Obituaries
Lillard MillerJanuary 29, 1936 – October 27, 2023
Lillard Miller, age 87, of Oneida, TN, departed this life on Friday, October 27, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 29, 1936, in the No Business Community to the late Will J. and Nora Ellen Burke Miller. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws: Robert and Edna Thompson Jeffers; daughter: Lisa Renee Miller; siblings: Hester (Auton) Kidd, Lorene (Luther) Phillips, Eva (Kenneth ‘Dutch’) Payne, Laurie (Boyce) Boyatt, Elizabeth (Ray) Harris, Leonard (Louise) Miller, and Bob Perry. Lillard spent his life working outdoors and serving in various ways in the Scott County Community. He was a local businessman for over 60 years. Some of the accomplishments during his life included the opening of Lillard Miller Excavating, the Owner and Operator of Oneida Equipment, and Miller and Sons Paving until his retirement. He served as a long-time Board Member of the Scott County School System, and a board member of the Mountain People’s Health Council. He was named Farmer of the Year in 1998. Lillard was a member of the Black Oak Baptist Church. Lillard is survived by his wife of 66 years: Dorla Jeffers Miller; sons: Tim and Tracey (Sexton) Miller, Kim and Sherry (Hamblin) Miller, and Kevin and Rachel (Jeffers) Miller, all of Oneida; grandchildren: Brandon Miller, Jason (Carmen) Miller, Ashley (Jacob) Billingsley, Jenna (Eric) Smith, Kayci (Dylan) West, Brooke Miller, Mark (Ashilee) Mill-er, Logan (Bayli) Miller, and Wyatt Miller; great grandchildren: Brenlynn Miller, Ellie, Rhett, Chyles Miller, Kinley, Karsyn, and Knox Billingsley, Britton, Beckham, Brenzlee Smith, Tatum West, Jayilee Coffey, Macon and Hazilynn Miller; one sister: Juanita Perry; brothers-in-law: John Lee (Ann) Jeffers, and James Robert (Genetta) Jeffers; as well as many other relatives and friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Brenda Smith, Michelle Ashcraft, Grace Primary Care, and Chelsea Shelton. Friends may visit with the Miller family on Monday, October 30, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until time of funeral service at 5:00 p.m. at the Black Oak Baptist Church with Bro. Kyle Keeton, Bro. Jeremy Burke, and Bro. Bradley Kidd offi ciating. Music will be provided by the Black Oak Church Choir, Steve Lambert, and Christel Boyatt. Committal service will follow in the Miller Family Cemetery in the Black Oak Community. Pallbearers will be: Logan Miller, Eric Smith, Jacob Billinsley, Jason Miller, Mark Miller, Wyatt Miller, Dylan West, and Brandon Miller.West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of Lillard Miller.
Paul Griffi thFebruary 25, 1942 – October 25, 2023
Paul Griffi th, 81, of Oneida, TN departed this life on October 25, 2023, at Victorian Square Assisted Living Facility in Rockwood, TN. He was born February 25, 1942, in the Brimstone Community to Ben and Jessie Reagan Griffi th. He owned and operated G&A Trucking Company both successfully and proudly. He received an award from the State of Tennessee for the longest running small trucking company in the state. He was a member of New River Baptist Church for many many years.Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by brother Luther Griffith and wife Shirley, Sister Thelma Zachary and husband Jerry Jr, sister Pernie Maner and husband Sammy, and 1 infant brother. Also, son-in-law James Perkins and niece Karen Hamby. He is survived by his daughters: Chantel Perkins & Bethany Flynn. Chosen Daughters: Crystal Zachary & Claudia Baird and husband Jim. Granddaughters: Layla Perkins, Jessie “The Captain” Perkins, Kayla Perkins (Gaven), Grandson: Kaidan Flynn, , Nieces: Jerri Chitwood and husband Sherman, Debbie Rausch and husband David, Terri York and husband RoyLee, Dorcella Culver and husband Richard, Jody Summers and husband Richard, Patty Tanguay and husband Martin, Sheryl Anderson and husband Greg, and Pauletta Jones and husband Dennis. Special Friends: Kermit Phillips, Jody Jones, Roger Ray Baldwin. Mother of his child: Lisa Billings. And a host of other family members and friends. The family would like to give a special thank you to Victorian Square Assisted Living Facility for all the love and care provided to him during his stay there. Visitation will be on Monday October 30, 2023, from 6p-9p at New River Baptist Church. Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday October 31, 2023, at 12pm at New River Baptist Church with Reverend Kermit Phillips and Brother Joey Zachary offi ciating. Burial to follow funeral services in Lone Mountain Cemetery.Pall Bearers: Dennis Jones, David Rausch, Tony Jeffers, Jackie Davis, Wayne Reed, Ken-ny Morrow, Earl Smith, and Tyler Newman. You may light a candle tribute in his honor by visiting www.fouroaksfuneralhomes.com.Four Oaks Funeral Home of Oneida is honored to be serving the family of Paul Griffith
