Obituaries

Lisa Rice Padgett, age 56, Erwin, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 30, 2018 at the Unicoi County Hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County and a daughter of the late Dayton and Eleanor Chandler Rice.

Lisa was a stay at home mom and a member of Evergreen Freewill Baptist Church. She was a loving and devoted wife, mom and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Alvie and Gladys Rice; maternal grandparents, Annison and Marie Chandler; an infant sister, Rhonda Rice.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her husband of thirty-four years, Jimmy Padgett; two sons: Cody Padgett, Erwin and Ryan Padgett, Chattanooga; father-in-law, Sonny Padgett; father-in-law: Billie Jean Harris, Washington; two brothers-in-law: Jeff Padgett (Tina) and Macky Padgett, all of Erwin; nieces and nephew: Meagan, Amanda and John Lynn Padgett.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at the Evergreen Freewill Baptist Church. Reverend Craig Shelton will officiate at the 7:00 P.M. funeral service. Music will be provided by Betty Adkins. Committal will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday in the Roselawn Memory Gardens. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 12:45 P.M. on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made in memory of Lisa to: Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Padgett family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Padgett family.  (423) 743-1380.

Emma Lee Clouse Ingram, age 73, passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday, December 2, 2018 while she was surrounded by her loving family and friends. She fought a courageous battle with cancer and is now rejoicing with her Lord and Savior in her heavenly home. Emma Lee was a daughter of the late Jake F. and Edith Rice Clouse and a lifelong resident of Unicoi County.

She was a member of Unicoi United Methodist Church and attended Evergreen Freewill Baptist Church over the past few years. Emma Lee graduated with her Masters Degree in Education from East Tennessee State University.

Emma Lee retired from the Unicoi County School System where she was a Math Teacher with over thirty years of service. Also, she had her own sewing business, Denemwood Enterprises. Emma Lee enjoyed sewing for everyone and she also taught sewing classes for young kids.

She was instrumental in coordinating class reunions for her Unicoi County High School Class of 1963.

Emma Lee was a loving and devoted wife, mother, Granna, sister and friend. She raised two of her grandchildren from toddlers, as well as home schooling them. Emma Lee was know as Granna by all her grandchildren and great grandchild. She loved camping with her sister, Jacque.

Emma Lee was very generous to everyone and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband of fifty-four years, Dennis Ingram; one son, Dennis “Spencer” Ingram, Erwin; two daughters: Donna Shea Barnett (Marshall), Knoxville, Joy Lynn Laningham (Mike), Erwin; two sisters: Sarah R. Tipton (Bill), Johnson City and Jacque F. Clouse, Jonesborough; five grandchildren: Ben Barnett, Megan Middlebrooks (David), Austin Ingram (Sabrina), Jacob Ingram and Alex Laningham; one great grandchild, Mason Ingram; brother-in-law, Dewitt Ingram (Susie), Knoxville; one niece and one nephew also survive.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt and very special thank you to family and friends who brought food and visited with Emma Lee over the past few weeks. They want to thank Sister Clare Teixeira for all her loving care and for taking care of Emma Lee’s physical needs over the past few days.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 in the Unicoi Funeral Home Chapel. Sister Clare Teixeira will officiate the 7:00 P.M. Celebration of Life service. Music will be provided by Karen Smith, Len Smith, Megan and David Middlebrooks. Pallbearers will be Mike Laningham, Marshall Barnett, Ben Barnett, David Middlebrooks, Austin Ingram and Jacob Ingram. Alex Laningham will serve as an honorary pallbearer. Committal will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday in the Roselawn Memory Gardens. James Cruthers will be playing the bagpipe. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the Unicoi Funeral Home by 10:30 A.M. Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made in memory of Emma Lee Ingram to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Department, 201 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org or Shriners Hospital for Children 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605-4277.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Ingram family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, is privileged to serve the Ingram family.  (423) 743-1380.

John Damon Hensley, 90, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at the Erwin Health Care Center, in Erwin, TN. Mr. Hensley was born on September 19, 1928, in Erwin, TN, to the late Bud and Mammie Banner Hensley. Mr. Hensley was a lifelong resident of Erwin.

Mr. Hensley was raised in the Church of Christ faith. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 25 years and was honorably discharged. After leaving the USAF he worked for NFS for a number of years.

