HAMILTON COUNTY

Tony Amis

Will “Tony” Anthony Amis, 58, of Chattanooga, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at a local hospital.

A resident of the North Georgia Chattanooga area for most of his life, he was a former employee of Southern Surveying, was of the Baptist faith and was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served during the Vietnam Conflict.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Joyce Mobley Amis; and brother, Tim Amis.

He is survived by three sisters, Cathy Amis Griffith, of Ringgold, Ga., Candy Amis Hollingsworth, of Charleston, Tenn., and Sara “Cindy” Amis, of Athens, Ga.; three brothers, Joe Amis Jr., of Atlanta, Jett Amis, of El Paso, Texas, and Jim Amis, of Ringgold, Ga.; and several nieces, nephews and great-nephew.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel.

Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 2-9 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until funeral time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.

An on-line register book may be signed at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Home, Wallis-Stewart Chapel, Ringgold.

Gerald Bietz

Gerald Robert Bietz, 79, of Ooltewah, died Wednesday, June 10, 2009.

Arrangements will be announced by Covenant Funeral & Cremation Service, Crox family owned and operated, www.CovenantFuneral.com.

Roddy Bovell

Roddy (Robert M.) Bovell, 62, of Harrison, died Friday, June 12, 2009, at his residence.

A lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area, he was a retired Master Sargent from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of service and from the Raytheon Corp. He was also the son of the late Steve and Virginia Hudgens Bovell.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Bovell; son and daughter-in-law, Robb and Vicki Bovell, Nashville; daughter and son-in-law, Samantha and Mike Phillips, El Paso, Texas; five grandchildren, Alex and Elizabeth Phillips, Anna and Jude Bovell and Amanda Reynolds; sister, Rose Ann Farmer, Ringgold, Ga.; two brothers, Steve A. Bovell, Chattanooga and Charles R. Bovell, Hixson; many nieces and nephews.

Graveside funeral services will be held Monday at 2:30 p.m. in National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you treat your families or make a contribution to your favorite charity.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.mem.com.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. today and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway.

Margaret Childers

Margaret May Childers, 99, died early Friday morning, June 12, 2009, at Life Care Center of Chattanooga.

She was the daughter of the late Henry H. and Lula Levan May and the widow of Bill Childers. She was a life long resident of the Ridgedale and Oak Grove communities.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Mamie May Putnam; and her brothers, Henry W. May, Fred H. May and Guy L. May. She also was preceded in death by her niece, Wanda Sue May Pangle.

She is survived by her nephew, Larry D. Putnam who was also her caregiver. Other survivors are her nieces, Linda May Ellis, Patricia May Kennedy, Jeanne May Tapp and her nephew, Gary L. May. A host of great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends at Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, East Chapel, today, June 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the afternoon with funeral services immediately following the visitation. The services will be conducted by the Rev. Lawrence Clark.

Burial will be private.

She was a member of East Ridge United Methodist Church.

Please share your thoughts and condolences at www.mem.com.

Larry wishes to thank all those who took such good care of his Aunt while she was a patient there at Life Care Center.

Danny Daniker

Danny Dale Daniker, 83, of Chattanooga, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2009.

Danny retired as a supervisor from DuPont with over 30 years of service. Danny served as a volunteer football coach with Coach Tom Weathers and Coach Tim Daniels at Red Bank High School working with the kickers. He was a Navy veteran having served in WWII.

Survivors include his children, Danielle, (Jeff) Martin, of Red Bank and Kurt Eric Daniker, of Harrison; several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at Red Bank Church of Christ, 3600 Dayton Blvd., with Minister Steve Lusk officiating.

Visitation is 2-3 p.m. Sunday also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Red Bank High School Football Program, 640 Morrison Springs Road, Chattanooga, TN 37415.

Visit www.lane-coulterchapel.com to send condolences.

Arrangements by Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace.

Ella Defur

Ella Margaret Bidwell Defur, 86, of Hixson, died Friday, June 12, 2009.

