Michael Joseph Gouge
Michael Joseph Gouge was born Sept. 17, 1951, at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California.
He moved several times in his childhood before moving to Jacksonville, Florida, where he attended middle through high school. His early school years were a struggle, until the light went on in sixth grade. By his senior year in high school, he was president of the Physics Club.
He received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics, third academically in a class of 889. A Trident and Burke Scholar, Mike taught an undergrad physics class at the Academy in the fall semester following his graduation in June.
Mike was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy upon graduation and spent the next five years (1973-1978) in active duty. He was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, serving as an engineering officer on the U.S. George Bancroft, a nuclear submarine, seeing duty from various ports.
In November 1975, Mike married his wife, Anita, and they enjoyed their first years of married life in Charleston.
Mike then began his civilian career in Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked as a senior reactor inspector for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
While in Atlanta, he began his graduate studies in physics at Georgia State University. Then, in 1980, he pursued an opportunity to move more toward research in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Mike continued his graduate studies by pursuing his doctorate in plasma physics at the University of Tennessee, graduating in 1984.
From 1980 to 1986, he was Program Manager and Project Physicist for the U.S. Department of Energy. Mike thoroughly immersed himself in research and was known for his commitment to it. From 1986 into 2011, he was Senior Research scientist and leader of the Applied Superconductivity Group at ORNL.
Afterward, Mike re-entered the U.S. Navy in Reserve Officer status, in which he served proudly until his retirement, as a captain, in 2004.
Mike discerned a new call in his life for service in the Catholic Church. He had become active in the Knights of Columbus in 1984 at Sacred Heart, serving in various roles over his lifetime.
In 1989, he founded a conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. He was known for his passionate love and care of the poor, those in need and his unfailing support of the dignity of human life in all stages.
He began studies for the permanent diaconate in 2003 and was ordained a deacon of the Catholic Church in 2007. In 2007, he also began a St. Vincent de Paul conference at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
Ultimately, Mike served as the first spiritual advisor of this charitable organization for the diocese of Knoxville. With his unabated love of learning, he then pursued and received his master’s degree in theology from the University of Dallas in 2014. The title of his thesis was “Time, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, and Paul’s Letter to the Romans.”
Mike was a member of Sigma Pi Sigma, American Physical Society and the Cryogenics Society of America. His awards included the Best Student in physics and electrical engineering in the Class of 1973, U.S. Naval Academy; from the U.S. Department of Energy, “Engineer of the Year” award in 2000 from ORNL for the superconducting cable program, and “ORNL Science and Technology Group” award in 2006.
He also received the Navy Meritorious Service and Navy Commendation medals for command of two naval reserve units.
Mike was a man of many interests because he never stopped being in wonder of all of creation. His tenacity for truth and learning were exhibited in questions that were incisive.
He was a man of details and enjoyed keeping maintenance of home and yard. Anything nautical provided great interest, as well as leisure, for Mike. Any trip that was in the vicinity of a maritime museum would weave in a stop to linger at the exhibits.
One of his greatest pleasures was sailing, from his years as a midshipman, to later years with his own sailboats.
His attentiveness to details and task management were balanced by a corny sense of humor, and strong appreciation of family and a humility that grew in him over the years. Mike deeply loved his wife, Anita, and their four children. Favorite family times were enjoyed with road trips around the country, visiting many a state park or national park.
Also important were the simple times at home with family and friends. He loved to recite poetry! Mike could not carry a tune, but cheered others with his delight in singing!
His work as a physicist had brought much travel, in the U.S. and abroad. He and Anita were able to attend the beatification of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin in France.
He devoured books and learning all his life, even in his last months, when so many abilities had been lost.
Mike never lost his trademark trait of being fully engaged, curious and thinking one step ahead. His last new book was a newly published one of science and faith.
Even in his decline through years of suffering with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body diseases, he held on to his dignity and vocation of being husband, father, grandfather and brother, with remarkable rootedness in faith and deepening love with humble perseverance.
He was greatly blessed in his very difficult last two years with the amazing outpouring of visitors who stopped by, and no matter how he felt, giving ever more blessings.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd W. Gouge (from Erwin) and Violet C. Gouge.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Anita, and their four children: Kevin Gouge, Lenore (John) Pacitti, Daniel (Christina) Gouge and Tim (Chelsea) Gouge. He also is survived by his grandchildren: Dominic, Rosemary and Cecilia Gouge; Claire, Nicholas and Lucy Pacitti; and his siblings and spouses: Susan (Bill) Carter, Sandy White, Sharon Gouge and David (Lynn) Gouge.
