Shirley Ann ‘Tootie’ Krebs
May 20, 2025
Shirley Ann “Tootie” Krebs, 93, of Clinton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Canterfield of Oak Ridge Assisted Living.
Tootie was born March 12, 1932, in Southgate, Kentucky, to Edward William and Aileen Elizabeth Simon.
She attended St. Therese Catholic School in Southgate, where she met her future husband, George Henry Krebs Sr. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in Covington, Kentucky, and married George in February 1954 following his return from service in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Together, they raised four children.
In 1969, the Krebs family relocated to Clinton, where they owned and operated Krebs Chevrolet for 22 years. Tootie served as office manager and bookkeeper, a skill she developed working for her father at Simon & Fischer Oldsmobile in Newport, Kentucky.
A devout Catholic, Tootie was a founding member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Clinton. She was active in the Council of Catholic Women, participated in Bible study groups, sponsored numerous converts through the RCIA process, and promoted devotion to the Divine Mercy. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her sister, Donna Timmers; sons, Dr. George Krebs Jr. (Myra) and Joe Krebs (Chantel); daughters, Lori Puryear and Julie Edmondson (Carl); grandchildren, Sarah Burns (Joseph), Alex Krebs (Emma), Katie Schreiber (Bryan), Andrew Cook, Ryan Cook, Matthew Puryear, Blake Edmondson (Kelsey) and Peyton Krebs; stepgrandchildren, Branton Brown, Dan Edmondson (Andrea), Josh Edmondson (Charity), Katie Meister (Jon), Carla Pimental (Mike), Cory Richardson and Cameron Richardson (Carolyn); great-grandchildren, Avalyn Maier, Josie Burns, Keaton Schreiber and Kaiden Schreiber; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, William “Bill” E. Simon and his wife, Dixie; brother-in-law, Paul “Tim” H. Timmers; and son-in-law, Marshall H.
The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the administration and staff of Canterfield of Oak Ridge Assisted Living, Tanya Maxie, R.N., of Covenant Hospice of Oak Ridge, and Theresa Tinch, Tootie’s devoted sitter and friend. Special thanks also to Father Dennis Kress, pastor of St. Therese Catholic Church, and Deacon Dan Hosford of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Norris, for their weekly visits, prayers and spiritual support.
The family will receive friends at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Clinton. A funeral mass will follow at 10:30 a.m., with interment immediately afterward at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Building Debt Reduction Fund at St. Therese Catholic Church, 701 S. Charles G. Seivers Blvd., Clinton, TN 37716, or the Employee Appreciation Fund at Canterfield of Oak Ridge, 200 Bus Terminal Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Please note all donations are in memory of Tootie Krebs.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
Kathy Diane Fairbanks
May 19, 2025
Kathy Diane Fairbanks, 64, passed away May 19, 2025, at her residence in Clinton.
She was born on July 19, 1960, in Knoxville.
In her spare time, Kathy enjoyed crocheting, working word searches, and watching Judge Judy.
She was always accompanied by laughter, known as the “class clown” of every gathering, and never shied away from some juicy gossip. She especially loved spending time with her family, and cherished her role as “Granny” to her grandbabies.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents, Robert and Dorothy Wilkerson; and brother-in-law, John Jones.
She is survived by her husband, Douglas Fairbanks; sons, Tony (Rebecca) Fairbanks and Adam (Carmen) Fairbanks; daughters, Brittany Davis, Elizabeth Davis (Austin Saltkill), Holly (Daniel) Wiles, Kelly (Adam) Detwiler and Kristen (Erik) Behan; and sisters, Vicki Jones and Janet (Fred) Myers.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Samuel, Amara and Malachi Knox; Miles Saltkill; Caden, Chloe, Westin and Maci Detwiler; Derek Wiles; Alison and Lily Behan; and Tucker Fairbanks.
Other survivors include her niece, Renee Jones; nephew, Bruce Jones; and a host of other family and friends.
The family received friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. Following the visitation, friends and family met at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery for a graveside service. The Rev. Tim Day officiated.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Millie L. Hendrix Beets
May 19, 2025
Millie L. Hendrix Beets, 96, passed away Monday, May 19, 2025, in Clinton.
Millie was a member of Hillvale Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, and tending her flower garden.
Throughout her life, she traveled extensively, living in several countries during her husband’s military career.
She was employed by Community Action in Clinton for 15 years and enjoyed volunteer work.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred L. Beets; parents, H.L. Hendrix and Stella Braden Hendrix; sisters, Artie Smith and Della Wilcox; and brothers, Carl Hendrix, Floyd Hendrix and Leon Hendrix.
She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Battle and Linda Golden, both of Clinton; son, Eddie Beets and wife, Debi, of Clinton; grandchildren, Ashley Battle and Melinda Fisher, Margaret Gore and husband, Joe, Brian Mayes, Leslie Hutson, Jordan Beets and wife, Lacy, and Tanner Beets and Meagen; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by a special nephew, John Hatfield and wife, Lisa, as well as several other nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary. The funeral followed at 8 p.m. Pastor Bill Boggs officiated.
Family and friends met at Jones Mortuary at 9 a.m. Friday, May 23, and traveled in procession to Foust Cemetery for a 10 a.m. graveside service.
Jones Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Millie Beets.
Dewayne Farrell Buck
May 18, 2025
Dewayne Farrell Buck passed away at his home in Clinton on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
He was born July 25, 1977, in Oak Ridge to Marcella Scott and Glen Farrell Buck.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Marcella Scott, and his brother, Jimmy Buck of Clinton.
Dewayne is survived by his loving partner, Treva Bounds Givens; his children, Drevin Buck of Crossville and Braydon Buck of Knoxville; and his stepchildren, Travian Bounds and Jayden Bounds, both of Clinton. He is also survived by his grandson, Baylor Buck, of Crossville.
Other survivors include his stepfather, Frank Scott of Knoxville, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and cousins.
Dewayne was a devoted son, brother, uncle, father and grandfather who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him with his kind heart and loving spirit. He will be deeply missed by all.
Cecil Martin
May 16, 2025
Cecil Martin, 89, of Clinton passed away Friday, May 16, 2025, in Oak Ridge.
He was born June 12, 1935, in Clinton to Ernest Clyde and Della Mae Martin.
Cecil worked as a machinist cleaner at Y-12 and was a longtime member of Deep Springs Baptist Church, where he enjoyed singing tenor.
He loved gardening, cooking, and spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Roy Martin and Leon Martin; and sisters, Mildred Kite and Irene Martin.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Willie Martin of Clinton; son, Cecil Kenneth Martin and wife, Angela, of Heiskell; daughter, Cathy Harmon and husband, Charles, of Rockwood; brother, R.L. Martin and wife, Betty, of Wisconsin; sisters, Thelma Grace Nolan of Oak Ridge and Ernest Lou Riggs of Knoxville.
He is also survived by his grandchild, Amanda Boyd and husband, Daniel, of Kingston; great-grandchildren, Camren Sitzler and wife, Olivia, of Kingston, Emma Boyd and Brayden Boyd; and great-great-grandchild, Harper Sitzler.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary, with a funeral to follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Dale Parker officiating.
Family and friends will meet at Jones Mortuary at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 22, to go in procession to Taylor Cemetery in Clinton for a 2 p.m. graveside service.
Jones Mortuary is serving the Martin family.
Michael Zachary Smith
May 16, 2025
Michael Zachary Smith, 38, passed away May 16, 2025, at his residence in Oak Ridge.
He was born June 19, 1986, in Knoxville.
Michael enjoyed spending time outdoors, exploring caves, and studying Native American history. He was a devoted sports fan who could talk about any sport or athlete in great detail. Above all, he cherished time spent with his son, Raylan.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Bailey Sr. and Eleanor Bailey; grandfather, Willie Smith; and father, Michael R. Smith.
He is survived by his son, Raylan Smith; mother, Kimberly Smith; the mother of his child, Amanda Jenkins; brother, Zane Smith and wife, Morgan; niece and nephews, Haley Smith, Carson Hargett, Jackson Smith, and Isaac Smith; and his special K9 companion, Hercules. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends.
The Smith family wishes to share the following message:
“To anyone who will listen: If you’re considering using drugs, don’t. They will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay. ‘For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ — Romans 6:23”
The family received friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. The funeral followed, officiated by the Rev. Mark Kitts. A graveside service was held afterward at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
John Warren Chase Jr.
May 8, 2025
John Warren Chase Jr., 77, of Lake City passed away on May 8, 2025, at North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell.
He was born May 8, 1948, in Lake City to John Chase Sr. and Bobbie Sams Chase. John proudly served in the U.S. Army and later worked for many years as a detective with the LaFollette Police Department.
He had a deep passion for fishing and a keen interest in researching both fact and fiction — especially topics related to local and U.S. history, mafia lore and politics.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Chase; sisters, Shirley Orvetz and Sharon Manley; and brother, Jerry Chase.
He is survived by his sons, John J. Chase of Lake City, Jeremy Chase of Mississippi, and Kevin Young of North Carolina; daughters, Christine Chase Stooksbury and husband, Shawn, of LaFollette, and Aggi Chase of Ohio; brother, James Chase and wife, Robin, of Alabama; sisters, Sandra Gorny-Barrish of Ohio, Erma Lanum and husband, John, of Ohio, and Shelia Skuza and husband, Russ, of LaFollette.
John is also survived by his grandchildren, Johnathon Chase, Noah Chase, Leigha Chase, Breanna Chase, Tyler Chase, Brendan Chase and Abbi Chase Stooksbury; great-grandchild, Damon Chase; and a host of extended family members and friends.
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9 (KJV)
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City. A funeral will follow at 7 p.m. in the Hatmaker Funeral Home chapel, with the Rev. Mark Dison officiating.
A graveside service with military honors provided by the Campbell County Honor Guard will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Leach Cemetery in Lake City.
You may also view John’s obituary and sign the guestbook at hatmakerfuneralhome.com.
Hatmaker Funeral Home, Lake City, is in charge of arrangements.
Gary Edsel Johnson
May 6, 2025
Gary Edsel Johnson, 77, of Powell passed away Tuesday morning, May 6, 2025, at his home. He was born March 27, 1948.
To know Gary was to love him. The most devoted husband, father and grandfather, he lived out his vows and faith as a devout Christian and served as a model of integrity. Revered in his business community as a natural leader, he was also a beloved uncle, foster parent, and grandfather to many — both related and chosen family.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean Johnson; father, Sheridan Johnson; and mother, Carrie Johnson.
He is survived by his son, Michael Johnson and daughter-in-law, Shannon; grandchildren, Easton and Kaitlyn Johnson; sister, Dora Norris; and nephew, Roger Norris. He also shared a special bond with his in-laws, Jim and Peggy Vandergriff, Dorothy Crowe, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved companion, Barbara Elkins, and her family.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church in Clinton. A funeral followed, officiated by the Rev. Daryl Taylor.
Family and friends met at 10:15 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2025, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel, to travel in procession to Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Heiskell for a graveside service.
Condolences may be made at mynattfh.com.
