Class Notes

Ralph Lee Petree, age 88, of Maryville, went to his heavenly home on February 3, 2020, at Blount Memorial Hospital. He was born November 21, 1931. Preceded in death by his parents, Claud and Nellie Petree; brothers, Basil and Verl. He joined his wife of 60 years, Dorothy B. Petree, in heaven. He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Lesa (George) Abbott; daughter, Melba Petree: grandchildren, Megan (Matt) Lafon, Brandon (Melinda) Abbott, Ethan (Teal) Abbott, Jacob (Grace) Roberts; great-grandchildren, Elsa and Avery; brother, Kyle (Roberta) Petree; sister, Lucille (Em) Way; several nieces and nephews. Ralph was a veteran who served with the Army, Air Force, and Air National Guard. He retired from P.P.G. Industries. He loved spending time making music, listening to music, and rearranging music. He was a lover of all sports and especially enjoyed watching the Vols and the Atlanta Braves. Above all else, he loved and valued his faith and family. He was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church and the Spark Plug Sunday School Class. We would like to give thanks to his many, many doctors and especially the SICU nursing staff at Blount Memorial Hospital. The funeral service will be at 2:00 PM Friday, February 7, 2020, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Mickey Rainwater and Gilbert Harris officiating. The entombment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family will receive friends, Friday from noon to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sparkplug Memorial Scholarship Fund of Fairview United Methodist Church, 2508 Old Niles Ferry Rd., Maryville, TN 37803. www.mccammonammonsclick.com

Kyle O. Petree, age 88, of Maryville, went to his heavenly home on March 27, 2022, after being cared for at Shannondale Health Care Center. He was born December 30, 1933. Preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Nellie Petree; brothers and sisters-in-law, Basil (Alma), Verl (Betty), and Ralph (Dorothy) Petree.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Roberta Myers Petree; daughter and son-in-law, Melanie (Jimmy) Reese; son and daughter-in-law, Stan (Caroline) Petree: grandchildren, Mollianne (Will) Hubbs, Marykate Reese, Julia (Jimmy) Dugan, Andrew Petree; great-grandson, Cade Hubbs; sister and brother-in-law, Lucille (Em) Way; several nieces and nephews.

Kyle was a graduate of Everett High School (’51) and Maryville College (’55) and then a veteran who served with the Army. He worked as a systems analyst at ALCOA and went on to start several successful businesses. He loved spending time with friends and family and supporting his grandchildren in their activities. He played baseball both in college and in the Army and continued to enjoy watching all sports as long as it was a good game. He faithfully attended the Sparkplug Sunday School Class and Fairview United Methodist Church for more than 60 years where he served on numerous committees throughout the years.

The family would like to thank the caring and skilled staff at Shannondale Health Care Center.

Born in January of 1933, Dave was raised on the family farm in Whitehouse, NJ and in St. Petersburg, FL. along with his brother Ken (Fredericksburg, VA) and his sister Jeanne (Lexington, KY). After high school he attended Maryville College (Maryville, TN) majoring in History and in the fall of his senior year he went on a blind date and met the love of his life, Margaret. They celebrated 64 years of marriage this past June. Together they have 4 children, Gloria Proctor (Darrell/Gibbsboro, NJ), Cheryl Johnson (Lancaster, PA), Rebecca Eastman (Marlton, NJ) and David Ramsey (Cherie/Dillsburg, PA), 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Over the years, he and Margaret opened their home to foster children, released inmates and foreign exchange students, including their “daughter” Sakiko (AFS exchange student from Japan in 1975-76). After college Dave attended Louisville Seminary (Master of Divinity) and Princeton Seminary (Master of Theology). He served in full time pastoral ministry from 1958-1991, pastoring in Edinburg, IN and Hillside, NJ before serving at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Haddon Heights, NJ for 25 years. Dave and Margaret went on several mission trips to Romania and served as short-term missionaries to Bulgaria in 1992. He co-founded Jericho Ministries in 1987, a prison and jail ministry operating in 14 institutions in the State of NJ. Starting off part-time and then becoming full-time Field Director in 1991 before “retiring” several times, he continued to volunteer at FCI- Fairton up until COVID shut down visitors to the facility. Dave enjoyed traveling and visited Cuba and countries in Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East and North America. He traveled to all 50 states but his favorite spot was a lakefront cabin in the White Mountains of NH. He played the bagpipes in college and later the guitar (composing several songs), wrote a book about Zacchaeus and was an avid scrapbooker. He was the Encyclopedia of All Baseball Trivia, (a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan), a master of crossword puzzles and enjoyed backpacking and hiking. He hiked the summit of Mt. Washington 15 times – the first time as a young boy and the last time in his 70’s. He was quiet and gentle with a dry sense of humor. He listened much more than he spoke. He loved his wife and children unconditionally and they will be forever grateful for his Godly example as a husband and father. The family held a private graveside service for him in Whitehouse, NJ. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 21st at 11:30am at Ashland Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 33 East Evesham Road, Voorhees, NJ followed by refreshments and an opportunity to visit with family and friends. To share memories and condolences please visit www.fosterwarnefuneralhome.com.