Special thanks go to Northshore Heights Senior Living and their staff; Cornerstone Caregiving with their help in his final weeks; and loving family and friends, so attentive in visiting and prayerful support; among them, those who were so generous in frequently bringing the Eucharist.
Father John Dowling – main celebrant, with Father John Orr concelebrating; other priests and deacons.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to: St. Vincent de Paul Society, Franciscan University of Steubenville, St. John Neumann Catholic Church Faith Formation or Building Fund or another charity in the Diocese of Knoxville.
Susan B. Fleenor, a most beloved wife, mother, sister and dedicated follower of Jesus, passed away on July 9, 2024, at the age of 68. After a fearless year-long journey with metastatic breast cancer, she was called home to heaven with her family by her side.
Susan was born on Nov. 4, 1955, in Sheffield, Alabama. Susan’s life is celebrated for her unwavering faith, commitment to her family and service to others.
Susan graduated from Rockwood High School and went on to earn her degree from the University of Tennessee. However, she remained a loyal University of Alabama fan for her entire life. She lived in Farragut, Tennessee, where she became a cherished member of her church and community.
A devoted mother, Susan poured her love and energy into raising her two children, Mark and Rebecca, and into the lives of her friends and those around her. Her life was a testament to God through her service to others and her love for Jesus. She loved God’s word and used her gift of teaching to touch many lives.
She began her teaching as a third-grade teacher at Ridgeview Elementary School.
Susan used her profound knowledge and love of Scripture, touching the lives of many women and children as both a leader in Bible study fellowship and then as the PreSchool director at Christ Covenant Church.
In recent years, Susan and Mike made precious memories traveling the world, through mission trips with their church, the Jesus Film Project and other mission organizations. Their travels to help spread the Gospel message took them to China, India, Afghanistan, Greece, Romania, Honduras, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Spain and Israel.
She leaves behind her loving husband, Mike Fleenor, her son, Mark Fleenor (Ruthann), her daughter, Rebecca Russell (Austin), her brother, Jimmy Batchelor (Gay Dawn); and nieces Allison Boster (Garrett) and Casey Miles (Christopher). Susan is preceded in death by her mother, Faye Batchelor, and father, Tommy Batchelor.
Her family and friends celebrate the gift that she was to those who knew her, and look forward to seeing her again next to her Lord and Savior.
A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at Christ Covenant Church in Farragut beginning at noon, Saturday, July 20. Visitation with the family will be from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for some of Susan’s favorite ministries Christ Covenant Church, 12915 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, 37934, Christian Embassy (888-278-7233) and Jesus Film Project (https://www.jesusfilm.org/give/ways-to-give/memorials-living-tributes/memorial-form/).
Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com
Kimberly Ann Johnson Hollis, age 50, lived a fulfilling life from March 2, 1974, to Sunday, April 7, 2024. Kimberly was a passionate and devoted mother, sister, wife and friend. Her presence left a lasting impact on her loved ones and all who were fortunate to know her.
Kimberly was preceded in passing by her memorable mother, Linda P. Johnson. She is survived by her cherished husband, James David Hollis, with whom she created a loving environment that exemplified true love for their children, Jack Wilson Hollis and Lillian Grace Hollis. She was, and stays, proud of the way she raised her children.
Kimberly’s purpose was fulfilled through caring for and uplifting the lives of everyone she loved. She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that continues to inspire. She uplifted those around her, creating a nurturing and fortunate environment filled with comfort and compassion. Kimberly had a passion for providing foster care for Cavalier King Charles dogs.
Kimberly also is survived by her sisters, Jennifer Collins and Karyn Cole; adopted siblings, Courtney and David Johnson; brother-in-law, Andy Cole; nephews, Jake Cole, Zach Collins and Chase Cage; nieces, Chase Collins, Alex Kate Cole and Sierra Cage; in-laws, Barbara and John Hollis; and brother and sister-in-law, Ron Cage and Julia Cage.
Kimberly’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.
Family and friends met at the Hollis family home for a casual Celebration of Life Saturday afternoon, April 13, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue or AVH to the Rescue.
Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue: checks can be mailed to PO BOX 7054, Carmel, CA 93921; or PayPal: Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue.
AVH to the Rescue: donations can be mailed to Admiral Veterinary Hospital, 204 Watt Road, Knoxville, TN 37934; called into at 865-675-183; or PayPal: drhickey@admiralvet.com
Doris Moore Walton of Farragut peacefully passed away in her home of 69 years on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the age of 98.
She loved her family well.
Doris was born in Maynardville, the oldest child to Vaughn and Edith Ailor Moore. She grew up playing in the shadows of Union County Courthouse.
