Albert Herman Sims, 92, passed away Aug. 22. Family will receive friends in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy., from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, with a celebration of life to follow.
Herman Sims was an entrepreneur, founding and co-founding numerous Knoxville businesses. He graduated from Young High School in 1945 and served with the U.S. Army in France from 1946-47. He was a longtime member of Graystone Presbyterian Church and more recently attended Central United Methodist Church.
He was a longstanding member and former president of the South Knoxville Optimist Club, and he was instrumental in the closing of the chapter and subsequent sale of the clubhouse and property to the city of Knoxville for a park, with proceeds donated to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Additional obituary information here.
Susan Marie “Susie” McDonell, 75, of Gatlinburg, passed away Aug. 18. After a career in nursing in Miami, she moved to Gatlinburg in 1976. She and husband Mac opened and operated Gemstone Cutting and Polishing Jewelry in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community for over 35 years.
She especially enjoyed being part of the close-knit community of Gatlinburg. She also enjoyed raising Yorkshire Terriers and was an avid University of Tennessee football fan. The family and friends will gather for a private celebration of life at a later date. Her final request: In lieu of flowers, Susie would rather you purchase a gift for yourself from any of the talented artists or craftsmen in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. Additional obituary information here.
