John T. Edwards
In Loving Memory of Col. John T. Edwards “Tommy”
Tommy Edwards left this life in Knoxville, TN for His eternal home on October 31, 2026, at age 83. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, and granddaddy, he lived a life committed to God, family, and country. Born November 10, 1942, to Charles and Aileen Edwards, he grew up in Sharon, TN, attended Sharon Baptist Church, worked at his family’s Sharon Theatre, and played football, basketball, and baseball. A lifelong Vol fan, he earned his B.S. and J.D. at the University of Tennessee, where he met his beloved wife, Marilyn, whose West TN roots he treasured. Their 59-year marriage encompassed the joys and sacrifices of 30 years of military service. An officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, he formed lasting friendships in Texas, Vietnam, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Virginia, and Germany. He concluded his career in Washington, D.C., as an Appellate Judge and later Senior Judge for the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals.
Family remained Tommy’s deepest devotion. He was a steady, supportive father to Michael, Melissa, and Ryan and loved the many Edwards’ family dogs. Wherever military life took them, he encouraged his family to embrace the culture, treasure each experience, and serve their communities. A Vietnam War veteran, he received the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, and Army Commendation Medals. He neither discussed nor displayed his honors, taking pride instead in his children, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and their community contributions.
In 2004, Tommy and Marilyn retired to Knoxville, TN, to be closer to family. Over 22 years at Bearden United Methodist Church, they served faithfully. Tommy lovingly cared for family as a son, son-in-law, nephew, and cherished his new ranks as father-in-law and granddaddy. His greatest privilege was supporting the lives of his 3 cherished grandchildren, Sydney, Mark, and Jonathan.
Tommy is survived by his mother, Aileen; his wife, Marilyn; his children, Michael (Gina), Melissa, and Ryan; and his grandchildren, Sydney Edwards, Mark Edwards, and Jonathan Cate. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles M. Edwards, Jr.;
his brother, Jim Edwards; and his aunts, Edith Masden and Maurine Eaton, to whom he gave unwavering and gracious care.
Tommy will be remembered for his authenticity, generosity, and an unmistakable sense of humor. His simple but remarkable life reflected faith, service, advocacy, justice, humility, and dignity. Though private, he was the life of the party, with a laugh that could light up a room. His presence and wit will be sorely missed. Those who knew him can imagine him looking at his watch and saying, “This is way too long.”
A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held on Sun., Nov. 22, at 4 p.m. at Bearden United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Mon., Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. at East TN State Veterans Cemetery Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice in Tommy’s honor and to the glory of God. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com or www.vlm.cem.va.go/JOHNTHOMASEDWARDS/adf293
It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, Noonie, and great grandmother, Rosemary Ann (Richard) Graziano. Rosemary was 88 years old when she passed away on October 22, 2026. She was known for a life defined by deep faith, unconditional love, and devotion to her family and friends.
Rosemary was born in Thibodaux, Louisiana to Whitney Richard and Louise Baudoin. She was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana with her brother Ronald Joseph Richard and, after marriage, spent her adult life in Covington, Louisiana, where she dedicated herself to raising her family and creating a loving home. Later in life, she relocated with her husband to Lenoir City, Tennessee. Rosemary was married to Dr. Frank William Graziano for sixty-six
years and she was the mother of Frank John Graziano (Judith), Lisa Marie Roberts (Randal), and Angela Marie Pifer (Nathan).
Rosemary had a deep and abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and her relationship with Him guided her throughout her life. As an active member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, she led a women’s bible study for many years.
Rosemary’s greatest legacy is the family she leaves behind: three children, eight grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one grandchild. The love she poured into each generation will continue to live on through them, along with the faith, values, and cherished memories she instilled in her family.
Though her family will deeply miss her presence, they will forever treasure the memories they shared and the example she set through a lifetime of love and devotion.
We take comfort in the faith that sustained her in life and in the hope of eternal peace in God’s loving presence. Her earthly journey has ended, but the love she gave and the legacy she leaves behind will endure for generations.
