James Claude Ferrell

James Claude Ferrell, 77, of Mooresburg, born Nov. 10, 1937, was gathered unto his fathers on Friday, Oct. 30, 2015 from The Heritage Center in Morristown.

He was educated in Surgoinsville; a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University with a BA in History; The University of Tennessee with a Master's Degree; with additional graduate work at UT and Vanderbilt University; professional education at many conferences, seminars and conventions.

He began his teaching career as a teaching/principal at Mooresburg Elementary School. During his career, he also served at various other schools as teacher and or principal. He finished his career as a homebound teacher, teaching many subjects with students from pre-K to high school seniors.

He was a member of Buffalo Trail Baptist Church; the LMU National Alumni Association, which he served as president for one term; founder and president of the Lakeway Chapter of the LMU Alumni Association; the Robinette Family Association of America; National Rifle Association; Tennessee Firearms Association; National, Tennessee and Hawkins County Right to Life; Baptist History Society; East Tennessee Historical Society, Hancock County Historical and Genealogical Society; Professional Educators of Tennessee; founder and first president of Hawkins County Chapter of PET; National, Tennessee and Hawkins County Republican Party.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orbin and Naomi Robinette Ferrell; grandparents, Thomas Nelson and Eliza Jane Presley Ferrell of Hawkins County, the Rev. Lee Davis (L.D.) and Mary Greene Robinette of Hancock County; sister-in-law, Ellen Holley Ferrell.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Walker Ferrell; step-daughter, Lesli Hutchison (Shawn Hayes); step-granddaughter, Terran Duffield; sister, Ruth (Billy) Robinette; brothers, Norman (Hellen) Ferrell, Virgil (Judy) Ferrell; nieces; Trine (Frank) Gosnell, Teresa (Mike) Martin, Leslie Robinette, Lana Griffin, Heather (Kenneth) Aycock; nephews, Kevin (Jessica) Ferrell, Bradford, Clifton and Travis Ferrell, sister-in-law, Margaret (Jim) Brown; nephews, Randy (Ellie) Brown, Mike (Katy) Brown.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. until time of service. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Stetzer Funeral Home with Dr. James Canipe officiating. Graveside/interment services will be Thursday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. at Willis Cemetery in Sneedville off Hwy. 33.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a or the following: ALPS of Morristown (600 N. Daisy St., Morristown, TN 37814), Chapter of LMU Alumni Association Scholarship Fund (6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752, Attn: Alumni Services), Mooresburg Community Association Meals in the Hills Program (318 McNeil Circle, Mooresburg, TN 37811), your local chapter .

Arrangements by Stetzer Funeral Home, Morristown.