The Reverend Dr. Robert M. Shelton, Jean Brown Professor Emeritus of Homiletics and Liturgics and former President (1996-2002) of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, died in Dallas, Texas, on March 4, 2018. Robert Shelton joined the Austin Seminary faculty in 1971 and was named the Jean Brown Professor of Homiletics and Liturgics in 1982. He served as academic dean for fifteen years and as president for six years until his retirement in 2002. Shelton’s presidential leadership was critical in steering the Seminary through its Centennial Celebration in 2002, in implementing a culture of institutional planning, and in guiding the Seminary’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign. He delivered the 2007 commencement address to a class in which his wife, the Reverend Frances Tilton Shelton (MDiv’93), received the Doctor of Ministry degree. “Across Bob Shelton’s long tenure at Austin Seminary, he was a steward of the Seminary’s interests, in ways both heralded and unheralded, at many critical junctures,” said Austin Seminary President Theodore J. Wardlaw. “During his years at the Seminary, he had a huge formative impact upon many grateful students and colleagues.” Ordained in the Cumberland Presbyterian tradition, Shelton came to Austin Seminary after teaching for three years at Memphis Theological Seminary and serving as pastor to Park Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. From 1963 to 1969 he served as pastor of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Tennessee, and prior to that he served other churches in New Jersey and Tennessee. He was president of the Council of Southwestern Theological Schools, treasurer of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians, and served on numerous committees and boards of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He served the church abroad, traveling to Germany, Asia, and Latin America to conduct and attend various seminars and retreats; in 1970 he was a delegate to the World Alliance of Reformed Churches in Nairobi, Kenya. In 1993, during the only sabbatical year he ever took while serving on the Austin Seminary faculty, Shelton was elected and served as moderator of the 163rd General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Shelton earned a BA from Maryville College, a BD from Memphis Theological Seminary, and a ThM and a PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary. He authored two books, A Changing Universe, An Unchanging God and The Use of Things, and wrote numerous articles on preaching and worship. He led workshops, seminars, and preaching missions in churches, presbyteries, and ecumenical groups. Upon his retirement from Austin Seminary, the Board of Trustees named the Seminary chapel-to which he was especially devoted-in his honor. Following retirement, Shelton served in interim pastorates for First Presbyterian Church, Shreveport, First Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, and First Presbyterian Church and Lake Highland Presbyterian Church, both in the Dallas area.

With the sure and certain hope of everlasting life with her Lord, Barbara Marie Hubbard Smith passed away Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, at her home with her husband, Ralph, beside her. Born Feb. 8, 1932, in Chicago, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Joy (Donatti) Hubbard. Barbara was raised in Chicago and graduated from Wells High School in Chicago. She then went on to graduate from Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn., with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Barbara earned her master’s degree in Christian education, graduating from McCormick Theological Seminary. Following graduation, she worked for one year as the director of Christian education at the Laramie, Wyo., Presbyterian Church. Barbara returned to Chicago to marry Pastor Ralph G. Smith, whom she met while attending McCormick. They were married July 10, 1960, in Chicago, and he survives. As her husband was called to serve churches in Vandalia, Ill., Milwaukee, Seymour, Brookston, Ind., and Sharonville, Ohio, Barbara served in various capacities in those churches which included being a Sunday school teacher, an ordained deacon, the church organist and pianist, the youth group adviser, the church librarian and a choir member, singing alto. But more importantly, Barbara was a mother to their first and only child, Susan Marie, who was a special needs child. Susan Marie was born in 1961 and died to eternal life in 1994. Barbara was a member of Central Presbyterian Church in Lafayette. Barbara had many interests which included the education of the mentally challenged, the theological study and research of the New Testament scriptures, the environmental issues facing our society, reading mystery novels, playing computer games and sewing. Surviving with her husband, Pastor Ralph Smith, are a brother-in-law, John Koziar, and a sister-in-law, Judy Hubbard, both of McHenry County, Ill. She was preceded in death by their daughter, Susan Marie; a sister, Dolores Koziar; and a brother, James Hubbard.

