Ziegler Funeral Home Obituaries - Eulogy Assistant (2024)

Obituary Preview: Sook Il Chi, age 89, of Athens, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2020, at her residence.

A native of Inchion, Korea and former resident of Brazil and resident of McMinn County, she was the daughter of the late Chang Do Kim. She was preceded by her husband of 50 years Sang Hyun Chi and a sister. She was the mother of “Joe”, owner of Athens Dry Cleaners. Sook was employed at Athens Dry Cleaners as a seamstress Survivors include: Sons Soong Min Chi and wife Eun K. Um of Brazil, Hong (Joe) Min Chi and wife Sunny Chi of Athens, and Jae Min Chi and wife Hyun S. Kim of Brazil;

6 Grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at McMinn Memory Gardens on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 3 PM with Pastor Eui Kyum Kim officiating.

You are encouraged to sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Sook Il Chi.

Obituary Preview: Glenn Donald Willis, age 82, of Athens, died Saturday, December 26, 2020, at Starr Regional of Athens with complications of COVID-19.

He was born in Athens to the late Earl Gray Willis and Nellie Mae Frisbie Willis. Glenn was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ruth Hester and 2 brothers, Roy Willis and Billy Willis.

Glenn had attended Rock View Baptist Church where he trusted the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior a few years back. He is survived by a daughter, Janet Huber and husband Bruce of Riceville 3 sons, Scotty Willis of Riceville, Danny Willis of Riceville and Donnie Willis and wife Shelly of Niota 4 grandchildren, Jason, Bruce, Chris and Lacey 3 great-grandchildren, Landon, Alia and Amelia sister, Marie Stephens of Niota and brother, Kenneth Willis of Niota

Graveside services will be 3:00 pm Sunday in the Frisbie Family Cemetery in Niota.

There will be no formal visitation. If you are unable to attend the graveside service, you are encouraged to sign the online registry at: www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Glenn Donald Willis.

Obituary Preview: Phyllis Ann Collins Raper, age 74, of Riceville, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2020, at CHI Memorial in Chattanooga.

Phyllis was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County and the daughter of the late Clyde Collins and Cathern Bradshaw Smith. She was preceded by her husband Thomas Raper and daughter Melissa Mitchell Youngblood.

Phyllis was of the Baptist Faith and a Registered Nurse. She retired from Starr Regional and Bradley Memorial (Sky Ridge) Hospitals. Survivors include: Son Chris Mitchell and wife Jade of Riceville; Grandchildren DeKlan Mitchell, Chris Mitchell Jr., Aiden Mitchell and Chloe Mitchell; Brother Marvin Collins and wife Lorrie of Athens;

Sister Shirley Martin of Belleview Florida.

At her request, there will not be any formal services.

You are encouraged to sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Phyllis Ann Collins Raper.

Obituary Preview: Charles David Huckabey, age 93, of Athens, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at his residence.

Charles was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County and the son of the late David A. and Lucy Burns Huckabey. He was preceded by his first wife Betty Jo Stevens Huckabey, sister Louise Vick, brothers Lee, A.L., Ray and George Huckabey.

Charles was retired from Athens Bed Company and proudly serviced with the United States Marines during WWII. He was of the Pentecostal & Apostolic faith. Survivors include: Daughters Jana Pryor and husband Danny of Decatur, Laura Malone of Englewood; Son David Huckabey and wife Joyce of Englewood;

7 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren, several Nieces and Nephews.

Graveside services, with Military Honors, will be at 1 PM Wednesday, December 30 at McMinn Memory Gardens with Brother Keith Pryor officiating.

Grandsons will be serving as pallbearers.

The family will have a private viewing at Ziegler Funeral Home.

You are encouraged to sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Charles David Huckabey.

Obituary Preview: Opal Howard Roderick, age 88, of the Bethel Springs Community near Calhoun, went home to her Heavenly Home, on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, with her family at her side.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, she was a daughter of the late William Wesley Howard and Della Mae Copeland Howard. Opal was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, George David Roderick on September 04, 2012.

