Newport Plain Talk

Rodney Keith Davis, age 72, of Talbott, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2022 at Serenity Hospice House. He was a loving husband, father, pappaw, and great-pappaw and will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his son, Bradley Davis; and parents, Fred and Virginia Davis. He is survived by his wife of thirty-three years, Ronda Davis; daughters, Emily (Brandon) Jarnigan and Jerica Simpson (Aaron Gibson); grandchildren, Ocyin (Nic) Borodach, Lexy Davis, Lu Jarnigan, Reese Jarnigan, and Henry Gibson; great-grandchild, Indigo Borodach; brother, Hubert (Kathy) Davis; sister, Donna (Aubrey) Greeson; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 - 7 p.m. Thursday,...

Monsignor Robert Joseph Hofstetter, a priest of 68 years and faithful to the very end, passed away at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville on Thursday July 7, 2022. He was 94 years old. Msgr. Bob was born on November 19, 1927 to Oscar B. and Marguerite S. Hofstetter. He was one of six children. He received the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation at Holy Name Church in Nashville, Tennessee. After graduating from Father Ryan High School where he lettered in four sports, he attended the University of Notre Dame for three years, before being accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Nashville. His seminary formation took place at Theological College in Washington, D.C. ...

Donald Hugh Jones, Jr., age 79, of Newport, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. Donald was an avid golfer, tennis player, and bowler. He truly enjoyed his golf trips with his friends. He loved the outdoors. He loved watching the VOLS and Peyton Manning. He was an usher at both Thompson Boling Arena and Neyland Stadium, where he enjoyed his football and basketball games. After serving in the US Army, he returned to Newport, retiring from the Newport Housing Authority after 35 years of service. Donald was a lifetime member of Kiwanis International where he was an active member of the Newport Kiwanis Club until his health declined. He served as LTG of...

Dennis Charles Overton was a man who never met a stranger, that was true in this life and will likely be true in the next. At 69 years of age, he passed peacefully on from this realm after a battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's on June 12th, 2022. A lover of baseball, Atlanta Braves in particular, oldies music, Friday afternoon movies with his wife and kids, and fellowship with his bible study groups. Dennis lived his life to the fullest and had fun every step of the way. Born in Newport, TN on September 28, 1952, his work ethic became apparent at a young age. At just 14, he obtained his driver's license to help his mother raise his two younger siblings after his oldest brother and...

On Tuesday morning, May 31, 2022, Patricia Ann Tackett, 69, moved to her Heavenly home. Patricia was a kind woman, who loved Jesus and her family and set an example for her family that will lead them all their lives. Patricia was born in Jenkins, KY on May 01,1953 to the late Phyllis Pace and raised by Myrtle MacPeak. Married for 16 years to the late Milton Ray Tackett, Patricia loved her Savior, the Lord Jesus, with all her heart, and loved God's Word. Though gentle, Patricia was nonetheless a powerful prayer warrior, and only heaven knows what a wonderful and eternal impact all her many years of faithful praying have had on her family, her friends, and the world at large. Patricia is...

Eldridge Bryant, age 87, of Morristown, passed away early Thursday morning, May 19, 2022 at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System with his family by his side. Eldridge was born on November 18, 1934 in Newport, Tennessee to C.H. and Clora Bryant. He was a 1954 graduate of Cocke County High School and earned his Bachelor's degree in economics in 1958 from Carson-Newman College, his Master's degree from East Tennessee State University in 1974, and later earned his forty-five Hours Above (EDS). While attending Carson-Newman College, Eldridge met his future wife, Ellie L. West and they were married in 1956. He began his life-long profession in education in 1958 working as a teacher at Whitesburg...

Jerry Roger Gilbert, age 79 of Newport, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 15th, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ella "Gertrude" Gray Gilbert; brothers, Billy, Kyle, and Freddie; sister, Retha Wise; and daughter-in-law, Krystina Lawson Gilbert. He is survived by his children, Rhonda (Joey) Allen, Sonya (Mitchell) Webb, Roger Gilbert, and Brian (Carrie) Gilbert; grandchildren, Casey (Josh), Emily, Nathan (Kelsey), and Abbie; great-grandchildren, Lakelyn, Haddley, and Josiah; and the mother of his children, Brenda Green. Per his request, no services will be held. Resthaven Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gilbert family.

Roger Dewayne Gregg, Jr., age 50 of Knoxville, passed away suddenly at his home after a lengthy battle with his health on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Roger was preceded in death by step father, Joseph K. Baker. His survivors include, Howard Brogdon of Knoxville, and Joanne Baker of Newport. Family will receive friends at Resthaven Memorial Gardens Chapel on Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm, pastor Jason Boone officiating. Resthaven Funeral Home is honored to be of service to the family.

