Class Notes

On February 9th, 2023 I was named the next Varsity Head Football Coach at Fort Chiswell High School in Max Meadows, Virginia. I will also be teaching Health & Physical Education at Fort Chiswell High School.

Christin Marshall has founded Camp Wild Child, a company that specializes in getaway weekends that allow adults to go back to summer camp. In 2018, Camp Wild Child has will host weekends in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Colorado. In 2019, the plan is to expand to Tennessee and Ohio. The business is still in startup stage, but the aim is to become “the Spartan Race of summer camps.” If you love CrossFit and the outdoors or you are just interested to see more details, check it out here: www.campwildchild.com.

Bearden High School is proud to name Ryan Radcliffe as our new head boys and girls soccer coach. Ryan is a 2007 graduate of Bearden High School and a 2011 graduate of Maryville College. While at BHS, Ryan was a four-year varsity starter under Coach Eric Turner. He was a two-time All-District and All-Region performer and an All-State selection in 2007. Ryan was a member of Bearden’s 2006 State Championship team and the 2007 State Finalist team. At Maryville College, Ryan was a four-year varsity starter under Coach Pepe Fernandez. He was named Great South Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year and was a three-time All-Conference selection.

She and Steve recently celebrated their 50th anniversary with a ceremony and reception attended by many of their friends and family members. They have 3 sons and 5 grandchildren who participated in the ceremony.

