Carthage Courier

Ethel Lois Blair, age 90, of Nashville, passed peacefully in the morning hours of June 24, 2022, at her residence in Nashville, TN, where she was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Diana, and son-in-law Dave. She was born on Dillards Creek in Smith County, TN, on Dec 1, 1931, to the late Frank and Bessie Mai Shoemake. She married Ernest (Toby) Blair at age 14-almost-15. He was 17. Ethel graduated the eighth grade from Dillards Creek School at age 11, received her GED after her marriage, and completed business classes in Lebanon, TN, in 1959. Her professional life included banking, insurance, and, for the last twenty-five years of employment, credit management for Texas Boot and D.T....

Aaron Michael Dunlap, age 39 of Elmwood, TN, passed away Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Blount Memorial Hospital. Aaron was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving 3 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He attained the rank of Sergeant and received multiple medals and commendations. He enjoyed working with his hands and making things and was selfless in supporting others. Aaron was a loving and devoted father, son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew and friend who will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Preceded in death by his son, Corbin Alexander Dunlap; father, Henry Dunlap; and grandparents, William Holland and John and Thelma Dunlap. Survived by his children, Benjamin Dunlap, Ayden...

Funeral service for Connie Ross, age 65, of Fayetteville, TN will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021, at 1 pm at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Robert Doud officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 11 am to 1 pm at Higgins. Connie was born June 23, 1956, in Lebanon, TN to Sammy Bob and Peggy Torrance. She was a business school graduate and loan officer at Cash Express. Connie enjoyed art and animals, especially raising pure bred dogs. She loved chocolate and you could win her over with a pack of M&M's or some Hershey's Kisses. Connie previously worked as a special education teacher at Ninth Grade Academy and Lincoln County High School. She especially loved her family and...

Virginia Browning Smith Acker, age 92, of Knoxville passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at NHC Cavette Hill Assisted Living. She was born January 22, 1929 in Carthage, TN. She was a 1946 graduate of Smith County High School. She graduated from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) in Music Education in 1950, the year she married Dr. Robert E. Acker (Bob) of Knoxville. She was an active member of Central Baptist Church of Bearden, having been a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and children's choir director. Prior to joining Central Baptist Bearden she was active at Fifth Avenue Baptist Church and First Baptist Church Carthage, TN where she served in similar roles. Her interests,...

Dr. Jere Haynes Plunk (77) of Knoxville, formerly of Carthage, TN, died Saturday, January 23, 2021, at Fort Sanders Hospital, Knoxville. He held a Bachelor Degree from Samford University, a Master of Divinity Degree and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was preceded in death by parents Crolin Edgar and Annie Laurie Haynes Plunk, wife Candy Fulcher Plunk, and granddaughter Nadia Jolie Dishman. He is survived by fianc?e, Tonka (TJ) Jackson; his three children with ex-wife Linda West Plunk, Matt Plunk and wife Grace, Laurie Plunk Dishman, Chris Plunk and wife Elena; three grandchildren, Brianna and Ian Plunk and Sasha Dishman; and sister, Marilyn...