She graduated from Horace Maynard High School and attended Lincoln Memorial University. From 1944 until 1955, she worked at the Oak Ridge Manhattan Project, mostly as the secretary to the Y-12 Plant Medical director.
It was while working in Oak Ridge that she met her beloved Joe, and they married at the Chapel on the Hill on July 18, 1953.
In 1955, Doris and Joe moved to Concord, which is now Farragut. She was a long-time and faithful member of Concord United Methodist Church and active in United Methodist Women.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Owen Moore; and her devoted husband, Joe. She is survived by her brother, Harold Moore (Luz) of Corryton; and her three daughters and son-in-laws: Jean and Paul (Mike) McGowan Jr., D.D.S., Jill and Tom Gilbertson and Julia and Maj. Brian Tobler (USMC/retired) .
She was the epitome of a grandmother (Mimi) to Justin Rich (Danielle), Walton Gilbertson (Lauren), Megan Blackwell (Drew), Max Garland (Marissa), Ali Rawlins (Andy), Paul D. McGowan III (Erin), Gavin McGowan, Taylor Tobler (Natalie), Kyle Tobler and Haley Tobler.
Doris enjoyed her three great-grandchildren: Nora Blackwell, Emma Rawlins and Mason McGowan.
The family would like to thank her caregivers, Veronica and AliCia, and the staff of Amedisys Hospice.
“Fine and Dandy, Sweet as Candy,” she was a treasure.
A Memorial Service will be held beginning at 2 p.m., Friday, April 12, 2024, at Concord United Methodist Church, 11020 Roane Drive in Knoxville, 37934. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to CUMC.
Leland D. Sayers went home to Jesus on March 3, 2024, in Louisville, Tennessee. Born on June 3, 1933, in Coleman, Michigan. Leland spent his life in sales and building successful businesses. Married to Lillian Sayers until her heavenly departure in 1996, he later married Jo Moran, enjoying retirement in Lakeland, Florida.
He was an active member of the Gideons in East Tennessee and served as an elder at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church.
As the first in his family to graduate from college, Leland pursued a successful career in energy conservation and home improvement, inspiring all four of his children to follow in his business-related footsteps.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Foster and Fern Sayers; his first wife, Lillian; siblings, Burt Sayers and Hilda Laudeman; and his dear friend Homer Jackson.
He is survived by his four children, Laura, Kendall (Debbie), Roger (Laura and Stephen (Diane); 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also survived by his brother and sister, Bud Sayers and Foora Sayers, and sister-in-law, Shirley Sayers. The family extends gratitude to the staff of Autumn Care in Farragut and Lifecare of Blount County for their exceptional care.
A celebration of Life followed by visitation will be held beginning at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 23, in the main sanctuary at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, with visitation immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations be made to Gideons International at www.gideons.org
Walter “Walt” B. Bigney, aged 86, born in Flint, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord Monday, Feb. 25, in Knoxville.
Walt, a steadfast husband to his wife, Carolyn, leaves behind a legacy of integrity and love. He was a guiding force in the lives of his sons, Brian (Judith), Brad (Vicki) and Brent (Autumn), and a pillar of strength to his siblings, Kathleen, Rita and Dave.
His grandchildren, Josh (Haley), Lauren (Steven), Austin, Harrison (Sarina), Kelley (Ryan), Garrett, Sarah (Blake), Maclaine, Caleb, Breslyn and Caeden, along with his great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Baylor, Brady, Blair, Jack and Emmaline, will carry forward his memory. Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Walter L.K. Bigney and Ethyl A. Bigney, and his sister, Marie.
A proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Walt’s service to his country was a prelude to a distinguished career as a nuclear engineer in Oak Ridge. His scholarly pursuits at the University of Michigan laid the groundwork for thoughtful inquiry and professional excellence.
Walt’s deep-rooted faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior was the compass by which he navigated life, finding joy and solace in the study of the Bible and the wonders of God’s creation.
He was an avid outdoorsman, with a passion for camping, hiking and canoeing. His love for the foreign languages, space study and teaching English as a second language were reflections of his commitment to lifelong learning.
The Bigney family invites friends and loved ones to honor Walt’s memory Saturday, March 2, at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church along Kingston Pike. Visitation will commence at 1 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m.
Walt’s life, a testament to devotion, service and faith, will be remembered with fondness and respect by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cedar Springs Missions department.
Retired Army Col. Louis Joseph LaMarche Jr., age 88 of Farragut, passed away Saturday, Feb, 24.
