Regina “Jean” Wright Goforth, age 87, of Riceville, passed into the Heavenly Gates, January 24, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Woodstock, GA to the late T.S. and Lou Dotson Wright, who later lived in the Lamontville community near Calhoun.  Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Herschel Goforth, three sisters, Sue Davis, Hazel Hiefner and Marie Johnston, along with one brother, Roy Wright. In her early years, she was a fashion model...

Daisey L. Moses Stephens Age 82 Of Athens Passed away Thursday, January 23, 2020 At Life Care Center of Athens   A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Dulsie White Moses and was preceded in death by her husband, Avery Eugene “Poppa Bear” Stephens; daughter, Angela Stephens; son, Jeffery Stephens; grandson, Dustin Matthew Stephens; brother, Billy Moses.  She was a former employee of Eureka Garment Company and...

Richard Earl Myers Age 88 Of Riceville Passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020 At his residence.   Richard was a native of High Point, NC.  and longtime resident of Orlando, FL. before moving to Riceville in 1979.  He was the son of the late Paul Franklin Myers and Juanita Bundy Myers and was preceded in death by his wife, Betty J. Whitley Myers; brothers, Paul Bundy Myers and Willie Myers.  Richard was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was a former employee of the...

Robert Eugene White, age 90, of Decatur, TN, Passed away Saturday morning, January 18, 2020, at his residence.   A native and lifelong resident of Decatur, he was the son of the late Ben and Florence Davis White.  He was preceded in death by his wife; Betty Chumley White, and four brothers; Bill, Hoyal, R.N., and Herman; Brother in law; Ronnie Kincer....

Donald “Don” Preston Banks Age 78 Of Athens, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2020, At Life Care Center in Athens   A native and longtime resident of McMinn County, he was the son of the late Joseph Adam and Dalphene Armstrong Banks. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emma Jean Kirk Banks, a son; Donald J. Banks; and several brothers and sisters. Don had attended Parkway Baptist Church.   Survivors include 2 sons; Rick and Mary Anne Armstrong of Chicago,...

George Bernie Hayes Age 67 Of Niota Passed away Monday, January 13, 2020 At U.T. Medical Center of Knoxville.   Bernie was born in Freeburn, KY. and was a longtime resident of Sprigg, WV.  before moving to McMinn County over 21 years ago. He was a son of the late Arnold and Ida McCoy Hayes. His greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren, he also enjoyed buying and selling cars and fishing.   Survivors include his wife of 43 years,    Lois...

Charles “Charlie” W. Womac Age 72 Of Athens Passed away Sunday, January 12, 2020 At Starr regional Medical Center in Athens   A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was the son of the late Raymond “Cuz” and Wilma Louise Carter Womac and was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Elrod Womac.  He was retired from Mayfield’s as a transport driver and was known as “Transtar Charlie”. Charlie was a member of the Athens...

James William “Jim” Bledsoe, age 54, of Sweetwater, died Friday morning, January 10, 2020, at Sweetwater Hospital. He was a native of McMinn County and was preceded in death by his father William “Buddy” Bledsoe, sister Patricia “Pat” Bledsoe Goins, brother-in-law, Leon Henson and mother-in-law, Lora Robison Evans. Jim was associated  with Morgan-Olsen Corp. in Loudon and was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Decatur. He was an avid UT Volunteers...

Michael James Standridge Jr. Age 42 Of Athens Passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2020 At St. Thomas West in Nashville   A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was the son of the late Marie Eva Roberts Standridge and was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Junior and Willie Runion Standridge; maternal grandparents, Frank and Rose Moore Roberts.  He was a former employee of Johns Manville.   Survivors include his wife,    Lisa...

Hugh Anderson Murphy Age 70 Of Athens Passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2020 At his residence.   A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was the son of the late Bill and Marie Todd Murphy and was preceded in death by a brother, Wilburn Murphy.  Hugh was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Vietnam War. He retired from Mayfield’s and was of the Baptist faith.   Survivors include his wife of 25 years,    Charlotte...