Arrangements will be announced by Covenant Funeral & Cremation Service, Crox family owned and operated, www.CovenantFuneral.com.

Sam Drash

Sam Lewis Drash, 70, of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, June 12, 2009.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at First-Centenary United Methodist Church with visitation 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday, also at the church.

The family will also receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

Interment will be in Mississippi.

Arrangements will be announced by Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel.

Dodie Ellis

Josephine “Dodie” McKay Ellis, 64, of Hixson, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2009, after a brave battle with brain cancer.

Dodie was born in Lakeland, Fla., and was a longtime resident of the Chattanooga area. Dodie had her B.S. degree in Nursing from the University of Florida. She was a nurse for over 40 years and retired from Erlanger North with over 25 years of service in nursing. Dodie was a longtime member of Hixson United Methodist Church and the Friendship Sunday School Class. She volunteered at Big Ridge Elementary and Hixson High School for many years. Dodie loved to play bridge with her friends and enjoyed traveling.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Josephine McKay; and an aunt, Sarah Swatts.

Dodie is survived by her husband of 42 years, Fred Ellis; sons, Jeff Ellis and Rob Ellis.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to the Oncology group at Erlanger Hospital for the love and care given to Mrs. Ellis.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the North Chapel.

Services for Dodie will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the North Chapel with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

Burial will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dodie’s name to any Cancer Charity of your choice.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.

Rev. J.R. Faulkner

The Rev. Dr. James R. “J.R.” Faulkner died peacefully at home Thursday, June 10, 2009, in the company of those he loved.

He was born June 8, 1914, in Charlotte, N.C., and he lived to celebrate his 95th birthday with children, grandchildren and a few friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Magdalene; his parents, James R. Faulkner Sr. and Katherine Massey Faulkner; brothers, J. Bernard, Woodrow W. and A. Mitchell Faulkner; half brothers, Paul and David Faulkner; half sister, Jean Faulkner Alexander; stepmother, Zella Mae Faulkner; and grandson, James Garland Faulkner.

He is survived by five sons and their wives, the Rev. Dr. Randall and Connie Faulkner, Oklahoma City, Okla., Robert and Donna Faulkner, Chattanooga, the Rev. Paul and Diana Faulkner, Chattanooga, Peter and Judy Faulkner, Valdosta, Ga., the Rev. Steve and Judy Faulkner, Simcoe, Ontario; 17 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He also is survived by half brothers, William E. Faulkner, Williston, S.C., and Wade Faulkner, Pine Level, N.C. and many nieces and nephews.

As a young man growing up in Charlotte in the 1920s and 1930s he was a dance instructor and performer, entertaining audiences in variety shows throughout the region. He was employed in advertising sales for Warner Brothers and United Artists.

His life was radically changed when he was brought to faith in Jesus Christ in 1937. He was influenced in his early Christian life by the friendship of young adults who were a part of an evangelistic movement which was sweeping through the Charlotte area at that time. Among those close friends were T.W. Wilson and Grady Wilson later of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Under the spiritual guidance of some key businessmen in Charlotte, a group which later became a part of Christian Business Men’s Committee, J.R. and his friends were active in gospel services in churches, public buildings and tent revivals throughout North and South Carolina and other Southern states.

After two years of biblical studies in the Charlotte Bible Institute, in 1941 he enrolled in Bob Jones College, then in Cleveland, Tenn. He was an art major, and he supported himself by designing and painting sets for the school’s Shakespearean and operatic productions. In this he was closely associated with Dr. Bob Jones Jr., who became a mentor and close friend. It was at Bob Jones College that he met his beloved “Matsie,” his wife of 65 years.

He accepted the call to become the pastor of South Rossville Baptist Church, Rossville, in 1945. During the years of his ministry in North Georgia, he was active in supporting Youth for Christ, the Gideons, and CBMC. He continued to lead revival meetings which were influential in leading many people to faith in Jesus Christ. In these meetings he used his artistic talent to create colorful “chalk talks” illustrating biblical themes.

