Ronnie Malicoat
March 27, 2025
Ronnie Malicoat, 79, went home to be with the Lord and his wife of 59 years on Thursday, March 27, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born Jan. 4, 1946, in LaFollette, and was employed by the city of LaFollette Street Department for 34 years.
Ronnie’s greatest joys in life were his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. He left behind a legacy of love that will carry on for a lifetime. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help someone in need.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ralphine Hawkins Malicoat; parents, Hubert Malicoat and Mae Riggs Parker; stepfather, John Parker; sister, Monnie; infant brother, Earl Malicoat; mother-in-law, LeOpeal Hawkins; father-in-law, LeRoy Hawkins; sisters-in-law, Della Kitzmiller (Marvin), Pat Sandefur and Lois Gregg (Tom); and brothers-in-law, Boone Hawkins, Genis Hawkins (Robin) and David Hawkins.
He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Hays (Donnie); sons, Benny Malicoat (Evy) and Steve Malicoat; grandchildren, Zack Malicoat, Noah Malicoat (Hannah), Hunter Hays (Samantha), Sara Malicoat and Olivia Hays (Alia); great-grandson, Wesley Hays; and grand-dog, Teddy Bear.
Other survivors include sisters-in-law, Becky Quattlebaum and Donna Hawkins; brother-in-law, Jeff Hawkins (Jeannie); special niece, Cassie Carroll; and a host of family and friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Amedisys Hospice Care, Olivia, Alia and Hannah, for the care provided.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at Jones Mortuary chapel. The funeral followed with the Revs. Glen Marlow and Pete Lowe officiating.
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 31, at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is serving the family of Ronnie Malicoat.
Charles Lee Giles
March 25, 2025
Charles Lee Giles, 87, of Clinton passed away March 25, 2025, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.
He was born May 17, 1937, to Fred and Alberta Steele Giles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Robbins Giles; brothers, Jack Giles, Frank Giles, Wayne Giles and Troy Giles; and sisters, Betty Wilcox, Pat Perritt, Lucille Jones and Maxine Lowe.
He is survived by his daughter, Laura G. McAfee of Portland, Tennessee; sons, Charles Giles Jr. and James Giles, both of Clinton; and brother, Sam Giles, and sister-in-law, Bethea Giles, also of Clinton.
Charles loved sports, music, working outdoors and telling stories. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1956, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois, and received a master’s degree in library science from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
He served in the Army National Guard and went on to teach at Norris High School, Rule High School (Knoxville) and Whittle Springs Middle School (Knoxville). He also worked for the state of Tennessee as a library supervisor and later as a media center supervisor.
Charles was a librarian and soccer coach at Oak Ridge High School and spent many years with Anderson County Schools as a Chapter 1 reading coordinator before retiring in 1993. He later returned to education as a librarian at Norwood Elementary and Briceville Elementary.
He was a passionate advocate for education who loved books, learning and helping others grow through knowledge.
Above all, Charles was a devoted family man who took great pride in caring for his loved ones and his home. He will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Sinking Springs United Methodist Church.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is serving the family.
Mary Lou Byrd
March 23, 2025
Mary Lou Byrd, 71, of Anderson County passed away March 23, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
Mary was born and raised in Anderson County, daughter of the late Ernest and Ada Byrd. She was an avid bird feeder and enjoyed working in her flower beds. Her sons often made sure she had the best-looking yard on her street. She also loved visiting Cades Cove, where her late father had served in the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Byrd and Ada Turpin, brother, Dale Byrd, and her son, Jason Sherwood.
Survivors include her son, Robert Sherwood and wife, Kari; brothers, Paul Byrd, and Johnny Byrd and wife, Karen; sister, Martha Crow and husband, Tim; grandchildren, Chriss Sherwood and Megan Taylor; and sister-in-law, Regina Byrd. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
The family met for a memorial service at 6 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home Chapel in Clinton.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Robert “Keith” Pitts
March 22, 2025
Robert “Keith” Pitts, 48, of Clinton passed away on March 22, 2025, and was welcomed into the arms of the Lord.
Born on April 25, 1976, Keith was a loving husband, brother, son, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed. He was a man who truly loved life. He spent his days working alongside his brother and being surrounded by family and friends — especially his beloved wife of 26 years, Marcia, and his loyal dog, Duke.
Keith’s passions ranged from working on cars and riding ATVs in the mountains to drag racing. He was a proud Ford enthusiast, a diehard Tennessee Vols fan and a notorious prankster.
A skilled mechanic, Keith could fix just about anything and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
Whether tinkering in the garage or riding through the hills, he found joy in his hobbies and loved sharing those moments with others.
His heart was as big as his personality, and his kindness and generosity knew no bounds. Keith’s love for others left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia Pitts; father, Jim (Dusty) Disney; brother, Jason (Loren) Webber; in-laws, Larry (Frankie) Byrge; brother-in-law, David (Kim) Byrge; sister-in-law, Monica (Anthony) Ford; and aunt, Barbie Smith. He also leaves behind several cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of close friends who were like brothers to him.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet Pitts; father, Michael Webber; and sister, Casey Webber Phillips.
A celebration of Keith’s life will be held in late April. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to support his wife during this difficult time.
