Alvin Jones
December 10, 2025
Alvin Jones, 81, of Oliver Springs passed away peacefully at home while holding the hand of his loving wife.
A true outdoorsman at heart, Alvin enjoyed motorcycles, hunting, fishing and spending time in nature. He was a master carpenter whose craftsmanship left a lasting mark on many homes and buildings throughout the community, including his contribution to the renovation and construction of Sharp Funeral Home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Isabell Jones; a son, Richard Jones; and a niece, Lavonna England.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Jenna Jones; sons, David Jones and Keith Jones; a daughter, Brooke Jones; a nephew, Aaron Jones (Randa); great-nieces, Deanna England and Kalleen England; a great-nephew, Briar England; and a host of other family members and friends.
The family invites all who knew and loved Alvin to gather in remembrance Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs from 2-5 p.m. Those who wish may take part in one of Jones’ favorite pastimes, knife trading. Guests are also encouraged to share stories and memories as his life is remembered.
Sharp Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jones family during this time.
Lionel Franklin Edwards
December 9, 2025
Lionel Franklin Edwards, of Pioneer, formerly of Andersonville, passed away Dec. 9, 2025.
Lionel lived a quiet, outdoorsman’s life and found his greatest peace in the mountains and woods he loved.
He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and digging for ginseng, and he carried a true sportsman’s spirit throughout his life.
He also had a natural talent for drawing, and found joy in listening to music, especially rock and roll. Over the years, he cared for several beloved pets who were his loving companions.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly; mother, Gladys Edwards; brother, Shannon Edwards (Melissa); sisters, Vickie Edwards (Patrick) and Alicia Chapman (Curt); niece, Sheena Reynolds (Elliot); nephews, Kendall Edwards (Amanda), Joshua Edwards (Colleen) and Nate Edwards; great-nieces, Kaylee and Aurora Edwards; and great-nephews, Nicholas Reynolds and Brycen Edwards.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Frank Edwards; grandmother, Lea Omia Bible; and aunt, JoAnn Anderson.
Lionel was deeply loved by his family, who will remember him for his connection to the outdoors and the peaceful life he chose to live.
Janice Ray Fowler Smelcher
December 7, 2025
Janice Ray Fowler Smelcher, 89, of Knoxville, formerly of Clinton, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 7, 2025, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and loving family. She went to be with the Lord after a life devoted to faith and family.
She was a 1954 graduate of Clinton High School, where she was a majorette and a member of the band, drama club, FHA and 4-H. She was also named FFA Queen and played saxophone. She attended Tennessee Tech and later retired from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she worked in the Office of Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Janice’s family was her greatest joy. She loved Tennessee football — especially Peyton Manning — as well as history, music, musicals, classic films, walking at the track and reading. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, patience, sweet smile and unwavering love. Giving her time was her way of showing love. She was a beautiful soul, inside and out, and will be missed beyond words.
This is not goodbye, this is see you soon sweet Momma/Grammie. We love you! Oxox
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Ophelia Fowler; daughter, Lisa R. Muse; infant son, Scotty Smelcher; brothers, Paul Fowler and David Fowler; and sister, Rose Ann Jansky.
She is survived by her children, Steve Smelcher and wife Lisa, Jana McCarty and husband Mark, and Dara Chadwell and husband Andy; grandchildren, Blake Simpson, Brooke Simpson, Amaris Chadwell, Amanda Hopson, Ashley Muse and James Muse; great-grandchildren, Elliot Simpson and Jayda Sliger; brother, Ronnie Fowler; sister, Diane Cooksey; sister-in-law, Jeanne Fowler; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by the father of her children, Jim Smelcher.
The family received friends at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A graveside service followed at Sunset Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Steve Smelcher, Mark McCarty, Andy Chadwell, Blake Simpson, Ryan Chagnon and Bobby Kelley. Jim Smelcher served as honorary pallbearer.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to have served the Smelcher family.
