The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee • Page 14

13, 1991 THE TENNESSEAN Lankan Friends' help, president's aid financed visit By MARK THIEN Staff Writer Tilak Ekanayake will leave the United States two months from now and tell his Sri Lankan friends of the utopia he found here. "He is very proud of your country and he wants to tell about it," said brother Senerath Ekanayake, 34, who acted as a translator for the Sinhalese Baptist Hospital patient. Tilak Ekanayake, a banker from the Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka, has suffered from chronic ear infections, mixed with bouts of meningitis, for the past 15 years. He came to Baptist Hospital looking for the key operation his homeland could not offer. He was born with an ear defect, said Dr.

Michael.E. Glasscock III, the otologist who reconstructed Ekanayake's eardrum and scraped away the infected tissue within his ear cavity. It was the 12th operation on the man's functionless right ear. "The infected tissue had scarred down quite bad, and some skin was caught behind scar tissue from previous operations," Glasscock said. "His brain covering was exposed from so many operations that is what caused the meningitis infections." Meningitis is an inflammation of crosses world to Robert Johnson Staff Sri Lanka native Tilak Ekanayake holds a picture of his daughter, Kenchene, 3, who he says has helped him through a recent ear operation.

the membranes enveloping the brain. Ekanayake's problems began about 15 years ago when he was playing a game of croquet with friends. He had an ear infection then and as luck would have it he was accidentally hit in the head near the ear. "He had a sudden discharge of fluid from his ear, and the problems got progressively worse," explained the patient's brother, who is pursuing a doctorate in civil engineering from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge: Ekanayake was continuously hospitalized during the last six months of 1990. Doctors knew the problem but couldn't do anything else for him because they lacked the necessary equipment and technology.

Ekanayake had given up hope, his younger brother said. Friends in his hometown continued to push him into finding a doctor who could treat him. They donated about $900,000, and the Sri Twins beat all, but not each other CHATTANOOGA (AP) Kelly and Leslie Sutton are the ultimate identical twins: They look alike, they dress alike and they both have 4.104 grade point averages. And when they graduate from Boyd-Buchanan High School this month, Kelly and Leslie will fulfill a pact they made in sixth grade. They will be co-valedictorians.

"We were so concerned that maybe one of us would be a little higher than the other, and we wouldn't be co-valedictorians together," said Kelly. "That would have hurt me because it was our big goal." The 17-year-old sisters, who have had the same teachers and classes ever since second grade, have 4- plus GPAs because of honors classes in English, calculus and physics. They also share musical Both sing, and they've played the piano for years, performing at nursing homes, schools, hospitals, banquets and in music competi- tions. Does it bother them if one does better than the other academically or musically? "Yes, it does," said Leslie as both laughed. "Like in school, I feel bad if maybe for the past two or three weeks, she'll make a little bit higher.

We usually make A's on all our tests, but she'll make a higher grade and I'll feel like, 'Oh, I'm doing terrible. I've got to do something to beat There are some differences in the two sisters. Leslie is more laidback but she also insists on keeping their room cleaner, says Kelly. Leslie sings alto, Kelly sings soprano. Leslie is the artist, while Kelly is Bredesen picks local agency for campaign By TAMMIE SMITH Staff Writer Phil Bredesen's mayoral campaign staff has selected the Denson Agency to handle buying television and radio advertising time for his campaign.

The Denson Agency, based in Nashville, handled the successful campaigns of Davidson County judges Marietta Shipley and Andy Shookhoff, who both were up against incumbents. "We feel both flattered and excited about being given the opportunity to work with Phil's campaign," said John Denson, the agency's president. "I'm enthused about the prospects for the campaign and the prospects for Nashville if Phil is selected mayor." Bredesen campaign manager Dave Cooley said Denson has a reputation for supplementing grassroots-style campaigns with purchases of air time. "The Denson Agency is a small but growing local business," Cooley said. "One of the emphases of Phil's campaign has been that there are many, many very fine 'small businesses in Nashville that offer the community a wealth of talent." Bredesen has said he would not use poster yard signs in his campaign, but instead would use colored streamers that can be recycled.

Bredesen has also named Kevin Penney as staff assistant responsible for all travel advance and logistics. cure ear Lankan president donated about $100,000 to finance a trip to the United States. Once here, he was referred to Glasscock, an internationally known specialist, by a Baton Rouge doctor. Now, after a trip of more than 12,000 miles and five more bouts of meningitis one of which almost killed him Ekanayake's history of ear infections has come to an end. "He actually should do fine now," said Glasscock, adding that nayake he still won't be able to hear from the affected ear but should have no more meningitis.

