All Obituaries

Hubert Franklin “Buddy” Johnson, Sr., age 85, Erwin, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at the Johnson City Medical Center. He is a son of the late Oscar Isaac Johnson and Rosa Lee Cooper Johnson. Buddy was born in Poplar, NC and he lived most of his life in Erwin. He retired from GMF where he was employed as a Metal Fabricator. Also, he owned a paint and body shop in Pensacola, FL.  Buddy was of the Christian Faith. He wrote several books and was a Storyteller at...

Margaret Ann Gouge Williams, age 89, Erwin, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 17, 2023, while she was surrounded by her loving family. She was a daughter of the late P.D. Gouge and Geneva Whitson Gouge. Margaret lived most of her life in Erwin. She was a homemaker and devoted caregiver to her parents and her aunt. Margaret lovingly sacrificed her life for her children and parents. She was of the Christian Faith and loved serving the Lord. Margaret had a bright, joyful personality...

Nancy Katherine Seward Ritchie, age 82, Unicoi, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Saturday, March 11, 2023. She was born in Kingsport, Tennessee on June 8, 1940, to the late Frank and Florence McInturff Seward. She grew up in Unicoi, Tennessee where she lived the rest of her life. Nancy graduated from Unicoi County High School in 1958. She also attended ETSU. Nancy married George Ritchie on June 15, 1963. She was a life-time member of Unicoi United Methodist Church and the...

Hattie Marie Hyder Bell, age 81, Limestone Cove Community, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Friday, March 10, 2023. She was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County and daughter of the late Reverend Martin Hyder and Goldia Gouge Hyder. Hattie was a very hard worker and formerly employed at Scott Farms, Industrial Garment, Harris-Tarkett and Jones and Church Farms. She was a member of Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church and over the years she was very involved with several churches...

Vivian Leigh Laws Cole, age 76, Johnson City, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 07, 2023, at the Johnson City Medical Center. She is a daughter of the late George W. and Anna Jane Deyton Laws. Vivian lived most of her life in Johnson City. She retired from Johnson City Memorial Hospital where she worked as a nurse for many years. Vivian was a member of Covey Rock Freewill Baptist Church. She enjoyed reading books and watching T.V. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in...

Lisa Nell Williams Morrison, age 65, Johnson City, formerly of Erwin, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 05, 2023, at her residence. She is a daughter of the late Reverend Arvil Williams and Fredna Higgins Williams. Lisa lived most of her life in Unicoi County before moving to Johnson City. She retired from NN Ball and Roller after several years of service. Lisa attended Southside Freewill Baptist Church. She loved going to the beach every year on family vacations. Lisa had a loving...

Ralph Morgan Sparks, Jr., 78, born and raised in Erwin moved to his heavenly home on Friday, March 3, 2023, after a lengthy battle with dementia. He was a son of the late Ralph and Julie Bailey Sparks. Ralph was a 1962 Graduate of Unicoi County High School and attended ETSU. He was a US Army Reserves Veteran and a fifty-year member of the Erwin Masonic Lodge. Ralph worked for the Clinchfield Railroad in the accounting office until 1973 when the position was moved to Jacksonville, FL. He...

Samye McCready Routh, 98, Erwin, passed on to her heavenly home on February 27, 2023 at the Center on Aging & Health. Samye was the daughter of the late Charlie and Myrtle McCready. She was preceded in death by her husband Wesley (Buddy) Routh, her daughters Francie Morris (Bob), Mary Jane Routh, and all her brothers and sisters. Survivors include several nieces, nephews and her special friend, Debbie Tittle. Graveside service will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery Friday, March 3,...

Teresa Ann Fender Reifsnyder, age 58, Erwin, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 24, 2023, at her residence. She was a lifelong resident of Northeast Tennessee and a daughter of Harold and Mary Jane Tarlton Fender of Jonesborough. Teresa was a homemaker and attended Horse Creek Freewill Baptist Church. She adored Mickey Mouse, and she enjoyed collecting items associated with Mickey or Minnie Mouse. Teresa loved her family dearly. She liked living in and exploring the state of...

Larry Vaughn Linville, age 70, Unicoi, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at his residence. He was a lifelong resident of East Tennessee and son of the late James “Jim” and Pauline Black Linville. Larry was the Valedictorian for the 1971 graduating class at Unicoi County High School. He was a United States Army Veteran, having served his country honorably. Larry earned his Master’s Degree in Accounting from East Tennessee State University....