​Barbara "Gale" Whigham, age 84, the founder and editor of the Basin Prospector newspaper, died at her home in Turtletown on April 14, 2026.​ Gale, the daughter of Leslie and Willie Mae Johnson, was born in Knoxville and grew up in St. Elmo, TN.

Prior to the Prospector, her employment included as a truck driver, social worker, farmer, police officer, detective, advertising sales rep, and draftsman.

After her retirement, Gale volunteered with the National Park Service at Rocky Mountain National Park, and also she volunteered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Savannah Coastal Refuges, primarily on Blackbeard Island.

She also enjoyed riding her BMW motorcycle on trips through the southeast. Gale also love fishing and traveling in the family's boat, "Gale Wind".

Gale is survived by her husband, Bob Whigham of the home; and daughters, Donna, Micky, Stephanie, and Suzie all of Tennessee.

No memorial services are planned at this time.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Copperhill is in charge of these arrangments.