Dobyns Bennett/Class of '78 - Memorials

03/05/2026

Charles Hickman Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Carter-Trent Funeral Home - Kingsport on Mar. 5, 2026.
On Sunday evening, March 1, 2026, Charles Gregory Hickman passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Kingsport, Tennessee. He was 65 years old. He was a lawyer, basketball aficionado and an avid Bicyclist. His bucket list included a visit to every continent in the world.

"Greg" leaves behind a legacy defined by academic achievement, devotion to his family and friends, and a lifelong commitment to learning. He was never married and had no children, but he poured his heart into loving his young nieces and nephews. His life reflected quiet strength, intellectual curiosity, and of course an unwavering love for the people that meant the most to him. Greg loved Kingsport, Tennessee.

Greg graduated high school in 1978. He was an honor student at Dobyns Bennett High School, having been selected as a National Merit semifinalist in high school. As a point guard, he was one of the leaders on the Dobyns Bennett High School varsity basketball team for 3 years. He considered Coach Buck Van Huss and Coach Anthony Eckels as favorite teachers and role models. With the encouragement of Guidance Counselor Virgealia Ellis, Greg pursued a degree in economics at Wake Forest University. Faced with a serious illness during his junior year, Greg sat out a semester and completed his degree at East Tennessee State University. After his graduation, Greg obtained a Juris Doctor degree from the Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Greg put his legal education to good use. He became a hearing officer for the State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. He worked in the Appeal Tribunal Unit for more than 20 years. He served as a Hearing Officer in Chattanooga and Johnson City. Greg was an exceptional employee "married" to his work. He received several performance outstanding awards.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Willie Mae Hickman; paternal grandparents, Zack and Annie Hickman; maternal grandparents, Ben and Lucille Swann; uncle, Arthur D. Hickman; aunt, Mildred; uncle Kelsie Davis; and Uncle Bennie Swann.

Greg was the youngest of four brothers and is survived by his brother, Varley and his family, Amiri (Donna) Dawn, Amirah Omari, Jamaal, Jamillah, Jalyn, Jayla, Jada, Noah and Journee, his brother Don (Jan) and his family GJ (Melaine) Donovan (Brittany) Brixsey Drew, Canon, Destin, Hanon, Haden, Alane (Alexander), and his brother Jim (Vanessa) and his family Maurice (Tiffany) Trevian, Kaemon , Jamie. He is also survived by his aunt Barbara Greene (Wayne Swann and Rhonda), Deidre Pettus, Sir David Pettus, David Green; aunt Melva Hickman Cooke Mitchelle (Sabine) Patrick and Alexander Cooke, Kenny (Leidys) Cooke and Christopher Cooke; aunt Marva Swann; uncles Carl and Vernon Swan (Mary Ruth); cousins, Jewell (Percy) Keisha (Aaron)Edmond. Greg had numerous lifelong friends. Among these are Arthur Bradley", Jerome Pierce, George Long, Paul Horton, Ronnie Horton, Patrice Ben Abbey, Bryan Smith of Nashville, Bryan Smith of Arkansas.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Carter-Trent Funeral Home-Kingsport. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive at the cemetery by 1:50 pm.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport is serving the Hickman family.

"You never lose what you love if you love what you lose"

11/28/2025

Carol Phillips Brown|

March 3, 1960 — November 20, 2025
Oakland, FL

Carol Phillips Brown, of Oakland, Florida, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025, following a brief illness. Born to Haynes and Carolyn Phillips, Carol grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee, where she formed the values of faith, family, and service that guided her throughout her life.

Carol graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School and later attended East Tennessee State University. Upon moving to Florida, she became a beloved substitute teacher at First Baptist Church School in Winter Garden, where she was deeply respected by colleagues and cherished by her students. Carol also worked alongside her husband, Steve, in their family business and generously volunteered at the local school and in the community—always offering kindness, encouragement, and support.