He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather and great grandfather who loved his faith, his family, his beloved city of Farragut, his Clemson Tigers and being a competitive runner. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Lou was born to the late Louis Joseph LaMarche Sr. and wife, Emma Helen (Faccenda) LaMarche in Worcester, Massachusetts. He spent his formative years in Charleston, South Carolina and graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering, which prepared Lou for his 42-year career in the paper industry.
Lou holds a U.S. Patent (4569069) for Drainage Profile Tests for papermaking. Lou became very involved in his Farragut Community, where he spent 15 years serving on the Board of Zoning Appeals as well as the Visual Resources Review Board.
He was the first man in the National League of Cities to receive the “Stand By Your Spouse” Award. He spoke at schools and clubs portraying Admiral Farragut for the Town of Farragut and represented him in the Independence Day Parade for many years. Lou served as the chairman of the Farragut Museum Committee and Docent of the Farragut Museum.
For eight years he was a member of Senior Citizen Awareness Network. He served on the Patient/Family Advisory Council at Tennova Hospital and he proudly graduated from the Knox County Sheriff’s Academy and the Citizens Fire and EMS Academy. Lou also was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
Lou was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Lewis Nathanson.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Dorothy Hughes; children and spouses, Michelle LaMarche Smith (Jaimie), Therese LaMarche Jones (Lane) and Denise LaMarche Heaney (Brian); grandchildren, Casey Michael Jones (Candace), Alexander Lane Jones, Bennett Patrick Heaney, Katherine Michelle Heaney, Matthew Louis Heaney and Cameron Grace Heaney; great-grandchildren, Amelia Grey Jones and Max Graham Jones; sisters and brother-in-law, Carol LaMarche Nathanson and Barbara LaMarche Holst and husband, Tom.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of his favorite charities: Tunnels to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org), Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or to Tennessee Right to Life (www.tnrtl.org).
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 29, in Click Funeral Home Chapel, Farragut.
A Rosary Ceremony will be held beginning at 7 p.m., Feb. 29. A Funeral Mass will be held beginning at 9:30 a.m., Friday, March 1, in St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
Graveside service will be held beginning at 3 p.m. (CST), 4 p.m. (EST), at Calvary Cemetery, Nashville.
Tamara Lynn Mazzetti (July 23, 1960-Jan. 11, 2024)
Tamara Mazzetti, 63, a long-time resident of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 11, 2024, while surrounded by her life partner, Jeffrey Fields, and other loved ones.
Tamara was originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the second born to August and Bette Mazzetti. Along with her beloved brother, Larry, the family relocated to Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Their father, August, was a Smithsonian-awarded NASA engineer. Bette was a stay-at-home mother to her two children. The family moved to Knoxville, where August worked for TVA.
Tamara graduated from both Doyle High School and with Magna Cum Laude honors from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a degree in psychology in 1997.
Tamara loved writing and acting, and was an on-air talent for Jewelry Television for more than a decade. She partnered in a metal fabrication company with her then life partner of 20-plus years, Ronald Tourte.
Sadly, Ron lost a battle with cancer. Tamara took care of him, as well as her mother, Bette, who succumbed to Alzheimer’s.
Through many hardships and losses, Tamara was able to persevere with the help of her beloved Chihuahua, Rio, and her long-time friend Dr. Jeffrey Fields. Tamara and Jeff reconnected in 2015 and were life partners for the remainder of her life. Rio was her best friend — and in Jeff’s words, “if you knew Tamara you knew Rio!”
It was with great sorrow that she lost Rio in 2022 at 13 years of age.
Tamara led a remarkable life.
From her obvious external beauty to her kind heart, she was a light to all who knew her. She would take wounded birds to UT Vet Hospital, and no bug would have an undignified passing on her watch.
One of her favorite events was a fundraiser for Tiger Haven in Kingston, Tennessee. Tamara personally brought the fabulous Tippi Hedren in as guest for the event.
Something she was rightfully very proud of: After Rio passed away, she and Jeff became accidental parents to a family of kitties. Perfectly Tamara. Tamara had such empathy for animals and people.
Always trying to lift the spirits of those in need — be it with a kind word, a handwritten letter or a small gift to show how much she cared — it is only fitting that her final gift will go to those who will never have the chance to know her.
Organ donation meant so much to Tamara, and she truly wanted to do good even after she was no longer on this earth.
Tamara was preceded in death by her parents, August and Elizabeth, and her brother, Lawrence (Larry).
She is survived by an aunt, Rose Stasny, several cousins, dear friends and the love of her life, Dr. Jeff Fields.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Click Funeral Home in Farragut, Tennessee, beginning at 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Young-Williams Animal Center, Tennessee Donor Services or to your worship center of choice.
