Jasper Douglas “Doug” Smith
Jasper Douglas “Doug” Smith of Rockholds, Kentucky, went home to be with the Lord on December 21, 2023.
Doug was born May 4, 1963 in Oakland, California to Sadie Mackey Smith and the late Jack R. Smith.
He was the youngest brother of Michael, Robin, and Tom.
As a Navy son, Doug spent his first seven years in various locations, before his family returned to Williamsburg. He attended Williamsburg Independent Schools and graduated from Cumberland College in 1985.
Doug was married to Lisa Lawson Smith of the Fairview Community, his wife of forty years. He relished being a “girl dad” of two daughters, Megan and Jacqueline. He was the proud father-in-law of Major Barron Davis and Dr. William C. Arnold, and the doting “Papaw” to six beloved grandchildren: Jasper, Maddie Rose, Georgia, James, Will and Andrew.
Doug was commissioned an Officer in the United States Navy in 1987. He served as a Surface Warfare Officer on active duty before going on to a long and active period of service in the US Naval Reserves, attaining the rank of Commander.
After his active duty time in the Navy, Doug joined the family business, O’Dell’s Fine Jewelry. He went on to work in construction management for Codell Construction Company.
Doug spent many years as an active member of the downtown Williamsburg community where he enjoyed working with youth at First Baptist Church.
Later, he moved to his family farm in Rockholds where he relished taking his grandkids fishing and on Gator rides to the barn.
Doug was passionate about many pursuits and hobbies, including woodworking, technology, goldsmithing and gunsmithing, outdoor recreation, and guitar. He was a lifelong science fiction enthusiast and a zestful chef and grill master.
Doug is survived by his wife, Lisa Lawson Smith; his children, Megan Davis (Barron) and Jacqueline Arnold (Cas); his mother, Sadie O’Dell Smith; his siblings, Mike Smith (Karen), Robin Haines (Steve), Tom Smith (Dinah); his mother and father-in-law Elmer and Doris Lawson; his brother-in-law John Lawson (Jennifer); and was “Uncle Doug” to a host of beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Jack R. Smith.
Visitation will be at 11:00 AM until the funeral hour on Wednesday, December 27th, at Croley Funeral Home in Williamsburg.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM at Croley Funeral Home with Dale Ditto officiating.
He will be laid to rest following Military Graveside Honors from American Legion Post 88 at the Croley Addition of Highland Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flower’s donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital in memory of Doug Smith.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Kenneth Dean Gore
Kenneth Dean Gore, a smart and loving individual, was born on October 3, 1955, in Cincinnati, OH, departed this life surrounded by family on December 23, 2023, being 68 years 2 month and 20 days of age.
Kenneth, known for his intelligence, dedication, and immense love for his family. His legacy, however, will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those privileged to have known him.
Kenneth was a man of many talents and interests, but his passion for his children’s youth sports and the outdoors was unparalleled.
This passion extended to his service in the US Air Force, where his intelligence and dedication were evident, he eventually worked as a Dallas Police Officer after the service. He was also an active member of the First Baptist Church in Corbin, Kentucky. His faith was an integral part of his life, providing him with strength and guidance throughout his journey.
Kenneth is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Gore of Williamsburg, Kentucky, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage, and his sons, Jayson (Shannon) Gore of Williamsburg, Kentucky and Timothy (Taylor) Gore of Nashville, Tennessee. He was a doting grandfather to Jayson Riley Gore; and a caring brother to Steve Gore and Phillip (Judy) Gore; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends to mourn his passing.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Cortand and Patsy Bennett.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, December 27, at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel at 3:30 PM with a Military Graveside service provided by the American Legion Post 88 at the Mapel Creek Cemetery.
Visitation will be after 2:00 PM until the service.
Kenneth’s life was a testament to his intelligence, strength, and unwavering love for his family. His memory will continue to be a beacon of inspiration for all who knew him.
We invite you to share your memories and upload photos that celebrate Kenneth’s life on his memorial page. Your contributions will help keep his spirit alive for generations to come.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Robert Eugene Young
Robert Eugene Young, a cherished member of the Corbin community, passed away on December 20, 2023.
Born to John and Betty Young on January 1, 1963, Robert spent his entire life in Corbin, Kentucky, the place he loved and never wanted to leave.
He was a respected manager at the Hardees Corporation, but his true passion was serving as an Ordained Deacon at Young Chapel Church. Embodying the saying, “Let all that you do be done in love,” Robert was known for his kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith.
