Obituaries

RICHMOND, VA – Jack “Carnation” Gillentine passed away peacefully at home in Richmond, VA on February 11, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born on January 20, 1929, Jack was a native of Erwin, TN and just celebrated his 90th birthday in big style.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Glenda Lee Taylor Gillentine. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving daughter, Jacque Minarik and son in-law Andrew Minarik, an adoring son Jason Gillentine and daughter in-law Chris Gillentine, grandchildren Madi, Macy, and Logan Gillentine, Jacob, Nick, and Livy Arsenault, his favorite sister and best friend Bobbie Jean Tucker, extended family, and his beloved companions Ruby and Daisy.

Jack enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII and re-enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a Korean War Veteran. He taught for over twenty-five years and was appointed supervisor of Health and Physical Education for Norfolk City Public Schools. He had a great passion for coaching youth sports and a love for children. He had a magnetic personality and was good at putting a smile on everyone’s face. He loved his hometown of Erwin and his younger sister Bobbie Jean and family. He especially loved pulling pranks with family and friends. He always put family first, caretaking for his wife Glenda and older brother Clarence until they crossed over.

There was never a job too large for Jack. Once Jack took a dare (for $5.00) to go to New York City on a bus from Erwin at just twelve years old. He stayed at a YMCA, visited the Empire State Building, and saw Count Basie who was playing during the intermission of a movie. Once he completed his adventure he called home. His dad, who worked for Clinchfield Railroad, wired a train ticket via Western Union so he could return. Jack lived his whole life with this sense of adventure. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation of a living plant that will be planted in the community garden at St. Catherine’s School, or donating to the ASPCA or Pet Peace of Mind.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 2PM in Bannard Chapel at St. Catherine’s School, 6001 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA.

Morris “Duke” Crane, Jr. passed Fri, Jan 25, 2019, after a short battle with cancer. Born Nov 15, 1928 in Pascagoula, MS, Duke served 9 years in the US Navy Submarine Corps serving aboard the USS Medregal (SS-480). After an honorable discharge and a brief stint in the private sector, Duke resumed his DOD government service working at Brookley Air Force Base, Mobile, AL, maintaining USAF aircraft. There he met and married Helen Wilson, also an employee at Brookley. Duke received a transfer within the DOD as a DCAS quality control representative supervising the production of military boots at Wellco, relocating his family to Ashville and onto Jonathan Creek, NC. Duke received a DOD promotion to head the QC staff at Nuclear Fuels Services in Erwin, TN, until his retirement in 1984.

Residing 32 yrs in Whispering Pines, Johnson City, TN, Duke enjoyed bonding with friends and neighbors as a UCHS band parent, an avid Elks Lodge member, an avid supporter of the Jerry Pierce Band, and as a houseboat owner / “captain” on Watauga Lake at Lakeshore Marina G-Dock. Duke and Helen moved back to AL where they enjoyed retirement years with family and friends. After the death of his wife of 54 yrs, Duke moved to The Waterford of Smyrna, TN, where he made new friends and gave his two daughters the joy of their father’s company.

Preceded in death by father Morris Crane Sr, mother Mary Estelle “Stella” (Grant), brother Richard (Sue Crane), and sister Lois (Leo Siebert). Survived by brother Robert Leslie “Les” Crane (Janet & Marilyn), daughters Debra (Ted Pedulla) & Danna (David Borders), granddaughters Kathryn & Bailey, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial service Sat, Feb 23, Pine Rest Funeral Home, Foley, AL. Visitation 10 a.m. Service 11 a.m. Interment to follow.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.  2 Timothy 4:7

James “Harold” Rice, age 73, of Erwin, passed away on Monday, February 4, 2019, at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN. A native of Unicoi County, Harold is a son of the late Hestle and Jessie (McCurry) Rice.  He was a member of Fishery Community Church, where he was on the Board of Trustees and was formerly a member of the administrative board.  He was also the Sexton of Fishery Community Church Cemetery.  He graduated from Unicoi County High School in 1965 where he was a member of the basketball team from 1961 – 1965.  In 1965, he was selected to be on the “All State” basketball team.  He was also on the baseball and football teams during his time at Unicoi County High School.  Harold graduated from Tusculum College in 1987, having earned his Bachelor’s Degree.  He worked for the United States Postal Service and retired as the Post Master.  Harold was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served in Germany and then in the Vietnam War.   He was an avid golfer and fisherman, a Mason, a Shriner and a member of the Elks Club.  In addition to his parents, Harold is preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law: J. K. and Bertie Ambrose; adoptive parents: Willis and Alta Edwards; sister: Ruth Ann Rice; brother: Gerald Rice.

