http://www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com/

Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation, 2827 Highway 116, Caryville, TN (2026)

01/08/2026

Jackie Lynn Westmoreland, age 64 of Clinton, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026 in Knoxville. He was born on June 16, 1961 to the late Shirley Eugene Westmoreland and Bernice Goodman. Jackie truly had a heart of gold and was always willing to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. His kindness and generosity touched many people. Jackie loved spending time with his nieces and nephews and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by sisters, Betty Carver, and Iva Venuto; and brother, Dennis Westmoreland.
He is survived by: siblings, Lorena Meyer and husband Andy, Bobby Westmoreland and Margo, Terry Westmoreland and Paula; several beloved nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
No services are planned at this time. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

01/06/2026

Jimmy Lynn Whaley, age 65 of Caryville, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 7:55 am at UT Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 25, 1960 to the late Elmer and Bobbie Whaley. He enjoyed hunting, and fishing, and had exceptional woodworking skills. Jimmy also loved going to the casinos with his brother. He was always willing to drop everything to help someone in need. Jimmy will be dearly missed by so many.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by wife, Gidgett Whaley; nieces, Valerie Davis, and Samantha Hembree; and nephew, Weston Clark.
He is survived by: brothers, Gary Whaley, John Yglesias and wife Barb; nephews, Jason Whaley and wife Megan, Josh Whaley and wife Jennifer, Brandon Hembree and wife Katelyn, David Whaley and wife Mattie, Dillon Aslinger, Eli Whaley, Garrett Davis and fiancé Heather, Aaron Scott West and fiancé Halie; mother-in-law, Ruthie Tindell; sisters-in-law, Sandy Hembree and husband Johnnie, Tina Roberts and husband Charles, Heather Clark and husband Michael; brother-in-law, Randy Tindell; nephews, Zachary Roberts and wife Tiffany, Phillip Roberts and fiancé Danielle Lowe, and Randy Tindell; nieces, Ashlyn Nichols, Gracie Roberts, Journie Clark, and Tiffany Tindell; great nieces and nephews, Jacob and Ethan Whaley, Ayden and Laiken Roberts, Ella and Lyndy, Oaklynn Grace and Ryker Glenn, Corbyn, Collyn, Coltyn, and Shealyn; special friends, Debbie York, Frank Phillips, Daryl Cole, Brenda Allen Barnes, Tanya Moss, Johnny Tackett; and other family and friends.
The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 5-7pm with the funeral service to follow at 7pm with Rev. JJ Patterson officiating. Graveside services will be on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11am at Robbins Cemetery. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

01/05/2026

James Ronald Worthington, 81, of Rocky Top (recognized by Ron as the formerly named Lake City), TN, passed away on January 3, 2026. Ron was born on November 13, 1944, in Lake City, TN, son of the late Carrie Sexton Worthington.
After serving many years in the United States Army and defending our country in Vietnam, Ron returned to Lake City, where he met his wife of 47 years, Regina. They were married in 1978, and remained in Lake City to raise their son Travis. Ron retired from the Tennessee Department of Correction after nearly 30 years, with his last position as the Warden of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, which closed in 2009. Since his retirement, Ron has enjoyed driving purchased vehicles to their owners for Fox Toyota in Clinton, TN. Ron was also an avid member of the Knoxville Scottish Rite Temple and in 2023 he was selected by the Scottish Rite Supreme Council in Washington, DC, to receive the 33-degree. He was the co-chairman of the Knoxville Scottish Rite shoe program that provides and fits shoes for children in need. Additionally, he was a member of the Coal Creek Masonic Lodge #492. Ron has had a letter of membership at Clear Branch Baptist Church for many years.
Ron was a loyal fan of the Tennessee Volunteers. He loved sports and one of the joys of his life was coaching his son Travis for many years. He also enjoyed reading, yard work, attending sporting events with Travis, and his wife Regina’s delicious home-cooked meals.
In addition to his mother, Ron was preceded in death by brother, Don Worthington, and brother-in-law, Al Stiles.
Those left to hold memories of Ron close are his wife Regina, son Travis and wife Sydney, sister Dorothy Stiles, brother Harold Worthington, brother-in-law Orgel Lay and wife Carolyn, brother-in-law Eldon Lay and wife Barbara, and several nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Parkwest Medical Center, especially those who cared compassionately for Ron in the Intensive Care Unit.
The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 5-7pm with the funeral service to follow at 7pm with Rev. JJ Patterson and Pastor Wayne Phillips officiating. Graveside service will be on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 3pm at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

