Oliver Lynn ‘Chicken’ Parks
November 21, 2025
Oliver Lynn “Chicken” Parks, 84, of Lake City passed away Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.
Lynn was well known in the community for his abundant vegetable gardens and his towering sunflowers that brightened the roadside and brought smiles to passersby. He loved tractors and took great pride in helping with the Anderson County Fair’s tractor and garden displays each year alongside his friend Howard Farmer.
A 50-year member of the Coal Creek Masonic Lodge, Lynn was deeply involved with the Shrine Paper Sale, raising funds for Shriners Children’s Hospitals. He especially looked forward to greeting shoppers during the annual fundraiser at Food City.
He logged more than three million miles in a tractor-trailer over the course of his career, first hauling coast-to-coast with Metler Hauling and Rigging, and later delivering gasoline locally for Exxon. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Lynn often shared humorous tales of his time stationed in France, and was deeply patriotic. He frequently said, “I don’t need to travel, I saw it all in a truck.”
He loved our flag and all it represents. Lynn’s stories of his life on the road were always filled with humor and adventure. He cherished his friendships from Glenn’s Pizza, where he sat at the “liars’ table,” from Cracker Barrel in Lake City, and among his longtime neighbors and friends in South Clinton and Dutch Valley. A proud Laker, he would often clarify, “Rocky Top is a song, Lake City is a town.” He was Forever a Laker!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Georgia Parks.
Survivors include his former wife of 47 years and devoted caregiver and friend, Faye Parks; daughter, Angela “Hoppy” Merryman and husband, Jeff; sister, Ella Ayers and husband, Phil; grandson, Kolby Merryman; and Brandon Isabell, whom he loved like a son, will cherish Lynn’s wit, smile, and joy for life along with his “country as cornbread” sayings that sprinkled humor and wisdom into everyone’s daily journey.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Leach Family Funeral Home in Lake City. A funeral followed with Chaplain Ben Neal officiating. Interment followed at Grandview Memorial Garden.
Lynn often said, “I am just an old farmer who has been blessed all his life.” He loved passing the blessings on to others. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Anderson County High School FFA, 140 Maverick Circle, Clinton, TN 37716; Clinton High School FFA, 425 Dragon Drive, Clinton, TN 37716; or Shriners Children’s Hospitals at donate.shrinerschildrens.org.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Wendy May and staff at UT Family Physicians; Dr. Daniel Ibach and the Tennessee Cancer Center team; Dr. Andrew Conrad, Tyler Irwin and the Vista Radiology team; Fort Sanders Radiology Department; Parkwest Medical Center staff; Dr. Brian Christiansen of Arches Foot Care in Oak Ridge; and Anderson County EMS for their compassionate care.
Special thanks to cousins Kay Foust and Sammy Foust, and dear friends John Martin, Randy Pettit and Glen Toler for their visits, joy and support over the past few months. You are loved and appreciated.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
Ricky Dewain Caswell
November 21, 2025
Ricky Dewain Caswell, 64, departed this life and entered his eternal rest on Nov. 21, 2025, at Tennova North Medical Center in Knoxville. Born March 3, 1961, he lived a life marked by humor, loyalty and a deep love for his family, friends, and the Tennessee Volunteers.
In the late 1970s, Ricky honorably enlisted in the United States Army, serving as an 81C cartographic support specialist. After completing his active-duty service, he continued his commitment to his country by joining the U.S. National Guard, where he served in the same specialty until the late 1980s
A passionate sports fan, Ricky loved fishing, cheering for the UT Vols and the Raiders, and following college football, basketball and NASCAR. He carried an impressive knowledge of sports statistics and was always ready with a sharp-witted remark or one of his signature dry jokes. His humor, warm spirit, and unique personality will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna T. Caswell; father, Willie Oliver; uncle, William Thomas “Hi-Pockets” Gist; aunt, Francis “Tinker” Beatty; grandmothers, Mary Beasley and Bernice Beatty; and other cherished family members who greeted him on the other side.
He is survived by his sons, Jordan Caswell of Knoxville and Tyler Caswell of Atlanta; brothers, Darryl (Tammy) Caswell of Knoxville, Kevin Caswell of Clinton, and Willie Oliver Jr. of Oak Ridge; eight nieces and nephews; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.
He is also survived by his devoted “ride or die” friends, Quincy and Benny; special friends, Shawn McCane and Toi Howard; along with devoted family members who held a special place in his heart, Christopher Beatty of Powell and Desmond (Kristin) Beatty of Smyrna, Georgia.
The family will receive friends Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 2 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. at Woodhaven Funeral Home, 160 Edgemoor Road, Powell.
In honor of Ricky’s spirit and passion, we won’t say goodbye — we’ll echo the cheer he carried throughout his life:
Go Vols and Raider Nation!
