Obituaries

Gerald Kevin Neal, 62, of Knoxville, TN, having courageously fought an impossible battle with cancer and pulmonary fibrosis, passed away early Wednesday morning, November 22, 2023, in his loving home surrounded by loved ones. Gerald was born on March 24, 1961, in Williamsburg, KY. He was preceded in death by his loving father, Leonard Billy Neal and mother, Juanita Drusilla (Lynch) Neal; and his paternal grandparents, A. J. Neal and Georgia (Baird) Neal, and his maternal grandparents, Herbert Lynch and Joie (Bowlin) Lynch, whom he loved dearly. Gerald honorably served his country in the United States Army before meeting the love of his life, Mary Viola Knight, in 1985. They playfully worked...

Charles W. Roberts, a resident of New Richmond, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the age of 89. He was the husband of the late Mary Roberts. Father of Laura Davis, Lisa Roberts, June Roberts, Paula (Rich) Leonard, and Karen Roberts. Grandfather of Samantha Joyal, Becki Server, Chelsea Horton, Geordan Hodge, Cameron Roberts, Charles Pittman, Katherine Pittman, Pete Pittman, Sophia Kippenbrock, Madeline Bennett, Glen Bennett, and Griffin Bennett. Great-grandfather of Paxton Server, Rhiannon Server, Olivia Day, Hazel Day, and Julien Phelps. He is also survived by his siblings: Jesse (Sylvia) Roberts, Lois Dickerson, and Albert (Gloria) Roberts. A memorial gathering will be held at Saltair Church of Christ, on...

Devancil Moses, a lifelong resident of Williamsburg, Kentucky, was born on September 21, 1940, and passed away peacefully on November 17, 2023. Known for his thoughtful demeanor, Devancil was a beacon of warmth in his community, Devancil is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Barbara Moses; his children, Rodney Moses of Williamsburg, KY and Stacey Carman of Williamsburg, KY; and his beloved sister, Evelyn Marlow of Virgina. His legacy continues to live on through his grandchildren: Joseph Moses, Janathan Moses, Jessica Moses, Justin Moses, Jacob Moses, and Randy Moses; and his great-grandchildren: Breanna Woods, Zackery Moses, Conner Moses, Isaac Moses, River Hill, Lorwyn Hill, Lilly Carman, Madison Carman, Kayson...

Rodney Lee Searles, born on March 8, 1968, in Lakeland, Florida, was a beacon of hope and help in his community and a cherished member of his family. Known for his bravery, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his vocation, Rodney spent 25 dedicated years as an Emergency Medical Technician. His life was a testament to the quote, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” No truer words could be spoken about Rodney, who made the conscious choice every day to put the lives of others before his own. Rodney resided in Williamsburg, Kentucky, and was an integral part of...

George William Blankenship, age 67, of Newcomb, Tennessee passed away Thursday, November 16, 2023, at his home. He was born August 21, 1956, in Jellico, Tennessee. George was preceded in death by, Audrey Blankenship; and mother, Etta Jean (Blakely) Blankenship. He is survived by wife, Cathy (Douglas) Blankenship; son, John Blankenship and wife Stephanie; grandson, Weston Blankenship; brothers, John Blankenship, Ray Blankenship and wife Deliah, Jerry Blankenship and wife Amanda; sisters, Birta Minks and husband Ed, Faye Shelton and husband Allen; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn his passing. No services are planned per George’s request. Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Jerome (Jerry) Hlava, age 81, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Baptist Health Corbin after a brief illness. Jerry was born in Lakewood, Ohio, on December 14, 1941, to the late Ludwig and Antonia Hlava. He was a retired supervisor of shipping and receiving with American Greetings Corp. and a part-time maintenance operative with City Utilities Commission. Jerry was a veteran of the United States Army, who served his country proudly during the Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife, Donna McKeehan Hlava; his sister, Maryann Beachy; his loving children: Adam Hlava, Jennifer (Jeff) Durham, and Diane (Sean) Swinney; step-children: Allen Wyatt and Laneve (Anthony) Rose; his 12 grandchildren: Zachary...

Mildred Gale Taylor, age 42, of Strunk, Kentucky (formerly of Newcomb) passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the U.K. Hospital-Chandler Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. She was born April 6, 1981, in Oneida, Tennessee. Gail was preceded in death by grandchildren, Ariella Maylee Grace Taylor, and Ryder Christopher Taylor; brother, George Odell Green; father, Troy Riseden; and dad, Jessie Morgan. She is survived by son, Danny Galen Taylor and wife Tessa Celeste Taylor; grandson, Grayson Ray Taylor; mother, Stella (Green) Morgan; fiancé, Ronnie King; sister, Frances Elizabeth Green; and a host of family and friends to mourn her passing. Graveside service will be on Tuesday, November 14, in the Nelson-Green Family...

Loretta Caddell Taulbee, age 78, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. She was born January 29, 1945 in Whitley County, KY, to the late Howard and Nora Prewitt Caddell. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by four brothers, Leroy Caddell, Earl Caddell, Millard Caddell, and Robert Caddell. She is survived by three children, Glenna McCullah (Eddie) of Williamsburg, KY, Robert Barnhill of Corbin, KY, and Kenneth Barnhill of Williamsburg, KY; six grandchildren, Jennifer McCullah, Justin McCullah, Brittany Barnhill, Michael Barnhill, Kelsey Dobson, and Rose Barnhill; four great-grandchildren, two sisters, Esther Huddleston of Michigan, and Carolyn Georgiton of Mainesville, OH;...

We bid a heartfelt farewell to William Finley Canada Strunk III, affectionately known to all as Bill, who left our world on November 12, 2023. Born in Jellico, TN on May 31, 1984. Bill made a remarkable journey through life. Always adventurous and thoughtful, he lived fearlessly, embracing every moment with enthusiasm and curiosity. Bill’s adventurous spirit was not just about exploring new places, but also diving deep into the world of ideas. As a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished son and brother, he created a family that was a reflection of his love and resilience. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Kayla Lawson Strunk of Williamsburg, KY; his step-son,...

C Myers, age 88 of Corbin, Ky., passed away Saturday November 11, 2023 at his home. He was born February 7, 1935 in Clay County, Ky. to the late William and Polly Sizemore Myers. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Paul Myers. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force having served in the Korean Conflict. He was a member and Past Commander of American Legion Post 88 Corbin, Ky. He is survived by his wife, Carol Myers of Corbin, Ky.; five children, Barbara Ann Grubb of Corbin, Ky., Kenneth Eugene Myers (Kimberly) of Corbin, Ky., Velvet Arlene Myers of Georgia, Gracie C....