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Volunteers return to Scott County Homeless Shelter

Posted: Fri 4:54 PM, Jun 01, 2012

HUNTSVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Two new developments in the murder of director of the Scott County Homeless Shelter

Jerry Voiles died Tuesday after a man opened fire inside.

On Friday, the man police say did it, Josiah Jones, pleaded not guilty. His bond is set at $1 million, and he'll be back in court on June 13.

Meanwhile, just three days after the shooting, the volunteers came back to the scene of the crime to go back to work.

It wasn't easy for them to return, but they wanted to show that Voiles' message of love and kindness will continue to live on, and they're here in Scott County to stay.

"None of us will be able to walk through those doors again without remembering him and what happened here," said John Slater, a local pastor and a volunteer at the food pantry.

Grief counselors came to console witnesses and volunteers who are still coming to grips with what happened. But they are back because they still see this as a place of love, and know that it's time to carry on for their leader.

"We'll just start over. It's hard to do a timeline, but we will move forward," said Ella Smith, Voiles' aunt.

"He would not have us back off for a second from serving people and continuing the work that he played such a big role in starting," said Slater.

Just like any Friday, the Second Harvest delivery truck stopped by to restock the pantry. The doors will open again on Tuesday to feed the needy, a much-needed return to normalcy for those who love Voiles and their mission.

Smith says they do not know when the shelter will reopen, but they hope to soon.

Visitation for friends and family of Jerry Voiles starts at 6:00 on Friday at Jones and Son Funeral Home in Oneida. His funeral will be Saturday at 2:00.


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