Leland Hobert Rothwell Jr., age 69, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on December 11, 1956, to Leland Hobert Rothwell Sr. and Willie Mae Jewell Rothwell. He was a lifelong resident of the area and was of the Baptist faith. Leland proudly served in the United States Navy and later worked as a security trainer with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Leland loved camping, fishing, hunting, and anything that ...

Lloyd Allen Swafford, age 65, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Erlanger Medical Center. He was born on April 8, 1960, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Herbert Swafford and Clara Yates. Lloyd had been a resident of this area since 1978 and was a faithful member of Dayton Church of God. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family deeply. Farming was not just his work but his passion and way of life. He also held a special love for his church family and was ...

Grace Lynn Middlebrooks, a precious infant, was born on March 3, 2026, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Though her time here lasted only an hour, her brief life filled the hearts of those who awaited her with a love that will last forever. She was the beloved daughter of Josiah Brent and Kloee Elizabeth Middlebrooks. In the short moments she was held, Grace Lynn reminded her family how powerful love can be, even in the smallest span of time. Though her ...

Alberta Ruth Tennyson, age 85, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. She was born in Sale Creek on August 11, 1940, to the late Hershel and Viola Burton. She was a lifelong resident of the Sale Creek community and a faithful member of the Sale Creek Church of God. In addition to being a caring mother, she loved life to the fullest and especially enjoyed eating chicken. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Tommy Rivers; and her siblings, ...

Clyde Martin Mize II (Marty) age 71, passed away at his home in Chattanooga Tennessee, on Sunday, March 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Marty was born March 5, 1954. Marty was of the Baptist Faith and knew his eternal home would be with His Lord and Savior. He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde Mize and Ethel Blevins Mize of Oak Hill Tennessee.    Marty was born and raised in Dayton, Tennessee. He joined the Air Force in 1973. After the Air Force, ...

Bruce “Jerry” Cranfill, 80, of Dayton, TN passed away at his home February 28, 2026. Alife long resident of the area, Jerry was born August 5, 1945 to the late Gerald and Margaret Stevenson Cranfill. Jerry, a retired contractor who took pride in the homes he built in the area, was of the Baptist faith, and an avid gun enthusiast and member of the NRA. He loved fishing, playing cards, and especially loved playing BINGO with his friends. Jerry also loved traveling and most of all ...

Reba Mae Hutsell, age 83, passed away at her home on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. She was born on May 19, 1942, in Dayton, Tennessee, to Barnett and Ida Bishop Harris. Reba was a lifelong resident of the area and worked for many years as a food service employee, in the school system. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and devoting her life to serving Christ. She attended the Friendship Full Gospel Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, ...

The family of Dianne Nichols McRorie mourns the loss of a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  Born Martha Dianne Nichols on November 6, 1953 to the late Herbert Ausburn “Pete” Nichols and Martha Pearl Vance Nichols, Dianne spent her early years in Mississippi, living in Houston and Jackson.  Dianne moved to Tennessee to attend the University of Tennessee Knoxville where she met her husband, Charlie McRorie.  Dianne and Charlie were wed on August 11, 1973, ...

Ted May, fondly known as Papaw, age 87, passed away at his home Saturday, February 21, 2026. Papaw was born in Sale Creek, TN September 9, 1938 to Theodore and Agnes Hodge May. Grandpa to Graysville, he was a kind, loving man with a generous heart. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. He retired from IBEW after thirty years of loyal service. Papaw also drove a semi-truck for a while and was the owner of Poorboys store and produce stand. Along with his employment and entrepreneurship, ...

Mary Lee Lawrence, age 93, passed away on February 20, 2026, at Charter Senior Living of Cleveland, Tennessee. She was born on November 9, 1932, in Evensville, Tennessee, to William Clinton “Bill” Garrison and Bernice Garrison. Mary was a lifelong resident of the area and was of the Baptist faith. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Evensville for over thirty years. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Connie Landreth. She is survived by ...