Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation

05/12/2026

We honor the life of Ms. Millie Corn, may her memory be a blessing.

Mildred Launius Corn (Milly) peacefully passed away in her home on Saturday, May 9, 2026, surrounded by her three daughters.

Milly, as everyone knew her, was born in Monroe, GA on May 18, 1934 to Jake Kelsey and Mildred McLain Launius. After high school, she went to Southern Seminary in Buena Vista,
Virginia for two years. Afterwards, she attended and graduated from her beloved University of Georgia where she was a member of Phi Mu Fraternity. The next several years were spent teaching fourth and fifth grades in Macon, Brunswick and Atlanta, GA. Milly met the love of her life, George Corn on a blind date to a Georgia Tech football game. On
December 28, 1963, the two were married and made Cleveland, TN their home. During their twenty-year marriage, they were constantly going on a trip or adventure whether it was skiing in Aspen, spending summer vacations in New Smyrna Beach, FL or St. Simons, GA, or even staying closer to home on Parksville Lake at the family cabin. Milly enjoyed many sports including her weekly tennis matches at Hardwick Farms, playing golf at the Cleveland Country Club, and later classes at the YMCA. She also was a long-time member of Broad Street United Methodist Church and the Cleveland-Athens Cotillion where her daughters were presented. In addition, Milly was an avid gardener and was a member of the Cleveland Garden Club. Many days she could be found on her back porch making sure the birds were fed and listening to her wind chimes. Milly also enjoyed spending extended time on her beloved St. Simons Island. Over the last twenty-five plus years, she could be found reading a book at her favorite spot on the beach or celebrating the Fourth of July with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughters, Terrell C. Stone (Todd) of Young Harris, GA, Julie C. Fowler
(Todd) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Mimi C. Cotton (Rick) of Shallotte, NC; her grandchildren, Dillon and Kathleen Swarbrigg, George, Maggie, and McLain Fowler, and Milly, Kate and Sam Cotton; great grandchildren, McCoy Fowler and Bella and Gia German; sister-in-law, Susan
Corn; nephew, Will McGhee and nieces, Elizabeth McCoin and Missy Benear; extended family members and dear friends who loved her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Hardwick Corn; her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Jake Kelsey Launius; brother, Thomas Kelsey Launius; aunt Leen Williamson; and in-laws,
William Terrell and Frances Hardwick Corn

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Buckner and
Fike Funeral Home, 3000 Ralph Buckner Boulevard, Cleveland, TN 37311.
A private family graveside service will precede this.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her memory to Adoration Hospice Home Health Services at Adoration Hospice | Cleveland, Tennessee or Pledge the Pink at
https://donate.pledgethepink.com/?p=52552

05/07/2026

Ralph Hamilton Turner, 66, of Manchester, KY and originally from Cleveland, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Ralph was an avid lover of the Tennessee Volunteers, Atlanta Braves, and Houston Rockets. He loved traveling, adventures, and most of all, his family. For 24 years, Ralph shared a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure with his partner, Tena. Together they traveled over a million miles, building a life centered on love, hard work, and unwavering devotion to one another and their daughter. They were best friends who could make each other laugh endlessly, even in difficult moments. Ralph worked tirelessly both at his job and at home, always striving to provide everything his family needed and much of what they wanted. His love, dedication, humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Helen Turner; maternal grandparents Hamilton and Margaret Goins; and paternal grandparents Warren and Maude Turner.

Survivors include his partner, Tena Wilson; daughters, Mariena Chae’ Wilson and Olivia Todd; grandson, Gabriel Todd; granddaughter, Na'kiyah Todd; sister, Margaret Ridge (Mike) of Georgetown; nephew, Michael Ridge Jr. (Emily) of Cleveland; niece, Meghan Caldwell (Robby) of Memphis; and a host of beloved cousins.

The funeral service will be Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 5:00pm in the chapel of Buckner & Fike Funeral Home & Cremation. The family will receive friends from 3:00pm- 5:00pm at the funeral home.

In honor of Ralph’s love and devotion to his family, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, monetary contributions be made toward Mariena Chae’ Wilson’s education at https://gofund.me/62e897b69

Buckner & Fike Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

05/05/2026

Doris Short Sullivan, 92, of Ooltewah passed Monday, May 4, 2026 at a local healthcare facility. She lived in the area for over 10 years. She was a teacher for her career. She was of the Christian faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles Short and Ruth Short.

Survivors include her sons Richard Joseph Vierthaler and Douglas Vierthaler; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren survive.

There will be no services at this time.

Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

05/04/2026

Jimmy David Long, 75, of Cleveland passed away, April 30, 2026. He lived in the Cleveland area his whole life. He was a United States Army Veteran. He was a member of the 32 degree Mason of the Cleveland Masonic Lodge, and was a Shriner. He was of the Baptist faith. He was an avid fisherman and was a truck driver.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford Raymond Long and Ruby Louise Moore Long; sons Jerry Evrett Long and Jackson Raymond Long; brothers Huey Long and Clyde (Archie) Long; sister Anne Long.