Wallace (Wally) Carl Henderson
November 20, 2025
Wallace (Wally) Carl Henderson, 90, passed away peacefully at home after a long and courageous battle with thrombocytopenia and Parkinson’s disease.
He was a member of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church in Knoxville. Born Feb. 12, 1935, in Lake City, Wallace was the son of the late John Carl and Maude Wallace Henderson.
He spent his childhood in Lake City and Andersonville, where he especially enjoyed time with his maternal grandparents. A proud graduate of Lake City High School’s Class of 1953, Wallace went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army, including active duty in Germany from 1958 to 1960. Following his military service, he built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades with Union Carbide and its predecessor, Martin Marietta Energy Systems.
Wallace was a man of integrity and character. He deeply cherished his family and was always looking for meaningful ways to honor and support those he loved — as well as countless others. Known by many as a “perfect Southern gentleman,” he found his greatest joy in time spent with his children and grandchildren. He loved fishing, cooking, gardening and traveling, and he especially treasured family beach trips. He was also an active member and past president of the Volunteer Travelers Square Dance Group for many years.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret “Margie” Henderson; parents, John and Maude Henderson; sister, Martha Jean Henderson; and brothers-in-law, James Boatman (Sue) and Don Carver (Yoshiko).
He is survived by his daughter, Susan Tackett and husband, Alan, of Clinton; son, Jeff Wallace and wife, Martie, of Powell; grandchildren, Greg Tackett and wife, Missy, of Jacksboro, Monica Farner and husband, Glenn, of Nashville, and Lauren Frye and husband, Chad, of Clinton; great-grandchildren, Emily and Seth Tackett, William and Anna Grace Farner, and Landon and Aiden Brown; and sisters-in-law, Sue Boatman of Clinton and Yoshiko Carver of Powell.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Nicole Farrell and Goldie Byrge for their loving care and unwavering dedication throughout Wallace’s — and his former wife’s — illnesses. Special thanks also go to nurses Dee Dee, Sharon and Lynn, and to Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate service.
The family received friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Holley- Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A graveside service followed at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
James “Jim” Davis
November 19, 2025
James “Jim” Davis, 76, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher and musician, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 19, 2025.
Born in Harriman, Jim was the eldest of three sons. He attended Carson-Newman College, where he completed his studies before beginning a lifelong career in education.
He devoted 37 years to teaching, shaping countless young minds with wisdom, compassion and integrity. His impact extended beyond the classroom — he was remembered by students as a mentor and coach who inspired them to reach their full potential.
A gifted pianist and singer, Jim brought joy to family, friends and his community through music. Whether performing for loved ones or at community gatherings, his talent was matched only by his humility.
He is survived by his wife, Denise; son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Telisha; grandsons, Aiden and Declan; brothers, John (Dawne) and Joe (Melanie); and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Jim will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, generous spirit, immeasurable legacy, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton to celebrate Jim’s life. As he was a devoted University of Tennessee fan, the family requests that everyone wear orange to the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Clinton High School athletics, the CHS band or the Memorial United Methodist Church food pantry.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Leslie “Nanny” Sanders
November 15, 2025
Leslie “Nanny” Sanders, 78, of Clinton left this world to join her savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Oak Ridge. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she was a lifelong LSU fan.
Born in Baton Rouge and a true leader of her family, she was a retired lab technician and emergency medical team leader at the Exxon Mobil plant there. A proud emergency and industrial medical specialist, she held a licensed practical nurse certification for more than 40 years and served as an instructor and examiner for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. She later retired to Anderson County to enjoy life in the mountains of East Tennessee.
She was preceded in death by her father, Leslie “JY” Sanders; mother, Myrtle Avara LeBlanc; and sister, Betty Watts, all of Louisiana.
She is survived by her children, Mike James, Tom Allsup and wife, Susan, and Jennifer Shishko; grandchildren, Christopher Allsup, Logan Allsup, Joshua Allsup, Katie Shishko Sellers and husband, Joey, and Emily Shishko; nephews, Jay, Billy, Russell and Richard; great-nephew, Jonathan; and great-nieces, Samantha, Sarah, Victoria and Trisha.
The receiving of friends was held from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. A funeral followed at 11 a.m.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Sanders family.
holleygamble.com
Wanda Lucille Rhea
November 15, 2025
Wanda Lucille Rhea, 86, of Clinton went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday morning, Nov. 15, 2025.
She was a faithful member of Blowing Springs Baptist Church and made a life-changing decision as a teenager when she accepted Jesus into her heart.
Wanda loved the simple joys God gave her. In the summertime, she could often be found outside with her husband, Doug, working in their garden or spending time together in the paint shop. She loved her family deeply and loved her dogs just as dearly. One of the ways she expressed that love was through her cooking. Her potato salad and green beans were favorites among family, and every New Year’s Day she prepared greens, hog jowl, black-eyed peas and cornbread — a tradition her family will always cherish.