She was retired from American Uniform.

Private graveside services will be held at Short Creek Cemetery on Monday, December 28, 2020, with Rev. Joe Davis officiating. You are encouraged to sign the online registry at: www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Opal Howard Roderick.

Obituary Preview: Louise Morgan Benson, age 94, lifelong resident of Riceville gained her Heavenly Home December 16, 2020 due to complications from Covid-19. She had been a resident of Life Care of Cleveland for the past two years.

She was born February 9, 1926, the last sibling of the late Jim Morgan and Belle Morrow. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry R. Benson and her sons Johnny, Kenny and Warren.

Louise retired from Bendix in 1991 and after that worked as a CNA in nursing homes in Athens and Cleveland.

She loved to plant a garden each year and work in her yard. Louise was an excellent cook and made the best biscuits in the South. She was an avid reader and thoroughly enjoyed reading her Bible. Louise was a longtime Sunday school teacher at Hilltop Baptist in Riceville where she was a member. She also taught Sunday school class at Calvary Baptist in Riceville.

In her later years, her son Kenny would take her for drives in the McMinn countryside and have lunch at Captain D’s.

She wanted her life of loving and serving the Lord to be a guidance to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all those she met. She is survived by Daughters-In-Law Joy Benson, wife of Kenny, of Georgetown and Shirley Benson, wife of Warren, of Athens; Grandchildren Michael Benson of Athens, Kelli Brooks and husband Jason of Pensacola, FL and Lisa Benson of Athens;

5 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great-Grandchild, several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 AM Friday, December 18, at Hilltop Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Jimmy Elliott officiating. A white dove release will follow. If you are unable to attend the visitation or memorial service, please visit the online registry at: www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Louise Morgan Benson.

Obituary Preview: Richard ‘Rick’ Paul Walter Henry, age 62, of Athens, passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at his residence.

Rick was a native of Riceville and longtime resident of McMinn County. He was a son of the late Joseph ‘Joe’ Franklin Henry and Norma Jean Kragovich Henry.

Rick had formerly served as manager with Lowe’s and Kmart Department Stores. Survivors include: Sister Jean Ann Toomey and husband Hoby of Riceville; Brother Patrick Henry and wife Jeannette of Spring Hill, FL; Nieces Brittany Cassavant and husband Chaiyim of Athens, and Jordyn Slack and husband Derek of Riceville; Great Nieces and Great Nephews Nolan, Ileigh, Jadyn, Baylor and Parker;

Former wife Jewel Henry of Athens.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

You are encouraged to sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Richard ‘Rick’ Paul Walter Henry.

Obituary Preview: Beatrice Delise Hembree Fisher, age 67, of Decatur, passed away peaceably early Saturday morning, December 12, 2020, at Rhea County Medical Center in Dayton.

She was a longtime resident of Decatur and was born in Athens to the late Herschel Hembree and Evelyn Baxter Hembree Bunch. Also preceding her in death was her first husband, Maynard Thomas Fisher and a sister Teresa Martin.

Beatrice was formerly associated with Shaw Industries. She was of the Baptist Faith. She is survived by a daughter, Patricia Ann Fisher of Decatur 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas Edward Fisher and wife Robin of Bryant, AL and Billy W. Fisher and wife Ann of Decatur 5 grandchildren, Chad Green and wife Shawna, Joseph Lee Fisher and Helena Moses, Jessica Wilson and fiancé Logan Meadows, Jennifer Wilson and fiancé Garrett Webb, and Jayda Wilson and fiancé Devan Marsh 8 great-grandchildren 2 sisters, Helen Raper of Englewood and Viola Kathleen Bates of Athens 1 brother, Rank Hembree and wife Debra of Ocala, FL

The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm Thursday, December 17 ,2020, at Ziegler Funeral. A Memorial service will follow at 1:00 pm with Rev. Ricky Neeley officiating. If you are unable to attend the visitation or memorial service, please visit the online registry at: www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Beatrice Delise Hembree Fisher.