12/30/2025

Always sad to see the Christmas decorations come down…
The trees and lights have brought a little warmth and joy to the funeral home this December, and we loved sharing it with you.
Take a look at this year’s decorations here in this video.
Thank you for making the season brighter!
We wish you and your family a Happy New Year!

12/26/2025

Glenith “Chubby” Seiber Bratcher, age 79 of Lake City, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, TN. Glenith was born on June 22, 1946 to the late Alonzo and Gertie Bray Seiber in Anderson County. She was of the Baptist Faith. Glenith was a factory worker until her accident, then was a homemaker. Glenith enjoyed cooking and family gatherings.
Glenith is preceded in death by husband Frank Bratcher of 38 yrs; brothers, Harley Seiber, Carlis Ray Seiber, Orlie Seiber, Leon Seiber, Carvin Seiber; brother-in-law, Mark Morrison; sisters, Carrie Seiber Lowe, Annette Seiber Morrison, and Wanda Seiber.
She is survived by: host of other family and including several nieces, and nephews, brothers-in-law, Ralf Lowe of Oliver Springs, William Bratcher of Andersonville, Wayne Bratcher of Clinton; sister-in-law, Shirley Henegar of Ohio; and a special cousin who was like a sister, Omer Bunch; several good friends that helped out over the years; Aleen Phillips, Tom Saunders, Lori Asher, George and Fannie Horton, Benny and Karen Auston, and Linda Hammer.
The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Sunday, December 28, 2025 from 1-3pm with the funeral service to follow at 3pm with Rev. Wayne Phillips and Dan Spurlock officiating. Her graveside service will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

12/24/2025

The familiar Nativity scene is one of joy: Mary tenderly cradles the newborn Jesus, surrounded by shepherds, angels proclaiming peace. Yet the Pietà depicts the sorrowful fulfillment. Mary holds her crucified Son, her heart pierced as foretold.

Grief is an integral part of the Christmas story. Simeon warned Mary, “Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also” (Luke 2:35), and soon after, Herod’s slaughter of infants brought weeping in Ramah that could not be comforted (Matthew 2:18; Jeremiah 31:15).

Our Saviour entered a world of both joy and tears. Jesus came not to spare us earthly sorrow, but to walk through it with us, bear it for us, and promise that one day He will wipe away every tear.

For those grieving this Christmas, know that the Babe in the manger is the risen Lord who understands your pain and holds you close.
May Christ’s peace, which passeth all understanding, guard your hearts this holy season.

With love at Christmas,
The Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation Family

Pictures are:
The Adoration of the Shepherds (c. 1640) by Guido Reni

Pietà (1498–1499) by Michelangelo Buonarroti

12/08/2025

Noah Daniel York, age 27 of Rocky Top, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at his home. He was born on May 6, 1998 to Anthony “Tony” Lee and Tabitha “Tammy” Ann Hall York in Oak Ridge. Noah enjoyed fishing and loved his family dearly. He was especially loved by his little nieces and nephews. He had a huge heart and would do anything for anyone. Noah will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his father, Tony York; and grandparents, Richard and Martha Hall, and Bo and Kathy York; uncle Aaron York; cousins, Brandy York and Jaylynn O’Tool; step-sister, Brittany Carroll; and other family members.
He is survived by: mother, Tammy York and fiancé Robin Carroll; adopted parents, Mike and Lori Hanley; siblings, Frank York (Brittany), Chansler York (Ashley), Charlie York (Hannah), Josh O’Tool, Brianne Webster (Cody), Corrissa Griffith (Tucker), Dakota Hanley, Austin Hanley, Chris, Jacob, Kaleb, Kaitlyn, Bethany (Chandler), Ally, Keira, and Haley Carroll; aunt, Leah York; cousin, Stevie York; special friends, Nate Pirro and Amanda Carroll; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.
The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 4-6pm with the funeral service to follow at 6pm with Rev. Bobby Sharp officiating. Graveside service will be on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 12 Noon.