She was deeply loved, and she will be forever cherished and missed.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Click Funeral Home Chapel in Farragut, Tennessee. A visitation will be held at 11:30 p.m. with a service following at 12:30 p.m.
Paul Buchanan Garrison, 87, of Farragut, TN (formerly of Nashville, TN), passed away Monday, October 12, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and Claude Garrison. He is survived by wife of 62 years, Phylis Scales Garrison; daughters, Claudia Stallings (Mike) and Paula Herston (Kelly/KO); sister, Mary Gowens; sister-in-law, Doris Davis; and their families.
A member of Auburn University’s marching band, Paul was also drummer for The Webs, a local fraternity favorite, and in 1962, began touring with Roy Orbison as a member of The Candymen. He recorded “Oh, Pretty Woman” in 1964, a worldwide #1 hit. His musical adventures included touring England, where the Beatles opened for Orbison. He even learned to surf in Hawaii from one of the Beach Boys. His performance on The Ed Sullivan Show can be found online. Most of his professional career was as a graphic artist and events specialist.
A man of strong faith and a member of Concord United Methodist Church, Paul never met a stranger. He will be remembered for his playful humor, warmth, and joy for life.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com.
Ramon Gene Lee, Jr., entered peacefully into the presence of the Lord on October 20, 2026, in Beaufort, South Carolina. He was born on October 20, 1960, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Ramon and Elizabeth Lee.
He attended Farragut High School, graduating in 1979, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee. After graduating, he began a career in sales and eventually opened his own business selling refrigerant products. After living in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Marietta, Georgia, he and his wife, Yvonne, settled in Bluffton, South Carolina, where he retired.
“Ray Lee from Tennessee” never met a stranger. He loved cooking, grilling, and entertaining, and his award-winning Hillbilly Chili was always a hit with family and friends. He also enjoyed saltwater aquariums and Tennessee football. Most of all, he loved his family. Although he lived in South Carolina, he stayed close to his parents and siblings through daily calls and words of encouragement. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Ramon is survived by his wife, Yvonne; his son, Ramon III; his stepchildren, Tori Lemke, Brandon Harrison, and Ryan Harrison; his parents, Ramon and Elizabeth Lee; his brothers, Bryan (Paula) and Steven (Yumei); and his sister, Rachel Piotrowski (John). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Gayle Smith (David), Matthew Lee (Jennifer), Marshall Lee, Daniel Lee, Gus Piotrowski, and Jake Piotrowski. He also leaves behind many special aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CDT at West End Church of God. Burial will be in Lee Family Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, 1171 Main Street, Pikeville, TN. Visitation will be held Monday, October 26, 2026 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. CDT at West End Church of God.
Ralph Myrl Skinner, Jr., 71, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Greenville, SC, surrounded by his family. Family was always at the center of his life, and he cherished it deeply.
Ralph was born on November 11, 1954, in Gadsden, AL, to the late Ralph Myrl Skinner Sr. and Ursula Pauline Richter. He grew up on Weiss Lake in Centre, AL. His childhood
days were spent learning to fish, ski, play sports, and
working in his dad’s appliance repair shop where he learned to tinker and fix almost
anything. After high school, he attended Jacksonville State University then graduated from the University of Alabama.
Ralph’s first job moved him to Knoxville, TN, where he met his wife Susie at Middlebrook Pike UMC. They were married for 46 years, raised their two sons in that church, and have been devoted members of its family ever since. Ralph’s dedication to church is seen in countless ways as he served on the Church Leadership Council; volunteered with the FISH program; organized and led multiple mission trips; organized and led the United
Methodist Men; was a staple in the Chancel Choir every Sunday morning; led the youth group, college students, and several Sunday School classes over the years to name a few. He never met a stranger, at church or anywhere else in Knoxville.
Ralph’s heart for service knew no end as he was firmly entrenched throughout the community as well. Most notably, since 2002, Ralph was the “Voice of the Admirals,” volunteering as the PA announcer for Farragut High School baseball. He traveled across the state to call games on the radio so fans at home could follow along. Due to his unwavering commitment, he was inducted into the Farragut High School Sports Hall of Fame as the Service Awardee and the press box at the baseball field is now named after him.