Ekanayake soon will return Kandy, Sri Lanka, the country's second largest city, with hopes that the city will obtain high-tech equipment within a few years. Sri Lanka, about 20 miles off the southeast coast of India, was formerly called Ceylon and now goes by the official name of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. "They don't have the things like MRI resonance scan," Glasscock said. "But they do remarkably well considering what they have to work with." But while Ekanayake praises American doctors and medicine, one person close to him believes he never should have come to this country for help. "My daughter said, 'Do not go to the United he said of the 3-year-old.

"She wanted me to wait until she was old enough to become a doctor and let her treat me." Man shot in head dies at Vanderbilt A Nashville man who was shot in the head last week during a suspected soured drug deal died last night at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The shooting of Rodney Peden, 21, is believed to be drug-related, said Metro murder squad Detective Pat Postiglione. Peden had been on life support in Vanderbilt's neurological intensive care unit since the shooting. Death Notices Death notices are accepted by the newspaper only from funeral homes. To place a death notice please contact the funeral home of your choice.

BAUCOM, Wilbern (Tinker) Jr.Friday, Sirs. May 10, 1991. Survived by wife, Dorothy Baucom, ville; sons, Thomas Baucom, Franklin, Phillip R. Baucom, Hendersonville; brother, Ray B. Franklin, grandchildren, Ashley Baucom and Thomas Baucom both of Franklin, Kayce Baucom and Christopher Baucom, both of Hendersonville.

His remains are at the Broadway Chapel where services will be conducted 1:00 o'clock Monday, May 13, 1991 by Elder James Rushing. Interment Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens. Honorary Pallbearers: All Railroad Employees. Active Pallbearers: Elmour Meriwether, J.T. McMillon, A.C.

Hinkle, Gordon Craighead, Bud Clymer, J.D. Porter. ROESCH PATTON AUSTIN BRACEY CHARLTON, 1715 Broadway, 244-6480 BEARD, Robert Howard (Bob)Saturday, May 11, 1991. Survived by wife, Donna T. Beard; son, Ralph Eugene Beard both of Nashville.

His remains are at the Broadway Chapel. Visitation Monday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and one hour prior to service at the Church. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday morning, 11 a.m. at Belmont United Methodist Church with Dr.

Stuart J. Nunnally and Dr. Durwood McCord officiating. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Active Pallbearers: Jeff Thoni, J.T. Spradley, W.T. Davis, S.E. Edwards, J.M. Robinson, K.E.

Hoffmelster. Honorary Pallbearers: CSX Transportation Employees, Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity, Nashville Transportation and Traffic Club, Doric Lodge IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, MEMORIALS MAY BE MADE TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION. ROESCH PATTON AUSTIN BRACEY CHARLTON, 1715 Broadway, 244-6480 CLARK, MSG (Ret.) James (J.O.)Age 64 years. May 12, Mr. Clark was retired from the Tennessee Army National Guard and the State of Tennessee, Safety Department.

Survived by wife, Dorothy Helen Clark, Nashville; daughters and sons-in-law, Andrea Lee and David Jacobs, Stamping Ground, Leigh Ann and William Staley, Nashville; granddaughter, Courtney Jacobs; father-in-law, Andrew A. Vice, Lexington, KY. His remains are at the Woodbine Funeral Home, HICKORY CHAPEL, 5852 Nolensville Road. Graveside services will be conducted Thursday morning, May 16, 1991 in Lexington Cemetery, Lexington, KY. with Full Military Honors.

Donations may be made to the American Lung Association of Tennessee. VISITATION MONDAY, 6-9 P.M. AND TUESDAY, 5-9 P.M. WOODBINE FUNERAL HOME, HICKORY CHAPEL DIRECTORS, 331-1952 CREDIT CARDS HONORED Tasteful Sympathy Arrangements 327-0202 2410 West End Ave. Death Notices Death notices are accepted by the newspaper only from funeral homes.

To place a death notice please contact the funeral home of your choice. Ashland City DOZIER, Mr. Ray Age 81. May 12, 1991. Survived by son, Raymond (Butch) Dozier; one sister, Ella Simpkins.

Services will be Tuesday, May 14, 1991 at 1 p.m. in the Shearon Chapel with Bro. Cliett Goodpasture officiating. Friends and relatives will serve as Pallbearers. Interment in the Dozier Cemetery.

