Dakota Dale Hinton left his family and friends on January 11, 2025. Dakota was fun-loving, charismatic, and creative. He enjoyed nature walks, music, cooking, reading, and keeping us entertained with stories of his antics, his pranks, his hopes and ideas. While Dakota struggled with finding his place in this world, he was proud of his accomplishments, his children, and his service in the Army. He had many friends who will miss his presence and his laughter. And our family will find it difficult to fill the void that's been left in our hearts. 

Dakota is preceded in death by Grandma Sue Hinton and father-in-law Joe Kania. He is survived by his mother Patty Hinton, wife Jodie Hinton, and Grandfather Dick Hinton. Dakota has 5 children, Kali and Skyler of Oklahoma, and Nolen, Beau, and Nile of Indiana. He is also survived by brother and sisters Shawn Burkhardt, Kelly Modlin and Jessie Bogner, loving aunts Beth Anth and Angie Fair (and honorary aunt Tracy Austin), and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is already so deeply missed.

Mary Lynn Miller, born July 25, 1943, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, departed life January 18, 2025. Married to Ralph Francis Miller, February 8, 1964. Resided in Tennessee, and raised two boys, Kevin and Patrick. Mary is preceded in death by Mother, Edith Starcher, Father, William Raulston, and Brother, Arthur Bushey. Mary is survived by son, Kevin Miller, wife, Tabitha, and grandchildren, Caroline, Kaeden, and Claire. Son, Patrick Miller, wife, Stacy, sisters, Kimmie and Debbie.

Mary will be remembered as a loving wife and mother, wonderful cook, and a tireless worker.

Receiving of friends, Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 2:00pm-3:00pm, with service following at 3:00pm. Location at Blount Funeral and Cremation, 2730 US HWY 411 S, Maryville, TN 37801.

In lieu of flowers, donate to TN Alzheimers Association.

Timothy “Tim” Howard Gray, 59, of Knoxville, TN passed away at home on Friday, January 17, 2025. Overall, Tim’s life was typified by prayer and passionately serving others. He undoubtedly treasured and provided for his family. Tim shared the gospel at every opportunity, in his day-to-day life and while on mission trips to Ireland, the island of Chuuk, Canada, Mexico, and Maine. He enjoyed things like landscaping, fishing, golfing, biking, going on trips with his family, and learning about and collecting pieces of history. He will be greatly missed.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Thomas “Tom” William Gray and his older brother, William “Bill” Watson Gray. Tim is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Stacey Lynn Gray, his three cherished children: Sydney Reneé Zurowski (John), Savannah Rose Sides (Garrett), and Donovan Timothy Gray, his kindhearted mother Patsy Ann Gray, his siblings Thomas “Tom” Walter Gray (Shelley) and Patricia “Patty” Ann Magnee, his nephews Hayden Magnee (Samantha) and Matt Magnee, and his half-sisters Patti Wiles and Terri Maples. 

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 4-6 p.m. at River Oaks Community Church (1220 Brown School Rd, Maryville, TN 37804) with a memorial service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Fundraiser by Savannah Gray : Support for Tim Gray's Memorial Service to help cover memorial costs and support Stacey Gray as she transitions into this new time of life without her beloved husband, Timothy.

The family also extends profound gratitude to all of those friends and family who have diligently served, prayed for, and loved Tim and his family during the progression of his illness and in his final days. You all are the hands and feet of Jesus.

Wendell Allen (Scrapper) Campbell passed away at home on Friday, January 10, 2025. He was an active member of Broadway Baptist Church for 76 years and a member of ALCOA 25-year club. Proceeded in death by parents E.W. and Ida Mae Campbell; sister Judy Anderson; and son Jeffrey Lee Campbell. Survived by his wife, Carol, the love of his life for more than 61 years; son Mike (Sheith): grandsons Cade; Chase (Ryleigh); great grandson Finn all of Columbus, OH; best sister-in-law ever Sharon (Bob) Carter of Maryville; niece Kristie (Anthony) Partridge of Alcoa and a host of friends and church family. Visitation Thursday January 16th, 2025, at 10AM-12PM Funeral service will be at 12PM at Broadway Baptist Church; 2329 East Broadway; Maryville, Tn 37804. Pastor Tony Collins and Pastor Steve Mouzon officiating. Interment will be at 1PM at Grandview Pavilion; 2316 Graves Rd, Maryville, TN 37803. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Scrapper's name to Broadway Baptist Church Mission Fund. The family wishes to thank Blount Hospice (Echo, Sheila, Jan, Hiroko and also Katie for their compassionate care of our loved one. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23:6 KJV www.blountfuneralandcremation.com

Stephanie Jewell Hunt, 47, of Knoxville, TN has passed away on Dec. 29, 2024. Stephanie, daughter of Shelley Crowe and Leo Stringer, had succumbed to her long battle with mental health issues and took her own life.

