Obituaries
Gregorio Colon Mejias
April 26, 2018
Gregorio Colon Mejias, age 96, of Farragut, formerly of San Juan, Puerto Rico, passed away Sunday evening, April 15, 2018, at Parkwest Hospital.
Gregorio was of the Catholic faith but attended Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church with his daughter and family for many years. He was a veteran of World War II serving with the U S Army. Gregorio owned an accounting firm in Puerto Rico before his retirement. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He had a great sense of humor and loved making people smile.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Rosita Castanera Colon.
He is survived by his children, Gregorio Colon Castanera and wife, Betty, of South Dakota; Margarita Taylor and husband, Michael, of Farragut; and Rafael Colon Castanera of Arkansas; grandchildren, Greg Colon Fornaris of Puerto Rico; Daniel Taylor and wife, Becky, of Illinois; and Abigail Taylor of Nashville.
The family received friends and celebrated Gregorio’s Life Friday morning, April 20, at Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel.
Family and friends gathered at 11:30 a.m., Friday, at East Tennessee State Veteran’s Cemetery along Lyons View Pike for a committal service with Pastor Clay Harrington officiating. Full military honors were conferred by East Tennessee Veteran’s Honor Guard.
Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, 11915 Kingston Pike, is serving the Colon family. www.clickfh.com
Faris Ashkar
March 2, 2018
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Faris Ashkar’s sudden passing last evening. Faris was a chamber member under his custom woodworking and design business, Artistic Designs.
I know many of you did not get to meet Faris, but for those who did—whether it was once or multiple times at weekly Chamber networkings—I’m sure you’ll share in both our sadness at his passing and our gratitude for knowing him. Anyone who met Faris would speak readily of his kindness, warmth, intelligence and creativity. Faris was a longtime resident of the Town of Farragut; he could talk long and well about the growth and change he had seen in this part of Knox County. We at the chamber would often call to check in with Faris if he had not stopped by the office in a while for a cup of coffee to discuss and show off his latest creations.
Faris’ son, Charles, asked that his service information be shared with our members because of how much his father loved our Chamber and being involved in it.
Faris A. Ashkar Funeral Services (June 30, 1946-February 28, 2018)
Saturday, March 3, 2018
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Viewing at Weatherford Mortuary
158 South Jefferson Circle, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
865-483-6346
www.weatherfordmortuary.com
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Outdoor Funeral Service at Oak Ridge Memorial Park
1501 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge TN 37831
865-482-2464
www.ormp.info
Nettie Mae Long
January 11, 2018
Nettie Mae Long, age 86, of Lenoir City, passed away Saturday evening, Dec. 30, 2017, at her home. Nettie Mae was a member of Sixth Avenue Church of God, and retired from Yale Security with 40 years of service. She was preceded in death by parents Joe Merritt and Aphia Yates Shubert; and brothers, James, Ruben, Mitchell and Joe Shubert. Nettie Mae is survived by her children and spouses: Ed and Sherry Long of Lenoir City, Tony Long of Decatur, Alabama, Vickie and Roy Boone of Lenoir City; grandchildren: Travis and Keely Long, Justin Long and Jenni Wilmoth; great-grandson, Jace Long; sisters, Lucille Littleton and Sarah Robinett; brother, Beecher Wayne Shubert, along with many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Nettie Mae’s life was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, at Click Funeral Home, 109 Walnut St. in Lenoir City: clickfuneralhome.com
Karnes, James G.
