Charles “Chucky” Haynes

Charles “Chucky” Haynes was born on April 14, 1968, in Jellico, Tennessee, and passed away on December 31, 2023, at the age of 55.
Despite never having been employed, Charles lived a life of humble service, always desiring to see those around him succeed.
He was a beacon of kindness and humility in his community of Williamsburg, Kentucky, where he resided.
Charles was a cherished member of a large and loving family. He is survived by his brother, Jimmy Haynes and wife Connie; his niece, Jamie Moses and her husband Darrell; and his nephews and nieces, Kyley Glover, Tiffany Proffitt and her husband, Tony, Kayla Fuson and her husband, Andrew, Taylor Haynes, Samantha Haynes, Sam Haynes, John Glover, Dwight Haynes, Ethan Powers, and Malachi Haynes. Charles also leaves behind a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, Darrell (Beth Ann) Moses, Jr., Will (Misty) Moses, Faith Davis, Kyle (Brooklyn) Davis, Neiamiah White, Titus White, Alexander White, Olivia Fuson, Lillian Fuson, Eden Fuson, Lucy Fuson, Jake Fuson and Michael Smith, who will miss their beloved uncle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight Haynes and Bobbie Jean (Estes) Oakes and John Oakes, Jr., his siblings, Darrell “Sambo”, Londa Jean, and Gale Haynes, and the love of his life, Beth Thrasher.
Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of Charles at the Croley Funeral Home, located at 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky, for visitation on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 5:00 pm. The funeral service will follow at the same venue at 7:00 pm.
A graveside service will take place on Friday, January 5, at 11:00 pm at the Pleasant View Cemetery Stanfill Addition in Pleasant View, Kentucky.
We invite you to share your favorite memories or photos of Charles on the memorial page. Your stories and pictures will serve as a comfort to those who loved him and a testament to his humble and caring spirit. May we all strive to carry on Charles’s legacy of humility and service to others.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Out and About Kentucky Style: the Don Gullett story

His life was the stuff movies are made of. You’ve probably seen such a movie where the Kentucky farm boy was the sixth of eight kids destined to make it big in something someday. He knew he wanted more than pitching bales of hay on his farm and for nearby neighbors in Greenup County, Kentucky.

Gary West is an author and News Journal columnist.

In 1968, standing 6-foot and weighing 190 pounds, his football, basketball and baseball coaches at McKell High School knew then this guy was special. He was destined for the Hall of Fame in at least one sport, maybe three.

Few realize that Gullett still holds the single game football scoring record for high school in Kentucky. Against Wurtland he ran for 410 yards and scored 72 points in a McKell 72-7 victory. He scored all of the points, with 11 touchdowns and kicking six extra points.

In basketball, Gullett scored 47 points in a game, earning recognition on several all-state teams. Needless to say he was sought after by several colleges in both sports.

It was however, baseball where Don Gullett would make his name in professional sports. As good as he had been in football and basketball, his high school baseball record really turned heads. With a 30-4 career mark that included 10-0 his senior season, he once tossed a perfect game, striking out 20 of 21 batters he faced.

The Cincinnati Reds drafted him 14th in the first round of the 1969 amateur draft.

Gullett was good.

Although his 109-50 record with the Reds, wasn’t good enough to get him into the Hall of Fame, he was considered among the best pitchers in baseball and was a kingpin on some of the best Reds teams. Pete Rose once said Gullett was so fast he could hurl a baseball through a car wash without getting the ball wet.

During his career Gullett suffered from hepatitis, a broken thumb, dislocated ankle tendons, neck and shoulder injuries, and a double tear in his rotator cuff. He couldn’t recover, and on October 20, 1980 at the age of 27, Don Gullett was out of baseball.

Gullett returned to his farm near McKell, hunting, fishing, smoking three packs of cigarettes a day along with drinking a gallon of coffee. Then at the age of 35 he suffered a heart attack and underwent triple bypass surgery. At this time he was serving as a pitching coach in the Reds farm system. By 1993, he was back with the big club as they’re pitching coach.

Only a very few major league players have played for four consecutive World Series champions. In 1975 and 76 it was with the Reds, and for the Yankees in 1977 and 78. In all he was a member of six World Series teams.

Gullett gave up Hank Aaron’s 660th home run in August 1972. History came close to repeating itself when almost a year to the day later, he gave up Willie Mays 660th home run.

Today a monument to Gullett can be seen on the Greenup Courthouse lawn, proclaiming “This Is Don Gullett Country.” His picture can be seen on a flood wall in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Of course Don Gullett is in several Hall of Fames in Kentucky. Though not the big ones many anticipated, still not bad for one of the greatest all-around athletes in Kentucky history.