She is survived by her only son, Ethan Hunt, and her mother, Shelley Crowe, both of Alcoa, TN. Outside of Tennessee, Stephanie is survived by her brother, Chris Blythe of California, and her father, Leo Stringer of Texas. Extended family also includes her uncles: Shelby Blythe and Monty Moore. She was also lasted by her longtime companion of the same age, Torrey Harris.

Stephanie spent the final 17 years of her life serving as a phlebotomist at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. It also worth mentioning her few years volunteering in the Blount County Rescue Squad. Due to “Steph” having a jovial and strong presence, she had created many friends in her work environment that may never forget her. Steph had spent her most of her youth in California, where she had crafted numerous special bonds with those that admired her bright presence. Stephanie would want to be remembered as a strong, exuberant, and outgoing spirit that positively impacted the lives of all those around her, while still keeping her fighting nature for as long as she could.

At her request, there will be no official service. For her family and friends, keep Stephanie Hunt in your thoughts and exemplify her as the person her loved ones remember her for.

RIP Stephanie Jewell Hunt, we loved you.

www.blountfuneralandcremation.com

EVELYN WARD ROSS

Evelyn Ward Ross, of Maryville, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 28, 2024. She was raised in Lenoir City and attended the University of Tennessee. Evelyn moved to Maryville after her marriage to her beloved husband Michael in 1977. They celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this past year. She was a blessing everywhere she went, a beautiful and extremely elegant lady. Her faith, family and friends were central to her life. Evelyn was a member of First United Methodist Church in Maryville. Her smile, kind heart, and sense of humor are unforgettable. Evelyn was preceded in death by parents, James S. and Lexie Pauline Ward. She is survived by her husband, Michael L. Ross; sister, Verginia Ward Eckert; and nieces and nephews, Brian (Audra) Eckert, Greta (Daniel) Basham, Jill (Tim) McPherson, Laura (Dwight) Ross, Julia (David) Ross, Jeff (Jennifer) Ross, Leanne (Isidor) Ross, Susan (Pete) Ross, Jon (Tonya) Ross, and Rebecca Jordan who all loved her dearly.

On Friday, January 10, 2024, the family will receive friends from 3-5 pm followed by a Celebration of Life at First United Methodist Church of Maryville, 804 Montvale Station Rd., Maryville, TN, 37803.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to First United Methodist Church, Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries, or St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Joyce Ann McElroy, 82, of Maryville, TN, passed away on November 24, 2024, at her home.

Joyce was a longtime member of the Maryville Church of Christ. She began her career at the Tennessee Press Association before serving as the Lead Administrative Assistant in the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department at the University of Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Leona Burger; her brother, Darewin Burger; and her son, David McElroy. Joyce is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Shay McElroy, and her granddaughter, Sofia McElroy, all of Flower Mound, TX.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the Maryville Church of Christ, 611 Sherwood Dr., Maryville, TN. A service will follow at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Steve Riley. The interment will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, 3176 Airport Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701.

Arrangements are provided by Blount Funeral and Cremation, 2730 US HWY 411 S, Maryville, TN 37801. For more information, please contact (865) 227-1312 or visit www.blountfuneralandcremation.com.

Rhonda “Pinky” Bennett had a vibrant personality that touched everyone she met. She devoted herself to caring for countless individuals in their final moments and supported many in need. As president of the Azusa Street Riders local chapter, she embraced her love for the hills and lakes of Tennessee, Harley Davidson and a group of friends that she adored. Rhonda was a devoted dog mom and will be deeply missed by her dogs. Her passion for leading others to Jesus and fervent worship of God were evident in all aspects of her life.
Rhonda was preceded in death by her grandparents, Orban and Ruby Bennett, Lola Pearl and Ulyes Kirkland, her father, Robert Bennett, and stepfather, Tommy Maynard.