James “Harold” Rice leaves behind to cherish his memory:

Wife of 46 years: Margaret (Ambrose) Rice, of Erwin;

Son: Jason Rice and fiancé, Jacey Lane, of Johnson City

Sisters: Mary Lue Wollschlager and husband, Arthur, of Seaford, DE,

Glenda Peterson, of Erwin,

Debbie Randolph and husband, Ronnie, of Erwin;

Brothers: Robert Rice, of Cumberland, MD,

Johnny Rice and wife, Brenda, of Johnson City,

David Rice and wife, Rita, of Erwin,

Ricky Rice, of Erwin;

Adoptive Sisters: Catherine Edwards Bunton and husband, Scotty, of Elizabethton,

Ellen Van Dyke and husband, Thomas, of Damascus, VA,

Julie Vanover and husband, Vic, of Concord, NC.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the VA Medical Center staff and to Dr. Tamarro Taylor, MD, for their loving care during this difficult time.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of James “Harold” Rice in a funeral to be held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 7, 2019 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home.  Pastor Arthur Gibson will officiate.  Musical Selections will be provided by Gil Moody, Kay Norris (pianist) and Larry Pate.  A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 5:00 PM on Thursday, February 7, 2019 and will continue until service time in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home.  A committal service will be held in Fishery Community Church Cemetery on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 11:00 AM. Those attending will meet at Valley Funeral Home by 10:30 AM on Friday to go in procession. Serving as active pallbearers will be Audie Peterson, Jr., Arthur Wollschlager, Michael Rice, Michael Allen, Larry Norris and Ryan Rice.  Honorary pallbearers will be Michele Taylor and Rusty Wishon.

In lieu of flowers, it would be Harold’s wish that memorial donations be made to Fishery Community Church, Cemetery Fund, 501 Fishery Church Road, Erwin, TN 37650

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

Robert Raymond Foster, age 91, Coffee Ridge community, Erwin, passed away Saturday, January 26, 2019 in the Unicoi County Hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County and was a son of the late Robert F. and Zula Farnor Foster.

Raymond was a US Army veteran where he proudly served during WWII as a Lineman. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and The Army Of Occupation Medal Japan.

Raymond loved the Lord, his family, and farming. He had an amazing work ethic and never sat still. He never met a stranger and was kind to everyone he met, always making friends while he sat on a bench while his family shopped. He took great pleasure in family vacations each year. He enjoyed hunting ginseng, fishing, and was an excellent marksman. He loved baseball, always supporting the Unicoi County Blue Devils and the Atlanta Braves. He will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Raymond retired from CE Refractories in 1997. He was a member of the Flag Pond Masonic Lodge F&AM and was a 32nd Degree Mason. Raymond was a member of the Coffee Ridge Baptist Church where he served as the church treasurer for fifteen years. He was a Trustee of the Coffee Ridge Baptist Church since 1970.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Clarence, Leonard, Calvin, and Allen Foster; one sister, Audrey Renfro; three brothers-in-law: Tommy John Pate, Oscar Renfro, Harold Higgins; four sisters-in-law: Belle Foster, Carlene Foster, Barbara Foster, and Nola Higgins.

Raymond leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of sixty-seven years, Frances McIntosh Foster; two daughters: Teresa and Bud Williams, Sherry and Roger Gaddy; one grandson, Chad and Savannah Williams; three granddaughters: Heather and Wayne Powers, Jessica and Will Swope, Heidi Willis; five great grandchildren: Chloe Powers, Corbin Powers, Brett Williams, Liam Swope, Caleb Williams; three brothers: Ernest and Margaret Foster, Denlis and Lelian Foster, Mike Foster; one sister, Betty Pate, one sister-in-law, Lana Foster, several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 P.M. Thursday, January 31, 2019 at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home. Reverend Phillip Garland and Eugene Harris will officiate and Chad Williams will deliver the Eulogy at the 6:00 P.M. funeral service. Pallbearers will be Chad Williams, Wayne Powers, Corbin Powers, Will Swope, Brett Williams, Michael Smith and Phillip Higgins. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Renfro, Gaylon Foster, Mark Foster, Chuck Foster, Terry Haynes, Jim Pate, Alex Foster and James Edwards. Committal service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, February 1, 2019 in the Evergreen Cemetery. Military Honors will be rendered by the Carter County Honor Guard. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home by 12:30 P.M. Friday to go in procession to the cemetery.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Foster 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 Foster family. (423) 743-1380.