Wilma June Dixon Ward, 94 of Newport, passed away at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Sevierville. She graduated from Sevier County High School class of 1945. She had a passion for quilting and sewing. She loved her family especially her kids and grandkids. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Arthur Byrd; brother, V.H. Dixon; and son, Jim Lindsey. She is survived by her daughter, Betty (Lindsey) Burns; grandchildren, Karen McCallister (Dwayne) of Newport and Jeramie Hurst (Candy) of Powell; and greatgrandchildren, Maci McCallister, Jaxon Hurst, and Cali Hurst; niece, Judy Moore (Jim) of Georgia; great-nieces,...

Marilyn "Kay" (Davison) Adams, 86 of Dade City, Florida (Formerly of Tampa, FL, Cosby, TN & Scottsboro, AL) Passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 5th, 2022. She was born in Bloomfield, Indiana, Daughter to Orlando & Beatrice Titus who preceded her in death along with her husband, Robert Lee Davison, Son, Robert Dean Davison & Daughter, Phyllis Davison-Conrad. She is survived by her husband, Eric Adams her seven children; Debra, Wife of Alan Craig, of Arkansas Dale A. Davison & Wife Tere of Valrico, FL Cheryl Sue Davison of Ft Myers, FL Loretta-Joann Davison of Charlottesville, Virginia James B. Davison & Wife Debbie (Cohen)-Davison of Dade City, FL Carol-Lynn...

Many things have - or rather, had - gone into creating the person that I was: From my Birth family, I learned tolerance, and a love of peace (but not by example). From the United States Air Force, I learned to love travel. From the United States Army, I learned that the military life was not for me. The Southern Baptist Convention taught me religion, but Orthodoxy taught me Christ. Somewhere between the two, Gospel Outreach taught me the love of Community. But it was from hard experiences that I learned the ways of this world. If indeed I have yet. My first wife taught me all the lessons I didn't bother learning from my birth family and refreshed my memory of the ones I'd forgotten. My...

Callie "Ginger" Cogdill of Newport, took her last earthly breath and breathed in the splendor of heaven on Friday, February 4, 2022. Ginger was preceded in death by her parents, Dan & Ruby Buckner; grandparents, John and Callie Buckner, Wyatt and Martha Gregg. Ginger is survived by husband, Dean Cogdill; daughters, Allison Williams, and Angel (Solomon Wilds) Cogdill; grandchildren, Bella and Landyn Wilds; brothers, Danny and Mike Buckner; sister, Martha (Junior) Moree; half-brother, Charles (Linda) Buckner; half sister-in-law, Carolyn Buckner; in laws, Bill and Brenda Ford, Norma Coggins, Roger and Diane Cogdill, Randy Cogdill; several nieces and nephews; best friend, Melinda Gibbs. ...

Callie "Ginger" Cogdill of Newport, took her last earthly breath and breathed in the splendor of heaven on Friday, February 4, 2022. Ginger was preceded in death by her parents, Dan & Ruby Buckner; grandparents, John and Callie Buckner, Wyatt and Martha Gregg. Ginger is survived by husband, Dean Cogdill; daughters, Allison Williams, and Angel (Solomon Wilds) Cogdill; grandchildren, Bella and Landyn Wilds; brothers, Danny and Mike Buckner; sister, Martha (Junior) Moree; half-brother, Charles (Linda) Buckner; half sister-in-law, Carolyn Buckner; in laws, Bill and Brenda Ford, Norma Coggins, Roger and Diane Cogdill, Randy Cogdill; several nieces and nephews; best friend, Melinda Gibbs. ...

Ret. SFC Randy Brian Lane, passed away of a heart attack on the morning of Thursday, January 27th, 2022. He loved and inspired everyone he met. Randy was a highly decorated Army veteran. He joined the military at age 17, where he earned several awards and medals, along with joining Special Forces in 1986. After 17 years of service, he retired as a E7 Green Beret. He was preceded in death by his parents, Azer and Sue Lane; brother, Terry "Hippie" Lane. Randy is survived by wife and soulmate, Linda Lou Rollins Lane; children, Miranda (Shannon) Williams, Richie (Terryi) Lane, Hollie (Alex) Sartin; grandchildren, Logan, Sid, Leland, Landon, Lilyana, Emmalyn, Lillie, Luca; along with loving...