Choice Albert Ryon November 23, 1943 – October 23, 2023
Choice Albert Ryon, age 79, departed this life on Monday, October 23, 2023, at his home in the presence of his loved ones. Choice loved his Lord Jesus Christ and also loved to fi sh, hunt, camp, ride horses, ride four wheelers, go boating and traveling to Michigan, Florida and North Carolina. He enjoyed being with family and friends. His greatest passion was to be able to support his sons and grandchildren in all their various activi-ties. He loved being a coach for little league baseball. He was a truck driver and owned and operated his own trucking business for many years. He was a wonderful husband, dad, Pop Pop, Father In-law, brother in-law, uncle and friend. Choice proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was preceded in death by his parents: Richard Nelson Ryon & Thelma May Culver Ryon; Son: Gregory Ryon; Brothers: Richard Nelson Ryon, Jr, & Robert Claire Ryon; Sister: Patricia Lee Brown. He was sur-vived by his wife who he had been married to since June 10, 1978: Renee Denise DeWolf Ryon; Children: Todd Ryon & wife Brandon, & Choice Ryon & wife Bridgette; Grand-children: Todd Derek Ryon , Jr., Brock Aaron Ryon, Choice Aaron Ryon, Jr., Chet James Ryon, Cross Ledoux Ryon, Tonya & Josh Crawford (Tinley, Silas, Aven, Aislyn), Cynthia & Lucas Freimuth (Atlas & Maverick), & Mallory Ryon (Hudson); Sister: Florence Ann Ryon; Special Friend: Jeana Ann Malone; and many other relatives & friends. Choice’s wishes were cremation. The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, October 28, 2023, in the Chapel of Four Oaks Funeral Home in Oneida from 10:00 a.m. until time with full military honors provided by American Legion Post #136 at 11:45 a.m. A Celebration of Life will begin at 12:00 noon with Bro. David Gass offi ci-ating. Music will be provided by Brock Aaron Ryon & Chet James Ryon, Randy Terry, Mary Ann Byrd, & Juanita Barker. You may light a candle tribute in his honor by visiting www.fouroaksfuneralhomes.com.Four Oaks Funeral Home of Oneida is honored to be serving the family of Choice Albert Ryon
Estel WestOctober 6, 1982 – October 22, 2023
Estel Lee West, age 41 of Oneida, TN passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Knoxville, TN. Born on October 6, 1982, in Oneida TN, he was the son of Esther and Paul Duncan of Oneida and the late Donald and Linda West. He was a member of West Oneida Baptist Church. In addition to his father and stepmother, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Estel and Artie West and Addison and Willie Watters. In addition to his mother and stepfather, Estel is survived by his daughter, Erika West and her signifi cant other Jaden Whitehead; a granddaughter, whom Estel had a very special love for, Ember Whitehead-West, all of Oneida; brothers, Jimmy Roysdon and wife Donna of Helenwood, Johnny Duncan and wife Melissa of Oneida, Billy Duncan and wife Leisha of Oneida; sisters, Bridget Morrow and signifi cant other John Jr. Sexton of Oneida, Amy Smith and husband Mark of Helenwood, Joni Duncan and husband Anthony of Winfi eld; special aunts, Elsie Jones, Maudie Blevins, and Delsey Roysdon; nephews, Chris Roys-don of Helenwood, Colby and wife Lauren of Chattanooga, TN, Cody Posey and wife Jacqueline of Oneida; niece, Kasha Mason and husband Jesse of Fort Myers, Florida; special friend, Stacy Posey; several other nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends. Friends may visit with the West family on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 12 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home with Bro. Dennis Blevins and Bro. Ronnie Walters offi ciating. Music will be provided by the West Oneida Baptist Church choir. Committal service will follow in the Smith Forbis Cemetery in Oneida. Pallbearers will be family and friends.
