Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Monroe County, Tennessee

Donald "Don" Amos Lee

Donald "Don" Amos Lee

Jul 23, 2026

Donald “Don” Amos Lee peacefully entered the arms of Jesus on July 23, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing he is finally healed, free from pain, and rejoicing in the presence of his Savior.

Don was born on June 3, 1964. Throughout his life, he was known for his strength,...

James Clyde "J.C." Valentine

James Clyde "J.C." Valentine

Jul 13, 2026

James Clyde “J.C.” Valentine Jr., age 82, of Tellico Plains, TN passed away Monday, July 13, 2026 at Morning View Transitional Care.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Clyde and Fannie Ethyl Valentine; daughter, Amy Denise Valentine; brother, Don Edward Valentine; sister-in-law, Linda Valentine; brother-in-law, Larry Taylor.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Marie Valentine; son and...

Bobby Sylvester Jr.

Bobby Sylvester Jr.

Jul 10, 2026

Bobby Sylvester Jr., age 67, of Tellico Plains, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026.

He is survived by his mother, Frances Holland; father, Bobby Sylvester Sr.; sisters, Nancy Tucker and Kimberly P. Freeman; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special friend, B.J. Wall.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at...

Sharon Annette Burton

Sharon Annette Burton

Jul 5, 2026

Sharon Annette Burton, age 55, of Madisonville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026 at home surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Judy Crowder Sr.; brothers, Walter (W.A.), Richard, and Paul Jr. Crowder; grandson, Kaiden Millsaps; aunt, Deborah Crowder.

Sharon was a devoted member of Antioch Baptist Church. She loved her family and...

Kimberly "Kim" Freeman

Kimberly "Kim" Freeman

Jun 30, 2026

Kimberly “Kim” Freeman, 58, of Coker Creek, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026.

Preceded in death by her father, Juel Irons, and brother, Stoney Ogle.

Kim was a beloved local business owner dedicated to her community. Her warmth and generosity touched everyone she met, and her deep love for family and friends will forever remain in their hearts.

Kim is survived by...

Teddy G. Kirkland

Teddy G. Kirkland

Jun 24, 2026

Teddy G. Kirkland, age 70, of Tellico Plains, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at the University of Tennessee Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold G. Kirkland; and sister, Linda Kirkland.

Teddy’s interests included bowling, dirt track racing, playing cornhole with his 92-year-old mother, golfing, and fishing with his brothers and great-nephews. He will be remembered...

Richard Allen Hembree

Richard Allen Hembree

Jun 22, 2026

Richard Allen Hembree, age 55, of Tellico Plains went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 22, 2026 with his loving family by his side.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Tersea Hembree; parents, Jonas and Margie Hembree.

Richard was a lifelong resident of Tellico Plains. He recently became a member of Howard’s Chapel Baptist Church, and was...

Ozell Lance Miller

Ozell Lance Miller

Jun 19, 2026

Ozell Lance Miller, age 78, of Tellico Plains passed away on, Friday, June 19, 2026.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Russell Miller; and son, Scotty Rodney Miller; her parents, Irene and Roy Lance; sister and brother-in-law, Ernestine (Calbert) Hamilton; brothers and sisters-in-law, George (Reba) Lance, RK (Penny) Lance, Eugene (Janice) Lance, Floyd Lance, and baby brother, Norman Lance.

Ozell...

Tammy Henderson Lee

Tammy Henderson Lee

Jun 12, 2026

Tammy Henderson Lee, age 55, of Madisonville, TN, originally from Coker Creek left this world on, Friday, June 12, 2026 to join her mom and dad, Lincoln and Christine Henderson; sister, Anita Miller; and brother, Johnny Wayne Henderson in Heaven.

Tammy graduated from Tellico Plains High School class of 1989. She enjoyed reading and spending time outside on her porch barefoot,...

Calvin Billy Rutherford

Calvin Billy Rutherford

Jun 7, 2026

Calvin Billy Rutherford, age 72, of Tellico Plains went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 7, 2026 with his loving family by his side.

He is preceded in death by his parents, J.L. and Armendy Rutherford; sister, Oleeta Winburn.

