Kenneth Ray Abels Jr.
July 28, 2025
Kenneth Ray Abels Jr., 74, of Clinton passed away July 28, 2025, at Parkwest Medical Center.
Mr. Abels was a beloved resident of Meadow View Senior Living in Clinton until recently. Known for his sweet spirit and quiet demeanor, he had a passion for current events and for cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers football and basketball teams.
He was born Nov. 4, 1950, in Rockwood. During his elementary years, he lived in the Fork Mountain community of New River and attended Rosedale Elementary School in Devonia. He was a member of Fork Mountain Baptist Church.
In 1967, he moved to Oliver Springs and graduated from Oliver Springs High School in 1969, residing there until 2011. He lived at Meadow View Senior Living for 12 years through 2024.
Mr. Abels began working at E.G.&G. Ortec (later PerkinElmer, Ametek) in Oak Ridge in 1972, remaining there until becoming disabled in 1996.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth R. Abels Sr. and Kathleen Daniels Abels.
Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Linda Kay Abels Chase and Danny Chase of Clinton; nephew, Kevin Chase of Orlando, Florida; niece, Kristen Chase Manuel and husband Andy of Bossier City, Louisiana; great-nephews, Lucas and Riley Manuel of Bossier City; aunt, Phyllis White of Oliver Springs; and many loving cousins and friends.
PAMELA ‘PAM’ GOLDEN RAINEY
July 25, 2025
Pamela “Pam” Golden Rainey, 81, of Clinton, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025, at her home with her family by her side.
Born Dec. 20, 1943, in Waukegan, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Hobart and Lois (Mitchell) Golden. Pam was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church and retired from the Melton Hill Regional Industrial Development Association.
She was known for her kindness, was an avid Tennessee Vols fan and a devoted supporter of the Clinton Dragons.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Dr. Joseph Rainey, and her infant brother, Stanley Golden.
She is survived by her daughters, Gina Hendrix and her husband, Bryan, and Kristy VanHese and her husband, Jim; sister, Karen Cary and her husband, Wayne; grandchildren, Jennifer Scott and her husband, Lucas, Nick Raby and Andrew VanHese; great-grandchildren, Kayden and Vivian Scott; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at Memorial United Methodist Church. A celebration of life service will follow at 2 p.m., led by the Rev. Scott Wilks, with interment immediately after at Grandview Memorial Garden.
In honor of Pam’s life, memorials may be made to Memorial United Methodist Church or the Clinton High School Dragons Athletic Department.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Joyce Tadlock
July 25, 2025
Joyce Tadlock, 82, of Clinton, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025.
She was born April 7, 1943, in Knoxville to Hubert and Gladys Bullock.
A member of Beech Grove Baptist Church, she also attended Piney Grove Baptist Church.
Known to many as “Mamaw Joyce,” she will be remembered for the love she shared with family and friends, her willingness to help others, and her joy in baking and cooking for her loved ones. For many years, she was a dedicated volunteer at the Anderson County Senior Center, where she enjoyed singing in the choir.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by Lana Turner and Ethel Lucille Turner.
Survivors include her son, Allen Tadlock, and his wife, Karen, of Clinton; granddaughter, Allison Tadlock of Clinton; sister, Ginger Reed of Knoxville; uncle, Vester Bullock of Clinton; and several nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, at Woodhaven Memorial Garden.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Foster Lee Shipley
July 25, 2025
Foster Lee Shipley passed away July 25, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, surrounded by family and friends.
Born and raised in Knoxville, where he graduated from Fulton High School, Foster later relocated with his family to Andersonville.
He dedicated his career to Knox Fire Extinguisher, a company founded by his father, Walter Shipley, working as a truck driver delivering gases to businesses throughout East Tennessee. Known to many as “Tiny,” Foster was recognized for his strong sense of community and commitment to service. He was admired for his warm smile, steadfast work ethic and generosity, always willing to assist others or share stories from his youth in Knoxville.
Foster’s devotion to his family was evident throughout his life, and his enduring friendships were built on loyalty and care.
A man of the Baptist faith, Foster committed his life to God following the birth of Foster’s son, John, and he was most recently a member of Second Baptist Church in Clinton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Shipley and Betty Napier Shipley Espich; sister, Betty Lou Harper Campbell; and brother, Paul Mathew Shipley.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Brenda Rosenbalm Shipley; son, John Foster (Michelle) Shipley; stepson, Wendell Clint Flatford Jr.; and brother, Mark Shipley. He also leaves behind sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Don) Stooksbury, Vicki (Anthony) Stooksbury and Connie (Tommy) Riggs; grandson, Ryan Foster; granddaughters, Brianna Shipley and Fiona Flatford; step-granddaughter, Mikaylah Grace; and great-grandson, Hurley Foster Shipley, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Foster had a passion for family, football and cooking, and in recent years reconnected with extended family members across the country through online communications.