Obituary Preview: Edward Brock Goins, age 77, longtime resident of Rossville, GA, and formerly of Athens, TN, passed away Friday, December 11, 2020, at Majestic Manor, in Rock Springs, GA. He was born in Athens, TN to the late Eugene and Edna Goodman Goins. He was preceded by 3 brothers, W.A. Goins, Carlos Goins and Bobby Goins, a sister, Virginia Hicks, grandson, Levi Kelley and the mother of his children, Shirley Anderson Goins.

Edward was a member of Mid-South Carpenters RC Union # 74 in Chattanooga and was of the Baptist faith. He is survived by 3 daughters,Teresa Goins of Ft. Oglethorpe, GA, Leanne Goins of Ringgold, GA and Donna Goins of Rossville, 1 son, Jerry Goins of Rossville, GA 8 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren 2 sisters, Carolyn Howard and husband Darrel of Fairview, GA and Hazel Morgan and husband Roy of Rossville 4 brothers, Lonnie Goins and wife Rita of Chickamauga, GA, Ronnie Goins and wife Karen of Chickamauga, GA, David Goins of Rossville, GA and Jimmy Goins of Chickamauga, GA Several nieces and nephews

Friends may visit between the hours of 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Home, 521 W. Madison Ave. Athens, TN, on Tuesday, December 15 ,2020.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, December 16, 2020, in the chapel of Ziegler Funeral Home with Rev. Kenneth Burton officiating.

Burial will follow in Hilltop cemetery in Riceville, with friends and family serving as pallbearers. If you are unable to attend the visitation or funeral service, please visit the online registry at: www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Edward Brock Goins.

Obituary Preview: Dorothy Mae McElhaney Henry, age 84, of Athens, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 11, 2020, at her earthly residence. Dorothy was born in Dayton to the late Gus and Hattie Golden McElhaney. She was preceded in death by a sister, Alma McElhaney Kile and 2 brothers, John Henry McElhaney and Joseph McElhaney.

Dorothy truly loved the Lord.She was blessed with the talent to sing and often used her voice to sing praises to the Lord. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed the art of cake decorating. Dorothy was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. Dorothy is survived by her husband of 67 years, Raymond E. Henry of Athens

3 daughters, Dot Henry of Athens, Donna Henry Joyner and husband Ken of Jacksonville, FL. Lisa Henry and Mark Smith of Temecula, CA 6 sons, Calvin R. Henry and wife Wanda of Athens, Rex Henry and wife Kathy of Chattanooga, Michael Henry of Athens, Jerry Henry of Athens, Danny Henry of Ooltewah and Frankie “Bo” Henry and Tammy Stanford of Charleston 19 grandchildren and 21 great- grandchildren 2 brothers, Mark McElhaney and wife Shirley of Riceville and Arthur McElhaney and wife Aileen of Cleveland 1 sister, Elizabeth “Betsy” Custer of Elkhart, IN Several nieces and nephews

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the family will have a private gathering for the immediate family on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Riceville. Graveside services will follow in the Oak Grove cemetery with Rev. Jimmy Lewis officiating. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. You may sign the online registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Dorothy Mae McElhaney Henry.

Obituary Preview: Jerry Claude Powell, age 76, of Calhoun, passed away peaceably at home with his children by his side on Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Jerry was a resident of Calhoun for over 50 years and retired from Bowaters Southern. His greatest accomplishments in his life was sharing his faith in the Lord along with being a Papaw to his grandchildren.

He was born in Blairsville, GA to the late Hubert and Grapelle Plott Powell. He was preceded in death by his wife of 21 years, Linda Sue Thomas Powell along with several brothers and sisters. Survivors include; Daughters Lisa Campbell and husband Mick of Sweetwater, and Kristie Brock and husband James of Riceville; Son David Powell of Cleveland; Grandchildren Eric Brock, Ashlynn Campbell and Madelyn Powell; 8 Great Grandchildren; Sisters Wanda Hayes and husband Tommy of Cleveland, and Sandra Gebrig and husband Bill of Florida;

Brothers Ray Powell and wife Estelle of Riceville, and Tony Powell of Riceville.

