Obituaries

Obituaries for the Polk County, TN Area

Bonnie R. Wilcox

Bonnie R. Wilcox

Jan 8, 2026

Bonnie R. Wilcox, 81, of Reliance, departed this life peacefully on January 8, 2026, at an Athens healthcare facility.

She was born on January 22, 1944, in Polk County, Tennessee, to the late Harley C. and Lonnie Shell Rymer.  Throughout life, Ms. Bonnie was a prior member of Archville Baptist Church but most recently had joined Towee...

Faye Bain

Faye Bain

Jan 3, 2026

Brenda Faye Bain, 74, of Linsdale, departed this life peacefully on January 3, 2026, at her residence.

She was born on January 13, 1952, to the Thad Cross and Opal Morgan Cross in Athens, Tennessee.  She was loved by her family, and she enjoyed spending time with them.  She will be missed by all who had the...

Ibra Cook

Ibra Cook

Dec 28, 2025

Ibra Cook, of Benton, departed this life peacefully at his residence.

No services will be held at this time.

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

Higgins Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.

Lois C. Stephenson

Lois C. Stephenson

Dec 25, 2025

Lois C. Stephenson, age 91, of Ocoee, Tennessee, passed away December 25, 2025. She has been living with her youngest daughter, Jenny Cross, with family support for her the last few months. She was constantly surrounded by family and all those that love her.  She walked daily with the Lord, trusting Him in all things and sharing His love...

Reba Burgess

Reba Burgess

Dec 24, 2025

Reba Joyce "Spence" Burgess, a lifelong resident of Benton, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, at her residence.

She was born on February 16, 1931, in Benton, TN., to the late James Frances and Mary Mae Cassade Spence.  She was a preschool Sunday school teacher and member of Benton Station Baptist Church, where at...

Trenton Allen Setser

Trenton Allen Setser

Dec 21, 2025

Trenton Allen Setser, age 23, of Benton, Tennessee, passed away on December 21, 2025. He was born on July 10, 2002, in Marietta, Georgia. Though his time on this earth was far too short, the love he gave and the lives he touched will remain forever.

Trenton was the kindest, sweetest, most caring, and loving soul. He...

Ronald "Ronnie" T. Davis

Ronald "Ronnie" T. Davis

Dec 20, 2025

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our Beloved Daddy and Coach Ronald "Ronnie" Terry Davis, a resident of Benton, departing this world on December 20, 2025, at the age of 79.  Born on May 9, 1946, in Cleveland, TN, to the late R.L. Davis and Lucille Wilson Davis.

A 1964 graduate of...

Gregory E. "Greg" Brackett

Gregory E. "Greg" Brackett

Dec 20, 2025

Gregory E. "Greg" Brackett, 58, a resident of Old Fort, Tennessee, passed away on December 20, 2025.

He was born on December 10, 1967, in Cleveland, TN., to Mary Jane Wilcoxon Lott and the late Mac E. Brackett.

Greg was a dedicated volunteer with the West Polk Volunteer Fire & Rescue.  He was very well...

John L. Longley

John L. Longley

Dec 20, 2025

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of John L. Longley, a dedicated husband, father, and Paw.  Whose life was characterized by unwavering hard work and a remarkable ability to bring joy to those around him.  Born on June 25, 1941, John's journey concluded on December 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and unwavering dedication.

...

Tony R. "Duke" Carroll

Tony R. "Duke" Carroll

Dec 19, 2025

Tony R. "Duke" Carroll, 84, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on December 19, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born on April 10, 1941, Springtown to the late Monroe and Delzia Chastain Carroll.  He married the love of his life Billie Bates, and they were married over 50 years until her death.

...

Charles Timothy "Tim" Wattenbarger

Charles Timothy "Tim" Wattenbarger

Dec 14, 2025

Charles Timothy "Tim" Wattenbarger, 86, of Cleveland, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at his home with his loving daughter by his side.

He was born on March 16, 1939, in Conasauga, TN., to the late Charles Clarence and Elsie Sharpe Wattenbarger.

Tim worked in construction and pipe fitting.  He founded Cleveland Automatic...

August Lee

August Lee

Dec 12, 2025

August Lee, of Reliance, passed away on December 12, 2025.

The world lost a bit of its shine on December 12, 2025, with the passing of August Lee, a remarkable soul whose spirit seemed untouchable and whose kindness knew no limits. August was born August 5th, 1935, in Reliance, Tennessee. Though his name was known differently to...

Katie Davis

Katie Davis

Dec 11, 2025

Debra Kathaleen "Katie" Davis, 67, a resident of Calhoun, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord surrounded by family on December 11, 2025, at her home.

She was born on August 16, 1958, in Cleveland, TN., to Evelyn Adams and Sewall Anthony.

Katie was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and homemaker.  She had unwavering...

Linda Jo Sisum

Linda Jo Sisum

Dec 8, 2025

Linda Jo Sisum, 60, of Englewood, Tennessee, departed this life unexpectedly on December 8, 2025.

She was born on February 27, 1965, in Delta, Colorado.

Linda lived a full life blessed by a large and loving family. She loved to crochet and spent many days creating beautiful handmade pieces; nearly everyone who knew her has...

Newell Cummings

Newell Cummings

Dec 4, 2025

Arthur "Newell" Cummings, 74, a lifelong resident of Benton, departed this life on December 4, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on July 26, 1951, in Benton, Tennessee to the late Arthur Newt Cummings and Lois Senia Cummings.

He was a graduate of Polk County High School, later serving in the U.S. Army, and...

Arlene E. Stephenson

Arlene E. Stephenson

Dec 3, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Arlene E. Stephenson, 91, of Ocoee, TN.  She is at peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was born on March 17, 1934, to the late Clint and Dorothy Payne Patterson.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and...

Larry J. Lewis

Larry J. Lewis

Nov 27, 2025

Larry John Lewis, 79, a lifelong resident of Benton, went home to be with Jesus on November 27, 2025. He was born on February 17, 1946, in Benton, Tennessee, to the late Reverend Virgil "Jack" Lewis and Nell Lewis.

Larry was a loving and patient man of God, and his gentle spirit was evident in every role...

Troy L. Jones

Troy L. Jones

Nov 24, 2025

Troy Lee Jones, 80, a resident of Benton, went to his heavenly home on November 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 1, 1945, in Tellico Plains, TN., to the late Jesse James and Winnie Chambers Jones.

Troy was a faithful member of Liberty Baptist Church for 20 plus years.  ...

Darrell "Dewayne Campbell

Darrell "Dewayne Campbell

Nov 19, 2025

Darrell "Dewayne" Campbell, 59, of Etowah, gained his heavenly wings on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Parkwest Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee with his family by his side.

He was born on April 23, 1966, in LaFollette, Tennessee to the late James and Carol Ayers Campbell, Sr.

Dewayne attended Fairview Baptist Church in Reliance, Tennessee.  He...

Donny Milen

Donny Milen

Nov 19, 2025

Vernon "Donny" Milen, 59, of Cleveland, departed this life on November 19, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on August 2, 1966, in Cleveland, TN., to Georgia Frances Tatum Milen and the late William Vernon Milen.

He grew up in Polk County, Tennessee, and graduated from Polk County High School (Class of 1984).  He...