Class Notes

Robert David McClanahan, age 73, of Maryville, passed away on March 29, 2021, peacefully, with his family by his side, after suffering complications of Parkinson’s. After graduating from Maryville High School in 1966, Robert earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Maryville College and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. Robert’s teaching career spanned 40 years at Maryville High School and Maryville Junior High, where he taught history and geography courses. Robert was the teacher sponsor of the MHS Appalachian yearbook for many years and established the Maryville City Schools’ broadcast and communications channel and class. Robert and his family were members of First United Methodist Church for many years, where he served in the church choir and coordinated Wednesday Night Fellowship. In recent years, Robert and Candy became members of Broadway United Methodist Church. Robert enjoyed many creative hobbies, including photography, woodworking, calligraphy, leatherwork, drawing, painting and singing. Robert was the photographer at countless school dances and church functions. Robert was a devoted husband to Candy and Dad to Christie and Leah. He was overjoyed to welcome three grandsons. His family will miss him most for his wise counsel and deep discussions on a myriad of subjects. Robert was preceded in death by parents Ruth and Howard McClanahan, brothers Howard “Sonny” and Michael McClanahan, and beloved aunt and uncles Hazel, Sanford and Paul Jones. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Candace Merritt McClanahan, daughter and grandson Christie McClanahan and Ian Patrick, daughter, son-in-law and grandsons Leah and Chris Flynn, Jack, and Sam. Special thanks to Pam Jones for providing exceptional care over the last 3 years. Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Grandview Cemetery Pavilion with funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m., with Reverend Ron Fisher officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at Grandview Cemetery, following the service. Please wear masks and observe social distancing. Memorial contributions can be made to Brown Food Pantry at Broadway United Methodist Church (309 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN 37804) or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org/donate). Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.

Heather Nicole McCloud, 46 of Halls Crossroads, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus surrounded by her family on Thursday, November 17, 2022. Heather was a true fighter with a sunshine spirit, a huge heart, and a fierce love of her family, friends, and fur babies.

A graduate of Halls High School and Maryville College, she had a lifelong love of reading and country music. She spent many years employed and in volunteer service to Knox County Schools and Emerald Youth Foundation, sharing her light with kids. Most recently employed in customer service at KUB, only leaving her friends and co-workers when her medical issues made it too difficult to continue.

Heather is preceded in death by grandparents, James W and Betty Kelly, Joseph and Gladys McCloud and Uncle Pat Kelly. Left behind to celebrate her are parents, Vicki McCloud and Gary McCloud (Elaine); sisters, Mendy McCloud-Sepesi (Michael) and Ashley Lacy (Tyler); special niece, Hannah Yow (Caleb) who started her favorite nickname WuaWua; uncle, Mike Kelly (Kay); fur sister, Darby; and many cousins and friends.

Bonnie Moore McConnell passed away December 26, 2004, at the age of 91.

During the 34th Annual Daily Times Academic Awards on May 6, 2019, Penny Blackwood Ferguson ’69 and Adriel McCord ’00 were inducted into the Daily Times Wall of Fame, which recognizes professional achievement and community involvement. Ferguson is a nationally recognized teacher at Maryville High School, and McCord is vice president of First Tennessee Bank.

Adriel McCord will receive the 2024 Community Leadership Award on April 16.

Leadership Blount created the award in 2000 to recognize individuals for sustained actions and leadership that reflect a commitment to lifelong service.

McCord will be recognized at a Community Leadership Award Dinner on April 16 at the Clayton Center for the Arts for all Leadership Blount dues-paying alumni and special guests.

A native of LaGrange, Georgia, McCord came to Tennessee in 1996 to attend Maryville College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business and organizational management.

He began his banking career in 2001 and is currently vice president and private client relationship manager at First Horizon Bank in Maryville.

McCord began serving in the Blount County community early in his career as a volunteer for United Way of Blount County. For many years, he volunteered in United Way’s community fundraising campaign and later served on the board of directors. In 2020, he was recognized as “Board Member of the Year.”

In 2022 he and his wife, Nichole, served as co-campaign chairs for the 2022 United Way of Blount County community fundraising campaign.

Adriel McCord is a member of the Leadership Blount Class of 2004 and later served as a board member and board chair for Leadership Blount.

Currently he serves on numerous boards, including the Maryville College Board of Directors, Blount Chamber Partnership and Fellowship of Christian Athletes for the Smoky Mountain Area. He also co-chairs the Blount County MLK Celebration Committee, a committee he has served on for more than 15 years.

