MARYVILLE – The theme of the evening was “Blessings,” and before the evening was over, Martha Hess, an alumna of Maryville College and its registrar for 35 years, was presented the Medallion, the College’s highest award. Continue reading “Hess awarded Maryville College’s Medallion”
Sevierville man involved in Townsend pursuit in custody in Alabama
MARYVILLE – Blount County Sheriff James L. Berrong said that Phillip L. Hammock, 38, is in custody in Jefferson County, Ala. Hammock has been on the run since October 23, following a police pursuit and subsequent manhunt in Townsend last weekend. Continue reading “Sevierville man involved in Townsend pursuit in custody in Alabama”
Citizen scientist opportunities to conduct field research
Volunteer opportunity to conduct field research
GATLINBURG – Researchers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park are inviting people to volunteer as Citizen Scientists on Saturday, Oct. 31, and join Park biologists and educators in developing scientific data in the national park. Continue reading “Citizen scientist opportunities to conduct field research”
Gary Lynn Pesterfield, 1951-2009
Gary Lynn Pesterfield, 58, of Maryville, passed away Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 at his home. He was a Veteran of the Army National Guard, and was a long time carpenter. He was proceeded in death by his parents, J.B. and Ethel Coulter Pesterfield. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Freda Harrill Pesterfield; sons, James Pesterfield and Jeff Pesterfield; granddaughter, Bethany Pesterfield; sisters, Donna Kemper and Gail Krauss; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 12 noon to 1:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at Memorial Funeral Home in Maryville. The family and friends will proceed to Grandview Cemetery for a 2 p.m. graveside service with David Blanton officiating. Condolences may be sent at website www.MemorialFuneralHomeInc.com.
George Kenneth Everett, 1937-2009
George Kenneth Everett, 72, of Louisville, passed away Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 while camping at Melton Hill Campground. Preceded in death by parents, Susie and Jim (Pop) Everett; infant daughter, Karen Mae Everett; and niece, Diane. Survived by wife, Wanda Martin Everett; son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Lora Everett; granddaughter, Tami Everett; step-grandson, Ryan Goddard and wife; step-granddaughter, Lauren Goddard; five sisters and one brother; special friends, Andy Townsend, Mike Hatcher, and Bobby Brown; and several nieces, nephews, and beloved cats. Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009 at East Maryville Cemetery, Rev. Mike Brantley and Rev. Dennis Robinson officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Blount County Humane Society and No Kill Shelter. Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday at Miller Funeral Home, Maryville, Tenn., 865-982-6041, www.millerfuneralhome.org.
Mack Sparks, 1934-2009
Mack Sparks, 75, of Maryville, Jesus came to take him home on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009. Mack served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1961 and retired from ALCOA after 35 years. He enjoyed cattle farming and gardening. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, John Nathan Sparks and Nora Chambers Sparks; brothers, Guy, Kie, Harley and Don Sparks; and sister, Inez Sparks Simerly. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Grace Young Sparks; children, Reta and Norm Leggett of Philadelphia, Tenn., Frita and Bill Wiley of Johnson City, Anita and Wayne Young of Maryville, and James “J.N.” and Terra Sparks of Vonore; grandchildren, Abraham Bosquez of Lenoir City, Charles Bosquez of Cocoa Beach, Fla., Angela Leggett of Wauchula, Fla., Gerald L. Leggett of Vonore, Laura Bryant Grindstaff of Greenville, William Wiley and Alexander Wiley of Johnson City, Michael Young, Holly Stinnett, Stanley and Amanda Young of Maryville, and Oakley Sparks and Brody Sparks of Vonore; great-grandchildren, Anthony Bosquez, Jasmine and Davin Leggett, Erin Grindstaff, Diranda, Gracie, and Carmen Young, and Mersadies and Alexus Young; special friends, Carl and Paulette Walker, and Luana and Scott Warden; brother, Charles Sparks; and sisters, Pearl Harmon and Patricia Powell. The family would like to send a special thank you to the attending doctors, nursing staff from 2 north and 4 north, Jack Weeks and the palliative care team and hospice care at Blount Memorial Hospital. Funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 at Miller Funeral Home Magnolia Chapel, Rev. Bill Dixon officiating. Graveside service and interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Miller Funeral Home, Maryville, Tenn., 865-982-6041, www.millerfuneralhome.org.
