In loving memory of

Carolyn Bales
September 15, 1939 - September 7, 2018

Carolyn "Carol" Jane Davis Bales, age 78, passed away on September 7, 2018. She was a 28 year member of Central Baptist Church Fountain City where she was a member of the choir. She received her bachelor's in education from Carson Newman. She then began her teaching career in Knox County, service at Gibbs, Karns, and Norwood Elementary from which she retired. She enjoyed reading, birds, and dogs. Carol's favorite pastime was baseball, which she was introduced to by the love of her life, Bud, following him and his teams through the years. She is preceded in death by her parents, Judge William I. and Cleda Davis; sister and brother-in-law, Betty Jean and Jerry Reeves; and mother and father-in-law, Hubert and Verna Bales. Carol is survived by her husband of 58 years, Walter "Bud" Bales; children Lori and Mike Snapp, and Rusty and Pam Bales; grandchildren, Morgan Snapp, Chelsea and Michael Hancock, Cade Snapp, and Alyssa Bales; great grandchild Khaison Moore; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Betty and George Ross; sister-in-laws, Johnnie and Helen; brother-in-law Dowell Bales and Diana; nieces and nephews, Tim and Michele Reeves, Alicia and Natalie,  and Kim and Charlie Orr; extended family Pat Dugan, Mark and Sherry Dugan, Judi Burchard, Jason and Julia Lewis, Samantha Lewis, Tracey and Tommy McLarney, Brannon and Keegan McLarney, Peggi and Don Frazier; several other nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.  The family will receive friends from 3-4:45 on Sunday September 9th at Central Baptist Church of Fountain City. The funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. with Rev. Ron Mouser and Rev. Bob Robinson officiating.  A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on Monday at Norris Memorial Gardens with Cade Snapp, Michael Hancock, Tim Reeves, Chris Freeman, Lee Beeler, and Andy Bolton serving as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Central Baptist Church Fountain City c/o the Music Ministry. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Bales family and invites you to sign and view the family guestbook below.

Tributes

Jimmie Humphrey wrote on Sep 18, 2018:

"So sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers."

Kathy Campbell Stokes wrote on Sep 12, 2018:

"Coach Bales and Family, We send our deepest sympathy and are praying God's strength for you during this time and in the days ahead. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord! What a reunion there will be one day! Dale and Kathy Campbell Stokes"

Kathy Mincy wrote on Sep 11, 2018:

"Coach Bales and family, you will be in my prayers. Deepest sympathy, Kathy Cregger Mincy"

Susan Hux Cotter wrote on Sep 10, 2018:

"Mr. Bales and family, We are so sorry to hear of Mrs. Bales passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Susan Hux Cotter and James Cotter"

Lauretta Duckett (Kelly Byrum’s) mother wrote on Sep 10, 2018:

"I am Kelly Byrum?s mother. So sorry to hear this sad news. My prayers to you, Coach Bales and your family. God be with each of you now and the days to come. So sorry that I didn?t see this announcement sooner."

Jeff Bunch wrote on Sep 10, 2018:

"Coach,Rusty,Lori, I am so sorry to hear about Carol. I was not able to attend due to a death and services in my family but my thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family. Carol was a Mom to a lot of kids over the years and will never be forgotten. We love the Bales family. Jeff Bunch Emma Bunch"

Roy & Nina Randles wrote on Sep 10, 2018:

"Bud and family, you were wonderful neighbors of ours when we lived on Woodleaf for many years. May God be with you Bud and your entire family. I know she will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. She Touched so many lives. May God comfort you. Roy and Nina Randles"

Marie Fox wrote on Sep 9, 2018:

"Bud and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. May God comfort and bless each of you is our prayer. Kermit & Marie (Cunningham) Fox...YHS"

Carol and Cliff Keck wrote on Sep 9, 2018:

"We got back from vacation too late for visitation. But, we want the family to know they are in our prayers. She was a lovely person and touched so many lives. Our son, Greg, played baseball for Bud and he loved him and Carol. We send our love to the entire family and may God comfort and give you strength in the days to come. Love, Carol and Cliff Keck."

Harold & Ann Taylor wrote on Sep 9, 2018:

"Bud , Lori , Rusty and Family Ann and I were in line but did not make it through , It was a beautiful service and a true tribute to Carol's love for her God and family.She was truly a life well lived."

Rocky Ramsey wrote on Sep 9, 2018:

"So sorry for your loss. I?m out of town and will not be able to attend the services, but know that I?ll be thinking about and praying for your family."

