Obituary - Opal Jean Scalf

Mrs. Opal Jean Scalf, 87, of Gray, passed away Thursday afternoon, June 19, 2025 at her home.  She was born August 26, 1937 at Bailey Switch, the daughter of the late Robert Herman and Sophie Sutton Jackson.
Opal was a homemaker who enjoyed caring for her children and grandchildren.  She loved gardening, riding her four-wheeler and fishing at the lake with her family.  She was an avid UK basketball fan and loved traveling, especially to the beach.  Opal was an impactful foster parent and those she fostered would visit her long after they left her care.  Though she enjoyed many things in life, she was always the happiest when she was spending time with her family.
On January 21, 1956, she united in marriage with Claude L. Scalf, who preceded her in death.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Ella Faye Jackson and Mae Dale Patterson; a brother, John Jackson; a grandson, Cody Ray Mills; and a son-in-law, Rev. Gary Wayne Peavley.
Survivors include her children, Barbara Peavley of Gray, Vickie Saunders and husband, Ken, of Heidrick, Dwyane Scalf and wife, Annette, and Claudia Santo-Cruz and husband, Ricardo, all of Gray; treasured grandchildren, Sandy Swafford, Jaime Floyd, Jessica Carnes, Tamara Horn, Dwayne Garland, Shelley Mills, Kenny Saunders, Teddie Scalf, Justin Scalf, Catrina Gilliam, Dustin Mills and Daniel Santo-Cruz; great grandchildren, Joshua, Caleb and Kylee Swafford, Tyler and Isaac Floyd, Riley, Makinlee and Kashton Carnes, Blakely and Asher Horn, Carlissa Garland-Dillard, Billy and Tyler Mills, Scarlett and Stockton Saunders, Khloe, Kamden, Savannah and Shaylee Scalf, Raelynn, Ryker and Rowan Gilliam and Parker and Henderson Mills; brothers, Bobby Jackson of Gray, Elwood Jackson of Williamsburg and Larry Jackson of Athens, TN; a beloved sister-in-law, Ruth Jackson and her stepson, Donnie; special fiend, Bobbie Messer; among other loved ones and dear friends.
Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Wednesday, June 25 at 1 P.M. with Bro. Dustin Mills, Rev. Jim Bargo and Rev. Ken Merida officiating.  She will be laid to rest in the Scalf Family Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Teddie Scalf, Justin Scalf, Dustin Mills, Daniel Santo-Cruz, Tyler Floyd, Isaac Floyd, Joshua Swafford, Caleb Swafford, Billy Mills and Tyler Mills.  Honorary bearers will be her brothers, Brian Abner with Access Family Health, Bluegrass Hospice Care nurses and nurse aide, Samantha Atkins.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Tuesday between 6 and 8 P.M. and Wednesday prior to the funeral hour.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, contributions may go to the Knox County Autism Foundation, P. O. Box 123, Barbourville, KY 40906.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.