Arrangements by SHEARON FUNERAL HOME, Eka-792-4677 HARRIS, Mrs. Martha Nell Med- ford- Saturday, May 11, 1991 at a local infirmary. Survived by husband, Mr. Laughlin G. Harris of Nashville; sons, Lewis Gray Harris of Nashville, Jack Medford Harris of Albuerque, New Mexico; six grandchildren; sister, Beaulah Ora Hedgecock of Avery, Texas.

Remains are at Belle Meade United Methodist Church where funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Monday conducted by Rev. Robert H. Lewis, Jr. Interment Avery Cemetery, Texas. Memorials may be to the American Heart Association.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services. MARSHALL DONNELLY COMBS, 327-1111 HILL, Mrs. Vivian E. Wood- Fri- day, May 10, 1991 in Indianapolis, IND. Local survivors; brother, Dr.

Robert D. Wood (Mary) and Family. Funeral services 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 14, 1991 at Light of the World Christian Church, 5640 E. 38th Indianapolis. Remains at Grundy Memorial Chapel, 2357 Martin L.

King Indianapolis, IND. 46208 Correspondence may be sent to 6525 Oakview Drive, South, Indianapolis, IND. 46278. Courtesy of WILLIAM GUNTER SONS FUNERAL DIRECTORS, INC. JACOBS, Harry Gates- Age 79.

May 12, 1991. Survived by daughters, Karen Jacobs and Gayle Jacobs. Rev. Jacobs was a graduate of Georgetown Baptist College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. During his career, he held pastorates in Eagan, Carlisle, Mt.

Sterling, KY. and Osceola, ARK. He was Chaplain at Cummins State Prison in Arkansas the last seven years of his active ministry. At the time of his death, he was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Nashville TN. The family will receive friends at Woodlawn Funeral Home from 12 noon til 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, 1991.

Graveside services will be conducted in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Tuesday at 1 p.m. by Dr. David George. The family request in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to Nashville Mental Health Association, Family Resource Center, 2409 Hillsboro Nashville, TN. 37212 or Immanuel Baptist Church, 222 0 Belle Meade Nashville, TN.

37205. Arrangements by WOODLAWN FUNERAL HOME, 383-4754 JOHNSON, Mrs. Ruth- May 10, 1991 at a local hospital. Survived by daughters, Marsha J. Witherspoon, Laura Y.

Johnson, Barbara A. Brooks, Janet M. Johnson, Beverly V. Sneed, Amentheia Jackson, Shelia E. Denning and Sharon Glenn; sons, William R.

Johnson, Jr. and Timothy L. Johnson; sister, Nora Cowan; thirty three grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; aunt, Sarah Dodd; uncle, Charlie Peeks; sister-in-law, Viola Rogers; host of nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Visitation with the family Tuesday, May 14, 1991 from 6-7 p.m. at Gospel United Baptist Church, 3700 Fairview Drive.

Funeral service to follow at 7 p.m., Rev. Ernest Norman officiating. Interment Wednesday, May 15, 1991, 11 a.m., Greenwood Cemetery. WILLIAM GUNTER SONS FUNERAL DIRECTORS, INC. KENT, Roy Leaman- Age 57.

May 10, 1991. Survived by wife, Betty Hughes Kent, Nashville; daughter, Deborah K. Martin, Nashville; one brother; granddaughter, Diana Lynn Martin. Remains are at the Woodlawn Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane, where services will be conducted in the Chapel of Roses at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 13, 1991 by Rev.

Gerry Claybrook and Rev. W.W. Harrison. Friends will serve as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers: Marshall Trauernicht and Members of the Mens Sunday School Class of Longhollow Baptist Church.

Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by WOODLAWN FUNERAL HOME, 383-4754 KNIGHT, Dora May 11, 1991. Survived by nieces, Ann Smith Hunnicutt, Stella Mae Baugh, Dora Ellen Doege; nephew, John Franklin Smith; several great nieces and great nephews. Remains are at the Hermitage Funeral Home, Shute Lane, where services will be conducted Tuesday morning at 10 o'- clock by Bro. Mike Malugen.

Interment Woodlawn. HERMITAGE FUNERAL HOME, 889-0361 KNOWLTON, Donald Gibson- Sunday, May 12, 1991. Survived by his wife, Mrs. Jeanette Knowlton; sons, Jeff and Mark Knowlton; daughter-in-law, Susan Knowlton; grandson, Curt Knowlton; brothers, Winfred and Robert Knowlton. Remains rest at Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home, 2707 Gallatin Road.

