David Allen McGill – age 68 of Mascot, TN went to be with His Lord and Savior on January 2, 2025. He was a cherished son to Thomas McGill (deceased) and Margaret Yardley McGill; a loyal brother to Pam and Mike McGill; a faithful husband for 47 years to Jenny Cole McGill; a loving father to Charlie (Amy) and Zack (Kara) McGill; a proud grandfather to Blake, Jonathan, Luke, Molly and Caroline McGill; and a faithful shepherd to the saints, whom he loved dearly, at Ridgeview Baptist Church for 32 years. He dearly loved his father-in-law J. Mack Cole and brother-in-law Larry (Ann) Cole.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Ridgeview Baptist Church, 6125 Lacy Road, Knoxville, TN. A home-going celebration will follow at 6:00 PM with Rev. Zack McGill, Rev. Scott Adams, and Rev. Nate Sherrod officiating. Family and friends will meet at 1:45 PM on Sunday, January 12, 2025 for a 2:00 PM Interment at Eastview Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers: Josh Hatcher, Blake McGill, Cameron Petree, Chris Tiemeyer, Enoch Wiggleston, and Jeremy Wilson. Honorary pallbearers: Mike Acuff, Harold Catlett, Barry Hodges, Rev. Maston Jackson, Lester Monroe, Perry Pruitt, John Rosser, and Barry Scarborough. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ridgeview Baptist Church for their mission work. Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com.

Celebration of Life Service Honoring Nancy Harmon To Be Held January 14

Cleveland, TN – Nancy Harmon, a renowned gospel singer and songwriter, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, at the age of 85 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She died at her home in Cleveland, Tennessee, surrounded by loving caregivers.

Nancy Harmon Ministries has announced that a Celebration of Life service will be held to honor the memory of Harmon on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 1:00pm at the North Cleveland Church of God in Cleveland, TN. Family and Nancy Harmon Ministries staff will receive guests beginning at 12:00 noon.

Born on September 25, 1939, in Warrensburg, MO, Harmon was celebrated for her gospel-soulful voice and powerful, faith-filled songs, including “The Blood Bought Church,” “I’ve Come Too Far to Look Back,” and “Nothing’s Too Big for My God.”

Over her six-decade career, Harmon recorded over 45 studio and live albums, and ministered in over 4,500 churches. She mentored over a thousand young singers and musicians, shaping the next generation of gospel leaders.

The Celebration of Life service on January 14 will be officiated by Harmon’s dear friend, Bishop Tim Hill, Church of God Overseer for the State of Tennessee.

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December 18, 2024

Cleveland, TN – Nancy Harmon, a renowned gospel singer and songwriter, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, at the age of 85 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She died at her home in Cleveland, Tennessee, surrounded by loving caregivers.

Born on September 25, 1939, in Warrensburg, MO, Harmon was celebrated for her gospel-soulful voice and powerful, faith-filled songs, including “The Blood Bought Church,” “I’ve Come Too Far to Look Back,” and “Nothing’s Too Big for My God.”

Over her six-decade career, Harmon recorded over 45 studio and live albums and ministered in over 4,500 churches. She mentored over a thousand young singers and musicians, shaping the next generation of gospel leaders.

She was the founder of Love Special World Outreach Ministries/Nancy Harmon Ministries/Love Special Productions. Her groundbreaking television program, The Love Special, was the longest-running syndicated music show on TBN, inspiring millions.

Her influence extended across the gospel world, with songs recorded by The Statesmen, The LeFevres, The Nelons, The Hoppers, Jimmy Swaggart, Janet Paschal, Karen Wheaton, Kenneth Copeland, and many more. Natalie Cole, the late Grammy-winning R&B icon, credited Harmon as a key spiritual influence after being inspired by her television programs.

Harmon began her ministry in 1957 at Calvary Temple in Kansas City, Missouri, and later relocated to San Jose, California, to direct the choir and continue her ministry at Faith Temple (now Cathedral of Faith) under the late Rev. Kenny Foreman, Sr. She was also a featured singer on the Gaither Homecoming videos, bringing her gospel message to audiences worldwide.

