Obituaries

Millard Gene Shirley

Millard Gene Shirley, age 87, passed away Jan. 26, 2021, at his home in Farragut, Tennessee. Born in Springfield, Kentucky, he attended the University of Kentucky on a football scholarship in 1951 and played two years for a legendary coach before transferring to Western Kentucky. He excelled on the Hilltoppers football field, enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program and earned his bachelor’s degree. Millard served 20 years in the United States Air Force specializing in radar defense and ballistic missiles early warning systems. He retired in 1975 as a lieutenant colonel with memorable tours in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas; King Salmon, Alaska; Lincoln, Nebraska; Cheyenne Mountain and Denver, Colorado; Tampa, Florida; Woomera, Australia; and his favorite, Thule, Greenland. He later worked for McDonnell Douglas and Martin Marietta as an aerospace engineer, which sent him back to Thule. He also earned two master’s degrees from the University of Northern Colorado and Regis College. Millard was a true gentleman, fully dedicated to his family and an avid runner for more than 50 years. He will be remembered for his generosity, quiet sense of humor, love of good food and a polar bear collection reflective of his time in the Arctic. Millard was a nomad with more than 39 residential moves around the world, the most recent being to Huntington Beach, California, and Palm Coast/Jacksonville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, R.C. and Mary Agnes Shirley. He is survived by his beloved wife and faithful companion of 63 years, Sue Shirley; son, Mark (Trang) Shirley of San Jose, California; daughter, Sabrina (Paul) Houston of Lenoir City, Tennessee; brother, Dr. William C. (Diane) Shirley of Columbus, Georgia; sister, Norma Maxine Sutton of Lexington, Kentucky; several nieces and nephews and their families; and three grand-dogs. A tremendous thank you for the support from family and friends, the Villages of Farragut and the University of Tennessee Hospice staff. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 8, at Click Funeral Home in Farragut. Masks and social distancing are required. A private family military burial service will be held at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee, at 2 p.m., Feb. 9, 2021. The family requests donations be made in his memory to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association https://billygraham.org ; Disabled American Veterans https://www.dav.org/ ; or Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR) https://www.rideatstar.org/.

Joseph Gillette

Farragut resident Joseph Gillette died Jan. 20, 2021, at Parkwest Medical Center following an illness at age 79. He was born Dec. 3, 1941 in Ilion, New York, to Charles and Nora Gillette. Joe served in the U. S. Air Force as a young adult and later moved to Tennessee in 1976, where he had a 41-year career at Unisys Corporation. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Pamela, his daughter, Melanie Rucker and her husband, Mike; and his sons, Chris and Mike and their wives, Roberta and Kim. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and one great-grandson. Joe was passionate about his family, supporting all their endeavors, and was always there to cheer them on. He also was an avid sports fan and could always be found at the Farragut baseball field any time a game was scheduled. He was a lifelong New York Giants and Yankees fan. Joe loved being outdoors.You could always find him working in his yard or sitting on the porch greeting folks passing by. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate consideration of a donation to the Thompson Cancer Survival Center (covenanthealthgiving.org). The funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, at Click Funeral Home Farragut. Gathering of friends and family will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., with the memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Masks mandatory at the request of the family. A graveside service to follow is for immediate family only.

Donald Wayne Campbell

Donald Wayne Campbell, age 76, of Lenoir City, Tennessee, passed away Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Don was a member of Blairland Baptist Church in Loudon. He grew up in Farragut and graduated from Farragut High School in 1963. Don was a veteran of the Army National Guard. He retired from LCUB. Don loved his old red Chevelle and all hot rod cars. Don was a friend to everyone. Preceded in death by his parents, William P. and Bonnie Campbell; and brother-in-law, Jack Morton. Survivors include his wife, Sue Morton Campbell; daughter, Kristi Campbell Clenney and her husband, Chad; sister, Gail Garner and her husband, David; sister-in law, Carolyn Morton; special aunt, Gladys Campbell; several nieces and nephews with special great niece and great nephew Noah and Halle Morton. Friends may come by Click Funeral Home in Lenoir City, which is in charge of arrangements, anytime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. Family and friends will gather beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, for graveside services at Hickory Valley Cemetery, with the Rev. Jon Henson officiating. A tremendous thank you to the staff at The Lantern in Lenoir City who lovingly cared for Don on a day-to-day basis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blairland Baptist Church, 730 Steekee Road, Loudon, TN 37774. Also visit www.clickfuneralhome.com for more information.