Visitation Monday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Complete funeral arrangements later. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE MADE TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. PHILLIPS-ROBINSON DIRECTORS PETWAY, Annie- Saturday, May 11, 1991. Survived by devoted sister, Mrs.

Georgia Ruth Burnett; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins; other relatives and friends. Complete arrangements later. J.W. ADKINS FUNERAL HOME DIRECTORS, 292-8367 POTEETE, Robert Daniel- Saturday, May 11, 1991. Survived by his wife, Mrs.

Teresa Poteete; son, Robert D. Poteete, daughter, Crystal Danielle Poteete; mother, Mrs. Edythe Byrd; father, Lexie G. Poteete; step mother, Cathy Poteete; brother, David Poteete; stepbrother, Phil Brooks; sisters, Gail Stackhouse and Cathy McGrath; grandparents, Mrs. Lex A.

Poteete and Mrs. Gladys Price. Remains rest at Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home, 2707 Gallatin Road. Complete funeral arrangements later. PHILLIPS-ROBINSON DIRECTORS SLAGLE, Mrs.

Sallie FrancesMay 11, 1991. Survived by sons, John Philip Slagle, Joseph William Slagle; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren. Her remains are at the Broadway Chapel where funeral services will be conducted Monday morning at 11:30 with Rev. Doug Westmoreland officiating. Family and friends will assemble for a Graveside service, 2 p.m., Monday at Cookeville Old City Cemetery, Cookeville, TN.

Active Pallbearers: Joey Slagle, Mike Thompson, Jim Hamilton, Robert Mulloy, John Lee and John Owens. ROESCH PATTON AUSTIN BRACEY CHARLTON, 1715 Broadway, 244-6480 SMITH, Volene Davis- Age 75 years. May 12, 1991. She was a member of Glencliff United Methodist Church and was a life member of Milan Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Survived by daughter, Anne Smith, Nashville; son, Davis Smith, Bakersfield, step children, Carolyn Williams, Joelton, Betty Redden, Nashville, Mary Anderson, Russellville, Jo Melton, Frances Bush both of Huntingdon, Delayne Smith, San Marcos, Bill Smith, Ann Arbor, twenty five grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren.

Her remains are at the Woodbine Funeral Home, 3620 Nolensville where services will be conducted Tuesday, May 14, 1991 at 10:00 a.m. by Rev. Hubert Cunningham. Interment Oakwood Cemetery, Milan, TN. at 2:00 p.m.

Honorary, Pallbearers: Members of Glencliff United Methodist Church, Richard Hogan, Lee Grim, Glen Sharpton, Dr. Tom Duncan, Russell Saindon, Morris Brown. Active Pallbearers: Billy Williams, Stan Williams, Bud Sharpton, Joseph Pandit, Vasant Pandit, Andrew Smith. WOODBINE FUNERAL HOME DIRECTORS, 832-1948 May 12, 1991. Survived by wife, Mrs.

Doris Williams Smithson, Arno Community; sisters, Mrs. Thomas (Doll) Ham, College Grove, Mrs. Harry (Agnes) Wells, Mrs. Oswalt (Christene) Shaw and Mrs. Carolyn Cook all of Nashville, brothers, Herbert Smithson, Harpeth Community, Joe Smithson, Nashville, TN.

Remains Williamson Memorial Funeral Home where services will be conducted 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, 1991, Rev. Sandra Hoffman officiating. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery. Active Pallbearers: Charles Smithson, Ben Smithson, Jerry Smithson, Joe Smithson, Jeff Smithson, Tom Frost, Tony Williams, Bobby Sledge, Jim Cook.

Honorary Pallbearers: Harry Lillard, Jimmy Lillard, Gene Holt, Alvin Sledge, Frank Carlton, Larry Barnhill, Tony Smithson, Johnny Reed, Dan Rodgers, Clifton Veach, Mike Smithson, Earl Cantrell, Jimmy Veach, Terry Adkison, Arnold Lovett. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 794-2289 Franklin, Tn. Arno Community SMITHSON, Ralph Meek- Age 68. Kelly Sutton, left, and sister Leslie to their 4.104 grade point averages.

Buchanan High School, they plan South Carolina next fall. the writer. But the similarities are much more noticeable. "Many times we'll start saying things that the other one is thinking or say the same thing at the same said Kelly. "It's kind of a little bit spooky.