Keith will never be forgotten. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Judy Cook
March 22, 2025
Judy Cook, 52, of Clinton passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Parkwest Medical Center.
She was born March 23, 1972, to McCoy and Mary Cook. Judy loved the Tennessee Vols and was a big Harley-Davidson fan. She loved music, was always the life of the party and had a great sense of humor. Above all, she cherished her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charlie and Kizzie Patterson Phillips, and Lonzo and Nettie Jeffers Cook; and her brother-in-law, Bennie Hartley.
She is survived by her sister, Joyce Hartley of Clinton; niece, Emily Hartley of Clinton; nephew, Matthew Hartley of Oak Ridge; great-nephew, Christopher Hartley of Clinton; great-niece, Jade Hartley of Clinton; and special friend, Buddy Ray Lowe.
A graveside service was held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2025, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is serving the family of Judy Cook.
Joanne Malone (Irick) Wright
March 22, 2025
Mrs. Joanne Malone (Irick) Wright, 88, of Dallas, Georgia, passed away on March 22, 2025.
Joanne was born in Andersonville, Tennessee, to Tillus Irick and Wanda Pauline Humphrey Irick.
After graduating from Norris High School in 1955, she earned a business certificate from Knoxville Business School, and later worked for the Knoxville News Sentinel.
She married Max Louis Wright in 1957, and they made their home in Anderson County, where they raised their three daughters. Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, daughter and homemaker who loved her Lord and Savior. She spent time daily reading her Bible and learning scripture, which she shared with her daughters and her Sunday school students at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Heiskell.
Joanne and her husband later retired to Paulding County, Georgia, where she was a member of Concord Baptist Church in Temple, Georgia. Throughout her years in Tennessee and Georgia, she enjoyed working in her vegetable and flower gardens. She loved growing roses and preserving the fruits and vegetables she and her husband harvested.
She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed sewing for her daughters. She was also a gifted artist at sketching and drawing. She enjoyed working with charcoal. After completing an art course, she produced some beautiful works.
Joanne also loved music, and played the piano and organ, continuing to enjoy both even in her later years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Max Wright, who passed away on Dec. 9, 2016; and her sister, Brenda Goforth.
Survivors include her daughters, Gwen (David) Forbes of Clinton, Tennessee, Sonya (James) Ransom of Dallas, Georgia, and Vicki (John) Rutherford of Kingsland, Georgia; grandchildren, Abigail (Kyle) Ruth, Amelia (Will) Grifenhagen, Brooke (Colby) Taylor, Samuel Forbes, Joshua Forbes and Harrison Rutherford; four great-grandchildren, Annalise Ruth, Maxwell Ruth, Riley Taylor and Madison Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.
Joanne Malone Wright will be remembered for her kindness, her love, her faith in God, and her commitment to her family. As we say goodbye, we find comfort in knowing her legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family extends special thanks to Kimberly Personal Care Home and Agape Hospice for their compassionate care.
Clark Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the services for Mrs. Joanne Malone (Irick) Wright.
Mari Ruth Katelin Roysden
March 16, 2025
Mari Ruth Katelin Roysden, 23, of Jacksboro passed away March 16, 2025, from this life to life everlasting.
Katelin worked as a registered nurse for Hazard ARH, a travel nursing agency, serving in intensive-care units across the United States. She enjoyed ATV riding, hunting, fishing, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Michaela Bucker; and grandparents, Willie and Euvene Randolph and Frank and Nadine Lowe.
She is survived by her mother, Darlene Crain; siblings, Megan Randolph, Kristan Randolph, Even Randolph, Robert Roysden, Brandi Roysden and Russell Jo Roysden; and her special fur baby, Precious. She also leaves behind many extended family members and friends.
The family received friends Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs. Family and friends met at 12:30 p.m. Sunday to go in procession to Graves Gap Baptist Church, where she lay in state until 2 p.m. A funeral followed, officiated by Greg Overton and Lonnie Lowe. Interment followed at Graves Gap Baptist Church Cemetery.
Sharp Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Roysden family.
Daniel (Dan) Scott McBee
March 14, 2025
Daniel “Dan” Scott McBee, 78, of Norris passed away on March 14, 2025.
Dan graduated from Norris High School in 1964 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy, serving two years of active duty. After returning home, he began working for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Engineering Laboratory in Norris, where he retired in 2000 after 34 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William McBee Jr. and Virginia (Ladig) McBee of Norris; brother, Kenneth McBee of Halls; father-in-law, William Shorter; and sister-in-law, Linda McKamey of Clinton.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Teresa Shorter McBee; children, Scott McBee (Jennifer) of Knoxville, Chad Crowley (Heather) of Clinton, and Kristi Anderson (Joshua) of Clinton; grandchildren, Shanna Jarnigan, Katelyn McBee, Jackson McBee, Greyson McBee, Asher Anderson, and Carly McBee. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Thomasson of Chattanooga; sisters-in-law, Diane Skeens (Steve) of Andersonville and Karen McBee of Halls; brother-in-law, Robert McKamey; and mother-in-law, Betty Shorter of Clinton.
The family will hold a private graveside service at a later date at McBee Cemetery in Corryton.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
