Obituaries

Brian Roger Rainbolt, age 55, of Jellico Creek, Kentucky passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025. He was born October 7, 1969, in Muskegon, Michigan. Brian is preceded in death by his father, Philip Rainbolt. He is survived by his mother, Mary Ann (Silcox) Akbar; sisters, Dee Day and husband Tony, and Sarah Brown and husband Derek; close friends, Terry Gibson, and Jacob Lawson; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn his passing. Funeral service was Saturday, June 7, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel, with Derek Brown officiating. Burial followed in the Douglas Cemetery, Wooldridge community. Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Shawnya Renee Smith, age 45, of Lafollette, Tennessee passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at her home. She was born March 22, 1980, in Jellico, Tennessee. Shawnya is preceded in death by her mother, Retha Smith. She is survived by her longtime partner, Mike Kennedy; son, Isaiah Smith; daughters, Vanissa, Katie, Aimee and Julia; two grandchildren; brothers, Billy Ray Wood and wife Margie, Tommy Ray Wood and Jodi King; a very special friend, loved one and cousin, Floyd Blankenship and Sean Hill; a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing. Graveside service was Sunday, June 8, in the Douglas Cemetery, Wooldridge community. Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge...

Shelby Bryant, age 88, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington, KY. She was born October 29, 1936 in Jellico, TN, to the late John and Lillie Godsey Hamblin. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bryant; a son, Donald Ray Bryant; grandson, James Edward King; and one sister, Anna Jane Thaler. She is survived by her children, Charles Bryant (Angela) of Williamsburg, KY, Carrie Mae King (Eddie) of Williamsburg, KY; four grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her passing. Funeral service will be at 2:00...

Norma Jean Brock, daughter of the late Henry and Stella Bunch, departed this world in the midst of a summer shower at 12:20 in the afternoon of June 7th 2025. Norma was born on March 6 1940 in the community of Mud Creek. In her 85 years, she grew to be a caretaker on every level. Working as an aide in a nursing home before becoming a homemaker and mother of four until her children were grown when she then returned as an aide until she retired. She was also a longtime beloved member of Louden Baptist Church where she would share her gift of singing. Norma Jean Brock set a high standard...

With profound respect and heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of William Teddy Chambers. Born on June 27, 1942, in Williamsburg, KY, William departed this life on May 29, 2025 being 82 years of age. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, well known for his humble nature and devotion to his family. His life was a demonstration of unwavering commitment and loyalty to those he loved, and he will forever remain in our hearts. William served in the US Air Force during the Bay of Pigs where he was stationed in Florida. He was honored to serve his country and held his time in the military in high...

R.D. Lambdin, age 71, of Williamsburg, Ky., passed away Monday June 2, 2025 at the home of his daughter in Newcomb, TN. He was born July 11, 1953 in Jellico, TN to the late Leonidas “Bear” and Irene Caddell Lambdin. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Waymon Lambdin; the mothers of his children, Fay Lambdin and Nita Lambdin; his sons-in-law, Tim Polly and Charles Bryant; great grandson, Hezekiah Hicks. He is survived by his daughters, Catrina Hicks (Mike) of Newcomb, TN, Ginger Bryant of Edwardsburg, Michigan, Mary Powers (Kenny) of Corbin, Ky., Zella Lambdin and Jennifer Lambdin both of Florida; grandchildren, Michael (Pudgie) Hicks, Pete Bryant,...

Charlotte “Peachie” Dople, age 69, of the Wooldridge Community of Jellico, Tennessee passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the North Knoxville Medical Center. She was born July 5, 1955 in Jellico, Tennessee. Peachie is preceded in death by her father, Woodrow Rigney; mother, Leta (Bell) Rigney; son-in-law, Michael Blakely, brothers, Tony Rigney, and James “J.C.” Rigney; sisters, Fannie Albertini, Helen Thomas, and Iva Marie Perkins. She is survived by her husband, Rev. Francis “Junior” Dople; sons, Randy Dople and wife Vonda, Frankie Dople and wife Jeanne, Richard Dople, Randy “Bub” Dople, Jr. and Janice; daughters, Teresa Blakely, Stacie Ridenour and husband James; grandchildren, Kaleb and Chelsea Dople, Kaitlyn and Louie...

Billy Ray Sands Sr., 68, of Corbin, KY, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025 at the Baptist Health in Corbin, KY. He was born on January 2, 1957, in Knoxville, TN, to the late James and Grace (Lee) Sands. Billy was a loving and generous soul, known for his unwavering dedication to his family. Billy is survived by his devoted wife, Marlene (Poe) Sands of Corbin, KY.; his children, Kim Taylor (Jeremy) of Corbin, KY., Billy Ray Sands JR (Antonia) of Woodbine, KY, Adam Ray Sands of Woodbine, KY, Jamie Poe (Kasnadra) of Somerset, KY, and Keith Poe of Indiana; his grandchildren, Dominick Combs, Jason Combs, Selena Taylor, Catrina Taylor, Trent...

Coy Daniel Lynn Howard, 38, of Williamsburg, Kentucky, passed gently away on May 31, 2025 at the Baptist Health in Corbin, KY. Born on November 6, 1986, in Jellico, Tennessee, Coy was a loving son, father, brother, and uncle, whose adventurous spirit and zest for life touched the hearts of all who knew him. In his 38 years, Coy lived a full life, filled with cherished moments and memorable experiences. Coy was a member of the House of Refuge Church of Rockholds, KY, where his faith and commitment to community were evident to all. He was an avid University of Kentucky fan, taking great joy in cheering on his team at...

Johnny will be remembered for his pride in sharing any and all of the vast knowledge he gathered throughout his life. The impact he had on his family, friends and colleagues is immeasurable. He loved to joke around and his unique sense of humor always seemed to grow on everyone, even those who didn’t want it to. He was very well known and highly respected in his industry. His reputation pegged him as one of the best heavy machinery mechanics around. Johnny could fix absolutely ANYTHING! He was the “Johnny” of all trades, a master of his craft, whatever that craft may be. Anyone who knew him knew his love for...