Strong in her Christian faith, Carol lived a life centered on love, compassion, and devotion to family. She found joy in working in her yard, swimming, exercising, and teaching. A proud and passionate Atlanta Braves fan, Carol never missed a chance to cheer them on. But above all else, her greatest happiness came from spending time with those she loved and supporting her family in every way possible.

Carol is survived by her husband of 44 years, Steve Brown; her daughter, Ashley Weseman, and husband, William; and her treasured grandson, Andrew, who brought immense joy to her life. She is also survived by her mother, Carolyn Phillips, of Kingsport; four sisters—Denise Wilburn (Bill) of Oak Ridge, Jan Allen of Jonesborough, Missy Graves (Anthony) of Kingsport, and Anna Lisa Phillips (Steve Hanson) of Edmond, Oklahoma; two brothers—Kelly Phillips (Alicia) of Johnson City and Scott Metoyer (Markus) of Jonesborough; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Haynes Phillips, of Kingsport.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home in Kingsport, Tennessee. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel with Dr. J. Edward Clevinger officiating. A graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carol’s memory to the Child Advocacy Center, PO Box 13454, Gainesville, FL 32604 or at www.childadvocacycentergainesville.org

01/27/2025

In Memory of Mary Logan Vest Powers
https://www.hamlettdobson.com/obituaries/mary-powers

Oct. 31, 1960 - Dec. 21, 2024

Mary Logan Vest Powers, age 64, of Kingsport, TN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Born in Kingsport to Jack and Sue Vest, Mary spent her life deeply rooted in the community she loved. Her warmth, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends will be cherished forever.

Mary had a passion for History, English, and Writing, and her appreciation for politics sparked many thoughtful discussions. Early in life, she also discovered a love for singing. Those who knew her well may fondly remember the sound of her voice bellowing “Climb Every Mountain” from The Sound of Music echoing through her home. She also had a clever sense of humor, as you might have been the victim of one of her infamous pranks.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James L. Powers, III, with whom she loved her entire life.

She is survived by her children, Sarah Powers Parker and James L. Powers IV, who brought immense pride and joy to her life; her treasured grandchildren, Rowan and Dylan Parker, who filled her days with laughter and love; and her devoted siblings, Debra Brown (Russell) and Carla Boyd (Joseph). Mary was a beloved aunt to Reed Brown and his son, Tristen Billups; Caroline Boyd; and Courtney Smith (Nate) and their children, Boyd and Stella Smith.

Her extended family included her brother-in-law, Mark Powers (Christiane); sister-in-law, Kristyn Powers; and brother-in-law, Scott Powers (Melissa) and their sons, Christopher and Nicholas Powers. Mary also leaves behind a circle of cousins and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home in Kingsport, officiated by Jeff Morelock. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rise Erwin riseerwin.org or The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue bridgehome.org

01/22/2025

There will be a photo op for ALL former athletes who played in the Van Huss Dome.

Tuesday evening
Details below

Admission is free for all attendees, with the first 500 attendees receiving a commemorative t-shirt.

10/15/2024

Jean Ann Scogin
November 25, 1959 - October 9, 2024

Obituary for Jean Ann Scogin
Jean Ann (“Annie”) Scogin, age 64, of Roswell, Georgia died on October 9th, 2024.

Annie was born in Kingsport, Tennessee. She lived in Kingsport for 21 years and always loved and cheered for the Tennessee Volunteers (where her two brothers attended college). Annie moved to Americus, Georgia for several years before moving to St. Simons Island, her favorite place on earth. Annie adored her two nieces and moved to Atlanta to be closer to family once they were born.

Annie graduated from Dobyns Bennett High School in Kingsport, Tennessee. She received an LPN degree from South Georgia Technical School. While holding numerous jobs, she loved working at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island and Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville. Her best job, however, was dog sitting for friends and neighbors. Annie will be remembered for being a loving sister, aunt, and friend.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Joseph Scogin, and Jean Thompson Scogin Greenway.