Rev. Willard Frank Rahn of Quincy Village and formerly of 141 Snider Avenue, Waynesboro, died Friday, March 9, 2012 with family at his side. He had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and had been in declining health. The son of the late Frank Arthur Rahn and Alice (Van Buren) Rahn, Rev. Rahn was born on his mother’s family farm in Kandiyohi County, MN on July 27 1926. He attended schools in the Willmar, MN area before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1944. During much of his tour he was assigned to the Shore Patrol at the Great Lakes Navy Training Station in Chicago. After an honorable discharge in 1946, Rev. Rahn lived with friends of his mother’s family, George and Thelma Christiansen, in West Allis, WI where he graduated from high school in 1947. It was while living in West Allis that he joined the Presbyterian Church and decided to become a minister. In 1951, Rev. Rahn graduated with a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Maryville College in Maryville, TN. He then attended Princeton Theological Seminary graduating in 1954. In the summer of 1952, Rev. Rahn and three fellow seminarians drove to Dawson City, Yukon Territory to work on the Trans Alaskan Highway. He fondly remembered both the experience of the cross country drive and the work in Alaska throughout his life. At Princeton, Rev. Rahn met Virginia Mabel Wilson of Hamilton Township, NJ in November 1952, and they married on April 17, 1954. The couple would have been married 58 years next month. Rev. Rahn accepted his first pastoral call at the First Presbyterian Church of Vassar, MI where he was ordained as a minister in the United Presbyterian Church in the USA and installed as the church’s pastor in a combined service in July 1954. Rev. Rahn served as Christian Education director at the Warren Avenue Presbyterian Church in Saginaw, MI and at the Park United Presbyterian Church in Beaver, PA where the family moved in 1961. In western Pennsylvania, Rev. Rahn also served the “yoked” churches of North Sewickley United Presbyterian and Knox Presbyterian near Elwood City, PA. He left the Knox church in 1975 to become the pastor at Hawley Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blue Ridge Summit. The Rahn family moved to Waynesboro during a late winter snowstorm in March 1975. After leaving Hawley, Rev. Rahn served as pastor of the Boonsboro United Church of Christ in Boonsboro, MD where he retired from the pulpit in 1988. Rev. Rahn continued his ministry by serving as chaplain at Leader Nursing Home in Chambersburg, PA and at Homewood Retirement Center in Williamsport, MD. While at Homewood, he worked with the activities staff by ministering to Alzheimer’s patients. He also formed a kazoo band, enabling all participants to participate in making music no matter their ability. Rev. Rahn retired from Homewood in 2006. A man of many and varied interests and avocations, Willard was nothing if not curious about the world around him. From natural history to current events and from talking to a stranger in an airport boarding area to learning to make dollhouse furniture he was always a man with an inquisitive mind. He was an avid photographer for many years both developing film and printing photographs he took with an Argus C3 camera. As a teenager he caddied at the Willmar Country Club, which led to a lifetime love of golf which he shared with his sons, son-in-law, and grandsons. For many years Rev. Rahn may have been best known as the “Bird Man of Waynesboro” for his visits to elementary schools where he spoke to students about local birdlife and how to attract and identify birds. For more than 20 years he led spring bird walks at Renfrew Park. Rev. Rahn’s interest in birds was piqued by his father-in-law who introduced him to birding. Over six decades he participated in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count in locations as diverse as the chaparral of NM, the sugar beet farmland of Michigan, and the banks of the Potomac River in Maryland. His enjoyment of birds led to Rev. Rahn’s greater appreciation of nature and the need to protect the environment. He was active on the Appalachian Trail as a minister, hiker, and trail and shelter overseer. For ten years Rev. Rahn led backpacking trips for a Trail Ministry program he helped found with the Synod of the Trinity. For more than 20 years he maintained the section of the AT that parallels Rattlesnake Run Road and included the old Mackey Run Shelter near Rt. 16 in Blue Ridge Summit. Rev. Rahn enjoyed vegetable gardening, and each year planted favorite varieties including Kennebec potatoes and Rutgers and Brandywine tomatoes. He was particularly fond of the birdhouse and other ornamental gourds that he grew and often gave to friends. As someone who enjoyed working with his hands, Rev. Rahn’s interests were just as diverse. For a number of years he operated a custom framing business from his home. From a small basement workshop he produced framed Love stamps as well as numerous one-of-a-kind frames for individuals and area businesses. In later years he was an enthusiastic count-cross stitch embroiderer. He combined this pursuit with his framing by mounting and framing many of his creations, which also found their way onto the walls of family and friends. As a Presbyterian minister, Rev. Rahn was a member of the Presbytery of Carlisle and the Synod of the Trinity. He attended several General Assemblies, the annual gathering of the United Presbyterian Church where church policy is democratically decided. While at Hawley church, he was active in several local ministerial groups in the Waynesboro area. Rev. Rahn served on several boards of the Renfrew Museum and Park for many years. He was a founding board member of the Renfrew Institute for Cultural and Environmental Studies. From its beginning in 1991 until 2008 he was an active member of the Institute’s Adult Education Committee, often commenting about the vitality he felt as a member. Rev. Rahn was a member of American Legion Post 15. In addition to his wife, Rev. Rahn is survived by a sister, Mary Alice Krogfus and her husband Donald and sister-in-law Frances Rahn of Willmar, MN. He was preceded in death by his brother Russell or “Boots” and by his brother Calvin and wife Medora. Also surviving are sons Timothy W. and wife Nancy Hughes of Takoma Park, MD; Thomas A. and wife Julianna of Los Alamos, NM and Todd P. of Waynesboro; and a daughter Tina M. Swink and husband David of Waynesboro. Grandchildren include Kiah Rahn; Isaac, Anna, and Elliot Swink; and Adam and Will Rahn. Rev. Rahn’s great-grandchildren include Aubrey and Alexis. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Entered into rest suddenly in Santa Rosa, CA on August 2, 2014. Dearly beloved wife of forty-four years of Dan Ramage of Santa Rosa, loving mother of Jenn Ramage (Steve Palopoli) of Los Gatos, CA and Wendy Ramage of Santa Rosa, and adored grandmother of Frankie Palopoli. Also survived by one sister, Alma (Lew) Hardy of Washington; two brothers, Stephen (Kimberly) Hannah and Paul (Karen) Hannah, both of Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews. A native of Maryville, TN, she was 68 years old. Wanda was a graduate of Maryville College class of 1968; proudly having made the Dean’s Honor List and served on the Debate Team each college year. An avid member of the Presbyterian Church at the time, following graduation, she worked for a year on a special project sponsored by the Board of National Missions. In 1969 Wanda relocated west to explore the possibility of a church vocation at the San Francisco Theological Seminary. It was there, in Berkeley, where she would meet her future husband whom she wed in San Anselmo in 1970. Wanda and Dan spent their youth residing throughout the Bay Area. In 1973, they made Santa Rosa their home and added two daughters to their marriage. An active mother, Wanda put family first in the rearing of her daughters and, over the years, enjoyed many family vacations in the Tahoe Basin. She directed Youth and Children’s Programs at Christ Church United Methodist, was a Teacher’s Aide and then served as School Secretary at Village Elementary, 1984-1989. She also took pride several summers in bringing International Exchange Students into Host Families throughout Santa Rosa. All of this led to Wanda obtaining her Teaching Credential at Sonoma State. She was employed eighteen years by the Mark West Union School District, first at San Miguel Elementary and then at Mark West Elementary. She retired from teaching in 2008 and returned to her first love and priority, family. She was a fierce Health Care Advocate and compassionate caregiver to Wendy. To these efforts, Wanda brought complete and full devotion. A special highlight of her retirement years was the birth of her granddaughter. Wanda’s sudden passing in August leaves behind a devoted family, many friends, neighbors and colleagues, who all feel the tremendous gift of her life.

Recently led the Blue Ridge School to a Virginia Independent School State Basketball Championship and was named Coach of the Year for Scrimmage Play, Virginia Independent Conference and Virginia Association of Independent Schools Division II.

Virginia Marshall Ramsey passed away peacefully on Friday, April 14, 2017. Virginia was a retired middle school art teacher who received the Middle School Art Teacher of Year award from the State of Georgia. She taught in Cobb County Public Schools, Marietta, Georgia, from 1972 until retirement — including Mountain View Elementary, North Cobb High School and Mabry Middle school. Virginia received her bachelors of art from Maryville College and went on to earn her masters in counseling from University of West Georgia and Ed.S degree from The University of Georgia. She was active in Cobb-Marietta Retired Educators as well. She enjoyed painting, traveling and photography. She was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband David Ramsey and is survived by daughters Stephanie Ramsey, Jennifer Ramsey Biddy, son Marshall Ramsey and five grandsons, Blake Biddy, Bryce Biddy, Daniel Ramsey, David Ramsey and Evan Ramsey. A memorial service was held on April 22nd, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Marietta. The family requests donations to Covenant Presbyterian Church in lieu of flowers.

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.

Martha Ann Clabo Ramsey, age 76, of Knoxville, Tennessee went to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 2nd, 2023. Martha graduated Magna Cum Laude from Maryville College in 1969. Her enduring delight was teaching. She taught Spanish and French for over 30 years in Knox County. During her career, Martha received many accolades including TN Teacher of the Year. She will be remembered as a true champion for all children. Martha had a huge heart and was kind and giving to all who knew her. The number of lives she touched with her warmth, generosity, and love is simply uncountable.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Robert Ramsey; son, Marc Andrew Ramsey; parents, Rev. Andrew & Martha Clabo; sisters, Mary Naquin & Vickie Hamilton; brother, Andrew (Jim) Clabo, Jr. She is survived by sisters, Margaret Clabo Vineyard & Deborah (Rick) Threadgill; beloved lifetime friend, Martha Coulter Abbott; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In October 2019, Emily Randles ’17 was provisionally appointed to be the campus intern with the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship chapter at Maryville College. She is grateful to be serving her alma mater in this way!

was born on August 21, 1922 and passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2008.Sherfey was a resident of Freehold, New Jersey. He leaves behind his wife Virginia, son Tipton C. Randolph and daughter Virginia B. Randolph

Ronald Randon passed away on July 2, 2016, in College Park, MD.

Former Powell head coach Derek Rang has joined Ken Sparks’ staff at Carson-Newman as the graduate assistant in charge of receivers.

Former Powell head coach Derek Rang has joined Ken Sparks’ staff at Carson-Newman as the graduate assistant in charge of receivers.