Dr. Bill Joe Swan

Dr. Bill Joe Swan, 89, passed away Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, after years of declining health due to Parkinson’s disease at The Gardens of Taylor Glen in Concord. North Carolina. A private funeral service was scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, at Lady’s Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Steve Hargett officiated. Interment followed at Carolina Memorial Park Mausoleum in Kannapolis. The service was streamed starting approximately 10 minutes prior to the service. Visit https://www.ladysfuneralhome.com/live/ Bill was born Aug. 6, 1931, in Martel, Tennessee. He was a son of the late Paul Watt Swan and Mildred Russell Fox Swan. He graduated from Farragut High School in 1949 and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville for two years. He then entered the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis. While he was in medical school, he was elected president of his medical class, president of the All Students Club and president of his medical fraternity, Alpha Kappa Kappa. He graduated with his medical degree in 1954. After graduation, he moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, for his internship at Confederate Memorial Hospital. He married Lillian Bevins on Oct. 8, 1955, in Concord, Tennessee. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Bill’s medical career began in Hammond, Louisiana, where he worked at Lallie Kamp Hospital. He was then drafted as a captain into the U.S. Army Medical Corps, where he served two years as an anesthesiologist at Valley Forge Army Hospital in Pennsylvania and at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Following his military service, he completed a two-year residency in anesthesiology at Ohio State University. In 1960, he came to Concord, North Carolina, to practice anesthesia at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital. He cared for many patients in the 29 years he served there. Having passed the required examinations, Bill became board-certified in anesthesiology. He served terms as president of the Cabarrus Medical Society, as well as the North Carolina Anesthesia Society. Bill enjoyed working with Boy Scout Troop 3, sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Concord. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow and was awarded the Silver Beaver for his volunteer service. He was grateful that his two sons became Eagle Scouts. He worshipped at Concord First Assembly where he was a longtime member. He served on the Church Steering Committee and as chairman of First Assembly School Board. He memorized and received great comfort from his favorite scripture passage, Psalm 23. After retirement, he enjoyed golfing, woodworking, making furniture and traveling with his wife. He wrote a copyrighted book, “The Life of a Boy from East Tennessee,” because he wanted his children and grandchildren to have an appreciation for their roots and family background. A copy of the book is in the library at The Gardens of Taylor Glen, where he and his wife had been residents since 2014. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Barbara Swan Guinn; and brother, Paul Russell Swan. Dr. Swan is survived by three children, Brenda Swan Hammill (Curt) of Burke, Virginia, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Kenneth Allan Swan (Karen) of Yorktown, Virginia, and Paul Robert Swan (Lisa) of Mount Gilead, North Carolina; 11 grandchildren, Kristyn Swan Beam (Andrew), Wesley Swan, Brandon Swan (Cara), Travis Hammill (Rachel), Katie Swan Hickey (Robert), Masha Swan (Carlos), Austin Swan (Sara), Kendall Swan, Maggie Swan (Alex), Carson Hammill and Quinton Swan; and six great-grandchildren, Cillian, Vitaly, Amalia, Katerina, Hallie and Rowan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Multiply Church (formerly Concord First Assembly), 150 Warren C. Coleman Blvd. N, Concord, North Carolina, 28027 (https://multiply.church/concord/). Taylor Glen provided such loving care for Bill in his last days. The family is grateful for the kindness and dignity the staff afforded Bill. Remembrances may be sent to the family at www.ladysfuneralhome.com.

Nancy Castleberry Fugate

Nancy Castleberry Fugate, age 82, passed away two weeks after a diagnosis of COVID-19 at her home at River Oaks Place, Lenoir City. She was a loving Wife, Mother, Sister and friend to many. Nancy and her husband of 62 years, Charles, lived for more than 30 years in the Farragut community. Prior to that time, they lived and raised their children in LaFollette. Upon graduation from LaFollette High School, Nancy was accepted into St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Knoxville. Instead, she married her sweetheart, Charles, and supported him during obtaining his degree from University of Tennessee. This theme of supporting others resonated throughout Nancy’s life, supporting her husband in business and her children in their lives. Nancy possessed humane qualities of goodness, decency, kindness, compassion and a fervent love of children and babies. She was a people person, a nurturer. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, LaFollette. She supported her children in church, scouts, school, etc. There are many good memories. She and Charles made Christmas so special; it was like no other. Her goodness and love will be sorely missed by so many. While at River Oaks Place, she was a favorite/well-loved resident. She and fellow residents enjoyed many Chick-fil-A Fridays and weekly flower bouquets, as well as fun times and friendship, along with daughter, Rebecca. These times were priceless. Special gratitude is offered to loving caregivers Betty Hamm, Cortney Griggs, Gina Dishner, Jodi Samples, Elena Moser, Sam Sterling and Renee Harris, as well as others at the facility. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Charles Edward Fugate; infant son, Kenneth Scott Fugate; parents, Hershel and Dorothy Petree Castleberry; brother, Jim Castleberry; and brother-in-law, Jeff Dossett. Survivors include her daughter, Rebecca Fugate; son, Marty Fugate (Missy); granddaughter, Mandi Fugate; sister, Judy Dossett; and sister-in-law, Lorenda Castleberry. She has eight nieces and nephews and several good friends. Nancy’s graveside service was held at noon, Dec. 12, at Powell Valley Cemetery and Memorial Gardens. Rebecca also will be hosting a Celebration of Life/Music Service during mid-2021. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc, East Tennessee Office, 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Online condolences also may be made at http://www.waltersfuneralhome.net or in this legacy.com listing.