In 1984, she moved to Portland, Oregon, and founded Love’s Place, a ministry dedicated to providing foster homes and support to children in need.

In 1988, Nancy Harmon and The Love Special Singers relocated from Portland, Oregon, to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, establishing a central hub for her ministry. During her time in Texas, she launched her youth program, The Mighty Warriors, which brought young people from across the nation together for months of intensive ministry training. After 36 years in Texas, she made her final move to Cleveland, Tennessee.

The funeral service will be officiated by her dear friend, Bishop Tim Hill, Church of God Overseer for the State of Tennessee. Funeral arrangements for the service in Cleveland, TN. Additional details regarding the service will be announced soon.

KINGSPORT, TN – Gayle (Couch) McGlothlin 84, of Kingsport, TN went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at her home with her family by her side. She was born in Greenville, South Carolina and moved to Kingsport at an early age. Gayle met and married the love of her life, Phil McGlothlin. Together they formed half of the McGlothlin Quartet, along with her brother-in-law, Kit McGlothlin and Bob McGlothlin. The McGlothlins were formed in 1960 and sang their final service in 2010. God’s Hand was on their ministry for fifty years.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 35 years, Phil McGlothlin; second husband, Rev. Olen Cassell; brother, David Couch; sister, Doris Edwards.

Survivors include her son, Greg McGlothlin and wife Edie; daughter, Gena Martin and husband Joe; grandson, Gaines McGlothlin; step-children, Steve Cassell, Gail Hutchins, Kim McCann, and Joe Cassell; along with a host of friends and extended family.

A private graveside service will be conducted at Walnut Chapel Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor David Salley officiating. Pallbearers will be David Couch, Jon Couch, Jason Couch, Derrick McGlothlin, Mark McGlothlin, and Gaines McGlothlin. Honorary pallbearers will be Kit McGlothlin, Bob McGlothlin, Wayne Duncan, and Wayne Bledsoe.

The family will receive friends from 1pm to 3pm in the Higher Ground Family Life Center on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

To express condolences to the family please visit our website at www.cartertrent.com.

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

Paul Edward Marker, known affectionately to many as Ed, went home to be with Jesus on October 27, 2024, at the age of 78. Ed was a devoted husband, stepfather, and step-grandfather who lived a life rich in love and purpose.

Ed was born to Marcus Paul and Louise Esther Marker (Lee) on October 20, 1946, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ed dedicated 31 years of his career to the State of Tennessee where his passion and dedication earned him the respect of his peers. He was known for his integrity and work ethic, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Ed had an unwavering faith in God and his life was a testament to his faith. He was humble, kind and loved his family and friends. His life will be remembered as one of service, friendship, and unwavering faith. He was an active member of the Portland General Baptist Church, where his love for the Lord was evident to all who knew him.

Outside of his professional and spiritual life, Ed had a passion for Southern Gospel music, photography, and meeting new people. His friendly and open nature meant he never met a stranger.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, M. Paul and Louise Esther Marker, his first wife, Deborah Marker, and brothers Stephen Bartron and Mark E. Marker.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Doris C. Marker, stepson Ricky Archer (Candy) of Trion, GA, stepdaughter Vanessa Jacobs (Ron) of Portland, TN, brothers Phillip R. Marker (Paulette) and Daniel W. Marker (Susan) both from Kettering, Ohio, sisters Elizabeth Bartron Pittenger of Weedville, PA, and Carol Bartron Furtick of Gaston, South Carolina. He also leaves behind many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins who will miss him dearly.

A service to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at Portland General Baptist, 107 W. Market St., Portland, TN 37148 on Friday, November 1, 2024. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (central time), followed by the service at 1:00 p.m. (central time). Ed will be deeply missed and will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and the joy he brought to those around him.

Read the original obituary at www.sumnerfuneral.com/obituaries/paul-marker.

