Vaughn Funeral Home

04/16/2026

Walter Earle Hooper III of Spring City, a beloved husband, father, and community member, passed away on April 14, 2026, at the age of 74, surrounded by his wife and sons.

Walter was born on January 27, 1952 in Alexandria, Virginia to Walter E. Hooper, Jr. and Sarah Milligan Hooper.

He grew up on Lookout Mountain, attending Fairyland Elementary School, and graduated from City High School in Chattanooga in 1970.
Walter was always curious and industrious. From a young age, he was fascinated with radio, and enjoyed a long career as a radio personality and station operator. He started his career at WLOM-FM on Lookout Mountain and moved on to be an announcer at WGOW in Chattanooga. From there, he helped sign on WSIM-FM in Red Bank and was widely known and admired for his programming innovations there. He went on to the legendary WAKY in Louisville, Kentucky and later to WAAY in Huntsville Alabama. He was program manager for WTTI in Dalton, Georgia, and moved to Spring City, Tennessee in 1979 to acquire WXQK AM 970, which he eventually grew to a media group holding five FM/AM radio stations across Spring City, Tennessee and Dayton, Tennessee.

He also founded Spring City Cable TV in 1981 at the advent of cable television, and continued to run the company through 2025. Over that period, Walter transformed Spring City Cable TV from a small cable television operator to a key internet and media provider for the northern portion of Rhea County.
Walter lived his life with enthusiasm and dedication. He was an avid pilot and musician. He loved meeting new people and learning their stories, and was always prepared to provide lending hand or share a piece of advice. And when he became engaged in anything — from running his companies, to taking on a hobby, to volunteering for causes he cared about — he would immerse himself completely in the activity, learning everything he could about the subject. He was beloved by his family, friends, and colleagues, and will be dearly missed.

Walter is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Terry Wallace Hooper; his sister, Sunny Wagner (Richard); his brother, James B. M. Hooper (Sharel); his sister-in-law, Barbara Burroughs; his sons, Walter E. Hooper IV (Linda Yang) and Will Hooper (Katie); and granddaughters, Amelia, Mia, and Lillian.

At Walter’s request, there will not be a memorial service. If anyone would like to make a gift in his honor, the family has requested donations to the Animal Shelter Alliance of Rhea County via https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/memorial-fund-6?lt_utm_source=lt_admin_share_link

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Walter Hooper. Please share your words of comfort and memories with his family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

04/06/2026

Ruby L. “Dee” (Kennard) Tufts, 94, of Spring City Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home April 4, 2026.

She was born on December 23, 1931, in Wheelwright, Kentucky, to the late Otis and Burlie Turner Kennard. Dee lived a life defined by love, compassion and generosity. Her life was devoted to caring for others, especially her beloved family. Dee touched the lives of everyone who know her with warmth and kindness.

Dee is also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Missy Tufts-Hillian.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 77 years, Charles H. Tufts Sr. of Spring City and her son Charles (Sandy) H.Tufts, Jr of Spring City. Dee is also survived by her daughters Mary (Mike) Marchetti of Hamilton, Ohio and Trish (Bill) Murphy of Harriman, Tennessee and her brother Larry Wallace of Hamilton Ohio She also leaves behind a loving legacy through her seven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and ten great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 9, 2026 in the Chapel of Vaughn Funeral home at 2PM with Pastor William Smithson of the Christian Bible Fellowship Church officiating. Interment to follow in Spring City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday at Vaughn Funeral Home from 12PM to 2PM.

Vaughn Funeral Home is charge of the arrangements for Ruby “Dee”Tufts. Please share your words of comfort and memories with her family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

04/05/2026

04/03/2026

Kimberly “Reane” Outten age 61 of Spring City passed away at her home peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Reane was born November 30, 1964 in Dayton, TN. She attended Rhea Central and Rhea County High Schools. “Reane”, as everyone knew her, was full of life, a regular comedian, had a heart of gold and loved her family and friends. Her grandkids were her whole world.

Reane was preceded in death by her dad Glenn Hartman.

Survivors include her husband of 25 years John Outten, her mother Mary Hartman of Spring City, two daughters Talitha (Matt) Jones of Arkansas and Jessica (Hank) Dodson of Rockwood, three brothers Tracey Hartman, Daryl (Milissa) Hartman and Tim (Morgan) Hartman all of Spring City, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

As per the family’s wishes, there will be a private graveside service at a later date. If friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Vaughn Funeral home, Spring City is in charge of the arrangements for Reane Outten. Please share memories and words of comfort at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

04/01/2026

Leroy Jennings age 84, of Grandview, died at his residence, Monday, March 30, 2026.

He was born August 2, 1941 to the late William and Violet Cregar Jennings and raised in Jonesburg, Missouri until he moved to Tennessee in 1972. He worked for Southern Silk Mill for several years and spent many years as a carpenter and brick mason. He enjoyed farming and raising cattle the best of all. Leroy loved sports of all kinds and truly loved his family and his grandchildren.

Leroy is also preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Carol Jennings, two brothers, Allan and Charles Jennings and his two sisters Laura Crabtree and Dorothy Cunningham.