While still serving as pastor in Rossville, he and his wife accepted the invitation of Dr. Lee Roberson to join the faculty of the newly-founded Tennessee Temple College in Chattanooga.

Beginning in 1946 he served in many roles in the fledgling institution including teacher, business manager and treasurer. In 1952 he was appointed vice-president, a position he held until he was appointed president of Tennessee Temple University in 1974. He served as president until his retirement in 1985.

In 1949, he was asked to become Dr. Lee Roberson’s associate pastor in the ministries of Highland Park Baptist Church, at that time one of the fastest-growing churches in the South. His ministry was characterized by loyalty, humility, optimism, enthusiasm and hard work. Throughout his 42-year ministry at Highland Park, he was known for his pastor’s heart of compassion for all people.

He loved to lead large congregations in singing the great hymns of the faith. He also enjoyed leading the children who went to Camp Joy in enthusiastically singing gospel songs and choruses.

As Dr. Roberson’s close associate, he was heard for many years on the church’s live daily radio broadcast “Gospel Dynamite.” He assisted Dr. Roberson in the development and oversight of the branch church (chapel) ministry, a large bus ministry, the Union Gospel Mission, Camp Joy, World Wide Faith Missions, and major annual conferences held at the church and the college. He was a founding board member of Baptist International Missions, Inc. With Dr. Roberson, he was influential in the independent Baptist movement in the Southern United States, and served on the original board of the Southwide Baptist Fellowship.

He had a ministry nationwide as a speaker for conferences, churches and mission organizations. He received honorary degrees from three colleges, including his alma mater. In the 1970s he was given the key to his home city of Charlotte and honored by the mayor as a “favorite son.”

Always creative and energetic, J.R. developed the ability to write poetry late in life. He published a book of poems in 2000 which was used to raise a large sum of money for Camp Joy.

He enjoyed golf, fishing and riding his motorcycle with friends.

He was devoted to his family members, all of whom are deeply grateful for his consistent example of Christian integrity and faith in Jesus Christ.

His epitaph was written by the stylus of his life: “May Jesus Christ Be Praised.”

A memorial service of worship and witness will be held at Highland Park Baptist Church, Chattanooga, at 2 p.m. Monday, June 15. Dr. David Bouler and Dr. Randall Faulkner officiating.

Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.

WDYN-FM, 89.7, will broadcast the service “live” at 2 p.m. It can also be heard over the Internet by going to and clicking on the “Listen Live” link.

The family will receive visitors at a viewing 2-6 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road, Chattanooga.

A second viewing will be held Monday, June 15, noon-2 p.m. at the church.

Memorial gifts may be given to Highland Park Baptist Church, Baptist International Missions, Inc., Tennessee Temple University, or to Camp Joy.

Barbara French

Barbara Anne French, 78, passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, in Atlanta.

She was born July 13, 1931 in Asheville, N.C.

She grew up in Chattanooga and was a 1949 graduate of Central High School.

She later moved to Atlanta where she was employed at the U.S. Public Heath Service until her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Jean Stephenson, a Central High School graduate of 1942.

She is survived by niece, Sherry Yvonne Stephenson; and nephew Johnny French Stephenson, of Atlanta.

Burial will be at Forest Hills Cemetery at 2 p.m. today.

Arrangements are being handled by Wann Funeral Home.

Gloria Jackson

Gloria Joyce “Teddy” Jackson, 71, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at her residence in Nashville.

A retiree from Seaboard Farms since 1992, she later relocated to Nashville. She was a member of First M.B. Church of Avondale prior to her move, and later joined Friendship M.B. Church in Nashville.

She was preceded in death by her devoted companion, Richard “Bubba” Presley; and son, Gary L. Jackson.

Survivors are two sons, Donald (Jocelyn) Jackson, of Memphis and Charlie Presley; one daughter, Karen Presley, both of Nashville; two foster sons, Jessie Reynolds and Willie Reynolds, of Chattanooga; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at First M.B. Church of Avondale with the Rev. Eddie Jacks officiating.

Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery.

Family visitation will be today, June 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Trammell Chapel.

Arrangements by Hardwick & Sons Funeral Home, Trammell Chapel.

Christopher Kilgore

Christopher Wayne “Kit” Kilgore, 39, of East Ridge, died on Sunday, June 7, 2009.

Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Glen Smallwood officiating.

Interment will be in Red Hill Cemetery in Whitwell, Tenn.

The family will receive friends today from noon-9 p.m. at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pamela Kilgore.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com

Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412.

Ruth Koplin

Ruth E. Koplin, 89, of Chattanooga, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2009.

Ruth was born in Indianapolis, Ind., and was a 1938 graduate of South Port High School in South Port, Ind. Ruth and her late husband, who retired from the military traveled to many different countries. After her husband’s retirement they have been a longtime resident of the Chattanooga area. Ruth was a member of Lutheran Church of Ascension where she participated in the Women’s Circle for many years. She was a past member of the Valmont Woman’s Club and a member of the Antique Car Club and a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Stars.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Frank R. Koplin; a daughter, Jeanie Koplin Eller and three brothers and one sister.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Louise Ramsey Koplin; a brother, Donald Preston Ramsey and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3:30 p.m. today at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of Ruth’s life for her family and friends at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Ruth’s name to Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 720 Germantown Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.

Hal O’Neal

Hal Junior O’Neal left this world after lengthy illness Wednesday June 10, 2009, at the home he shared with his loving wife, Darlene Scroggins O’Neal.

Family will receive friends at Durkee Road Church of God of Prophecy, today, June 13, 2009, from 2 to 3 p.m. with memorial service to follow at 3 p.m.

Condolences maybe made at www.javerybryan.com.

Arrangements are by J. Avery Bryan Funeral Home, 747 McCallie Ave., 423-266-2131.

Geneva Patterson

Geneva Emma Patterson, 95, of Soddy-Daisy, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2009, at a local health care facility.

She was a member of Soddy-Daisy First Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Patterson; parents, John R. and Flora Davis; brothers, Paul and Mancel Davis; sisters, Catherine Shadwick and Joyce Smith.

She is survived by sisters, Almeda Davis, Elsea Hall and Mildred Smith, all of Soddy-Daisy, and several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Donna Shadwick, Dr. Jarl and the Soddy-Daisy Health Care staff, especially Judy Plemons and Wanda Bice.

The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 15, 2009, in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Seton Tomyn officiating.

Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

Her nephews will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 2-6 p.m., Sunday, June 14, 2009, at the funeral home.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.

Arrangements are by Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.

Cecil Pence

Cecil Pence, 86, of Chattanooga, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, June 10, 2009.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 15, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Tony Walliser and the Rev. Chuck Patrick officiating.

Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors.

The family will receive friends Monday from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1501 E. Third St., Dayton, OH 45403, or to the Gospel City Mission, P.O. Box 1141, Dayton, OH 45401.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.

Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, East Brainerd Chapel, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Connie Seals

Connie Louise Smith Seals, 59, of Hixson, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at Erlanger.

She was employed with the Gold Bond Co. in Hixson.

She is survived by her son Bryan Standefer; parents A.J. and Wanda Smith; brother, Jim Smith; sister, Melody (Dicky) Cantrell; two grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

A gathering of friends and family will be today, June 13, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the home of A.J. and Wanda Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association or National Parkinson Foundation.

Condolences may be made at www.Javerybryan.com.

Arrangements are by J. Avery Bryan Funeral Home, 747 McCallie Ave., 423-266-2131.

Carl Shattuck

Carl Henry Shattuck, 79, of Chattanooga, died Thursday, June 11, 2009, at a local hospital.

A native of Chattanooga he was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Nellie Rosser Shattuck; two brothers, L.D. and Arnold L. Shattuck; sister, Betty Wilson.