Mr. Hensley was a Pilgrim at the Moose Lodge #939, he was also a previous member of the Erwin Chapter of the VFW. His passions in life included fishing and parasailing. He was known to parasail from Hwy 107 all the way to Kingsport, Bristol, and Elizabethton.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hensley was preceded in death by his wife Thelma Hensley in 1983, and his daughter Karla Dawn Hensley who passed away in 2007

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Terry Hensley of Erwin; 5 sisters Lucille, Alva, Mona, Jenny, and Abby; a brother Teddy; and several nieces and nephews.

Condolences can be sent to Hensley family at the funeral home’s website, www.snydersmemorialgardens.com

Snyder’s Memorial Gardens, funeral home, is honored to serve the family of Mr. John Damon Hensley.

Ivan Leigh Burrell, 72, passed away at his residence on October 27, 2018 in Orlando, FL. It was his wish to be cremated.

Ivan retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 2016 after learning he had stage IV cancer. Prior to working for the Post Office, he worked as an Environmentalist with the Health Department in both Florida and Michigan for many years. Ivan graduated from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City with a B.S. degree in 1969. He was also a U.S. Army Veteran.

Ivan was born in 1946 to his parents, the late Roy R. and Virginia M. Burrell of Erwin. He had an older brother, Gary A. Burrell of Goiania, Brazil, who is also recently deceased. Surviving are his sister, Dawn Burrell of Gray, TN along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. He also leaves behind his very special friend, Brenda of Orlando, FL who took care of him during his illness. Ivan had multiple interests during his lifetime. He loved all kinds of music, especially old-time rock-n-roll. He once played the piano and even sang for friends’ weddings. He also loved photography and photographed much underwater scenery while scuba diving in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Ivan enjoyed posting many of his nature photos on social media which included birds, flowers, and much more. For a while, he was enthusiastic about jet skiing the lakes of Florida. He even participated in truck racing for a few years, but most of al, he loved riding his motorcycles.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Ivan, along with his deceased brother Gary, on Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Johnson City, 101 W. Springbrook Dr. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Gary Alan Burrell was born on January 21, 1941 in Johnson City, TN to Roy and Virginia Burrell. He grew up in Erwin, TN on a farm that borders the Nolichuckey River along with his younger siblings, Dawn and Ivan. He passed away on November 1, 2018 in Goiania, Goias, Brazil after a brief, but serious illness.

He graduated, valedictorian, from Erwin High School in 1957 and worked on the family farm until he was of age to move to Washington, D.C. to work for the FBI and attend George Washington University at night. A few years later he felt led to rethink his career choice and returned to East Tennessee To study at Millgan College. While pursuing a B.A. in Religious Studies, Gary served as youth minister at the Erwin Christian Church. He was ordained to the ministry and set his sights on a life as a cross-cultural minister. During his time at Milligan, Gary fell in love with Pamela Hampton (Schiappacasse), who would later become his wife.

Gary graduated from Milligan College summa cum laude in May of 1963 and moved to Louisville, KY to begin a Master of Divinity (MDiv) program at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his ministry at the Radcliff Christian Church at Fort Knox, KY.

On May 29, 1965, Gary married Pam and they moved to Salem, IN where he had recently become the minister of Mount Tabor Christian Church. During the next four years, Gary finished his MDiv and also a Masters in Latin American Studies at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.

He then formed a mission organization, Brazil Christian Evangelism, and in May 1970 moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil. While there, he studied Portuguese and worked with evangelistic teams. In May 1972 he moved his family to Goiania, the capital of the state of Goias in Central Brazil. Over the next decades, Gary promoted many activities such as evangelism, church planting, leadership training, and outreach projects. Possibly his greatest contribution to the growth of the kingdom was encouraging and inspiring others to start new congregations in the region and preparing local ministers. He strongly believed that the future of the Church in Brazil lay in the hands of the Brazilians themselves.

Gary was gifted with a pioneer spirit. In one of his most rewarding projects, he reached out and worked with an overlooked community of settlers in a remote area in the frontier state of Tocantins and started a church and school alongside the settlers. He was also instrumental in helping Habitat for Humanity International kick off work in Brazil and in Portugal. He dedicated a good portion of his time overseeing many low income housing projects in several states. Gary’s love for the people he worked with was probably his greatest strength in that he lived out what is written in Matthew 25:40: “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’.

During the years in Central Brazil, he transferred his affinity for the Nolichuckey River to a love for the Araguaia River. Gary and his family spent many vacations camping, fishing, and enjoying nature and friendships formed while on the river. Gary loved fishing and the many, many dogs he had over the years. He disliked small ice cream portions and cars that didn’t have a carburetor.