Annie is survived by three siblings: Robert Joseph Scogin, Jr. of Arvada, Colorado; William Randall Scogin of Louisville, Kentucky; and Kathryn Scogin Harvey (Jeff) of Roswell, Georgia; and two nieces: Caroline Thompson Harvey of Atlanta, Georgia and Elizabeth Lauren Harvey of New York, New York.

A private family service will be held at Epworth By The Sea, St. Simons Island, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in memory of Annie.

Cremation - Northside Chapel Crematory
12050 Crabapple Road
Roswell, GA

10/19/2022

Billy Ray Taylor
May 14, 1958 - Oct 16, 2022

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02/23/2022

James Bookout "Jay" Cantley, Jr. died at 12:15 AM this morning, February 22, 2022 of serious injuries he received in a truck accident last Thursday. He died at Johnson City Medical Center, coincidentally where he was born on 18 Sep 1960.

He was one of my best friends for some 46 years.

Prayers for his children JJ and Laura, grandson Benjamin, his sister Kate, and especially his wife Serena.

The family will receive friends from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at First Christian Church, Kingsport, TN. The funeral service will follow at 1:00pm with Rev. Phillip Sams and Dr. Ed Clevinger officiating. Burial will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park in Elizabethton.

https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/obituary/james-jay-b-cantley-jr/article_2fbe57aa-9424-11ec-b5c6-dba0d784a103.html

02/27/2021

James "Stone" Maddux
May 13, 1960 - June 15, 2020

James “Stone” Maddux passed away unexpectedly Monday, June 15th.

He loved the Lord and gave his life to Him.

He leaves behind his wife, who loved and cared greatly for him; a daughter; son in-law; and three granddaughters he adored; two step children; and a brother in Florida he loved dearly. He also leaves behind his best friend, lamb chops “lambs”.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stone’s memory to Isaiah 117 House, online or PO Box 842 Elizabethton, TN 37644.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) will be serving the Maddux family.

08/26/2019

Hugh Hayes Kitzrow
June 1, 1960 - July 26, 2019

Hugh Hayes Kitzrow, age 59, died Friday, July 26, 2019, at his home in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Born June 1, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Hugh lived throughout the Midwest before settling in East Tennessee. In 1978 he graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School and enlisted in the Marines. He then entered the University of Tennessee as an Officer Candidate. He graduated in 1983 with a business degree and also received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. After active duty, Hugh was in the Marine Reserves, and was deployed during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Surface Deployment Ribbon, and the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 1 Star.

Hugh is survived by his children Harrison Hugh Kitzrow of Knoxville and Aliston Kearin Kitzrow of Rock Hill, South Carolina. Other survivors include his brother Jay Tanner Kitzrow (Jane) of Salisbury, Maryland, and sister Anne Katharine Kitzrow Houston (Jim) of Dyersburg, Tennessee. Nephews and nieces include Joe Kitzrow (Cara), Andy Kitzrow (Samantha), Katie Clatterbuck (Alex), John Houston (Heather), Sarah Toll (Trevor).

Hugh was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hiking and camping. He was an outstanding athlete. Golfing and target shooting were two of his passions. To his family and friends, Hugh was the most generous person. He will be missed by all who loved him.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, August 23, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway Knoxville, TN 37920. Graveside Services will be held at Highland Memorial Gardens in Jackson, TN, at 2 pm on Saturday, August 24, 2019. Condolences may be expressed at www.berryfuneralhome.com

03/06/2019

Steve Brunson
April 5, 1960 - January 30, 2019

• published Feb 4, 2019 at 1:05 PM

Steve Brunson, 58, died January 30, 2019 in Charleston, SC from a brain aneurysm.

Steve was born on April 5, 1960 in Kingsport, TN to M.O Brunson and Sarah (Robbie) Brunson. He was a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School and East TN State University.

Steve was employed by Sun Chemical in Goose Creek, SC. Steve is survived by his sister, Kim Hartman.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Funeral services will be private.

Those wishing to honor his life may make a donation to Charleston Animal Society.

Celebrate the life of Steve Keefe Brunson, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Carolina Funeral Home.

02/15/2019

James Lynn Taylor