Obituaries
Local Obituaries for McMinn County, Tennessee
Geraldine Blair
Sep 12, 2025
Geraldine Blair passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025 surrounded by her family at the age of 96.
Geraldine prided herself on being a hard worker who always did all she could for herself, her family, and her friends. Her life was simple, long, and filled with many wonderful memories that her family and friends will cherish...
Sandra "Sandy" Pyle
Sep 6, 2025
Sandra "Sandy" Pyle, 73, of Englewood, TN passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025.
She was of the Baptist faith and loved her family dearly.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William C. Pyle; parents, John and Anna Ruth Garren.
She is survived by her brother, Mike Garren; sister and brother-in-law, Kim...
Nelsie Sisson
Sep 5, 2025
Nelsie Waldrop Sisson, a resident of Etowah, passed away in a Knoxville hospital on Friday, September 5, 2025, only a few weeks short of her 90th birthday.
She was born in Polk County on October 25, 1935, the second of three daughters of Biggs and Lura Qualls Waldrop.
She was a 1953 graduate of Polk...
Melba Joann Crabtree
Aug 31, 2025
Joann Crabtree 77, of Riceville, TN passed away, Sunday, August 31, 2025.
Joann was a member of Clear Springs Bible Church. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who thought the world of her grandbabies. Joann was a sweet caring soul that always went above and beyond to help everyone. She is now a beautiful flower...
Dave Einerson
Aug 29, 2025
Dave Einerson, 83, of Etowah, TN passed away Friday, August 29, 2025.
Dave graduated from Dodgeville High School in 1959 & enlisted in the US Army. After basic training he was stationed at McDill AFB in Tampa, Florida where he met his soulmate, Elayne. They were married August 14, 1965 - 60 years ago.
Dave...
Narvelene Smith
Aug 28, 2025
Narvelene Smith, 79, of Etowah, TN passed away Thursday, August 28, 2025.
She was a member of Corinth Baptist Church in Reliance. She enjoyed working puzzles, coloring, fishing, and gardening in her free time. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and was a great cook.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Delbert...
James Randy Brooks
Aug 27, 2025
Randy "Pudge" Brooks
September 15, 1945 – August 27, 2025
Randy "Pudge" Brooks, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Rockford, Tennessee, on August 27, 2025. Born on September 15, 1945, Randy was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend who touched many lives throughout his journey.
Randy was the cherished son...
Anna Rae Woods
Aug 25, 2025
Anna Woods, 86, of Tellico Plains, TN passed away Monday, August 25, 2025.
She enjoyed looking for and finding antiques. In her free time, she liked to go fishing; and her favorite times were spent with her grandkids.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Rosa Mae Cook.
She is...
Marvin Tipton
Aug 20, 2025
Marvin Tipton 85, of Etowah, TN passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Marvin was a Christian of the Baptist faith and served in the Army National Guard. He owned and operated Tipton Furniture in Etowah for over 20 years and retired from Bowater. Marvin loved farming and enjoyed living his life one day at a time.
...Bernice Hamby Stuart
Aug 20, 2025
Bernice Hamby Stuart, 95, of Cleveland, TN passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Bernice was a faithful member of Maple Springs Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James O. Stuart; parents, Dewey and Ora Hamby; sister, Eula Mae Hamby; brother, Eugene Hamby; mother and father-in-law, Oren and Ellie Stuart; brother-in-law, Erine...
Jennifer Watson Bowman
Aug 18, 2025
Jennifer Watson Bowman, 58, of Athens, TN passed away Monday, August 18, 2025.
Jennifer loved her family, especially her grandbabies. The most important thing to her was family time.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dearl and Dorotha Watson; sister, Debbie Watson.
She is survived by her daughter, Alexis Bowman and...
Ray "Eddie" Cox
Aug 18, 2025
Ray "Eddie" Cox, 79, of Athens, TN passed away Monday, August 18, 2025.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold R. "Creepy" and Margie Cox; brothers, Steve Cox, Robbie Cox; sister, Cathy Landers.
He is survived by his wife, Debra Cox; daughters and sons-in-law; Tracy and Mark Proctor, Josalyn and Brian Rogers; grandchildren,...
Anna Inez Crump
Aug 7, 2025
Anna Inez Crump, 97 of Delano, TN passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on the morning of Thursday, August 7, 2025.
She was a daughter of the late Minnen and Gertrude Burris.
Preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Crump; brothers and sisters-in-law, Woodrow and Lucille Burris, Tommy and Billie Jean Burris; sisters and...
Larry Goforth
Aug 6, 2025
Larry Goforth, 61 of Englewood, TN passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Preceded in death by his father, Dean Goforth; brothers, Jimmy Goforth and Hoyt Goforth.
Survivors include his mother and step-father, Junie and Arnold Aldridge; aunts, Mary Sue Casteel, Connie Ingram and Georgia Mae Martin; uncle, Wayne Graves; children and spouses, Brianna and Gary...
Hoyt Melton
Aug 5, 2025
Hoyt Melton, 80, of Athens, TN passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
Hoyt served in the United States Air Force; he retired from M&M Mars after working for 25 years. He was a member of Valley View Baptist Church of Athens, TN. For 57 years, he lived a life devoted to faith, family, and service. As a...
Kimberly Moore
Jul 28, 2025
Kimberly Moore, 52, of Athens, passed away, Monday, July 28, 2025.
Kimberly enjoyed being a nurse and helping people. She loved her family and her fur dog Rya dearly. Kimberly was an amazing Nana, her grandchildren were her whole world.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Troy Thomas Moore; father, David Spruill.
...David Arlen Johnson
Jul 25, 2025
David Arlen Johnson, 84, of Etowah, TN passed away Friday, July 25, 2025.
David was honorably discharged after serving two years in the United States Army. He was employed at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as a State of Alaska Biologist.
He is preceded in death by his parents Andrew A. and Dena...
Frank Rymer
Jul 23, 2025
Frank Lee Rymer, age 62 of Reliance and Etowah passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
He is preceded in death by his father, Franklin Rymer.
He is survived by his children, Sarah Beth Rymer, Dale Ray Rymer and Dustin Lee Rymer; other survivors include his mother, Lynn Rymer; his sisters, Sherry (Don) Rogers and...
Roy Lynn Nivens
Jul 21, 2025
Roy Lynn Nivens, 70, of Etowah, TN passed away Monday, July 21, 2025.
Roy Lynn was an Army veteran, an active long-time member of Amvets Post 100. He served one year as the Post Commander and over ten years as Judge Advocate at Amvets Post 100. Roy Lynn loved anything to do with the outdoors, farming, camping,...
Virginia Johnson Dyke-Watson
Jul 17, 2025
Virginia Johnson Dyke-Watson went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the age of 90 surrounded by her family.
She was born on September 15, 1934 to Charles and Allie Johnson of the Nonaburg community in Englewood, TN. She spent her entire life here in McMinn County. She attended Coltharp Elementary and...


