Obituaries

Feb 27, 2025

Ralph E. Woods, age 77, a native of Meigs County, passed away on Thursday, February 27,2025, at Decatur Wellness & Rehabilitation Center.

Ralph was the youngest son of William “WD” and Ethel Woods. He retired from Clayton Homes, where he was a member of the hall of fame. He was an umpire and referee for 42 years....

Feb 26, 2025

Jeffrey Clay Brady, age 62, of Athens, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

He was a son of the late Jesse “J.W.” and Mattie Womac Brady. He was the owner of Superior Guttering Services and served in the United States Army. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is preceded in death by his sister:...

Feb 26, 2025

Elsie E. Stacy of Decatur, Tennessee, formerly of Springfield, Illinois passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

She was born January 30, 1937 near Greenfield, Illinois. She was one of nine children born to Ralph and Jennie (DeWitt) Arnold. Elsie graduated high school in 1955. She married Ivan R. Stacy of Springfield in 1957. They have two boys....

Feb 25, 2025

Donna Jane Lillard, 71, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Deane Hill Place Memory Care in Knoxville, TN. A native of Decatur, Donna was the daughter of the late Fred and Gertie Graves.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Bart Graves.

Left to cherish her memories are her two daughters, Heather...

Feb 19, 2025

Kenny Lee Letner, age 69, of Ten Mile, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

He was a son of the late Elmus “Curly” and Reba Letner. He was a member of the Pentecostal faith. He enjoyed golfing, playing his guitar, and singing.

He was preceded in death by his daughter: Mary Grace Letner; sister:...

Feb 11, 2025

Jerry Ray Lewis, age 80, of Decatur, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

He was a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church and a 48-year Meigs Lodge #213 F.& A.M. He was a son of the late Charles and Pauline Friddell Lewis. He enjoyed working on the farm and babysitting his grandkids.

He was...

Feb 10, 2025

Chester Jasper, a beloved cowboy and devoted servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on February 1,1949. Chester spent his life riding horseback, fishing, and embracing daily life. His hands, weathered by years of hard work, were a testament to his strength and dedication.

Chester's love for...

Feb 7, 2025

Robert Michael “Mike” Redmond, age 60, of Niota, passed away Friday, February 7, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

He was born on May 29, 1964, to the late Robert “Bunt” and Ruby Fitch Redmond. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. He was a member of Meigs Lodge #213 F.& A.M. and loved going...

Jan 31, 2025

Lisa Ann Steinecke LaFond, age 56, of Decatur, passed away Friday, January 31, 2025.

She was a daughter of the late Darrell and Beverley Mason Steinecke. She enjoyed being outdoors, especially horseback riding and riding motorcycles. She also enjoyed doing diamond art and sewing.

She is preceded in death by her husband: Edward LaFond.

Jan 22, 2025

Mattie Gean Womac Brady, age 84, of Athens, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

She was a daughter of the late Walter Fred and Stella Mae Womac.

She is preceded in death by her husband: Jesse “J.W.” Brady; daughter: Rebecca Long; sisters: Edna Lester, Fanny Sue Newberry, Irene Pelfrey.

She is survived...

Jan 16, 2025

Franklin “Frank” Leon Hicks, age 84, of Decatur, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025.

was a son of the late John and Lottie Shannon Hicks. He was a member of Brittsville Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his siblings: John Hicks Jr., Betty Stafford, Mary Moore, Joyce Bidwell, Margaret Moore, Dean Stafford, Linda...

Jan 13, 2025

Leroy Meadows, age 82, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 13, 2025. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, husband, and friends. Leroy was born on July 8, 1942. He was a lifelong resident of Decatur, where he married the love of his life, the late Dora Meadows, on October 8, 1963....

Jan 13, 2025

Neda Lois Sewell, age 70, of Decatur, passed away on January 13, 2025. She was a daughter of the late George and Marion Lois Sewell Colbaugh, god-daughter of Mary Fee Morris. She enjoyed reading, sewing, and loving on her dogs. She is preceded in death by her siblings: Carylon Littleton, Roy Lee Reddick, Clovis Wayne Reddick. She is survived by...

Jan 12, 2025

Edward Lee “Blue” Jennings, lifelong resident of Decatur, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the age of 85.

He was born on November 7, 1939, to the late Perry and Edna Varnell Jennings. On June 22, 1957, he married Helen Murphy and started a devoted partnership of 67 years. Edward owned and operated Jennings Truck Parts...

Jan 7, 2025

William “Bill” Schaefer passed away on January 7, 2025 at the age of 84 at his home in Decatur, TN. His battle with serious medical issues in the past showed his tremendous courage in facing life’s challenges. Despite the pain, Bill stayed strong until the end. He was born in Martinsburg, WV on November 21, 1940 to Edna Pauline...

Jan 3, 2025

Joyce Ann Chumley Monroe, age 87, of Decatur, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025.

She was a devoted member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church for over 60 years. She was a loving mother and grammy. She enjoyed baking, going on family vacations to the mountains, and spending time with family.

She is preceded in death...

Jan 2, 2025

Robin Dalphine Varnell, age 63, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, January 2, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was a lifelong resident of Decatur, TN, where she touched many lives with her kindness and compassionate nature. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to laugh and be with family and friends. Robin was an excellent cook...

Dec 30, 2024

Michael Shane Jones, age 46, of Ten Mile, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024.

He enjoyed being outdoors, listening to music, and spending time with his kids.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Leon and Wanda Walden Jones; brother: Leroy Pete Jones; wife: Susie Letner.

He is survived by his...

Dec 27, 2024

Fred Thomas “Tommy” Wyatt Jr., age 72, of Decatur, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024.

He was the son of the late Fred and Kitty Holland Wyatt. He worked for Hudson of Tennessee for 25 years and built the McDonald’s in Decatur, He loved to ride his motorcycle, golfing, and being around his friends and family,...

Dec 23, 2024

Laura Michelle Stephens, age 59, of Decatur and formerly of Tampa FL, passed away at her residence on December 23, 2024 after a lengthy illness.

She is survived by her parents; Donald and Charmion Stephens of Decatur.

A private memorial service will be held later.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored...