Obituaries
Retired U.S. Army Gen. Carl W. Stiner
June 8, 2022
Retired U.S. Army Gen. Carl W. Stiner passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones Thursday, June 2, 2022. Carl was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend. He also was a proud Army veteran for 35 years, serving as a distinguished soldier, a courageous leader and a dedicated, God-fearing man.
Carl Wade Stiner believed strongly in the values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church LaFollette. He was born on Sept. 7, 1936, in LaFollette. He was the son of Emit and Hassie Stiner and grew up a farmer. He graduated and was commissioned in the infantry from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute on May 30, 1958. He met his lifelong companion and loving wife, Sue, at Fort Benning, Georgia.
His first Special Operations tour of duty was from 1964 to 1966 with the 3rd Special Forces group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Following graduation from the Army Command and General Staff College in 1967, he served in Vietnam as both an Infantry Battalion and Brigade Operations officer with the 4th Infantry Division.
During his military career, Gen. Stiner commanded U.S. Military’s preeminent contingency strike forces, including the Joint Special Operations Command, the 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps and US Special Operations Command.
As Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps, he was designated Commander, Joint Task Force South, and served as the Operational Commander of all forces employed on Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama in December 1989. In June 1990, he was promoted to the rank of general and became the second Commander in Chief of the U.S. Special Operations Command. In this role, he was responsible for the readiness of all Special Operations Forces of the Army, Navy and Air Force, both active duty and reserve, during Operation Desert Storm. Gen. Stiner retired in May 1993 and moved back to his hometown of LaFollette.
Carl is preceded in death by his father, mother, brothers, Glen and Tom Stiner, and sister, Jo Ann Sharp. He is survived by his wife of 62 years and two loving daughters and their families. Carla (Jim) Reel (son, Jackson), of Knoxville, Tennessee; Laurie (Robert) Lancaster (son, David and daughter, Kate), of Leesburg, Virginia; brother, Emory Stiner (Carolyn) (daughter, Shannon); nephews Mark Stiner, Derrick Stiner and Mike Glisson; and nieces Tommi Allen, Shannon James and Kathy Jordan.
Family will welcome friends from noon to 2 p..m., Saturday, June 11, in First Baptist Church of LaFollette along Central Avenue. Following the visitation, the service will be held at the church with full military honors. Formal Interment will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Gen. Stiner will lie in state at Cross-Smith Funeral Home from 10 a.m until 5 p.m., Friday, June 10. Family requests donations in lieu of flowers go to Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home, LaFollette.
Kenneth Edward Darnell was born Aug. 3, 1951,
May 4, 2022
and lived 70 abundant and adventurous years before suffering a stroke and going home to rest with Jesus on April 27, 2022.
Ken grew up in Western Kentucky and Tennessee, married his high school sweetheart, Teresa Price, and graduated first in his class of civil engineers at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide). He was an avid intellectual and self-labeled nerd, whose hunger for information was only eclipsed by his passion for sharing the intricate beauties of God’s creation with everyone he met.
Ken’s life touched thousands of others as he traveled to more than 40 countries and all 50 states. He had a rare enthusiasm for people and made friends wherever he went, wielding his keen sense of humor to put people at ease.
Ken’s quick wit enhanced his qualities as the ultimate “girl dad,” and he constantly displayed his pride for his three daughters and 10 grandchildren. A teacher at heart, Papa’s hobby was his family, instilling in his children and grandchildren a lifelong curiosity and courageous heart to engage with God’s beauty through fishing, hunting, snow skiing, hiking, tennis and basketball.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Teresa; daughters, Kimberly (Rusty) Woody, Christy (Mark) Knight and Emily (Chuck) Hooten; and grandchildren: Riley, Blake and Ty Woody; Caleb, Grace, and Joshua Knight; and Lily, Ava, Mae and Josie Hooten; his parents, brother, sister and beloved nieces and nephews.
His celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Concord, 11704 Kingston Pike, Farragut, Tennessee, with receiving of friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the service following, on Friday, May 6.
David DeWayne Shelden
April 27, 2022
David DeWayne Shelden, age 49, passed away April 15, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.
