DAVID LEE COPELAND
July 14, 2023
David Lee Copeland, 87, Oak Ridge, passed away peacefully July 14, 2023.
David was born Oct. 29, 1935, in the pre-Oak Ridge community of Robertsville to J. Nash and Juanita Lowe Copeland. When he was seven years old, his family moved to Clinton to make way for the Manhattan Project. David attended school in Clinton and in Sarasota, Fla., before his family moved back to Tennessee where he graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1953. After a year at the University of Tennessee and a brief stint in the Navy, David began working for the B. F. Goodrich Tire Company as a tire representative servicing area stores and garages. While working training for this job at Farrport on Alcoa Highway he met Johnnie Brockman. They had four children and were married for almost 68 years before Johnnie's death on May 4, 2023. David's assignments with B.F. Goodrich took his growing family to Gainesville, Ga., Dalton, Ga., Crossville, and Athens. While living in Athens during the 1960s, David was active in the BPOE 1927 Elks Lodge and served as one of its youngest Exalted Rulers. He and Johnnie also served as co-campaign chair of the McMinn County Republican party.
In 1970, the Copeland family relocated back to Oak Ridge where David began running Copeland Auto Supply after his father's retirement. He continued his involvement in the Elks at BPOE Lodge 1684 eventually serving as Exalted Ruler, and as a member of the Ritual Team. David was also on the Board of Directors for the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce and active in Rotary.
After retirement in the 1990s, David became involved in the Oak Ridge Playhouse, serving on its Board of Directors and acting in several productions, including "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" where his role forever earned him the nickname "Big Daddy" by many who knew him from that time. During the 90's he also appeared in several local television commercials, print ads, and had a small but memorable speaking part as "Coach Gainer" in the feature film "October Sky."
David also enjoyed golf and with a group of dear friends. David and Johnnie went on many a golfing trip to the courses around the U.S. and to Scotland. David also enjoyed time with his friends "The Coffee Mafia."
David was preceded in death by: Wife, Johnnie Copeland; son, Mark Douglas Copeland; and brother, Robert Nash Copeland.
Survivors include: Daughter and son-in-law, Terry and Robert Pfeiffer of Oak Ridge; son and daughter-in-law, David Jr. and Kandi Copeland of Oak Ridge; daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Barry Wells of Gallatin; grandson, Matthew Eli Miller; granddaughter, Kelly Copeland Williams (Chris); step-grandson, Michael Pfeiffer (Megan Wade); brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Pat Copeland of Pearl River, La.; great-granddaughter, Audrey Akin; step-great-grandsons, Addicus and Adrien Simpson; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends 10-11 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023, at First United Methodist Church Oak Ridge. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Mark Flynn officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at weatherfordmortuary.com.
Jesse Preston Phillips
July 14, 2023
Jesse Preston Phillips, 36, passed away Friday July 14, 2023, in Jackson.
Jesse enjoyed riding horses, motorcycles, fishing and spending time with his sons and family. He loved doing mechanic work, construction work, and heating and maintenance. Jesse was a jack of all trades. He was a momma’s boy.
He will be missed dearly but will always remain in the hearts of those who his smile and love has touched.
Jesse was preceded in death by: Father, Jesse William Phillips; grandparents, the Rev. Bob and Dorothy Phillips, Charles and Anna Ruth Currier; and special aunt, Brenda Lindsay.
He is survived by: Mother, Rebecca McKenzie; sons, Jesse Cordell Phillips, Cameron Wayne Phillips, and Michael David Phillips; sisters, Cyndi Inklebarger, Bridgette and husband Derrick Woods, Tonka McKenzie Jackson; foster sisters, Brenda Sue Flack, Diane Neal, Melody Maiden and Brandy Lindsay Cook; aunts, Evelyn and husband Steve Renner, Chris and husband Mike Tucker, Debbie Holt, and Susan and husband Bobby Ramsey; uncles, Bobby Phillips, Roger Phillips, Danny and wife Sandy Phillips, Johnny and wife Mary Currier, and Edward Smith; nephews, Eric and wife Taylor Jones, Justin Tidwell, Logan Tidwell and Branden Dye; nieces, Brittney and husband Ricky Scalf, and Brandi and wife Jessica Loving, Samantha and husband Derrick Ballard; special friend, Barbara Cockrum; great-nieces and nephews and many other friends and family members.
The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until time of Jesse's celebration of life service at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 2023, in the Chapel of Jones Mortuary in Clinton.
The Rev. David Crowe will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jones Mortuary.
Jones Mortuary of Clinton, Tennessee is serving the family of Jesse Preston Phillips.
