Salvatore William Varsalona
February 2, 2025
Salvatore “Sal” William Varsalona, 60, passed away suddenly on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025.
Sal was born Oct. 19, 1964, in Jersey City, New Jersey. In 1993, he became an attorney and began his practice in Clinton, Tennessee, where he practiced until his death.
Sal brought love and light to those around him and was known for giving everyone a nickname. He lived to serve others and had a gift for bringing hope to any situation — even if it was hoping Notre Dame would win another championship. He dearly loved his family, his many friends and his church family. He was a member of Main Street Baptist Church, and he will always be remembered for his beautiful voice and his talent on the trumpet.
On Sunday, he was received with tremendous love into God’s mercy and abundant grace. We rejoice in the precious promise of Heaven.
Sal was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Varsalona. He is survived by his mother, Linda Varsalona; his sister, Angel Varsalona Sexton (Wade); nephews Samuel Sexton (Raelin), Ben Sexton (Claire) and Noah Sexton; great-nephews Maverick and Walker Sexton; great-niece Kollins Sexton; special friends Catherine and John Walter George; and many other friends and colleagues in the legal community.
A celebration of life was held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at Main Street Baptist Church in Rocky Top, Tennessee, with the Rev. Wayne Phillips officiating.
Sal loved young people. He was a member of the Joy Singers for 24 years, where he helped mold many young lives. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made toward a new youth facility at Main Street Baptist Church, P.O. Box 405, Rocky Top, TN 37769.
Barbara Ann Walls Hensley
January 31, 2025
Barbara Ann Walls Hensley, 88, of Clinton passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born April 8, 1936, to Algie and Pearl Walls of Oliver Springs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank V. Hensley; brothers, Clyde Hicks and Benjamin Walls; and sisters, Frances Johnson and Mable Goans.
She is survived by her sons, Brian Hensley and wife, Elaine, of Nashville, and Michael Hensley and wife, Kathie, of Clinton; grandchildren, Amber Pebley and husband, Bo, of Clinton, and Eric Hensley and wife, Nikki, of Murfreesboro; great-grandchildren, Brook, Aubrey and Piper Pebley of Clinton; Caroline, Aubrey and Christian Hensley of Murfreesboro; and Tyler Hensley of Nashville. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Barbara was a member of Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. She worked as a reading assistant for more than 10 years in Anderson County Schools.
She loved decorating, gardening and, most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Susie Marie Collins
January 31, 2025
Susie Marie Collins, 96, of Heiskell passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville.
She was born Oct. 10, 1928, to John Columbus and Rachel Elizabeth Wolfenburger.
Susie loved her family and friends. She was a very strong-willed person.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Collins; daughters, LaVern Perry and Linda Wilkerson; son, Jimmie Collins; and sister, Frances Cooper.
She is survived by her sons, Jerry Collins and wife, Dorothy, of Maynardville; Larry Collins and wife, Audrey, of Oak Ridge; and Barry Collins and wife, Lori, of Halls; son-in-law, David Wilkerson of Heiskell; sister-in-law, Wanda Collins of Heiskell; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jones Mortuary. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. in the chapel, officiated by Pastor Dwayne Fortner. A graveside service was held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at New Loyston Memorial Garden in Maynardville.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to serve the family of Susie Marie Collins.
Ricky D. Williams
January 30, 2025
Ricky D. Williams, 67, of Norris passed away Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center.
He was born Sept. 24, 1957, in Marietta, Ohio, to Kenneth and Ruby Williams.
Ricky was a lifelong member and former youth director at Bethel Baptist Church. He retired after 25 years as a firefighter at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He also earned an associate degree in photography from Pellissippi State Community College.
He served as assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 73 in Norris and was a former assistant track coach at Anderson County High School.
His passion for photography was evident in every picture he took, and many will remember his exceptional photos of Anderson County High School athletes over the years. He captured thousands of images of these athletes, often recalling unique details about each one.
Ricky had a special place in his heart for teens struggling with mental illness or facing difficult circumstances. He dedicated many hours to Mispacha, an organization focused on preventing teen suicide, helping countless young people across the country. Although he did not have children of his own, he was a father figure to many throughout the nation.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Lynn Williams.
He is survived by his twin brother, Randy Williams of Norris; nephews, Zack Williams and wife, Brooke, of LaFollette, and Drew Williams of Norris; nieces, Olivia Williams and Chantel Fleming and husband, Dakota, of Clinton; great-nieces and nephews, Maleah, Carter, Ruby and Hendrix Fleming of Clinton; sister-in-law, Laura Williams of Harriman; and special friend, Jeri Ann Stonecipher of Cleveland.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church. A service will follow with the Revs. Darryl Taylor, David Seiber and Bo Pebley officiating.
Friends and family will meet at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at Holley- Gamble Funeral Home and proceed to the Bethel Baptist Church cemetery for an 11 a.m. graveside service.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com.
Harold A. Whitson
January 30, 2025
Harold A. Whitson, 84, of Clinton passed away peacefully on Jan. 30, 2025.
Born in Corbin, Kentucky, Harold moved with his family to Oak Ridge in 1955. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kettry Earl Whitson Sr. and Ruth Peace Whitson, and his siblings, Raymond L. O’Neal, Walter Whitson, Patricia O’Neal Terrell and Brenda Kay Edwards.
While attending Oak Ridge High School, he was a member of the 1958 national and state championship football teams. He went on to attend Western Kentucky University on a football scholarship, and later studied at the University of Tennessee.
