OBITUARIES

Carol Payne Collins

Carol Payne Collins

Sep 3, 2026

Carol Sue Payne Collins, age 83, of Halls and Oak Ridge, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

Carol was preceded in death by her husbands, Johnny Payne and Stamper Collins; her parents, Neal and Edith Cardwell; her sister, Marie Rosson; and her parents-in-law, Bill and Alma Payne. She is survived by her children, Steve Payne and wife Michele; Janet Collins...

Paul Thomas Ford

Paul Thomas Ford

Sep 1, 2026

Paul Thomas Ford, age 58, of Rocky Top, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on February 28, 1968, in Kettering, Ohio. Paul graduated from Xenia High School with the Class of 1986.

Paul was an avid fisherman who loved being near the water with a fishing pole in his hand. Whether enjoying...

Joshua Michael Jensen

Joshua Michael Jensen

Aug 27, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Joshua Michael Jensen, 46. He passed away on Thursday, August 27th, 2026, in Oak Ridge, TN. Those who knew Josh know what an exceptional and loving person he was, always with a smile for those around him and hugs that left you feeling warm and comforted.

Born on July 26th,...

Shirley Jean Killian

Shirley Jean Killian

Aug 4, 2026

Shirley Killian, age 86, of Oak Ridge went home to be with the lord on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at her home.

Shirley was a longtime member and active participant of the Deaf Ministry at Central Baptist Church (Oak Ridge), First Baptist Church (Knoxville), and Sword Deaf Baptist Church (Clinton).

She was preceded in death by her husband: Lavoy Killian; great-grandson, Chandler...

Joanne Boyle

Joanne Boyle

Jul 30, 2026

D. Joanne “Mimi” Boyle (87) passed away peaceably after a short illness on July 30, joining her husband, Bill Boyle, son Bob Boyle, and mother Wilda Summers in heaven.

Born in Morgantown, WV, Joanne liked to say she acquired her “MRS. degree” at WVU, where she met Bill while working in the College of Engineering, married in 1959, and were blessed...

Nellie Ruth Pratt

Nellie Ruth Pratt

Jul 29, 2026

Nellie Ruth Pratt, age 87, of Heiskell, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at NHC Healthcare in Oak Ridge after a courageous seven-year battle with dementia.

Nellie was born in October 1938 in Andersonville, Tennessee, to the late George and Della Atkins Cox. She dedicated much of her life as a homemaker and also worked...

Roy Leslie deForest

Roy Leslie deForest

Jul 26, 2026

Roy Leslie deForest was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, on June 6, 1943. He passed away peacefully and bravely on July 26, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by love in his home in Oak Ridge. He was the eldest of two children born to James and Muriel deForest, and a cherished brother to Judith Christine deForest. Roy is survived...

Chalmer Ray Reed

Chalmer Ray Reed

Jul 26, 2026

Chalmer Ray Reed, age 91, of Oliver Springs went home to be with the lord, Sunday, July 26, 2026 at his home.

Chalmer grew up and attended school in the Marlow Community. He stayed in touch with his childhood friends and enjoyed the fact that they stayed in contact with each other throughout the years. Chalmer and his wife, Margaret were...

Jessie Bennette "Jess" Woodard

Jessie Bennette "Jess" Woodard

Jun 25, 2026

Jessie Bennette “Jess” Woodard, age 82 of Clinton went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Jess loved to fish, was a devoted member of his church, Jarnigan Chapel Baptist Church. Most of all Jess loved spending his time with his family.

Jess was preceded in death by his Parents, Woodrow and Lois Woodard; Brother, Edward Woodard.

Jess...

John Edward Pilut

John Edward Pilut

Jun 22, 2026

John Edward Pilut, age 86, passed away with his daughter by his side, June 22, 2026 at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, TN. 

John was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 17, 1939. He and his daughter Sue moved to Oak Ridge, TN in 2016. He loved sailing and cooking. 

He is survived by his daughter Sue Pilut. 