12/07/2025

Mable Auntha Torres (Hembree), 88, of Caryville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mable lived a long life marked by deep faith, hard work, and unwavering love for her family.

Born to Rev. Alvis and Lainie (McGhee) Hembree, Mable grew up in a loving, faith-filled home that shaped the compassion, strength, and devotion she carried throughout her life.

Mable was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph Torres, with whom she shared a lifetime of partnership, devotion, and purpose. Together they founded R & M Wholesale in 1987, a business they nurtured with dedication and pride. Their work became not only a livelihood but a shared passion that reflected their commitment to one another and to their community.

She is survived by her sons Ralph David (Sarah Tammy – deceased), Dwayne (Mona), and Michael (Amy), who were the pride of her life, as well as 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom held a special place in her heart. She is also survived by her brother Fred Hembree.

Mable was preceded in death by her siblings Dewey, Charles, May, James, Della, and Jeane, and she carried their memory with her always.

A woman of deep faith, Mable was a faithful member of Ridgeview Baptist Church, where she found strength, fellowship, and joy throughout her life. Her love for God guided her every day and shaped the kindness and compassion she extended to everyone around her.

Known for her warm heart, steady encouragement, and boundless love, Mable was an anchor for her family. She was an extremely loving mother, sister, and grandmother who cherished every moment spent with those she loved.

Her legacy of devotion, faith, and family will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 12-2pm with the funeral service to follow at 2pm with Rev. Vernon Heatherly and Rev. David Walker officiating. Her burial will follow at the Marlow Cemetery in Caryville. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

12/04/2025

🎄✨ You’re Invited! ✨🎄
Leach Family Funeral Home & Cremation invites you to our Christmas Party and Open House

📅 Friday, December 12th
🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 2827 Hwy 116, Caryville, TN 37714

Come enjoy finger foods, cookies, hot drinks, and wonderful company as we celebrate the season with our families and friends!
Please RSVP to this post or
📞 Call or text (423) 912-4550

We look forward to seeing you there! ❤️
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

11/26/2025

As we gather tomorrow for Thanksgiving, we turn first to God in gratitude for the priceless gift of family and friends, the laughter around the table, and the stories that bring us joy. Perhaps most of all we thank Him for the precious time He gives us together.

From all of us at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation we give thanks to the Lord for the people who fill our lives today and for every beautiful soul He has placed in our care, those still with us and those forever in our hearts.

Wishing you a faith filled Thanksgiving surrounded by love, both here at the table and carried forward in memory.

Painting is “Freedom From Want” by Norman Rockwell (1943)

11/24/2025

Teresa Lynn James, born May 31, 1966, passed peacefully into the presence of her Savior on November 22, 2025, surrounded by her family at home, at the age of 59. A loving, beautiful wife, mother, and Nana, Teresa radiated the love of Jesus to all who knew her. Her smile would light up a room, and everything she touched she made beautiful. She loved her family, the ocean, plants and flowers, and being in the sunshine. Throughout her life and to her final days, she was a faithful servant of Jesus, and her faith and passion was an encouragement to many.

