Obituaries

Richard Allen “Ricky” Pumphrey, age 68, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. He was a member of New Market Baptist Church. Ricky loved to fellowship with “his people” during Wednesday night meals and weekly services where he loved to sing praises to his Lord. He was a great witness for our Lord by often reminding everyone he spoke to that our Lord is coming back and to be ready! He loved going on outings with the Unique Antiques and participating in the Trail of the Empty Tomb Ministry. He loved matchbox cars and had quite the collection. When he was in better health, he could be found at Food City helping to stock bread. He also loved helping at El Sazon Restaurant and enjoyed occasional meals with his favorite linemen from Appalachian Electric Co-op and Service Electric. Ricky is survived by his special loving friend, devoted companion, and caring neighbor for 18 years, Stephanie Kerr; caregivers, John and Lisa Watkins, Todd and Jennifer Bradley; step-brother and sisterin- law, Fred and Susan; his church family, and a host of other friends. We would like to thank his caregivers at Jefferson Health and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care he received. All who knew Ricky are invited to attend a memorial service will be held at New Market Baptist Church on Thursday, July 23rd at 6:00 pm with Dr. J.W. Taylor officiating. Fielden Funeral Home is honored to serve Ricky’s friends and family.

In loving memory, Charlsie “Louise” Neikirk, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2026. Born on March 17, 1936, Louise brought warmth, kindness, and a bright spirit to everyone who knew her throughout her 90 years of life.

Vivian Owens Greene, age 82, of White Pine, TN, decided she had finally had enough of us and went to be with her Heavenly Father on July 11, 2026. She was born September 29, 1943, in Fall Creek, Wilkes County, NC, to Herbert “Hub” Owens and Edith Waters Owens.

Charles “Jerry” Hayes, born November 25, 1952, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 13, 2026. He was preceded in death by his son, Anthony Clay Hayes, father, Charlie Hayes, mother, Mary Hayes and sister, Sue Beaty. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Janice Hayes and devoted son, Christopher Hayes, sisters Judy Kitts, Barbara Bishop and brother, Harold Hayes, sisters- in-law Phyllis Collins, Cathy Woods-Beasley, Flora Sue (Gene) Dyke, brother-in-law Dale (Gladys) Woods, along with several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special friends, Devin and Leslie Cribley and their three sons, Trevor, Dylan and Cayden Cribley, whom he loved very much and shared a very endearing relationship. For those who knew him, he had an infectious smile and a wonderful sense of humor. To Jerry, there was nothing in the world more important than his family. Jerry loved community, attending West High football and basketball games, where he enjoyed listening to his son, Christopher, as PA announcer. Jerry was a phenomenal supporter of local education, as both his wife and son work in Hamblen County school system for Alpha Elementary and West High School, respectively. That welcoming smile lit up the room, and Jerry enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, farming, weather watching and Vols football and basketball. He regularly checked his watch to make certain he did not miss Todd Howell’s weather forecast. His meticulous nature for gardening lead to a perfection of seasons that superseded any farmer’s Almanac. He enjoyed mowing and farming and would get excited about his various crops turnout. He enjoyed a big belly laugh, when you would be comparing notes of different TV shows off TV Land, like Andy Griffith. He so enjoyed being around people, spreading light and positivity. Although he occasionally battled less than optimal health, he always turned the conversation to your condition, how are you doing... He always shared his love of the Lord through his devotion to his family and to his church family and to all those around him. He attended Talbott First Church of God for 48 years, serving the Lord through Bible study and community and those around him he loved so dearly. Jerry retired from MAHLE after 26 years of dedicated service. The family would like to thank all the family and friends who provided support, food, care and love during this time. They would also like to send a special thank you to Covenant Health Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System and Hospice Community for their dedication to his care. The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16th at Westside Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow ay 7 p.m. with Brother Stephen Dyke and Rev. Devin Cribley officiating. Family and friends will meet at 11 a.m. Friday, July 17th at Jefferson Memorial Gardens for graveside services. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.

Sep 10, 1951 - Jun 25, 2026