On Thursday, April 17, 2025, we lost a legend, Mitchell Andrew Cronan Jr., AKA "Mickey."

Mickey made an impact on every person he met (whether they wanted him to or not). Many friends have described him as "the best friend" and "larger than life."  He was a lifelong resident of Benton, TN but was world renowned. A husband, a daddy, a granddad, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, and a friend to many.

A 42-year employee of Bowater Newsprint, Calhoun Operations (now Resolute Forest Products), he was an electrician by trade.  He also wore the hat of farrier in Polk and several surrounding counties for many years and spent most of his spare time doing cowboy things.

In retirement he could be found around his place on the porch admiring the land that he loved, the flowers, and the garden, as well as talking with his wife Beth or any number of friends.  A 9 a.m. buggy ride with his beloved dog Rosie was a must, followed by a second ride at 3 p.m. - all 3 dogs were permitted on that one.  "Checking the Cows" daily was a catchall phrase that could really involve a wide variety of activities.  Mickey's absolute favorite pastime was teaching the grandkids (and anyone else that would listen) all the things that cowboys do.

Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Emma Jean Shelton Campbell and Mitchell Andrew Cronan Sr., and his father-in-law, Fred Evans.

Left to cherish the many memories include his loving wife of 23 years, Beth Cronan; beloved daughter, Jessica Cronan Tallent and husband Chris; sons, Jake Wallace and Luke Wallace, cherished grandchildren; Madelyn, Christian, and Malia Tallent; sister, Joyce Moorehouse and husband Byrd; mother-in-law, Sharon Evans; sister-in-law, Shari Forsyth and husband Lee; nephews, David Travis, and Walt Moorhouse; niece, Amanda Moorhouse Dunn; and numerous extended family members and a community of friends that dearly loved him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Mickey's Place, 201 Benton Springs Rd., Benton, TN 37307.  Reflections and memories from his family and friends sharing stories, quotes, and words of wisdom learned that were taught to us by Mickey.

Pallbearers will be Luke Wallace, Jake Wallace, Chris Tallent, Christian Tallent, Charlie Campbell, Howard Deverell, Tim Lewis, Seth McClary, and Jimmy Richardson.

His family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, prior to the service at Mickey's Place.

B.Y.O.C.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.higginsfunerals.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.