Obituaries
Knoxville, TN Obituaries
Local obituaries for Knoxville and Knox County, TN
Robert Edward Rutherford
Feb 23, 2026
Robert Edward Rutherford, age 81, of Knoxville, went to be with his Heavenly Father on February 23, 2026. Bob was a member of Central Baptist Church of Fountain City and a graduate of Central High School. He was a Vietnam Veteran who loved and served his country. Bob owned several automotive dealerships throughout his life, and had a love of...
Leola Fortner Powell
Feb 23, 2026
Leola Fortner Powell, age 88, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on February 23, 2026. She attended Union Baptist Church of Halls since 1967. Leola loved being a mom and grandma. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, and watching Lady Vols basketball.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jobie and Macie Fortner, and her siblings: Leta Torbush, Delores Welch, and Arthur...
Margaux Elizabeth Morgan
Feb 22, 2026
Margaux Elizabeth (Sauls) Morgan age 45, of Corryton, became an angel on Sunday, February 22, 2026. She was born on October 6, 1980, in Charleston, SC to Tony and Eulette (Ward) Sauls of Myrtle Beach, SC. She was strong in her faith and attended Fairview Baptist Church where she loved to volunteer helping with the young children in Puggles class.
Margaux...
Roy Thomas Kelley
Feb 22, 2026
Roy Thomas “Tom” Kelley, age 82, of Knoxville, Tn, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026.
Tom was a Knoxville native, a graduate from East High School and he attended the University of Tennessee prior to starting his career in the apparel industry with Levi Strauss, Co. He later worked for John H. Daniel Company and Alpha Industries. Tom loved his...
Shirley Ann Bayless
Feb 21, 2026
Shirley Warwick Bayless, age 77, of Knoxville, TN, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Bayless; brothers, Walter and Paul Warwick; and her fur baby, Boo.
Shirley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and sister. She was saved at a young age and a retired seamstress from Levi’s in Powell. Per Shirley’s...
Mary "Liz" Fallis
Feb 21, 2026
Mary “Liz” Fallis, 82, of Knoxville, TN passed away February 21, 2026. She is survived by her daughters, Beth Carter (David) and Sandra Payton (Richard); sister, Margie Davenport; granddaughter, Rebecca Norris (Patrick); great grandchildren, Olivia Brown, Ayden Brown, Jacob Brown, Alice Carter, Nicole Roberts, Michael Roberts and Ashley Norris and a host of extended family and friends. She was preceded...
John David Heist
Feb 20, 2026
John David Heist age 89 of Knoxville, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veteran's Home. He was retired from Rohm and Haas as a pipefitter/welder, proud member of the Steelworkers Local #90, and he was affectionately know by his coworkers as "Sweet John". He served his Country honorably...
Charles Lee Perciful, Jr.
Feb 20, 2026
Charles Lee Perciful Jr., age 73, of Knoxville passed away peacefully at home on February 20th, 2026.
Charles lived a life filled with love, music, and the people he held close. At the very center of his world was his wife Leana (or as he called her, Lee) who was the love of his life since he was sixteen. Everything Charles...
Sheila Joy Swaggerty
Feb 20, 2026
Sheila Joy Swaggerty, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on February 20, 2026, at the age of 66. She was a woman of Baptist faith.
Sheila was the most loving person. She cared deeply for her family and showed that love every single day. She had the best sense of humor and loved to joke. Her laughter and warmth filled every...
Doris "Pat" Claudin
Feb 19, 2026
Doris “Pat” D. Claudin, age 87, passed away on February 19, 2026. She entered her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, along with many saints including her beloved husband, Russ, whom she faithfully loved, cherished, and doted on for 68 years until his departure from this earth on January 1, 2026.
Pat was born May 15,...
Woody Sam Grove
Feb 19, 2026
Woody Sam Grove, age 76, of Knoxville, TN, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after a short illness. He was a proud Veteran of the Air National Guard. He had a black belt in martial arts. He was the former owner of Hot Rod Barn and Long’s Auto Parts. He retired after 11 years from...
Helen Victoria Sizemore
Feb 19, 2026
On February 19, 2026, beloved mother and grandmother, Helen Victoria Sizemore, completed her journey on this earth at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of love, courage, and strength that will continue to inspire us all. Born on August 26, 1945 in Wyandotte, Michigan to Catherine and Anthony Dombrowski, she grew into a woman whose life was defined...
Michelle Miller
Feb 19, 2026
Michelle Lyons Miller, 63, of Knoxville, TN was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 19, 2026 at home surrounded by family. A devoted Christian, Michelle was a member of Temple Baptist Church and previously at Church of God-Union Assembly. She was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, and lovingly referred to as “Nana”.
She is survived...
Raymond Jackson Chumley, Jr.
Feb 18, 2026
Raymond “Ray” Jackson Chumley, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Halls, Tennessee, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Ray dedicated 50 years of his life to the television industry. He began his career on the production side at WLAC in Nashville, Tennessee, and at WRCB in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He later served as Operations Manager for WJKS in Jacksonville, Florida....
Millard 'Bud' Oliver Strader III
Feb 18, 2026
Millard ‘Bud’ Strader III, age 73, of Corryton, TN, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He retired from the Air National Guard and many years in the tire business. A hard worker and a self sacrificer who always put another before himself. His family...
Jamie Ray Travis
Feb 18, 2026
Jamie Ray Travis, age 54, of Knoxville, TN passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.
Jamie was a member of New Victory Baptist Church, 923 W Baxter Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921. He was a loving and devoted husband, a proud and caring father and a cherished Pappy whose heart knew no limits. He loved deeply...
Stephen David Branum, Sr.
Feb 17, 2026
Steve Branum, age 71, of Knoxville, passed away on February 17, 2026. He was born a storyteller with a quick, dry wit. When asked if he was alright, he would reply with something like, " I'm on this side of the dirt," or " I'm gooder than snuff but not near as dusty," with his signature charm. And when making...
David Allen Henry
Feb 17, 2026
David Allen Henry age 79, of Corryton, TN, went to be with Jesus on the morning of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. David proudly served his country retiring after 26 years in the United States Air Force.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Margaret Henry; first wife, Brigette Henry; brothers, Robert Henry (Jerri) and Bill Henry (Nancy); grandson,...
Billy Ray Violet
Feb 17, 2026
Billy Ray Violet, age 79, of Knoxville, TN, passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. He was of the Baptist faith. Billy had a passion for cars. He was either racing cars, fixing cars of all kinds, or building cars. Billy loved his WWE wrestling as well. Billy was a United States Air Force Veteran,...
