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.)
Buddy Blevins, 85
Oneida
September 5, 1940 – September 2, 2026
Robert Tirl “Buddy” Blevins, age 85, of Oneida, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at his home with his loving family by his side.
LIFE
Born Sept. 5, 1940, Buddy was the son of the late Tirl Monroe and Florence Elizabeth West Blevins. He was a member of Pine Creek United Baptist Church. As a young boy he delivered newspapers around the West Oneida area and helped his dad on various jobs. For many years he helped Jess Weaver, his wife and girls, at the Jess Weaver Store. One of his favorite things was going to churches all over Scott County and listening to gospel music. He was very knowledgeable of the Bible. For many years he made greeting cards for people all around the United States. He meant no harm to anyone. Buddy was a kind and loving person.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Parents: Tirl Monroe and Florence Elizabeth West Blevins.
• Infant sister: Flora Elizabeth Blevins.
• Brothers: Roy Earl Blevins, William H. (Bill) Blevins and Joseph A. (Joe) Blevins.
• Brothers-in-law: Norman L. Crabtree and Harold Chambers.
SURVIVORS
• Sisters: Ramona M. Crabtree, Mary Chambers and Beverly J. Blevins (Gene).
• Brother: John N. Blevins.
• Sister-in-law: Wanda Blevins.
SERVICES
• Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home.
• Funeral: To follow at 6 p.m. with Bro. Keith Marcum and Tony Daugherty officiating.
• Burial: To follow at Marcum-Kidd Cemetery.
Arrangements by Jones & Son Funeral Home.
Bradford Chambers, 91
Oneida
May 18, 1935 – September 7, 2026
Bradford R. Chambers, age 91, of Oneida, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tenn.
LIFE
Born May 18, 1935, Brad was the son of the late Joe Mart and Laura Belle Collins Chambers. He was a graduate of the Oneida High School Class of 1954. He attended Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn., where he was in dental school. He was drafted into the US Army, and while there he received the Good Conduct Medal.In March of 1957, he married the love of his life and soul mate that he always referred to as Christine. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Brad and Christine made their home in Indianapolis, Ind. There he remained until he moved to Lexington, Ky., then Bradenton, Fla., until he returned to Tennessee in 2025. Brad loved and took great pride in his flowers. He specialized in Africa violets and won many ribbons at shows in Indiana and surrounding states. He always had beautiful gardens wherever he lived. Brad, along with his best friend in life, Bob Dailey, spearheaded a bus ministry at his church in Indianapolis for under privileged children. He also served as song director, Sunday School teacher, and Deacon through the years. He was a faithful member and supporter of the churches he attended throughout the years. Faith Haven Baptist Church in Lexington, Ky., was special to him, even when he moved from the area. He continued to support, speak to and visit with Pastor John East and his wife, Kim Weekley. Brad fiercely loved his family. He attained the title of great-great Poppa Brad. He always said, “They keep getting grander” the more that he got.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Parents: Joe Mart and Laura Belle Collins Chambers.
• Soulmate and mother of his children: Doris Christine Boyatt Chambers.
• Special companion: Wilmerth (Willie) Marley.
• In-laws: Boyce and Laura Miller Boyatt.
• Brothers: Cliff (Juanita) (Prillie) Chambers, Tommy (Mertie) Chambers and JR Chambers.
• Sisters: Eva (Junior) Litton and Jetta Chambers.
• Brothers-in-law: Wayne Boyatt and Royce Boyatt.
• Sisters-in-law: Charlene (Robert) Ellis and Sandra (Johnny) Crabtree.
• Son-in-law: JR Baker.
SURVIVORS
• Daughters: Laura (Paul) Lay and Elaine (John) O’Beine.
• Grandsons: Sean (Liana) Spradlin and Cameron (Gina) Spradlin.
• Granddaughter: Shawn (Josh) Downton.
• Great-grandchildren: Eight, who were the light of his life.
• Great-great-grandchildren: Six, who all called him Pappa Brad.
• Sister: Colletta (Cecil) Chitwood.
• Brothers-in-law: Deffis (Sharon) Boyatt, Dale (Karen) Boyatt and Steve Boyatt.
• Sister-in-law: Euladean (Benny) Carson.
• Constant doggie companion: Blaze.
SERVICES
Brad’s choice was cremation. A private memorial service will be held at his graveside at a later date.
Arrangements by Jones & Son Funeral Home.
Bibi Drinnon, 91
Huntsville
March 23, 1935 – September 1, 2026
Vivian Ileana “Bibi” Loveday Drinnon, lovingly known as “Bibi,” passed on into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sept. 1, 2026, at her home in Huntsville.