John will be laid...

James Earl "Jim" Batch

James Earl "Jim" Batch

Jun 1, 2026

James Earl “Jim” Batch, 87, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026.

Jim was a faithful member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, a devoted Cleveland sports fan, and a man who embraced life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a deep appreciation for family and friends. Among his many interests were traveling, hiking, researching family genealogy,...

George Allen Denton

George Allen Denton

May 31, 2026

George Allen Denton, 87, of Knoxville, TN died on Sunday May 31, 2026. He was a member of Coalfield Seventh-Day Adventist Church & Grace SDA. 

He was born on February 19, 1939 in Strawberry Plains, TN. He attended Carter High school. He worked driving a truck for many years & retired at the age of 83. He enjoyed breakfast at Waffle...

Harry J. Evans

Harry J. Evans

May 11, 2026

Harry J. Evans

January 20, 1939 – May 11, 2026



Harry J. Evans, of Oak Ridge, TN passed peacefully at his residence on May 11, 2026, surrounded by his supportive and loving family and care team.

Harry was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle J. Hampton; his father, Carl W. Evans; his brother, Hardy Glenn; and his sister, Billie Jean.

He is survived...

Melissa Kay Maples-Harrell

Melissa Kay Maples-Harrell

May 3, 2026

Melissa Kay Maples-Harrell passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, leaving behind family and friends who loved her deeply and countless memories that will be carried forward by those who knew her best. 

Melissa was someone who found joy in the simple things: warm days, good music turned up loud, fly-fishing, cooking with her husband, dancing, and being surrounded by those...

Tristan Stone Schonfarber

Tristan Stone Schonfarber

Apr 26, 2026

Tristan Schonfarber, age 29, of Knoxville, TN passed away on Sunday April 26th, 2026. Tristan was from Clayton, AL, and loved gaming, hiking, and making people laugh. Tristan was well loved by many and was a wonderful son, brother, and uncle. He touched all of our hearts with his smile and laughter.

Tristan was preceded in death by his grandfather, Hezzie...

Robert Michael (Mike) Slone

Robert Michael (Mike) Slone

Apr 22, 2026

Robert Michael (Mike) Slone

(October 19, 1950 – April 22, 2026)

Robert Michael (Mike) Slone of Clinton, Anderson County, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026, while in the care of the University of Tennessee hospital. Mike was 75 years young. He was preceded in death by his father, Ezra Donald Slone, his mother Barbara Dee “Susie” Slone and brother Jeffrey Norman...

Martha Francis Langley

Martha Francis Langley

Apr 19, 2026

Martha Francis Langley went to be with her Heavenly Father 4-19-26 she was born 05-24-1944 her husband was by her side when she passed. Private Arrangement to be set at a later date.

Robert "Bob" Conner

Robert "Bob" Conner

Apr 15, 2026

Robert “Bob” Conner, Jr.

SUFFOLK — Robert “Bob” Conner, Jr., 78, of Suffolk, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Born on February 29, 1948, in Lumberton, North Carolina, Bob was the son of the late James and Lucille Conner. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Specialist during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1968 with...

Peggy K. Silver

Peggy K. Silver

Apr 12, 2026

Peggy K. Silver, age 103, passed away at her home on Sunday, April 12, 2026. A native of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, she married Virgil J. Silver of Celo on June 20, 1943. He moved to Oak Ridge to work at K25 in 1947, and Peggy followed two years later. Upon arrival at Elza Gate, she was hired to assign...

Caryl Ann Milton

Caryl Ann Milton

Apr 2, 2026

Caryl Ann (Lerner) Milton

OAK RIDGE — Caryl Ann (Lerner) Milton, 81, of Oak Ridge, passed away on April 2, 2026. She was born July 12, 1944, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late William and Sarah Lerner.

Caryl moved to Annandale, Virginia, in 1977 to begin her government career. In 1986, she relocated to Oak Ridge, where she worked for the Department...