January 10, 2018
Karnes, James G. died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. Jim was born April 16, 1946, in McMinnville, to Harry Cecil and Gladys Freeman Karnes. In 1948, his family moved to Loudon where he graduated from Loudon High School in 1964. He continued his education at Tennessee Tech University, where he served in student government as a senator from the College of Engineering and president of the student body the following year. He graduated in 1969 with a degree in industrial engineering. As part of his studies, he worked for NASA in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1965 and 1966. Following his graduation, he began his career with CFW Construction Company in Fayetteville, continuing there until 1979. At that time, he and his family moved to Knoxville where he became involved in real estate development in Knoxville and in Newport. From 2002 to 2007, he worked with Pennant Foods and was instrumental in determining the locations of several of the Wendy’s restaurants in East Tennessee and Southern California. In 2007, he established PTAC, Inc., a seller of new and refurbished heating and cooling units for the hotel-motel industry with offices in Knoxville and Las Vegas. He continued with this enterprise until his death. In addition to his work, Jim had a passion for his children and grandchildren. He coached his sons in basketball, baseball and soccer for several years, and was an ardent supporter of Bearden basketball and soccer. Anyone who knew Jim was aware of his love of reading, especially history, genealogy, economics and the sciences.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his college sweetheart and wife of 46 years, Heather Patterson Karnes; sons and daughters-in-law, Jason and Beth Karnes of Wilmette, Illinois, Jared and Karen Karnes of Knoxville, and Jon and Caroline McKinney Karnes of Hallowell, Maine; grandchildren, Claire, Keller, Catherine, Graham, Julie, William, John, Wylie and Emma; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kay and Bill Wilcox of Dothan, Alabama, Sarah and Jim Thomason of Loudon, Bill Patterson of Cookeville, and Craig and Robyn Patterson of Knoxville; nieces and nephews, Micah Wilcox of Layton, Utah, Courtney Craig of Dothan, Lisa Schrader and Randall Thomason both of Murfreesboro, and Abby Patterson and Alex Patterson both of Knoxville.
There will be a private graveside service for the family. A “Celebration of Jim’s Life” was held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 9, in the sanctuary of Concord United Methodist Church. The family visited with friends in the Worship Center following the service. Memorials may be made to the College of Engineering at Tennessee Tech University or Concord United Methodist Church.
The family would like to express appreciation to their friends, neighbors, church family of Concord United Methodist Church, Dr. Keith Gray, Dr. Susan Newman and volunteers and staff of UT Cancer Center.
Online condolences may be received at www.rosemortuary.com.
Edwina Jane Woodruff
November 23, 2017
Edwina Jane Woodruff of Knoxville, TN, passed away at home on Friday November 10, 2017, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born November 25, 1933, she passed just shy of her 84th birthday. Edwina was born in Wichita, Kansas, and was a long-time resident of Lakewood, California before retiring from McDonald Douglas Aircraft and relocating to Knoxville, TN in 1997. Edwina worked for McDonald Douglas Aircraft for nearly 26 years where she served as a Senior Military Buyer. One of her fondest memories was having the privilege of being a VIP guest on the maiden flight of the KC-10 Inflight Refueling Mission in the mid-’80’s. Edwina, who was known as “Ed” to family and friends, was known for her wit and wisdom. She was a lover of dogs and spent her last years with her companion “Cassie,” who was a rescue dog. She is survived by four sons, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and will be laid to rest with her husband, Teddy Jack Woodruff, at a date and time to be determined. She will be deeply missed by those who cared about her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of the TN Valley located at 6717 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 or online at www.humanesocietytennessee.com.
Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. Contacts are 865-6WE-CARE [693-2273] and www.cremationoptionsinc.com
Bobbie Jeanne “Kitty” Catlett Peck, 87, of Knoxville, Tennessee,
August 10, 2017
formerly of Jefferson City, Tennessee, walked home with Jesus on August 2, 2017 from Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center (or according to Kitty, “The Presbyterian Hospital”), surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Kitty is preceded in death by her mother, Robbye B. Catlett, and her father, Charles A. Catlett of Jefferson City, Tennessee. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Betty Catlett; son and daughter-in-law, Hank and Debbie Peck; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Jack Mooney; daughter and son-in-law, Caroline and Matt Hill; son, John Peck; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Katie and Jack Little; grandson, James Peck; granddaughters, Chelsea and Alexandra Hill; nephews, Chuck and Ben Catlett; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
All who knew Kitty know that she loved with her whole heart. She encouraged others with her kind and gentle spirit, never failed to put others first, was tenacious in seeking God, remained constant in finding the good, and fought hard for those she loved and the values she held dear.
