Obituaries
Local Obituaries for McMinn County, Tennessee
Martha Grace Rayburn
Jun 23, 2026
Martha Grace Rayburn, 77, of Etowah, TN passed away, Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Martha was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She shared her God given talent through the beautiful way she played the piano. Martha now is in the arm of her Lord and Savior.
Preceded in death by her father JP Morgan and mother Grace Ingle Morgan; daughter, Leasona Rayburn;...
Geraldine "Geri" Touchet
Jun 20, 2026
Geraldine “Geri" Touchet, 83, of Etowah passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Geri retired as a medical office manager, while living in Ocala, Florida. She was a Christian saved by Jesus and had a very strong faith in God. Geri was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who will be greatly missed.
Preceded in death by her parents, Spurgeon and Dorothy...
Roy Perian
Jun 17, 2026
Roy Perian, born on December 29, 1948, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026. A cherished member of his family and community, Roy’s life was marked by devotion to his loved ones and his country, as well as a passion for craftsmanship and the outdoors.
Roy was a proud Vietnam veteran who honorably served two years in the Army. His commitment...
M. Alice Bates Hunt
Jun 13, 2026
M. Alice Bates Hunt, 89, of Etowah, TN passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026.
She was the daughter of L.J. and Hester Bates. She attended Salem Baptist Church in Halls, TN.
She was preceded in death by her parents listed above; husband, Charles W. Hunt; son, James R. Moates; six sisters and one brother.
She is survived by her daughter, Kim and Dwane...
Randy Sitzlar
Jun 4, 2026
Randy Sitzlar, 77, passed away on June 4, 2026 at his home in Etowah, TN following a courageous battle against cancer. His family was blessed to be by his side during the time leading up to his departure.
Randy loved taking the jeep for a drive through the mountains, hitting thrift stores and yard sales with his wife, Shirl, and quietly helping...
William "Bill" Ray Goodman
May 30, 2026
William “Bill” Ray Goodman, 75, went to his eternal home to be with the Lord on November 22, 2025. He passed away at his home in Daytona Beach, FL.
Originally from Etowah, TN, Bill was a University of Tennessee alumnus with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Just after graduation he was recruited into the US Navy and served as a Naval...
Gerald Hamilton
May 28, 2026
Gerald Hamilton, born November 10, 1956, in Etowah, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, May 28, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose warm spirit and candid nature left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Gerald was celebrated for his fun-loving personality and his openness; he never met a stranger and was...
Henrietta Willis Johnson
May 28, 2026
Henrietta Willis Johnson, age 81, of Englewood, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at her family’s home, surrounded by her loved ones.
Henrietta was known as “Hen,” “Mom,” and her favorite title, “Nana.” She spent her whole life taking the best care of anyone who would let her, especially her loved ones. She stopped at nothing to make...
Patsy Davis
May 22, 2026
Patsy Begley Davis, 73 of Etowah, passed away on May 22, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family whom she loved so much.
Patsy was a native of Hawkins County, TN but moved to McMinn County in 1959 when she was just 6 years old. She was a devout Christian and long time member of Delano Baptist Church.
She is preceded...
Elbert "Wayne" Cooper
May 18, 2026
Elbert "Wayne" Cooper, 81, of Etowah, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026.
A devoted member of Cambria Baptist Church and a painter by trade, Wayne embodied dedication, faith, and craftsmanship throughout his life. Wayne’s journey was marked not only by his professional skill as a painter but also by the deep connections he nurtured within his community and family.
He was...
Lloyd Hicks
May 17, 2026
Lloyd Chilch “L.C.” Hicks , 78, of Athens, TN passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026.
L.C. was of the Baptist faith and a member of Meadow Fork Baptist Church. He retired after 23 years at Wal-Mart of Athens. Before that, he worked at Robetts MFG of Riceville, Padgetts Furniture Co. of Calhoun, and several other furniture companies in Cleveland. He loved...
Spencer L. Casteel
May 16, 2026
Spencer L. Casteel, 86, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026. Born on February 12, 1940, in Etowah, Tennessee, Spencer lived a life marked by dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Spencer was known throughout the region as the owner and operator of Spencer's Grocery, a business he proudly managed for 32 years. His entrepreneurial spirit and...
Thomas "Tom" F. Joines
May 15, 2026
Thomas "Tom" F. Joines, 87, of Etowah, TN passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026. He was a devoted family man, distinguished Air Force veteran, and dedicated professional. Born on August 8, 1938, Tom was blessed with a long and full life marked by service, commitment, and a deep love for those closest to him.
Tom proudly served his country with...
Patricia Isenhower Patrick
May 11, 2026
Patricia Ann Patrick, age 92, of Plano, Texas, loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away after a long illness, to the caring arms of the Lord on Monday, May 11, 2026. She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Conley and Ruby Isenhower. Pat was married to Donald Patrick for 60 joyous years before he passed away in...
Evelyn Runion
May 11, 2026
Evelyn Taylor Runion, 80, of Athens, TN a beloved mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully at her residence on Monday, May 11, 2026. Born on May 22, 1945, in Coker Creek, Tennessee.
Evelyn was known as a classy lady with impeccable style, whose presence brightened every room she entered. A passionate aficionado of antiques, she collected and sold treasured pieces that...
Johnny Solsbee
May 8, 2026
Johnny Raymond Solsbee, 83, of Etowah, TN passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Born on March 19, 1943, to the late Fred and Lucille Solsbee. He graduated from University of Tennessee in 1966. He was a long-time member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.
Johnny will be remembered as man who cared deeply about his family and...
Katherine Hyde
May 7, 2026
Katherine Hyde, 86, of Etowah, TN passed on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Hyde; mother and father, Mary Tuggle Whitener and Charlie Whitener; brothers and sisters-in-law, RJ and Alma Whitener, Junior and Mary Whitener.
Survivors include her son, Terry Hyde; granddaughter, Fall; great-granddaughter, Courtney.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May...
Lucy Johnson
May 2, 2026
Lucy Johnson 83 of Englewood, TN passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in the chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday prior to the service.
Interment will follow the service at Green Hill Cemetery.
Lucy is survived by her devoted husband, C.A....
Brian Hembree
Apr 29, 2026
Brian Hembree, born on July 9, 1987, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. His departure has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him. Brian was a proud worker whose dedication and commitment were evident to those around him. He was a wonderful son, a proud father, and a devoted partner who deeply loved his...
Michael Byers
Apr 26, 2026
Mike Byers, 71, of Etowah, TN passed away, Sunday, April 26, 2026. Born on March 16, 1955, in Sweetwater, Tennessee, Mike lived a life marked by love, devotion, and deep family ties.
Mike was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather—roles he cherished above all else. His presence will be profoundly missed by those whose lives he touched with kindness...