JASON WAYNE DAVIS
June 29, 2023
On June 29, 2023, Jason Wayne Davis of Andersonville went to be with his Creator and Savior after struggling with the very real thing … mental illness.
Jason was born Oct. 7, 1980, to Teresa Davis and Frank Davis Jr. As a junior in high school at Anderson County High School, Jason met the love of his life and future wife in their accounting class, Rene. They were wed for 19 years. Jason and his wife brought two beautiful children into the world — Brooke and Parker, iin 2007 and 2009.
Jason was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Frank White.
Jason is survived by: Forever loving wife, Rene Davis; two loving children, Brooke and Parker Davis; parents, Frank and Teresa Davis; sister, Tessa Carroll; brother-in-law, Brad Carroll; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rebecca and Jeff Connell; grandparents, Billie White; Frank Davis Sr. and Barbara Davis.
Jason is also survived by many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews; his best friends, Jeremy Pyatt and Robert Mayes; and many other friends and neighbors.
Jason was a man who exuded positivity and offered support to those around him. He was a member of Hillvale Missionary Baptist Church. He could be found at a multitude of places — manicuring the lawn of the house he built for him and his family, showing off his recently acquired bear and wolf tattoos at CrossFit, or watching the news late into the night with the dogs he held so dear to his heart. He will be forever missed, and sadly never understood that he was very close to many.
The family will receive friends at Holley Gamble Funeral Home from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2023, with a funeral service at 7 p.m.
Interment will be at Grandview Memorial Garden at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 6, 2023, with the Rev. Allen Giles officiating.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements
www.holleygamble.com
LLOYD E. LEE
June 28, 2023
Lloyd E. Lee, 67, Lebanon, unexpectedly went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
He was born in Clinton on June 24,1956, to Robert E. Lee and Virginia G. Rose. In 1979, Lloyd graduated from Tennessee Tech with a bachelor of science in civil engineering. He went on to work as a civil engineer with J.R. Wauford Engineering for 38 years.
Lloyd was a devoted husband for 47 years to his beautiful wife. He was Christian in faith and loved life to the fullest. Lloyd loved spending time with his family. He was blessed with the ability to repair just about anything. He was the family “go-to” when anything needed to be fixed. If he didn't already know the solution, he would research and find it out. He was always willing to help with home improvement projects. At a moment’s notice, he would be standing at your doorstep with all the necessary tools to complete the task. Lloyd was also an avid canner. His family always looked forward to his fresh pickled veggies from his garden. Lloyd was an avid fan of sports. He would watch any sport, either in person or on television, all day long if he could. His favorite sports teams included the University of Tennessee Vols, Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, and any team his kids or grandkids played on. Although his family feels that he left them way too soon, they will always cherish his memory in their hearts. One of the things they will miss the most is Lloyd always being there with a gigantically exaggerated pat on the back for anyone who needed it.
Lloyd was preceded in death by: Father, Robert Edward Lee; and brother, Alan Stacey Lee.
Survivors include: Beloved wife, Hazel Marie Lee; mother, Virginia Grace Rose; daughter, Tonya Marie Lee; son, Nicholas Anthony Lee and wife, Jenna; grandchildren, Elijah Charles Lee, Savannah Marie Lee, and Norah Rose Lee; sisters, Joni Lynn Lee and Katherine Leoda Lee; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday, July 3, 2023, at Weatherford Mortuary.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 3, 2023, with the Rev. Steve McDonald officiating.
Interment will follow at 2 p.m. Monday, July 3, 2023, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be left at weatherfordmortuary.com
JOANNE ELSWICK
June 26, 2023
JoAnne Elswick, 69, Clinton, passed away Monday, June 26, 2023, at her home.
She adored her son, Bryan. JoAnne enjoyed going to church and attended many services at the Towers on Sunday afternoon with the Rev. Gary Guinn and his wife, Gloria Guinn, from Eagle Bend Apostolic Church to minister to those who would attend. Pink was her favorite color. She loved her pink Cadillac. She also enjoyed shopping and cooking.
She was preceded in death by: Parents, Francis Joseph and Zora Mae Benson; brother, Robert John Benson; and Ronnie Elswick, the father of her son.
JoAnne is survived by her son, Brian Elswick and girlfriend Jessica Haney of Dandridge.
JoAnne’s family received her friends from 11 a.m. – noon Friday, June 30, 2023, with her funeral service starting at noon, all in the chapel of Jones Mortuary with Bishop David Triplett officiating.
JoAnne's interment will take place after her funeral service at Union Cemetery in Newport.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is serving the family of JoAnne Elswick.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
WAYNE RUSSELL CHANIOTT
June 25, 2023
Wayne Russell Chaniott passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones Sunday, June 25, 2023.