He previously served as board member for the Maryville City Schools Foundation.

In addition to serving in official capacities for local organizations, McCord has routinely given of his time to teach financial literacy to students in schools, the after-school program at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Alcoa, Project HOPE and the Richard Williams Jr. Leadership Academy.

McCord also has served as a small group co-leader at Foothills Church in Maryville, and he has volunteered his talents to serve as a master of ceremonies and DJ at many local community events.

Based on his commitment and service to the community, McCord has been recognized by many community organizations through the years.

He is the 24th recipient of the Community Leadership Award.

Leadership Blount educates and inspires current and emerging leaders to engage in active, lifelong service. The nonprofit’s programs include Leadership Blount, Discover Blount and Leadership Roundtable.

Mom (Bethel “Betsy” Burleigh McCordic), after 98 years, was released late on Monday, August 21, 2022, to dance joyfully through the gates of the City of her King. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Betsy graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee in 1945, and went on to teach French, music, art, and physical education for 38 years at Prairie High School in Three Hills, Alberta. There she met Charles McCordic (II) in 1981, a new teacher mourning the death of our mother, Mary. They married and headed off to Africa, teaching first at the Institut Biblique Evangélique in Chad, then at the Swaziland Evangelical Bible Institute, and finally at Durban Bible College. Charles and Betsy moved to Waterloo Region in 2010. Thrilled to discover that the world had invaded our Pennsylvania Dutch Mennonite country, they seized the opportunity to teach ESL and Bible studies at First Baptist Church in Waterloo.

April Proffitt McCroskey was awarded the 2018 Pro Bono Service award by the Tennessee Supreme Court in October of 2018.

Rev. Russell H. McCuen, Jr. (Mac), born November 2, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA, passed away on November 25, 2020 in Louisville KY. Preceded in death by parents, Olga Julia Christensen and Russell Howard McCuen, Sr. and a brother, Robert. He was educated at Maryville College and Pittsburgh Seminary as an M. Div. and later got his MBA at West Virginia University. Mac pastored churches in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He was also a member of the Presbyterian General Assembly. Prior to retirement, Russell served four interims. Mac attended Harvey Browne Presbyterian. In his retirement he was an avid Christian adult educator for Third Lutheran Church and Harvey Browne congregations. He will sadly be missed by wife, Mary McCuen, brother, Richard and two wonderful children from a previous marriage, Wendy Jones, Adam McCuen, grandchildren and great-grand children.

has joined the faculty of Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina as an assistant professor of education. She has a Ph.D. in education/literary studies from the University of Tennessee, an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Tusculum College, a B.A. in English from Maryville College and an A.A. in Elementary Education from Pellissippi State Community College.

graduated UTK in 2015 with a doctorate in Education with a concentration in Literacy Studies. In August 2015, she accepted an assistant professor of education position at Francis Marion University in Florence, SC.

Bernice McClanahan McCulloch passed away on October 24, 2016, at the age of 94. Bernice grew up in the Forest Hill Community and was the daughter of the late Carrie James McClanahan and the late Edgar McClanahan. In 1943, she graduated from Maryville College with a B.S. in Biology, but during World War II she worked for the US Navy as a civilian aluminum inspector at ALCOA. Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, she married Paul McCulloch in 1944, and then began her career as a teacher in the Blount County School System. She spent most of her 30 years in the Friendsville High School Science Department and retired from Fairview Elementary. As a woman of great faith, Bernice joined Monte Vista Baptist Church in 1962 and was a dedicated member throughout the years. She is survived by: beloved daughter, Nancy McCulloch Amerine & husband Larry of Elizabethton, with whom she lived during her final years; grandchildren, Kristine Amerine Carter and husband Craig of Johnson City, Miranda McCulloch Horton and husband Kyle of Simpsonville, SC, and Lindsey McCulloch Kline and husband Aaron of Maryville; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Nicholas Carter, Lillie Ruth, Ellis & Emmeline Horton, and Alice and Lara Kline; daughter-in-law, Mary Charles McCulloch Harris; sister, Dorothy McCammon; several nieces and nephews. Bernice was preceded in death by Paul, her loving husband of 52 years; her beloved son, Randall; brother, Howard McClanahan. Bernice was a gentle woman of quiet integrity. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend. Family and friends will assemble for graveside service and interment at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 29, 2016, at Grandview Cemetery with Dr. Jerry Russell and Rev. Jerry Mantooth officiating. Memorial donations may be made to: Monte Vista Baptist Church Building Fund, 1735 Old Niles Ferry Road, Maryville, TN, 37803. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.

wrote to let the College know that she left Maryville in 1945 to attend the University of Iowa, since she had taken all the courses in her field of drama/theatre that were available at the time. Professor West was her advisor and principal teacher, and she admired her greatly. Thelma received a BFA from Iowa and a Masters in Education from Eastern Michigan University. She was hired by Eastern in the Drama department, where she retired as a professor in the late 80’s. During the 1980’s, she attended the University Of Michigan, where she completed 40 hours of graduate work in Drama/Theatre.