But I think it's because we've been together so long." That relationship will continue. The sisters each plan to attend Erskine College, a small Presbyterian AP are identical twins right down Co-valedictorians at Boydto attend Erskine College in college near Greenville, S.C., in the fall. Kelly and Leslie are thrilled by that prospect, because they feel they are more than just sisters. Even on the rare occasions that they argue, the dispute rarely lasts more than five minutes. "It's almost like being mad at yourself," said Leslie.

"We can't stay mad at each other for too long," Kelly said. "She's my best friend." Rosanne Cash leads environment benefit Citizens United for the Environment, a local group, is holding a benefit concert featuring Rosanne Cash, Pat McLaughlin and others at 9 tonight at the Ace of Clubs. Benefit concerts for CUE will take place on the following two Mondays also at the club at 114 Second Avenue South. "CUE is concerned with any issues that involve air, water or any other environmental issue in MetroDavidson County," said Kathleen Campbell -Smith. CUE, which has fought expansion of the Nashville Thermal Transfer plant, is made up of individual members as well as neighborhood and environmental groups such as Historic Edgefield and Recycle! Nashville.

Nashville area deaths Meaky McClaran Benz, 92, of Church Street, Eagleville, a retired secretary in real estate, died Saturday in Murfreesboro Health Care Center. Services 10:30 a.m. today at Lawrence Funeral Home, Chapel Hill. John Henry Campbell 71, of 617 Ridgeway Shelbyville, a retired custodian for Empire Pencil died Saturday in Middle Tennessee Medical Center, Murfreesboro. Services 2 p.m.

Wednesday at Gowen-Smith Funeral Home, Shelbyville. Carl W. Durham, 82, of 1723 Merritt Drive, Clarksville, former owner and manager of East College Street Service Station, died Satur- day at his home. Services 2 p.m. today at Neal-Tarpley Funeral Home, Clarksville.

Elizabeth Belcher Massey, 82, of Forest Cove Nursing Home, Jackson, formerly of Lebanon, a homemaker, died Saturday in Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Jackson. Services 10 a.m. tomorrow at Bartlow-Atwood Funeral Home, Lebanon. Eric Midgett, 19, of Route 1, Dowell Town, an employee for MidCumberland Home Health died yesterday from injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Services 1 p.m.

tomorrow at LoveCantrell Funeral Home, Smithville. Paul M. Cochran memorial services set Memorial services for Paul Michael Cochran, 39, of 1427 Lebanon Road, Nashville, will be at 10 a.m. today at West End United Methodist Church in the Scales Chapel. The body has been donated to Vanerbilt University Medical School.

Mr. Cochran died Friday in Vanderbilt University Medical Center after surgery. Gallatin-Lebanon WHITE, Alfred Magellan, Friday, May 10, 1991. Survived by wife, Jo Anna White, Gallatin, three sons, Alfredda (Gail) White, Dallas, Alfred M. White, Gallatin and Darren White, Chicago, six daughters, Dianthia (Jimmy) McGowan, Lebanon, Sylvia (McArthur) Stewart, Pontiac, Nedra White, Atlanta, Sidonie White, Nashville, Demedia Brinkley, Gallatin, TN.

and Jo De Al White, Gallatin, thirteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; mother, Willie Neal White, Lebanon, three sisters all of Nashville, three brothers all of Lebanon, mother-in-law, Almedia Bragg, Gallatin, a very devoted sonin-law, Mr. Jimmy E. McGowan; a host of other relatives and friends. The body will repose at the House of White until 10 a.m., Tuesday and from 11 a.m. til 1 p.m.

at West Eastland Church of Christ, Gallatin where the funeral will immediately follow. Interment at Mount Lebanon Memorial Garden, Lebanon, TN. HOUSE OF WHTE, 261 E. Winchester, Gallatin, 452-4182, Samuel E. Hooker, Di- The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m.

today in the Bishops Parlor of the church. Surviviors include his mother, Muriel Cochran, Nashville; a daughter, Valerie Cochran, Nashville; and a sister, Karen Clenney, Birmingham, Ala. contributions may be made to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. rector WILLIAMS, Marjorie Melton Emerson- Sunday, May 12, 1991 at Baptist Hospital. Survived by son, David Hooper Emerson; two grandchildren, Amanda Lee Emerson and David Berton Emerson all of Montgomery, two brothers, John Melton of California and William Melton of Rockville, MD.

Her remains are at the Broadway Chapel. Relatives and friends will assemble at Woodlawn Cemetery for a Graveside service at 2 p.m., Monday afternoon. HOOPER AND HUDDLESTON FUNERAL HOME, Cookeville, (615) 526-6111.