A special thank you to the wonderful care given by Hospice of Chattanooga along with Brandi Hodsden, Mary Johnston and Charmaine Davis.

Graveside services will be at 1 PM, Friday, December 11 at Calhoun Cemetery with Chaplain Joe Kemper with Hospice of Chattanooga officiating.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

If you are unable to attend the service, please sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Jerry Claude Powell.

Obituary Preview: Rev. Calvin Carl Queen, age 81, of Niota, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at his residence.

Calvin was a native of McMinn County and was a son of the late Albert “Bob’ and Helen Jack Queen. He was preceded by his son Tracy Calvin Queen and sister Carolyn “Deanie” McKinney.

Calvin was a minister and Pastor for many years. He was a member of the True Gospel Baptist Church in Sweetwater at the time of his death. Survivors include: His loving wife of 61 years, Betty Moses Queen; Daughters Teresa Queen Boyd and husband Charles of Riceville, and Kimberly Queen Lanterman and husband Michael of Charleston, SC; Sisters Carrie Hashe and husband Norbert of Niota, Joann Bennett of Etowah, and Judy Herd and husband Donald of Athens; Brother Bobby Queen and wife Carolyn of Athens; Daughter-In-Law Janie Brock Queen; Grandchildren Chase Boyd, Amber Boyd Rouse, Hannah Lanterman and Victoria Lanterman; 3 Great-Grandchildren;

Several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2 PM Saturday December 12 at Ziegler Funeral Home with Pastor Allan Johnson, Pastor Darrell Griffis and Pastor Sam Loy officiating.

Graveside services will follow at Tellico Avenue Baptist Church Cemetery.

There will be no formal visitation.

Face coverings are recommended during funeral service.

You are encouraged to sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Rev. Calvin Carl Queen.

Obituary Preview: Wilma Jean Poteet White, age 90, of Athens, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at her residence.

Jean was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County and the daughter of the late Tom and Susie Stafford Poteet. She was preceded by her husband Bill S. White, sons Bill Q. White and Thomas “Tommy” Edward White, and several brothers and sisters.

Jean was an avid U.T Volunteers fan and also enjoyed painting. Survivors include: Daughters Teania Fennell of Athens and Deborah Davis of Athens; Granddaughter Diana French; Grandsons Travis Davis, Marc Davis and Jessie Fennell;

Great Grandchildren Sky French and Trevor French.

Funeral services will be at 2 PM Monday, December 14 at Ziegler Funeral Home.

with Rev. Jimmy Lewis officiating.

Graveside services will follow at McMinn Memory Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 12 - 2 PM Monday, December 14 at Ziegler Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Travis Davis, Marc Davis, Sky French, Russell Sharp, Paul Meeks and Kenneth Keaton.

You are encouraged to sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Wilma Jean Poteet White.

Obituary Preview: Melissa Sue Kirkland Chaffins, age 42, of Knoxville, passed away Monday, December 7, 2020, in Loudon County.

Melissa was a native of Maryville and longtime resident of Blount County. She was proceeded in death by her mother Johnnie Sue Howard Wade. Survivors include: Her father James Henderson Kirkland; Daughter Callie Silvia; Sons Hunter Cecil and finance Karissa Amburn, and Joshua Kirkland; Granddaughter Willow Silvia; Grandson Kayson Cecil; Sisters and Brother-In-Laws Sherry and Derek Harrell, and Tracey and Richard Hill; Aunt Shirley Lemons:

Several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private graveside service will be held.

You are encouraged to sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Melissa Sue Kirkland Chaffins.