Ruby Roberts Sohler, 87 of Los Osos was born on July 2, 1932 in Newport, TN to Logan and Lenora Roberts and passed away Monday, June 15, 2020 at her house under the care of Central Coast Home Health and Hospice. Ruby grew up in Maryville and went to Maryville College and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Psychology. She worked at GE Cincinnati, Ohio for 5 years. She moved to California in 1960, worked at Rockwell International, where she met her husband-to-be, Jim. She was involved with Rocket Development and Heat Transfer Analysis of Space Shuttle Division until she and Jim retired in 1980. She was a proud member of PEO-Chapter VM for 35 years. Although she contacted poliovirus at an early age, it never deterred her from achieving what she wanted to be. Among her passions were solving the Tribune’s crossword puzzle and watching Jeopardy. Ruby is survived by her son Rey (Ruby); her beloved granddaughter, Justine; sister, Reba and nephew, Ashley and a very dear friend, Jai; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, parents Logan and Lenora. Viewing will be at Reis Mortuary on June 22 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral mass will be at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Los Osos June 23 at 11:00am. Burial will follow at the Old Mission Cemetery San Luis Obispo.

Lois Speaker, died peacefully early Saturday morning Aug 20, 2016 at a hospice in Newnan, Ga., where she had been a patient for three weeks. Lois earned a master’s degree in chemistry at the University of Tennessee and later received her Ph.D. at Rutgers University in her home state of New Jersey. During her professional career, she worked for Southern Research in Birmingham, for Georgia Tech’s Research Center in Atlanta, and for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, N.Y. She was married to Joe T. Gilliland class of 1955 for seven years and live in Peachtree City, Ga., on the south side of Metro Atlanta. In the earlier years of her retirement, she was science officer for a citizen group that battled an air-polluting company. Later, she was instrumental in bringing about the dismissal of the incompetent county water system superintendent. Memorial contributions can be made to Maryville College or to her synagogue, Congregation B’nai Israel, P.O. Box 142481 Fayetteville, GA 30218

Lois M Speaker, Ph.D., age 81, of Peachtree City died in the early hours of Saturday, Aug. 20, at Brightmoor Hospice in Griffin, where she had been a patient for the previous three weeks. A retired chemist, Dr. Speaker had resided in Peachtree City for 16 years. She and her husband, Joe T. Gilliland, moved from their former residence in the Brookfield subdivision to the Somerby Assisted Living Facility on Rockaway Road in December 2013. Born near Neptune, N.J, Dr. Speaker was a graduate of Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn. Later, she earned a master’s degree in chemistry at the University of Tennessee and her Ph.D. from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She was a trailblazer for women in the sciences. During her professional career, she was a staff scientist for Southern Research in Birmingham, for the Georgia Tech Research Institute in Atlanta, and for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, N.Y. While at Kodak, she was lead scientist in the Chemical Technologies Department of the company’s Federal Systems Division. One of her accomplishments was the development of an anti-fouling compound added to paint that was credited with potentially saving the Navy millions of dollars annually in costs for scraping and repainting of ships, including aircraft carriers. This anti-fouling research also led to technologies used in the manufacture of contact lenses. She shared a number of other patents with Georgia Tech. Three of her technical publications, although out of print, are still listed on Amazon. After her retirement from Kodak, she moved to Peachtree City to be near her daughters, all of whom live in the Atlanta area. In those early retirement years, she was active in Peachtree City New Neighbors, tutored many students in chemistry, taught at Clayton State College and taught children’s Sunday School classes at Congregation B’nai Israel in Fayetteville. All her adult life, she had an active interest in the arts and the natural world, as well as in the history of Europe and the Middle East, where she traveled extensively. Two community environmental causes benefited from her skills. In one, she volunteered as science officer for a citizen task force formed in 2006 to battle a company that was aerosolizing a foul smelling, hazardous substance and releasing it into the air. More recently, she was a leading voice protesting the Fayette County Water Department’s casual attitude toward maintaining water purity standards-a protest that eventually led to organizational reforms in the water system. In addition to her husband, Dr. Speaker is survived by three daughters, Leslie Stewart of Decatur, and Alison Payton and Kathryn Stewart, both of Griffin; a step-daughter, Anne Gilliland of Durham, N.C., and a step-son, Don Gilliland of Birmingham; one sister, Ruth Sloan of Columbus, Ohio; one brother, Richard Speaker, Neptune, N.J.; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Her beloved dog, “Happy,” also survives. A memorial service for Dr. Speaker was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at Congregation B’nai Israel, located at 1633 Georgia Highway 54, east of downtown Fayetteville toward Jonesboro. The family has suggested that memorial gifts be made to Congregation B’nai Israel through its mailing address of PO Box 142481, Fayetteville, GA 30218, or to Maryville College, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804.

