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Obituaries

Leroy Warfield

Leroy Warfield, 96, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication and love.

Born in Anderson County, Tennessee, Leroy lived a life marked by commitment to his family and country. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in May 1951 and served honorably in Berlin, Germany, until May 1953. His time in the military reflected his strength, resilience and patriotism.

Following his service, Leroy worked for 37 years as a line mechanic at Heekin Can Company in Clinton. His strong work ethic and loyalty were admired by all who knew him.

After retiring, he owned and operated PLW Pallet Company, serving the needs of local businesses. He was known for his tireless work ethic and dedication to “getting the job done.”

A devoted father of six, Leroy centered his life around family, home and farm. He had a gift for growing vegetables and raising beef cattle, and he proudly supported 4-H and FFA programs. In his later years, Leroy remained mentally sharp and defied “old age” by continuing to work on his farm.

He would often recall his times in the Army and share stories about his friends living in the Brushy Valley community. He enjoyed the simple life, working with his hands and helping others.

He will be remembered for his loyalty, honesty and hard work. He attributed his longevity to God’s purpose for him as a provider, husband, father and friend. Until his death, Leroy would pray nightly for his country, family and the unsaved.

He is survived by his children, Patricia Marcum, Philip Warfield, Kila Worthington, Kim Guinn, Katrina Byrd and John Warfield; sister, Velma Jean Foust; niece, Pam Boyd; 14 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife and “sweetie,” Ruth, whom he loved dearly.

A memorial service was held at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Leroy’s family invites all who knew him to celebrate his life and share in the memories of a man who touched the lives of many.

Nancy Lou Duncan

Nancy Lou Hoff LaMance Duncan, 91, of Elgin, South Carolina, passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.

Born in Pontiac, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Otto and Helen Herman Hoff.

While Nancy held various occupations throughout her life, she considered her greatest calling to be that of mother and grandmother. She loved her family and cherished time spent with them, whether fishing from the family pontoon boat or gathered around the kitchen table playing board games.

Nancy attended Sinking Springs United Methodist Church in Clinton, and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She enjoyed exercising, and worked out daily at a local fitness center, often proudly noting that she walked more than five miles each day. She was also a longtime season-ticket holder for the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team.

An animal lover, Nancy always had a dog as her bed companion. She had a great sense of humor and loved to embarrass her children with her antics. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her sister, Phyllis Landowski of Waterford, Michigan; children, Dianna Deaderick (Douglas) of Columbia, Randy LaMance (Traci) of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Julie Clark of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; grandchildren, Amy Deaderick, Beth Laws, Taylor LaMance, Cameron LaMance, Denver Clark and Ivey Grace Clark; great-grandchildren, Rachel Laws and Amelia Laws; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by the father of her children, Ralph L. LaMance; her husband, Billie Damon Duncan; and siblings, Freida Parkinson, Louise Hoff, Marguerite O’Neil, Henry Hoff, Dorothy Chapman and Frank Hoff.

The family extends its gratitude to the staff of The Blake at Woodcreek Farms who showed her abounding love and compassion.

Memorials may be made to the animal shelter or ministry of the donor’s choice.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at dunbarfunerals.com.

Betty Sorrells

Betty Sorrells, 89, of Clinton passed away on Jan. 31, 2026.

She was born Oct. 4, 1936, to Dave and Viola Evans of White Oak, Tennessee.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Sorrells; daughter, Anita Smith and husband, Mike; stepmother, Ethel Evans; brothers, Everett, Garrett, Buster, Walter and Frank Evans; twin sister, Eva Sue Foust Seeber; and sisters, Eloise Clark, Tommie Sutton and Ann Summers.

She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Mahaffey and husband, Terry; sons, Marc Sorrells and wife, Retina, and Curtis Sorrells and wife, Edwina; grandchildren, Amanda Smith, Brittney Spann and husband, Tyler, and Andrew Sorrells; and beloved niece, Tami Foust Bright and husband, Bruce, whom she loved like her own; as well as many cherished great-grandchildren.

Betty was a faithful member of South Clinton Baptist Church and an active participant at the Clinton Senior Center, where she formed many lasting friendships. She was known for her wit, warmth and love of community. She often joked that she wanted a house without a kitchen so she could spend more time with her friends and less time cooking and cleaning. We hope she is now enjoying her heavenly home — a place where she never has to lift a finger.

She never lacked for social engagements, and truly loved being out and about with her many friends. She will be waiting in heaven for her special friends — Willie “Next-Door” Martin, Cecil Allison, Jimmy Beets, Faye Parks, Louise Ledbetter, Billie Marlow, Angie White and Alice White.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Ben Atchley State Veterans Home for the love, compassion and care shown to Betty. Their kindness brought peace and comfort during her time there and will always be remembered.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Feb. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, with a service to follow. A graveside service will be held Friday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sorrells family during this difficult time.



www.holleygamble.com

Larry Kent Mabe

Larry Kent Mabe went to his Heavenly home on Jan. 31, 2026.

He was born in Pulaski, Virginia, to Miles G. Mabe and Reba M. Hughes. The family later moved to Heiskell, Tennessee, where Larry was raised alongside his two brothers and three sisters.

Larry loved life in the Smoky Mountains and enjoyed hiking with his dog, dancing, working on home and auto projects, traveling, helping others and studying the Bible.

He was a loving father to two daughters, Laura Huff and Darla Laffey, both of Chillicothe, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings; and his youngest daughter, Darla.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Laura Huff; three granddaughters, Adrian Cooper, Sidni Esposito and Jessie Lee; and six great-grandchildren, all of Chillicothe, Missouri. He also leaves behind many friends and extended family members.

Larry was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Robert Lynn Murphy

Robert Lynn Murphy, known as Lynn, 69, a lifelong resident of Clinton, passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, from congestive heart failure.

Lynn was a graduate of Clinton Senior High School, Class of 1974. He later earned a degree in criminal justice from Walters State Community College and graduated magna cum laude in political science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

A dedicated public servant, Lynn began his career after high school as a 911 dispatcher for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department and became the first 18-year-old to complete the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in Donelson. He went on to serve as a patrol officer, supervisor, training officer and detective. While working full time as a deputy, Lynn also volunteered as a firefighter for the city of Clinton.

In 1988, he made a career change, becoming a Clinton firefighter and emergency medical technician, eventually reaching the rank of assistant chief. For many years, Lynn spent his vacation time serving as an adjunct instructor for the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy. He was part of an East Tennessee instructor team recognized by then-Gov. Don Sundquist for teaching the first live-burn firefighting class at the newly opened Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy training facility in Bell Buckle.

Lynn later served as director of the City of Clinton Emergency 911 before becoming director of public works for the City of Clinton, where he worked tirelessly for 19 years. He retired as director in 2018 after more than 40 years of service in local government. At the time of his death, Lynn was serving as a local government consultant for the City of Clinton.

Lynn was the son of the late Robert and Ruth Murphy of Clinton.

He is survived by his daughter, Lyndsai; siblings, Stephen and Deborah; and many friends he considered family.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public memorial service. In Lynn’s memory, he requested that donations of time or money be made to the Anderson County Animal Rescue Foundation, P.O. Box 181, Clinton, TN 37717, (acanimalrescuefoundation.org) or to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Cremation Options Inc.

Donal Lee Sharp

Donal Lee Sharp, 80, of Heiskell went to be with the Lord Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.

He was a member of Deep Springs Baptist Church in Heiskell.

Donal worked as a logger in his younger years and also built homes and farmed. He was a quiet man until you got to know him — but to know him was to love him. He was a devoted family man who loved his children and grandchildren dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Odra Lee and Beulah Mae Sharp.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sandra Sharp; son, Franklin Sharp and wife, Amber; daughter, Donna Heath; grandchildren, Kaylee Raines (David), Emmalee Heath, Brandon Heath, Maggie Sharp and Johnse Sharp; and many special friends.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at Jones Mortuary in Clinton, with a funeral to follow at 7 p.m. with the Revs. Matthew Prosise and Dale Parker officiating.

A graveside service and interment will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at Wolf Valley Cemetery in Heiskell with the Rev. James Hamock officiating.

Jones Mortuary of Clinton is honored to serve the family of Donal Lee Sharp.

Patricia Ann D’Andrea Sandlin

Patricia Ann D’Andrea Sandlin passed away Jan. 20, 2026. Known affectionately as “Patti,” she lived a life guided by faith and strong family values. Her family was her greatest prority. Patti was the devoted mother of four amazing children, a loving grandmother to five grandchildren, and a proud great-grandmother to one great-grandson.

She was the beloved daughter of Francis and Nina D’Andrea, a sister, an aunt, and a loving presence to her many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Patti is survived by her children, Billy Ray Sandlin; Shelly Ann Sandlin Jones and husband Ronald Dwayne Jones; Charles Hugh Wayne Sandlin; and Nina Francis Sandlin; grandchildren, Shelby Leann Sandlin, Ronald Dwayne Jones Jr., Cloe Shyann Sandlin Fox, Aimee Lynne Sandlin, and Charlene Grace Sandlin; and great-grandson, Leon Dallas Fox.

She is also survived by her siblings, Teryse “Teri” D’Andrea (Kenneth Anson), Anthony “Tony” D’Andrea (Kristy), Joseph “Joey” D’Andrea (Breanna), and James “Jimmy” D’Andrea (Mandy); aunts, Grace D’Andrea Fort and Francine Jessel Mendoza (Paul Mendoza); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Patti was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Wayne Sandlin; her parents, Francis Joseph D’Andrea and Nina Lorraine Jessel D’Andrea; her brother, Francis “Frankie” D’Andrea; and her uncle, Marcello Joseph Fort.

Family was always at the center of Patti’s life. She treasured her many phone calls with her Aunt Grace, and as it became harder for her to travel, her world remained full through a wide circle of conversations and connections. She maintained a full chain of relationships, staying close to so many people through calls filled with love, laughter, and care.

If you were lucky enough to be loved by Patti, you knew it. She made sure to tell you — every time. “Love you, always and forever” was how she ended her letters, texts, and phone calls, a reflection of the way she lived and loved.

Patti was also an eight-year cancer survivor who fought a brave and determined fight with quiet strength and grace. Throughout her journey, she continued to care for others, often sharing comforting, heartfelt recipes as another way of showing love and empathy.

As I was privileged to stay with my sister during her final days, I witnessed the love that surrounded her. I heard whispers of “I’ll miss her forever,” “She loved me when I couldn’t even love myself,” and others softly saying, “She was my best friend.”

She was my sister, my first roommate, and a steady source of love, laughter, and light in my life. To witness a life lived with such love is a gift I will carry always.

Her life was truly a life well lived.

She will be loved and missed beyond words.

This was how Patti always ended her conversations with me:

 “Love you, always and forever.

“Your Sis”

William Battle Fellers

William Battle Fellers, 72, of Clinton passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Jan. 19, 2026.

He was born April 27, 1953, in Oak Ridge to Henry and Jessie Fellers.

A 1971 graduate of Oak Ridge High School, Bill went on to earn a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Tennessee in 1976.

He worked as an electrician at Oak Ridge National Laboratory for 32 years and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Bill married Deborah Wilson in 1978, and they shared 47 years of marriage. He was a devoted husband, a loving father to his two daughters, Jessica and Hillary, and was later blessed with a grandson, Will. He enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling to new places together. Bill was an avid car enthusiast and could often be found detailing cars or attending car shows on the weekends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Jessie Fellers, and by his brother, John Fellers.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Fellers of Clinton; daughters, Jessica Fellers of Clinton and Hillary Fellers of Knoxville; and grandson, Will. He is also survived by his brother, Henry Fellers; and sister, Mary Lou Yoder.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at Mott-McKamey Funeral Home in Oak Ridge. A funeral will follow in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society. .

Mott-McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Fellers family.