She is preceded in death by parents, Charles Okle Miller and Mary Florene Murray.
She is survived by: husband of 33 years Chad James; children, Chelsey James, Brandon James and wife Rachel, Cameron James; grandchildren, Austin, Anna, Isabella, Mavery, and Charlotte; siblings, Robert Lee Miller (Lisa), Anthony Miller (Diane), Scott Miller (Stefanie), Kay Braden (Dewayne), Kim Elliott (Brian); aunt, Dora Foster; several nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21

The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 5-7pm with the funeral service to follow at 7pm with church elder Brian Beemer officiating. Graveside service will be on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 10am at Disney Cemetery. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

11/24/2025

Oliver Lynn “Chicken” Parks, age 84 of Lake City, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025surrounded by family and friends. Lynn was known in the community for growing large gardens with vegetables to share with friends and neighbors. His sunflowers brought smiles to many who passed by his farm as they grew tall in his okra, peppers, and tomatoes. He had a love for tractors and found great joy in helping with the Anderson County Fair’s Tractor and Garden displays annually with his friend Howard Farmer. For many years he participated in the Shrine Paper Sale raising funds for Shriners Children’s Hospitals. He looked forward to the week he spent each year at Food City greeting shoppers and supporting the Shrine effort as a 50+ year member of the Coal Creek Masonic Lodge. Lynn was proud of having logged over 3 million miles in a tractor trailer starting at Metler Hauling and Rigging driving coast to coast and then with Exxon in a gasoline tanker locally. He wasn’t much for travel saying, “I don’t need to travel, I saw it all in a truck.” His stories of hauls to California and New York were filled with adventure and humor. As a U.S. Army veteran, Lynn gleefully remembered his time in the service with tall tales about rowdy nights in France but was proud to have served his country. He loved our flag and all it represents. He cherished the friendship of his pals from Glenn’s Pizza, especially those who sat at the “liars’ table”, his buddies from Cracker Barrel in Lake City, and his neighbors and lifelong friends from South Clinton and Dutch Valley. Yes, that’s the Cracker Barrel in Lake City because Lynn was quick to tell you “Rocky Top is a song, Lake City is a town”. He was Forever a Laker!
Lynn was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Georgia Parks and survived by a host of family and friends because Lynn never met a stranger anywhere he went. His former wife of 47 years, Faye Parks, has served as a caregiver and friend. Daughter Angela “Hoppy” Merryman and husband Jeff, Sister Ella Ayers and husband Phil, grandson Kolby Merryman and Brandon Isabell, whom he loved like a son, will cherish Lynn’s wit, smile, and joy for life along with his “country as cornbread” sayings that sprinkled humor and wisdom into everyone’s daily journey.
Receiving of friends will be held Wednesday, November 26th from noon to 2 pm at Leach Family Funeral Home in Lake City. Funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. with Chaplain Ben Neal. Following the funeral service, a graveside service will be held at Grandview Memorial Garden. Lynn often said, “I am just an old farmer who has been blessed all his life”. He loved passing the blessings on to others. In lieu of flowers, consider celebrating his life by donating to the Anderson County High School FFA (140 Maverick Circle, Clinton TN 37716), Clinton High School FFA (425 Dragon Drive, Clinton TN 37716) or Shriner’s Hospitals at donate.shrinerschildrens.org in honor of Lynn’s legacy of growing things and helping people.
The family would like to thank Dr. Wendy May and staff at UT Family physicians, Dr. Daniel Ibach and the team at Tennessee Cancer Center, Dr. Andrew Conrad and Tyler Irwin and staff at Vista Radiology, the team at Fort Sanders Radiology Department, Parkwest Medical center staff, Dr Brian Christiansen of Arches Foot Care Oak Ridge and Anderson County EMS for their love and care. Thank you to cousins Kay Foust and Sammy Foust, friends John Martin, Randy Pettit, and Glen Toler for your visits that brought joy and support over the last few months. You are loved and appreciated.
www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation

01/08/2026

01/06/2026

01/05/2026

12/30/2025

12/26/2025

12/24/2025

12/08/2025

12/07/2025

12/04/2025

11/26/2025

11/24/2025

11/24/2025

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