Obituaries

James “Jim” Tackett, 61, of Rockholds, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at his home. He was born March 7, 1955 in Trenton, MI, to the late Willie Tackett and the late Beulah Hill Tackett. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by sister, Susan Tackett and two brothers, David Tackett and John Tackett. He is survived by his wife Karen Hill Tackett of Rockholds, daughter Cindy Tackett of Rockholds,  sister Barbara Ratliff (Albert) of Taylor, MI, brother Michael Tackett (Cathy) of Williamsburg, several nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing. Funeral services were held Friday January 27, at the Ellison Funeral Home Chapel...

Phyllis Ann Middleton, 66, of Gray, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Continue Care Hospital in Corbin. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home with Rev. Charles Eversole officiating. Burial will be in Brafford Cemetery. Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Rev. Willie Ray Perkins, 70, of R.D. Rains Road, Williamsburg, departed this life on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at the Jellico Community Hospital in Jellico, TN. He was born on June 6, 1946 in Harlan, to the late Ruben Junior Perkins and Margie Perkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy (Bryant) Perkins; a brother, Junior Perkins; and a sister, Opal Gordon. He is survived by four daughters, Linda (Johnny) Carr of Williamsburg, Opal (Rick) Hatfield, of Clearfield, TN, Willie Joe (Teddy) Cureton of Williamsburg and Eugina Sue Perkins of Williamsburg; four sons, Johnny Ray Perkins of Williamsburg, Junior Ruben (Angie) Perkins of Jellico, TN,...

Brayson Jay Ridener, the 7 month old son of Andy and Brittany Mitchell Ridener of Heidrick, passed away Saturday. Funeral  services were conducted Friday afternoon in the Laurel Funeral Home chapel with Bro. Gregory Medlin officiating. Burial followed in the Wilton Cemetery at Woodbine. Laurel Funeral Home is honored to be of service to the Ridener Family.

Sandra Lee Mills Barton was born May 9, 1962 in Casey County, the daughter of Arnold and Louise Mills of Girdler. She departed this life at Baptist Health Hospital in Corbin, on Sunday, February 5, 2017, being 54 years old. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by a host of family and friends. She united in marriage to Darnell Barton. Sandra is survived by her husband and parents; as well as two sons, Darnell Barton, Jr. and wife April of Woodbine, and Brian Barton and wife Ammie of East Bernstadt; one brother, Jeff and Margurite Mills of Cannon; one sister Lisa and Arnold Mink of East Bernstadt; granddaughter, Amanda...

Buddy Ayers, 98, of Duff, TN passed away Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Lafollette Medical Center. He was born March 31, 1918. Buddy is preceded in death by his wife, Rosa Mary (Siler) Ayers; parents, Millard and Nellie Huddleston Ayers; daughter, Leona Ayers Baird; son, William Leon Baird. He is survived by daughter, Lana Meredith; grandchildren, Buddy J. Baird, Stacey  Meredith Branam, Preston Meredith; great grandchildren, Hannah Baird, Emma Branam, Kyla Branam, Peyton Meredith, Lance Branam; sister, Norma Anderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn his passing. Funeral services were held Monday, February 6,  in the Harp Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Delmus Bruce and Rev. Buddy...

Rev. James Edward Nichols Sr., 63, of Highway 26, Rockholds, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Baptist Health in Corbin. He was born on May 17, 1953 in Jellico, to the late Pleas Nichols and Bessie (Taylor) Nichols. In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by his son, Nathaniel Lee Nichols. James was a Pastor in the Whitley County area for over 25 years with the Mountain Assembly. He is survived by his loving wife, Katherine Nichols of Rockholds; daughter, Tressa Ann Howington (Kevin) of Rockholds, son, Rev. James Nichols Jr. (Angie Sunshine) of Rockholds; eight grandchildren, Felisha Wynn, Mariah Nichols, Nathaniel Nichols, Whitney Nichols, Kimberly...

Roger Johnson, 75, of Corbin passed away on Saturday February 4, 2017 at Baptist Health in Corbin. He was born on Aug 31, 1941 in Pikeville, son of the late Wid and Zettie Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Tim Johnson in 2013. Roger is survived by wife, Anna Johnson; daughters, Tammy Smith and husband Lonnie of Gray; Tiffany Norris and husband Josh of Corbin; Audrey Lindsey and husband Steve of Williamsburg, and Pat Medlin and husband Darrell of Gray; son Christopher Mills; sisters, Josephine Coleman; Susan White and husband Mark all of Pikeville; and Anita Tackett and husband Willie of Michigan; brothers, Randy Johnson...

Patricia Faye “Pat” Croley, 75, of Williamsburg, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Hospice Care of St. Elizabeth in Edgewood. She was born October 2, 1941 in Jellico, TN. She married in 1960 and moved north to Maineville, OH for over 20 years. She and her husband returned to Williamsburg in 1988. Pat was fun loving and enjoyed being on the go. She was devoted to her family and the Lord. She took pleasure in playing cards, eating, shopping, and was a passionate UK Wildcats basketball fan. She was preceded in death by her husband Roy Croley and her father Francis Payne. She is survived by her...

Lela Hill, 78, of Corbin, passed away on Thursday Feb. 2, 2017 at Rockcastle Regional Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She was born in Leslie County, and was a homemaker. Lela will be sadly missed and she will always be remembered for her love and compassion and for her generosity. Lela was preceded in death by her parents, George and Della Sullivan Luster; son, Delnoe Simpson; five sisters and four brothers. She is survived by her husband, Ernest “Pete” Hill; daughters, Vita McVay and Sharon Havens a special friend Clinton Petrey of Corbin; Theresa Hoskins Jarvis and fiancé Albert Mills Jr. of London; sons, Terry Hoskins and Estil Hoskins both of Corbin; Clifford...