Alys Turnmire

December 4, 1921 - December 1, 2008

Alys Harris Turnmire passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on December 1, 2008 at Baptist West Hospital in Knoxville, after a difficult year of physical rehabilitation and illness. She overcame many illnesses with her determined and courageous willpower to extend her life here on earth. She dearly loved her family and friends. She would have been 87 on December 4, and was the widow of Captain Bruce Turnmire of the Merchant Marines. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Cline harris and Fred Harris of Bean Station. She leaves behind a beloved daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Danny Trent of Knoxville; three granddaughters, Danyelle, Lauren, and Madison Trent, whom she adored. Karen and the girls provided her with many proud moments, and provided her with inspiration and genuine love. Other survivors include cousin, J.T. Harris of Morristown; sister-in-law Freda Davidson of Russellville, brother-in-law Dana Turnmire of Alabama; nieces, Judy Hartman of Florida, Shirley Rose of Kingsport, B. J. Lowe of Russellville, and Patricia Harris of Knoxville; nephews, Eddie Davidson of Russellville, and George Harris of Bean Station. She also leaves many great nieces and nephews, and was affectionately known to all her nieces and nephews and Aunt "A". Alys was a member of Manley Baptist church. She grew up in Grainger County, where her family owned the Harris Restaurant in Bean Station for 54 years, in which she served as vice-president of the company. Alys was an avid Lady Vol basketball fan, UT football fan, and Tennessee Titan fan. She received great pleasure watching the games with her grandchildren and family, and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The family wishes to espress its sincere thanks and gratitude to her caregivers at NHC in Farragut, all the wonderful and generous staff at Manor House Assisted Living, the staff at Baptist Hospital West, and family and friends who supported and loved her during life and her illnesses. Funeral services will be held Wednesday evening, December 3, 2008, 7:30 P.M. in the chapel of Mayes Family Services with Dr. Richard Emmert officiating. Graveside services will be Thursday, 1:00 P.M. at Hamblen Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening 5:00 P.M> till 7:30 P.M. prior to services at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be George Harris, Daymon Byrd, Sydney Byrd, Eddie Davidson, Todd Davidson, Daniel Lowe, Randy Trent, and Robert Isenberg. Honorary pallbearers will be Dana Turnmire and J.T. Harris. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the building fund at Manley Baptist Church, 3306 W. Andrew Johnson Highway, Morristown, Tennessee 37814