Obituaries
Local Obituaries for McMinn County, Tennessee
Winston David Mantooth
Jul 2, 2025
Winston "David" Mantooth, 81 of Calhoun, TN passed away, Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
David was a graduate of Etowah High School, where he enjoyed playing football. David was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the United States Army. He was also a member of Cleveland Amateur Radio Club. David retired after 32 years from Olin Corporation.
...Robert Smith
Jul 1, 2025
Robert Wayne Smith, 66, of Englewood, TN passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
Robert attended Zion Hill Baptist Church. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed doing lawn maintenance. Robert never met a stranger.
He is preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Floyd T. and Esther Smith; mother and stepfather, Reva Sue and...
Debra Houston
Jun 20, 2025
Debra Ann Houston, 72, of Athens, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025.
Born on March 16, 1953, in Bay City, Michigan, Debbie was the beloved daughter of the late Richard "Jack" and Joyce Oswald. She grew up in Essexville, Michigan, and graduated from Garber High School. She brought dedication and heart to every role she ...
Ray Stone
Jun 19, 2025
Ray A. Stone, 89, of Delano, TN passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Ray was a graduate of Etowah High School and absolutely loved and was proud to be a part of the Etowah Community. After over 35yrs, Ray retired from Bowater. Although he hadn't been able to attend in several years, he was a longtime member...
Pamela Ware
Jun 13, 2025
Pamela Ware of Riceville, TN was born on March 10, 1950 in Milwaukee, WI, and born into eternal life on Friday, June 13, 2025.
Preceded in death by her parents, Aloysius and Bertha Mayer, and her husband Stephen Lynn Ware.
She is survived by her sons, James (Michelle) Kozlowski of Sussex, WI, and Christian (Rachael...
Richard "Ric" Oestreich
Jun 11, 2025
Ric Oestreich, 68, of Etowah, TN formerly of Peshtigo, WI passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
Ric was an avid bird hunter and looked forward to the annual trip he took. When he wasn't watching NASCAR, you could find him outdoors, riding through the mountains. Ric loved ice cream and was also a Green Bay Packers fan....
Donald "Don" Melton
Jun 9, 2025
Don Melton, 82, of Etowah, TN passed away Monday, June 9, 2025.
He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Etowah. He was a hard worker and enjoyed working in his yard. He was a loving husband and father and dearly loved his grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Long Melton; son,...
Joseph Settle Peck
Jun 9, 2025
Joseph Settle Peck, 76, of Delano, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on June 9, 2025.
Born in Middletown, Ohio, Joe led a life rooted in service, love, and deep devotion to family. He served 30 years in the United States Navy, enlisting as an E1 and retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. His military career exemplified...
Raymond "Steve" Knox
Jun 9, 2025
Raymond "Steve" Knox, 77, of Etowah, TN passed away Monday, June 9, 2025.
He retired from the McMinn County Highway Department after 30 years. He enjoyed racing and farming.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Juanita Knox.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Knox; son, Rusty and Tammy Knox; daughters...
George Duncan
Jun 8, 2025
George Duncan, 65, of Etowah, TN passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Penny Duncan; parents, Georgia and Luther Duncan; brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Laverne Duncan; brothers-in-law, Marvin Boles; Charlie Johnson.
Survivors include, son and daughter-in-law, Shane and Elizabeth Duncan; daughter and son-in-law, Courtney and Kendrick Craft;...
David Bagwell
May 22, 2025
David Harold Bagwell, 83 of Englewood, TN passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025 at his residence.
He is a son of the late Samuel and Mozell Bagwell.
David served in the US Air Force and was a member of North Etowah Baptist Church.
Preceded in death by his parents, listed above; older brother,...
Connie Woodbury
May 22, 2025
Connie Woodbury, 78, of Riceville, TN, passed away Thursday May 22, 2025. Connie had been a long-time resident of Florida, before making the move to Riceville in 1998.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ludger and Rita Roy.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years Grover Woodbury; daughter and son-in-law, Misti...
James C Williams
May 22, 2025
James C. Williams, 88, a long-time resident of Etowah, TN, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Grace Derrick Williams. He and Grace are survived by their children, Danielle Williams Haas (husband, Joe) of Knoxville, TN, James (Jim) C Williams Jr (wife, Sherri) of Etowah; grandchildren,...
Phyllis Jane Daugherty-Firestone
May 20, 2025
Phyllis Jane Daugherty-Firestone of Cleveland, Tennessee passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 at the age of 80. She was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and her family is comforted knowing that she is in His presence.
She had three children, but she was a Mother to many....
Robert "Bob" Ludwig
May 17, 2025
Robert J. Ludwig, 78, of Vonore, TN passed away Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Bob was a member of the graduating class of 1964 at Don Bosco High School in Gilbertville. After high school Bob joined the Navy, he was with the Construction Battalion. Upon returning from the Navy, Bob farmed in the Waterloo area and had a...
Sonny Standridge
May 12, 2025
Sonny Gene Standridge, 65, of Benton, TN passed away Monday, May 12, 2025.
Sonny was a graduate of Meigs County High School. He spent most of his life working in the utility industry and retired from Etowah Utilities after 20 plus years of service. In his spare time Sonny enjoyed long rides on his motorcycle and was...
Roy Howard Trew
May 12, 2025
Roy Howard Trew, 86, of Etowah, TN, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025.
Roy was a lifelong member of Saint Paul's United Methodist Church of Etowah. He retired after working over 40 years at Bowater Paper Mill. Roy had 26 years of service in the National Guard. He was an avid golfer and storyteller, "Have I told...
Arlene Jones
May 6, 2025
Arlene Jones, 81, of Athens, TN passed away surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Arlene was a proud military wife and exhibited a strong sense of patriotism. She was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Athens. Arlene had a generous and caring nature, which was shown...
Michael Williams
May 5, 2025
Michael L. Williams, 66, of Etowah, TN passed away Monday, May 5, 2025.
Preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Adrienne Williams; father-in-law, Robin Yeager.
Mike retired from Bowater after 40 years, he was a member of First Baptist Church of Etowah. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, camping and cooking.
Survived by his...
Coy Ward
Apr 30, 2025
Coy Ward, 84, of Benton, TN passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Coy was the owner and founder of Ward's Tree Service, the oldest tree service in East TN, serving McMinn and surrounding counties. For over 40 years, he was a contractor with Etowah Utilities. Coy was known for his caring and giving nature, which manifested through...