David bravely and courageously fought cancer for 15 years. His battle was won when the angels sang him home.
David is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Whitney C. Shelden; children, Christopher Conrad Shelden, Sierra Drew Shelden and Piper Graziella Vassallo; mother and step-father, Louise and Douglas Stallings; father and step-mother, Joseph and Lily Shelden; siblings, Lee Fulkerson II and Crystal (Tim) Seul; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and loving extended family members.
David was honest, loyal, brave and true, and always told it like it was. His dedication, protection, strength, courage and undying love for his family will be greatly missed. He will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, friend and motorcycle-riding music lover.
Memorial service was held at Sweet Prospect General Baptist Church, 1201 E Elk St., Dexter, Missouri, on Saturday afternoon, April 23, and will be held at Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, beginning at 5 p.m., Saturday, April 30. A Celebration of David’s Life will be held on Monday, July 4, on the Farm at Cross Creek in Kingston, Tennessee.
Sarah Ellis Burke
March 3, 2022
Sarah Ellis Burke passed away Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, from cancer. She was a life-long member of Grassy Valley Baptist Church. Sarah was a graduate of Farragut High School, Class of 1952, where she was a cheerleader and played basketball. She studied cosmetology in Nashville and Orlando, Florida, but decided that was not for her, and returned to office work.
Sarah was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Edward L. Burke; and son, Edward L. (Rob) Burke Jr.; father, Martin Ellis; mother, Ethel Ellis Tidwell; stepfather, Louis Tidwell; and brothers, Alvin and Ken Ellis.
She enjoyed being at the family farm in Crossville, known as “Winter Place,” and enjoyed deer hunting with her husband on Catoosa Wildlife Area.
Sarah is survived by granddaughter, Kelly Sarah Burke; daughter-in-law, Martha Grecco Burke; brothers, Marshall and Scott Ellis, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In honoring Sarah’s request, there will be no service. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BerryHighlandWest.com for the Burke family.
LaSorsa, Rose Marie
February 24, 2022
LaSorsa, Rose Marie, age 81, died peacefully at her home in West Knoxville on Feb. 11, 2022.
Rose was born on Feb. 24, 1941, in Jefferson County, Alabama, and moved to Knoxville in 1948. She attended Knoxville West High School and the University of Tennessee.
Rose dedicated her life to her family while working at Knox County Sheriff’s Office and UT Medical Center, with a career spanning more than 60 years. She loved working with the residents and staff at UT General Dentistry. Rose was a resilient woman who demonstrated selfless love and caring for her family and friends.
Rose is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Mike LaSorsa.
Rose is survived by her beloved sons, Scott and Brent; daughter-in-law, Karen; eight grandchildren, Olivia, Sophia, Mason, Cambria, Julia, Karley Jo, Hannah and Matt Braden, and Hayden and Sarah Kurtz; great-grandson, Jordan; several extended family members including Richard and Mary Joan Baggot, Vinny LaSorsa and Carmele Goins, and many dear friends.,
The family will receive friends from 9 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Don Wilson officiating. Following the service, Rose will be laid to rest with her husband, Mike LaSorsa, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
Rose was deeply loved and will be terribly missed, yet there is joy knowing her homecoming to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Fond memories and condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com
Joan Haines McIntee, age 88,
December 23, 2021
passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021.
Born the oldest of three children, she had a life well-lived, deserving of admiration and thanks for all the lives she positively impacted around the world. We believe God has set a special place of honor for her. After graduating from Mishawaka High School, Joan attended Holy Cross School of Nursing, graduating as a registered nurse. This began her many decades of selfless service to others.
Joan was beloved in the many communities where she lived and served. Those communities included the Greater Knoxville area; Bethel Park, Pennsylvania; and Bettendorf, Iowa, just to name a few.
Joan held numerous leadership positions including president of The Rotary Club of Farragut, president of the Bethel Park Chamber of Commerce and countless other Board member positions of various organizations. She was honored as the 2008 Volunteer of the Year by Tennessee Friends of Libraries, a Dolly Parton organization.