Joe Terry Gilliland, aged 89, died October 23, 2022, in Birmingham AL. Joe had lived at Brookdale Assisted Living in Birmingham since 2017.

He was born outside of Harriman, TN in 1933 and graduated from Harriman High School He attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN (class of 1955) and married Joan Frei Gilliland the same year. A few years later, he received a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

Mr. Gilliland spent his working life in journalism and communications roles, most of it as an associate editor at the Tullahoma News in Tullahoma, TN and then as a public affairs officer for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s offices in Atlanta, GA, Arlington, TX, and Rockville, MD.

After his first wife’s death in 1997, Mr. Gilliland married his second wife, Janet Thompson of Asheville NC. After her death, Mr. Gilliland married Lois Speaker of Peachtree City, GA. After his third wife’s death, Mr. Gilliland moved to Birmingham to live near his son.

Survivors include children Anne Gilliland (Eric Conrad) of Durham, NC and Don Gilliland (Pat Taylor) of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren Patrick Flint (Lesley Cline) and Charlotte Gilliland; brother-in-law Mitchell Carnell;; brother Ralph Gerald Gilliland (Gail); sister-in-law Shirley Gilliland; and nieces, nephews, and stepchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Laura Gilliland of Harriman, TN and his brother David Gilliland, also of Harriman.

Joe was an avid reader and writer and a born storyteller. He had a gift for making life-long friends, and he kept in touch with them via email through the humorous stories and news items he wrote. His interests included politics, energy policy, music, and the First Amendment, especially freedom of speech and of the press. He was a member of the Episcopal Church throughout his adult life and worked in support of equitable issues within the church.

Robert “Bob” Woodrow Toney of Bergo, WV passed away November 6, 2020 after a lengthy illness. Bob was born on January 27, 1934 to Robert Woodrow “Pete” Toney and Logana (Clay) Toney Short in Raleigh County, WV. Bob was a 1951 graduate of Clearfork High School and attended Maryville College, Maryville, TN. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe during the Korean War and worked in the intelligence branch of the Army Security Agency and the CIA. He was recalled during the Cuban Missile Crisis during which he was stationed at the Key West naval Air Station monitoring Russian submarines. Bob was the Vice President over sales at the Rotary Printing Company in Norwalk, OH for 26 years. In 1989 he moved to Charlottesville, VA where he worked at Piedmont Farms and Graphics until he retired and moved to Bergoo. Bob is survived by his loving wife Susan Toney, six children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Jennie Lee Wagner, 89, of 321 Hanley Circle, Danville, VA, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Bright Leaf Place, where she had been a resident for the past six weeks.

Jennie was born in Mountain City, TN on February 20, 1933, a daughter of the late Lee Roy Wagner and Florence Potter Wagner. She grew up in Tennessee where she graduated from Maryville College and went on to graduate from Appalachian State University where she obtained her Master Degree in education.

Jennie had a vast career in education that encompassed teaching and counseling in the Halifax County and Pittsylvania County School Systems. She was also the former principal of Brosville Elementary School and then went on to be the principle at Mount Herman Elementary School where she retired in 1995. After retirement she was a member of the Pittsylvania County Retired Teachers Association. In order to help others, receive the education that they needed Jennie was the benefactor for the Florence P. Wagner and Jennie Lee Wagner Scholarships through the Community Foundation.

She was also a member of Isaac Anderson Society of Maryville College, and a member of the Danville District Hermitage Guild. She worked for AARP as a driving instructor for the Safe Driving Program and she enjoyed volunteering with the local hospital for many years.

Jennie was an active member of Brosville United Methodist Church, where she had held a variety of leadership positions within the church including, Sunday school teacher. She was also one of the founders for the Wenonda Gathering. In her spare time Jennie enjoyed interest that included, gardening, hiking, visiting the national parks, and reading.

On October 11, 2003, she married the late Richard Douglas Pennington.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Roy Luke and William “Billy” Wagner; her sisters, Mary Elizabeth and Nellie Wagner; one nephew; and one niece.

