Shilda Roberta Sands
December 28, 2025
Shilda Roberta Sands, 77, of Maynardville passed away Dec. 28, 2025, at Tennova North Medical Center in Powell.
She was born Sept. 10, 1948, in Gary, Indiana, to the late Ruba and Dortha Hill. Shilda was a loving grandmother and loved spending time with her family. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, gardening and caring for others.
She also frequently attended Heavenly View Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her daughters, Sherry Chesney and Mellissa Sands; and grandchildren, Roberta Chesney and Jackson Boggs.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Johnny Sands; daughters, Althea Tragesser (Mark), April Leach (Brandon), Jessica Robinson (Keith), Kaley Chesney and Haley “Grace” Chesney; son, William Sands (Elizabeth); grandchildren, Cleo Sands, Zachary Sands, Kerigan Sands, Jordin Boggs, Alec Sexton, Casey Leach and Dylan Leach; and great-grandchildren, Eva, Dean, Jayce and Wyatt.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to serve the family of Shilda Roberta Sands.
Micheal David “Bud” Davis
December 27, 2025
Micheal David “Bud” Davis, 68, of Clinton passed away surrounded by loved ones on Dec. 27, 2025.
He was born Dec. 7, 1957, in Clinton to James Bart Davis and Sally Ann (Edberg) Davis.
Bud began his career as a brick mason, working alongside his father and developing a strong appreciation for craftsmanship. He later found his calling as a master machinist in the tool and die industry. He started at Acraloc in Oak Ridge and became a journeyman tool and die craftsman. He retired in 2014 as head of the Automation and Tool and Die Departments at Illinois Tool Works (ITW) in Litchfield, Illinois.
In 2021, Bud returned to Tennessee, where he enjoyed spending time with his family and living on his sister’s farm.
He is survived by his daughters, Crystal Davis (Wiguens Elois) of Powell; Tiffany Davis Mehlhorn (Matt) of Wartburg; and Adriane Wilson-Davis of Litchfield, Illinois; son, James Parks of Rockwood; stepsons, Paul Wood (Piper) of Johnstown County, Colorado, and Christopher Wood (Teri) of Litchfield, Illinois; brother, Randy “Peanut” Davis (Linda) of Crossville; sister, Shannon Star Davis Morgan (Timothy) of Kingston; sister-in-law, Sandy Davis of Caryville; brother-in-law, David Schroeder of Nicholasville, Kentucky; and longtime childhood friend, Karen Barker.
He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved siblings, James Jr. Davis, John Davis and Kathy Schroeder; stepson, Rob Wood; and daughter-in-law, Nicole Wilson-Davis.
Bud will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Brittany, Sebastian, Cameron, Emily, Davis, Morgan, Arryk, Alaska and Austin; great-grandchildren, Waylon, Ayden, Chase and Aspen; and nieces and nephews, Jacquelyn, Cody, Jeff, Alicia, Amber, Angie, Miriah and Conrad.
He will be laid to rest at Grand View Memorial Garden in Clinton. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alpha-1 Foundation at alpha1.org in his honor.
Glenith “Chubby” Seiber Bratcher
December 23, 2025
Glenith “Chubby” Seiber Bratcher, 79, of Lake City passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
Born June 22, 1946, in Anderson County, she was the daughter of the late Alonzo and Gertie Bray Seiber. Glenith was of the Baptist faith and worked in manufacturing until an accident led her to become a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Frank Bratcher; brothers, Harley Seiber, Carlis Ray Seiber, Orlie Seiber, Leon Seiber and Carvin Seiber; sisters, Carrie Seiber Lowe, Annette Seiber Morrison and Wanda Seiber; and brother-in-law, Mark Morrison.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law, Ralf Lowe of Oliver Springs, William Bratcher of Andersonville, and Wayne Bratcher of Clinton; sister-in-law, Shirley Henegar of Ohio; and a special cousin who was like a sister, Omer Bunch. She is also survived by many close friends who helped her over the years: Aleen Phillips, Tom Saunders, Lori Asher, George and Fannie Horton, Benny and Karen Auston, and Linda Hammer.