Gary suffered a serious stroke in early 2005 and that was the last year he was able to return to the United States. After that, he struggled with significant physical limitations and periodic hospitalizations, however he always took his health problems head-on with courage and a very positive attitude. He would not have been able to manage as long he did without the faithful companionship and help of Tereza.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Jennifer; and his brother, Ivan. Surviving are his sister, Dawn of Johnson City, TN; four children, Timothy, Amy and Juliana Burrell of Bloomington, IN, Jonathan Burrell of Orlando, FL; and 10 grandchildren.

If Gary were to write his own epitaph it would be, “When I die, I wish my tombstone to simply state: “Gary Alan Burrell – Field Missionary”. Those wishing to honor Gary may make memorial donations to Milligan College, P.O. Box 750, Milligan College, TN 37682. A Celebration of Life will be held for Gary, as well as his deceased brother Ivan Burrell, on Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Johnson City, 101 W. Springbrook Dr. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Gordon G. Shelton, age 90, Erwin, passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2018 at the Johnson City Medical Center. He was a son of the late Ebbie and Lilly King Shelton. Mr. Shelton lived most of his life in Marshall, NC before moving to Erwin fourteen years ago.

He was a United States Army Veteran having served his country honorably during WWII. Mr. Shelton was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal, Japan.

He was a retired farmer. Mr. Shelton enjoyed working on the farm and watching the crops grow. He farmed all his life and was an excellent farmer. Also, Mr. Shelton was previously employed by Appalachian Garment.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-six years, Elizabeth Hoyle Shelton on March 25, 2009; two sisters: Artha and Burl Shelton.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, two sons: Dennis Shelton, Marvin Shelton (Wanda), all of Erwin; two daughters: Christine Franklin (Gary), Marshall, NC, Kathy Dawkins (Danny), Pittsburg, CA; two sisters: Ameradie and Verna Cantrell, both of Marshall, NC; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 25, 2018 in the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside service will follow in the Carmen Church of God Cemetery, Marshall, NC. Ralph Shelton will officiate. Family will serve as pallbearers. Military Honors will be provided by the North Carolina National Guard Military Funeral Honors.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Shelton family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Shelton family. (423) 743-1380.

Harry Beck, age 76, of Erwin, passed away on November 22, 2018 at Johnson City Medical Center. He was a native of Winston-Salem, NC and the son of the late Philip and Sybil (Copple) Beck. Mr. Beck was a pipefitter and a member of the local 538 Pipefitter Union for 35 years. He was a 32^nd Degree Mason and loved to watch westerns and work word search puzzles. He was of the Presbyterian faith.

Harry Beck has left behind to cherish his memory:

Daughter: Laura Banner and husband, Jimmy of Erwin

Granddaughter: Jamie Banner of Erwin

Grandson: Landon Banner of Erwin

Sons: Richard Beck of Eden, NC

Robert Beck of Eden, NC

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the ICU staff of Johnson City Medical Center for all of the wonderful care they gave to Mr. Beck.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Harry Beck in a military graveside service to be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, November 26, 2018 at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Rev. Noah Taylor will officiate. Those who wish to attend will meet at Mountain Home National Cemetery on Monday by 12:50 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net <http://www.valleyfuneralhome.net> or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Harry Beck through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Priscilla Bailey, age 76, of Erwin passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at the Center on Aging and Health, while she was surrounded by her family. She was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County and a daughter of the late Fred and Daisy Thompson Chandler.

Priscilla was a homemaker and of the Freewill Baptist Faith. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by one nephew, Denny Angel.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband of fifty-two years, James A. Bailey; one son, James Darren Bailey, Erwin; two granddaughters: Kara and Sara Grace Bailey; one sister, Glenda Angel (Bob); two nieces: Sherry Greathouse (Tim) and Wendy Angel.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Sunday, November 25, 2018 in the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Bernie Jones will officiate at the 7:00 P.M. funeral service. Music will be provided by Inez Chandler. Pallbearers will be Paul Green, Jeff Bailey, Amos Ledford, Bill Rogers, Wayne Edwards and Jason Harris. Committal will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday in the Evergreen Cemetery Mausoleum. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 1:45 P.M. Monday.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Bailey family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Bailey family. (423) 743-1380.