Joan was accomplished in more than 10 needle arts. She enjoyed crochet, scherre braiding, sewing, candle wicking and Teneriffe embroidery just to name a few. For 12 ½ years she was an advice columnist/designer for the internationally circulated “Women’s Circle Crochet” magazine and had more than 200 designs published. Her award-winning designs were featured on two front covers of the magazine. She published two booklets, “Teneriffe Embroidery” and “Teneriffe Embroidery II” (an authentic colonial needle art). She was passionate about teaching and perpetuating needle arts to future generations.
Her tireless dedication was recognized by The Daughters Of The American Revolution: she was presented the Women In The Arts National Award.
Joan was inducted as a member of the Authors Guild of Tennessee. She was a certified Leadership Development and Organizational Development Consultant. She was honored in: “World Who’s Who of Women,” “International Who’s Who In Community Service,” “Two Thousand Women of Achievement (Internationally),” “Dictionary of International Biography,” “International Platform Association,” “Who’s Who of American Women” and “Community Leaders of America.” She was recognized by many elected officials and was included in the “U.S. Congressional Record” for her service.
Prior to her relocation to Ohio to be closer to family, her community activities included Lifetime Member of Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce, “Honorary Member for Life” at The Rotary Club of Farragut and Tellico Lake and Parliamentarian for Friends of the Vonore Public Library (Monroe County).
Joan’s Catholic faith was unwavering. She relished serving as a Eucharistic Minister at St. John Neumann Catholic Church and served as lector and organist in her previous parishes.
Joan is survived by her dearly devoted husband of 67 years, James (Jim) McIntee. Jim often is heard saying “Yup, I’d marry that girl again -- in a heartbeat!” Joan was the proud mother of six accomplished children: James W. McIntee Jr. (Eva) of Akron, Ohio; John D. McIntee (Lisa) of Sylvania, Ohio; Janet M. (McIntee) Greiber (Tommy) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; Jeanne A (McIntee) Middleton (Mark, Sr) of Hilliard, Ohio; June E. (McIntee) Ryan (Tim) of Cleveland, Ohio; and Julie J (McIntee) Santucci (Jack) of Stuart, Florida.
Joan also is survived by her nine precious grandchildren: Mikala (McIntee) Brown (Matt), Oliva McIntee, Jennifer Middleton, Jessica Middleton, Mark Middleton Jr. (Caroline) Janelle (Middleton) McCoy (Cody), Aisling Ryan, John Santucci III and Jamie Santucci. Joan often referred to her one great-grandchild, Audrey Middleton, as a precious gem.
She also is survived by her loving sister, Jane Helen (Haines) Vandewalle (Tom) of South Bend, Indiana, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was proceeded in death by her father, J. Howard Haines; mother, Helen Catherine (May) Haines; brother, Jim Haines; sister-in-law, Maxine (Beehler) Haines; nephew, Don Vandewalle; and niece, Jill Haines.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, Dec, 22, 2021, at Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church, 9350 High Free Pike, West Jefferson, Ohio, 43162; Father Dwayne McNew, Celebrant. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Rotary Club, Rotary International or to the Friends of the Library in Vonore.
Ronald (Ron) Phillip Sparks, age 83,
December 16, 2021
went to his heavenly home on Nov. 28, 2021.
Ron was born to Ralph Sr. and Julia (Bailey) Sparks in Erwin, where he lived most of his life.
Ron married Melinda Jennings in 1962, and they raised two sons, Kevin and Gary Sparks. They moved to Knoxville to be near their grandchildren after his retirement.
His career included time working for Clinchfield Railroad, Hoover Ball, GMF and Aerojet (in Jonesborough).
Ron was a Christian and long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church in Erwin, where he served as a deacon. After moving to Knoxville, he was a member of First Baptist Concord, where he enjoyed working on and building sets for VBS and Christmas productions.
He was a loving, compassionate husband, father and granddad. Ron’s greatest joy was beach time with his family, golf, Tennessee Vols sports and NASCAR. During his retirement, he was devoted to spending time with his two grandchildren. He and Melinda also were involved for several years with the Mission of Hope ministry.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother (Everette) and one son (Gary).
