Obituaries

Keith Andrew Sumner, born July 25, 1971, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the age of 54. He is preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Frank Kimberlin, Frances Kimberlin Cupp, Rev. Grady Cupp; and paternal grandfather, Jack Sumner. Keith is survived by sister, Karie Marlow and husband Vernon of Duff, Tennessee; mother, Karen (Kimberlin) Evans and husband Earl of Duff, Tennessee; father, Eli Sumner and wife Cheryl of Logan, Ohio; paternal grandmother, Ruth May Sumner of Columbus, Ohio; niece, Hailey Ayers and husband Armando of Duff, Tennessee; many aunts, uncles and cousins to mourn his passing. Graveside service was Thursday, May 7, in Campbell Memorial Garden, LaFollette, Tennessee with Rev....

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of David “Todd” Pennington, who left this world on May 4, 2026, at the age of 49. Todd was a man known for his strength, his loyalty, and the quiet way he showed up for the people in his life. He loved deeply, and those who knew him understood just how much that meant. He didn’t say more than he needed to, but in his own way-even in the stories he told-people felt him. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, James “Barber Jim” and Ruby (Browning) Lambdin; his father, Elie E. Pennington; his sister, Christina Pennington; and his infant son, James...

James (Jim) Blankenship, beloved educator, coach, and family man, passed away on May 1, 2026. A graduate of Cumberland College and recipient of a Master’s Degree in Education from Union College, Jim dedicated his life to shaping the minds of young students. His passion for knowledge was only surpassed by his enthusiasm for the sport, leading him to coach within the Whitley County School District for over 40 years. Jim was known for his unwavering commitment to his students, both on and off the field. Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Katie Blankenship; and their loving son, Thor (Cassidy) Blankenship. He is also survived by his siblings, Carl (Vicki) Hill,...

Howard Hubbs, age 63, of Williamsburg, Kentucky, passed away on May 1, 2026, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Born in Covington, Kentucky, Howard grew up in Williamsburg and spent most of his life there. A proud veteran, Howard served his country as a Green Beret with the 10th Special Forces Group in the United States Army. After his military service, he returned home to Williamsburg and worked at Firestone Industrial Products for 30 years. Howard was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved to hunt and fish, often spending time in the outdoors, where he felt most at peace. He had...

Letta Vanover, age 87, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at her home. She was born March 11, 1939 in Whitley County, KY, to the late Clyde and Artie Sullivan Meadors. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Vanover; one daughter, Karen Keith; and one son, Gregory Scott Vanover. She is survived by her six children, Rita Keith (Boyd) of Williamsburg, KY, Rickey Vanover (Brenda) of Williamsburg, KY, Wilma Kay Fore (Wade) of Williamsburg, KY, Robert Terry Vanover (Judy) of Williamsburg, KY, Donna Woods (Keith) of Duff, TN, Johnny Eugene Vanover of Williamsburg, KY; son-in-law, Jesse Keith of Williamsburg, KY; 20...

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Steely on April 28, 2026 at the age of 95 years. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and brother. Paul was a pillar of his community, serving it in various capacities throughout his life. He began his career as a teacher, educating the minds of young individuals at Frankfort School, Bacon Creek School, Barton School, Oak Grove School, and served as principal at Rockholds School, Boston School, and Pleasant View School. Later, he held the roles of Assistant Principal at the Whitley County High School as well as Assistant Superintendent of the Whitley County School System....

Helen (Walker) Melton, age 79, of Jellico, Tennessee passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at home. She was born April 24, 1947, in Jellico, Tennessee. Helen is preceded in death by husband, Tom Melton; father, Roscoe Walker; mother, Julia (McCulley) Walker; brothers, Russell, David and Henry Walker; sisters, Mary Artzer, and Patsy Hatfield. She is survived by sons, Larry Lee Huddleston, Frank Huddleston; daughter, Charlotte Bennett; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon Douglas and husband Billy; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing. No services are planned at this time. Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Gracie Nola Cain, age 82, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away April 24, 2026 at her home. She was born November 14, 1943 in Whitley County, KY, to the late John and Cledia Griffith Faulkner. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas David Cain; and three siblings, William Faulkner, Nannie Cassada, and Laura Beeler. Gracie was a member of the Liberty Free Pentecostal Church. She is survived by four children, Allen Cain (Joyce) of Williamsburg, KY, Mark Cain (Dayna) of Williamsburg, KY, Timmy Cain (Wanda) of Williamsburg, KY, Harvey Cain (Miranda) of Williamsburg, KY; three grandchildren, Stephanie Soriano (Jose), Jesse Cain (Emilee), Tara Cain; five great...

Wayne Bird, age 62, of Frenchburg, KY, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026 at the home of his son in Morehead, KY. He was born December 8, 1963 in Blanchester, OH, to the late Oin and Margaret Louise Bird. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Truitt and Margaret Lawson. He is survived by his wife, Alma Bird; five children, Matthew Bird, David Bird (Amanda Stegall), Truitt Bird, Elizabeth Bird, Devon Bird; three brothers, Chris Bird, Harrison Bird, Oin Bird Jr.; several nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his passing. Funeral service was Friday, April 24, at the Ellison Funeral...

Thelma (Partin) Neely, age 84, of Jellico, Tennessee went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Beech Tree Manor. She was born May 6, 1941, in Eagan, Tennessee to the late Floyd & Ruth (Cummings) Partin. Thelma always loved to sing in church and for many years was an active choir member. She cherished the opportunity she had to work with the youth either in music, helping with Christmas plays or in Vacation Bible School. She had a true heart for wanting to help and care for others which is the reason she became a nurse and practiced for over 30 years....