Aaron G. Harber
January 7, 2025
Aaron G. Harber, 89, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at home, surrounded by his family.
Aaron was a member of First Baptist Church in Clinton and a past president of the Clinton Optimist Club.
He founded a girls’ softball league in South Clinton, served as a girls’ softball coach, and was an ASA umpire for 15 years. He also served in the Army National Guard for several years.
Born March 8, 1935, in Pennington Gap, Virginia, he was the son of the late John G. Harber Sr. and Elma Orr Harber. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Anne Orr Harber; brothers Paul Ray Harber, John G. Harber, and Glenn Harber; and sister Vesta Beth Foust.
Aaron is survived by his son, Michael Barber Harber of Clinton; daughters Debroah Daoud of Clinton and Donna Antalak (Bob); brother Roy Lee Harber of Claxton; two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at Jones Mortuary Chapel. The funeral followed at 7 p.m., and was officiated by Dr. Danny Chisholm.
The graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Claxton.
Jones Mortuary of Clinton is serving the family of Aaron G. Harber.
Jack Hill
January 4, 2025
At the young-in-heart age of 81, Jack Hill went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 4, 2025.
Known to many as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, affectionately called Papaw Jack and Papa Jack, he was a strong Christian man who loved the Lord and his family very much
A lifelong hard worker, Jack’s life was filled with adventure. As a prayer warrior, he never missed an opportunity to pray for others, even during his dialysis treatments. Despite the pain, he chose to spend time with the Lord in prayer for others.
Jack was a bold and courageous Christian, not afraid to tell people that they needed to be saved, and that they needed to be in church.
Always praising the Lord and thanking Him for all his personal blessings, he lived by grace, walked in peace, and loved to laugh and make other people laugh.
He passed in the loving comfort of his home. Mercy, grace, peace and love surrounded him as he went home to be with the Lord. He looked forward to and prayed ahead for the time we all will be together in Heaven. We will miss him very much until then.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Hill; his son, James Hill; his grandsons, Sean and Chandler Hill; his granddaughter, Autumn Hill; and his brother, Wayne Hill and wife, Vicky. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Hill, and his sister, Jan Cox.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. The funeral followed at 7 p.m., and was officiated by Robbie Leach. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at donate.lovetotherescue.org.
holleygamble.com.
Esther Lee Brewer Sewell
January 3, 2025
Esther Lee Brewer Sewell died peacefully in her sleep Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, from heart complications.
Esther was born Aug. 12, 1954, in Oak Ridge to Betty and Jim Brewer. She enjoyed celebrating her birthday throughout the entire month of August.
She graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1972. During high school, she dated and later married Frank Sewell. They had one daughter, Rachael.
Esther loved music, especially the blues, and enjoyed attending blues festivals across the country. Two of her favorite festivals were Springing the Blues in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas. She was particularly fond of Tab Benoit and the Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Esther had too many jobs to list during her lifetime, but her favorite occupation was farming.
Later in life, she married Roger Peterson, a lifelong friend who grew up on the same street. She and Roger were active members of East Tennessee FARM (Farmers Association for Retail Marketing). Esther was enthusiastic about selling her produce at weekly farmers markets. She even created business cards that read simply: “Excellent Esther.” She served on the FARM board and contributed in many ways to the organization.
At their home, Esther and Roger cultivated fruits, vegetables and berries. They kept bees, chickens, and guineas, and raised loving farm dogs — often taking in strays. Their home was known as a welcoming place, especially in the summer, to relax at their pool.
Her friend Greg Bailey once said, “She was a fine and generous woman and a good lifelong friend.”
Esther loved the outdoors and especially loved to go camping. She made many trips to the mountains and local state parks, enjoying the beauty of each park and meeting new friends along the way. She also served as a leader in local Girl Scout troops.
Esther had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was an excellent cook and used her freshly grown produce to create delicious meals. Esther had an amazingly uncanny lucky streak. She often won concert tickets, prizes, drawings and raffles. She was the person you wanted to play the lottery with.
She started a “Ladies Who Lunch” group that would meet about once a month. Not just for ladies, everyone was welcome. She worked hard to coordinate schedules so they could all connect with one another. Her friend Sandy Glazier said of her, “She had that unique ability to gather people.”
She was an avid reader and was a regular patron at the Oak Ridge Public Library, often simultaneously reading three or four books. She read widely and within many genres, but especially loved humor and satire, a skill in which she herself was well accomplished. Her many witticisms will be greatly missed.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marilyn Jablonski; brother, Steve Summers; and many cousins, in-laws and “out-laws.”
She is survived by her husband, Roger Peterson; his sons, Justin Peterson (Michelle) and Sam Peterson (Renee); her daughter, Rachael, and grandson, Moses; her brother, Danny Brewer (Janine); nephews, nieces, and a host of friends that she loved and treasured.
Truly, she was a remarkable force of nature.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity Esther would have approved of.
RUBY JEAN SMITH MACK
December 29, 2024
Ruby Jean Smith Mack, 91, of Clinton, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024.
Ruby was born on Nov. 5, 1933, in Clinton to the late Jess and Axie Hensley Smith. Ruby’s life was a testament to her love for her family. In her early years, she worked at Magnet Mills. Ruby enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cooking, and watching game shows, particularly Family Feud. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family. She was a faithful member of Jarnigan Chapel Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Floyd R. Mack, with whom she shared a beautiful bond of 70 years;
brother, George Walter Smith and infant brother Howard Smith; granddaughters, Brandy Mack and Valerie Malinda Mack; and great-granddaughter, Valerie Nichole Mack.
