DON W. LYNCH
June 8, 2022
Don W. Lynch, 88, left this earthly life June 8, 2022.
Don was born Sept. 6, 1933, in Cookeville to Irma (Thompson) and William Lynch.
Don was a 1952 graduate of Oak Ridge High School. He was a star athlete on the ORHS track team. His long jump, the final event for the state championship scored the win and clinched the first ever state championship title for the Oak Ridge Wildcats.
After graduation, Don joined the United States Navy, where he served for four years. In 1955 he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Lowery. Together they had three children, Robert, Julie and Steve. Their home was filled with love, joy and laughter. In 1972 God called his beloved Mary Ann home, a loss he carried with him for the rest of his life.
Don was employed for 29 years at K25, Y12 and X10 from which he retired from in 1994. Throughout his life, Don’s love of sports played a huge role in his life. He was a coach and umpire for the Clinton Little League Baseball League for more than 10 years. He was also an avid bowler on numerous community leagues throughout his life.
Don was a lifetime director for the Anderson County Fair, where he served in various capacities for more than 30 years.
Don was preceded in death by: Wife, Mary Ann; parents, Irma and William Lynch; sister, Betty Mynatt; sister-in-law, Helen Lynch; and brother-in-law, Bruce Mynatt.
He is survived by: His children, Robert, Julie and Steve Lynch; grandchildren, Andrew Lynch, Ashton and Tristan Hicks; and his first great-grandchild due in December.
The family will receive friends at Holley Gamble Funeral Home from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2022, and funeral service at 1 p.m. with interment to follow at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Roger Pugh officiating.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Ellen Liuzza and the staff of Family Clinic in Oak Ridge, Clinch River Home Health and University of Tennesse Hospice for the care and support the provided over the past year. The family would like to especially thank Gail, Lenny, Brian, Stephanie and Kathy for their unwavering commitment, care and devotion throughout Don’s last year.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements
www.holleygamble.com
CLARA WALLACE McCLURE
June 8, 2022
Clara McClure passed away on June 8, 2022, at the age of 92, at Lopez Island, Wash.
Clara lived a long life of engagement in her community and the world, leaving behind not only many friends and family, but a legacy of activism.
Clara Louise Wallace was born in Clinton, Nov. 5, 1929, the eldest child of Homer Houston Wallace and Bessie May Hargis Wallace. She treasured her family’s home on the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains. Her lifelong love of wild forests began there.
Clara met fellow student George T. McClure at the University of Tennessee, marrying in March, 1950. Both later pursued graduate degrees at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Daughter Wendy was born there in June, 1957. Daughter Laura was born in Carbondale, Ill., May, 1959, after George began teaching philosophy at Southern Illinois University.
Clara spent most of her long working life at the Jackson County Mental Health Clinic in Carbondale, Ill., providing support for chronically mentally ill adults. There she met Noreen Salzman, who became like a third daughter.
Clara loved hiking in the hills and valleys of Southern Illinois, joining George and several friends on frequent walks. She was a lifelong environmentalist, active in Sierra Club for decades. She was also a determined feminist. Together with friends, Clara helped found the Women’s Center in Carbondale, Ill., in 1972. Clara was active in the Civil Rights Movement and helped establish Carbondale’s Eurma C. Hayes Center. She volunteered with the League of Women Voters, continuing her engagement in local and state politics until her last years. She was a long-serving precinct committeeperson and was elected Carbondale Township Supervisor in 1989.
Throughout her life, Clara was never without a book. She was on the library board and was a member of two reading groups that persisted for decades.
Clara had two loving partners in her life: George McClure, her partner for 42 years until his death in 1992; and Stan Harris, her partner until he died in 2020 (at 102).
Stan and Clara enjoyed 25 years of shared life together – as travel companions, theatre fans, and activists, they lived life fully. Clara was adopted into the extended Harris family and later resided with them. After Stan passed away, Clara relocated to an adult family home, Hamlet House, on Lopez Island, Wash., where Wendy lives.