Robert was a beloved brother, uncle, and friend to many.
He is survived by his brother, William and sister-in-law Stephania; his sister, Tammy and brother-in-law Jason; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. They include nephews, James (Barbara) Ridener, William II, Johnny, Christopher, Travis, and Justin Young; and niece, Tonya (Jason) Wood and Katherine Young.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty Young; his brother, John Young; and his niece, Tina Ridener.
His family will remember him as a pillar of strength and a beacon of love and light, always ready to lend a helping hand or a comforting word.
A visitation for Robert was held at Young Chapel, where he served faithfully, on Saturday, December 23, followed by his funeral service and burial.
The chapel, located at 3870 Bee Creek Road, Corbin, Kentucky, was a fitting venue as it was a place where Robert spent many hours in service and worship. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life and the many ways he touched those around him.
His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
We encourage all who knew Robert to share their memories of him on his memorial page. Your stories, photos, and sentiments will serve as a comforting reminder of Robert’s impact on our lives. As we remember Robert, let us strive to emulate his kindness, his faith, and his unwavering dedication to serving others.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Annell Shelton
Annell Shelton, lovingly known as Mammaw to many and a cherished best friend to those fortunate enough to know her, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023.
She was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and wisdom to all who crossed her path.
Born on October 6, 1954. Mammaw lived a life defined by compassion and generosity. Her presence lit up every room, her laughter was infectious, and her guidance was invaluable. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and friends, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Mammaw had a passion for going to church, she had an amazing amount of faith in God and she was sure of her salvation. She often shared her love for pioneer woman, bingo, and shoes with those around her. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her family, as she selflessly offered support and care to anyone in need.
Her legacy of unwavering love and unwritten lessons in resilience and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
Mammaw is survived by two daughters, Angela M. Reed of Williamsburg, KY, and Melissa K. Byrd of Jellico, TN; ten grandchildren, Wesley Byrd (Kristie Byrd) of Jellico, TN, Kenny Byrd of Jellico, TN, LaTasha Byrd of Jellico, TN, Gabrielle Rodriguez of Dalton, GA, Justin Reed of Williamsburg KY, Johnathan White of Williamsburg, KY, Cassandra White of Jellico, TN, Jessica Reed of Williamsburg, KY, Megan White of Dalton GA, Caleb and Dustin Reed of Williamsburg, KY; she also has 12 great-grandchildren and one more on the way; brothers, Charlie Poore (Sherry) of Tecumseh, MI, Hoss Poore (Judy) of Rockholds, KY, Toby Poore of Corbin, KY, and Virgil Poore (Betty) of Berea, KY; sisters, Tonie Butler of Knoxville, TN, Sue Helton of Corbin, KY, Charity Tye of Corbin, KY, and Wilma Stewart of Knoxville, TN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Poore and Beatrice (Logan) Poore; daughter, Glenna White; great-granddaughter, Anniston Rodriguez; three brothers; and one sister.
In celebrating her life, let us honor the remarkable person she was, carrying forward the joy she found in simple pleasures, her boundless love, and the lessons she imparted. Mammaw’s departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her memory will continue to inspire and guide us. She will forever be our guiding light and will live on in our hearts.
Funeral service was Tuesday December 26, at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Whitley County Health Department mobile clinic adding locations
The mission of the Whitely County Health Department is to promote optimal health for all who live, work, learn and play in Whitley County. One way we make progress on that is by assessing our community’s needs, strengths and challenges. When we conducted our Whitley County community health assessment this year, we found what we already knew to be true. Access to care is a problem. Things the public health world calls social determinants of health like poverty and lack of transportation make access to care more difficult. We are excited to update our service model to bring our community mobile services.
Purchased and outfitted using federal COVID-19 funds, the van has heat for the winter and air conditioning for the summer. There is onboard internet, and all our patient records are electronic, so there are no patient files to carry. There is no toilet, so for some tests we do, like pregnancy tests, we borrow our host location’s restroom. If there is a service you need, but we cannot accomplish it on the van, we will help coordinate a way to connect you.
We began mobile clinic services in October in Corbin. Beginning in December, we are expanding our days and locations. While our Williamsburg clinic is now open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 368 Penny Lane, we now also have Mobile Mondays and Wednesday Wheels where there will be a predictable schedule of where to find us on each of those days as we rotate locations.