Tamara Rae “Tammy” Godolphin

Tamara Rae “Tammy” Godolphin, age 50, passed peacefully of cancer Friday, Dec. 4, 2020, in Farragut. She was born June 12, 1970, in Naperville, Illinois, to parents Jerald and Shelli (Michele) Godolphin. Tammy attended Farragut Primary School, Christian Academy of Knoxville and graduated from Farragut High School in 1989. About age 10, at First Baptist Concord, Tammy invited Jesus to be in her heart. She followed with Baptism and steadily grew in her faith, which was evident to all who knew her. Tammy was noted for her sweet, sweet spirit and positive attitude. She had a great work ethic. She worked for several years at Goody’s warehouse. She was delighted to be able to drive school busses for JLL Transportation where she made many friends. Tammy is survived by: her husband, Robert Legans; her mother, Shelli Vries; her father and step-mother, Jerald and Dottie Godolphin; brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Felicia; sister, Christine Osborn; step-sisters, Tiffany Cartwright, Andrea Kirkpatrick and Meredith Noah. Surviving aunts are Margot Godolphin and Rubena Wright; and cousins, Amelia, Savannah, Andrew, Lionel and Karin Godolphin. Tammy is preceded in death by her grandparents, Harvey and Lorraine Ivie, Sylvia and Lionel S. Godolphin and John and Ruth Liner. A Celebration of Life Ceremony is planned for early January, (to be announced) at her church: Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 400 Everett Road (near Smith and Everett roads intersection) in Farragut. Updates will be posted on Facebook. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church or St Jude’s Research.

Mary Esther Hatmaker

Mary Esther Hatmaker was more affectionately known as “Essie Mae” by her loving husband of 47 years, Hubert (1917-1994); “Mom” by her daughters, Donna (Scott) Fraley of Lenoir City and Brenda (Rick) McColl of Knoxville; “Nanaw” by her granddaughters, Susan (Brad) Horn of Knoxville, Holly (Jason) Zachary of Knoxville and Brandi (Brandon) Williams of Sevierville; “Mamaw” and “Granny” by her favorite grandson, Joe (Tonya) Pierce of Lenoir City; “GG” by her great-grandchildren, the pride and joy of her life, Austin and Addison Pierce, Madeline and Reagan Horn, Tyson Zachary and Zoe Morgan and Hunter Williams; and “Essie” by her sister, Bunny Thomas of Lenoir City, and her siblings who preceded her in death, Grace Everett, Wayne Burnette, Nine Ruth Summitt, Annis Hudson, ML Wilkerson, Barbara Luther, Woody Wilkerson, Helen McCabe, and Midge Newberry. Esther was born into the home of Floyd Woodrow and Mary Watt Wilkerson in Lenoir City Dec. 21, 1925. She graduated from Lenoir City High School in 1944 and married the love of her life Dec, 29, 1945. They built their home on Grigsby Chapel Road, and that is where she spent the happiest days of her life. God created her to be a homemaker, and everyone who entered her home can testify that she thrived in that role. Hospitality was her passion; creating beautiful spaces, delicious dishes and a welcoming atmosphere came as naturally to her as breathing. Her days were spent in the kitchen and garden, and at night she enjoyed playing cards and backgammon with her family and friends, watching Tennessee football or Atlanta Braves baseball or making the most gorgeous hand-stitched quilts. Esther left her earthly body, and her faith was made sight on Dec, 10, 2020, just 11 days before her 95th birthday. As beautiful as her life was, the glory that she is experiencing in the presence of the Lord is greater that any treasure this world could offer. Because of COVID-19, the family held a graveside service beginning at 2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 14, at Loudon Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to East Tennessee Office of Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. Website is www.alztennessee.org

Judy Elaine Taylor

Judy Elaine Taylor, age 69, passed away Sept. 26, 2020, at her home in Knoxville after a brave battle with cancer.  She was born Aug. 12, 1951, to Gene and Delphia Taylor in Marion, North Carolina.  Judy was a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Asheville.  She proudly served her country in the U.S. Army, where she was an ordinance officer before retiring her commission to work as a military plans analyst with the federal government, conducting war games and exercises.  She was a voracious reader who loved to go on historical and literary tours. Judy traveled frequently for work and continued into retirement to many European countries.  She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and looked forward to her annual family trips home to Asheville for Thanksgiving.  Judy was preceded in death by her parents in 2002 and 2019.  She is survived by her son, John, and his wife, Katie, and their children, Madelyn and JJ, all of Knoxville; daughter, Julie, and her husband, Dan, and their daughters, Harper and Brooke, all of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; sister, Kaye, of Knoxville; and sister, Abbie, and her children, William and Charlotte, all of Atlanta, Georgia. Services for Judy were held Oct. 3 at Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel.