TENNESCENE: MAY 14

May 14, 2025

DEATHS

Carl Hendrix Young died on March 28, 2025, at the age of 85. With his ministry, he led many souls to the Jesus Christ. To those who knew him, he was a wonderful husband, man, friend, pastor, counselor, and mentor. Young was born on April 6, 1939, in Kentucky and was the youngest of five children. Young married Mary Edna Galbway on Oct. 6, 1956. He was called to preach in 1963, and went on to serve as chaplain for LaFollette Rescue Squad and Bristol Compressors in Bristol, Va., and Sparta, N.C. After many years of service, he and his wife moved to LaFollette, Tenn. He is survived by his wife Mary Edna Young, son Carl Joel Young and wife Bonnie; grandson Aaron Russell and wife Tracy, granddaughters Tabitha Russell and Susie Stokes; great grandkids Kayla Fox and Eli Vowels; God daughter Elizabeth Lawson; and host of adopted grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter Dianna Lynn Russell.

James Earl Harvey of Nashville died on April 24, 2025, at the age of 91. Harvey was raised in Hobart, Okla. Alongside Val, his marriage and ministry partner — whom he met in first grade, dated in high school and married in college — he pastored seven churches in four states (Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Tennessee). They traveled for international conference leading and mission trips. Harvey worked at LifeWay as a curriculum writer and editor, church growth consultant, and adult conference leader. After retirement, he led a team to plant West Franklin Baptist Church and co-taught a senior adult class at Forest Hills Baptist Church, where he and Val were members. He also served as chaplain at Deer Lake retirement community. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Val Medlin Harvey; son, Mark (Judy) Harvey; daughter, Martha Burkey; grandchildren, James (Jen) Harvey, and Jordan Burkey; great-grandson, Aiden Harvey.

Waterville Baptist Church marked a significant milestone on April 6, celebrating its 75th anniversary with a day dedicated to honoring God's faithfulness. Founded on April 23, 1950, in South Cleveland's Waterville community, the church welcomed back numerous former members and staff for the special occasion. Two former pastors, Roger Hobbs (1975-1997) and Alan Lovelace (2000-2016), attended the celebration, with Hobbs receiving special recognition for his 22 years of service. Current pastor Rodney Bice, who assumed leadership in October 2023, presided over the event which featured worship led by Brandon Edwards, a powerful choir performance, and a timely sermon from Pastor Lovelace about God's faithfulness during storms — punctuated dramatically by actual thunder that shook the building. Following the service, attendees enjoyed a community luncheon and fellowship that one member described as "a little taste of heaven." As the church looks to the future, its vision remains focused on reaching the community with the gospel, making disciples, and continuing its 75-year legacy of community service and impact.
Waterville Baptist
Tumbling Creek Baptist Church in Gleason recently honored youth minister Luke Hughes for 20 years of service during a May 4 recognition event. Hughes, a Stewart County native, also works as a bank loan officer and basketball coach. This recognition follows the church's celebration of Pastor Gene Price's 40-year ministry milestone in fall 2024. Price began his ministry at the church in October 1984. The church leadership team also includes long-serving Minister of Music Andy Sliger, who has led worship for 27.5 years while also working as a teacher and basketball coach. Sliger has balanced his church responsibilities with his career as a middle school teacher and head coach of the junior high boys' basketball team at Martin Middle School. Pictured here are Price, Hughes, and Sliger.
Pond Grove Baptist Church in Rockwood announced Derek Harlan will serve as their new pastor. They have been without a pastor since 2018 after their former pastor James Baumgardner passed away suddenly from a stroke. They are hosting a welcome service on May 18 for Derek, who is pictured here with his wife Victoria and children Everly and Owen.
Dr. Tom Elliff, former president of the International Mission Board, speaks to Carson-Newman graduates during the University’s Spring Commencement on May 2. Carson-Newman graduates represented 32 states and 19 countries between the University’s undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.