Obituaries
Knoxville, TN Obituaries
Local obituaries for Knoxville and Knox County, TN
Lavada Gail Ray
May 7, 2026
Lavada Gail Ray, age 73, of Rocky Top, passed away on May 7, 2026. She was born to the late Sim and Mae (Cronan) Maples on April 5, 1953.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Junior Ray, Sr. Of 56 years; sons, Ervan Ray and Ronnie Ray; grandson, Keagon Ray; granddaughter, Deetta Weaver;...
Donnie Ray "Smiley" Nelson
May 6, 2026
Donnie Ray “Smiley” Nelson age 51, of Powell, TN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Donnie Ray was known for his infectious laughter and a smile that could brighten any room. Despite living with physical challenges, Donnie Ray taught everyone around him the true meaning of resilience, joy and unconditional love.
Donnie Ray loved listening to music (especially Morgan...
Harold David Potter
May 6, 2026
Harold “David” Potter, age 82, went peacefully to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of May 6, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.
David was a lifelong resident of Powell and a 1962 graduate of Rule High School. He met his high school sweetheart, Effie Marie Baker, at the age of 16 during a home prayer meeting...
James Thomas Coleman
May 5, 2026
James Thomas Coleman, age 82, passed away peacefully at home, early Tuesday morning, May 5, 2026, with family by his side. He was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church in Heiskell, TN. He was saved and would testify he “saw the blood that cleansed his soul” that Saturday night. He had many other names such as “Tommy Toes”, “Tippy...
Virginia Patrice Smith
May 5, 2026
Virginia Patrice Smith, age 73, of Powell, TN, went home to be with the Lord on May 5, 2026. She was born on March 28, 1953, to the late Herbert Newton and Virginia (Nicholson) Martin.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Maurice and Jerry Martin, and her sister, June Alley.
She is survived by her...
Bobby Wayne Gilbert
May 2, 2026
Bobby Wayne Gilbert, age 77, of Powell, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Bobby retired from Kroger after 50 plus years. He was a member of Powell Baptist Church. Bobby was an avid sportscar collector.
He was preceded in death by his son, Bobby Glenn Gilbert.
Bobby is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra K. Gilbert; brother, Charles Gilbert; sister,...
Joseph Henry Tovar
May 2, 2026
In Loving Memory of Joe Tovar
With a heavy heart and deep love, we share the passing of Joe Tovar, who left this world surrounded by loved ones on a sunny afternoon on May 2, 2026, at the age of 75.
Joe was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but for the past 19 years he proudly called Knoxville, Tennessee home—a place...
John Grant Redwine III
May 2, 2026
John Grant Redwine III, age 68, of Knoxville, TN, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at his home with family and friends. He was born in Morristown, TN to John Redwine Jr. and Ruby Redwine, and raised in Knoxville, TN. He graduated from Fulton High School in 1976 and from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in...
Jonathan Tyler Stanley
May 1, 2026
Jonathan Tyler Stanley, age 46, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Jonathan graduated from Bearden High School in 1998. He earned his bachelor’s degree from McKendree University and his master’s degree from Bethel University.
Jonathan will be remembered for his generous heart, the effortless way he made those around him feel valued and encouraged, and how he loved...
Samantha Faye Price
May 1, 2026
Samantha Faye Price, of Knoxville, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Samantha was a daughter, sister, and mother who lived a life that was both complex and meaningful. She was known for her sharp sense of humor, her toughness, and a heart that never lost its ability to care deeply for others. Those who knew...
Jack Marshall Parrott
May 1, 2026
PFC Jack Marshall Parrott, age 78, of Knoxville, TN entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, May 1, 2026. Jack enjoyed playing cards, fishing, nascar, watching old westerns and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by parents, John and Clara Parrott; son, Chad Marshall Parrott; granddaughter, Isabella Hensley; and grandson, Austin French. He is survived by...
Louise Bagwell
Apr 30, 2026
Winnie Louise Ramsey Bagwell, age 83, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Emory Mills Assisted Living in Powell. Born August 5, 1942, in Murphy, North Carolina, Louise and her family moved to Oak Ridge in 1947. She later graduated from Powell High School in 1960. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, as...
Freda Mae (Larue) Bryant
Apr 30, 2026
Freda Mae (Larue) Bryant age 90, of the Halls community, went to her Heavenly home on the afternoon of Thursday, April 30. 2026, surrounded by her family. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Her greatest accomplishment was raising her seven children.
Freda was preceded in death by her parents, Ross and Hazel Larue; husband George T....
Mildred "Millie" Kay Deatherage
Apr 30, 2026
Mildred “Millie” Kay Deatherage, age 84, of Crossville, TN, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, April 30th, 2026, at Willow Ridge Center in Maynardville, TN. Born on February 22, 1942, in Berkeley Springs, WV, she was the daughter of the late Herbert Taft Barnes and Annetta Margaret Unger Barnes. She was a graduate of Berkeley Springs High School. A devoted...
Ruby Brown Tatum
Apr 30, 2026
Ruby (Brown) Tatum age 82, of Knoxville, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at University of Tennessee Medical Center. She was the Matriarch of New River of Life Church. Her first priority was her faith and her family. She loved diamond art and gospel music.
Preceded in death by her husband and the love of...
Barbara Lou Powell
Apr 30, 2026
Barbara Lou Powell, age 88, of Knoxville, passed away on April 30, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Powell; parents, Walter and Velma Kear; sons, Gary and Bobby Jr.; siblings, Carl Edward Kear, Margaret Juanita Ward, James, Carroll Kear, William Eugene Kear.
Barbara is survived by her son, Donny Powell; siblings, Wanda Fannin, Gerald Ray Kear, and Bobby...
Tammy Teresa Wolbach
Apr 29, 2026
Tammy Theresa Wolbach (née Hall), age 66, of Dandridge, Tennessee, passed away on April 29, 2026. She was born on June 3, 1959, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Glenn and Mary Hall. A dedicated servant to her community, Tammy spent many years providing essential care and guidance as a Social Security Claims Representative in Morristown. Her career in public service began...
Arch Joseph Martin
Apr 27, 2026
Arch Joseph Martin, 82, died unexpectedly Monday, April 27, 2026.
He left us with a huge hole in our hearts, and we will miss him until we meet again in Heaven.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Anne Yvonne Martin; 3 children: Amy Pettit (Michael), Susan Martin, and John Adam Martin (Michelle); 5 grandchildren: Nathaniel Pettit (Anslee), Nicholas Pettit...
Jody Lea Inman
Apr 27, 2026
Jody Lea Inman, age 87, of Knoxville, TN, went to be with the Lord whom she loved on Monday, April 27, 2026. She was surrounded by her loving family in her last days. She was a loving and devoted Momma and Nanny. She was of the Christian faith and a member of the Church of God.
She is preceded in death...
Linda Blazier
Apr 27, 2026
In loving memory, we celebrate the beautiful life of Linda Darlene Blazier, who left us peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026, following a brief illness. Linda was born on September 15, 1949, in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she spent much of her life bringing warmth and joy to everyone she met. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that...