Obituary Preview: James ‘Jimmy’ Eugene Mitchell, age 67, of Sweetwater, passed away Saturday morning November 28, 2020, at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville.

Jimmy was a native of Jefferson City, TN and resident of McMinn County for almost 30 years. He was the son of the late Elbert Mitchell and Bernice Fowler Mitchell Purkey. He was also preceded in death by a brother Terry Mitchell.

Jimmy was a member of East Niota Baptist Church. He was a caring and friendly man who never met a stranger. People couldn’t help but feel good when around Jimmy. Survivors include: Wife Carol Wells Mitchell of Sweetwater; Daughter Jan Abney of Ringgold, GA.; Sons Keith Abney and wife Beverly of Kenner, LA., and Michael Abney of Orlando, FL; Grandchildren Carol Ann Abney, Michael J. Abney and Jennifer Abney; Great-Granddaughter Aycelyn; Step-Mother Joann Wilkins Mitchell of Sweetwater; Sisters Jamie Pollard and Jennifer Purkey both of Jefferson City;

Brothers Chris Purkey of Jefferson City and Barry Mitchell and wife Sherry of Sevierville.

The family will receive friends from 11 AM – 1 PM Thursday December 3 at Ziegler Funeral Home.

An entombment service will be 2 PM Thursday at McMinn Memory Gardens Mausoleum with Pastor Rick Patterson officiating.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

If you are unable to attend the service, sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of James ‘Jimmy’ Eugene Mitchell.

Obituary Preview: Clifford Gibson, age 85, of Madisonville, passed away Friday, November 27, 2020, at Life Care Center of Athens.

Clifford was a native of Tellico Plains and was the son of the late Perlie and Gennie Jarber Gibson. He is also preceded by his wife Bobbie Jean Duggan Gibson and a granddaughter Brittany Nicole Duff.

Clifford was employed with Athens Furniture Company for many years. Survivors include: Daughter Elizabeth Fennell and Darrell Taylor of Tellico Plains; Son Ezekiel Gibson of Madisonville; Granddaughters Brandy Granger of Decatur and Renae Gibson of Madisonville; Grandsons Joey Granger and Shawn Duff both of Decatur and Michael Gibson of Madisonville; Great-Grandson Noah Granger of Decatur;

Sister Pauline Gibson of Austin, TX.

There will be no formal visitation or funeral service at this time.

You are encouraged to sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Clifford Gibson.

Obituary Preview: Ruby Alice Vaughn Crittenden, age 89, of Athens, passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at her residence following a lengthy illness.

Ruby was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County. She was the daughter of the late Garland and Alice McCracken Vaughn. She is also preceded by her former husband J.R. Crittenden, a son Jimmie Crittenden, sister Dean Crisp and grandsons Ricky and Jason Curtis.

Ruby was of the Baptist faith and a former employee of Steel City. Later she served as a hotel clerk. Survivors include: Daughters Ingrid Gann and husband Mike of Athens, Joy Curtis and husband Gary of Riceville; Sister Bonnie Swafford; Brothers Leuty Vaughn and wife Pearline, Lowell Vaughn and wife Betty, Jimmy Vaughn and wife Marilyn, and Curtis Vaughn and wife Norma;

12 Grandchildren, 19 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great-Grandson.

Ruby had wonderful caregivers Wilma Murr of Athens and Kathy Mayes of Decatur.

The family will receive friends from 12 – 2 PM Tuesday December 1.

A private graveside service will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery with Rev. Van Elkins officiating.

Great - grandchildrenwill serve as pallbearers.

If you are unable to attend the service, you can sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Ruby Alice Vaughn Crittenden.

Obituary Preview: Amanda Marie Wilcox Mantooth, Age 33, of Chatsworth, GA, passed away

Sunday, November 22, 2020, at AdventHealth Murray Hospital.

Amanda was born and raised in McMinn County and lived in Chatsworth, GA for the past 12 years. She is preceded in death by her Paternal Grandparents William and Louise Wilcox and Maternal Grandparents Joney and Bonnie Morgan.