Virginia Belle Foster, age 92, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Yancey County, NC, Virginia is a daughter of the late Charles and Dollie (Wilson) Miller. She was a member of Chestoa Missionary Baptist Church for 60+ years, where she sang in the choir and taught children’s Sunday School classes at different times. Mrs. Foster was employed by Southern Pottery and in later years worked for the United States Forestry Service. She enjoyed family life, gardening, and preserving food. Mrs. Foster was a Proverbs 31 woman (She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her). In addition to her parents, Virginia is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence David Foster; brothers; Floyd, Ross, Jay, Holt; Sisters; Lassie Buchanan, Blanche Miller, Grace Adkins, Lala Higgins.

Virginia Belle Foster leaves behind to cherish her memory:

Son: Charles David “Chuck” Foster and wife, Kathy, of Erwin;

Daughter: Barbara Gryder and husband, Donald, of Johnson City;

Grandson: Charlie Foster and wife, Kayla;

Step Granddaughter: Megan Rockett and husband, Daniel;

Great Grandchildren: Gavin, Alyssa, and Natalie;

Step Great Grandchildren: Chloe and Connor;

Several Nieces and Nephews.

The family wishes to thank each provider who treated and cared for Mrs. Foster.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Virginia Belle Foster in a committal service to be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 10, 2018 in Evergreen Cemetery. Reverend Charlie Foster will officiate. Musical selections will be provided by Bobby Whitson. Those attending will meet at Evergreen Cemetery by 12:50 PM. Pallbearers will be notified.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Virginia Belle Foster through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Jackie Bailey, age 78, formerly of Erwin, passed away on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, GA. He was a native of Unicoi County and graduated from Unicoi County High School in 1959. Jackie was a son of the late Simon and Marie Byrd Bailey. He lived most of his life in Eastman, GA.

He retired from the United States Air Force after honorably serving his country for twenty-two years. Jackie served his country during the Vietnam War. He was awarded Air Force Commendation Medal, NCO PME Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal Army, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster.

Jackie also retired from American LaFrance Fire Engine after ten years, and retired from the State of Georgia after eight years of service.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Kaye G. Bailey in 2016.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, one brother, Warren “Chuck” Bailey, Erwin; three sisters: Helen Edwards, Erwin, Pauline Beatty (Don), Chesterfield, IN, Leota Letterman, Telford; one nephew, Steve Letterman (Leslie) Cookeville; three nieces: Janet Hartman (Jeff), Greeneville, TN, Anna Marie Bryant (Kevin), Crossville, Tammy Tipton (Jamie), Erwin; several great nieces, great nephews and cousins also survive.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Garland James will officiate at the 2:00 P.M. funeral service. Jeff Hartman, Hunter Hartman, Hayden Hartman, Jamie Tipton, Zeb Tipton and Don Beatty will serve as pallbearers. Music will be provided by Inez Chandler. Interment will follow in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Clear Branch Community. Full military honors will be rendered by Shaw Air Force Base Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in memory of Jackie Bailey to: Jericho Shrine Transportation Fund, 1100 Jericho Drive, Kingsport, TN 37663.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Bailey family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Bailey family.  (423) 743-1380.

Herman “Darrell” Wilson- Erwin, TN

Herman Darrell Wilson, 77, joined his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at his home with his family at his side. Darrell was born on October 20, 1941, in Embreeville, Tennessee, to the late Greeley Clinton and Annie Garland Wilson. Darrell was a native of Erwin, Tennessee where he had lived all his life.

Darrell was a member of Ninth Street Baptist Church. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, and playing ball with his grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He will be dearly missed.

In addition to his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by 4 brothers: Lowell Gene, Claude, Jack, and Glenn; 3 sisters: Flonia Masters, Lucille Clouse, and Rosemary Cannon; a sister-in-law Dorothy Barnett; and a grandson Jackson Green.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 51 years Barbara Wilson; a daughter Sandy Green and husband Paul; a son Steven Wilson and wife Jamie; a granddaughter Reagan Wilson; 3 grandsons Alex & Max Green, and Ryan Wilson; a sister Sharon Ingle; 2 sister-in-laws Ruby Wilson and Ann Wilson; 2 brothers –in-law Kenneth McCurry and wife Pam, and Toney McCurry and wife Lisa.

There was a Celebration of Life held on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, at Ninth Street Baptist Church in Erwin, TN. Pastor Noah Taylor officiated.

The Interment service was held on Thursday, November 8, 2018, at 10:45 am at the Mountain Home National Cemetery in Mountain Home, Tennessee, with full military honors presented. Serving as pallbearers were his grandchildren.

The family requests In lieu of flowers donations be made in Darrell’s name to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home.

