All Obituaries

Freddie Branson, 83 of Dandridge, TN and formerly of Harlan, KY entered Heaven on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Jefferson Park at Dandridge Nursing Facility. She was born on September 17, 1942, in Harlan. She was a former Dietitian at Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital for many years, a talented musician, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and member of Jefferson City Church of God. She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred Williams and Louise Morgan Williams and her husband, Glen ...

Hobert “Tom” Philpot, 74, of Cranks, KY went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 28, 2026. He was born August 18, 1951, in Grays Knob, KY. Tom was a retired coal miner and he loved the Lord.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Junior Philpot and Dorothy Lorene Haynes Philpot; his daughter, Shiela Marie Lee and his sisters, Elsie Asher and Charlene Gross. Survivors include the love of his life for the last 35 years, Kathy Smith of Cranks, KY; his son, ...

Billy Wayne Napier age 59 a resident Hodgenville, KY, passed away suddenly on February 12, 2026, at Baptist Health in Hardin, KY. He was raised in his hometown of Harlan, KY. Billy was born on March 3, 1966, to Burley Napier, Jr. and Luverna “Pat” Napier in Harlan, KY. He believed in the Church of God faith. Billy is preceded in death by his Mom, Luverna “Pat” Napier and his nephews Mindle “Bud” Davidson III and Justin Ray Napier. Left to cherish his ...

David “Rebel” Smith, 66, of Fourmile, KY was born January 22, 1960, in Harlan County and passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Rebel was a retired truck driver, the owner of David’s Auto Detailing and believed in the Holiness faith. He is preceded in death by his father, Dewayne Smith; his brothers, Doyle Smith, Ted Smith and Timothy Smith; his sisters, Judy Smith and Lisa Smith. Survivors include his loving wife, Libby Huff Smith; his mother, Joyce Ann Smith. His ...

Judy Gayle Holden, 62, of Eastbrook, KY entered her Heavenly home and found her eternal peace on Monday February 2, 2026. She was born on November 5, 1963, to the late James “Bill” Roark & Peggy “Pag” Rainey Roark. Judy worked many jobs throughout her lifetime, including Hardee’s, Comp Care, a long-haul truck driver in which she loves traveling the country, & was currently working for Harlan Community Action Agency until her passing. But her favorite ...

Otis “Boy” Welch, Jr., 75 of Coalgood, KY departed for his sunset on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, with his family by his side. His sunrise was on March 30, 1950, in Harlan, KY. Otis had worked for over 20 years as a heavy machine operator for Mary Helen Coal Company and worked for Advance Auto in Harlan for several years. Otis loved his family, and was an outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, four wheeling and was an excellent guitar player. He was also a member of the Mary ...

Earl Allen Cottrell Sr., 65, of Wallins, KY passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. He was born December 11, 1960, in Harlan, KY. Earl was a retired contractor and believed in the Pentecostal faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Virginia Cottrell; his sister, Tave Cottrell Blanton; his brothers, Jerry, Curtis and Billy Don Cottrell. Left mourn his passing is his children, Michelle Cottrell (Arlis Ross Bray), Leslie Saylor and husband ...

Larry Nolan, 71, of Corbin, KY formerly of Bledsoe, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at Baptist Health in Corbin, KY due to an extended illness. He was born April 9, 1954, in Bledsoe. Larry was a retired self-employed mechanic and a member of the Green Hills Pentecostal Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill Nolan Jr. and Linda Ethel Banks, and his sister Karen Nolan. Survivors include his wife, Zola Nolan; his children, Victor Kevin Nolan and Heather Victoria Nolan. His ...

Connie Jo Blanton Davis, 72 of Teetersville, passed from this life and opened her eyes to see the face of her Savior and smiling loved ones on Monday, January 12, 2026. She was a retired school teacher having taught at both Yancy and Cawood Elementary for twenty-five years. She was previously employed by the Harlan County Court Clerk, Howard Drug, Commercial Credit and the Harlan County Community Development Agency. She was preceded in death by her father Edgar Blanton, her step-father ...

Colby Allen Lawson, a devoted husband to Hannah and the proudest father to Cooper and Nora, passed away unexpectedly on January 7, 2026, at the age of thirty-four. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Whitley City, with Bro. Arnold Hammons officiating. Burial will follow on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Barren Fork Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Colby ...