Clark F. Gentry, age 65, of Unicoi, passed away on Sunday, January 27, in Johnson City Medical Center after a brief illness.  A native of Erwin, Clark is a son of the late Offie and Stella (Franklin) Gentry.  He was a member of Sweetwater Church of God.  He loved his farm animals and enjoyed driving trucks, tractors and heavy equipment.  Clark was a loving husband, brother, step-father and papaw.  His grandson, Jacob, was his pride and joy.  In addition to his parents, Clark is preceded in death by his step-daughter: Marquita Watts; brother and sister-in-law: Voyd and Helen Gentry; Sister: Helen Ashby; brother-in-law: Charles Lewis.

Clark F. Gentry leaves behind to cherish his memory:

Wife of 29 years: Donna L. Gentry;

Step-son: Jimmy L. Shelton;

Grandson: Jacob Watts;

Sisters: Robbie Lewis,

June Humphrey and husband, Danny;

Brothers-in-law: David Lloyd and wife, Melissa,

Harold Lloyd and wife, Trina,

Samuel Ashby;

Sister-in-law: Louise Hensley and Mark Metcalf;

Father-in-law and mother-in-law: Harold and Gladys Lloyd;

Several nieces and nephews;

Special family friends: Kathy Lloyd,

Shirley Merrill,

J. P. Shelton,

The Watts family,

Pat and Gene Wilson,

Chris Peters and Samantha Manis

Shannon Winkler.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the nurses and staff of Johnson City Medical Center and Lakebridge Health Care Center for their kindness, love and care during this difficult time.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Clark F. Gentry in a funeral service to be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 4, 2019 in chapel at Sweetwater Church of God.  Reverend Craig Shelton and Reverend Winfred Shelton will officiate.  A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, February 3, 2019 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home.  A graveside committal service will be held in Ray Cemetery beginning following the 2:00 PM funeral service on Monday, February 4, 2019.  Reverend Lincoln Shelton will officiate the graveside service.  Those attending the graveside service will meet Sweetwater Church of God by 2:00 PM to go in procession. Serving as active pallbearers will be: Lincoln Shelton, J.P. Shelton, Jimmy L. Shelton, Carroll Watts, J. B. Watts, Terry Silvers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Clark’s name to Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N Main Avenue, Erwin, TN 37650 to help cover funeral expenses.

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

Johnny “Colombo” Gerald Williams, age 54, Flag Pond, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 24, 2019. He was a lifelong resident of Flag Pond and son of the late Carmon and Vonda Lee Lloyd Williams.

He attended Sweetwater Church of God. Colombo loved to coon hunt, go fishing and ride his 4-Wheeler.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Ricky Williams; brother-in-law, Leon Terry, Sr.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, three brothers: Bobby Williams (Christina), Flag Pond, Boyd Williams, Erwin and Randy Williams, Bostic, VA; two sisters: Elaine Chandler (John) and Rhonda Terry, all of Mars Hill; special friend, Karen Chambers; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. until the hour of service on Sunday, January 27, 2019 in the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel and other times at the residence of his brother, Bobby Williams, 1513 Rice Creek Road, Flag Pond. Reverend Craig Shelton will officiate at the 1:00 P.M. funeral service. Music will be provided by Doyle Lloyd. Interment will follow in Shelton Cemetery, Mars Hill. Pallbearers will be Carroll Watts, Leon Terry, Jr., Scott Leonard, John Chandler, Harley Dale Metcalf and Adam Blankenship.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations be made to help defer funeral service expenses to: Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, TN 37650.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Williams 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 Williams family. (423) 743-1380.