There’s no excuse, get up, get out and get going! Gary P. West can be reached at westgarypdeb@gmail.com.

Whitley County Public Health Inspections

As part of its duties, the Whitley County Health Department conducts routine public health inspections of various entities, including restaurants, stores, schools, mobile home parks, swimming pools, etc.

Toys for Tots provides for over 13,200 children

Photos by TIMOTHY WYATT

Despite another mostly-lackluster year of donations, the South-Central Kentucky Toys for Tots Campaign was able to provide another record number of toys to children throughout the region this year. According to Cathy Sims (BELOW RIGHT), the campaign’s coordinator, there were 13,268 children provided for during this year’s campaign. Each child received roughly two toys each, amounting to a total of approximately 26,536 total toys being distributed, not accounting for books and stocking stuffers. Those numbers include the campaign’s entire coverage area, which consists of Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Clay, Leslie and McCreary counties, as well as Campbell County, Tennessee. This year, the campaign also provided toys to children in Floyd County as well, though it is not officially part of the campaign’s coverage area. Several local businesses provided volunteers to help distribute this year’s incredible toy haul, including management and staff at Texas Roadhouse in London (pictured) earlier this month.

Corbin plans New Year’s Eve Bash

Corbin is planning to end 2023 with a party.

“In true fashion, we are going to end 2023 with a bang with our New Year’s Eve Bash event,” said Corbin Tourism Director and Downtown Corbin Manager Maggy Monhollen.

The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. at the corner of Second Street and Depot Street.

“We will host a huge event with a live band, photo booth, warming stations and hot drinks. We have partnered with The Pinball Museum of Corbin to do a downtown Corbin photo scavenger hunt. The winner will receive $224 in cold hard cash, which is a great way to start the New Year,” Monhollen said.

“The most exciting part is that at midnight, we will have a lighted ball drop provided by Celebration Lighting, and a huge fireworks show.”

Monhollen added that there will also be 26 pounds of confetti shooting onto the crowd.

There will also be party favors.

“This is free, family friendly, and open to everyone,” Monhollen added.

Damon Moses

Damon Moses, born on December 12, 1948, in Williamsburg, Kentucky, was a man who lived his life with purpose, passion, and a unique sense of humor that brought comfort and joy to those around him.
A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, Damon’s life was a testament to the power of love, commitment, and the strength of family ties.
For many years, Damon was a respected butcher at Save A Lot, where his expertise in his craft and his amiable personality made him a beloved figure.
He was known for his engaging stories, contagious laughter, and his unwavering dedication to providing the best for his customers. Despite his retirement, the memories of his vibrant personality and professional ethic continue to resonate within the community. His commitment to his work is best described by the words of Steve Jobs: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Damon is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Moses, and his daughters, Diana, Wendy, and Kelly and his son, Damon Keith. He was a cherished grandfather to Rob, Jasmine, Anthony, Kahles, Brianna, Dylan, Emma, and Camden. Many nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends to mourn his passing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Orvil and Rachel Moses, his brothers, Jake, Tom, and Bob Moses, and his sisters, Sue Rose and Veradean Lambdin.
A visitation will be held at Croley Funeral Home, located at 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky, on Friday, December 29, at 5:00 PM.
The funeral service will be conducted at the same location on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 3:00 PM, followed by interment at Moses Addition of Pleasant View Cemetery, Stringtown Road, Williamsburg, Kentucky, at 4:30 PM.
The family encourages those who knew Damon to share memories and upload photos to the memorial page. Your stories and images will serve as a comforting reminder of Damon’s unique spirit and enduring legacy. Let us celebrate Damon’s life and honor the love and joy he brought into our lives.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Edward Powers

Edward Powers, age 76, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his home.
He was born October 31, 1947 in Whitley County, KY, to the late Andrew Jackson (Jack) and Ruby Deloris Large Powers. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Charles “Bunker” Powers; a grandson, Josh Powers; two sisters, Patsy Romans, and Mary “Lib” Hill; two brothers, Jerry Powers, and Raymond Otis Powers.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Powers of Williamsburg, KY; daughter, Leighann King (Jason) of Grays, KY; son, Steven Powers (Nancy) of Williamsburg, KY; three grandchildren, Courtney Hill (Melvin), Aaron Powers, and Eason King; five great-grandchildren, Aleigh Hayes, Maelie Hayes, Trinity Hill, John Lee Hill, and Tate Hayes; one sister, Joan Wilson of Jenkins, KY; two brothers, Jack Powers, Jr. (Monika) of Westland, MI, and Vernon Powers (Nellie) of Williamsburg, KY; several nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his passing.
Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday, January 1, at the Mulberry Community Church with Rev. Michael Powers officiating. Interment will be in Ed Powers Cemetery.
Visitation will be 12:00 PM until the funeral hour Monday, January 1, at the Mulberry Community Church.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Elma Louise Wells