The goal of our van is to provide almost any service we can perform at our physical location. Examples of that are signing up for WIC, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections, getting naloxone, or a flu shot. At our retail spots you can get your WIC and then go shopping, reducing the number of trips you must make.
We also use the mobile clinic for special events, like acting as a makeshift castle for our princesses at the DCBS Gun Safety Trunk or Treat or staffing a wellness night at White Flag Ministries.
Each Monday and Wednesday, the mobile clinic will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can walk-in, or you can call that morning for an appointment time. There is not usually a wait, but the better the weather, the busier we are. If there is a holiday or severe weather, the mobile clinic will not be open.
Mobile Monday’s focus is more on the Corbin side of Whitley County. Wednesday Wheels focuses more on the southern end of the county. We appreciate the ongoing partnerships with all the locations who are welcoming us into their parking lots.
First Week: (Monday) Grace Health Women’s/Kroger at 1019 Cumberland Falls Hwy; (Wednesday) Save-A-Lot Jellico at 12075 US-25W
Second Week: (Monday) Corbin City Pool at 409 Barbourville Street; (Wednesday) South Whitley Fire Department at 3480 Hwy 1804
Third Week: (Monday) Dollar General Woodbine at 2055 KY 26; (Wednesday) Dollar General Bee Creek at 11 Bee Creek Rd.
Fourth Week: (Monday) Corbin Civic Center at 128 Civic Center Drive; (Wednesday) Dollar General Rockholds at 8883 KY 26
Fifth Week, if needed: (Monday) Save-A-Lot Corbin at 1520 Cumberland Falls Hwy; (Wednesday) Dollar General Canadatown at 2824 Hwy 204
Meeting people where they are is central to our mission, vision, and values at Whitley County Health Department. Our mobile clinic is an important step in that direction. Please stop by and say hello when you see us out in the community.
For more information, call us at 606-549-3380. You can also find the most current schedule on Facebook or at www.whitleycountyhealthdepartment.com. To see our community health assessment and improvement plan, visit https://dashboards.mysidewalk.com/whitley-county-health-assessment.
Recycled Christmas trees provide fish habitat
Help improve Kentucky’s fisheries by donating your natural Christmas tree to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources “Christmas for the Fishes” tree recycling program this holiday season.
“The spirit of giving doesn’t have to end after the holidays,” said Spencer Phillips, supervisor of the fish habitat branch. “Natural Christmas trees donated to this program will be used to improve fish habitat, enhancing public lakes across the commonwealth for both fish and anglers.”
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will be accepting evergreen trees at 29 drop-off locations across the state from Dec. 26 through Jan. 15, 2024, including the Corbin City Garage and the London Region Recycling Center. Trees should be real, not artificial, and should be free of lights, garland and decorations. Limbs, wreaths, brush or other plants will not be accepted.
“Fish thrive in an environment that is full of different types of cover including trees and logs,” said Nick Keeton, foreman in the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife habitat branch. “The donated trees will help restore woody structures in lakes that decay over time, providing protective cover and shade for a variety of fish species.”
Donated trees will be anchored to environmentally-friendly weights and submerged at various depths in different lakes and reservoirs across Kentucky to provide places for fish to feed, shelter and spawn. They make great refuge and feeding habitat for game fish, as well as small fish and invertebrates that are crucial for a thriving ecosystem.
“Sportfish species such as largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie all benefit from cover,” Phillips said. “Woody structure is fantastic but degrades over time. Through generous donations of natural Christmas trees, we replenish needed fish habitat in select lakes throughout Kentucky each year.”
The locations where trees are installed generally become hot spots for fish species targeted by anglers. These locations are recorded by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff and the GPS coordinates made available to anglers through the “Lakes with Fish Attractors” page on the department’s website.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is funded through the sale of fishing and hunting licenses, boat registrations and related grants. Conserving Kentucky’s fishes and their habitats and providing related recreational opportunities are important aspects of the department’s mission.
For more information about the Christmas tree recycling program or to find a drop-off location, visit the department’s website at fw.ky.gov or call 1-800-858-1549, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET) weekdays, excluding holidays.
Margaret Cleo Jones
On December 20, 2023, Margaret Cleo Jones, a beacon of compassion and love, closed her eyes to rest after 80 remarkable years.
Born on February 2, 1943, in Corbin, KY, she spent most of her life in Williamsburg, Kentucky,
Margaret was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.