Ralph began his career at the Tennessee Valley Authority, then moved to the Department of Energy in Oak Ridge in the 1990s. Work was never the center of his life, though. He loved bringing a project to life with his own hands, and on most Saturdays you could find him tinkering in the garage on one odd job or another, a trait he got from his father.
Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Susie; his sons, Mark (Chariti), and Andrew; his granddaughters, Isabella, and Mabry; and his sisters, Margarit Gray (Bill), and Barbara Cobb (Reggie).
A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held in the Sanctuary
at Middlebrook United Methodist Church Saturday, October 31, 2026. A receiving of friends will be held from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. followed by the Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Middlebrook Pike UMC (https://app.securegive.com/middlebrookpike/middlebrook-pike-umc).
Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.
Walter Edward Ford (Eddy), age 87, of Farragut, TN, passed to his eternal home October 6, 2026. He was born in Knoxville, TN to Walter Edward Ford, Jr. and Wilda Bernice Bevins Ford. Eddy graduated from Farragut High School in 1957 as class Valedictorian. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor ‘s and Master’s degrees in Nuclear Engineering and later married his high school sweetheart, Linda June Laughlin. Eddy served two years in the U.S Army and was discharged as a First Lieutenant. He worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for 33 years until retirement. He was an inactive member of Concord United Methodist Church.
The next part of his career was becoming an Alderman when the Town of Farragut was incorporated, in 1980. He served on that board with first Mayor Robert Leonard until Mayor Leonard retired. Eddy was elected and stepped into the office of Mayor of The Town of Farragut and served 16 years for a total of 29 years. Eddy was instrumental in making Campbell Station Park a reality and extending Campbell Station Road from Kingston Pike to Northshore Drive.
The National League of Cities provides small cities with opportunities to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another’s experiences and successful strategies for helping their communities thrive. Eddy was elected as President of the Small Cities group and took great pride in hosting a Small Cities event in the Town of Farragut. It certainly was one of his proudest moments to show cities across the United States how planning and cooperation can work together to create a successful, thriving, and beautiful community.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Linda June Laughlin Ford and cousins both in Knoxville and Virginia who were very special to him.
Thanks to the Rural Metro Fire Department for their help on several occasions and doctors, nurses and staff at Parkwest Medical Center for their kindness, care and compassion.
The family invites friends to Visitation at Click’s Funeral Home in Farragut, Monday, October 26, 2026, from 2 – 4 pm.
Donations in Eddy’s memory may be sent to the Concord United Methodist Church Building Fund.
A private graveside service will be held at the Masonic Cemetery in Concord, Tennessee at a later date.
Colin “Mike” Gates, retired Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, left this earth to be reunited with his beloved wife, Joan, his sweetheart of 60 years. A man of remarkable intelligence, a generous heart, and an unwavering willingness to help others,
Mike lived a life dedicated to service, education, and family.
Mike was born on February 5, 1941, in Cadillac, Michigan, to Leroy and Alfreda Gates. On March 12, 1964, he entered the United States Air Force, beginning 20 years of service to his country and a path to meet his beloved. His military career included service in Vietnam, work as a loadmaster aboard the C-130 Hercules, and service as a drug and alcohol counselor. He was awarded 20 medals during his Air Force career and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. He became a VOL for life in 1984, when he was awarded a Coca Cola Fellowship to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Following his military service, Mike continued to make a difference through education, becoming a teacher at Sacred Heart Cathedral School and serving as adjunct faculty at Pellissippi State Community College. He was also an active member and officer of the Knights of Columbus at both the parish, state and national levels, as well as the Air Force Sergeants Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Joan; and his son, Bob. He is survived and dearly missed by his daughter, Kari (Greg) Gates; daughter-in-law, Robin Gates; grandchildren, Kristle (Jason) Wilson, Dave Gates, Alaina (Colin) Hayes, Brett
Gates, and Angelina Lopez; and great-grandsons, Gavin Denison and Beau Hayes.