Sylvia Anne (Rice) Wilson, age 92, of Erwin, passed away on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, in the Center on Aging and Health. A native of Flag Pond, Sylvia is a daughter of the late Slola and Dora Rice. She attended Erwin Church of Christ and enjoyed quilting, crocheting, gardening and making wonderful peanut butter fudge. In addition to her parents, Sylvia is preceded in death by her grandson, Jason Wilson; sister, Omega Smith; brothers, Dove Rice, Love Rice and Dorsey Rice; daughter-in-law, Debra Wilson.

Sylvia Anne (Rice) Wilson has left behind to cherish her memories:

Husband of 72 years: Harry Wilson, of Erwin;

Daughter: Yvonne Cox and husband Sherrill, of Winfield, IL;

Son: Harry Wilson, Jr., of Erwin;

Grandchildren: Alicia Peebles and husband John,

Tonya Lane,

Travis Wilson,

Brian Wilson;

Great-grandchildren: John Peebles,

Olivia Peebles,

Kraig Adkins,

Jayne Wilson,

Colsyn Wilson,

Bradley Wilson;

Sister: Lois Blankenship, of Erwin;

Several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff of Center on Aging and Health for their love and care during this difficult time.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Sylvia Anne (Rice) Wilson in a funeral service to begin at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 26, 2019 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Minister Jeff Winters will officiate. A visitation period will begin at 12:00 PM and will continue until the hour of service on Saturday. A graveside committal service will be held in Roselawn Memory Gardens following the funeral. Those attending, will meet at Valley funeral home by 1:00 PM to go in procession. Pallbearers will be notified.

Condolences and memories may also 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 Sylvia Anne (Rice) Wilson through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Warner Robins – René Hammond joined her Heavenly Father on the evening of Tuesday, January 22, 2019. She was 57 years old.

Born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on February 4, 1961, René was the only child to Ronald and Carol Sluder. She graduated from Warner Robins High School in 1979 and married, Ken, her high school sweetheart the following year. René and Ken had two children and she was blessed to be a stay at home mother for 13 years. She was also a chiropractic assistant for Gosline Chiropractic Clinic.

René was a faithful member of Shirley Hills Baptist Church where her spiritual gift of hospitality shined. Her familiar face and welcoming smile made everyone who walked in the door feel at home. René was a wonderful cook and entertainer, as well. She was known for her much-anticipated annual “Christmas Open House” as she invited tons of people over to bring them together. René was also instrumental in keeping everyone from the WRHS Class of ‘79 connected. Her husband’s strongest supporter (especially during his time as a Deacon), her children and grandchildren’s biggest fan, and her parents’ dedicated daughter and caregiver, René will be deeply missed by each and every person who knew her.

She leaves her memory behind with her devoted husband of 38 years, Ken Hammond; children, Jason Hammond (Nicole) and Mallory Tucker (Jared); grandchildren, Levi and Lily James and Phoebe Hammond; parents, Ronald B. and Carol Ann Sluder; in-laws, Carl and Marie Hammond; brother-in-law, Warren Hammond (Patricia); nephews; and longtime best friend, Pam Cliffe and family.

Visitation will be Friday, January 25, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Shirley Hills Baptist Church with Pastor Andy Cook and Pastor Jacob Green officiating. René will be laid to rest at 1:00 p.m. in Evergreen Cemetery in Erwin, Tennessee on Monday, January 28, 2019.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of René to Shirley Hills Baptist Church Building Fund, 615 Corder Rd., Warner Robins, GA 31088.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mrs. Hammond’s arrangements.

Billy Ernest English, age 81, Flag Pond, passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Flag Pond and a son of the late George and Lola Phillips English.

Billy was a United States Air Force Veteran. He served his country honorably as an Air Traffic Controller. Billy was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award.

He was owner and operator of American Ginsing Gardens and English Fence Company. Billy was a member of Flag Pond Baptist Church and attended Calvary Baptist Church.