Her family finds comfort in knowing Wanda is healed, whole and in the presence of Jesus.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and nurses who cared for Wanda with such kindness and compassion.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Edna Webber; brothers, Bobby and Jimmy Webber; son, Wayne Ellis; and infant daughter.
Wanda is survived by her husband, Doug; children, Vicki Gilmore (Rick), Mike Ellis (Lori) and Gary Ellis (Courtney); daughters-in-love, Bess Lowery and Kathy Ellis; brother, Ricky Webber; and nieces, Tami Rhea and Tina Brown.
She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Jason McCollum, Casey Prater (John), Beth Higgins (Jon), Brooke Ellis, Blair Martin (Brian), Justin Ellis (Kelsey), Gavin Ellis (Angel) and Meghan Ellis; and great-grandchildren, Bryant Prater, Lola Ellis, Grayson Prater, Arabella Ellis, Baylor Higgins, Bryson Ellis, Belle Higgins, Barron Ellis, Boone Ellis and Wren Ellis.
Wanda touched the lives of many, and her legacy will continue in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. Her loved ones honor her life, thank God for the gift of her presence and look forward to the day they will see her again.
Family and friends will gather Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home for visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Clinton with the Rev. David White officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blowing Springs Baptist Church, 119 Blowing Springs Lane, Clinton, TN 37716.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to serve the Rhea family.
holleygamble.com
Cora Sue Jones Webb
November 4, 2025
Cora Sue Jones Webb, 68, of Clinton passed away Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born May 27, 1957, in Akron, Ohio, and lived most of her life in Roane and Anderson counties. She was a faithful member of Blowing Springs Baptist Church in Clinton, where she attended whenever possible and will be deeply missed by her church family and community.
Cora worked as a licensed practical nurse and spent many years in the home health industry. A talented seamstress, she created many beautiful quilts, and she enjoyed fishing, as well as canning and cooking for those she loved. She adored her children and took great joy in spoiling her grandchildren. Cora also volunteered at the Anderson County Senior Center, where she served on the board for several years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Billy Ray and Joan Deloris Jones; sister, JoAnne Schofield; and special friend, Jerry Carden.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Jimmy Webb Sr. of Clinton; children, Craig (Tammy) Webb of Clinton, Jeremy (Holly) Webb of Clinton, Jimmy Webb Jr. (Chelsea Sapp) of Shalimar, Florida, and Jesse Webb of Clinton; grandchildren, Jessica (Alex) Dominguez, Gracie (Matthew) Murray, Riley Webb, Hadley Webb, Josie Webb and Laken Webb; and great-grandchildren, Amelia Dominguez and Lilah Dominguez.
She is also survived by sisters, Patty McMillan of Sale Creek, Pam (Gary) Harber of Oliver Springs and Sandy Ellis of Clinton; brother, Bobby (Sharon) Jones of Clinton; and special brother-in-law, Don Webb of Maryville. She leaves behind a host of extended family and dear friends.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Blowing Springs Baptist Church. A funeral followed, with the Rev. David White officiating. Interment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in Rocky Top.
An online register is available at FrakerFuneralHome.net.
Fraker Funeral Home of Kingston is in charge of arrangements.
Raymond Calvin Braden
November 3, 2025
Raymond Calvin Braden, 77, of Knoxville, passed away Nov. 3, 2025.
He loved the Lord and served as pastor of several Baptist churches through the years. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later retired from the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs.
Following retirement, he lovingly cared for his wife, Stella Bridges Braden, until her death in 2022.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Stella Bridges Braden; parents, Ernest and Ethel Braden; brothers, Charles and David Braden; and sister, Vesta Flynn.
He is survived by his sons, Terry (Starla) Bridges and Dennis (Kim) Bridges; daughters, Vicki Easterday and Melanie (Alvin) Loveday; brother, Louis (Carol) Braden; sister, Reba Braden; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Bridges Funeral Home. A funeral followed with the Revs. Luke Kidwell and Richard Nicley officiating.
Interment followed at 3 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery, with honors presented by the Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard.
Pallbearers were Carl Tilley, Brian Bridges, Alvin Loveday, John Lewis, Bobby Lewis and Kenny Moody. Honorary pallbearers were Mike Barbee and John Briggs.
The family extends special thanks to Brian, Tiffany and Lauren for their love and support to their grandparents, and to his son-in-law, Alvin Loveday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard, P.O. Box 22122, Knoxville, TN 37933, or to Cox View Cemetery, 7117 Lyngate Blvd., Powell, TN 37849, with checks made payable to Wayne Mitchell.
Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville.
bridgesfuneralhome.com
