Donald "Buddy" Earnheart

Donald “Buddy” Earnheart, age 87, of Maynardville, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of March 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted family man who cherished his time on the farm, Buddy worked for 31 years at Roddy Coke Company and then spent 10 years with the Union County Board of Education at Big Ridge School.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Beulah Earnheart; his wife of 54 years, Dorothy Earnheart; his daughter, Donna Graves; his siblings, Becky Sisk, Carol Jeanette, Lonnie Earnheart of Missouri, Darlene Bays of Maynardville, Virgie Bailey and Willis Earnheart of Indiana; his grandson, Grayson Graves; and his son-in-law, Red Salyer.

Buddy is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Loretta (Allen) Smith, Michael Graves of Andersonville, and Darlene (Bob) Couch of Knoxville; his grandchildren, Amanda (Eric) Funk of Nashville, Kim Johnson and Matthew (Kayla) Graves of Andersonville, Chris (Samantha) Smith of Sharps Chapel, and Joshua (Haley) Graves of Maynardville; his great-grandchildren, Alex (Tori) Smith, Hunter, Luke and Spencer Johnson, Jaxon (Virginia) Williams, Karlie and Matlyn Graves, Wyatt, Wade, Warren, Wylder and Evie Funk, Silas, Malachi and Noa Graves; his great-great-grandchild, Harper Johnson; his brother, Earl (Barbara) Earnheart of Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. The family is especially grateful for the compassionate care provided by Darlene and Brandon of Amedisys Hospice.