Obituaries

Obituaries for the Polk County, TN Area

Willie "Bill" Wilhite

Willie "Bill" Wilhite

Jan 5, 2025

Willie "Bill" Wilhite, 90, of Ocoee, departed this life on January 5, 2025.

He was born on October 15, 1934, in Moulton, Alabama, to the late Jack and Ruby Hamby Wilhite.

Bill enjoyed farming, cattle ranching, hunting, fishing, spending time at the lake, camping and being on the Florida beaches. A few of his fondest...

James E. "Ed" Howard

James E. "Ed" Howard

Jan 2, 2025

James "Ed" Howard, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, at the age of 81. Surrounded by his loving family, Ed left behind a legacy of faith, service, and dedication to those he loved and to the values he held dear.

Born and raised in a Christian home, Ed was...

Karl M. Kluge

Karl M. Kluge

Jan 2, 2025

Karl M. Kluge, 76, of Benton, passed away at his residence on January 2, 2025.

There are no services at this time.

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

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.

Benjamin "Ben" Hannah

Benjamin "Ben" Hannah

Dec 27, 2024

Benjamin "Ben" N. Hannah, 40, of Old Fort, departed this life unexpectedly on Friday, December 27, 2024.

He was born on April 2, 1984, in Cleveland, TN to Louis E. Hannah, Jr. and the late Sharon Nicholson.

Ben loved the Lord and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

In addition to his mother,...

Roy "Tom" Mcclary

Roy "Tom" Mcclary

Dec 15, 2024

Roy Thomas "Tom" McClary, 83, of Benton, departed this life on December 15, 2024.

He was born on May 13, 1941, in Cleveland, TN to the late Roy E. and Arlene Kimbrough McClary. Mr. Tom was a faithful and dedicated member of Zion Baptist Church and was a truck driver for more than 40 years.

...

Joseph D. Browder

Joseph D. Browder

Dec 14, 2024

Joseph Browder, 74, of Old Fort, departed this life on December 14, 2024.

He was born on June 7, 1950, in Benton, TN to the late Charles W. and Retta Sue Sampson Browder.

Throughout life, Joseph worked and lived with a passion for fixing things and his family. He especially loved collecting antiques, and built...

Debra Varnell

Debra Varnell

Dec 6, 2024

Debra Varnell, 71, of Benton, departed this life on December 6, 2024.

She was born on September 16, 1953, in Peoria, Illinois to the late Harold and Dalyne Wheeler Moore.

Debras passion throughout her life was working as a CNA in the mental health field. She enjoyed cross stitch embroidery, sweet foods, and her fur...

Shannon L. Travis

Shannon L. Travis

Nov 29, 2024

Shannon L. Travis, 54, of Old Fort, departed this life unexpectedly on November 29, 2024.

She was born on May 31, 1970, in Cleveland, TN.

Throughout life, Shannon was a dedicated and devoted friend who loved everyone that had the blessing of knowing her. She had a passion and a deep interest in caring for,...

Levieta R. Freeman

Levieta R. Freeman

Nov 29, 2024

Levieta R. Freeman, 68, of Cleveland, departed this life peacefully November 29, 2024, amongst her beloved family.

She was born on December 10, 1955, in Cleveland, Tennessee, to the late Lester "Bud" and Veva Joyce Judd Haulk

Throughout life, Levieta enjoyed gardening, crafting, outdoors, singing and drinking coffee with her friends and family. She was...

Robert A. Presswood, Jr.

Robert A. Presswood, Jr.

Nov 29, 2024

Robert Andrew Presswood Jr, 93, of Cleveland TN went to his Heavenly home on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Signature HealthCare of Cleveland.

Robert loved the Lord, his family, and driving the roads. He was a charter member of the Way of The Cross Baptist Church and pre-covid he attended Spring Place Church of God of Prophecy....

Greg Swyers

Greg Swyers

Nov 25, 2024

Gregory "Greg" Robert Swyers, 82, of Benton, Tennessee passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Greg was a faithful and dedicated member at Zion Baptist Church, President of the Benton Lions Club, and was the founder of Remington for more than 25 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents,...

Ronnie E. Beard

Ronnie E. Beard

Nov 19, 2024

Ronnie E. Beard, 8o, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on November 19, 2024.

He was born on November 6, 1944, in Athens, TN to the late Warren and Pauline Passmore Beard.

Ronnie was a member and deacon at First Baptist Church of Benton, where he loved to sing in the choir.

In...

Judy E. Wilson

Judy E. Wilson

Nov 18, 2024

Judy E. Wilson, 75, of Benton, departed this life peacefully at home on November 18, 2024, with her daughters and grandchildren close to her side.

She was born on September 11, 1949, in Benton, Tennessee, to the late Matt and Lois Allen Cummings.

Throughout life, Mrs. Judy was a dedicated and devoted mother, grandmother, sister,...

Jack Beard

Jack Beard

Nov 16, 2024

Jack C. Beard, 81, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on November 16, 2024.

He was born on January 14, 1943, in Maryville, TN to the late Byran and Marie Passmore Beard.

Jack was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church in Delano, TN. He was an avid fan and supporter of the Tennessee Vols. A...

James Garner Gold

James Garner Gold

Nov 10, 2024

James "Jim" Garner Gold, 81, of Cleveland, passed away from a brief illness, on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Jim was a member of East Side Church of Christ. He spent 52 years in the funeral profession, spending the last years with Higgins Funeral Home of Benton. He knew he had...

Rebecca "Becky" J. Campbell

Rebecca "Becky" J. Campbell

Nov 4, 2024

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer."

~ Psalm 19:14

The lovely, graceful, and strong Rebecca "Becky" J. Campbell, 92, of the Benton community, has left this world. Beckys spirit left peacefully for that other shore on Monday...

Linda Marie Shamblin

Linda Marie Shamblin

Nov 1, 2024

Linda Marie (Triplett) Shamblin, 68, of Athens, Tennessee and longtime resident of Cleveland, Tennessee, found peace on November 1, 2024, after several health challenges.

Linda was born in Cleveland, Tennessee to Kenneth E. and Gertrude Patricia Triplett. The untimely death of her mother when she was 15 forced her to grow up quickly. As the oldest, she...

Wendell Burch Richardson

Wendell Burch Richardson

Oct 20, 2024

Wendell Burch Richardson, 78, of Benton, beloved brother, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

He was born on March 26, 1946, in Cleveland, Tennessee to the late Rev. Arthur and Mary Kate Richardson.

Wendell was a graduate of Polk County High School and received his masters degree...

Audrey Grant

Audrey Grant

Oct 18, 2024

Audrey P. Grant, 84, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on October 17, 2024, at her home.

She was born on July 6, 1940, in Houlton, Maine, to the late William and Erma Stockford Folsom.

Throughout life, Audrey was a dedicated and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who loved everyone that had the blessing...

Judy Longley Melton

Judy Longley Melton

Oct 17, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Judy Lynn Longley-Melton, age 54, who departed this life on October 17, 2024. Judy was a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished member of her family. She was surrounded by her family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness that touched the lives of everyone...