Survivors include his wife Vanessa Everette Long; grandchild Logan Dakota Sullivan of Spring City; siblings Joyce Stafford of Cleveland, Robert Long (Shelia) of Cleveland, and Sheila Nicolson of Ooltewah; sister-in-law Evelyn Long of Cleveland; several nieces and nephews also survive.

There will be a funeral service in the Chapel of Buckner and Fike Funeral Home and Cremation Thursday, May 7, 2026 at1:00pm. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 5:00pm- 7:00pm at the funeral home. Interment will be Thursday in Lake View Cemetery in Lenoir City, Tennessee, with full military honors.

Buckner and Fike Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

05/01/2026

David Larry Speight, age 82, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away on April 30, 2026. He was born on July 28, 1943, in Paris, Tennessee, to the late David Ernest Speight and Wilma Duncan Speight.

David devoted much of his professional life to education as a professor at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he influenced and encouraged countless students through his teaching and dedication.

He was a faithful member of Central Church of Christ, where his faith served as a steady and important foundation throughout his life.

David will be remembered most for his deep love and devotion to his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Speight; his sons, David Speight (Jill) and Jonathan Speight; and his cherished grandchildren, Macy, Molly, and Mallory Speight. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Speight, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by other beloved family members who now welcome him home.

Outside of his work and faith, David found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved gardening and yard work, taking pride in caring for his home and surroundings. These interests reflected his steady nature, patience, and appreciation for life’s quiet moments.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Central Church of Christ, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Bro. Ryan Ary.

David Larry Speight will be remembered for his kindness, his faith, his devotion to family, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. His presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

04/29/2026

It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of James “Jimmy” Harold Hughes, a devoted husband, father and grandfather who went home to be with the Lord on April 27th, 2026. Born on October 18th, 1947, to Harold and Emma (Burris) Hughes. Jimmy was a Christian man who never wavered in his faith.

Jimmy was preceded in death by both parents, loving wife, Linda Pohlner Hughes, his mother in law, Minnie Boyer, a brother in law, Wayne Pohlner and his nephew Keith “Shorty” Frazier.

Mr. Hughes is survived by his loving daughter, Carla Michelle Watson and her husband Tony, grandsons, Nathan Nix and Brad Nix, sister Wanda Mathews and husband Ken, several beloved nieces and nephews, as well as very special “Granddogs” Gracie and Cash, who he loved with all his heart.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, prior to the chapel service. Rev. Wade Patterson will officiate the chapel service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Tony Watson, Nathan Nix, Brad Nix and Tim Frazier serving as pallbearers.

Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of all arrangements.

04/29/2026

It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of Johnnie "Lynn" Holder, who passed on April 26th, 2026. Born on March 3rd, 1948, to Dewey and Madge Newberry. Lynn was of the Baptist faith.

Lynn was preceded in death by both parents, loving husband, Henry Nelson Holder, sisters, Nina Garrett, Billie Collins, Ruby Hayes, Jenny Davis, Thelma Newberry, Lucille Newberry, Edith Newberry. Ms. Holder is also preceded in death by her brothers, Roy Newberry, Robert Newberry, Donald Newberry and Roger Newberry.

Ms.Holder is survived by her beloved son, Joey Holder and wife Sarah, her granddaughter Molly Elizabeth Holder and grandson Ethan Daniel Holder as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026. There will be a chapel service officiated by Rev. Nick Herron on Sunday, May 3rd beginning at 1:00 p.m. and burial to follow at Earls Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Keith Peels, Scottie Peels, Mike Roberts, Ethan Holder, Marty Dobbs, Luke Baker and Joseph Holder.

Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of all arrangements.

04/25/2026

We're so happy to be serving the amazing people of Cleveland and Bradley County again.

‘Buckner&Fike Funeral Home and Crematory proudly announces the return of Ralph Buckner Jr. to the funeral profession in Cleveland, Tennessee, at his longtime location at 3000 Ralph Buckner Boulevard.

Following the acquisition of the business through Federal Bankruptcy Court on April 2, 2026, Buckner&Fike Funeral Home and Crematory will officially assume operations upon closing in the coming weeks. The new firm brings together a legacy of trusted funeral service and a renewed commitment to families throughout Bradley County, Cleveland, and the surrounding region.

Buckner&Fike Funeral Home and Crematory was established to honor and recognize the generations of families served by the Buckner and Fike names for more than 100 years. The firm will focus on providing compassionate care, dignified service, affordability, and complete transparency in funeral planning.

A major priority of the new firm is protecting families who have previously made funeral prearrangements. Buckner&Fike Funeral Home and Crematory will honor 100% of value for all funeral prearrangements previously transferred from Ralph Buckner Funeral Home (Poole Funeral Home), Fike Funeral Home, and Serenity-Grissom Funeral Home. Although these firms have closed, all contracts associated with those prearrangements will be fully honored.

