Obituaries

Ella Mae (Lay) Douglas, age 89, of Newcomb, Tennessee passed away Wednesday, January 14, at LaFollette Medical Center. She was born May 23, 1936 in Jellico, Tennessee. Ella is preceded in death by husband, Millard Douglas; father, William Morton Lay; mother, Ethel (Rutherford) Lay; sons-in-law, David Blankenship and George Blankenship; brothers, Floyd, Earl, Carl and Roy Lay; sisters, Wanda McCallister, and Della Hutson. She is survived by daughters, Shirley Blankenship, Cathy Blankenship, Carolyn Rains and husband Jerry; step-daughter, Joyce Ann Schovon; grandchildren, Sheila Keller, Bud Blankenship, John Blankenship, Jared Rowe and Amanda Head; eleven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Lay and wife Jane; sister, Margie Douglas; and a host of...

Randall David Hopson, age 64, of Jellico, Tennessee passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in Williamsburg, Kentucky. He was born September 13, 1961 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Randall is preceded in death by his father, Leon Hopson; and mother, Lois Faye (Albert) Hopson. He is survived by son, Joseph David Hopson; daughter, Miranda Hopson; grandchildren, Isaiah, Wyatt, Austin, Waylon, Camryn and Lilith; brother, Darrell Hopson (Vera); and a host of friends and family to mourn his passing. Services will be planned at a later date. Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Kevin Edward Hopeck, age 54, of Corbin, Kentucky passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at home. He was born November 15, 1971, in Westerville, Ohio to Tom and Syvonia Hopeck. Kevin lived independently and was deeply loved by all who knew him. He was a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a man widely known for his kindness, warmth, and genuine friendship. Kevin dedicated his career to nursing, taking great pride in his work and in the meaningful relationships he built with colleagues and patients alike. Outside of work, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He especially cherished moments with his son, Korey, daughter-in-law Adrienne, and...

Pernie Mae (Bolton) Leach, age 75, of Jacksboro, Tennessee passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Tennova-Lafollette Heath & Rehab Center. She was born July 20, 1950, in Lafollette, Tennessee. Pernie is preceded in death by husband, Harold Edward Leach, Jr.; daughter, Misty Leach; mother, Maude (Smiddy) Bolton; brothers, Herman and Roscoe Bolton. She is survived by son, Mark Leach and Karen; daughters, Amanda Delk and husband Charles, Monica Gibson and husband Benjamin; grandchildren, Chelsea Delk, Charles Delk, Jr., Greyson Delk, Tracy Keen and husband Gabe, Mark Anthony Leach, Jr., Cheyenne Wilson and husband Clayton, Courtney and fiancée Codie Miller; great grandchildren, Cateyln Longmars, Grady Keen, Lydia Keen, Gentry Wilson, Cayson...

Rondal Loyd Karr, known to all as Rondal, passed away on January 11, 2026. Born in Corbin, Kentucky on August 15, 1940, he was a smart, talented, and beloved figure in the community. His business acumen led him to establish Karr Industries in1982. Rondal is survived by a host of family who loved him dearly. His son, Terrell Karr (Wilma) of Siler, KY, and daughter, Kathy Elswick (David) of Corbin, KY, cherish memories of their father’s wisdom and guidance. His grandchildren - Carrie Karr, Jonathon Karr, Rex Karr, Rebecca Williams, Candace Moses, Mathew Elswick, Joshua Elswick and Christopher Elswick - all remember their grandfather’s nurturing influence. His great-grandchildren - Kassie Karr,...

Charles Edward Davis, 81, was a man defined by humble beginnings and a rich life of thoughtful gestures and selflessness. Born on July 14, 1944, in Frakes, KY, Charles was a beacon of humility and thoughtfulness, whose life was marked by gentle strength, deep-rooted family values, and a glowing love for the great outdoors. He passed away on January 10, 2026, at his home, leaving behind a legacy that will forever linger in the hearts of those who loved him and the community he so deeply impacted. Charles spent his working years as a toolmaker at Cantrell, pouring his dedication and skills into his craft. But it was in his personal life...

Jeremy Lee Lay, age 40, of Harrogate, Tennessee passed away Monday, January 5, 2026, at home. He was born October 1, 1985, in Jellico, Tennessee. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Rosie Mefford; uncles, Jonas Lay, Joseph Lay; cousins, Wade Campbell, Travis Lay, and Andrew Hatfield. Jeremy is survived by fiancée, Mara Dyer; sons, Jayden Lay, Keagan Lay, Riley Lay; father, George Lay and wife Crystal; sister, Jennifer Lay; uncle, Robin Lay, aunts, Wanda Johnson, Bobbie Jo Clark; cousins, Krystal, Heather, Tasha, Rosie, Joey, Jennifer, Chase, Joni Pat, Jonas; and a host of friends and family to mourn his passing. Funeral service was Monday, January 12, at Harp Funeral Home...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Betty Jo Johnson who left us on January 4, 2026. Known for her boundless energy, infectious laughter, and unwavering love, Betty Jo’s spirit was truly larger than life. The threads of Betty Jo’s love are woven deeply into the fabric of her family. She is survived by her three daughters, Kimberly Wagers (David) of Rockholds, KY, Heather Minton of Corbin, KY, and Tracy Troglen (Frank) of Corbin, KY; her grandchildren, Dustin Grubb, Darren Grubb, Dylan Minton, Eli Troglen, and Erin Troglen; and her great-grandchildren, Morgan Ohara, Carson Grubb, Makenzie Grubb, and Olivia Grubb. Her two sisters, three brothers, and several nieces,...

Darlene Shader, 78, a resident of Rockholds, Kentucky, born on July 11, 1947, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026 surrounded by her family. The spirited and loving Darlene was known for her unwavering love and commitment to her beloved fur babies, Daisy, Ace, Pupper, Trooper, and Nova. Darlene is survived by her caregiver, Kacie Perkins of Rockholds, KY; her brother, James Shader of Williamsburg, KY; and her special friend, Bailey Lawson of Rockholds, KY. She also is survived by several special friends and caregivers to mourn her passing. Known for her warm heart, Darlene was always ready to listen to a good song and share a tender moment with her loved...

R. Wayne Meadows, age 75, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Baptist Health Corbin. He was born May 10, 1950 in Whitley County, KY, to the late Ules and Opal Canada Meadows. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a son, John Wayne Meadows; three sisters, Hazel Croley, Brenda Hart, Joyce Meadows; a brother, Glen Meadows; step-grandson, Logan Purvis; and a great-grandson, Nathaniel Gibson. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Meadows of Williamsburg, KY; daughter, Jennifer Taylor; sister, Sue Burchwell (Roy) of Lebanon, OH; two brothers, Gary Meadows (Billie) of Edgefield, SC, Les Meadows (Becky); step-daughters, Tara Baker (Chris) of Middletown, OH, Denise Miller...