Amanda was currently a customer service representative at Engineered Floors in Dalton, GA, and was a member of Ball Play Baptist Church in Old Fort, TN. Survivors include; Her husband of 12 years Danny Travis Mantooth of Chatsworth, GA; Son Tristan Mantooth; Parents Randy Lee and Donna Morgan Wilcox; Sisters Crystal Anderson and Jessica Wilcox; Brother Randy Wilcox Jr.; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Danny and Fredia Mantooth; Sister-in-law Celena Wells and husband Jason; Brother-in-law Casey Mantooth;

Several Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles and many others from her extended family.

The family will receive friends from 12 – 2 PM Friday November 27 at Ziegler Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be at 3 PM at Ball Play Baptist Church Cemetery in Old Fort with Pastor Matthew Harrison officiating.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family has requested that masks be worn if possible during the visitation.

If you are unable to attend the service or visitation, sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Amanda Marie Wilcox Mantooth.

Obituary Preview: Ceclia Diane Connar Bottoms, age 61, of Athens, passed away Saturday, November 14, 2020, at UT Medical Center in Knoxville.

Ceclia was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County. She was the daughter of the late Kenneth Connar. She is also preceded by a brother John Connar, sister Angie Connar and granddaughter Alexsis Eberts.

She was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include: Daughter Miranda Jones and husband Eddie of Niota; Sons LaBron Bottoms of Athens and Joe Bottoms and wife Beth of Athens; Mother Dean Minge Connar of Athens; Grandchildren Brandon Eberts, Mikayla Hamilton and husband Grant, Nick Bottoms, Drew Bottoms and Kenneth Connar Bottoms;

Several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 PM Thursday November 19 at Ziegler Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 7 PM with Rev. Jimmy Lewis officiating.

Graveside services will at 11 AM Friday November 20 at Hilltop Baptist Church Cemetery.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

If you can sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Ceclia Diane Connar Bottoms.

Obituary Preview: Tim Carol Wood, age 59, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday morning, November 11, 2020, at his residence.

Tim was a native of Athens and resident of Decatur. He was the son of the late Milburn and Velma Fritts Wood. He is also preceded by Brothers Franklin, Roy, Wayne, Robert and Donnie Wood, and granddaughter Dixie Wood.

Tim attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and was a mechanic with Bailey Forklift of Chattanooga. Survivors include; Wife of 10 years, Faye Jackson McHone Wood of Decatur; Daughter Melissa Mills and husband Bill of Maryville; Son Nathan Wood of Madisonville; Grandchildren Zachary Wood, Rhiannon Mills, Ian Mills and Kendal Mills; Sisters Joan Robison and husband James of Athens, Janice Robison and husband Mike of Athens, Rhonda Savage of Manchester, Judy Smith and husband Mike of Athens, and Carol Martin of Athens; Brother Larry Wood of Athens;

Several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 PM Friday November 13 at Ziegler Funeral Home.

Funeral services will at 11 AM Saturday November 14 at Ziegler Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Jackson and Rev. Mark Ward officiating. Burial will follow at Clearwater Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jason Robison, Zachary Wood, Nathan Wood, Tony Wood and Shaun Coffey.

If you can sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Tim Carol Wood.

Obituary Preview: Art loved life to the fullest. First, and foremost, he loved his pug Zoi who he lovingly referred to as “Creature”. He served in the US Navy, after high school, on the USS Simon Lake (AS-33); he was stationed at the Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily,Italy, a place he loved dearly.

In 2012, Art earned his Master’s in Business Environmental Safety. He moved from California to Tennessee in 2008 and fell in love with the Great Smoky Mountains where he spent a lot of time out on the trails and back roads with his creature(s).