Harold served as president of H-S Whitson Construction for 12 years before retiring. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling across the country and exploring new and interesting places. He was a faithful member of Claxton Church of Christ.
An avid fisherman, he cast his line in waters ranging from the Everglades to Alaska.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years and fishing partner, Cheryl D. Whitson; his son, H. Stephen Whitson (Shannon); daughters, Susan Whitson Hodges (Michael), Robin Hann Atkins (Wayne) and Merri Hann Everett (Chad); and several grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings, Phil Whitson, Zona Whitson, Ket Whitson and David Whitson.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, with a service to follow. A graveside service will be held immediately afterward at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
holleygamble.com
Rita Mae McCoy Craig
January 29, 2025
Rita Mae McCoy Craig, 77, of Lake City died Jan. 29, 2025, at her home under hospice care.
She was born Sept. 28, 1947, to James C. McCoy and Bonnie Chene, and was also raised by her stepmother, Reva McCoy. She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Asilee Ward; her brother, Larry McCoy; and her grandson, James Cody Craig.
Rita was a member of Main Street Baptist Church and was of the Baptist faith. She shared her love for Jesus with everyone she met.
A licensed practical nurse, she was passionate about caring for others and was known for her generous spirit.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Calvin Isaiah Craig; daughters, Linda Bunch and husband, Mack, of Lake City, and Madonna Lee Craig Housley of Lake City; son, James Calvin Craig of Lake City; grandchildren, Rita Renee and Jacob Byrge of Clinton, Maegan Sharee and Jeff Courtney of Morristown, Makinzie Paige and Rodney Moore of Leavenworth, Kansas, Jeffery Dail Housley II of Briceville, and Jessica Danielle Housley of Lake City; great-grandchildren, Tyson, Brooklyn, Kellen, Jayden, Makenna, Micah, Elliana Grace, Tai, and Von; great-great-grandchildren, Willow Everly and Miles Dean; and many other extended family members and friends.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. with Pastor Wayne Phillips officiating. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at Clinch River Baptist Church Cemetery.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Alvin McKinley “Foots” Daugherty
January 28, 2025
Alvin McKinley “Foots” Daugherty, 86, of Clinton passed away Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at his home.
He was born March 13, 1938, in Anderson County to Robert and Bertha Daugherty.
Alvin was a hardworking man who dedicated his life to taking care of his family. He spent his career working at Clinton Auto Parts and Fox Salvage, and later retired from Accurate Paper Box. He was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Clinton.
He enjoyed woodworking in his garage, trips to Home Depot and Rural King, gardening with his neighbors, and spending time with his family, especially his eight grandchildren. He loved animals and enjoyed taking care of his dog, Dolly, and his cats, Tom and Mama Cat.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Jewel; brothers, Morris and Raymond; sisters, Trula, Joyce, and Michael Anne, who considered Alvin her father; granddaughters, Susan and Brandie; and son-in-law, John Wayne.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Susie Daugherty; daughters, Kathy, Patty, and Martha (Jeremy); grandchildren, Amanda (Joey), Jacob (Alandria), Kayla (boyfriend, Issac), Grace, Elijah, and John; brother, David, who considered Alvin his father; sister, Wanda; and stepsiblings, Judy, Ellen, Darlene, and Robert.
The family would like to extend special thanks to UT Hospice for their compassionate care.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. Family and friends meet at 12:40 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, and went in procession to Sunset Cemetery for a 1 p.m. interment. Brother Clayton Duncan officiated.
holleygamble.com
Bonnie Virginia (Carroll) Wills
January 26, 2025
Bonnie Virginia (Carroll) Wills, 88, of Heiskell went home to be with her Lord and Savior on a bright Sunday morning, Jan. 26, 2025.
Born Sept. 29, 1936, in Clinton, Tennessee, she was a member of Farmers Grove Baptist Church.
Bonnie was a gardening enthusiast who loved growing flowers, and an animal lover who helped her husband raise prize-winning bantam chickens. She enjoyed cooking, and keeping their home. For many years, she cleaned homes, and those families cherished her assistance.
Known for her sweet, loving nature and radiant smile, she brought kindness to everyone she met. We will miss our “Aunt Bonnie” dearly.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Raymond Wills; her parents, Elisha and Lena (Carpenter) Carroll; brothers, Henry and Raymond Carroll; sisters, Vesta “Beth” Moneymaker and Mary Jane Giles; and nephews Tommy, R.L., and Jason Giles.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Jeanne Carroll of Ohio; nephew, Jerry Lane and wife Virginia; great-nephew, Jerry Lane II; great-great-nephew and niece, Dylan and Lisa; niece, Amy Courtney and husband Richard; great-niece, Alexandra Sands and husband Kevin, who were like children and grandchildren to her; nephew, Ralph Giles and wife Shirley; special caregiver and niece, Debria Giles; and a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews, including Robert, Carrie, Gracie, and Ethan Giles; Lisa, Josh, and William Taylor; Sydney and Nick Ogle; Allen, Heather, Kelsey, Katie, and Max Giles; Christie, Danny, and Evan McClure; Tyler Dotson; and many other relatives of the late Vesta “Beth” Moneymaker.
The family extends their gratitude to Caris Health for the extraordinary care provided to Bonnie.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, followed by the funeral officiated by the Rev. Allen Giles. Family and friends will meet at Farmers Grove Baptist Church cemetery at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, for her interment.
holleygamble.com.