Kitty was a proud alumna and loyal supporter of Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City. In Knoxville, she was a faithful member of Central Baptist Church of Bearden since 1959, where she gleefully served as longtime deacon, youth leader, Sunday school teacher and choir singer extraordinaire.
She beautified Knoxville through her active membership in The Deane Hill Garden Club, cared deeply for others through her volunteer efforts with Mobile Meals and was active in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America.
Her tinkling laugh sparkling the lives of those around her, Kitty enjoyed gathering for breakfast with her friends, sitting on her front porch (rain or shine) and gardening; she delighted in making beautiful things, cooking and brightening the world through music. She loved a good cup of black coffee, taking a walk with her cocker spaniel and exploring new places. Kitty also loved the little things, like a well-set table, a proper manicure before Sunday church, good hair days and laughing with her family.
Among all she did and all she accomplished throughout her lifetime, Kitty was most proud of the family and friends she held close to her heart. Gathering with those dearest to her, sharing meals, adventures and laughter – finding joy in community, companionship and service, she radiated light to all who knew her.
Kitty’s family received friends at Central Baptist Church of Bearden in Knoxville Sunday, August 6 at 3 p.m. The receiving of friends was followed by a celebration of Kitty’s life at 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor Kitty’s memory, contributions can be made to the D’Armond Fund at Carson-Newman University or to Comcare of Greeneville, Tennessee, an agency that serves individuals with developmental delays.
Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com
Joseph George Bendoraitis,
February 8, 2017
age 87, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2017, surrounded by loved ones in Knoxville, Tennessee.
He was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on May 25, 1929, to parents, George Matthew and Della (Adele) Bendoraitis. A child of Lithuanian immigrants, he cherished the opportunities that his parents and his country provided him.
As a chemist for Mobil Oil for 41 years, Dr. J.G. Bendoraitis was a pioneer in the development of synthetic motor oil for ExxonMobil in Paulsboro, New Jersey. A member of the American Chemical Society, he authored many scientific papers and is named on numerous patents. Joseph earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Temple University, a Master of Science from Lehigh University, and a Bachelor of Science from Wilkes College.
He is survived by his sister, Ann Marie Shallow of Colorado Springs, Colorado. A model uncle, Joe was devoted to his nieces and nephews: Liz Stowers and husband, Wes; Tom Shallow and wife, Karen; Patrice Shallow; John Shallow and wife, Anne; James Shallow and wife, Carol; Jerome Shallow; and Joel Shallow and wife, Natalie.
Uncle Joe’s legacy will endure through his grandnieces and grandnephews: Lisa Stowers Rottmann and husband, Ed; Rachel Stowers Kinney and husband, Marc; Nicholas Shallow, Molly Shallow, Andie Shallow, Bendor Shallow, and Samuel Shallow.
Memorial gifts may be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral to help complete the new cathedral’s Saint Joseph’s Chapel or to the Helen Ross McNabb Center.
Visitation will be on Friday, February 10, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 711 South Northshore Drive. Funeral Mass will follow immediately at 6 p.m.
He will be buried in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, during a private ceremony on Monday, February 13, 2017.
Harold E. Rider,
January 18, 2017
age 74, of Knoxville, passed away on January 13, 2017, at Parkwest Medical Center. Harold was a Program Manager at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, a division of Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, TN. Prior to that Mr. Rider worked for West Building Materials in Atlanta, GA. for several years.
He was preceded in death by his son, Scott, his mother, Jewel, his father William, and his oldest brother, Frank Rider. Harold is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan; children David, Don and his wife, Teresa, and Jimmy Rider; grandchildren Justin and Christian; brother, John and wife Faye, sister-in-law Barbara; several nieces and nephews; and many loving friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel with family receiving friends afterwards.
Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel 11915 Kingston Pike is serving the Rider family: www.clickfh.com