Survivors include, her step-daughters, Arlene Smoot and Donna Williams; sister-in-law, Carol McClanahan; one nephew, James Roy “J.R.” Wagner; two nieces, Peggy Brown and Norma Jean Ward; and numerous great nieces and great nephews.

died at home last October 19, 2014.

Wilkinson, Kenneth J., of Columbus, born February 28, 1933, died December 11, 2015 following a brief illness. He is predeceased by his parents Parker and Janet Wilkinson, and his beloved wife of 51 years, Claudia McLaughlin Wilkinson. Survived by his children, Jennifer (Ronald Smith), Paul (Kate) and John (Bonny Claxton); and his six beloved grandchildren, Kenneth, Claudia, Wesley, Ann, Parker and Calla. Kenneth was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Maryville College (B.A. in political science) and Western (now Pittsburgh) Theological Seminary. Kenneth was a Presbyterian (PCUSA) minister, serving congregations with distinction in Pennsylvania and in several Ohio communities. He also provided leadership for several regional Presbyterian bodies, focusing on mission and stewardship. He was a gifted preacher, a compassionate pastor and a leader committed to the church’s mission. In retirement he became more deeply committed to the justice witness of the church. He was active in retirement with the Worthington Presbyterian Church, along with his family. He was a lifelong Rotarian, most recently with the Olentangy Rotary Club. Ken leaves behind a distinguished ministry which bore much fruit, and a wide circle of family and friends. He will be missed, but his good works go before him. A Memorial Service was held 11 a.m., December 30, 2015 at the WORTHINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 773 High St., Worthington, OH 43085. Graveside Services were held at Rose Hill Cemetery, Akron, Ohio. Memorial gifts may be made to Worthington Presbyterian Church, designated to the Mission Fund. Please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com to send condolences to the Wilkinson Family.

George Robert “Bob” Williams age 91 of Maryville passed away November 12, 2020. He was retired from ALCOA with 35 years of service and was a member of the ALCOA 25 year service club. Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Korean War, and was a graduate of Maryville College. Bob was a loving husband, father, grand-father and great grand-father. Time with his family was what he enjoyed most. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter M. Williams and Irene Roberts Williams; wife, Mary Taylor Hicks Williams. Survivors include his daughters, Beth Williams and Ann Kerley (Chris); grandchildren, Brandi Conner (Billy), Jarred Kerley (Caitlynn), Jordan Kerley; great-granddaughter, Alexis Conner. Due to Covid 19 a private family service was held at Grandview Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project 1349 W Peachtree St NE STE 1800, Atlanta, GA 30309 or woundedwarriorproject.org. www.mccammonammonsclick.com 865-982-6812

Jessie Marie Wilson, 87, of Maryville, passed from this life to eternity in Heaven on August 30, 2021, at home. Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse C. and Nelle G. Wilson. She is survived by her dear loved ones and special friends she greatly cherished. Jessie was a member of Centenary Baptist Church and the Mountain View Chapter of the Eastern Star. She retired from teaching at Rush Strong and Lanier Schools in 1986 and was always thrilled to see her former students and find out how they were. Most updated her and ended with “You were my favorite teacher!” Which truly made her day! A heartfelt thank you to First Light Home Care for helping us honor Jessie’s desire to spend her last days on Earth in her home. She was a delightful lady and it was a privilege to know her and share time with her. If we all could be more like Jessie Marie this world would be a much better place! Graveside service and interment will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, September 6, 2021 at Centenary Baptist Church Cemetery, Rev. Bill Dixon officiating. Friends may pay their respects from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Miller Funeral Home, Maryville. (865) 982-6041

Shirley A. Young, 83, Hopkinsville, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, at her home of natural causes. Services will be at 2 p.m. today at Maddux-Fuqua-Hinton Funeral Home with the Revs. Paige Williams and Dean Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Flat Lick Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until the funeral hour today at the funeral home. A native of Lenoir City, Tenn., she was born Sept. 21, 1933, the daughter of the late Vastine Stickley and Helen Elizabeth Burns Axley. She was a member of First United Methodist Church. She worked at Vanderbilt Library; she was an educator at Everett High School in Maryville, Tennessee and was a homemaker. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William C. Young, and one brother, Thomas Bruce Axley. Survivors include her son, Bartley (Laura) Young, Lexington; her daughters, Lisa (Jimmy) Chapman, Herndon, Margaret Davis, Hopkinsville, and Janie (Todd) Farmer, Christian County; her sister-in-law Karen Axley, Maryville, Tenn.; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.