Obituaries

Obituaries for the Polk County, TN Area

Charlotte L. Taylor

Charlotte L. Taylor

Nov 15, 2025

Charlotte Ladell Lewis Taylor, 80, former head of makeup for the ABC Television Network in New York, died at home on Saturday, Nov. 15, of natural causes. She was laid to rest on Wednesday, Nov. 26, in her birthplace of Benton, Tennessee.

During her time working for "ABC World News Tonight," she traveled with former news anchor...

Sherry Ann Mcdonald

Sherry Ann Mcdonald

Nov 8, 2025

Sherry Ann McDonald, 69, a resident of Old Fort, Tennessee, passed away on November 8, 2025.

She was born on March 18, 1956, in Cleveland, Tennessee to the late Anna Lou Moore and Billy McCurry.

Sherry was a wonderful person.  She was always one to stand her ground.  Sherry was a delight to be around...

Tina Sosebee

Tina Sosebee

Nov 6, 2025

Tina Ann Walker Sosebee, a truly devoted and loving mother, grandmother, daughter, and cherished friend, peacefully passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025. A true free spirit, Tina leaves behind a beautiful legacy of encouragement to live life to the fullest. Tina was famous among her family and friends for her passion for fishing and was always proud of...

Mary S. Gibson

Mary S. Gibson

Oct 29, 2025

Mary Elizabeth Swafford Gibson, age 80, of Benton, TN, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends. A devoted servant of Jesus, Mary was a cherished member of Mtn. View Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as song leader, Sunday school teacher, and played an important role in...

James "Randy" Davis

James "Randy" Davis

Oct 26, 2025

James Randall "Randy" Davis, 70, a resident of Calhoun, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on October 26, 2025, at his home.

He was born on August 13, 1955, in Cleveland, TN., to the late J.C. and Ona "Sue" Ellis Davis.

Randy was a retired construction worker.  He loved to hunt, fish, ride motorcycles,...

Mary Jane T. Sullivan

Mary Jane T. Sullivan

Oct 25, 2025

Mary Jane T. Sullivan, 97, passed peacefully on October 25, 2025.

No services will be held at this time.

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

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.

Ronny E. Woodall

Ronny E. Woodall

Oct 24, 2025

Ronny Eugene Woodall, 75, a resident of Calhoun, Tennessee, passed away at his home on October 24, 2025.

He was born on November 6, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan but spent his life in Georgia and Tennessee.

Ronny had a love for the outdoors and loved to play music. He was self-taught and learned to play...

Gary D. Stone

Gary D. Stone

Oct 23, 2025

Gary D. Stone, 67, a resident of Benton, departed this life peacefully on October 23, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 3, 1958, in Athens, TN., to the late Olice and Rosene Stone.

Throughout life, Gary D. enjoyed the simple things of life.  His faith, family, and friends were...

Eddie James

Eddie James

Oct 16, 2025

Charles Edward "Eddie" James, 86, of Reliance, passed away on October 16, 2025, at Bradley Medical Center.

He was born on April 23, 1939, in Kangting Sikang, Tibet, to the late Dr. Harold Edward Sr. and Jessie Morrison James.  At a young age, Eddie found his first true love, flying.  He was a passionate pilot, retiring as...

Melvin K. Longley

Melvin K. Longley

Oct 8, 2025

Melvin K. Longley, 81, of Ocoee, departed this life peacefully on October 8, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on November 5, 1943, in Ocoee, Tenn., to the late Fred Longley, Sr. and Amy Arthur Longley.

A lifelong resident of Polk County, Melvin retired from Johns Manville in Etowah, TN., and was also a...

Avery M. Worthey

Avery M. Worthey

Sep 26, 2025

Avery M. Worthey, 61, of Ocoee, went home to be with the Lord on September 26, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on August 3, 1964, in Cleveland, TN., to the late Johnny J. and Shirley Forgey Worthey.  Avery was a proud member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Benton, TN., a beloved...

Michael N. Hall

Michael N. Hall

Sep 23, 2025

Michael N. Hall, 70, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens.

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

Arrangements entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.

Roger Sam Stewart

Roger Sam Stewart

Sep 17, 2025

Roger Sam Stewart, of Benton, departed this life on September 17, 2025, at a Georgia healthcare facility.

He was born on September 22, 1953, in Benton, Tenn., to the late Tom and Lizzie Cronan Stewart.  Throughout life, Roger was an avid raiser of chickens, tending to them most of his life.  In his later years, his grandchildren...

Rodney P. Rymer

Rodney P. Rymer

Sep 15, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, son, son-in-law, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to many, Rodney Phillip Rymer.

He was a devoted husband to his childhood sweetheart and wife of 37 years, Angie Rymer.  Rodney was a proud and loving father to Phillip Rymer and his daughter-in-law,...

Carson W. Bain

Carson W. Bain

Sep 10, 2025

Carson W. Bain, 78, of Reliance, departed this life peacefully on September 10, 2025, at a local healthcare facility.  He was a faithful and devout Christian, having been a member of Fairview Baptist Church.

He was born on August 20, 1947, in Springtown, Tenn., to the late Richard and Ora Blackwell Bain.  Throughout life, Carson enjoyed the...

Edgar "Ed" Evans

Edgar "Ed" Evans

Sep 8, 2025

Edgar "Ed" Evans, 58, of Delano, departed this life peacefully on September 8, 2025, at a Knoxville hospital.

He was born on November 15, 1966, in Cleveland, Tenn., to the late Lewis D. and Jane Moore Evans.  A member of Archville Baptist Church in Reliance, Tenn., Danny loved the Lord and would often talk about his own...

Paul F. Harper

Paul F. Harper

Sep 4, 2025

Paul Francis Harper, 81, of Delano, Tenn., and a native of Polk County, passed away on September 4, 2025, after a courageous battle.  Paul was of the Baptist faith and a member of Beacon Baptist Church.

Paul, better known as Harper or Buddy, to his family and friends is remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit, sense...

Harold "Harry" D. Makeever, Jr.

Harold "Harry" D. Makeever, Jr.

Sep 1, 2025

On the evening of Monday, September 1, 2025, Harold (Harry) Delton Makeever tragically lost his life in an accident. He was 67 years young and preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Rose Ann (Nunes) Makeever.

Harry (as he asked us southerners to call him, since we couldn't pronounce 'Harold' correctly) was born in Newport, RI....

Ethel Rozella Erickson

Ethel Rozella Erickson

Aug 25, 2025

Jesus called His beloved child, Rozella home to Him on August 25, 2025. She was 97.  Ethel Rozella Erickson was born in WaKeeney, Kansas to Henry and Hilda Maier on July 25, 1928.

Rozella lived in Fort Collins, Colorado from the age of 5, until she and Forest moved to Aurora, Colorado in 1948, where they lived...

Mark "Pulley" Presswood

Mark "Pulley" Presswood

Aug 22, 2025

On August 22, 2025, Mark "Pulley" Presswood, responded to his last call and joined his loved ones in Heaven. Mark was 58 years old and a lifelong resident of Benton, TN.

Mark graduated from Polk County High School (1986) and began his lifelong dedication to the service of others. Whether it be answering late night calls to...