Wilma Ruth Silcox

Heaven gained an angel this week with the passing of Wilma Ruth Flynn McReynolds Silcox. Ruth passed away early Monday morning, October 22, 2018 after a brief illness at the age of 82. Enough kind words cannot be said of this woman who could win anyone over with her fun loving and compassionate nature. She was the best of what God had to offer. Ruth was a loving sister, a devoted wife, a caring mother and an affectionate ‘Mimi’, not to mention, a loyal friend. Her door was always open, and a knock was seldom necessary. Upon entering, a cheerful “Hey! Come on in!” was her greeting and the offer of food or something to drink was never far behind. The kitchen table served as her round table where stories were told, and memories were reminisced about. Laughter, more so than tears, were shared with just about anyone who entered her home. She had a gift of finding humor within any subject that came up for discussion. An exit was never made without a hug and ‘I love you’ being repeated two, sometimes three times, just to make sure it wasn’t missed. Even strangers felt like family by the time they left and usually received a hug as well. Ruth was born in West Millers Cove to Charles Flynn and Mamie K. McClanahan on June 22, 1936. She was a member of the West Millers Cove Primitive Baptist Church and was baptized by Pastor George Taylor in 1944. In 1958 she married Richard McReynolds, whom she considered ‘the love of her life’ and became a member of the St. Johns Methodist Church in Maryville. Ruth and Richard became the parents of 2 children, Mike and Patti. Richard tragically passed away in 1963 and several years later Ruth remarried Henry Silcox and gave birth to her third child Sarah Lynn. Ruth was a loving sister to the late Iva Lee Flynn Neeley and her late husband RJ Neeley, her brother, the late Gene Flynn and his late wife Dora Flynn, as well as “Her Sweet Angel” sister Sarah Belle Flynn. Ruth is survived by brother Otis Flynn, wife Irene Flynn, Sister Stella Flynn Dixon, husband Ken Dixon, and Sister Shirley Flynn Braunm, late husband John Braunm. Ruth was a caring mother to her beloved children and grandchildren who she considered the greatest joys of her life. Her son Mike McReynolds, wife Tina, granddaughter Deanna Metz, husband Eric, granddaughter Melissa, and grandson Jon Jon. Daughter Patti McReynolds Smith, husband Dennis, granddaughter Lakyn and grandson Brady. Daughter Lynn Silcox Thompson, husband Bryant, grandson Reid and granddaughter Carly. Ruth will be remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased before their time, the late Cynthia Dixon, the late Ronnie Flynn, and the late Kurt Flynn was never far from her thoughts. A special bond was held between Ruth and three of her nieces, Kathy Neeley, Debbie Neeley, and Pam Bryant. Ruth shared a special friendship with Kenny Johnson, Marie Haven, and Bridgett and Kevin McKenzie who were always there when needed. In lieu of flowers Ruth wishes donations to be made to her favorite charity, the St. Judes Cancer Research Hospital for Children, and St. Johns Methodist Church in Maryville who had been so kind in her times of need. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, October 24, 2018 for a viewing and visitation and then proceed to West Miller’s Cove Church Cemetery at 2:45 PM for the interment. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Wilma Ruth Silcox please visit our Sympathy Store.