Obituaries
Local Obituaries for McMinn County, Tennessee
Kenny Perry
Feb 13, 2026
Kenny Perry, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at UT Medical Center.
Kenny retired from a fulfilling career at CSX Railroad, where he was known not just for his work ethic, but also for his affable nature. He was a man who never met a stranger; he had a unique ability to...
Mary Jane "Mammy" Newman
Feb 12, 2026
Mary Jane "Mammy" Newman passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on November 30, 1942, Mary Jane exemplified kindness and strength throughout her life, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.
She is remembered fondly for her good sense of humor and unwavering faith as a strong Christian. Mary...
Brian Mangrum
Feb 10, 2026
Brian Mangrum, a dedicated and hardworking individual, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the age of 61.
Brian was skilled as a welder and his proficiency with his tractor, reveling in opportunities to work outside and connect with nature. His hands-on approach to life reflected his personality; he was a man who found joy in physical labor and the...
Olliemae Morgan Rayburn
Feb 8, 2026
Olliemae Morgan Rayburn, age 88, of Etowah, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday, February 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 24, 1937, Olliemae lived a vibrant life filled with love, dedication, and service to her community.
Olliemae devoted many years of her life to her career, having worked at Woods Hospital before retiring from...
Frank "Bubba" Murphy
Feb 8, 2026
Frank "Bubba" Murphy, a cherished husband, devoted father, and beloved member of the community, passed away peacefully at his residence on February 8, 2026, just days after celebrating his 66th birthday. Born on February 5, 1960, Frank lived a life full of warmth and purpose, touching the hearts of many with his kindness and spirit.
A dedicated professional, Frank spent 20...
Samantha E. Davis
Feb 6, 2026
Samantha E. Davis, 78, of Etowah, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. Born in the Linsdale Community to Hershel A. and Oma Lance Davis on February 1, 1948, Samantha's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to family, work, and her community.
A proud graduate of Polk County High School in Benton, TN,...
Luther Starkey
Feb 2, 2026
Luther Starkey, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on January 18, 1951, Luther lived a life filled with purpose, dedication, and love, particularly for his family, who were his greatest joy.
Luther dedicated 40 years of his professional life to the J.M. Huber...
Tom J. Oakley
Jan 31, 2026
Tom J. Oakley, a beloved dentist and community servant, passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the age of 67. Born on March 5, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, Tom touched the lives of many throughout his extensive career and his deep commitment to his faith and family.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from Lee...
James Dennis Woods
Jan 29, 2026
James Dennis Woods, a lifelong resident of Cleveland, TN., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Dennis enjoyed a 47-year career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist. The majority of that time he was employed by Erlanger Health Systems.
His greatest joy in life was in studying and sharing the Word of God.
He was preceded in death by his...
Wesley Hamm
Jan 26, 2026
Wesley Hamm, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the age of 65. Born on August 21, 1960, Wesley was known for his warm spirit and his ability to bring joy to those around him.
Wesley loved life and embraced every moment. He was an all-around great guy, dedicated to his family...
Dorothy Lawwill
Jan 24, 2026
Dorothy Lawwill, born on May 29, 1927, in Nippi, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.
Dorothy led a fulfilling life, marked by her passions for quilting and reading. Her love for travel allowed her to explore the world with her cherished family by...
Tommy Paul Lucas
Jan 23, 2026
Tommy Paul Lucas, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away surrounded by love and family on Friday, January 23, 2026. He was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, and spent his life rooted in hard work, integrity, and deep devotion to those he loved.
Tommy dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), where he worked for corporate safety. Known...
Margaret Pickett
Jan 22, 2026
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Margaret Pickett, who departed this life on January 22, 2026, at her residence. Born on June 18, 1948, in McCaysville, Georgia, Margaret lived a life filled with love and dedication to her family. She thrived when she was able to help and take care of others.
Margaret was the daughter...
Lawrence Edwin Wilson
Jan 6, 2026
Lawrence Edwin Wilson, age 90, a long-time businessman and civic leader of Etowah, passed away on January 6, 2026, at his home. He was the former President of Arnav Industries with garment production facilities in several locations and later the owner of M. Johnston factory Outlet in Etowah for many years with customers from all over the country. He...
William Sherman Williams
Jan 4, 2026
William "Sherman" Williams, 82, of Etowah, TN passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2026 in the chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Pastor Brandon Wilcox officiating.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday prior to the service.
...Donald "Don" Slack
Dec 30, 2025
Donald "Don" Eugene Slack, 83, of Etowah passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
Don retired from CSX Railroad as well as Thomas & Betts. He was an active member of North Etowah Baptist Church. Don served in the United States Army. He was the son of Herb and Oma Slack. From an early age Don was raised...
Kay Hicks
Dec 30, 2025
Kay "Cissy" Alyse Granita Hicks, 83, of Etowah, TN passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
Kay was born in Etowah, TN in 1942 to Ulysses and Lucille Melton and proudly spent the entirety of her life in Etowah, TN. She was devoted to her family after retiring from a long career at Proffitts. Kay was a...
Darrell Mosier
Dec 29, 2025
Darrell Mosier, 55, of Etowah, TN passed away Monday, December 29, 2025.
Darrell was a member and deacon of Faith Baptist Church. He loved working on old cars; Mopar and 1969 Roadrunner were his favorite. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and mountain trips soaking in God's beautiful creation.
Preceded in death by his...
Joann Elliott
Dec 22, 2025
Joann Elliott, 93, of Etowah, TN passed away Sunday, December 22, 2025.
Joann was a member of Etowah First Baptist Church where she raised her children. She was an expert seamstress, quilter, and dollmaker. In her spare time, she loved working in her flower garden. Joann was a loving mother and sister. She always loved and supported...
Zelphina "Rusti" Dipierro
Dec 18, 2025
Zelphina "Rusti" Farner DiPierro, 89, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025 at the Fairhope Hospice Pickering House in Lancaster, Ohio. Rusti was born on March 30, 1936, in Athens, Tennessee, to the late Issac and Della Mae (Jack) Farner.
The seventh of ten children, Rusti was the first of her siblings to graduate...


