Denver Painter

Denver, Painter, age 79, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Saturday, August 21, 2010 at his home. He was the son of the late Eunith D. and Maud Clark Painter. He retired from Sanda Hosiery Mill as the General Manager, and was employed with Sanda over 65 years. He was a 1947 graduate of Lenoir City High School. Denver was a former member of the Personnel Club, Secretary/Treasurer of Cleveland Jr. Bowling Association, a life member of Big Springs PTA, and a member of the Elks Club. He was a graduate of the Dale Carnegie classes and was assistant teacher in later classes. He attended First Christian Church. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served as a radar specialist. He was a loving husband, father, brother and friend. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Danny Demetry, Johnny Hampton and Freddie Hampton; and sister-in-law, Wanda Brewer Hampton. Survivors include his wife, Frankie Hampton Painter; daughter and son-in-law, Denean and Alvin ONeil; sister, Deane Demetry, all of Cleveland; uncle, Clifford Painter of Ellijay, GA; several aunts, nieces and nephews; special nieces, Cindy Hampton Rayfield, of Georgetown and Judy Liner Stansifer, of Chattanooga; special friend like a daughter, Sherry Stockburger; sisters-in-law, Joyce Hampton Liner and husband Marshall, of Appison and Martha Sue Hampton, of Knoxville; brother-in-law, Rodney Hampton and wife Delores, of Augusta, GA; special friends and caregivers, Teressa Rayfield and Becky Grizzard; special friends, Carol Farley, Darlene Hicks and Jean Strickland; and loyal companions, his dogs, Gabby and Greg. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Grissom Funeral Home with the Reverend Dr. Susan Harper officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Alvin ONeil, Rodney Hampton, Tony Rayfield, T. J. Rayfield, Ted Stansifer, and Ken Grizzard serving as pallbearers. The service will conclude with a Dove Release Ceremony. The family will receive friends Monday from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Due to severe allergies, the family has requested no plants that bloom or cut flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6221 Shallowford Rd, Suite 102, Chattanooga, TN 37421, St. Jude Memorial Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to First Christian Church, 3925 N. Ocoee St., Cleveland, TN 37312. To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.grissomfh.net. For additional information, phone 476-8575.