Condolences can be sent to Darrell Wilson’s family at the funeral home’s website, www.snydersmemorialgardens.com

Snyder’s Memorial Gardens, funeral home, is honored to serve the family of Mr. Herman Darrell Wilson.

Eugene Robinson, age 87, of Erwin, passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. A native of Burnsville, NC, Eugene is a son of the late B.G. and Nettie (Phillips) Robinson. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Korean War. He was a member and Deacon of Lily Dale Church of Christ. Eugene loved the Lord, being outdoors, hunting and fishing.

Eugene Robinson leaves behind to cherish his memory:

Wife of 67 years: Winsie (Ingram) Robinson, of Erwin;

Daughter: Wanda (Robinson) Smith and husband, Lee, of Erwin;

Son: Myron Robinson, of Boca Raton, FL;

Grandchildren: Leslie Smith, of Charlotte, NC,

Derek Smith, of Woodbridge, VA,

Kyle Robinson, of Arkansas.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Eugene Robinson in a funeral service to be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 11, 2018 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Minister Jeremy Green. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 12:00 PM on Thursday, October 11, 2018 and will continue until service time in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. A committal service will follow on Thursday, October 11, 2018 in Evergreen Cemetery. Those attending will meet at Valley Funeral Home by 1:00 PM for the service and go in procession. Pallbearers will be contacted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Eugene’s name to Lily Dale Church of Christ, Building Fund, 1151 Martin Creek Road, Erwin, TN 37650.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Eugene Robinson through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Ben Wilson, age 80, of the Bald Mountain Community, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 7th, 2018 at St. Josephs Hospital. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Ike and Lennie (McCurry) Wilson. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Josephine Honeycutt Wilson; a daughter, Billie Jo Wilson; son, Benny Roger Wilson; two sisters and five brothers. Ben was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. He enjoyed being a city bus driver in Newport News/Hampton, VA. He loved fishing with his father-in-law, Virgil Lawson.

Surviving is his loving wife of 41 years, Deldana Lawson Wilson; son, William Wilson of Asheville; step-children: Lynne Duquenne and husband, David, of Erwin, TN and Cline Allen Lambert and wife, Sharla, of Hendersonville; sister, Joyce Ramsey and husband, Bryan, of Deland, FL; grandson/son, Dylan Wilson of San Diego, CA, currently serving in the Navy; grandsons: Zach, Jerry, JR and Victor; granddaughters: Katie and Alice; six great-grandchildren: Ciara, Little Vic, Christopher, Jackson, David and Daniel; two best friends: Earlene Hughes and Kim Roberson and two special cousins: Chloe Ramsey and Brenda Edwards.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10th at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Shelton officiating. Burial will follow in the Wilson Cemetery on Bald Mountain. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.

Chase Seeley, age 20, of Elizabethton, passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Morganton, North Carolina. Chase was born in Kingsport, Tennessee and was the son of Steven and Carrie Deal Seeley, of Elizabethton and his mother, Kim Carrow, also of Elizabethton.

Chase was a loving son, brother and friend. He was a graduate of Elizabethton High School, Class of 2016, where he was in the Elizabethton Men’s Ensemble, the Elizabethton “Betsy” Band, and the swim team. Chase was also a member of First United Methodist Church where he was very active in the church youth group.

Those left to cherish his memory, in addition to his parents, include his sister, Emie Seeley, of Elizabethton; his paternal grandparents, Judge Thomas J. Seeley, Jr. and wife Carolyn; his maternal grandparents, Roger and Diane Deal, of Elizabethton; and grandparents Carolyn Carrow and James Carrow and wife Jalaine; an uncle, Tommy Seeley and wife Jenny, of Johnson City; his cousins, Thomas, Tyler and Taryn, of Johnson City; and an aunt, Allison Seeley, of Johnson City.

A service to celebrate the life of Chase Seeley will be conducted at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 15, 2018 in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton with Reverend Raymond Amos, Sr., officiating. A eulogy will be provided by Allison Seeley. Music will be provided by Loretta Bowers and Catherine Edwards and David Arney, organist. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the funeral home chapel, prior to the service on Monday.

The graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Thomas Seeley, Tyler Seeley, Robert Edens, Chad Beam, Kevin Taylor, Austin Outland and Jimmy Towle. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton at 10:15 AM on Tuesday, to go in procession.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to First United Methodist Church Youth 4:12 Ministries, 325 East F. Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or to the Elizabethton City Schools – Book Mobile, 804 South Watauga Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com

Mr. Seeley and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office 423-542-2232, service information line, 423-543-4917.