LIFE
Born March 23, 1935, Bibi was the daughter of Robert and Ellis Loveday. She was a faithful wife and mother and dear friend to many. She worked over the years at the Blue Circle Restaurant, the City of Knoxville cafeteria (where she met her husband Guy Drinnon), and the local Knox County school cafeteria and as a treasured baby-sitter and caregiver to many babies and children. She was a faithful member and active part of her local church always taking part in Bible school and any activities going on. She was also always involved in her children’s and later grandchildren’s activities. Bibi truly exemplified a Christian walking with her Lord every day! Bibi will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Husband of 33 years: Guy Edward Drinnon.
• Parents: Robert and Ellis Loveday.
• Sisters: Wanda Nelson, Betty Smith, Barbara Tipton and Peggy Townsend.
• Brothers: Oscar Floyd Loveday, Douglas Loveday, Quinten Loveday and Marvin Loveday.
SURVIVORS
• Son: Guy Drinnon and wife Judy.
• Daughter: Michelle Carson and husband Jared.
• Grandchildren: Morgan Taylor and husband Mark, John Carson and wife Emily, Grant Drinnon and wife Noelle, and Merry Lay and husband Hughston.
• Great-grandchildren: Sawyer Vivian Drinnon, Sadie Drinnon, Brody Taylor and Carson Lay.
• Honorary grandchildren: Christy Turner, Kristin Langdon and Abby Stridde.
• Great-nephew: Randall Smith.
• Best friend and caregiver: Lisa King.
SERVICES
• Visitation: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mountain View Missionary Baptist Church.
• Funeral: To follow at 7 p.m. with Bro. Jared Carson officiating.
• Burial: Graveside service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Berry Highland South Memorial Park, 9010 E. Simpson Road, Knoxville, Tenn.
Arrangements by Jones & Son Funeral Home.
James Patterson, 80
Oneida
June 11, 1946 – September 2, 2026
James Patterson, age 80 of Oneida, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.
LIFE
Born June 11, 1946, James was the son of the late Gilbert and Rose Ella Abbott Patterson.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Parents: Gilbert and Rose Ella Abbott Patterson.
• Sisters: Elizabeth Ellis, Flossie King and Faye Patterson.
• Brother: Thomas Patterson.
SURVIVORS
• Brothers: William Patterson and Joseph Patterson.
• Daughters: Rinda Cadell and Lela Oliver.
SERVICES
• Visitation: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home.
• Burial: A graveside service will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery with Bro. Mark Muse officiating.
Arrangements by West-Murley Funeral Home.
Hurstle Terry, 81
Oneida
August 19, 1945 – September 8, 2026
Hurstle Terry, age 81 of Oneida, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, at his home.
LIFE
Born Aug. 19, 1945, Hurstle was the son of the late Febie Watson Terry.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Mother: Febie Watson Terry.
• Brothers: Clayton Terry, Milford Terry and infant brother, James.
• Sisters: Marie Honeycutt and Ella Chambers.
SURVIVORS
• Wife: Phyllis Terry.
• Sons: Dude Michael Terry and wife Lisa, and Shon Terry and wife Sabrina.
• Daughter: Andrea Cooper and husband Cecil.
• Grandsons: Seth Terry, Adrian Terry and Samuel Terry.
• Granddaughters: Brittany Massengale, Savannah Terry, Sydney Lawson and husband Andrew, and Kylie King and husband Clay.
• Great-grandsons: Eli Rose, Wyatt Boyatt, Kolt Potter, Gus Terry and Bo Shultz.
• Brothers: Jimmy Terry and Chuck Terry.
• Sister: Irene Terry.
• Special nephew: Roy Layne.
• Special friend: Lyhue Crowley.
SERVICES
• Visitation: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home.
• Celebration of Life: To follow at 3 p.m. with Bro. Darrell Laxton and Bro. James Roberts officiating.
• Burial: To follow at Litton Cemetery.
Arrangements by Jones & Son Funeral Home.
Kay White, 78
June 23, 1948 – September 6, 2026
Kay White, age 78, departed this life on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026.
LIFE
Born June 23, 1948, Kay was the daughter of the late Donald Packingham and Hermine Huntoon.
PRECEDED IN DEATH
• Parents: Donald Packingham and Hermine Huntoon.
• Husband: Butch White.
• Son: Martin Buzzell.
• Brothers: Michael Packingham and Donald Packingham.
• Granddaughter: McKenzie Nicely.
SURVIVORS
• Daughters: Angela Fields, and Amy Lay and husband James.
• Grandchildren: Christine and Justin Sheldon, Randy Arman Jr., Chelsea Kay Grubbs and Phoenix, Sarah King and husband John, Matt Lay and wife Kaitlyn, Nick Lay and wife Nevaeh, and Noah Lay and wife Kate.
• Great-grandchildren: Kearstin, Kaydin, Kaiya, Parker, James, Lili and Sarah.
• Sisters: Ruth Ann Jacobsen, Emma Mottashed and Deni Grubbs.
• Special friends: Jim and Sharon Leverence.
SERVICES
Kay’s wishes were cremation. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at 12 p.m. in the chapel of Four Oaks Funeral Home in Huntsville, with Bro. Charlie Golden officiating.
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)