Class Notes

Michael Cooper Aikens

Riceville – Michael Cooper Aikens, age 73, of Riceville, TN, passed away in the early morning of Monday, May 23, 2022, at his home after a 2-month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer.

Mike was a charter member of Genesis Baptist Church in Athens, elementary age Sunday School teacher, deacon and choir member. He was a graduate of Harriman High School and Maryville College. He was an accomplished woodworker, HAM radio operator, Assistant Scout Master of Troop 118 in Athens for over 20 years and enjoyed singing with the Athens Old College Harp Singers.

Mike began his work career in Nov 1971 as the Tennessee Wildlife Resource officer for Sequatchie County for six months and then Sumner County for seven years. He was promoted to Asst. Supervisor of Area 33 in March of 1978 and transferred to McMinn County.

In July of 1984, he switched gears and became a salesman of pantyhose knitting machines and equipment in the Hosiery Industry. This job gave him the privilege of getting to travel to Italy, Honduras and all over the US. He ended his career with Storm Copper of Decatur selling copper components.

Mike was preceded in death by parents Cooper Aikens and Velma Simcox, Stepfather, Clifford Simcox, infant sister Mitzi Sue Aikens and half sister Kim Aikens Whited. He is survived by wife, Sarah Whittaker Aikens of 50 years, son Michael Cliff Aikens, brother-in-law and wife, Jerry and Nan Whittaker, half brother, Marty Aikens, nephew Matt Whittaker, niece Anna Whittaker (Nolen) Oberg, and three lively great nephews, Gabe, Harry and Boone Oberg.

retired from Harrison Construction January 31, 2016, after 26 years of service.

Richard “Dick” Berg, 73, passed away peacefully on April 23rd at Cloverhill Senior Living Facility, where he has been living for the past 3 years. He was born December 28, 1949 in Dover, NJ to Raymond and Vivian Berg.

He met Donna Hemenway during their undergraduate studies at Maryville College. They married and graduated the same weekend in May 1971 and spent the subsequent fifty-two years building a beautiful family together.

He spent his life building and growing things, creating things wherever they were needed.  His workshop and garden were places of pride. He designed and built them their dream home in Maryville, TN.

For over 2 decades he led BSA Troop 888, out of Fairview UMC, as Scoutmaster. He helped nurture many young men into maturity and achieving the rank of Eagle. He helped instill a love of outdoors to all the youth who went through his Troop.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Karin Stracco and brother, Bryan Berg.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Donna, son Brandon (Karoline) of Norris, TN, and daughter, Heidi of Maryville, his 6 adoring grandchildren: Noah, Sarah, and Rebekah Berg, and Phillip, Joseph, and Daniel Truett. Surviving siblings include: Kathy (Bob) Still, Alan (Linda) Berg, Eric (Lisa) Berg, Glen (Judy) Berg; and a plethora of nieces and nephews.

a lifelong resident of Cincinnati, passed away on September 26, 2013, at the age of 65. He was retired from the B&O Railroad and Cincinnati Heat Exchangers. He was a graduate of Maryville College and the University of Cincinnati, and was a U.S. Army Veteran. Randy is survived by his wife Nancy, their daughters Beth Bingham and Katie Pedroza (Joe). His Mother, Carrie Bingham, brother Neil Bingham, wife Judy and daughter Brittany Wheeler (Gabe) also survive him along with sister-in-law Bonnie Chafin, husband Douglas and daughter Amy Howard (Todd). Randy was preceded in death by his father Ralph Bingham.

Alan Childs retires after 37 years of ‘great adventure’.  For more information see the link.

Alan Childs retires after 37 years of ‘great adventure’

writes in to share that she is retiring March 1, 2019 as Manager of Reference and Nonfiction at the Nashville Public Library Main Library after 47 years.

May 11, 1949 – November 7, 2019 Larry D. Fort, 70, of Greeneville, died early Thursday morning at Durham-Hensley Health and Rehabilitation Center. Larry was the son of Willadean Johnston Fort and the late Lesley G. Fort. In addition to his mother, he survived by one sister: Mary Katherine Hubbard of Midlothian, VA; one nephew and his wife: Brandon and Kristi Smith of Locust Grove, VA. In accordance with Larry’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service.

has now retired and loving this new adventure.