Curt Cornwell wrote on Sep 9, 2018:

"Dear Coach, Rusty, & Lori, I was so sorry to hear Carol passed away! She was a great lady and one of the sweetest women I have ever known. My mom & I were at the church today, but they broke the line and would not let us get in there to see you all. We love you all. If you need anything please let us know. Love, Curt Cornwell & Patsy Cornwell"

Coach Jim Atkins wrote on Sep 9, 2018:

"Note: To Bud , So sorry I am unable to attend the receiving of friends and funeral.Iam currently out of town....God Bless you & your family ....Coach Jim Atkins"

Brenda Henry wrote on Sep 9, 2018:

"Lori ,I'm sorry for your loss and will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers."

Raycene Brewer wrote on Sep 9, 2018:

"Remembering the family in my thoughts and prayers."

Kelly & Edie Wilkins wrote on Sep 9, 2018:

"What a wonderful wife, Mother and friend Carol was! A true Christian testimony to a life well lived !!! We will be praying for your family through this sad time."

Lynn Hill wrote on Sep 9, 2018:

"Bud and family, I'm very sorry for your loss."

Katie Nelson wrote on Sep 9, 2018:

"Coach, Rusty, Lori, & the rest of your family, Carol was such a wonderful person. She was always so kind & friendly. We will always remember her beautiful smile! Our prayers & thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Sincerely, Katie & Ben Nelson"

Debbie Hulsey wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Coach Bales, So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I always loved your bookkeeping class at Central in the 70s."

Coach Jim Atkins wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Dear Bud and family, Just found out about the loss of your Beautiful wife Carol.She will be missed by many.God bless you and your family Your Friend Coach Jim Atkins"

Nora Wiser wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Bud and family - I remember Carol as such a sweet and gracious lady. You all were such great neighbors when we lived behind you all on Sanford Road. She was always so calm in every situation - even when Rusty locked me out of the house when I was keeping him and Lori after school! Heaven certainly has gained a very special angel this week! It ?s so sad to lose the ones we love, but we can rejoice in the fact that we will see them again one day. You all are in my prayers! Love and prayers, Nora Wiser"

Carmen Stidham Gammon wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"I am so sorry to hear about Carol's passing. Both of you have been so good to me for all these years. I enjoyed singing in choir with her. Praying for all of you during this time."

Sherri Gentry wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Coach Bales, Rusty, Lori, and your family. So very sorry for your loss. You will remain in our prayers. Sherri (Lee) Gentry"

Mark & Linda Smith wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"rusty, Pam, & family - so very sorry for this tragic loss. She will be greatly missed. What a wonderful feeling to KNOW that she is walking streets of gold in Heaven at this very moment; how precious to be with Jesus, our Savior and Lord!"

Greg Powell wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Hate to hear. Praying.gp"

ROGER TRAVIS wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Coach Bud & Family-- So sorry for your loss. May God bless you, especially in your grief."

HJ wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Dear Family, Carol was a lovely person. I worked with her at the Visitor Center almost 20 years ago. We had remained friends over the years. I was at the Central Football Game two weeks when she emailed me to ask about my nephew Dakota Carol truly cared about people. I will miss her and will regret our plans to ?get together? made in that email exchange never came to forition. She was certainly the First Lady of Central. Proud to call her my friend. With love and prayers, Helma-Jane Fawver Sickles"

Jane Peters King wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Knew Carol through my sister, Lois Goddard. She was a wonderful, gracious and loving person. So sorry to hear of her death."

Walter Crouch wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Carol touched many lives, including mine. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bud and the family."

Meg Cregger Kelm wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Deepest sympathies to Coach Bales and the entire family. Meg Cregger Kelm"

Margie Russell wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Dear Bud, Lori, Rusty and entire family, I have so many fond memories growing up on Woodleaf Drive and spending time with you. I am thankful and blessed that Bud and Carol supported me in adopting my daughter, Grace. Enjoying life together, the good and difficult times, bonds our Christian family together. I am praying for you all during this time and know that I am here for you in any way needed. Many blessings and much love, Margie (and Grace)"

Vicki Roberts Nobles wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Sending condolences from Bill Roberts. He and his wife Liz loved Carol and Bud very much. Liz entered heaven 12-13-16. The Bales family has been an inspiration to many. God Bless!"

Charlene Bryson Caudill wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Bales Family, I am so ver sorry for your loss of such a sweet sweet woman. She will be missed! Prayers for you all!!"

Lynne Allison wrote on Sep 8, 2018:

"Mr. Bales, Lori and Rusty, all of you are in my prayers. Heaven gained a perfect beautiful Angel. My love to your family."