Carl was a member of St. Elmo Church of Christ. He worked for Honest Charlie’s Speed Shop, and retired from Bumper to Bumper Auto Supply Co.

Survivors are his wife, Rita Shattuck; two sisters, Gloria Russell, of Soddy-Daisy, and Dorothy Hickey, of Henegar, Ala.; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside funeral will be held today at 3 p.m. at Forest Hills Cemetery, with Minister John T. Smithson officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Elmo Church of Christ.

Visitation will be today from 1 to 2:45 p.m. at Wann Funeral Home in St. Elmo.

Suyen Thompson

Suyen Thompson, 53, died Friday, June 12, 2009, at a local hospital.

Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.

Danny Weaver

Danny E. Weaver departed to be with the Lord on Friday, June 12, 2009, at his home.

Arrangements will be announced by Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel.

TENNESSEE

Mary Warren

SPRING CITY — Mary Warren, 57, died Thursday, June 11, 2009.

Funeral services 2 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home.

Interment in Knob Hill Cemetery. Visitation today from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home.

Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City in charge of arrangements.

GEORGIA

Mary Eva Brown

SUMMERVILLE — Mary Eva Brown, 86, died Friday, June 12, 2009.

Survivors, sons, Bobby Brown, Kenneth Brown, Anthony Brown; six grandchildren.

Graveside service is 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2009, at Greenhills Memory Garden

Visitation is 6 until 8 p.m. today at Mason Funeral Home, Summerville.

Sarah Dunnington

LaFAYETTE — Sarah Ladell Kitchen Dunnington, 79, died Friday, June 12, 2009.

Arrangements will be announced by Covenant Funeral & Cremation Service, Crox family owned and operated, www.CovenantFuneral.com.

Charles Robbins

RINGGOLD — Charles “Rudy” Robbins, 84, died Thursday, June 11, 2009, in a local hospital.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. today in Ringgold First Baptist with Dr. Kerry Bunn, Dr. Dan Whittaker and Dr. Dewey Boyd officiating.

Interment in Anderson Memorial Gardens.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Mitchell Sunday School Class.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ringgold, Caldwell Building Fund, 7611 Nashville St., Ringgold, GA 30736.

Visit www.heritagefh.com to view memorial video and share condolences.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

Dorothy Sparks

FLINTSTONE — Dorothy Fern Hebison “Nana” Sparks, 78, died Thursday, June 11, 2009, in a local hospital.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. today in Flintstone United Methodist Church with the Rev. Charles Dixon and Rev. Vernon Windom officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Flintstone United Methodist Church, 2503 Chattanooga Valley Road, Flintstone, GA 30725, or Hospice of Chattanooga, P.O. Box 19269, Chattanooga, TN 37416.

Visit www.heritagefh.com to view memorial video and share condolences.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

Edna Willingham

RINGGOLD — Edna Willingham, died peacefully Thursday, June 11, 2009, at her residence.

She was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church. Mrs. Willingham was a loving wife, mother and Nana.

Survivors include her devoted husband of 59 years, Hugh “Spud” Willingham; daughters, Diane (David) Ownbey and Staci Willingham, all of Ringgold; grandchildren, Brooke (Kevin) Lewis, Tori (Ashley) O’Donald, Zac (Kendy) Ownbey, Madison Davis; great-grandchildren, Riley O’Donald and Molly Kate Lewis.

Services will be at noon Monday in the chapel with the Rev. Randy Chestnut officiating.

Interment will follow in National Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Hutcheson Hospice, especially Sandra Plemons for all of their loving care.

Visit www.heritagefh.com to view memorial tribute and send condolences.

The family will receive friends from 1-8 p.m. Sunday at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

ALABAMA

Virginia Price

FORT PAYNE — Virginia Kathleen Price, 81, died Thursday, June 11, 2009.

Survivors: son, Scott (Susan) Price; daughter, Carol (Gary) Stephens; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral will be 2 p.m. CDT Sunday at Burt Funeral Home.

Burial in West Hill Cemetery, Dalton, Ga.