David H. Gritzmacher passed from this earth to his eternal home on November 20th, 2022. Dave was born on November 26th, 1942, in Newark, New Jersey to Harley and Margaret (Peg) Gritzmacher and grew up in Ringoes, New Jersey with his two sisters-Mary Rae and Annette. After two years of college, Dave enlisted in the Air Force and served four years including tours overseas. He then attended and graduated from Maryville College in Knoxville, Tennessee where he met and married the love of his life, Christine VanSant. They recently celebrated 52 years of a committed and lively marriage. They moved to Texas in 1980 (as he said, he wasn’t born in Texas but got here as soon as he could). Dave is survived by wife Chris; son David and his wife Beth and two grandsons, Parker and Connor; daughter Darcey and her husband Drew and three granddaughters, Hannah, Grace, and Thea. Dave was an ideal combination of a hands-on father and also a role model who gave you the room to grow. Dave delighted in being Grandad to each of his grandchildren-whether it was swimming in the pool, offering life advice, watching soccer matches and band performances, or telling his granddaughters how beautiful they are. Dave worked in industrial valve sales within the petrochemical field his entire professional career. This included executive international sales which provided the opportunity of extensive worldwide travel. He was a longtime member of First Methodist Conroe and lived out his devoted faith in Jesus Christ through the Foundations Sunday School Class, participation with AA, serving as a mentor with Compassion United, a volunteer with Salvation Army, Kairos prison ministry, and a Lions Club member.

Dave was a presence that filled up a room as he insisted upon noticing and talking with everyone. He loved annual vacations to Gulf Shores, Alabama, watching and playing assorted sports, driving his red mustang convertible, and playing bridge and dominoes with dear friends.

Though he struggled with long-term health conditions, he never let it thwart him from living life fully. We thank God that he is now living life eternally and we look forward in faith to a heavenly reunion.

Sharon Mae Sugg Hauser, 73, of Kodak, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 30, 2022, after a two year battle with cancer.

She was a devoted and loving wife, a beloved and supportive mother, a beaming grandmother, a respected leader in her community, and a loyal friend to many. Sharon grew up in Coral Gables, Florida, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Maryville College. After college, she moved back to her hometown of Coral Gables where she taught Junior High at Cutler Ridge Christian Academy and served for four years in the U.S. Coast Guard. After meeting the love of her life, Phillip, they moved to Tennessee, and Sharon served as the county director at Douglas Cooperative for over 20 years. Throughout her tenure, she made a strong community impact in promoting services and support for adults with special needs. Sharon leaves such a legacy behind and will be missed by so many who loved and respected her. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold L. Sugg and Nancy G. Sugg; her stepmother, Julia A. Sugg; her only sister, Sally Sugg; her mother-in-law, Catherine E. Hauser; her father-in-law, Ludwig Moritz Max Hauser; and her brother-in-law, Clem Dellenger.

Surviving family includes her husband, Phillip A. Hauser; her daughter, Elizabeth McNabb; her son-in-law, Aarin McNabb; her grandchildren Sydney McNabb and Liam McNabb; her brother-in-law, Paul (Mary) Hauser; her sisters-in-law, Virginia Dreisbach, Mary Dellenger, and Dolores Hauser; her nieces, Cathi Peroutka and family, Alison Lewis and family; her nephew, Robert Hauser; her caregiver and friend, Dana Goss; and many other dear friends.

writes in to share, “I have pleasantly retired from the Disability Determination Divisions in South Carolina and Georgia. More time for gardening, reading, and enjoying my grandchildren, Nick and Chloe!”

Jean Suzanne Hodgson passed away May 5, 2016.

Jean Stewart King, age 75, of Port St Lucie, Florida passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

Jean was born October 22, 1946 and grew up in Pennsylvania.  She graduated with a BA from Maryville College.

She was a free spirit who loved taking pictures of everyone and everything.  Her favorite thing was to go to the beach and collect seashells.  She loved and cared for her many “fur babies”.

She is survived by her wife, Victoria Riccitiello, her brother, David King and his wife Patsy, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, a great-great niece and nephew.

She is predeceased by her parents, Alice and H. Stewart King.

She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Richard L. Mara passed away April 26, 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida.

of Maryville, passed away on May 6, 2014, at Blount Memorial Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, L. Michael Fultz; father, Malcolm McCall; and brother, John McCall. She is survived by mother, Mildred McCall; sisters, Faye McCall Abdulla and Mary McCall (Roy) Gamble; sister-in-law, Judy Edwards; several cousins, nieces and nephews. She graduated from Lanier High School and Maryville College. She received a law degree from Loyola University of Chicago. She lived in Chicago, Illinois, and Milton, Wisconsin, before returning to East Tennessee.

Mrs. Judy Ann Ledford Owens, age 72, of Maryville, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at the family home. Judy is survived by her husband, Ron Owens; daughter, Jennifer and stepson, Brandon. No ceremonies are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Nashville, TN. Cremation Done ProperlyTM under the care of Dotson Funeral Home, Wildwood. (865-984-5959) Online Book of Memories – www.dotsonfunerahome.com

Edwin R. Prichard of Madisonville, TN, went home to be with the Lord on May 26th, 2023. Ed was born in Montclair, NJ on August 24, 1941, to John H. And Dorothy M. Prichard. He was a Navy corpsman, trained as a medical technologist, and attended Maryville College. Ed lived many places including Utah, Wisconsin, Maryland, New Jersey, and Tennessee. He worked for the Department of Health and Human Services and at retirement was the head of Region X in Seattle.