He is survived by daughters and son-in-law, Natasha and Ryan Greeson, Alyssia Harris; grandchildren, Rosemary and Sage Harris; brother and...

Paul R. Medina

Paul R. Medina

Jun 7, 2026

Paul R. Medina, age 80, of Tellico Plains went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alberto and Georgia Medina; grandsons, Joseph Paul Medina, and Jeff Pippin; granddaughter, Theresa Pippin; sisters, Carmen Medina, and Santos Medina; brothers, Domingo Medina, and twin brother, Pete Medina; and Godson, Jason Medina.

Paul was...

Rebecca Faye Franklin

Rebecca Faye Franklin

Jun 6, 2026

Rebecca (Becky) Faye Franklin, age 48, of Tellico Plains, TN was suddenly taken from this world on June 6, 2026, and now is in the arms of Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Cross; grandparents, Martha Medlin, and Robert and Dessie Cross, one of her angel babies; and eight angel grandbabies she is already holding in Heaven.

Rebecca...

Richard Linn Smith Sr.

Richard Linn Smith Sr.

May 31, 2026

Richard L. Smith Sr., age 85, of Madisonville, went to his heavenly home in the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

He is procced in death by his wife of 52 years, Virginia Smith; his parents, Wilson Smith, and Martha and Albert Haury; brother, Jim Smith; granddaughter, Christina Capastany; great-granddaughter, Kenzo Kerekes.

Anyone who knew Richard knew him as...

Maria Ferguson

Maria Ferguson

May 29, 2026

Maria Ferguson, age 58, of Tellico Plains passed away on, May 29, 2026.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Garry Ferguson; and daughter, Casey Ferguson.

Maria Ferguson was born in Long Island, New York and adopted by John and Clara Mish. She attended elementary school locally before moving to New Port Richey, Florida then attended and graduated from Gulf High...

Martha L. Crawford

Martha L. Crawford

May 27, 2026

On May 27, 2026, Martha L. Crawford closed her eyes in sweet rest and peace. The Bible comforts us with Jesus’ words “The dead in Christ will rise.” Oh, what a day that will be! She leaves behind all six of her daughters, eight grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

On...

Christina Wakefield

Christina Wakefield

May 17, 2026

Christina Wakefield, age 57, of Tellico Plains, was welcomed into her heavenly home on Sunday, May 17, 2026 with her devoted family surrounding her bedside.

She was born in Tacoma Park Maryland to Afton Wakefield and Ramona Jessup.

She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Kylianne and Chase Gregory. She also leaves behind her two grandchildren, Charlianne and Judah Gregory...

Dean Patrick Kelly

Dean Patrick Kelly

May 13, 2026

Dean Patrick Kelly, age 66, of Tellico Plains, formerly of Antioch, IL went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy Kelly; parents, Richard and Judith Kelly.

Dean was born October 6, 1959 to Richard and Judith Kelly. He leaves behind a legacy of craftsmanship, kindness and unwavering love for others....

Matt E. Bryson

Matt E. Bryson

May 10, 2026

On May 10, 2026, Matt E. Bryson, age 64, went home to be in the arms of Jesus. Though Harriman was his home in recent years, he was Tellico Plains through and through, where his roots and heart always remained.

He was preceded in death by father, Daniel “Danny” Bryson; grandmother, Roxie Bryson; uncles, Eldon “Slim” and Judson “Ross” Bryson.

He is...

Martha Joyce Fair

Martha Joyce Fair

Apr 22, 2026

Martha Joyce Fair was born on May 7, 1946, to Floyd and Ruby Jewell Timmerman. The eldest daughter of four children (Larry, Martha, Jerry, and Karyn), Martha was raised to know and serve the Lord. This was a cornerstone that would shape every season of her life.

In 1963 Martha graduated from high school and set out across the country to...

Darren Lee Thomas

Darren Lee Thomas

Apr 16, 2026

Darren Lee Thomas, age 57, of Tellico Plains, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Mary Ann Thomas; and brother, Michael Thomas.

Darren was a lifelong resident of Tellico Plains, TN. He loved the Lord and his family dearly. He enjoyed the outdoor life from camping, hunting to fishing, embracing nature whenever...