He found a love for coffee while in Italy and it became a daily routine for him to visit the local coffee shop with his pug(s) in tow. There he formed many close friendships.He kept in touch with his Navy family over the years and attended the reunions. Arthur is survived by his mother, Loye Kinser(Johnny), three sisters, Darla, Dawn ( Mark), and Dina (Scott), brothers, Mark and Gabriel,

his uncle, Ron Sherman and 1st cousin Shawn (Jamie), and so many cousins for which he could name most.

A burial service, tentatively at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, is to be announced at a later date.

Obituary Preview: Bennie Joyce Stephens Ervin, age 87, of Englewood, passed away Friday, November 6, 2020, at her residence.

Joyce was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County. She was the daughter of the late Herbert “Hub” Houston and Marie Lacey Stephens. She is also preceded by sisters Geneva Tallent, Lorene Moses, Mildred Hayes and Iona Wilson, Brothers Frank, Clyde, Clay and Creed Stephens.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 67 years D. D. Ervin. They had known each other since meeting in the 3rd grade at Ingleside Elementary School. She played basketball for McMinn County High School. She was retired from White Westinghouse/Athens Products. Other survivors include; Son Danny Herbert Ervin and wife Dolores of Almont, MI; Grandson Christopher Ervin;

Step Grandson Jeff Goucher.

There will be a private burial on Tuesday at McMinn Memory Gardens.

If you can sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Bennie Joyce Stephens Ervin.

Obituary Preview: Iva Lee Hyde Robinson, age 87, of Athens, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2020, at her residence.

Iva was a native and longtime resident of McMinn County. She was the daughter of the late Teddy and Gertrude Brown Hyde. She is also preceded in death by her husband Gus Reed Robinson, daughter Sherri Robinson, son Larry Womac, brothers Charlie Hyde and Earnest Hyde and granddaughter Janice Lee Bayes.

Iva was a member of Mount Harmony Baptist Church in Riceville. She retired from Johnson Controls and then retired from Shell Rocky Top/Valley Mart as store manager. Survivors include; Daughter Diane Bayes and husband Billy of Athens; Sons Daryl Robinson and wife Michelle of Athens, Jim Robinson and wife Valerie of Knoxville, and Gary Robinson and wife Deirdre of Englewood; Step Daughter Barbara Jean Derrick and husband Gwen of Englewood;

Several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5 - 7 PM Wednesday, November 4 at Ziegler Funeral Home with funeral services following at 7 PM with Rev. Jimmy Lewis officiating.

Graveside services be at 11 AM, Thursday, November 5 in Oak Grove Cemetery. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Daryl A. Robinson Jr., Alex Robinson, Billy Bayes, Lucas Bayes, Charlie Womac and Nathan Radford.

If you are unable to attend the service, sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Iva Lee Hyde Robinson.

Obituary Preview: Bridget Ann Dinger, age 27, of Sweetwater, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, November 1, 2020, from injuries sustained in a traffic accident in Knoxville.

Bridget was born in Gretna, LA and raised in St. Amant, LA before moving to McMinn County over 15 years ago. She was employed at Morgan-Olson and a member of Clearwater Baptist Church.

Bridget was a single mom with 2 lovely and beautiful daughters, Charlie and Dixie Hooks. Other survivors include: Mother and Step Father Christina Klein Jaeger and husband Edward of Sweetwater; Father and Step Mother Jeremy Dinger and wife Tammy of Sidell, IL; Twin Sister Maia Dinger of Sweetwater; Brothers Justin Jaeger of Sweetwater, Alex Dinger and James Murray both of Sidell, IL; Fiancé James Carroll of Sweetwater; Maternal Grandparents Forrest Klein Jr. and Karen Reed Klein of Union, MS; Paternal Grandparents Bernie Dinger Jr. and Christine Stives Dinger of Big Springs, TX; Nephew Beaux Elliott

The family will receive friends from 1:30 – 3:30 PM Friday, November 6 at Ziegler Funeral Home with funeral services following at 3:30 PM with Tim Wilson officiating.

Graveside services will follow in Clearwater Cemetery.

If you are unable to attend the service, sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Bridget Ann Dinger.