Obituaries

Obituaries for the Polk County, TN Area

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...

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,...