Ronnie Jones, Funeral Home Manager-Embalmer and Funeral Director

Ronnie was raised in Dover, Tennessee, where he spent the early part of his life with his family before moving to Scottsboro, Alabama, in 1995. In 2008, Ronnie made the decision to pursue a career in funeral service. He began his education at Northeast Community College in Rainsville, Alabama, and Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service Education.

Ronnie further honed his skills by receiving advanced training in reconstructive techniques and embalming at the Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills in Springfield, Missouri.

Before joining Coulter Garrison Funeral Home, Ronnie started his career at Scottsboro Funeral Home in Scottsboro, Alabama, where he completed his apprenticeship and worked as both a funeral director and embalmer. He was later promoted to location manager at Grant Memorial Chapel, and then to general manager, overseeing Grant Memorial Chapel in Grant, Alabama, Carr Funeral Home, and Guntersville Memorial Chapel and Crematory in Guntersville, Alabama. During this time, Ronnie also worked as a funeral director and embalmer at Lynchburg Funeral Home in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home in Tullahoma, Tennessee.

In 2013, Ronnie relocated to Tennessee to be closer to his family, taking a position as funeral director and embalmer at McEvoy Funeral Home in Paris, Tennessee. In 2021, he joined Coulter Garrison Funeral Home.

Today, Ronnie serves as the funeral home manager, in addition to his roles as embalmer and funeral director as well as a pre-need counselor. His daily responsibilities involve coordinating all tasks to ensure the highest level of care for the families they serve.

Today, Ronnie and his wife, Betty Faye Jones, call the area home. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Ronnie enjoys spending his leisure time hunting and embracing the outdoors.

Monica Adkins Walker, Funeral Director and Embalmer

Monica is a licensed funeral director and embalmer with 24 years of dedicated experience in the funeral service industry. Born and raised in Burnsville, North Carolina, she is a proud graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, Georgia.

Before joining Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home, Monica worked for Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home in Burnsville, North Carolina, and Lane Funeral Home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Throughout her career, Monica has found great fulfillment in providing compassionate care and support to families during their most difficult times. She says the most rewarding aspect of her work is helping families through their moments of need. 

Outside of her professional life, Monica is married to Lowell Walker and the couple make their home in Dayton now. Monica enjoys spending her free time fishing and horseback riding, embracing the tranquility these hobbies offer. 

Dean Wilson, Office Manager-Funeral Director's Assistant

Dean, a native of Dayton, Tennessee, attended Rhea County High School and later Cleveland State Community College. His career in emergency services began early as a dispatcher with the City of Dayton Police Department. He then joined the Fire Department, where he worked as a firefighter/engineer before being promoted to Captain. Dean also served as an EMT with the Rhea County Ambulance Service.

In 2008, after leaving the City of Dayton Dean worked for Cunnyngham Photography Studio of Dayton, where he worked in the digital media department. During these many years he also worked part-time at Vanderwall Funeral Home as an assistant.

In early 2025, he became the office manager at Coulter Garrison Funeral Home, overseeing daily operations and supporting funeral directors as needed.

Outside of work, Dean, enjoys spending time with his best friend who he married, Bonnie Houston Wilson. He also  has a strong passion for local history. He spends his free time researching and expanding his collection of historical books, documents, and photos relating to Dayton and Rhea County's history. 

Dean finds the most rewarding part of his role at Coulter Garrison Funeral Home, is the opportunity to help others in their time of need.

Earl "Bo" Kaylor, Funeral Director's Assistant

Earl “Bo” Kaylor was born and raised in Dayton, where he continues to live close to his family. A proud 1971 graduate of Rhea Central High School, Bo served in the U.S. Navy for three years following his graduation.

Throughout his career, Bo has developed an extensive background in emergency services, holding a variety of roles within the fire service. He dedicated 35 years to the City of Dayton Fire Department, serving as an Engineer, Captain, and ultimately as the Assistant Chief. In addition to these leadership positions, Bo was also a certified fire investigator for several departments across the county.

Bo has also played a key role in Rhea County’s emergency response system. He has been a member of the Rhea County 911 Board since its inception, helping to establish the county’s 911 system when it first went live in 1992. Today, he continues to serve as the board's chairman.

For the past 25 years, Bo has worked at Coulter Garrison Funeral Home as a Funeral Director’s Assistant, continuing to serve his community in yet another important role.

In his free time, Bo enjoys fishing, attending auctions, and cherishing moments with his family.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Barbara and Janie for allowing us, the staff, to be a part of the Coulter Garrison Funeral Home family. It’s truly an honor to be involved in such a deeply respected, family-owned business. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve the community. Most importantly, we are grateful to the families who place their trust in us during such difficult times.

With appreciation, The Staff