Irwin's Chapel UMC

Rev. Gary Otis Tye (2024)

Rev. Gary Otis Tye - age 75 of Speedwell, Tennessee went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 24th at Oak Ridge Medical Center at 2:30am after a difficult battle with Alzheimer's Disease and cancer. He was born on July 30, 1949, in Wofford KY to the late Fred and Jessie Tye. Gary was one of 13 children, eight of which preceded him in death; his brothers: Charlie (wife Janice- deceased), Bob, Freddie (wife Rosie- living), and Larry Tye and sisters; Bev (husband Woodrow-deceased) Griffin, Maxine (Husband Denver-deceased) Robinson, Faye (husband Jim-deceased) Tindle, Brenda (husband Don-deceased) Ellison.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Terri Hopper Tye, and a devoted daughter, Jessica Tye Cooke and her husband Matthew and his six grandchildren: Nathanael, Audrey, Madison, Ava, Isaac, and Marley Cooke of Maynardville Tennessee. He also leaves behind four of his 13 siblings, Barbara Sue and Johnny Brown, Patricia Nell Bennett, Gayle and Joe Wilder, and Debbie Tye, all of Williamsburg and many nieces and nephews, friends, and family.

Gary was baptized at Wofford Baptist Church at 13 years old. He spent 30 years of his life as a highly skilled and productive commercial contractor and was awarded the esteemed rank of Kentucky Colonel by the governor of Kentucky. Despite these great accomplishments, his passion was the Gospel Ministry. In the early 1990s Gary started a Christian Radio program called My Lord has the Answers which is still on the air today and has since spent a total of 29 years serving as a pastor, 23 of which were at Irwin's Chapel United Methodist Church in Sharps Chapel, Tennessee. Once his body and mind were too weak to continue in his role as pastor Gary found a loving church home at New Salem Baptist Church where Gary continued as a faithful member and served as he was able. Gary will be greatly missed, and his impact on the community and the world will be lasting. We are so glad that it is goodbye for now not goodbye forever because of what Christ has done. Prayers for his family and friends are appreciated.

Friends may visit New Salem Baptist Church on Tuesday November 26th from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. with the funeral service to immediately follow the time of visitation. Pastor Johnny Parker of New Salem Baptist Church, and Gary's son-in-law Reverend Matthew Cooke will be officiating. Local arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Joyce Ann Hopkins (1943-2024)

Joyce Ann Hopkins – age 80 of Sharps Chapel, went home to be with Jesus Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family. She was saved at the age of 12 and attended Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church and Irwin’s Chapel Methodist Church in Sharps Chapel. She was born March 20, 1943 in Ocala, Florida. She retired as a cake decorator and artist. She loved birds, Elvis and her Lord Jesus.

Preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Wayne Hopkins Sr.; father, Tom Cotton; step-mother, Leona Cotton; mother, Sarah Cotton; brother, Tommy Cotton; several aunts and uncles.

Survived by her son, Wayne Hopkins Jr. and wife Tina; grandchildren, Melissa Hopkins and Chance Trimble, Ryan Hopkins and Brianna Callahan, Kianah Hobbs; three great-grandchildren; special pup, Sugar; best friend, Gwen Welch of Memphis.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Suncrest Hospice and Buchanan Place in New Tazewell.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 5, 2024 at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with funeral service to follow at 7:00 pm, officiated by Brother Michael Bailey, music by Diane Lay. Family and friends will meet Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary at 1:00 pm to go in procession to Oak Grove Cemetery for a 2:00 pm interment. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary in Maynardville.

Winnie Faye Eastridge (1938-2011)

Winnie Fay Eastridge age 72 of Sharps Chapel, TN was born December 10, 1938 and passed away May 12, 2011 at her home. She was a member of Irwin's Chapel United Methodist Church. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years: Joe "Pete" Eastridge Daughter: Angie (Tom) Gallagher all of Sharps Chapel, TN Grandchildren: Scott May, Jessica May and Chenoa Gallagher Great Granddaughter: Brylee Collins Sisters: Lorine Harvey (Palmar) of Kokomo, Ind. Wilma (Ken) Bailey of New Tazewell, TN and a host of nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 P.M. Saturday and Sunday nights at Coffey Funeral Home in Tazewell, TN. Funeral service 11:00 A.M. Monday May 16, 2011 at Coffey Funeral Home Chapel. Burial in the Keck Cemetery Ministers: Rev. Lawrence Henegar and Rev. Gary Tye Singers: Denise Henegar, Doris Cole and Vickie Nier Pallbearers: LeRoy Weaver, Junior Weaver, Scotty May, Bill Harvey, Brandon Dillman, Randy McCarty. Coffey Funeral Home in charge. Coffey Funeral Home, 937 Broad Street, Tazewell, TN 37879