Nancy L. McDaniel, age 77, of West Chester, Ohio, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 29, 2018. She was born Thursday, January 23, 1941 in Knoxville, Tennessee to James and Hueletta (nee Ridenour) Braden. At the young age of 15, Nancy began her freshman year at Maryville College. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree, she ventured off to the big city of Lexington to attend University of Kentucky as she worked towards a Master’s Degree. It was during a meeting with the Math Department that Nancy met Fred C. McDaniel, a friendship that would last a lifetime. The following year, Nancy received her Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee. On Friday, June 30, 1962, Nancy married her best-friend. She and Fred would spend the next 55 years watching their family grow as they welcomed two daughters and three grandchildren. They loved to travel and could honestly say they were working on traveling the world. Nancy showed her family how to balance the strength of being a professional woman while maintaining a home filled with love and laughter. Math was a way of life for Nancy and she taught with a passion that brought excitement to her students. Head of the Math Department at Lakota and Sponsor of Mu Alpha Theta. She has touched many lives through her teaching. One of her favorite things was hearing from her former students. Nancy was honored to receive the first “Teacher of the Year” award from West Chester Kiwanis. Active in Crestview Presbyterian Church for 45 years, Nancy served as both a Deacon and Elder. She enjoyed her Sunday mornings with the Koinonia as they studied the Bible. Nancy loved her church family and will be missed by all that knew her. Nancy was preceded in death by: parents, James and Hueletta Braden; and husband, Fred C. McDaniel. Nancy is survived by: daughters, Karen (Ken) Poleyeff and Jami (Michael) Fullington; grandchildren, Kelsey Poleyeff, Braden Fullington and Madeline Fullington; and many loving family members and friends including lifelong friends, Ron and Carol Everman.

Beverly Jackson McDaniel passed away December 29, 2022.  She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Theodore C. “Ted” McDaniels, of West Berlin, passed from this life to Eternal Life on November 16, 2013, age 78. Beloved husband of 52 years to Margaret “Peggy” L. (nee Longfellow). Devoted father of David M. (Deana) McDaniels of Huntsville, AL, C. Mark (Carrie) McDaniels of Hammonton and Karen L. (James) Bates of Van Nuys, CA. Loving and proud grandfather of Griffin, Mitchell, Miles and Mira. Ted was born in Millville, NJ. He received his B.S. in Political Science at Maryville College, TN, his M.A. in Government & Public Administration from S.M.U. TX and a certificate from The School of Banking of the South at L.S.U. LA. He was in the Army during Vietnam. He worked for 32 years as an Executive Officer for Robert Morris Assoc. in Phila. retiring in 1993. He was an active member of West Berlin Fire District #1 and a member the W. B. Fire Commissioners 77-97, and Chairman for several years. Ted was a member of Berlin Twp. Town Council 68-72, Mayor 70-72. Planning Board member 70-82, Chairman 79-82. Member of Delaware Valley Society of Association Executives, President 74-75. Longtime member of Friendship Community Church. Recipient of the Camden County Freedom Award in honor of Martin Luther King given to him by the Freeholders in 2008. Ted had Parkinson’s Disease for 25 years but with Peggy’s help he managed to live an active life. He enjoyed taking cruises with her, saltwater fishing, reading novels and John Wayne movies. Ted loved being with family and friends and was an inspiration to everyone he meet.