Guided by the Holy Spirit and giving glory to God for all she achieved, she used her communication skills and unwavering determination to build several businesses whose products and services helped spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world,  always surrounding herself with talented people to help accomplish her goals.

From humble beginnings in Wilmington, Delaware, the eldest child of William and Dorothy Golt discovered her true calling later in life. As a single mother raising two children in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Dottie learned about business through her clerical work at an accounting firm and a law firm, gained sales experience selling Jhirmack hair products throughout Nashville, and honed her communication skills working for the Democratic Party of Nashville on successful campaigns for Senator Jim Sasser, President Jimmy Carter, and others. Throughout this time, she worked a second job in ER admissions at Hendersonville Hospital to make ends meet. With no prior experience in music, she took a receptionist position at Calvary Records, building it into positions in radio promotions and sales to Christian bookstores.

She followed producer Ronnie Drake to Windchime Records to continue her sales efforts before starting her own company in her garage in 1981 with a small amount of funding from her father, William Golt, her brother, Bill Golt, and family friend, Ray Lorrig. New Day Christian Distributors focused initially on sales of sheet music and albums by independent artists like Mike Adkins and Jimmy Swaggart and eventually became a one-stop distributor for major labels like Word/Curb, Capitol Christian, Provident, Gotee, Centricity, Integrity, Fair Trade, as well as offering many other Christ-centered products to Christian bookstores from offices on Shivel Drive in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Needing products of her own, she reunited with Ronnie Drake to start DayWind Soundtracks and Daywind Records, providing resources to church singers and bringing the music of great artists like Opryland’s Gospel Quartet, the Cumberland Boys, the Steeles, the New Hinsons, Greater Vision, the Crabb Family, Gold City, Karen Peck and New River, Brian Free and Assurance, Triumphant Quartet, Down East Boys, the Perrys, the Hoppers, Tribute Quartet, the Guardians, Jonathan Wilburn, the Steeles, Joseph Habedank, Scotty Inman, the Blackwood Brothers, the Nelons, Southbound, Lefevre Quartet, The Sound, High Road, Michael English, Truesong, Legacy Five, and more to the world..

Dottie later added Daywind Music Publishing, now the predominant music publisher in Southern Gospel and Bluegrass music genres with renowned songwriters like Lee Black, Jason Cox, Sue C. Smith, Bill Whyte, Jonathan Smith, and more, two recording studios, and a cd manufacturing facility. Lately, her business expansions include Daywind Worship (choral products), Spiritus Distribution (Catholic products), Daywind Music Foundation (Tree Radio), a 24/7 broadcaster of Southern Gospel music, and  Billy Blue and Billy Jam Records whose artists include Appalachian Road Show, Authentic Unlimited, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Alex Miler, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Tennessee Bluegrass Band, Carson Peters and Iron Mountain, Kristy Cox and Grasstime, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, Bob Minner, Dave Adkins, Alan Bibey and Grasstowne, Caroline Owens, Marty Raybon, and more.

Dottie’s impressive career received recognition in the form of Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Gospel Music Association, BMI, the Southern Gospel Music Guild, the Singing News Magazine, and Absolutely Gospel Music. She has been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Her artists and songwriters have received countless Dove Awards, Singing News Fan Awards, BMI Christian Music Awards, Grammy® nominations and one Grammy® Award (Jason Crabb), and over 125 #1 songs.

One of the most accomplished female music business executives in history, Dottie would quickly point to those who used their talents to help her along the way, including Ronnie Drake, Sylvia Mays, Wayne Haun, Marty Funderburk, Rick Shelton, Norman Holland, Brenda Wilcox, Lisa West, Dusty Wells, Vince Wehby, Janice Hoback, Theresa Richards, and many more.

Dottie’s greatest joy in life has been her family. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Leonard Sovine and grandchildren, Taylor McKellar and Kennedy Sovine; her son, Ed Leonard, his wife Kathleen, and their children Eddie Leonard, Mary Leonard, Evan Leonard, Aidan Leonard (Caroline Leonard), Rachael Zuckett (Joey Zuckett), Caroline Leonard, Ian Leonard, Liam Leonard, and Emily Leonard; her great-grandchildren Leo Zuckett and Eloise Joyce; her sister, Cynthia Paranczak; and Jere Miller. Dottie was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Golt, and her parents, William and Dorothy Golt.

