Vanderwall Funeral Home

12/26/2025

Have you avoided preplanning because it's new to you, unknown, and a little bit intimidating? To put you at ease, check out this article about what to expect at a preplanning appointment. With this information, you can go into a discussion about your final wishes with confidence because you know exactly how to prepare and what's going to happen!

A little nervous about your upcoming preplanning appointment? Read this article to learn more about what to expect!

12/25/2025

It’s the season to wish one another joy, peace, and love. We wish you all these things and more. Merry Christmas!

12/24/2025

Are you a senior adult who likes to travel? If you are, you may have considered TSA PreCheck, but is it worth it? Check out this informative article from AARP about the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision!

Here’s help deciding, now that keeping shoes on through security is no longer a perk

12/22/2025

12/21/2025

As we mark the first day of winter, how do you plan to enjoy the idle hours of winter? Reading, puzzle-making, painting, writing, skiing?

12/21/2025

Christmas movies are great for many reasons: they help us get in the holiday spirit and they leave us with important reminders of how we should live our lives. Let’s look at one specific Christmas classic — It’s a Wonderful Life.

Every life is worth honoring because every life has an impact. However, some may feel like George Bailey, who thought his life wasn’t meaningful until he saw his effect on others. So, how do you think you’ll be remembered? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

This holiday season, think about the true impact your life has on those around you. If you have questions or are interested in learning more, call us at 423-775-2662.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

12/19/2025

If you’re grieving this Christmas, one way to bring hope and comfort to the season is to find special ways to honor your loved one’s memory. Check out this list of remembrance activities that are sure to add a little extra sweetness and meaning to your holiday plans!

Are you looking for a way to honor a loved one's memory this holiday season? Check out these 12 Days of Christmas Remembrance Activities!

12/19/2025

Darrell Austin Wilkey, age 82 of Dayton, passed away in the early morning of Friday, December 19, 2025, at his home. He was born in Dayton, on April 20, 1943, the son of the late Austin and Mossie (Suttles) Wilkey.

A lifelong Dayton resident, he graduated from Rhea Central High School in 1962 and dedicated much of his career to the convenience store and service station industry, operating and owning several establishments including Darrell's Texaco. He attended both Foursquare Church in Dayton (Vine and Branches) and Walnut Grove Church (The Grove).

He is survived by his wife, Sharon (Beene) Wilkey of Dayton; his children, Rebecca (Dee) Wilkey, Darla (Chris) Smith and Stacey Wilkey; his grandsons, Zachary (Caitlynn) Smith and Matthew Smith; his great-granddaughters, Eleanor (Ellie) Smith and Camilla (Millie) Smith; his brother, Terry (Irene) Wilkey; and his sister, Vickey Revis.

Funeral services for Darrell will be held in the funeral home chapel on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Rhea Memory Gardens after the service.

Please share your memories of Darrell on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.

The family is being cared for by the Vanderwall Funeral Home, where they will receive friends one hour before the service.

12/17/2025

Winter not only brings scarves, hot chocolate, and evenings by the fire, it also brings colds and sniffles. Check out this helpful article that shares 10 tips for staying healthy during these chilly days and enjoying the season to the fullest!

Read on to find out everything about how you can follow some essential tips and practices to reduce your risk of falling sick in winter, and to stay healthy and thriving throughout the season.

12/13/2025

Janet Marie (Hickman) King, age 72 of Graysville, passed away at her home on Saturday, December 13, 2025. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, on July 23, 1953, the daughter of the late Willie Homer Hickman and Nellie Marie (Johnson) Hickman. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Carl Albert King.

Janet lived in Dayton, Tennessee, most of her life, was a homemaker, and enjoyed watching TV, sitting in her recliner, and listening to Dolly Parton.

Janet is survived by her sons, Kelly (Gail) King of Spring City and Shawn (Brooke) King of Dayton; her daughters, Mekishia King of Oklahoma, Neallie King of Graysville, Tonya Alley of Dayton, Kristie Potter of Tellico, and April Debity of Madisonville; her grandchildren; her great-grandchildren; and her brother, Jimmy Hickman of Dayton.

Funeral services will be in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Jim Woychuk officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Spivey Cemetery in Dayton.

Please share your memories and photos of Janet on her online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.

The family would like to especially thank Elisha Sanders, Janet’s granddaughter, for her loving care of Janet and Hearth Hospice for their care.

The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, Tennessee, where they will receive friends on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 12:00 noon until the time of the service.

12/12/2025

Rolland Charles “RC” McGhee, age 63 of Spring City, passed away at his home on Thursday, December 11, 2025. He was born in Rockwood on November 11, 1962, the son of the late Rawland and Norma (Newby) McGhee.

RC graduated from Rhea County High School in 1981 and spent most of his life in Spring City. As a journeyman electrician, he built a successful career, advancing to supervisory positions at both Huber and TVA. He found joy in the simple pleasures of outdoor life—casting a line while fishing, tracking deer through the woods, and spending quiet moments by the lake. He had a particular fondness for classic Ford automobiles and cherished time with his family. RC was a devoted member of White's Creek Baptist Church.

RC is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mary (Kerley) McGhee of Spring City; his sons, Brian (Jamie) Patrick of New Tazewell and Chris McGhee of Dayton; his daughters, Ashley (Brian) Alexander of Athens and Danielle (Spencer) Geer of Dayton; his brother, Tom (Cindy) McGhee of Spring City; his grandchildren, Madison (Blaise) Ellis of Kentucky, Justin (Alexa) Patrick of Spring City, Emily (Harley) Jenary of Pikeville, Lakyn Geer, Tallen Geer, Briley Alexander and Austin Alexander, all of Dayton; and his great-great grandchildren, Kai Patrick and Chanceton Ellis. He is also survived by his best friend, Dean Clark of Soddy-Daisy.

Funeral services for RC will be in the funeral home chapel on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Roger Britton officiating. He will be laid to rest in Rhea Memory Gardens after the service.

Please share your memories and photos on RC’s online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.

The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, Tennessee, where they will receive friends on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 12:00 noon until the time of the service.