Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Nanabelle Whaley Runion, age 96

Nanabelle Whaley Runion, age 96, of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee entered Heaven on Wednesday, April  15, 2020. She was the last of 9 children born on May 17, 1923 to the late Leander C. Whaley and Ruth Conner Whaley in Sevierville, Tennessee.  She attended high school in Gatlinburg and later college at East Tennessee State University.

Nan never lost her love of the Smoky Mountains and her large extended family. She was a loving wife, daughter, mother, sister, grandmother and friend to all who knew her. Her deep and abiding faith was a continuing source of inspiration to others. She was member of the First Baptist Church in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee where she was known for her many charitable works and kind heart.

Nan had s life of accomplishments that included a successful career as an interior decorator when she lived in the DC area, and activity in politics and real estate.  For many years she owned and operated a delicatessen and sandwich shop on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. She was a talented artist and loved to paint the natural beauties of the Smoky Mountains.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Thomas Charles Runion, a daughter, Danna Runion, her parents and her 8 brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Linda Josef (husband Dr. Stanly Josef) of Hot Springs, Arkansas and Lori Grant of British Columbia; two grandsons – Dr. Christopher Josef and Timothy Josef, two granddaughters – Belle Grant and Grace Grant, as well as a great-granddaughter Ruby Ann Josef.

For the past few years she has resided with her daughter in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Cremation arrangements are under the trusted direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. Later this summer she will be interred by Atchley Funeral Home in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Nan was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501-982-3400

1 Comment

  • Lori Grant Posted May 11, 2020 11:41 AM

    Our loving mother, so missed and now whole, in peace and joy reunited in heavenly glory.

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