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Richard F. “Dick” Brown
December 7, 2025
Richard F. “Dick” Brown went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of Dec. 7, 2025. He went gently and quietly, just as he lived his life, leaving behind a legacy of service, honor and love.
Dick was born in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, to Charles and Edna Brown, and lived there until joining the U.S. Air Force after graduating from high school. He proudly served four years and received an honor recognizing his integrity. While stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, he met his future wife, Ruth. They were married for nearly 68 years and raised three children together.
Following his military service, Dick earned an accounting degree from Penn State University and the University of Tennessee. He began his career at the Department of Energy in Oak Ridge, where he worked for 30 years. He was well known among coworkers for writing poems to honor them on birthdays.
Dick later served three years with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria, touching many lives and earning the distinction of being called “the best boss they ever had.” He continued his tradition of celebrating coworkers with coffee and cake. After returning to the United States, he enjoyed contract work for government agencies in Oak Ridge.
Dick’s greatest passion was spreading the gospel of Christ. He was a longtime member of West Towne Christian Church in Knoxville and a strong advocate for missions. He supported Christian institutions financially and served physically whenever possible. Each summer, he dedicated a week of vacation to serve at Smoky Mountain Christian Service Camp, returning home with laughter-filled stories.
After retirement, Dick and Ruth spent summers serving at TCM International Institute in Heiligenkreuz, Austria, a Christian graduate seminary that trains leaders in Eastern Europe. He loved working with others who shared his same philosophy, and embraced praying with people from other cultures who loved his Lord.
In his later years, Dick served Johnson University whenever he could. A longtime financial supporter, he also volunteered by cleaning dorm windows, stuffing and stamping envelopes, and serving during Senior Saints weekends. He loved so many of the staff there and was button-popping proud to have a son and granddaughter attend.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Edna Brown of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania; his sister, Irene Freed of Orwigsburg; and his granddaughter, Emily Marie Brown, of Cookeville, Tennessee.
He was loved by and will be greatly missed by his wife, Ruth Brown of Powell; sons Michael Brown (Stephanie) of Powell and Rick Brown (Georgianna) of Cookeville; and daughter Kelly Brown (Gerry) of Lexington, Kentucky; grandchildren Benjamin Brown, Samuel Brown, Anna Brown, Steven Brown, Jared Brooks, Molly Rehmel and Joni Brooks; and great-grandchildren Branson Miller, Bristol Brooks, Bryson Brooks and Ella Rehmel.
The family extends special thanks to Stephanie Brown for her loving care during the past five months; to Sallie Pierce for her assistance; and to the staff and volunteers at Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville, for their compassion and support.
Services to honor Dick will be held Saturday, Dec. 20, at West Towne Christian Church, 9300 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m., with a celebration of life to follow at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Johnson University.
Checks should be payable to Johnson University and mailed to 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37998, with a note indicating the gift is in memory of Richard Brown for the student scholarship fund.
Contributions also may be made online at johnsonu.edu/donate with a memorial designation.
Shirley K. (Stevens) Greene
December 1, 2025
Shirley K. (Stevens) Greene of Oak Ridge passed away peacefully on Dec. 1, 2025, with her son and daughter-in-law by her side.
She was born in 1936 in Roan Mountain, and moved to Oak Ridge in 1944 with her family. She attended Highland View Elementary School, Robertsville Junior High and Oak Ridge High School.
Shirley worked at Grove Center Pharmacy before beginning a 40-year career at Oak Ridge Hospital (now Methodist Medical Center), where she served in the Pharmacy and Day Surgery departments. She also helped run Greene’s Cycle Shop alongside her husband, Carroll Greene.
A woman of faith, Shirley was an active member of New Salem Baptist Church in Clinton.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Voretta Stevens; brothers, C.L. Stevens and Don Stevens; sister, Jody Hyer; her first husband, Austin Towns; and her second husband, Carroll Greene.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law; sister, Wilma Nichols; brothers, Ralph Stevens and Mike Stevens (Eleanor); stepdaughter, Becky Breaux; and step-granddaughters, Andy, Leah and Charlotte Breaux. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the National MS Society at nationalmssociety.org.