Harold CaldwellNovember 23, 1943 – October 23, 2023
Harold Caldwell, age 88, departed this life on Saturday October 21, 2023. He was born on September 27, 1935 in Louisville, Kentucky to the late Willie Fields and his mother Sallie Caldwell Bradley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Brothers: Elihu Curtis (E.C.) Caldwell, Benjamin George Bradley, & George Edward Brad all of Cincinnati, Ohio; Sister: Freda Sallie Bradley Ledford of London, Kentucky; Nephew: Thomas Brad of Cincinnati, Ohio, & Steven Ledford; Niece: Vicki Caldwell-Kave of Fairfi eld, Ohio. He was survived by Nephews: James Caldwell of Bright, Indiana, David Brad of Mason, Ohio, Benjamin Bradley & Jeffery Bradley of Cin-cinnati, Ohio, Edward Ledford of Lexington, Kentucky; Nieces: Sheri Brad Frey of West Chester, Ohio, Susan Brad Sutton of Mason, Ohio, Karen Caldwell of Arizona, & Sheila Ledford of London, Kentucky; Special Friends that cared for him: Sheldon Dobbs, Charles Dean & Yvonne Strunk, & William Strunk, & many others that cared for him. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service to begin at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Four Oaks Funeral Home of Huntsville. Burial to follow in the Sexton Cemetery in the Paint Rock Community. You may light a candle tribute in his honor by visiting www.fouroaksfuneralhomes.com.Four Oaks Funeral Home of Huntsville is honored to be serving the family of Harold Caldwell.
Sharon Delaine PayneApril 4, 1954 – October 24, 2023
Sharon Delaine Payne, age 69, departed this life on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. She was born on April 4, 1954. Sharon loved life, she enjoyed wildlife and nature and loved anything outdoors. When she was able to, she loved four-wheeling. She loved her cat Ms. Kitty. She loved her sisters and adored her parents. She enjoyed living & was grateful for every day She was preceded in death by her uncles: Ira Payne, Chleoba, Willard Payne, Johnny King, & Keith King; Aunts: Phyllis Patton, Wanda Lynn Weddle, Joretta Keeton, Mildred Dellarco, & Linda Chleoba; Grandparents: Estle Ray Payne & Esther Chleoba; Herman & Carol Lee King. She was survived by her Parents: Manford & Jimmie Sue Payne; Lov-ing Sisters: Jimi Payne, & Mickey Payne; Special Niece: Chloe Childress; Uncle: Philip Ray King; Aunts: Sue Thompson & husband James, Carolyn Lay & husband Bob, Sandy Radcliff & husband Max, & Elizabeth Yasir; Special Friends: Devonda Foster, & Regina Burress; Many other relatives and friends. Sharon’s wishes were cremation. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date for friends & family. You may light a candle trib-ute in her honor by visiting www.fouroaksfuneralhomes.com.Four Oaks Funeral Homes of Oneida is honored to be serving the family of Sharon De-laine Payn
Ellen SextonApril 27, 1944 – October 24, 2023
Ellen Cathalean Sexton, age 79 of Robbins, TN passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. Born in Robbins, TN on April 27, 1944, she was the daughter of the late James Moffi tt and Arie (Gross) Moffi tt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Hollis Sexton; son, Hollis Lynn Sexton; sister, Nancy Delph; and brothers, Bill Moffi tt and Kelly Moffi tt. Ellen is survived by her sons, Joseph Sexton (Jami) and Sherman Sexton; grandsons, Hollis Lynn Sexton, Jr., Jeremy Sexton, Joseph Sexton, Jr, Sherman Sexton, Jr., and Scott Edinboro; granddaughters, Veronica Sexton, Ka-tie Sexton, and Taryn Sexton; sister, Mary Sexton; many great grandchildren; other belov-ed relatives and friends. Friends may visit with the Sexton family on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 12 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home. Committal service will follow in the Black Creek Crossroads Cemetery in Robbins. Family will serve as pallbearers.West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of Ellen Cathalean Sexton.