He was an avid Tennessee Volunteer and Lady Vols fan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Gene and Lowell English; one sister, Jeanette Rice; one great niece, Paula Davis.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of thirty-seven years, Patsy Honeycutt English; one daughter, Mackenzie English, of the home; five nephews: Travis Honeycutt (Lisa), Josh Tilson (Breanna), J.D. Duncan, Lowell Lee English, Jr. and Tristen Honeycutt; five nieces: Lora Crowe (Jeff), Debbie Taylor (Phillip), Jean Ford (Teddy), Lynn Sanchez and Sierra Honeycutt; several great nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Wendell Sullivan will officiate the 2:00 P.M. funeral service. Music will be provided by Inez Chandler. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Interment will follow in the Sams Cemetery, Flag Pond. Military Honors will be rendered by Carter County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made in memory of Mr. English to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Department, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the English 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 English family. (423) 743-1380.

Reverend Leland Brackins, age 87, of Erwin, passed away on Friday, January 18, 2019, in Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Flag Pond, Leland is a son of the late Jeff and Della (Lloyd) Brackins. He was affiliated with the Church of God and enjoyed hunting and fishing. In addition to his parents, Reverend Brackins is preceded in death by sons: Jeffery Brackins and Ricky Brackins; brothers: Troy Brackins, Reuben Brackins, James Brackins and Carl Brackins; sisters: Elva Lloyd and Grace Norton.

Reverend Leland Brackins leaves behind to cherish his memory:

Wife of 61 years: Phyllis (Tipton) Brackins;

Sons: Eugene Brackins and wife, Wilma,

Ben Brackins and wife, Lori;

Grandchildren: Whitney Brackins,

Jeremiah Brackins,

Jason Brackins,

Michael Brackins;

Great grandchildren: Cynthia Effler,

Conner Brackins;

Great-great granddaughter: Destiny Effler;

Brother: Leonard Brackins;

Several nieces and nephews.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Reverend Leland Brackins in a funeral service to be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 in chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Reverend Craig Shelton will officiate. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 5:00 PM on Tuesday and will continue until service time. A graveside committal service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 in Evergreen Cemetery. Those attending will meet at Valley Funeral Home by 12:30 PM to go in procession. Serving as pallbearers will be: Rod Price, Michael Lloyd, Jason Brackins, Conner Brackins, Jeremiah Brackins and Lynn Tipton.

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 Reverend Leland Brackins through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Donald James Berry, age 69, of Erwin, passed away on Friday, January 18, 2019, in Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Erwin, Donald is a son of the late James David Berry and Elsie Mae (Rice) Callaway. He attended Unicoi Church of God and enjoyed golfing. Donald was a proud veteran who served in the United States Army. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by one brother Larry Wayne Berry.

Donald James Berry leaves behind to cherish his memory:

Wife of 48 years: Diana Sue (Roberts) Berry, of Erwin;

Daughter: Vicki Renee McCurry and husband, Tim, of Unicoi;

Grandchildren: Rachel McCurry, of Unicoi,

Stephanie McCurry, of Unicoi;

Sister: Barbara Harris and husband, Phillip, of GA;

Several special nieces and nephews.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Donald James Berry in a funeral service to be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, January 21, 2019, in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Reverend Eddie Blazer and Reverend E. L. Wheeler will officiate. Musical selections will be provided by Queenie Wheeler. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 12:00 PM and continue until service time on Monday. A graveside committal service will be held in Roselawn Memory Gardens immediately following the funeral. Those attending will meet at Valley Funeral Home by 1:00 PM to go in procession. 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 Donald James Berry through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Royce Tolley, age 76, of Erwin passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at the Center on Aging and Health. A native of Ramseytown, NC, Royce is a son of the late Malley and Etta (Garland) Tolley. He attended Fellowship Freewill Baptist Church and loved children and helping his neighbors and those less fortunate. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping and fishing. In addition to his parents, Royce is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Gloria Dean (Whitson) Tolley; granddaughter, Tabitha Bumgardner; 4 sisters, 2 brothers and many special friends.