Dottie became an avid bridge player after moving to Hendersonville, Tennessee, from Wilmington, Delaware, in 1972. She loved spending time in Florida where she would read and listen to the ocean and at her cabin in Lafayette, Tennessee, where she would enjoy her alpacas, donkeys, goats, and chickens. She was blessed to travel throughout the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, but mostly enjoyed time spent with family, her co-workers, friends, and artists. She will be remembered by all as a warm, loving, generous woman with a flair for fashion and who could light up every room she was in with her engaging personality.

A celebration of Dottie’s life will be held at a later date in lieu of a funeral.

We are saddened for all who loved her, but rejoice for our sweet Bethany, as she made it Home! Her dedication to God, family, friends, and ministry will be her legacy.

A memorial service for Bethany Lemon Hurt will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at New Zion United Pentecostal Church, with Rev. Randall Dunaway officiating.

Bethany Lemon Hurt, 45, passed away Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Ochsner Rush Hospital in Meridian, MS. She grew up in West Virginia, but lived the last 12 years in Philadelphia, MS where she worked in sales and radio promotions. She was a member of New Zion United Pentecostal Church, and her hobbies included spending time with her family, loving the church kids and listening and promoting Southern Gospel Music.

Bethany is preceded in death by her parents, Dale F. Lemon II and Reta Cowdrey Lemon; sister, Adria Lemon; brother, Tom Lemon.

Survivors include her husband, Jeremy Hurt of Philadelphia; (3) nephews, Elias, Andreus, and Myles; best friend, Janet Medina of Parkersburg, WV; several aunts, uncles, cousins; and her beloved dog, Roxy.

Dixie was a devoted wife to Timothy McKeithen for 58 years and 4 months, and a loving mother to her daughter, Angelina McKeithen. Though she had no siblings, she grew up from infancy with her cousin Bonnie White, and they shared a middle name and a close bond like sisters that continued throughout their lives.

Dixie’s life was a testament to her deep faith, treasured marriage, love for her family and friends, and remarkable talents.

Dixie and Tim met at Bible College in Tupelo, Mississippi and were inseparable from then on, bound by their faith and love of music. Dixie’s contributions to the Southern Gospel music industry touched countless lives as a vocalist, songwriter, producer, and then as a booking agent. In her earlier years, Dixie was a cherished member of several Southern Gospel groups, including The Gospel Keys, The Hemphills, and The McKeithens. Dixie traveled for 21 years with the family group, The McKeithens, with Tim and Angelina. She sang and played piano and wrote and arranged many of their songs.

After retiring from the road and until her passing, Dixie worked for the Beckie Simmons Agency (BSA), a premier booking agency for Southern Gospel artists. She was instrumental in booking and advancing dates for the artists, and ensuring their tours ran smoothly. She loved Beckie and the entire BSA family dearly and enjoyed her role immensely.

Dixie was a member of Cornerstone Church until last year when she began attending World Outreach Church online. She was always ready to lend a helping hand and share her faith. She also enjoyed hosting gatherings around a meal at the kitchen table and was known to informally adopt a few people who did not have family nearby for holidays and Sunday dinners. Dixie was generous and refused to be turned away from “her blessings” when she saw someone in need.

Dixie was known for her love in action faith, hearty laugh, warmth, kindness, straight talk, and unwavering support for her family and friends. Dixie’s legacy will continue through her music and the many lives she impacted. She absolutely knew and loved her Lord and is resting peacefully in his arms today.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Christ Church Memorial Gardens on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. when friends and family will gather to celebrate her life and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dixie McKeithen’s honor to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203. https://www.alivehospice.org Their kindness and care in her final days was a comfort to Tim and reflect the loving care and community that were expressed in Dixie’s life.