All Obituaries

Richard Eugene Dorris passed away on Monday, July 13 at his home in Unicoi after a lengthy struggle with multiple health issues. He was born in San Angelo, Texas in 1952 where he was raised on a ranch. Richard is a son of the late William Dorris and Rodessa Vick Shelton. Richard joined the United States Navy where he became a Navy Seal, honorably serving two tours in Vietnam. He attended Ole Miss prior to his employment with the San Angelo Police Department for over thirty years. In his ...

Eula Jo Shook McIntosh, age 88, of Unicoi County, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Monday, July 13, 2026. She was a lifelong resident of Flag Pond and daughter of the late Camery and Hattie Shelton Shook. Eula Jo was a faithful member of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Flag Pond, where she served in many roles over the years, including secretary. She loved the Lord with all her heart and read her Bible daily. Eula Jo spent many days sitting on her front porch with her late ...

Alta Irene Lloyd Higgins, age 80, of Erwin, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center after a lengthy illness which she fought a hard fight. She was born in Flag Pond to the late Arthur Lloyd and Linnie Mae Crain Lloyd. Alta was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County. She was formerly employed at Morrill Motors for several years. Alta also owned and operated a sewing factory for many years with her late husband, Alvin. She attended Trinity Freewill Baptist ...

Daniel “Danny” Fayne Blevins, age 75, of the Martin’s Creek Community in Erwin, passed away on Wednesday, July 08, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center. He was born in the Bumpus Cove Community to the late James Emery Blevins and Frances Miller Blevins. Danny lived most of his life in Erwin where he raised his family. Danny attended Mt. O’Dale Freewill Baptist Church where he diligently maintained the church property until 2019. He was a faithful, Christian man ...

In Loving Memory Of Bernard “Bernie” Wentzel Lovell March 6, 1934 – July 8, 2026 On July 8, 2026, Bernard “Bernie” Wentzel Lovell, age 92, of Flag Pond, peacefully went to sleep with his forefathers, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, wisdom, and love. Bernie is survived by his beloved wife and best friend Arline Parzick Lovell, of Flag Pond; his eldest son, Bernard Scott Lovell of Connecticut; his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Lale Lovell ...

Lisa Kay Hill Sapone, age 64, of Elizabethton, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 07, 2026. She was born in Erwin on May 03, 1962, to the late Charles Robert “Bobby” Hill of Erwin and Barbara Jean Stallard Remine of Elizabethton. Lisa graduated from Happy Valley High School. After she graduated, she moved to Northern Virginia where she lived for several years before moving back to Elizabethton in 2021. Lisa began her career in defense contracting where she ...

Barbara Allene Simmons Higgins, age 85, of Erwin, passed away on Saturday, July 04, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center while she was surrounded by her family. She was a lifelong resident of Erwin and daughter of the late Clarence Simmons and Cona Bell Vance Higgins. Barbara was a member of Grace Methodist Church. For many years, she owned and operated Southside Furniture, Southside Recreation which later became Frank’s Furniture. Barbara made many friends while running her ...

Rickey Lee Smith, Sr., age 62, of Kingsport, passed away on Thursday, July 02, 2026, at The Greens of Erwin. He was born and raised in Cookeville. Rickey is a son of the late Cleatus Norman Smith and Jessie Bohannon Stuart. He moved to the Tri-Cities with his wife in 2005. Rickey was owner and operator of Affordable Family Stump Removal. He was of the Baptist faith. Rickey was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family, ...

Velva Peterson Landers, age 95, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus on Sunday, June 28, 2026. She was born and raised in Poplar, North Carolina. Velva is a daughter of the late Jerry and Idella Miller Peterson. She moved to Erwin in 1992 after her retirement. Velva retired from Sweetheart Cup Corporation in 1992 with over thirty years of service. She was a hard worker whom her co-workers always enjoyed working with. Velva was an active member of Trinity Freewill Baptist Church. ...

Imogene “Jean” Ward Tarlton, age 87, of Unicoi, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Christian Care Center of Unicoi County.  She was born in Greeneville to the late Howard and Libby Davis Ward. Jean lived most of her life in Unicoi, where she raised her family. She was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking and canning. Jean grew a vegetable garden and tended to her flower garden with great care. Jean liked spending time with her family and her bible study ...