His family extends a special thank-you to the Murphy family and Albert Lopez for their kindness and assistance with Mike’s needs as his vision became impaired. Their care and support meant so much.
Visitation will be October 24, 2026, at 10 am with a funeral Mass at 11 am, at St John Neumann Catholic Church followed by internment in the columbarium with military and Knights of Columbus 4th degree honors.
Feel free to wear Air Force blue or UT orange for the Mass to celebrate his passions and a life well lived.
In accordance with Mike’s wishes, donations may be made to St. Joseph School in Knoxville in lieu of flowers.
Mike will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his sharp mind, his enormous heart, dedication to his family, and the many lives he touched. There is comfort in knowing he is once again with his sweetheart.
Joyce Beasley Warnick McConnell, who was devoted to her family and known for her kindness to all and goodness in all circumstances, died on September 14, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She
was 93.
Joyce was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a “people person” whose radiant smile enchanted children and welcomed adults. While she loved to “visit” with others, she talked less about herself and inquired more about the lives of the people she was with. That was just her nature.
Born in West Tennessee on Dec. 23, 1932, during the depths of the Great Depression, Joyce was the third oldest of eight children to Marvin and Bethel Beasley and grew up on their small farm in Henry County. It was a hardscrabble life, and she contributed daily by milking cows, churning butter, making biscuits, and caring for younger siblings.
At age 12, she began working at her uncle’s small grocery store in McKenzie, making $3
a day when she wasn’t at school. During her teenage years, she saved enough to buy her parents their first refrigerator, a bicycle for her younger brothers, and a used car for her family. Hard work and generosity were among her many virtues.
Joyce graduated with the Class of 1950 from McKenzie High School in Carroll County.
Her beautiful smile served her well, flashing it one day at a group of people walking into the Dixie Coffee Cup in McKenzie. Tommie Warnick, a young seminary student, thought Joyce was smiling just at him. He convinced “the girl with the smile” to go on a date, and they married on Aug. 23, 1954.
The couple had two children, Bruce and Marta, and created a warm and loving home for them as Tom pastored Cumberland Presbyterian churches in Bradford, Oak Ridge, and Murfreesboro.
In 1975, the family moved to Memphis after Tom was elected Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination. For more than a decade, Joyce served as assistant manager of the denomination’s Christian education bookstore.
After 42 years of marriage, when Tom died, Joyce moved closer to family in Knoxville. In 1999, she married Don McConnell, a widower and retired Army chaplain and lieutenant colonel. Together, they enjoyed family life, RV trips, and a Peekapoo pup named Missy until Don’s death in 2021.
Joyce loved music and gardening and was active in church. Children were naturally drawn to her and, in addition to working as a preschool teacher for a time, she taught many children’s Sunday school classes through the years.
Joyce is survived by her children Bruce (Karen) Warnick, of Knoxville, and Marta (Bill) Aldrich, of Franklin; grandchildren Matthew (Juanita) Warnick, Courtney (Matthew) Lawson, Ben (Moriah) Warnick and Michael (Alison) Aldrich; stepchildren Roger (Lori) McConnell and Jeff (Emily) McConnell; four step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to losing her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by six brothers: Robert, Allen, Wray, Morris, Phillip, and Kenneth Beasley, all of McKenzie; a sister, Sue Barker, of Lowell, Indiana; and stepdaughter Sara McConnell, of Richmond, Va.
Joyce’s funeral was set for 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Farragut Chapel of Click Funeral Home in Knoxville, preceded by visitation at 2 p.m. The following day, a brief graveside service was held at 12 p.m. Central Time at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in McKenzie, Tennessee, where Joyce was buried beside her husband Tommie.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorials to Joyce’s favorite charity: the T.V. Warnick Endowment Fund to train ministers. (Make checks out to Board of Stewardship and write T.V. Warnick Endowment Fund on the memo line. Mail to the Cumberland Presbyterian Center, Board of Stewardship, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016.)
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