She is survived by her children, Marty (Aimee) Jones of Williamsburg, Kentucky, Rhonda (David) Floyd of Corbin, Kentucky, and Carla (Darryl) Wolfe of Cincinatti, Ohio. Her memory will live on through her grandchildren, Derek Jones, Daniel Jones, Andrew Jones, Jordan (Sarah) Floyd, Samantha (David) Kerth, Dylan Karrick, and Scarlett (Jamie) Sexton; great-grandchildren, Wren Floyd, Xander Conley, and Katie Sexton; and one son-in-law, Mark Petrey. Margaret will be dearly missed by her numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Jones; her daughters, Sandra Owens, and Anita Petrey; her parents, Perry and Mayovelt Johnson; and her brothers, Wallace and Scott Johnson.
A visitation will be held at Croley Funeral Home, 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky, on Tuesday, December 26, at 6:00pm.
A funeral service will be on Wednesday, December 27, at 11:00am with Rev. James Hodge officiating.
Margaret will be laid to rest at Davis Addition Highland Park Cemetery in Williamsburg, Kentucky, at 12:00pm that same day.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Gregory Allen Dople
Gregory Allen Dople, age 51, of the Mud Creek Community of Williamsburg, Kentucky passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at his home. He was born May 24, 1972, in Jellico, Tennessee.
Greg was preceded in death by daughter, Ashley Joyce Dople; father, Kenneth Estes Dople; mother, Willie (Bruce) Dople Hicks; and brothers, Kenny, Terry, Rodney, Christopher and Franklin Bruce Dople.
He is survived by sons, Allen Dople and wife Amberle, Denver Dople, and Andrew Dople; grandchildren, Jozlynn Manes, Brently Dople, and Grey Dople; sisters, Patricia Coyt, Sherry Zecchini Busbee and husband Donald, Lisa Dople Chapman and husband Jimmy; stepfather, Robert Hicks; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn his passing.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 26, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel.
Memorial service will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 26, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Junior Dople officiating.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.
Kevin Edward Lee Rose
Kevin Edward Lee Rose, born on April 22, 1991, in Pineville, KY, USA, left us all too soon on December 15, 2023.
He resided in Corbin, Kentucky, where his contagious laughter, boundless energy, and unshakeable loyalty to his family and friends made him a beloved figure. Kevin’s life was a testament to the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
Kevin, a humble and down-to-earth man, was never one to boast about his accomplishments. Instead, he preferred to let his actions speak for themselves. His radiant smile and kind spirit were his most defining features, and they will forever be remembered and missed by all who knew him.
Kevin is survived by his loving parents, Bennie and Marjorie Rose; his cherished son, Colton Rose; his caring sister, Crystal Hoskins and her children, Brooklyn, Bentley, and Boston Hoskins; and his adored grandmother, Barbara Sulfridge.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Fred Rose and Thurman Bunch; his grandmothers, Mable Bunch and Albert Sulfridge; and his uncles and aunt, Paul, Willie, Lowell Bunch, and Charlene Bunch.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Verla Searles
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Verla Searles, a beacon of light and love in our lives. Verla, born on July 11, 1949, in Lakeland, Florida. Her journey on earth may have ended December 19, 2023, but her spirit, kindness, and the countless memories she created will forever remain in our hearts.
Verla, a respected and dedicated nurse before her retirement, spent her life serving others in the medical field with her characteristic empathy, humility, and warmth. Her healing touch and comforting presence were a source of solace for many. She carried her heart on her sleeve, touching lives and making a difference. Verla lived her life to the fullest, embracing every moment and experience with grace and courage.
Verla’s legacy of love and compassion will be cherished by her surviving family, her daughter, Angela Searles; sons, Bobby (Regina) and Randy Searles; grandchildren, Erika (Shane) Dixon, Lacy, Miranda, Zachery, Kyler, Trey, Quentin, Asher, Nicole Partin, Cheyann, LeeJay (Selena) York, and Mitchell (Katie) York; and great-granddaughter Bristol York. Verla also leaves behind her step-father Eddie Grubbs and her special furry friend, Puggy.
She is preceded in death by her father, Henry Denker; mother, Phyllis Grubb; son Rodney Searles, and brother Jim Denker.
Funeral service was held Saturday, December 23, at Croley Funeral Home.
Interment followed the service at the Croley Addition Highland Park Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Williamsburg, Kentucky.
In honor of Verla’s life, we encourage you to share your memories, stories, and photos on her memorial page. Let us remember Verla as she was – a remarkable woman, a caring nurse, a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. Her spirit will continue to live on in our hearts and memories.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.