Derek Rang ’07 named as football coach at Gatlinburg-Pittman Rang compiled a 32-8 record in three seasons at Dresden, including a perfect 15-0 season a year ago that was capped by a Class 1A state championship. Rang replaces Benny Hammonds, who retired on Feb. 23 after 45 seasons at Gatlinburg-Pittman. In his time with the Highlanders, Hammonds posted a 347-165 record. His 348 career wins – he went 1-8-1 during a one-year stint with Cocke County in 1969 – ranks fourth all-time in the state of Tennessee behind Alcoa’s Gary Rankin (397), St. George’s Ken Netherland (368) and Brentwood Academy’s Carlton Flatt (355). “I would like to thank Dr. Jack Parton, of Sevier County Schools, and Tony Ogle and AJ Bennett of Gatlinburg-Pittman High School for giving me the opportunity to be the next head football coach at Gatlinburg-Pittman,” Rang said in a Gatlinburg-Pittman release. “I have the utmost respect for the program coach Benny Hammonds has built over the last 45 years, and, while following a legend will not be easy, I feel we will continue the tradition of excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community of Gatlinburg that Coach Hammonds has established. “I cannot wait to join the school and community and start working with the wonderful people of Gatlinburg-Pittman.” Rang has plenty of ties to East Tennessee, beginning with his playing days at Maryville High School and Maryville College. He began his coaching career as an assistant football coach at Anderson County and also has stints as an assistant coach at Carson-Newman and as a defensive coordinator at South-Doyle and West.

Writes in to say, greetings to all in 2016! Her Maryville sweetheart and husband, William (Bill) C. Birch, MC graduate of 1968, died the morning of Christmas Day, 2012. Bill was an Education & History major while she majored in English Lit. They met at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary where they both earned a Master’s of Divinity. They enjoyed nearly 30 years of ministry, which led them finally to Fort Wayne, IN. After Bill’s death, she continued worshiping at Trinity Presbyterian Church, pastored by Kevin Boyd, a classmate from LPTS. There she happened to meet her new groom, Channing D Rash, an electrical engineer originally from Joliet, IL. He was widowed shortly before she was when his dear wife, Rosemary, died in August 2012. They made their home in Huntington, IN, southwest of Fort Wayne. Chan relocated to Fort Wayne…a change that allowed them to meet! They married on May 9, 2015 and continue to live in Fort Wayne, IN., enjoying retirement, the joys of his family (daughter, Kati & her fellow, Jaime and their nearly 5 year old daughter, Elicia). They also enjoy his son David, a recent graduate from Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne. He graduated Suma Cum Laude with a B.S. degree in I.T. David lives in Indianapolis, IN).

age 57, of Maryville, passed away Monday, February 23, 2015, at Tennova Regional. Marilyn graduated from Friendsville High School and later in life she graduated from Maryville College. At the age of 18, Marilyn joined the U.S. Army. She made the Army her career. During her career she lived and worked in the U.S. and around the world, including Korea, Germany, Japan, and Italy. She retired at the rank of staff sergeant. Marilyn is now our beautiful angel in Heaven. She was preceded in death by parents, J.T. and Vinnie Mae Crittenden; and sister, Nettie Sue. Survivors include her son, Joshua Todd Crittenden; daughters, Raylyn Lavanda Sapp and Maegan Rae Sapp; grandchildren, Tayshaun, Keagan, Kaiden, Terije, and Isabella; brother, Larry Crittenden and his wife Connie; sisters, Priscilla Morgan and Wanda Henderson; niece, Emily Wolfenbarger; nephews, Michael Farmer and Bradley Crittenden.

Ruth Huff Ray, age 97, of Maryville passed away Sunday, October 14, 2018, at Shannondale of Maryville. She was a member of St. Johns United Methodist Church and a 1942 graduate of Maryville College. She taught school for 37 years at Vonore High School and retired from the Knoxville City Schools. She was a charter member and Past Matron of the Vonore Order of the Eastern Star # 383 and a member of the Retired Teachers Association. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Charles R. Ray; parents, J. Robert and Johnnie Ella Cannon Huff; brother, Oll Huff; sisters, Mable Huff and Edna Huff Tilson. Survivors include her sister, Emma Dean Huff of Maryville; goddaughter, Lea Anne Smith Law; several cousins, friends, nieces and nephews. T Memorials may be made to your favorite charity. http://www.mccammonammonsclick.com/