She is survived by her children, Marlin Mack, Terry Mack (Janie), and Gail Mack-Bramlette (James); she leaves behind a legacy of love in her grandchildren, Aaron Mack (Krista), Charity Enix (Chris), and Josh Mack (Brittany); and great-grandchildren, Isaiah Mack, Madelynn Mack, Tucker Mack, Luke Enix, Noahlynn Enix, and Easton Mack. She is also survived by her brother, Riley Smith, and several nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home. The funeral followed and was officiated by the Rev. Gary Smith. Interment took place immediately after at Jarnigan Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is handling arrangements. For more information, visit holleygamble.com.
GREGORY ROETTGER
December 25, 2024
Gregory Roettger, 84, of Clinton, passed away at his home on Dec. 25, 2024.
Greg was born on Dec. 9, 1940, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to the late Lawrence and Margaret Roettger. He attended St. John’s Catholic College for two years before joining the U.S. Navy, where he served for 20 years and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During his service, he studied nuclear power and served two tours in Antarctica. A Vietnam veteran, Greg earned several awards for his service.
After retiring from the military, he worked for nine years in Palo Verde, Arizona, where he earned his master’s degree in health and safety. He later worked at Bechtel in Oak Ridge before retiring. Greg enjoyed gardening, traveling, and ballroom dancing. He was a member of both St. Mary’s Catholic Church and First Baptist Church in Clinton.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Marilyn Steryk.
Greg is survived by his loving wife, Juanita Burress Roettger; brother, Michael Roettger (Ruth); sisters, Kathryn Johnson (Frank) and Barbara Linn; and stepchildren, Kathy Pemberton (Bill), Scott Burress, and Sheree Long (Walter).
The family extends special thanks to UT Hospice for their love and care.
The family received friends at Holley Gamble Funeral Home on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. The funeral followed at 7 p.m.
Greg’s interment, with full military honors provided by the Campbell County Honor Guard, took place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy., Knoxville, TN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton was in charge of all arrangements. holleygamble.com.
MICHAEL RONALD ESLINGER
December 25, 2024
Michael Ronald Eslinger, better known as "Ron," passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at his home in Clinton, TN. He was born April 1, 1948, in Newport, TN to the late Mike and Vivian Eslinger. Ron served in the Marine Corp, Army and Navy. He retired as a Navy Captain with a total of 36 years of military service. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Clinton, TN with Danny Chisholm as his pastor.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his sister Vicki Eslinger Beasley.
Ron is survived by his wife, Karen Brooks Eslinger; sons, Doug Powell and wife Andi, Drake Powell and Corbyn Fulmer; daughter, Cynthia Lynn Powell; grandson, Shade Powell; sister, Patti Sharp and husband Park; sister-in-law, Joy Brooks; nieces, Dayna Austin, Melissa Croly, Sara Brummett, Susan Donaldson, Jessica Brooks, Jennifer Williams; and nephew Michael Beasley.
Ron's pallbearers will be Doug Powell, Drake Powell, Shade Powell, Rob Ray, Jim Simerville, and Mark Ray.
Ron's family will receive his friends on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm with his funeral service to follow at 4:00 pm in the chapel of Jones Mortuary. Pastor Danny Chisholm and Dr. Mike Thompson will be officiating. Graveside service for Ron at the East TN State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy. 168, Knoxville, TN 37920, will be on Monday, January 6th, 2025, at 12:30 pm with full military honors.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton, TN is honored to serve the family of Michael Ronald Eslinger.
DONALD R. WEAVER
December 23, 2024
Donald R. Weaver, 60, of Clinton, joined the Lord’s choir on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at Methodist Medical Center.
Don was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee. He worked as the manager of project development for Silikal America, and was an avid softball fan who loved traveling to watch his granddaughter Bryana play. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, playing and singing music.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Regina Weaver; mother, Peggy Bayless; father, Daniel M. Weaver; brother, Darrell; sister, Tammy; and motherin-law, Dorothy York.
Don is survived by his daughter, Dana Weaver of Clinton; son, Russell Fielden and wife Annebelle of Harriman; grandchildren, Isaac Fielden, Bryana Holt, and Izzy Rueff; father-inlaw, Bob York; and a host of family and friends.
The family received friends on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. The service was officiated by the Rev. Todd Reynolds. Family and friends met at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at 1:15 p.m. to join the funeral procession to Bells Campground for a 2 p.m. interment.
holleygamble.com.
MICHAEL DAVID WILLIAMS SR.
December 22, 2024
Michael David Williams Sr., 59, of Heiskell, Tennessee, passed away at home on Dec. 22, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Mike was born on April 9, 1965, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Herman and Barbara Williams of Blaine, Tennessee. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.
Mike began his career as an electrician, and later worked as a property manager for Joe Hollingsworth Sr. for 18 years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Greg, Rickey, and Herman; niece, Nicole Morrison; and brother-in-law, Terry Daniels.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kim Williams of Heiskell; daughter, Samantha (Josh); son, Michael; grandchildren, Jordan, Dylan, Emilee, Dalton, Kayleigh, Neyland, Brynleigh, Cason, and Kasen; sisters, Sherry (Perry) Trent of Straw Plains, Barbara Graham of Clinton, Jackie (Hobert) of Jefferson City, and Brenda (Don) Carney of Blaine; sister-in-law, Tammy (Daniel) Morrison; brother-in-law, Jerry Daniels of North Carolina; and several nieces, nephews, and many other family members and friends.
Family and friends gathered at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. The service followed at 8 p.m.
holleygamble.com
