You’re reading Threads of Life, a weekly obituaries newsletter that remembers and honors our friends and family members who made an impact on Scott County through the ways they lived their lives. Threads of Life is delivered to you courtesy of Jones & Son and West-Murley Funeral Homes. (Want to adjust your subscription settings? Click here.)
Donnie Bowlin, 70
Oneida
April 21, 1956 – August 4, 2026
Donald Ray Bowlin, age 70, entered his eternal home with the Lord on Aug. 4, 2026.
LIFE
Born April 21, 1956, Donnie was a devoted Christian throughout his life and faithfully served the Lord with a humble heart. He was well known for preaching the Gospel and sharing his love for Christ through song in his church, where he also served as Sunday school superintendent throughout the years. Whether standing behind the pulpit or lifting his voice in worship, he touched countless lives with his testimony, compassion and steadfast faith. His greatest desire was for others to know the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Donnie was a dedicated member of the Macedonia Christian Center. He dedicated himself to serving others through his work as an emergency medical technician in Scott County, providing comfort and care during life’s most difficult moments. He was the founding chief of the 7th District Fire Department. He also proudly worked as a driver for ETHRA, where he enjoyed helping those in his community and formed many meaningful friendships along the way. His life was marked by kindness, generosity and a willingness to help anyone in need, especially children.
Above all else, Donnie treasured his family. Those who knew him will remember his gentle spirit, warm smile, unwavering faith and servant’s heart. His legacy of love, compassion and dedication to God will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Parents: A.J. “Buck” Bowlin and Annette Herald.
• Mother of his children: Brenda Brenneman.
• Brother: Randall Yeager.
SURVIVORS
• Brother: Ty Herald.
• Son: Bobby Bowlin and wife Tabitha.
• Daughter: Terri Bowlin and partner Blaine Dykes.
• Grandchildren: Cheyenne Guy and Eli Nicely.
• Great-granddaughter on the way: Cassidy Rayne.
• Beloved dog: Patch.
SERVICES
• Visitation: Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home.
• Funeral: To follow at 6 p.m. with Bro. Randall Duncan officiating.
• Burial: Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at 12 p.m. at the West Cemetery.
Arrangements by West-Murley Funeral Home.
–
Gary Day, 65
Oneida
April 28, 1961 – August 1, 2026
Gary Allen Day, age 65 of Oneida, TN passed away at his home on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
LIFE
Born April 28, 1961, Gary was the son of Clois and Shirley Phillips Day.His grandparents were the late Norman and Flonnie Day and the late Flossie Davis of Huntsville Manor.
Gary was an active member of High Point United Baptist Church where he enjoyed chatting with other church family members, as well as hearing the Word of God. He also enjoyed his turn serving as Sunday school superintendent.
Gary always had a strong work ethic. He took pride in whatever he worked at. His working career started as a young boy delivering papers on a paper route. He also mowed yards for various people in the Pine Hill area. He worked for several years as a DJ at WBNT Radio Station in Oneida. For the last nearly 40 years he has worked in the lumber business, first with Dan Billingsley and then with Danny King Lumber. He was very intelligent and worked hard to provide for his family.
Gary was an avid mandolin player. He enjoyed getting together with his brothers and other pickers to play bluegrass music. He also enjoyed fishing with his son and others. Gary had a sense of humor and could joke and cut up with the best. He was kind of sneaky too.
Gary married his sweetheart Cathy Terry on Aug. 1, 1980. They have enjoyed many happy years.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Father: Clois Day.
• Grandparents: Norman and Flonnie Day and Flossie Davis.
• Mother-in-law: Jewell Phillips.
SURVIVORS
• Wife of 46 years: Cathy Day.
• Mother: Shirley Day.
• Son: Daniel and wife Christina.
• Brothers: Larry and wife Lisa, Darrell and wife Debbie, and Randall and wife Cindy.
• Grandchildren: Ezekiel and Zoe Day; step-grandsons: Alex and Izek Wilson.
• Special nephew: Ryan Day of Oneida, of whom he was very proud and played Sandy Claus jokes on at Christmas.
• Special littles: Erin and Ryker, whom he referred to as his niece and nephew.
SERVICES
• Visitation: Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home.
• Funeral: To follow at 7 p.m. with Bro. Jamie Byrd and Bro. Eli Crowley officiating.
• Burial: Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Orick Cemetery in the Low Gap community.
Arrangements by West-Murley Funeral Home.
–
Barbara Robbins, 84
Robbins
August 14, 1941 – July 24, 2026
Barbara Jo Robbins departed this life peacefully on July 24, 2026, at the age of 84.
LIFE
Born Aug. 14, 1941, in Robbins, Barbara Jo lived a life defined by kindness, compassion, and an unwavering willingness to help others. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone she met feel welcome. Those who knew her well will also remember her by the nickname “3494.” No explanation is necessary for the many whose lives she touched — it will always bring a smile and a cherished memory.
Later in life, Barbara Jo discovered her true calling as a caregiver. She devoted herself to caring for those who needed a helping hand, offering not only assistance but also friendship, dignity, and genuine love. Her generous spirit left a lasting impression on countless people and will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
Brother: David Acres.
SURVIVORS
• Son: Todd Robbins.
• Sister: Brenda Woods and husband Larry.
• Nephew: Ryan Woods.
• Sister: Lynda Runyon and husband Roger.
• Brother: James Acres and wife Judy.
• Nephew: Jamie Acres.
• Niece: Bridgette Acres.
• Brother: Curtis Acres.
• Sister-in-law: Janiece Acres.
• Nephew: Justin Acres.
SERVICES
• Visitation: Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the chapel of Four Oaks Funeral Home in Oneida.
• Burial: To follow at Cotton Cemetery with Bro. David Barnhouse officiating, where she will be laid to rest beside her mother and father.
Arrangements by Four Oaks Funeral Home.
Threads of Life is sponsored by Jones & Son Funeral Home and West-Murley Funeral Home: Proudly serving the families of Scott County with care, dignity and trust. Visit jandwfh.com.
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Our Newsletters:
• Monday morning: The Daybreaker (news & the week ahead)
• Tuesday: Echoes from the Past (stories of our history)
• Wednesday: Threads of Life (obituaries)
• Thursday evening: The Weekender (news & the weekend)
• Friday: Friday Features (beyond the news)
• Sunday: Varsity (a weekly sports recap)