Clara is survived by: Daughters, Wendy McClure and Laura McClure; son-in-law, Michael Kaufman; and her third daughter, Noreen Salzman; grandson, Gavin Iosso; sister, Dorothy Howell; brother, William Wallace; and sister-in-law, Julie Wallace; and nieces, Nora and Lisa Wallace.
We also extend sympathies to many other loved ones whom Clara considered family.
Clara leaves us inspired, leading by example on paths toward social justice, environmental stewardship, and an appreciation of music, books, and the natural world. We are so grateful to have known her.
Memorial gifts can be made to the Survivor Empowerment Center (formerly Carbondale Women’s Center) or to The Nature Conservancy.
For Clinton: https://tinyurl.com/327danhe
See our extended remembrance of Clara Wallace McClure.
JEROME SEEBER
June 7, 2022
Jerome Seeber, 84, Clinton, passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
He was born Dec. 7, 1937, in Anderson County to late Fletcher and Gladys Hamilton Seeber. Jerome was a lifelong member of Antioch Baptist Church and attended Blowing Springs Baptist Church. He retired from the City of Clinton Public Works after many years.
In addition to his parents, Jerome was preceded in death by brothers, Dennis F. Seeber and Kenneth E. Seeber.
Jerome is survived by his niece, Kenrda Cooney, and nephew, Dennis “Kevin” Seeber.
The family will have a graveside service at noon Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Oak Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Jimmy Ault officiating.
www.holleygamble.com
JOHN STEVEN LONG
June 7, 2022
John Steven Long, 72, left this life unexpectedly Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at his home in Powell.
He was born Oct. 12, 1949, in Knoxville to John W. Long and Rachel I. Violet. In years past, he enjoyed hunting and competitive shooting. John retired from the Information Technology Services Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge. He was a member of Black Oak Baptist Church and a veteran of the United States Army.
John was preceded in death by: Father, John W. Long; and mother, Rachel Patterson.
He is survived by: Daughters, Stacy Long Neubert (David) of Knoxville, Bethany Long of Powell; fur babies (Luke, Tunie and Sherman); and special friend, Carolyn Strizak of Clinton.
Visitation for family and friends to pay their respects was from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, at their convenience, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton.
The graveside service was at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 12, 2022, at Black Oak Baptist Church cemetery in Clinton.
www.holleygamble.com
STEVEN LEE SPICER
June 7, 2022
Steven Lee Spicer, 63, passed away at Tennova North Medical Center Tuesday June 7, 2022, with his loved ones at his bedside.
Steve was born April 2, 1959, to Gwendolyn (Tackett) Spicer and Richard Lee Spicer in Columbus, Ga., on the Fort Benning Army Base.
He was an avid jokester with the greenest thumb there was, and a love of fishing and bird watching.
Steve was a retired truck driver from Tennessee Asphalt. He was a hard worker always doing his best to provide for his wife and their three children. His favorite job would have been as a jumpmaster in Alabama, even being featured in Parachutist Magazine in the 1980s. Years later, he would also enjoy skydiving in their hometown of LaFollette.
If only one thing could be said of our beloved Steve, it would be that he was a fighter. He had quite the battle with his health over the last 10 years and his loved ones are so grateful for every extra second with him.
Steve was preceded in death by: Loving father, Richard Lee Spicer; and sisters, Cathy Spicer and Dana Bryant.
Steve is survived by: Caring wife of 36 years, Francis (Massengill) Spicer of LaFollette; their three children, Gerald (Stacie) Massengill of Norris, Ashley (Evie) Blackburn of LaFollette, Richard (Be'Lei) Spicer of Clinton; grandchildren, Sam, Taylor, McKenzie, Riley, Kelsey, Morgan, and Austin; mother, Gwendolyn Tackett of Oak Ridge; and sister, Maria Spellman of Madison, Wisc.; as well as a host of other close family and friends.