Royce Tolley leaves behind to cherish his memory:

Daughters: Rebecca Rice and husband, Johnny, of Erwin,

Shonnie May, of Mountain City,

Regina Tolley, of Erwin;

Sons: Lynn Tolley, of Burnsville, NC,

Zackel Tolley, of Hampton;

Grandchildren: Royce “Buddy” Franklin and wife, Andrea, of Pittsburg, PA,

Crystal Bumgardner, of Mountain City;

Great grandchildren: Ruben Franklin, of Erwin,

Riley Franklin, of Erwin,

Royce Franklin, of Pittsburg, PA,

Kaylee Franklin, of Pittsburg, PA;

Sister: Bernice Murphy, of Green Mountain, NC;

Special sister-in-law: Helen Tolley, of Elverson, PA;

Several nieces and nephews.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Royce Tolley in a committal service to be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 19, 2019 in Tinker Cemetery on Mill Creek Road. Reverend J. C. Sheets and Reverend Roger Laws will officiate. Musical selections will be provided by Ronnie Shelton and Kristie Davidson. Serving as active pallbearers will be Marvin Greene, Johnny Rice, Royce “Buddy” Franklin, Roger “Doc” Shelton, Ruben Franklin and Bobby Adkins.

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 Royce Tolley through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Bob Vance, age 86, of Erwin, passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Christian Care Center of Erwin. A native of Erwin, Bob is a son of the late Paul and Mary Ruth Vance. He was a local business owner and a veteran of the United States Navy. He enjoyed playing golf. In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Nell (Miller) Vance and his sister, Paulette Vance.

Bob Vance leaves behind to cherish his memory:

Sons: Steve Vance and wife, Kathy,

Morgan Vance and wife, Claudia;

Grandson: Bradley Vance and wife, Britney;

Sisters: Betty Fraser and husband, Al,

Carol Prescott and husband, Myron,

Rita Rogers and husband, Marvin;

Numerous nieces and nephews.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Bob Vance in a graveside committal service to be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 11, 2019 in Evergreen Cemetery. Eulogy will be provided by Marvin Rogers. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 11, 2019 and will continue until 2:00 PM. Those attending the graveside service will meet at Valley Funeral Home by 2:00 PM to go in procession, or proceed independently to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Unicoi County Animal Shelter, 185 N Industrial Drive, Erwin, TN 37650, to honor Bob’s affection for animals.

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 Bob Vance through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Glenda (Effler) McCray, age 65, of Blountville, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2018. A native of Erwin, Glenda is a daughter of Betty (Randolph) Effler and the late Donald Effler. She is an avid UT and NASCAR fan.  She enjoyed gardening and loved to travel; as a family, they took numerous vacations. In addition to her father, Glenda is preceded in death by her brother, David Effler and her son-in-law, Mike Clouse.

In addition to her mother, Glenda (Effler) McCray leaves behind to cherish her memory:

Spouse: Joseph McCray;

Daughters: Amy Clouse,

Karen Tipton;

Son: Joshua Tipton;

Grandchildren: Max Clouse,

Kiley Bennett;

Sisters: Judy Tipton and husband, Roger,

Kathy Alford and husband, Rob,

Susie Knowlton and husband Keith;

Several nieces and nephews;

Special friends: Gloria Bennett,

Mary Boone;

Mother-in-law and Father-in-law: Richard and Florence McCray.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Glenda’s special friend and neighbor, Diann Hensley, for her love and care during this difficult time.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Glenda (Effler) McCray in a memorial service to be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Pastor Charles David Byrd will officiate. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 5:00 on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 and will continue until service time.

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 Glenda (Effler) McCray through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Janice Faye Tittle Cooper, age 80, Erwin, passed away Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Erwin Health Care Center. She was a daughter of the late Cecil Tittle and Helen Haun Bryant and a lifelong resident of Unicoi County. Janice was a homemaker and of the Baptist Faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Eston Cooper on February 4, 2015; two sons: Steven Charles and Johnny Keith Cooper; one brother, Bobby Tittle; one sister, Patricia McLaughlin.

Janice leaves behind to cherish her memory, two sons: Ricky Cooper and wife, Ginger, and Andrew Ray Cooper, all of Erwin; eight grandchildren: Cindy, Thelma, Katrina, Crystal, Judson, Brandon, Paige, and Ashleigh; nine great grandsons; one great granddaughter; one brother, Kenneth Tittle and wife, Norma Jean; four sisters; Kathy Hilton and husband, Larry, Donna Hyder and husband, Carl, Betty Hardin, Shirley Chambers; several beloved nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Wednesday January 9, 2019 at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home. Pastor Todd McLaughlin will officiate at the 7:00 P.M. funeral service, music will be provided by Tracy McLaughlin. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Interment service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday in the White-Haun Cemetery. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home by 12:30 P.M. Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery.

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

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