Elizabeth (Bep) McDermott, 72, of DeLeon Springs, FL, died peacefully March 29, 2016, surrounded by her family. Elizabeth was born on September 3, 1943, in Oegstgeest, Netherlands to Gerrit and Janna de Vente. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Gerrit de Vente and Jacob de Vente. Elizabeth was a lifelong volunteer, educator, friend and mother to many. After years of raising her children, she worked in the Volusia County school system. Elizabeth retired in 2013 from Taylor Middle High School in Pierson. Her generous heart filled her home with love, fun, family and friends, including an attitude that there was always room for one more. She leaves her children and grandchildren with the knowledge that they were truly loved. Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 42 years, John, and their seven children: Mark of DeLeon Springs, FL, John (Mindy) of San Diego, CA, Alicia (Juan Nieto) of Jacksonville, FL, Scott (Christine) of DeLand, FL, Dennis (Sabrina) of DeLand, FL, Christie of DeLeon Springs, FL, Emilie (Brandon Gamble) of Pierson, FL. Brothers, Jan de Vente (Judy), Evert de Vente (Karen), Simon de Vente (Kathy), sisters, Janna de Vente and Corrie Loveday (Jim). She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: McKenzie, Hannah, Dominick, Nikki, Gracie, Lailah, Trent, Loretta and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Friday, April 1, at 4 pm at Community Christian Assembly, 235 W. Washington Ave., Pierson, FL.

Edward Charles “Ed” McFadden Jr. 69, a long-time and well-known Tampa attorney, died Dec. 2, 2022, at his home following a long illness. Ed passed away at home surrounded by his family, while the song “Dixie” played softly in the background. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Charles and Esther Jamieson McFadden; a sister, Patricia Henderson; a son, Charles Francis “Charlie” McFadden IV; and two nieces, Allyson Bryant Wright, and Christine Eichner. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; a son, Edward Charles “Eddie” McFadden III; a daughter, Kathryn Elizabeth “Katie” McFadden; a brother, Charles Francis “Charlie” McFadden III; a sister, Noreen “Chook” Seeley; a grandson, Charles Francis Peterson; a nephew, Joie Chitwood III (Susan); two nieces, Catherine Carney and Erin Gamiel; grand-nephews, Louis Bryant, Alex Wright, Joel McFadden Chitwood; and a grand-niece, Madison Wright. Ed was born in Coral Gables, FL, but moved to Tampa when he was young. He attended Wilson Middle School and, in 1971, graduated from Plant High School where he starred in football and was known as the “Mean Man” of the Panthers. He attended Maryville College in Tennessee on a football scholarship, and later attended the University of Florida. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 1975 where he was the recipient of the Law Day Award. He attended the Stetson University College of Law where he graduated in 1978, third in his class. Ed began his Law Practice in 1984 at the Hutchinson House, Tampa, FL. Ed was a larger than life presence in Tampa, known for driving his Teal Mercedes, wearing seersucker suits in the summer, and holding court on the porch of his antebellum South Tampa home on West San Jose Street, which was under continual renovation. He had numerous friends from all walks of life, always dropping by for impromptu visits. Ed embodied the definition of a true Southern gentleman, who played hard and fought even harder. “All I want in this creation,” Ed once said, “is an itty-bitty wife and a big plantation.” Ed stayed active in Tampa Bay athletics, playing rugby for the St. Petersburg Pelican Rugby Club, winning a state championship in 1986. He was a Tennessee Squire, and a member of the Plant High School Letterman’s Club. Ed also coached his children’s youth sports teams and was a fixture at Hector’s Gym in West Tampa. Ed was a long-time supporter and member of the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, VA, where he and Suzanne attended their annual balls and functions.

Charles Erma McFarland of Roswell died Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the age of 79. Born in Meridian, MS he was the son of the late Harris G. and Franke Brown McFarland. He was a graduate of Heidelberg High School (1952), Maryville College (B.A., 1956) and Georgia State University (M.Ed., 1977). He joined the Marine Reserves while at Maryville College and served for a number of years. He taught high school Biology and Human Physiology in the Fulton County School system for 41 years until his retirement in 1998. Since 1960, Charles was a dedicated member of Roswell Presbyterian Church, serving as both deacon and elder. He and his loving wife, Jean, served on many church committees, taught Sunday School classes, and were cherished youth group leaders. He served as president of Roswell Kiwanis Club and the North Fulton Retired Educators Association. He was a talented woodworker and an antique car enthusiast. Gifted with a quick wit, a generous heart, a love of nature and travel, a love of storytelling, and an indomitable spirit, Charles was a man who always focused on the positive and never met a stranger. Charles was preceded in death by a sister, Faye McFarland Nelson. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Jean Dildy McFarland ’57; two wonderful sons: Bryan Field (Diane ’85) McFarland ’83 of Greensboro, NC and Kent Erwin McFarland of Alpharetta; a cherished granddaughter: Meagan Aline McFarland. He is also survived by an “adopted” family: Robb and Lanette (Henry) McClendon and their children, Michaela, Shelly, and Alex; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A ten-year cancer survivor, Charles had been on home dialysis for the past three years with Jean and Kent as certified assistants. Because of the home dialysis option he was able to travel and enjoy visiting family and friends. The family is deeply grateful to innumerable medical professionals over the years, including the doctors, nurses and specialists at North Fulton Hospital ICU over the past two weeks.