Visitation for family and friends to pay their respects was from 5 – 7 p.m. June 10, 2022, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton.
www.holleygamble.com
LEE JAY HART
June 4, 2022
The Man, The Myth, The Legend.
Lee Jay Hart was the type of individual that had the ability to walk in and instantly assume control of a room, any room, simply with his presence. He was one of very few with the sincerest of smiles; bright as a diamond, it could light up Doak Campbell stadium. His work ethic and determination were unequivocal. Simply put, he was a gentle giant of perpetual devotion. Lee Jay’s loving compassion and unparalleled personability with anyone, were undoubtedly among his most pronounced characteristics.
Lee Jay loved to travel the world. Despite being one of the hardest working men there was, he lived to see so much of our world that extended far beyond an office window. Lee Jay had the ability to show his warm interior to anyone who took the time to speak with him. His personality was honed by a lifetime of compassionate conversation with others. Everybody would agree that Lee Jay gave the motivational speeches of a lifetime. We're not talking about the cheesy ones you would hear in a little league dugout, but the ones that would fire you up so hot that anyone would think they were about to take Florida State to the championship. He was blessed with the ability to see the greatness in anyone, walking stride for stride with them until they achieved it.
Once upon a time, Lee Jay was an officer for the Satellite Beach Police Department. When he wasn't seeking entertainment through routine traffic stops on his own mother, Lee Jay found his passion for helping and serving people. Over the course of the last 22 years, he continued to serve others through Amerilife as both a manager and leader in various capacities. Lee Jay devoted his life to offering life changing opportunities not only for his clients, but for anybody who was blessed to work alongside him. This was exemplified upon his establishment of Polk County as the #1 office in the company for more than a decade. Lee Jay was proud to be one of the most successful GM’s in the history of Amerilife. However, he was more proud of his agents, especially those whom he appointed as general managers themselves. As Lee Jay transitioned into the role of Career Agency President and then Market Leader of Central Florida, he was able to extend this type of success to the entire company. There was not a single mountain too high or valley too low, that could hinder his ability to achieve greatness. His legacy he left behind on this Earth is one that will carry on for generations.
On June 4, 2022, Lee Jay set sail on his final voyage far beyond the clouds and among the stars.
He left behind: Son, Michael Hart; daughter, Sophia Hart; mother of his children. Rebecca Hart; fiancé, Brooke Thomas; mother, Linda Hart; just as handsome brothers, Ronnie, David, and Floyd Hart; as well as his niece, Kaylynn Hart.
Lee Jay passed away while doing what he loved the most, traveling the world and conquering new lands. You will always be remembered as a King.
The family will receive friends from 10 – 11 a.m., with services starting at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 18, 2022, at the Winter Haven Worship Center, 1835 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven, Fla.
If anyone would like to make donations in honor of Lee Jay Hart, please make a donation in his memory to Winter Haven Worship Center at https:// www.whwc.org/.
ELGIN KEITH BASS
June 3, 2022
Elgin Keith Bass, 86, Andersonville, died peacefully Friday, June 3, 2022, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge from a sudden illness.
Elgin was preceded in death by: Mother and father, Leedie and Phil Bass; seven brothers and sisters; and several nephews.
He is survived by: Wife of 43 years, Judy Ridenour Raby Bass; four children, Diane (Doug) Roy of Knoxville, Steven Bass of Knoxville, Maylene (Wayne) Anderson of Jacksboro, and Freda Hackney of Clinton; six grandchildren, Harlee (Matt) Paul, Jessica (Elijah) Shope, Casey Shope, Brandon (Alexis) Roy, Trevor (Sierra) Ledbetter, and Megan (Matt) Roy; five great-grandchildren; Carson (9), Natalee (8 months), Conner (12), Ryan (5), and Bristol (due in July); sister-in-law Retha Bass; many nieces and nephews.