The family received friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation. The funeral followed. The Rev. Wayne Phillips and Dan Spurlock officiated. A graveside service followed at Oak Grove Cemetery.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
Lorene Daniels
December 22, 2025
Lorene Daniels, 83, of Clinton passed away Dec. 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Lorene brought sparkle and joy wherever she went, living up to her reputation as a true “firecracker.” Her zest for life was infectious, making every gathering brighter with her spirited presence.
A passionate traveler, she especially enjoyed the lights and excitement of Las Vegas, where her adventurous spirit felt right at home.
But her greatest treasures weren’t found in distant places — they were her beloved grandchildren, who held the most precious place in her heart.
Those who knew Lorene will remember her vibrant personality, quick wit, and the way she could light up any room.
Her love for life, family and adventure created countless cherished memories that will continue to bring smiles to those she leaves behind.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Daniels; daughter, Bobbie Gray; and parents, Sherman and Virgie Thornton.
She is survived by her daughters, Louann Lawrence (Jason) and Sue Thais (John); sister, Ann Fagan; grandchildren, Jackie (Miranda), Casie (Tim), Elliott, Adam (Lauren) and Emily (Coley); and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Lorene’s honor.
Robert Lee Altum
December 21, 2025
Robert Lee Altum passed away at his home in Clinton, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy built on hard work, devotion and kindness.
A brick mason by trade, Robert took great pride in his craft, spending his life building not only strong foundations of brick and mortar, but strong foundations of family and love.
He was a gentle soul with a steady presence and a generous heart. He loved his family deeply and never missed an opportunity to tell his children how proud he was of them. His words of encouragement and quiet strength meant more than he ever knew and will be carried forward by those who loved him.
Outside of work and family, Robert found joy in motorcycles and had a lifelong appreciation for anything Ford. These passions reflected his admiration for craftsmanship, reliability and things built to last — much like the values he lived by.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Elizabeth Altum; his wife, Patricia Jane Altum; and sons, Eddie Altum and Jamie Altum.
He is survived by his daughter, Wendy Lee Bishop and her husband, Eddie Bishop, of Oak Ridge; son, Bobby Ray Altum of Clinton; grandchildren, Steven Altum, Timothy Altum, Caitlin Roberts, Emily Roberts, Caleb Altum and Gabrielle Altum; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends who were blessed to know him.
Robert Lee Altum will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his unwavering love for his family and the pride he took in a life well lived. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.
The family received friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at Jones Mortuary in Clinton. The funeral followed with the Rev. Jimmy Ault officiating.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to serve the family of Robert Lee Altum.
Lorene Daniels
December 21, 2025
Lorene Daniels, 83, of Clinton passed away on Dec. 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Known affectionately as a “firecracker,” Lorene brought sparkle and joy wherever she went. Her zest for life was infectious and made every gathering brighter.
She was a passionate traveler who especially loved the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas, where her adventurous spirit felt right at home.
Still, her greatest treasures weren’t found in distant places — they were her beloved grandchildren, who held the most-precious place in her heart.
Those who knew Lorene will remember her vibrant personality, her quick wit, and the way she could light up any room. Her love for life, family, and adventure created countless cherished memories that will continue to bring smiles to those she leaves behind.
Lorene’s legacy lives on in the laughter she shared, the places she explored, and especially in the hearts of the grandchildren she adored so deeply.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Daniels; daughter, Bobbie Gray; and parents, Sherman and Virgie Thornton.
She is survived by her daughters, Louann (Jason) Lawrence and Sue (John) Thais; sister, Ann Fagan; grandchildren, Jackie, Miranda, Casie (Tim), Elliott, Adam (Lauren), and Emily (Coley); and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her honor.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Harold Douglas Rose
December 21, 2025
Harold Douglas Rose entered his eternal home on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025.
