Obituaries

Obituaries for the Polk County, TN Area

Ronnie E. Beard

Ronnie E. Beard

Nov 19, 2024

Ronnie E. Beard, 8o, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on November 19, 2024.

He was born on November 6, 1944, in Athens, TN to the late Warren and Pauline Passmore Beard.

Ronnie was a member and deacon at First Baptist Church of Benton, where he loved to sing in the choir.

In addition to his parents, Warren and Pauline Passmore Beard, he...

Judy E. Wilson

Judy E. Wilson

Nov 18, 2024

Judy E. Wilson, 75, of Benton, departed this life peacefully at home on November 18, 2024, with her daughters and grandchildren close to her side.

She was born on September 11, 1949, in Benton, Tennessee, to the late Matt and Lois Allen Cummings.

Throughout life, Mrs. Judy was a dedicated and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who loved everyone that had...

Jack Beard

Jack Beard

Nov 16, 2024

Jack C. Beard, 81, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on November 16, 2024.

He was born on January 14, 1943, in Maryville, TN to the late Byran and Marie Passmore Beard.

Jack was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church in Delano, TN. He was an avid fan and supporter of the Tennessee Vols. A few of his fondest memories include countless...

James Garner Gold

James Garner Gold

Nov 10, 2024

James “Jim” Garner Gold, 81, of Cleveland, passed away from a brief illness, on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Jim was a member of East Side Church of Christ. He spent 52 years in the funeral profession, spending the last years with Higgins Funeral Home of Benton. He knew he had a call to help...

Rebecca "Becky" J. Campbell

Rebecca "Becky" J. Campbell

Nov 4, 2024

                                 

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.”

~ Psalm 19:14 

                                       ...

Linda Marie Shamblin

Linda Marie Shamblin

Nov 1, 2024

Linda Marie (Triplett) Shamblin, 68, of Athens, Tennessee and longtime resident of Cleveland, Tennessee, found peace on November 1, 2024, after several health challenges. 

Linda was born in Cleveland, Tennessee to Kenneth E. and Gertrude Patricia Triplett.  The untimely death of her mother when she was 15 forced her to grow up quickly. As the oldest, she stepped in as a...

Wendell Burch Richardson

Wendell Burch Richardson

Oct 20, 2024

Wendell Burch Richardson, 78, of Benton, beloved brother, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

He was born on March 26, 1946, in Cleveland, Tennessee to the late Rev. Arthur and Mary Kate Richardson.

Wendell was a graduate of Polk County High School and received his master’s degree in music from Lee University. He loved...

Audrey Grant

Audrey Grant

Oct 18, 2024

Audrey P. Grant, 84, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on October 17, 2024, at her home.

She was born on July 6, 1940, in Houlton, Maine, to the late William and Erma Stockford Folsom.

Throughout life, Audrey was a dedicated and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who loved everyone that had the blessing of knowing her. 

A few of her fondest...

Judy Longley Melton

Judy Longley Melton

Oct 17, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Judy Lynn Longley-Melton, age 54, who departed this life on October 17, 2024. Judy was a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished member of her family. She was surrounded by her family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness that touched the lives of everyone who...

Imogene Green Stone

Imogene Green Stone

Sep 30, 2024

Imogene Green Stone, 90, of Benton, departed this life peacefully, surrounded by her beloved family, on September 30, 2024, at the family residence.

Mrs. Imogene was one of six children of the late John Henry and Gussie Headrick Green of Old Fort. Throughout life, she was a faithful and dedicated mother to her five children, David, Bob, Gary, Darlene, and Benny....

Jacqueline "Gayle" Childs

Jacqueline "Gayle" Childs

Sep 23, 2024

Jacqueline Gayle Childs, 71, of Georgetown, departed this life peacefully on September 23, 2024. 

She was born on August 31, 1953, in Ringgold, Georgia, to the late Carl and Maybelle Beckler Teasley.

She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a long-time member of Cookson Creek Baptist Church and due to driving distance, she attended Burdette...

Bobbi Serenity Bice

Bobbi Serenity Bice

Sep 9, 2024

Bobbi Serenity Bice, beloved infant daughter of Autumn Stewart and Austin Bice, departed this life on September 9, 2024, in the arms of her parents.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Paul Stewart, Judy Allen, and Opal G. Bice; one uncle, Joey Hudson.

Bobbi is the daughter of Autumn Stewart and Austin Bice. She is the answer to their prayers,...

Etta B. Goforth

Etta B. Goforth

Sep 7, 2024

Etta B. Goforth, 95, of Reliance, departed this life peacefully on September 7, 2024, at an Athens healthcare facility.

She was born on June 22, 1929, at her home in Archville, to the late Luther and Cora Cochran Owens.

Throughout life, Ms. Etta loved her family and friends dearly and will be missed by all that had the blessing of knowing her....

Timothy L. Crye

Timothy L. Crye

Aug 30, 2024

Timothy L. "Tim" Crye, 71, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on August 30, 2024, at his residence.

He was born on February 24, 1953 to the late Grady and Lula Cleo Sullivan Crye.

Tim worked as a Senior Auditor for the U.S. Office of Inspector General.  He lived in Atlanta, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida before retiring to his home town of...

Gloria Trew

Gloria Trew

Aug 29, 2024

Gloria Trew, 80, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on August 29, 2024, with her family at her side.

She was born on February 11, 1944, to the late Burkett and Eola Brown Tallent and on December 24, 1962, she married the love of her life, Jerry A. Trew.

Throughout life, Ms. Gloria enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and church...

Terry Thompson

Terry Thompson

Aug 24, 2024

Terry Thompson, 66, a resident of Benton and formerly of Maryville, departed this life peacefully on August 24, 2024.

He was born on November 17, 1957, to the late J.C. and Marie Hicks Thompson. Terry was known for being a skilled universal electrician and would speak to anyone he encountered. He was loved by his family and will be deeply missed.

In...

Rev. James "Jimmy" Amburn Cheatham

Rev. James "Jimmy" Amburn Cheatham

Aug 19, 2024

Rev. James "Jimmy" Amburn Cheatham, age 92, of Mineral Bluff, GA passed away on August 19, 2024 at his home. He was born in Ducktown, TN, on November 19, 1931, to the late Rev. Floyd Nathan and Frances Lucille Amburn Cheatham. After graduating high school, Jimmy proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War....

Tammy G. Pike

Tammy G. Pike

Aug 18, 2024

Tammy G. Pike, 57, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on August 18, 2024, with her family at her side.

She was born on February 4, 1967, in Cleveland, to James and Dianne Elrod Earwood. Throughout life, Ms. Tammy was affectionately known for her kindness and love that she had for her family and friends. A few of her fondest memories...

Hughie "Ed" Lea

Hughie "Ed" Lea

Aug 17, 2024

Hughie Edward “Ed” Lea, 98, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on August 17, 2024, at a local healthcare facility.

He was born on August 10, 1926, in Ocoee, TN, to the late Leach Lea Sr., and Sarah Wright Lea.

Ed graduated as valedictorian in the Class of 1944 from Polk County High School. He served our country with the U.S. Navy...

Thurman Lyle Akins

Thurman Lyle Akins

Aug 17, 2024

Thurman Lyle Akins, 88, passed away Saturday, August 17, 2024, at his home in Linsdale.

He was born June 23, 1936, to the late Bruner and Nola Akins.

Thurman enjoyed his retired years working the concession stand at Polk County High School. He also held elections for many years and loved being on his John Deere tractors.

In addition to his parents, Bruner...

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