Elgin also had a long list of extended family and friends, whom he cherished.
Elgin was born March 22, 1936, and raised in Oliver Springs. He was a heavy equipment operator all his life in local strip mines and other development projects around the area. He was very active, enjoying camping for many years, worked on projects with his wife on their craft business and loved gardening. Elgin enjoyed strong Christian faith, was quoted saying, “I’m a winner either way,” when informed of his illness and was ready to go to his Eternal home.
Graveside service was at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Claxton. Lee Struck and Leo Elliott officiated.
Woodhaven Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens were in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were: Ivan Bass, Albert Bass, Brandon Roy, Trevor Ledbetter, Aaron Bass, Matt Paul and Matt Moro.
The family would like to thank all the friends and family who have supported us during this trying time and especially thankful to the staff of Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge for their professional and extremely sympathetic care of Elgin and everyone who visited him.
They really went above and beyond to make sure we all had what we needed.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes donations go to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org
To leave your condolences please visit www.woodhavenfh.com
The staff of Woodhaven Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens is honored to serve the Elgin Keith Bass family.
REBA SARAH WINCHESTER HUMPHREYS
June 2, 2022
Reba Sarah Winchester Humphreys, 89, Kingston, went home to be with her Lord and Savior June 2, 2022.
Sarah was born and raised in Rockwood and then moved to Kingston in 1950 after marrying her husband of 62 years, Bob Humphreys. Sarah worked in the family grocery store,
Humphreys Market, alongside her husband for many years. She then had a long and successful career in banking and insurance sales before her retirement. Sarah loved serving her community and was very active in local civic organizations. She served as president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club and president of the Republican Party. She also served several terms on the Board of Directors for the East Tennessee Heart Association and as chairman for the East Tennessee Heart Association Time to Remember Program. She was actively involved in the Republican Party and worked diligently for many national, state, and local Republican campaigns. In 2020, she was honored by the Republican Party as Republican of the Year for her tireless efforts in the party for more than 50 years. She also served her city by serving as a Kingston City Council member and Water Board member for 12 years.
Sarah was a faithful member of Liberty Baptist Church in Kingston where she loved serving the Lord as the church organist for more than 30 years. Prior to that, she served as organist at Southwest Baptist Church for more than 10 years. Sarah loved everyone and was happiest around people. She loved making people smile and laugh and she loved life. She loved interacting with people and would go out of her way to make people feel at ease in any situation.
She was a dedicated mother to her children and loved nothing more than doing things for them. She loved helping people in any way she could and would go out of her way to do so. She was loved by many people and was one of a kind who will never be forgotten. She is rejoicing in heaven now with her loved ones and her Savior.
Preceded in death by: Loving husband, Bob Humphreys; sons, Gary Lynn and Roger Wayne Humphreys; great-grandson, Josh Humphreys; parents, Thomas William and Roxie Pearl Fox Winchester; sister, Mildred Winchester.
She is survived by: Daughter, Becky Humphreys of Kingston; son, Ronny Humphreys and wife Dorothy of Kingston; grandchildren, Robby, Jeff, Eddie and Ashley Humphreys; several grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Don and Tommy Humphreys of Kingston; sister-in-law, Lavonna Breazeale of Kingston; a host of extended family and special friends.
The family would like to thank the caregivers that were so devoted to Sarah these past few years and also her pastor, the Rev. Randy Griffis, for his love and care to her throughout her time at Liberty Baptist Church.
The family received friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2022, at Liberty Baptist Church in Kingston with funeral service following at 7 p.m. with Pastor the Rev. Randy Griffis officiating.
Interment was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at Calvary-Hazelwood Cemetery.
Procession to cemetery left Liberty Baptist Church at 1:30 p.m. Those wishing to go in procession met in the church parking lot at 1:15 p.m. for line up.
Online register book can be signed at www.frakerfuneralhome.net.
Fraker Funeral Home of Kingston was in charge of arrangements.
