Obituaries

Obituaries for the Polk County, TN Area

David Cochran

David Cochran

Jan 11, 2017

David Cochran, 60, of Ocoee, TN passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2017. He owned Cochran Lawn and Garden in Cleveland, TN and loved to tinker and “fix” everything. He loved playing with his grandchildren and motorcycle riding.     He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorsey and Leona Cochran; son, Daniel D. Cochran; brothers, Tony, Reed, and Don Cochran;...

Charles "C.L." Nelms

Charles "C.L." Nelms

Dec 17, 2016

Charles L. Nelms” C.L”., 89, of Benton, TN passed away Saturday, December 17, 2016 at a local health care facility.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Henry Nelms, and Stella Lena Clements; sons, Swan (Ud) Nelms, John Nelms; sister, Carrie Demumbree; brothers, John Franklin, Ernest Nelms.

He is survived by his son, George and wife JoAnn Nelms,...

Geraldine McDonald Warren

Geraldine McDonald Warren

Dec 7, 2016

Geraldine “Jerri” McDonald Warren, 79, of Benton, TN passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at a Chattanooga hospital.   She was a member of Welcome Valley Baptist Church.  She was a prayer warrior who loved her church family and they loved her.  Although she had no children of her own, she mothered everyone. 

She was preceded in death by her parents,...

Matt Witt

Matt Witt

Dec 4, 2016

Charles Matt Witt, age 89, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at the family residence.  He was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Benton and local business owner for over 60 years.  He was very active in the community throughout his life.     He was preceded in death by his father, John Witt; step-father and mother, Herman...

Curtis Elton Brock

Curtis Elton Brock

Nov 24, 2016

 

 

Curtis Elton Brock

 

Curtis Elton Brock, 92, a lifelong resident of Benton, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2016 at his residence.  He was a member of Welcome Valley Baptist Church and retired from TVA.

 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Iola Moorhouse Brock; parents Joe and Myrtle Wright Brock; sisters, Novella Trew, Oberia Dixon...

Regina Lou (Dunn) Blankenship

Regina Lou (Dunn) Blankenship

Nov 8, 2016

Regina Lou (Dunn) Blankenship, 89, of Cleveland passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2016 in a local healthcare facility.  She was a member of Blue Ridge Baptist Church and the President of the Ladies Auxiliary at the local VFW. 

 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arlon Blankenship; parents, Herald and Ada Brackett Dunn; children, Billy and Vernon...

Charlie Robert Goble

Charlie Robert Goble

Nov 8, 2016

Charlie Robert Goble, 77, passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at a Knoxville Hospital.  A native of Benton, he moved to California where he served in the United States Navy.  He relocated to Benton after his retirement and lived there until his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Ethel Green Goble; siblings, Eldon Goble, Betty...

Barbara Lewis Wade

Barbara Lewis Wade

Nov 6, 2016

Barbara Lewis Wade, 74, of Benton, TN passed away Sunday, November 6, 2016 at the family residence.  Her first love was her family.  She was a nurse for 56 years and her career was her passion.  She adored and loved caring for her patients.  She was a cat lover and a craft enthusiast.  Barbara was one of the original organizers...

Bess Park

Bess Park

Nov 4, 2016

Bess Hester Park, 85, of Ooltewah, TN passed away Friday, November 4, 2016.  She was born in Polk County, living in Bradley County and Tampa, Florida and most recently in Hamilton County.   She was a retired accountant, loved being with her family and sewing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren H. and Anna Bennett Hester; siblings, Juanita...

Leon Bradford

Leon Bradford

Oct 20, 2016

 

Leon “Don” Bradford, age 75, a well-known dairy farmer in Polk and Bradley Counties, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, October 20, 2016.  He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Delano.  

 

He was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Essie Mae Bradford; sisters, Christine Hicks, Ruby Harbison, Evelyn Steele and brothers, Bill...

Jefferey Cearley

Jefferey Cearley

Oct 20, 2016

Jefferey “Scott” Cearley, age 46, of Benton, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2016.  Born on October 8, 1970 to Steve and Judy Long Cearley, he was a native and lifelong resident of Polk County. Scott was a member of Chestuee Worship Center where he served as a deacon. Scott was called to preach in 2003 and spoke at various services...

Mary "Midge" Cheek

Mary "Midge" Cheek

Oct 10, 2016

Mary V. “Midge” Cheek, 71, a lifetime resident of Benton, TN passed away Monday, October 10, 2016.  She loved horses and had an extensive collection of horse pictures, feeding and watching hummingbirds and going fishing with her family.She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Cheek; parents Cecil and Lena Bates Rogers.

She is survived by her three sons;...

J.P. Bates

J.P. Bates

Oct 7, 2016

J. P. Bates, 92, of Benton, TN passed away Friday morning, October 7, 2016 at his home. He was born April 28, 1924 in Polk County to the late Flavis and Burtie Lewis Bates. He was a lifelong member of Zion Baptist Church, loved ole time gospel music and going to church. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Amos,...

Edna Rogers

Edna Rogers

Oct 6, 2016

Edna L. Rogers, 88, of Benton, TN passed away Thursday, October 6, 2016.   Everyone knew Edna from her small clothing store that she operated for years in Benton.  When Edna was in her seventies and eighties, she loved to deliver meals on wheels and look after friends.  She was a member of Zion Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death...

Matthew Smith

Matthew Smith

Sep 22, 2016

Matthew Smith, 17, of Ocoee, passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2016.  He was a member of Hillcrest Church of God.  He played football for Polk County High School as a freshman and served as manager of the team for the past two years. 

 

He was preceded in death by his father, Ement Smith and grandfather, L.V. Smith.

...

Johnny McMurray

Johnny McMurray

Sep 7, 2016

Johnny McMurray

 

Johnny McMurray, 64, of Benton, TN passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at a Chattanooga hospital. He loved to work on cars and float the Hiwassee River.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lorrinne Gann McMurray. 

He is survived by his wife, Linda McMurray; daughter, Jamie Hindman (Danny Solesby); son, John William...

Janet Chapman

Janet Chapman

Aug 29, 2016

Janet Shelton McTaggart Chapman, 65, a resident of Cleveland, TN went home to be with the Lord August 29, 2016.  She passed away at her daughter’s home in Cleveland, TN.  Janet was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She’s a native of Benton, TN but lived in Pasadena, TX for 20 years.  She worked many jobs over the years,...

Jamie Swanson

Jamie Swanson

Aug 25, 2016

Jamie Swanson, 44, of Benton, TN passed away Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Tennova Healthcare in Cleveland, TN.  He loved Polk County High School sports and attended all the sporting events.  He was an honorary member of Mt. View Baptist Church and was loved by everyone.       

He is survived by mother, Liz Swanson and father, James Swanson; special cousin,...

Steve Wallace Stewart

Steve Wallace Stewart

Aug 24, 2016

Steve Wallace Stewart, 65, of Benton, TN passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at his residence. He loved to hunt and fish.  He worked at Maytag for 43 years but couldn’t wait to come home and be with his family.  

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dianne Stewart; son, Steve Franklin Stewart; parents, Tom and Lizzie Cronan...

Edna Blankenship

Edna Blankenship

Aug 22, 2016

Edna Blankenship, 71, of Benton, TN passed away Monday, August 22, 2016 at her residence.  She loved to work crossword puzzles, was an avid gardener but her grandchildren were her life.     

She was preceded in death by her parents, John W. & Dorothy Mae Burns Day; sister, Frances Calhoun,

She is survived by her daughters, Amanda (Harry Mullinax) Arthur,...

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