He was 73 years old. For more than a year, Wayne had battled cancer while stoically maintaining courage and determination. His sons, Ryan and Andrew, in particular, mourn the loss but are grateful for their father’s example, for his many sacrifices and for his unconditional love through the ups and downs of co-raising two boys, encouraging them, supporting them and driving them to endless sporting events.
Wayne was born in LaFollette and lived in East Tennessee his entire life. He would not have dreamed of living anywhere else. He graduated from ETSU and was an early member of the Zeta Omega chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
For 40 years, he owned and operated Archer’s Food Center in Norris. Wayne knew everyone in Norris, and everyone knew him. The store was his home, and his customers were a part of his family. Wayne was so much more than a grocer; he was a connector of people. He built Archer’s into a landmark and was proud to serve the community.
When not at the store, Wayne could probably be found fishing for Walleye on Norris Lake with one of his fishing buddies. His fish tales were legendary, a source of entertainment at all gatherings. He was also passionate about the Tennessee Vols. In particular, he loved basketball and rarely missed a home game.
Wayne was preceded in death by: Parents, Sara and William Chaniott; and his sisters, Marcia Chaniott Kenny and Beverly Jeanne Chaniott.
Family and friends left to mourn Wayne’s passing include: Sons, Ryan (Jennie) Chaniott and Andrew Chaniott; siblings, Roger Neal Chaniott and Pamela (Samuel) Higdon; as well as a host of other nieces, nephews and close friends.
The family will be hosting a reception from 4:30-6:30 pm, Friday, June 30, 2023, at Norris Community Center. A private service for family will be held at Saint Francis Episcopal Church.
The family would like to extend gratitude to the many cherished friends who generously shared time with him during the last few months, and a special thanks to his siblings Neal and Pam who were integral to the care of both him and the store in his time of illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to The Tennessee Fund or The Norris Lake Project.
Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette is honored to be serving the family of Wayne Russell Chaniott.
WILLIAM 'BILL' MAURICE STOOKSBURY
June 20, 2023
William “Bill” Maurice Stooksbury, 79, Caryville, passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at his home.
He was born June 19, 1944, to William and Ruthie Parrott Stooksbury in Baltimore, Md. He retired from Y-12 where he worked as a welding inspector. Bill was also very proud to have worked on the nuclear submarine the USS Seawolf. When he was able, he was an avid gardener and enjoyed working on his 1946 Ford pickup truck. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: Mother and father-in-law, LaVerngne and Fred Waddell; sister, Gail Burnette; brother, Jerry Stooksbury; brother-in-law, Ricky Waddell; and niece, Tabitha Kidd.
He is survived by: Wife of 46 years, Carolyn Waddell Stooksbury; children, Scott Stooksbury, Shawn Stooksbury and wife Christine, Kelli Hayes and husband Tony; brother, Mike Stooksbury; brother-in-law, Jimmy Burnette; special friend, Terry Beach; grandchildren, Corey, Drew, Abbi, Jackson, and Jacob; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Norris Memorial Gardens.
www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
The staff of Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation are honored to serve the Stooksbury family.
LINDA SUE WELBORN
June 17, 2023
Linda Sue Welborn, 77, Ellisville, Miss., passed away peacefully Saturday, June 17, 2023, with her husband and children by her bedside at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Miss. S
he was born Sunday, May 19, 1946, in Washburn, and resided in Clinton, for many years before moving to Ellisville, Miss., in 1995.
She was preceded in death by: Father, Clarence Fait Rucker; mother, Nancy Adaline Jordan Rucker; and great-grandson, Asher Allen Harmon.
Survivors include: Husband, Mike Welborn; son, Clarence Douglas Painter; daughter, Nancy Painter Harmon (Steven); grandchildren, Amanda Murphy (Jason), Brady Harmon (Taylor); great-grandchildren, Brighton Harmon and Madison Parks; four stepchildren; a host of step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
Linda was a “force of nature.” All who knew her would agree she was smart, witty, had a great sense of humor, and was always the life of the party. She loved cracking jokes, and more than anything spending time with friends and family. She was also a lifelong hairdresser, government statistician, and a savvy businesswoman.
A visitation service will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Smith Reagan Funeral Home in Rutledge, located at 326 Water Street Rutledge TN 37861.
All friends and family are invited. Internment will at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Kitts Cemetery in Washburn. The Rev. Steven Harmon will officiate all services.
Flowers, cards, or other expressions of sympathy may be sent to Smith-Regan Funeral Home at 326 Water St, Rutledge, TN.
Additionally, an online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com and/or https://www.smithreaganfuneralhome.com
Smith-Reagan Funeral home and Ellisville Funeral Home is jointly in charge of arrangements.
