Obituaries
Local Obituaries for McMinn County, Tennessee
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...
Robert Scott Cooley
Apr 19, 2026
Robert “Scott” Cooley, 62, of Etowah, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He is preceded in death by his father, Bob A. Cooley; sister, Pam (Cooley) Merrell.
He leaves behind his devoted wife, Lori (Hayes) Cooley; sons, Robert Scott “Bobby” Cooley, Jr. (Amanda Taylor) of Ashland City, TN; Brian Allen Cooley (Ariel) of Lenoir...
Zelma Puett
Apr 17, 2026
Zelma Puett, 78 of Etowah, Tn, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, April 17, 2026. Born on May 16, 1947, in Sweetwater, Tennessee, Zelma’s life was a testament to kindness, faith, and dedication to family and church. Zelma was a cherished member of the Coghill Baptist Church.
Zelma was widely known for her compassion and thoughtful nature, particularly in...
Rhonda Reed
Apr 16, 2026
Rhonda Reed, of Englewood, TN passed away peacefully at home on April 16, 2026 after a year long battle with cancer. Born on September 25, 1965 in Etowah, TN, Rhonda lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and unwavering love for her family and community.
Rhonda’s career was defined by her remarkable commitment to patient care. For 36 years, she worked...
Karen Brown
Mar 31, 2026
Karen Ann (Nelson) Brown, 89, went to be with her Lord on March 31, 2026. She was a resident at The Neighborhood at Tellico Village in the memory care unit.
She was formerly from Hobe Sound, Florida, having lived in Florida for over 70 years. She worked at the Social Security SSI department for 30 years. Before moving to Tennessee, she...
Harvey Blassingame
Mar 29, 2026
Harvey Blassingame, age 88 of Etowah, Tennessee and formerly of Chatsworth, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Chatsworth.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole Ellis Blassingame; parents Tony & Billie Blassingame; grandson, Seth Johnson; son-in-law, Jeff Johnson; siblings Geraldine Blassingame, Rosetta (Frank) Winkler, Jimmy (Joyce) Blassingame; nephew Larry Winkler; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Horace...
Ronny Borden
Mar 29, 2026
Ronny Borden, born on October 31, 1937, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026. He was a devoted member of Englewood United Methodist Church and a cherished presence within his community.
Throughout his life, Ronny found great joy in the simple pleasures of nature. An avid fisherman and camper, he treasured his time outdoors, nurturing a love of gardening and...
Charlie Harris
Mar 25, 2026
Charlie Harris, born on January 29, 1949, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, devotion, and a deep passion for family and cherished pursuits. Known for his unwavering love of NASCAR and a particular admiration for Dale Earnhardt, Charlie's enthusiasm for racing was matched only by the joy he found in spending his summers...
Largent Sneed
Mar 25, 2026
Largent Sneed, 66 of Delano, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Known for his wonderful, infectious laugh, Largent brought joy and warmth to those around him. He had a deep love for his family as well as his dogs, he was a member of the Delano Baptist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife, Penny Sneed, and their children and spouses:...
Zane Gibson
Mar 23, 2026
Zane Gibson, born on October 1, 1970, passed away at his residence on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the age of 55. Known for his sharp wit and generous spirit, Zane brought laughter and joy to all who knew him. He was a beloved member of the New Zion Baptist Church and held deeply to his Baptist faith throughout his...
