Life Church, Keith is now rejoicing in the promise of 1 Corinthians 2:9: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived — the things God has prepared for those who love him.”
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beth; son Eric and his wife, Kristen; grandchildren Hunter and Adeline Stalnaker, whom he adored; son Joel and his wife, Rebecca; brother Mike (Glenna) Stalnaker; and nieces Megan and Karianne Stalnaker.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Ron and Vera Streitenberger.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. A funeral followed in the chapel with Pastor Tony McAfee officiating. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at Grandview Memorial Gardens with Chaplain Andy Williams officiating.
The family extends special thanks to Clinch River Home Health Care and UT Hospice for their excellent care and comfort.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mission of Hope College Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 51824, Knoxville, TN 37950, or by calling 865-584-7571.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
William “Bud” Blackwell
October 3, 2025
William “Bud” Blackwell, 81, of Norris, formerly of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away at his home on Oct. 3, 2025.
Bud was a devoted family man who cherished spending time outdoors, especially birdwatching. His love for nature was matched only by his deep affection for his family and friends, who remember him as a kind and gentle soul.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca “Becky” Blackwell; daughter, Tiffany Evans of Rock Hill, South Carolina; and son, Scott Blackwell of Charleston, South Carolina. Bud adored his grandchildren, Margaret “Meg” Smith and husband, Mark; Rori Baucom; Will Evans and wife, Ashley; Olivia Evans, all of Rock Hill; Rebecca Wilson and husband, Chandler; Ceci Rousmaniere, both of Gastonia, North Carolina; and Liam and Bridget Blackwell of Hendersonville, North Carolina.
He is also survived by his brother, Don Blackwell and wife, Maudie; sisters, Sandra Woodridge and husband, Russ, and Becky Green, all of Greenville, South Carolina; brother-in-law, Charlie Baker and wife, Debbie, of Georgetown, South Carolina; and his faithful canine companion, Scruffy.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Charles Ryan Blackwell. Bud often said he felt Ryan’s presence through visits from cardinals.
A family celebration of Bud’s life will be held later this year in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at heart.org.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to have served the Blackwell family.
holleygamble.com
Rosetta Phillips-Peeples
October 2, 2025
Rosetta Phillips-Peeples, 75, of Jacksonville, Florida, formerly of Lake City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, with her husband of 36 years, Dave Peeples, by her side, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Known as “Sissy” to her family and many childhood friends from Lake City High School, she was a Laker cheerleader, voted “Miss Sophomore,” and remembered for her infectious laugh and beautiful dimples.
Rosetta was baptized and was a longtime member of Main Street Baptist Church in Lake City (now Rocky Top). Following her 1967 graduation from Lake City High School, she enjoyed a long career as a medical records transcriptionist. She was a proud member of the American Association of Medical Transcription (AAMT) and retired from the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenny Phillips and Christine Disney Phillips of Lake City.
She is survived by her husband and caregiver, Dave Peeples (U.S. Navy, retired) of Jacksonville; sister, Becky Phillips Parker (Ron Parker) of Lake Norman, North Carolina; niece, Christy Cupp Ward (Brian Ward) of Nampa, Idaho; nephew, Alec Cupp of Knoxville, Tennessee; great-nephews and great-nieces, Tyler Ward (Alexis) of Colfax, Washington; Grace Ward (fiancé Sandy Agrawal) of New York City; Jennifer Ward (Almat Yeraly) of Kazakhstan; Jonathan, Sarah and Daniel Ward, all of Nampa; and Rylee Cupp of Knoxville.
Per Rosetta’s wishes, she was cremated and no services are planned. A gifted pianist, her husband will place her urn on her beloved baby grand piano, which she played daily until her illness prevented her from doing so.
As her illness progressed and communication became difficult, her husband shared that the only words she would utter were “Where’s Papaw?”—the affectionate name all the grandchildren used for her father, Kenny “Papaw” Phillips. The family takes comfort in believing her father was near her in those final days, gently leading her home to the waiting arms of her mother, Christine.
A lover of Southern gospel music, Rosetta found peace as her husband surrounded her with her favorite hymns during her transition. The family expresses gratitude for the many prayers, messages, and the compassionate hospice care provided in Jacksonville.
Rosetta “Sissy” is now at peace, free from pain, with her infectious laughter ringing through heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
