Area Obituaries

George Watson, 77, of Bledsoe County, Tennessee, died Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at his home. He was a carpenter and a master builder. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He could take nothing and make something useful out of it. He loved reading and watching western books and movies. He liked farming and taking care…

Bobby Lynn Hankins, 65, of Ooltewah, Tennessee passed away Saturday, December 7, 2024 unexpectedly. Bobby was a member of Old Rugged Cross Baptist Church, loved his children and grandchildren. In the past he played the drums during band class, worked in construction for Shofners, enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hiking, liked good westerns, and Native…

Darice Cooper, 54, of Pikeville, Tennessee passed away suddenly in her home on Sunday, November 24, 2024. She was proceeded in death by her grandparents, Veon and Leona Simmons and Max and Margaret Keener, all of Pikeville; her father, Edward (Elaine) Simmons of Dayton; and her brother, Dwayne Simmons, of Pikeville. She leaves behind to…

Kathy Bowman, 69 of Pikeville, Tennessee passed away November 28, 2024. She enjoyed working in her flower garden and spending time with her family. She loved the outdoors searching for ginseng and fishing. She is preceded in death by her son, Jeffery Hankins; great grandson, James Hancock; parents, Carlos and Lullabelle Prater; and two brothers.…

Margie Brooks Henderson, 71, born October 19, 1953, passed away Friday November 22, 2024. Margie was surrounded by her family as she succumbed to long term illness at Erlanger hospital. Proceeding Margie in death: mother, Lou Addie Neely Henderson; father, David Brooks Henderson; both of Fayetteville, Tennessee; sister, Mary Elizabeth Henderson Watkins; and brother-in-law, Clyde…

Benjamin “Ben” Thomas Harwood, 61, of Pikeville, Tennessee passed away at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Ben was a loving husband, father, Pa and friend. He was a member of The Grove Church, Dayton, Tennessee. Ben was a man of many trades, one he enjoyed the most was…

James L. Douthat, 85, of Pikeville, Tennessee, passed away, surrounded by family on Sunday, November 17, 2024. Jim was a retired United Methodist minister from the Holston Conference and served many churches in the area. Jim was also a noted author, publisher, historian and genealogist. Jim grew up in Bluefield, Virginia and received 5 degrees:…

Richard Harvey Walker, 80, of Pikeville, Tennessee, formerly of Brandon, Florida died of natural causes on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. He was an amazing husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and a beloved uncle, cousin, and friend to many. He was also a rock to many and loved his own stubborn streak. Richard had a love for…

Ernest R. “Skip” Ball, 69, of Pikeville, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024. Skip attended Faith Baptist Church, was a 1973 graduate of Bledsoe County High School, and worked in the past as a Correctional Officer for the Tennessee Department of Correction. He loved spending time with his family and church family, and loved Tennessee…

Bob Samuel Swafford, 81, of Pikeville, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 7, 2024. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church and several other organizations. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam and was on Secret Service detail for President Lyndon Johnson. He went on to…