The family extends special thanks to the doctors and nurses in the critical care unit at Methodist Hospital for their dedicated care.
In accordance with his wishes, Foster will be cremated. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Foster, a man remembered for his big heart and generous spirit.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
CARL EDWARD “EDDIE” LAWSON
July 24, 2025
Carl Edward “Eddie” Lawson, 53, of Clinton passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. He was born June 21, 1972, in Knoxville to Larry D. Lawson of Knoxville and Margaret E. Lawson of Clinton.
Eddie was a small-engine mechanic who loved restoring vintage lawnmowers.
Known affectionately as “Mower Man,” he was often seen mowing or working in the yard. A 1991 graduate of Clinton High School, Eddie will be remembered for his love of helping others in the community.
He is survived by his brother, Larry D. Lawson Jr. of Vonore; stepmother, Judy A. Lawson of Knoxville; stepbrothers, Brian Davis and Chris Davis, both of Knoxville; and cousins, Leigh Ann, Judy K., Edwina, Becky and Brenda. He also leaves behind a host of extended family members whom he loved and cherished.
The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A celebration of life service followed in the chapel.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.
KENNETH WAYNE CHILDRESS
July 24, 2025
Kenneth Wayne Childress, 77, of Clinton went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
He was a member of Lone Mountain Missionary Baptist Church in Andersonville.
Kenneth was a loving father, grandfather and boyfriend. He had a long career with the state of Tennessee.
After retirement, he enjoyed buying lottery tickets and tinkering around the house. He also worked at the Senior Center, where he spent time with friends and drinking coffee.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Childress; parents, Curtis and Irene Childress; brothers, Jack, David and Jimmy Childress; and an infant sister.
He is survived by his children, Kenneth Childress Jr., Michael Childress, Adam Childress and wife Brittany, Michelle Goodman and husband Roger, and Eddie Childress and wife Kayla; grandchildren, Trey Childress, Colbie Childress, Daniel Childress, Harper Childress, Bailee Childress and Bristol Goodman; and his girlfriend and special companion, Brenda Kuziak. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary in Clinton. The funeral followed. The Revs. Freddie Bean and Matt Childress officiated.
A graveside service and interment were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church cemetery.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to serve the Childress family.
Donald Smith Butler
July 24, 2025
Donald Smith Butler went to be with Jesus on Thursday, July 24, 2025. He was born Jan. 31, 1937, to Ocie and W.A. Butler.
Don was a lifelong entrepreneur who never met a stranger. He was well-known and well-loved throughout Clinton, where he spent most of his life. He could talk for hours about anything or nothing at all and loved nothing more than sitting on his front porch with his constant companion, Rocky, sharing stories from the past and always ending each conversation with, “Have a blessed day.”
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister; daughter, Milane; and his loving wife, Barbara.
Survivors include daughters, Heather Martin (Josh), and Paige Williams (Mikael Carrier); grandchildren, Bailey Whitfield (Jake), and Coleman Carrier; and special friends and neighbors, Joe and Alicia Shelton and family, and Joyce Rittenberry.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, with a service to follow at 1 p.m. Interment will be at 2 p.m. at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Don’s favorite cause. Holley Gamble Funeral Home of Clinton is in charge of arrangements. holleygamble.com
Vicky R. “Vic” Lawson
July 15, 2025
Vicky R. “Vic” Lawson, 73, of Lake City passed away on July 15, 2025. He was formerly of the Blair community in Harriman.
Vic was a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Oliver Springs. He was employed as a janitor at BWXT-Y12 for more than 40 years. Additionally, he worked for Mike and Bob Jones Construction of Oliver Springs and did his own construction and loader work.
Throughout his life, Vic was an avid coin collector. He also enjoyed collecting knives with his son, Jared. He was known for his collection of guns, which included firearms from many family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Lou Miller Lawson; son, Jared Seth Lawson; parents, James C. and Mazell Lawson; brothers, James L. Lawson, Paul W. Lawson, and Hiskell C. Lawson; father-in-law, Eugene Miller; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lucille and Claude Smith; and a special sister-in-law, Ella Jean “Sissy” Miller.
Survivors include his brothers, Robert K. Lawson of Oliver Springs, Fred (Gwynn) Lawson of Harriman, Ronnie L. Lawson of Harriman, and Rex A. (Lori Kelly) Lawson of Harriman; and his sisters, Jeanette (James) Lively of Harriman and Janie Sue (Tommy) Ward of Oliver Springs. He is also survived by many other family members and friends.
Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Hatmaker Funeral Home. The funeral followed at 1 p.m. in the Hatmaker Funeral Home chapel, with theRev. Garvin Walls officiating.
Interment followed the funeral at the Ollis Cemetery in Oliver Springs.