Harold was born Oct. 21, 1939, in Clinton, where he was a lifelong resident. He was a follower of Jesus Christ, dedicated to the study of God’s word, and a faithful member of Hillvale Missionary Baptist Church.
He was a graduate of Clinton High School and among the early graduates of Roane State Community College’s Fire Science program, where he earned an associate degree.
Harold lived a life of service. While still in high school, he volunteered with the Clinton Fire Department. He later served six years in the U.S. Army, followed by employment with the Clinton Fire Department, an organization to which he remained closely connected throughout his life.
After his time with the Clinton Fire Department, Harold served as fire chief at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, retiring in 2000 after 33 years of service.
His commitment to the community also included service as an alderman on the Clinton City Council during the 1970s. During his term, the Clinton Community Center and Lakefront Park were opened.
Following retirement, Harold continued serving others by completing countless projects for neighbors, his church and those in need.
He is survived by his son, Kevin Rose, and wife Cindy of Louisville, Kentucky; daughter, Kristina Tosh and husband Keith of Cookeville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Will Rose and wife Christina, Sam Rose and wife Maddie, Jake Tosh and wife Julianne, and Luke Tosh and wife Anessa; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Glenna; and brother, Jim.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Carol Rose; his parents, Glenn and Lula Rose; and a sister, Pat Wilson.
The family received friends from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at Hillvale Missionary Baptist Church. A celebration of life service followed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Clinton Firemen’s Association, City of Clinton, 100 N. Bowling St., Clinton, TN 37716.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Gilbert Vance “Midge” McKinney
December 18, 2025
Gilbert Vance “Midge” McKinney passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on Dec. 18, 2025.
It is difficult to capture the depth of what Gilbert meant to his family and friends. He was an amazing man with a heart so big it seemed to have room for everyone he met. He was compassionate and generous and made friends wherever he went. His smile remained contagious even in his final days, and his presence was a steady source of comfort and inspiration. Gilbert cared deeply for his family, friends, colleagues and even strangers, and he made sure people knew they mattered to him.
Gilbert was born July 3, 1936, in Harriman to Florence Smith and Joe Gilbert McKinney. He and his sister, Vera, lived in Harriman until 1943, when the family moved to Oak Ridge. He attended Elm Grove and Highland View elementary schools and Robertsville Junior High School, and was a member of Oak Ridge High School’s Class of 1954.
He married Nancy Lee Hester on July 13, 1955. After a year at Tennessee Tech, the couple moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where they lived for four years. Their first son, Steven Vance McKinney, was born there. Steve blessed them with a granddaughter Ashley who married Jordan Allen who gave them great grandchildren Scottie, Mac, Paisley and Wells; and two grandsons Joey who married Vickie, and Jeff who married Amy.
The family returned to Oak Ridge in 1958, where Gilbert began his career at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He retired after 43 years of service as a scientific glassblower. Gilbert and Nancy were later blessed with a daughter, Kathy Darlene McKinney Thomas (Terry), and a second son, Scott Anthony McKinney (Debby Vittetoe). Scott’s family includes daughters Carsen (Kaden) Glick, with sons Holt and Samuel, and Bailey McKinney, who will marry Zach Sharber in spring 2026.
Gilbert had a deep interest in young people and devoted countless hours to coaching athletes ages 7 to 21 in baseball, basketball and football. He also officiated high school and recreational-league basketball, baseball and softball for 35 years. For much of that time, he trained, supervised and assigned officials for Oak Ridge Recreation basketball and baseball programs.
Gilbert accepted Christ and was baptized in 1961 while attending West Village Christian Church, where he served in many capacities through the years. He loved his Heavenly Father, his family, his church and his country, and felt John 3:16 expressed his faith best.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 11, 2026, at West Village Christian Church, 637 Robertsville Road, Oak Ridge.