Ron is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Melinda Sparks; their son, Kevin (Lori) of Knoxville; grandchildren, Chelsea Chrisp (Neil) of Nolesville and Andrew Sparks of Knoxville; and sister, Carrie Lee (Stanley) Edwards of Erwin; brother, Ralph Jr. (Wanda) of Erwin; sister-in-law, Donna Sparks of Gainesville, Florida; brother-in-law, Robert Jennings (Cheryl) of Erwin; sister-in-law, Carleen Anderson of Knoxville; and his great-grandchildren, Emory Chrisp and Nolan Chrisp; many nieces and nephews; and countless lifelong friends.
The family has decided to have a Celebration of Life and graveside committal service in the new year. Details will be provided once arrangements have been finalized.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Ron to Mission of Hope, P.O. Box 51824, Knoxville, TN, 37950, or Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C., 28607.
Ron loved knowing that through the Christmas deliveries, children would not only receive gifts, but the message of the hope of Jesus Christ.
Ron will be dearly missed by all of those who loved him.
Mary “Sue” (McCall) Shirley, age 85,
December 16, 2021
passed away peacefully on Nov. 30, 2021, in Knoxville, professing Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
Sue was born in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, on Sept. 24, 1936. Her father, Herbert McCall, was a carpenter and farmer. Her mother, Iola Josephine (Neece) McCall, affectionately known as “Momola,” was a mother to seven children and grandmother to 13 grandchildren. Sue was the sixth of the seven children.
Sue graduated from Walnut Ridge High School and attended Arkansas State University. She worked as a telephone operator in Memphis.
She was married to Lt. Millard G. Shirley, United States Air Force, in 1958, while he was stationed at Walnut Ridge Air Force Base. Sue and Millard had two children, Mark Alan Shirley, born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Sabrina Starr (Shirley) Houston, born in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Sue became an interior decorator. This served her family well, allowing her to create beautiful backdrops for the many homes in which they would live. Sue fulfilled all of the duties of an Air Force wife with detail and care. This included entertaining, moving and taking care of the house and kids when Millard was assigned remote tours in Alaska, Greenland and Australia.
Sue loved to travel and was always ready to pick up and move to a new location. She enjoyed starting over with a blank slate to decorate a new home every few years. These locations included Lompoc, California; Sumter, South Carolina; Wichita Falls; Lincoln, Nebraska; Petersburg, Virginia; Biloxi, Mississippi; Memphis; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Tampa; Woomera, South Australia; Denver; Huntington Beach, California; Palm Coast, Florida; Jacksonville, Florida, and finally to Farragut to live near her daughter.
Sue volunteered for the Kidney Foundation for many years. She was involved in numerous Bible studies and served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church.
Sue had the gift of hospitality. She loved to cook and entertain. Her dinner parties and social events were legendary.
Gracious and elegant, Sue will be remembered for her sass, sense of humor and flair for fashion.
She lived life full throttle, despite facing numerous health issues throughout much of her life. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, shopping, walking, picnics, Tab, good food and playing Bridge, Chickenfoot and Sequence.
Sue lived her final two years at The Villages of Farragut in a beautifully decorated apartment, where she had an “Open Door” policy and spent quality time on her balcony reading her Bible. She made many dear friends and enjoyed participating in the activities and events. Most of all, she loved her Lord, her husband and her children.
Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband and faithful companion of 63 years, Lt. Colonel Millard G. Shirley, USAF of Springfield, Kentucky; parents, Herbert F. McCall and Iola Josephine (Neece) McCall; brothers, Harry McCall, Thomas McCall and Herbert F. McCall Jr.; and sisters, Joyce Whittington, Katherine Light and Margaret Ann Fisher.
She is survived by son, Mark (Trang) Shirley of San Jose; daughter, Sabrina (Paul) Houston of Lenoir City; several nieces, nephews and their families; and three grand-dogs.
Visitation was held Monday, Dec. 13, in Click Funeral Home Farragut. Funeral service was held in the chapel at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery Tuesday, Dec. 14, where Sue was buried with her husband, who passed away Jan. 26, 2021.
Family requests donations be made in Sue’s memory to a charity of your choice or to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, https://billygraham.org/; Samaritan’s Purse, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/; or Wreaths Across America – Knoxville, https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/.