Harold H. McFarland passed away on January 10, 2011.

Jean Dildy McFarland, 88, of Alpharetta, GA, recently passed away on December 25, 2023.

Visitation will be held on January 9, from 1-3 pm and 6-8 pm at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors in Roswell. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will take place on January 10 at 2:00 PM at Roswell Presbyterian Church. The Committal service will follow the reception at Green Lawn Cemetery.

Jean attended Milton High School in 1953, and went on to graduate from Maryville College with a B.S. degree in 1957. She later obtained her M.Ed. from Georgia State University in 1979.

Betty Vineyard McGaha, age 97, of Johnson City, Tennessee, died Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Life Care Center of Gray.

Betty was born July 3, 1924, to the late Glenn and Nell French Vineyard in Knoxville, Tennessee. She graduated from Maryville College. She moved to Johnson City in 1951.

Betty was a longtime and faithful member of First United Methodist Church since she joined in October of 1951.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Norman E. “Mac” McGaha; daughter, Barbara Sue McGaha; brother, Glenn R. Vineyard, Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Sandra Crutcher McGaha.

She is survived by her children, Betty Ann McGaha Furches (James), David E. McGaha, and J. Michael McGaha; four grandchildren, Jeffrey S. Furches, R. Craig Furches, Cassie McGaha, and Amie McGaha Campbell (Andrew); and three great-grandchildren, Stephen C. Furches, James R. Furches, and Mackenzie P. Furches.

Passed away Feb. 23, 2015. at Westminster Manor in Austin, Texas. He was 90 years old. Owen was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by his parents Owen and Nellie McGarity and attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. He then graduated from McCormick Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. He met his wife Lois, a fellow Maryville student, in 1946. After their marriage, they moved to Ashmore, Illinois where Owen served as pastor of the Ashmore Presbyterian Church. Following Ashmore, Owen served churches in: Brighton Park, Illinois; Ossian, Indiana; Rosenberg, Texas; Port Neches, Texas; Clarendon, Texas; Memphis, Texas; and Gonzales, Texas. While living in Rosenberg, he received a Masters of Theology degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. After retiring, he continued to serve as a part-time pastor in Luling, Texas and Cheapside, Texas and as the chaplain of the Warm Springs Rehabilitation Center in Ottine, Texas. In the spare moments of his full life, Owen was an avid ham radio operator with ham friends throughout the world. Owen is survived by his wife, Lois, his children Thomas, Arthur, Elizabeth Silva, Ralph, and Mary Nell Clark, 14 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Lois Wilson McGarity passed away early this week at Westminster Manor in Austin, Texas. She was 90 years old. Lois was raised in Russellville, Alabama by her parents Ralph C. and Chamintney S. Thomas. After attending Russellville High School, she graduated from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, where she met her future husband, the Reverend Owen McGarity, Jr. A devoted wife and mother, Lois was an integral part of Owen’s ministries at Presbyterian churches in Illinois, Indiana and Texas. She was also an active participant in the civic life of the towns where she lived. Lois received a Texas Elementary Education Certificate from Lamar University in 1966, and she later received a Special Education Certificate from West Texas State University. From 1966 until her retirement, Lois taught elementary and special education students in Port Neches, Clarendon, Shiner, and Gonzales, Texas. In 1983, she was listed as one of the “Most Prominent Educators of Texas.” Lois devoted many of her free hours to documenting and archiving past and present comings and goings of six generations of her large family, an act of love for which her descendants will forever be grateful. Lois is survived by her brother, Dr. James Thomas; her children Thomas and wife Cathleen, Arthur and wife Jane, Elizabeth Silva and husband Richard, Ralph and wife Ida, and Mary Nell Clark and husband John; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. A service to celebrate Lois McGarity’s life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3208 Exposition Boulevard, Austin, Texas on Friday, April 8, at 3:00 PM. A service of interment will be held at the Gonzales Memorial Park Woodmen of the World Cemetery in Gonzales, Texas on Saturday, April 9, at 11:00 AM. Donations in lieu of flowers should be sent to Westminster Presbyterian Church for the One Great Hour of Sharing collection. Arrangements under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul, Gonzales, TX. Funeral Home

Thomas A. McGehee passed away April 8, 1965

retired from government service in December 2012. She looking around for what’s next which will probably include a move to Wester North Carolina where my mother, Joy Corrigan McGill (class of ’40) is residing.