In addition, Buckner&Fike Funeral Home and Crematory will fully honor and pay all benefits from Jim Rush Funeral Home, Companion Funeral Home, and Buckner-Rush Funeral Homes.

The firm further announces that it will honor any valid preneed funeral contract from any funeral home in the United States and Canada. This commitment reflects Buckner&Fike’s dedication to protecting families and giving them peace of mind during a difficult time.

Buckner&Fike Funeral Home and Crematory will also distinguish itself by offering affordable funeral and cremation services, with a goal of maintaining some of the lowest prices in Cleveland and Bradley County. Families will be able to review pricing publicly and conveniently, with online tools designed to simplify arrangements and provide opportunities to fund preneed services that cover all funeral-related costs.

Ralph Buckner Jr. brings decades of experience in funeral service and community leadership to the new firm. He has been a licensed funeral director since 1977 and has spent much of his professional life serving families in Cleveland and Bradley County. He is a graduate of Cleveland Community College, Tennessee Wesleyan University, and Emory University. His education and professional background reflect a longstanding commitment to excellence in service and leadership within the funeral profession.

Mr. Buckner is married to Chari Cross Buckner, who serves as Director of Customer Relations for the East Region of TVA. Together they have four children: Dr. Ralph Brandon Buckner III, Stella Brooks Buckner, Paris Rebecca Buckner, and the late Shipley Rose Buckner. The couple are members of and attend First Baptist Church.

“Families deserve honesty, dignity, and confidence that their arrangements will be respected,” said Ralph Buckner Jr. “Buckner&Fike Funeral Home and Crematory is built on those principles, and we are committed to serving this community with compassion, affordability, and integrity.”

Buckner&Fike Funeral Home and Crematory plans to combine traditional values with modern convenience, including online planning resources, transparent pricing, preneed funding options, and personalized funeral and cremation services tailored to the needs of each family.’

04/25/2026

We will honor the life of Mike Wallace, Friday, May 1, at 1:00pm, at First Baptist Church of Cleveland.

Mike Wallace, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather went to be with Jesus on April 24th ,2026. Born on November 11, 1954 to Jim and Jean Wallace, a life-long resident of Cleveland, TN and a faithful Christian man, he walked closely with God throughout his life, guided by unwavering faith, humor, and a servant’s heart.

He was the beloved husband of Marsha for just over 50 years. Together, they built a home rooted in faith, laughter, and steadfast support for one another. He was a graduate of Cleveland High School and Cleveland State Community College which led him to his lifelong career of being a Civil Designer at Olin Chemical, Santek Environmental, and Custom Control Solutions (CCS). Mike loved traveling, playing golf, and was a lifelong fan of baseball and the Tennessee Volunteers. As a father, he never missed any of Abby’s activities growing up, always being the supportive father. Later, he loved attending his grandchildren’s and great niece’s and nephew’s activities, always cheering them on every step of the way. One of his greatest joys was being “Grandad”; to his 3 grandkids, and he loved spending time with them.

He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday School in the youth ministry for many years and most recently with his adult Sunday School class. As a counselor at Camp Cherokee for many years, it remained a special place for Mike, as it was there that he gave his life to Christ. Mike also participated in many Mission Tours and had a lasting impact on those in the youth department. Above all, his life was a testament to faith, love, and dedication. He will be remembered for his playful spirit, his strong values, and the deep love he gave so freely to those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of faith and family that will continue to inspire all who knew him. While he will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing he is at peace in the presence of the Lord, hearing, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

He is survived by his loving wife, Marsha Wallace; his daughter and son-in-law, Abby and Andrew Torres; and his three adored grandchildren, Rhett, Colton, and Clara Joy Torres. He is also survived by his sister, Lisa Smith of Franklin, TN, as well as other close family members and cousins.

Mike’s family will gather to celebrate his life Friday May 1 st at 1pm at First Baptist Church with Jim Gibson and Rick Jenkins officiating. The family asks that if you wish, please wear Tennessee Orange in memory of Mike’s favorite team.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to two organizations that were close to Mike’s heart and he actively participated in for many years:

Fellowship of Christian Athletes
https://my.fca.org/?form=ocoeeregionfcafund&keyword=Ocoee%20Region

Gideons International https://gideons.org/donate

Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

04/25/2026

We honor the life of Carol Nelson

Carol Emily Nelson, 87, passed away at her home in Cleveland, Saturday, April 25, 2026. She lived in the Cleveland area for over 20 years. She was a member of Mount Zion Prayer Center. She was a missionary, and was of the Chrsitian faith.

Survivors include her sons, Charles Nelson of Cleveland and Craig Nelson of Boca Raton, Florida; grandchildren Peter, Andrew, Blaze, Karis, and Cove Nelson; great grandchildren Emila and Madaeline Nelson; several nieces and nephews also survive.
There will be no services at this time.

Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.