Elma Louise Wells, born on March 7, 1939, in Rockholds, KY, passed away on December 24, 2023, being 84 years, 9 months and 17 days of age.
Elma was a humble woman, deeply cherished by her friends and family.
Her loving nature touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Elma is survived by her devoted husband of 63 yearsm JC Ishmael Wells, their children Jennie (Mike) Richardson of Williamsburg, KY, Marlene (Alan) Hays Williamsburg, KY, William (Billy Joe) Wells Williamsburg, KY, and Darrell (Connie) Wells Williamsburg, KY. She was a beloved grandmother to Dustin (Vanessa) Richardson and Justin (Tosha) Richardson of Williamsburg, KY, Kimberly Wells and Kristina (Jed) Davis of Williamsburg, KY, and Jody (Danielle) Hays of Dayton, Ohio. She was dearly loved by her eight great-grandchildren. Elma also leaves behind her sisters, Doris Faye Holbrook and Katherine Miller of Rockholds, KY., and brother, Paul (Alma) Powers of Corbin, KY. Several nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Jennie Powers, her sons, Ronnie and Donnie Wells, her brothers, Arnold and Jack Smith, Bobby Powers, and her great-grandson Mason Hays.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Elma at the Croley Funeral Home, located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, on Saturday, December 30, at 11:00 am.
The funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm with Rev. Jimmy Logan and Bro. Justin Richardson officiating.
A graveside service will take place at 2:00 pm at the Siler Cemetery, Hwy 779, Rockholds, Kentucky.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Melvin Lewis Evans

Melvin Lewis Evans, age 74, of the Kensee Hollow community went to be with his Lord on Monday, December 25, 2023, at his residence with his loving family around him.
Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, George Cecil Evans and Nada Naomia (Head) Evans; brothers, Joseph Evans and Robert Evans; brothers-in-law, Robert “Bob” Byers, Jim Bowlin, Donald Fouse, Johnny Fouse, and Wayne Fouse.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jane (Fouse) Evans; daughters, Tonja Siler and husband Steve, and Angela King; sister, Jackie Byers; grandchildren, Justin Siler and wife Caty, Tiffany Siler, Jon Siler, Leighanna Cormer and husband Bronson, Kimberly Siler, Dora Siler, Jacob Siler, Lakota Barnes and husband Dave, Cheyenne Birchfield and husband Adam, Jordan King and wife Mattea, and Jacob King; great-grandchildren, Jaycen, Mason, Greyson, Evan, Chris, Emma, Josiah, Valerie, Josephine, and Paisleigh; sister-in-law, Linda Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends to mourn his passing.
Funeral service was Thursday, December 28, at the Llewellyn Funeral Home Chapel in Jellico, TN with Rev. Randy Bargo and Rev. Steve Siler officiating.
There will be no interment, Melvin’s wishes were to be cremated.
The Llewellyn Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Michael W. Prater

Michael W. Prater, age 74, died on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at his home in Andersonville, Tennessee.
He was born June 21, 1949, in Clairfield, Tennessee to Elmer and Frances Prater.
Mike graduated from Jellico High School, Class of 1967. His occupation was heavy equipment operator in the coal business.
He was a long-time member of the Clairfield Missionary Baptist Church and of the Jellico Masonic Lodge #527 F&AM.
Mike enjoyed fishing, hunting and hiking with his dog Sadie and spending time with his grandchildren, babysitting his great-grandson and name’s sake, Atlas Prater Halberstadt.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Frances Prater; sister, Lisa; and grandparents, Ross and Rose Prater, and Herbert and Bessie McDonald.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Patsy Prater; daughters, Toni (Jeff) Gossett, and Tracy (Kevin) Powers; grandchildren, Courtnie Fisher (Garrett), Sydnie (Brandal) Halberstadt, Dawson Fisher, and Madison (Hunter) Melton; great-grandchildren, Kellin, Kyler, Kalese, Atlas and a baby girl on the way; brother, David (Sharon) Prater; dear friends, Donnie and Diana Day, Junior, Janice Gulley, Jim and Dora Sprinkles; and a host of relatives and friends.
All services are private.
Mike was a member of the Jellico Masonic Lodge #527 for more than 50 years, and donations can be made in his name to the Jellico Masonic Lodge 520 South Main Street Jellico, TN 37762.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.