Ed is survived by his brother David and his children, his two daughters Jill Brickhaus and Kathy (Russell) Stivison, his seven grandchildren: Danielle, David, Joshua, Gabe, Jessica, Luke and Toby, and his wife Peggy whom he had been happily married to for eight years and her four children Debbie Roper, Julie Allen, Donnie King, and Michelle Estes.

 Ed and Peggy attended Englewood First Baptist Church together.

Ed will be missed for many things, but mostly for his knowledge of all things Mopar, mechanical acumen, amazing storytelling, Scrabble expertise, and loyal companionship.

Paul R. Shirk, II, 66 of Elkton, MD died Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at home. Paul was born on February 11, 1949, son of Doris M. Shirk and the late Paul O. Shirk. He graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee. He worked for Johnson Controls and owned and operated Shirk’s Seafood in Chesapeake City until his employment with Cecil County Public School as a paraprofessional, retiring after 15 years of service. He enjoyed baseball, football, movies and history. Paul is survived by his mother, Doris Grant Shirk, and his sister, Nancy Campbell both of Lewes, DE; a devoted cousin, Wanda Bull and her husband, Donnie of Elkton, MD; a nephew, Robert Paul Campbell of Easton, MD and many other cousins and family members.

After 30 years of teaching (and 38 years working for the state of Oklahoma), he has retired from Langston University, the HBCU in Oklahoma. He has taught over 20,000 students in History, and taught the college’s only Philosophy class. He was the first-ever elected representative of the Faculty, and was also the first Chair of the Faculty Senate. He will continue to volunteer teach in the Osher continuing ed system in Stillwater. He wants to move to the West, particularly Santa Fe.

Jim Showalter (1971) and Kay Krause were married in Stillwater, Oklahoma, at Jim’s home church. The public ceremony was cancelled because of the virus, so, on the Spring Equinox, March 19, with two friends as witnesses plus their minister, Kay and Jim were married. Kay and Jim were the only ones within six feet of each other. They broadcast it on Facebook and are above 300 views (lots of bored people these days). They have stayed at Jim’s home in Stillwater, Oklahoma, all spring, renovating the home, but, in June, they plan to move and make their permanent home at Kay’s home on the prairie of the Flint Hills in Kansas.

of Murfreesboro, TN, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. She was a native of Cleveland, OH and the daughter of John Stephen and Beatrice Grace Harris Suzo. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Darrell Marion Smith; sons, Keith (Becky), Brian (Kelsey), Trevor (Amber), Cody (Ashley); adored grandson, Jackson Thomas Smith; sister, Eileen (David) Crawford; brothers, Michael (Kathy) Suzo and Steven (Trish) Suzo. A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Murfreesboro Funeral Home. Visitation with the family was 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Linda was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and aunt to family members, and a host of great friends and their families. She was an educator in all that she did, including: A.I. Root Middle School math teacher (loving her “squirrels”, as she called them), Medina, OH; Christian education director at several different churches, genealogy researcher, and art enthusiast. She also was an avid gardener, whose colorful flowers reflected her true beauty. She attended John Marshall H.S., Cleveland, OH; had a B.A. in Mathematics, Maryville College TN; and a Master’s in Education, University of Akron, OH.

Robert Ellis Snow, age 68, of Lithia Springs, passed away Nov. 27, 2017. Services were Nov. 30, 1:00 PM, at Austell Presbyterian Church. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home, Douglasville, GA.

Carolyn let the College know that she retired in 2010, and has enjoyed traveling with her husband of 46 years. She is happy to spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Samuel J. Whitehead passed away on November 27, 2021.

Woehl, Mary B. “Peg” Died November 4, 2015 at the age of 66. Survived by her husband Roger. Mom of Dustin (Natalia) and Scott (Melissa). Grandma of Sebastian, Leonardo, Valentina, Victoria and a grandson on the way Hunter. Sister of Christian “Skip” (Marie), Donald ’68 (Rolinda) and Ralph “Tom” ’75 (Pamela) Brackbill. Sister in law of Carole (Allen) Smith. Also lovingly remembered by cousins, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Peg, a graduate of Maryville College in Tennessee was employed as a Certified Employee Assistant Professional and served the Presbyterian Church as an ordained Elder. The family wishes to extend deep appreciation to the many care givers at Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin as well as Horizon Hospice. A private gathering took place for the family. Memorials to Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard St., Waukesha, 53189 or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society appreciated.