Senate recognizes 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), an Eagle Scout from Maryville, Tenn., announced that the Senate has passed a resolution he co-sponsored to recognize February 8, 2010, as “Boy Scouts of America Day” in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts.
“Being a Boy Scout helped me build character and appreciate the outdoors. It taught me about this country and what it means to be an American, and I’m glad the Senate has recognized the organization on its centennial,” Alexander said. “The Boy Scout law says we should be trustworthy, loyal, helpful and friendly, and the slogan reminds us all to do a good turn daily.”
The bipartisan resolution to designate February 8, 2010 as “Boy Scouts of America Day” in celebration of the organization’s 100th anniversary passed the Senate last night by unanimous consent.
‘Passion Play in the Smokies’ last weekend is this coming weekend, October 23 & 24
Timeless story of Jesus Christ staged in outdoor amphitheater
TOWNSEND – The popular Passion Play in the Smokies will hold its last two shows for the 2009 season this weekend, Friday, Oct., 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. each evening. The preshow concerts will also be held each night of the Play from 6:30 until 7:15 p.m. featuring Eye2Sky. Members of this Christian contemporary music band are also cast members of Play.
Jesus (Mark Pedro) teaches Nicodemus (Ricky Castro). Nicodemus narrates the Play and tells the life story of Jesus and His mission on Earth.
Because the Play is primarily a ministry, the cost is very affordable for the entire family. Tickets are sold as suggested donations—$12 per adult and $5 for children. For groups of 10 or more, the suggested donation is $10 per person. A $1 discount will be given to those bringing a canned food item for the Baptist food pantry.
The Angel Food Café is a full concession stand, which is open before the production and at intermission. Sandwiches, soft drinks, ice cream, and other delectable items are offered. In the cooler fall evenings, hot chocolate is available.
The Passion Play in the Smokies is presented by Crown of Thorns Ministries in cooperation with the Chilhowee Baptist Association. Supporting the Play are the following: Life 88.3 FM, Love 89.1 FM, WRJZ Joy 620 AM, and CTN (WVLR DT48), Christian Television Network.
For more information, call 865-908-8904 or go online to www.passionplayinthesmokies.org. A short preview video of the play is available here:
Fidelia Seay Ashburn Parham, 1918-2009
Fidelia Seay Ashburn Parham, born June 30, 1918, devoted mother and faithful friend, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at Asbury Place. She was a member of Broadway United Methodist Church for 65 years where she taught Sunday School, served on the altar Guild and other committees. She was a member of Chilhowee Club, and an avid bridge player. She loved to bake and sew and was always making gifts for friends and family. She married Wilburn L. Parham on Dec. 31, 1943. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac Hicks and Tula Bryant Ashburn; brother, Bassel Ashburn; and sister, Willie Annis (Ashburn) Daffron. Survivors include daughters, Gayle Stachel (John), Alice Nunnery (Jim), Mary Annis Davis (Mike); six grandchildren, Katherine Diane (Buffy) Stachel, Jennifer Nunnery Fisher (Mark), Andy Nunnery (Danielle), Melissa Davis Chambers (Ryan), Casey Davis, Emily Davis; her nephew, Bryant Daffron; special friends, John and Julie Myers, Drew and Austin; and a host of friends. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Broadway United Methodist Church with Rev. Amy Probst officiating. A private interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Fellowship Hall, during which time the body will lie in state in the sanctuary. Memorial gifts may be made to Holston United Methodist Home for Children, P. O. Box 188, Greeneville, TN 37744; Broadway United Methodist Church, 309 E. Broadway, Maryville, TN 37804; Blount Memorial Hospice, 1095 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804.