Betty Sorrells
January 31, 2026
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
January 31, 2026
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
January 26, 2026
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
January 25, 2026
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
January 20, 2026
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
January 19, 2026
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.
Melvina Janie Bridges
January 18, 2026
Melvina Janie Bridges, 81, of Rocky Top went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026.
She had a strong testimony of faith and was a faithful, longtime member of West Side Baptist Church. Known lovingly as “Mamaw” and “Nanny” to many, Melvina never turned away anyone in need.
She enjoyed cooking, fishing, camping, hunting ginseng and tending to her flowers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Georgia Walker; husband, Lawrence Bridges; sister, Carolyn West; and great-grandchild, Savannah Kohler.
Melvina memory is carried on by her beloved children, the Rev. Eddie and Anna Bridges of Clinton, and Rebecca and David Brooks of Heiskell; grandchildren, Melinda Mayes and Jay Smith, the Rev. Jeremy and LeeAnn Bridges, and Jennifer and Jarred Stephens; great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Wendy Kohler, Ryan Mays, Lula Bridges, Elsie Bridges, Jeb Bridges, Ruby Bridges and James Bridges; and great-great-grandchild, Savannah-Grace Kohler.
She is also survived by brothers, the Rev. David and Diane Walker of Lake City, and Gary and Frances Walker of Lake City; sisters, Kathy Jenkins of Caryville, Debbie and Joe Harness of Caryville, and Donna and Brian Carlton of Clinton; and close friend and neighbor, Joan Leonard.
A private viewing was held Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Jones Mortuary in Clinton. A graveside service and interment took place Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Mountain View Cemetery in Rocky Top, with the Rev. Jeremy Bridges and the Rev. Kyle McDowell officiating.
Jones Mortuary of Clinton is honored to have served the family of Melvina Bridges.
Billie Charles ‘Bill’ Russell
January 17, 2026
Billie Charles “Bill” Russell, 71, of Clinton, passed away Friday, Jan. 17, 2026, at The Waters of Clinton.
The family extends special thanks to the staff and nurses at The Waters for taking great care of him.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, Billie Gene Russell; brothers, John Russell and Tom Russell; and sister, Jenny Bradfield.
He is survived by his mother, Margarete Russell; sister-in-law, Carla Brewer, and her children, Stephen Shipley and Matthew Davis; brother-in-law, Rick Bradfield; and nieces and nephews, Jade Russell (and fiancé Matt Garrett), Danieal Boliver, Renee Taylor, Allie Rosenbalm, Canon Martin, Luke Rosenbalm, Landrie Rosenbalm, Stacey York (and husband Jeff York), Aaron York, Andrew York and Amber York. He is also survived by special friends, Jeremy and Joshua Hargett.
Per his request, no formal services were held. However, visitation took place from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton.
A graveside service followed at 3:30 p.m. at Grandview Memorial Garden.
The family is forever grateful to all who cared for Bill throughout his 71 years.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to have served the Russell family.
holleygamble.com