Delmer Lee Russell
November 28, 2025
Delmer Lee Russell, 76, passed away peacefully Friday evening, Nov. 28, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, surrounded by his loved ones.
Mr. Russell was a longtime member of Big Mountain Baptist Church, where he played guitar until his health declined and prevented him from continuing the work he felt the Lord had called him to do.
Before retiring in 2011, Delmer worked many years for Oak Ridge Schools as part of the maintenance and custodial staff. He enjoyed gospel music, fishing, ATV riding and entertaining friends.
He is survived by his children, Steve (Darrion) Russell of Jamestown, Tennessee; Darrell (Christina) Russell of South Carolina; Jamie Russell of Florida; and Brian Russell of Boston, Massachusetts. He also leaves behind grandchildren Robert Chapell, Steven Russell, Hannah, Chesni, Charli and Henry.
Surviving siblings include brother James (Faye) Russell of Clinton; sister Marilyn Duncan of Clinton; sister Naomi Russell Gaylon (Lynn) of Harriman; brother Donald (Mary) Russell of Oliver Springs; and brother Glen (Bobbie) Russell of Clinton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Rhoda Lee Russell; sister Rachel Russell Wilson; brother Charles Russell; sister Evelyn Standifer; and brother Jerry Standifer. He is also preceded in death by several nieces, nephews and many special friends, including Patsy Mitchell, Abbie Kitts and Mike Freels.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at Sharp Funeral Home, with a funeral to follow at 7 p.m., officiated by Bro. David Coffman and Bro. Lonnie Lowe. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
Sharp Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Russell family during this time of need.
Linda Gail Williams
November 27, 2025
Linda Gail Williams, 63, passed away Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, at her home in Benton, Tennessee.
She was born March 20, 1963, in Oak Ridge to George and Betty Wilkerson.
Linda loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She was a member of Lone Mountain Baptist Church and enjoyed attending services when she was able. She also loved listening to gospel music. Linda was known for her warm smile and willingness to help others.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her son, Junior Williams of Oak Ridge; daughter, Rhonda Williams of Benton; brothers, David Wilkerson of Heiskell and Terry Wilkerson of Rocky Top; and grandchildren, Dakota Williams, Jeremiah Williams, Hunter Williams, Levi Williams and Jacob Williams.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at Jones Mortuary in Clinton. A funeral followed at 7 p.m., officiated by Eddie Childress and Derek Mitchell. A graveside service was held at noon Monday, Dec. 1, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Andersonville.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to serve the family of Linda Gail Williams.
Darlene Ruth Brown
November 22, 2025
Darlene Ruth Brown, 78, of Clinton passed away at her home on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Born Oct. 28, 1947, in Knoxville, she was the daughter of the late Deward Jerome and Ruby Farris.
Darlene dedicated 35 years to B&T Distributing in Knoxville, retiring after 35 years of committed service, marked by hard work and dedication.
She had a lifelong passion for sewing and crocheting and took great pride in creating outfits and custom curtains for her family. She also enjoyed family beach vacations and crossword puzzles.
Above all, Darlene cherished her family. Time spent with her loved ones was the most important part of her life, and she found her greatest joy in the love she shared with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving husband, William “Ernie” Brown; children, Kendall Brown and wife, Marion, and DeAnna Clemmons; grandchildren, Cameron Clemmons, Cory Clemmons and Brady Clemmons; sister, Sherry Gibson and husband, Carl; nephews, Tim Gibson and wife, Pam, and Kevin Gibson and wife, Kristi; great-nephews, Taylor, Alec, Logan and Ryan Gibson; and great-nieces, Leah, Rylei and Kloei Gibson.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. A celebration of life followed in the chapel.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
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