OBITUARIES
Johnson City, TN. Obituaries
Local obituaries for Johnson City and Washington County, TN.
Clydie Clark
Aug 18, 2025
Obituary for Clydie Muse Clark
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clydie Muse Clark, who left us peacefully on August 18, 2025. Born on July 19, 1950, in Marksville, Louisiana, Clydie was a beloved Wife, daughter, mother, and friend. She spent her life dedicated to her family as a housewife, cooking, and creating a warm and...
James "Robbie" Ray III
Aug 17, 2025
James "Robbie" Ray III, age 62 of Johnson City, formerly of Watauga, passed away at home surrounded by his family and friends. Robbie grew up in Watauga and graduated from Elizabethton High School in 1981. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Johnson City.
Robbie was a passionate sports fan, with his heart firmly dedicated to the Miami Dolphins—he...
Grady Coleman, Sr.
Aug 15, 2025
Grady Coleman, Sr., 77, of Gray, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the VA Medical Center.
A proud father of three and a retired U.S. Army Veteran who served in Vietnam, Grady will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A full obituary, along with service details, will be shared here once arrangements are finalized.
In...
Russell LaPaglia
2025
Russell (Russ) LaPaglia died peacefully on Friday, August 15th at age 89, with his loving wife at his side.
Born in Bronx, NY, Russ lived a full life dedicated to family, career, and service. He graduated from Fordham University, received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Rochester, and was a member of the American Chemical Society. He served...
Skip Thornton
Aug 9, 2025
Smith “Skip” P. Thorton Jr. Major, U.S. Army (Ret.) of Johnson City, was called home by his Lord & Savior on August 9, 2025.
Major Thorton was a resident of Johnson City, TN but traveled to many locations after his graduation from University High in 1966. Upon enlisting in the Army during the Vietnam conflict he then enrolled in the ETSU...
Madison Bowman
Aug 8, 2025
Madison Leigh-Grindstaff Bowman of Johnson City, TN died tragically at the age of 39 on Friday, August 8th, 2025. She was a compassionate and loving member of the human race, and she was proud to be in a long line of strong Appalachian women.
She was an avid gardener, a terrific cook and a lover of all animals great and small....
Jamie Johnathon Payne
Aug 8, 2025
Jamie Johnathon Payne, 56, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, at Johnson City Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.
A lifelong resident of Johnson City, Jamie was known for his warm spirit, deep love for music, and his enduring presence in the local musical community. He was a talented singer and spent many years performing...
Richard Swisher
2025
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Richard Allen Swisher, who left us on August 1, 2025, after a life well-lived. Born on July 8, 1948, in Bucyrus, Ohio, Richard brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. He spent his years as a devoted father and successful professional, working as the Director of Operations at...
Joyce Annette Kelley
Jul 30, 2025
Mrs. Joyce Annette Kelley, 82, of Johnson City, cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, completed her life's journey, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, July 30th, at her home, following a lengthy illness.
Joyce was born in Elizabethton, TN, to the late Clyde Bowers and Mossie Nave-Bowers, on July 4, 1943 and spent her childhood in the Blue Springs community of...
Rosalie Berry Cox
Jul 27, 2025
Rosalie Berry Cox, age 81, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Hardin Valley in Knoxville.
Rosalie was the daughter of the late Leroy and Rosa Berry. Born and raised in Johnson City, Tennessee, she graduated from Science Hill High School in 1961. She went on to work at General...
Hazel Fields
Jul 23, 2025
Hazel Delores "Dot" Royston Fields, 88, passed away on July 23, 2025, at home in Brunswick, Georgia. She was a native of Johnson City, Tennessee. Hazel was born to the late Howard Hicks Royston and Ethel Carder Royston.
She is survived by her daughters Karen Fields Mink (Joey) of Brunswick, Georgia, Deborah Fields Lewis and Robin Fields Ruff of Johnson City,...
Betty Gerwer
Jul 18, 2025
Betty Ruth Gerwer, 81, passed away on July 18, 2025, at Abundant Christian Living in Johnson City, Tennessee. Funeral arrangements are currently incomplete. For additional information, please contact Morris-Baker Funeral Home at 423-282-1521
Emma Jane Dosser
Jul 17, 2025
Emma Jane (Janie) Dosser, age 92, of Johnson City, died in her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
She was born Emma Jane Buell in Lore City, Ohio, on October 15, 1932, the first child of Marcellene Woodrum Buell and Vernon Roy Buell. Her father died when she was five years old, leaving her mother to raise...
Leroy Wayne Covert
Jul 15, 2025
Leroy “Lee” Wayne Covert, 78, of Johnson City, Tennessee, was born on January 31st, 1947, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Leroy passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
From an early age, he carried within him a steadfast determination and a kind heart — qualities that would define him throughout his life.
When his country called, Leroy answered with courage and conviction....
Evelyn Sharon Wrinn
Jul 15, 2025
Evelyn Sharon Wrinn, 79, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Agape Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
She was a native and lifelong resident of Johnson City, born on September 19, 1945, to the late Warren Moody and Ranah Church Moody. Evelyn was a graduate of Science Hill High School and dedicated her professional life to...
Gene Sweeney
Jul 14, 2025
Gene SweeneyIt is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Gene Sweeney, who left us on July 14, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on September 3, 1939, in Johnson City, TN, Gene lived a life full of kindness, laughter, and hard work.Gene was a dedicated auto mechanic, known for his skill and passion for cars....
Brenda Sue Hopson
Jul 6, 2025
Brenda Sue Hopson, 74, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away following a brief illness on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Johnson City Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.
Brenda was born into the loving home of the late David Thomas Grindstaff and Shirley Edmondson Grindstaff of Johnson City.
Mrs. Hopson was a retired LPN and she was of the Freewill Baptist...
James "Jim" Richardson
Jul 6, 2025
James "Jim" Richardson, age 89 of Johnson City, Tennessee passed away on July 6, 2025 at Johnson City Medical Center. He was born on November 17, 1935 in Roanoke, Virginia. He loved fishing and teaching his children how to fish. He was passionate about repairing vehicles and keeping them running. Jim volunteered at The VA Eye Center and was a...
Jean Ann Reece
Jul 6, 2025
Jean Ann Reece, 86, of Elizabethton, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
Born in Elizabethton, she was the oldest of five daughters of the late Charles Franklin and Jewel Mae Lilley. Jean graduated from Mary Hughes School in Piney Flats, where she met her future husband, Gordon Reece. They married in 1957 and settled in...
Patricia Bilbrey Grindstaff
Jul 5, 2025
Patricia Bilbrey Grindstaff, 78, of Limestone, went to be with the Lord on July 5, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends.
A Johnson City native, she was the youngest of three daughters born to the late Hubert and Mary (Seals) Haney.
She was a member of Charity Hill Free Will Baptist Church and also attended Central Baptist Church, where she worked...
