Obituaries

Matthew Scott Strickland, 37, a loving and spirited soul, passed away on April 27, 2025. Born on November 17, 1987, Matthew spent his 37 years fully immersed in the joys of life, his laughter and wit leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate to know him. Matt was passionate about his community, and was often seen supporting local sporting events. His love for hunting and fishing was only surpassed by his devotion to his family and friends, who were the cornerstone of his world. Matt is survived by his beloved wife, Mackenzie Strickland of Williamsburg, KY; and their three treasured children, Caleb Strickland, Andrew Strickland and Sadie Strickland all of...

William Petrey, age 76, of Williamsburg, Ky., passed away Wednesday April 30, 2025 at his home. He was born November 6, 1948 in Jellico, Tennessee to the late Joe Nelson and Lula Belle Gentry Petrey. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by one sister, Ruth Ann Campbell; and one brother, Carl Nelson Petrey. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Petrey of Williamsburg, KY; one son, Joseph Petrey of Williamsburg, KY; one brother, Ronnie Petrey (Martha) of Williamsburg, KY; several nieces, nephews; and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his passing. Funeral service was Sunday May 4, at Ellison Funeral Home with Rev. Gerald Mullins officiating. Interment followed...

Charles “Popcorn” Brummett, age 96, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Brummett; grandson, Charlton Matthew Rose; and his siblings, Earnest, Fostine Sawyer (Charles), Ella Bryant (Oscar), Otis, Helen England (Richard), Leslie (Louise), Polly Mayne (Elgin), Harm, and Sue Dean Wilson (Jay). Popcorn was a veteran of the United States Army. He dedicated many years as the business manager at Whitley County Concrete. In addition, he owned and operated a lawn mower shop in Highland Park. He is survived by his daughter, Myra Grayson (Larry) Farragut, TN; one grandchild,...

Billy R. Rose, age 79, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at his home. He was born October 5, 1945 in Whitley County, KY, to the late Caleb and Joie Lambdin Rose. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Clyde Rose, James Rose, Earl Rose; one sister, Juanita Anderson; and two nephews, Cale Rose, and Jerry Holloway. He is survived by his lifelong friend, Mildred Rose of Williamsburg, KY; daughter, Ginger Nunley (Buell) of Pineville, KY; three grandchildren, Vanessa Creekmore (Nick) of Newcomb, TN, Whitney Merrick (Al) of Pineville, KY, and Brittney Layne of Pineville, KY; five great-grandchildren, Makenna Creekmore, Luke Merrick, Emmitt...

Wilma Baird, 89, a loving and humble woman, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025 at Baptist Health - Lexington. Wilma lived a full and rich life that was dedicated to her family, friends, and the pursuit of her passion for antiquing, a hobby she nurtured for over 60 years. Her devotion to family and friends was the cornerstone of her life, and her love for them was as enduring as the precious antiques she sought. She was an educator for several years in the Whitley County School District. Wilma is survived by her children, Teresa Williams and husband Bill of Corbin, KY, and Michael Baird and wife Maureen of Williamsburg, KY;...

Janet Lynn Overton, was born on September 27, 1954, the daughter of Joseph Overton and Anna Sue Rutherford. She went home to be with Jesus on April 28, 2025. While a homebody at heart, thanks to her Air Force father, Janet lived in Florida, Kansas, Mississippi, Ohio, Louisiana, and Okinawa Japan—but Jellico, Tennessee was always her undisputed home. Janet loved making desserts, birdwatching, sewing, and making mischief. She loved Jesus and loved listening to southern gospel music. Janet is preceded in death by her father, Joseph Overton; her mother, Anna Sue Overton; her sister, Pamela Jo Overton King,; and her nephew, DJ King. She leaves behind her brother, Paul (Rachel) Overton; two nieces,...

It is with a heavy heart and much sorrow that we announce the passing of a beloved father, brother, and friend, Dennis Curnutt. Born on March 25, 1951, in Harlan, KY, Dennis lived a life full of love, dedication, and passion. He was a man of great character and strength, always leading by example, and never shying away from lending a helping hand. His love for the outdoors was evident in his fondness for fishing and his unwavering dedication to the US Air Force, a proud service he never failed to mention. Dennis radiated warmth and kindness wherever he went, deeply touching lives and leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts...

Dr. Oline Carmical, Jr., of Corbin, Kentucky, departed this earthly life, April 8, 2025, with family at his side. Oline was the only child of Oline Carmical, Sr., and Minta Powell Carmical, formally of Evarts and Harlan in Harlan County, Kentucky. Oline was a lifelong member of Evarts Baptist Church. Oline is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Rhymer Carmical, his daughter, Veronica Reagan Carmical and the spirit of a myriad of devoted pets from Lobo, the wolf, to his GSD, Emma, a natural empath. Oline had a quick wit, intolerance for the mistreatment of others and a lifelong pursuit to learn. He had an incredible encyclopedic wealth of knowledge...

Curtis Leach, age 62, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away peacefully at Baptist Health Corbin after a brief battle with cancer. He was born December 29, 1962 in Jellico, TN to the late Roy Curtis Sr. and Carolyn Anderson Leach. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Vickie Marie Leach, Teresa Louise Lambdin; and a brother-in-law, Carl Lambdin. He is survived by his daughter, Carmen Leach (Tanner) of Palm Harbor, FL; significant other, Susie Myers of Williamsburg, KY; two sisters, Pamela Washington (Barry) of Jackson, MS, and Tammy Cupp (Gary) of Williamsburg, KY; three brothers, Scott Leach (Angie) of Elizabethtown, KY, Jeff Leach (Connie) of Russell Springs, KY,...

Joseph Donald Faulkner — affectionately known as J’Don — passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, in the comforting presence of family and love. Born on June 24, 1936, J’Don lived a full and extraordinary life, defined by boundless creativity, heartfelt compassion, and an unwavering dedication to his family, community, and church. A true renaissance man, J’Don embraced many roles throughout his life — schoolteacher, artist, choral director, musician, and businessman. He had a remarkable gift for storytelling, often holding court with tales that captivated every ear in the room. Whether through a heartfelt song, a brushstroke on canvas, or simply his radiant presence, J’Don brought light and energy wherever...