Esther Jane Teaster, age 90 of Sevierville, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harmon and Mimie Teaster, brothers, Louis, Earl, Floyd, Columbus, Bill, Jesse, Paul, and Linden Teaster, sisters, Pearl Teaster Dellinger, Iva McMahan, and Alice Breazeale. Survivors: Brother: A.C. Teaster and wife Katherine; Many, many, many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 4-6 PM Tuesday, January 25 with funeral service following at 6 PM in the East Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Rev. Chad Teaster officiating. Interment 11 AM Wednesday in Elkmont Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at...

Cathey Maria Owens, age 69, of Newport, TN, went to be with her Heavenly family Monday, January 10, 2022. Cathey was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking, and watching old movies, Thin Man being one of her favorites. She loved animals, Scampers the cat was spoiled rotten with her love. Her family and church were her passion and joy. Cathey was preceded in death by parents, Stanley and Emma Owens; brother, Stephen Owens. She is survived by daughter, Emmie Owens of Newport; nephew, William Todd (Ruth) Owens of Tallahassee, FL.; niece, Mary Ellen (Tom) Cooper of Cumming, GA; sister in law, Mary Owens of Wartrace, TN; great nephews, Will Owens, Gage Owens, Zac Cooper; Aunts, Doris Smelcer of Chestnut...

Maureen Norma Roach, age 58, of Dandridge, passed away Wednesday December 15, 2021. Preceded in death by father, Lonnie Roach; grandparents, John Ray and Nora Dunn, Richard and Minnie Roach; brother, Leslie Roach; special nieces, Patricia Helton, and Kimberly Maples. Survived by mother, Lois Roach; brother, Larry Roach; sisters, Marlene Maples, Madelene (Mickey) Helton; nephew, Ricky (Jenna) Helton; great nephew, Levi Helton; companion, Aaron Burns; special friend, Sheila Fine; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family would like to give a special thanks to Allison, Candice, and all the employees at Avalon Hospice for their loving care of Maureen. Family will receive friends...

Shelva "Shelby" Jean Ball, age 77, of Dandridge, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2021. Shelva loved the mountains and being surrounded by nature, beautiful flowers were one of her favorites. She was exuberant and full of life, and never met a stranger, always happy to meet new people and share stories. Shelva absolutely loved her dog, Tae Tae. She is preceded in death by Clarence "Shorty" Ball; mother, Dulcy Ellenburg; brother, Jack Ellenburg; niece, Kathi Ellenburg; nephews, Benny and Johnny Ellenburg; several close friends. Shelva is survived by son, Duane Ball; daughter, Selena Ball; sister, Lagretta Nelson; fur baby, Tae Tae. Family and friends will meet at Resthaven Memorial Gardens,...

Robert "Robbie" Anthony Whitehead, age 50 of White Pine, TN passed away Thursday, December 9, 2021. A beautiful poem for pilots reads: "I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the sky on laughter's silver wings; Sunward I have climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun split clouds - and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of. I have topped the wind -swept heights where never lark, nor even eagle flew -- put out my hand and touched the face of God." Robbie this morning again flew into the most beautiful sunrise. This time I knew he had reached his destination and was now touching the face of God. He left behind his wheelchair, ventilators, pain, and loneliness, and...

Janella McGaha Phillips, age 79 of Maryville, passed away peacefully at Blount Memorial Hospital Tuesday, October 5, 2021. She was retired from Schlegel/BTR Sealing Systems. Janella enjoyed Maryville High School and The University of Tennessee football. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister who is deeply missed by her family and friends. Preceded in death by parents, Otha and Ollie McGaha; sisters, Geneva Huskey, Juanita Ball, Mattie Ann Orris; brothers, Clyde McGaha, James Wallace McGaha, Kenneth McGaha, E.L. McGaha. Survived by husband, Clarence Phillips; sons, Mike (Suzanne), Tim (Wendy), Brian (Jayne), Ronnie (Cheryl); 7 grandchildren; 9...

Michael Dale Buckner of Newport, TN passed away Monday September 20, 2021 at Newport Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents Alex and Mary Wanda (Bay) Worex Buckner; grandparents Joe and Islamae Worex; Mr. And Mrs. Lewis Buckner; brothers Terry and Dwayne Buckner; sister Karen (Elizabeth) Buckner. He is survived by his wife Lorene Holt Buckner; son Justin Buckner; stepson Shannon Dyke; grandchildren Alexis (Chris) Fowler, Jaclyn Buckner, Macy Dyke, Hunter Buckner, Megan Dyke, Brooklyn Dyke and Levi Buckner; great-grandson Zayden Fowler; Aunt Virginia White Hamm and a host of many family members and friends. Services will be held on Friday September 24, 2021 with visitation...