Richard “Rick” Reagan, age 51, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023. Rick is preceded in death by grandparents, Elmer and Agnes Reagan of Maryville and Emil and Mary Schuber of Herington, Kansas. He is survived by his father, Charles E. Reagan in Seymour; his mother, Judy Reagan in Norris; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Julie and Jerry Rhyne in Greenback and Janet and David Latham in Maryville; and many extended family and friends. Rick was a 1990 graduate of William Blount High School and a 1995 graduate of Maryville College with a BA in Chemistry. After college he worked for Greenway Chemical and then Rohm and Haas/Dow Chemical. Rick enjoyed watching UT sports, playing cards, softball, basketball, and golf. Rick’s final wishes were to be cremated with no formal services. Instead of flowers, he wanted people to use those funds doing something they enjoy while thinking of him. Rick was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.

has been chosen to teach in Cleveland, Ohio, in the nationally recognized program Teach For America, which places high achieving college graduates into poverty stricken communities to provide those students with an excellent education.

just completed her first short film this summer. It is called “Southern Fried Thanksgiving” and is available to view on YouTube. A special showing of the film is scheduled for Maryville PFLAG chapter’s meeting on November 6, 2014. Amy is also writing a series of monologues for either a live performance or web shorts.

A long time educator and former superintendent of Etowah City Schools, Oran Matney Reed, died Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Woods Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family who loved him so much. Born and raised in Etowah, Reed left college in 1941 to enlist in the United States Army. He was a staff sergeant in the 58th Quartermaster Supply Unit. After returning from the war he married the love of his life, Mildred Hampton of Etowah, and continued with his education, receiving a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He began his life’s career as an educator as principal of Conasauga School and then later as principal of Etowah Grammar School. He was elected Etowah City Superintendent of Schools in 1963, serving until 1979. His community efforts were many and he contributed much time and enthusiasm to the TWC Alumni Association. In 1988 he received the R. Frank McKinney Award for distinguished service in the community. He was a faithful and loyal member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and followed his calling there faithfully with humility and love. He was the son of Oran L. and Nell Matney Reed. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mildred Hampton. Survivors include three children; Reverend Rebecca Reed of Etowah, Rev. Tom Reed and wife Deata of Bluff City, TN and Margaret Hubble and husband Rev. Mike Hubble of Chattanooga, TN; four grandchildren, Daniel and Adam Hubble, Annie Jones and Jeremy Reed and three great-grandchildren. Reed was a well-loved and inspirational mentor to many children who passed his way. His 90th birthday was celebrated with over 200 people attending to wish him well. He was a godly man who showed love and interest in all those he met. He will be greatly and sorely missed. The funeral service was held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, November 20th, at the Saint Paul United Methodist Church with Rev. Jason Crandall officiating. Interment followed at Green Hill Cemetery.

is currently at the University of South Carolina in the Ph.D. program. His research focuses on the sociophonetic variation and change in the English varieties of the American South, particularly of the Appalachian region. My ongoing dissertation work centers on the intersection of monophthongization, intonation, and place-based identity in East Tennessee.

97, of Tuscumbia, AL passed away at home on March 23, 2015. She was a resident of Tuscumbia since 1946 and was the widow of Jack Carter Reed, Sr. She was a graduate of Pensacola High School and Maryville College, Maryville, TN. Mrs. Reed taught in Tuscumbia City Schools over a twenty five year span. She was past president of Muscle Shoals District Service League and helped organize and start Covenant Christian School in Tuscumbia. She volunteered as its first administrator for two years. Mrs. Reed served on the Board of Colbert Caring Center since its inception, and was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, Tuscumbia, serving in many capacities. She was also preceded in death by her son, William Gordon Reed. She is survived by her three children, Jack Carter Reed, Jr., of Tuscumbia, Molly Davies of Metairie, LA, and Virginia (Ginger) Tomlinson of Florence, eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and her sister, Mary Jean Faulkner of Tuscumbia. Pallbearers included grandsons and grandsons-in-law; Jack Carter Reed, III, James Reed, Reed Tomlinson, Richard Davies, Jr., Richard Saadeh, and James Brignac. Honorary pallbearers were the elders, past and present, of First Presbyterian Church, Tuscumbia.