Leroy is survived by his children, Wanda (Jon) Wilkey of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, Daryl (Patricia) Jennings of Grandview, Tennessee and Sharon (Bob Wisener) Reed of Spring City, Tennessee. He is also survived by his brothers Henry Jennings of Wright City, Missouri and George Jennings of Columbia, Missouri, 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Per Leroy’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. There will be a private burial at Mt Sulphur Cemetery in Grandview.

Vaughn Funeral Home of Spring City is charge of the arrangements for Leroy Jennings. Please share your words or comfort and memories with his family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

04/01/2026

Jerry Cox age 73, of Grandview, Tennessee passed away Monday, March 30 at his residence.

He was born June 23, 1952 to the late Virgil and Beulah Reed Cox. He was a lifelong resident of Grandview and a graduate of Spring City High School, “Class of 1970”. Jerry worked as a stone mason and a carpenter for most of his career, but, he had also worked as a logger and a farmer; as a farmer, Jerry enjoyed raising cows and hogs and digging for ginseng. He loved to play poker with the kids and made sure that he won most of the time! Jerry was an avid baseball fan, especially the Atlanta Braves. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed teasing everyone.

Jerry is also preceded by his sister Charlotte Coffinberry and his son Joshua Allen Gore.

Jerry is survived by his wife Lavonne Cox of Grandview, his children Jessica (Weston) McKee of Lebanon, Tennessee, Ashleigh Paige (Jason) Scales of Grandview and Kayla Cameron of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, his brother Jeff (Vicki) Cox of Chattanooga, 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday April 4, 2026 in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev. Travis Hinch officiating. Interment to follow in Johnson-Stand Cemetery in Grandview. The family will receive friends Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 12PM to 2PM at Vaughn Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Jerry may be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, PO Box 96105, Washington, D.C. 20090-6105
Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Jerry Cox. Please share your words of comfort and memories with his family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

03/31/2026

Emma “Lois” Harris, age 90, of Spring City, passed away peacefully at Spring City Care and Rehab on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

She was born on November 2, 1935 to the late Sherman and Georgia Bare Holloway and was a life- long resident of this area. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Spring City. Lois was such a friendly and caring person, always helpful and often did things for people that they never even knew about. She did without a lot of things in her life, but that didn’t keep her from radiating joy and being a blessing to everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

She is preceded in death by the father of her children; Harold Harris, sister; Thelma Holloway (Venus) Reed, special sister-in-law; Reba Harris Hutsell and brother-in-law; Clyde Hodge.

Lois is survived by her children; Kathy Harris James, Jeff (Brenda) Harris, both of Spring City and her “second daughter;” Darlene Hutsell Smith, her sister, Bernice Hodge of Spring City and her “third” sister, Barbara Cahlik of Spring City. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Jessica Harris (Aaron) Burlingame, Justin (Candi) Harris, and Emily Ann James, great-grandchildren; Alexia Bishop, Jagger Wesolowski, Brody Repasky, Anna Repasky, Neyland Sawyer, Kensley Harris, and Copper Harris, one great-great-grandchild; Lilah Rose Wesolowski and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Lois will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 6PM in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev. Norman Huskey officiating. The family will receive friends from 4-6PM at the funeral home.

Vaughn Funeral Home of Spring City is charge of the arrangements for Emma “Lois” Harris. Please share your words of comfort and memories with her family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

03/10/2026

Colonel Charles P. “Chuck” McIlwain age 91, of Spring City, Tennessee died Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Rhea Medical Center in Dayton, Tennessee.

He was born June 21, 1934 in Hankinson, North Dakota to the late David F. and Ethel Paulson McIlwain. Charles attended school in North Dakota and eventually achieved a master’s degree. In 1954, after graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Army. Charles was a career officer, having served in the Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict and the Iranian Conflict in various capacities. He retired in 1988 as the Engineer Inspector General in Washington, D.C. after serving his country for 34 years. Charles was a member of the Spring City Methodist Church and was very instrumental in the design and building of the Family Life Center. He enjoyed hunting and fishing on Watts Bar Lake.

Charles is preceded in death by the love of his life; his wife Nancy Ann McIlwain and his brothers Patrick and David McIlwain.

Survivors include his daughters Carrie (Dwight) Vaughn of Warrenton, Virginia, and Colleen Owens of Spring City, Tennessee and his son Bradley McIlwain of Spring City, Tennessee. He is also survived by his brother Michael McIlwain of Blue Springs, Missouri; six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating the lives of Chuck and Nancy will be held on a later date this year in Spring City.

Memorials in memory of Chuck may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org; one of his favorite charities.

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Colonel Charles P. McIlwain. Please share your words of comfort and memories with his family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

03/06/2026

Adam Lee Black, age 40, passed away at his residence on Thursday March 5, 2026. He was born on October 19, 1985 to Berlin and Gloria Black in Fort Smith Arkansas. He has been a resident of Tennessee for the last six years and moved from Kentucky. Adam was of the Baptist faith and attended Revolution Church in Crossville.

Adam was a mechanic and really enjoyed doing small engine repairs and working on boats. He loved being outdoors and in nature. Being on the water and fishing was where he found peace. Music was also one of his passions and he and his daughter Autumn spent a lot of time singing together.

He is preceded in death by his father; Berlin Black and his grandparents.

Adam is survived by his mom; Gloria Black, children; Autumn Black, and Jackson and Patsy Pighue of Jamestown, brother; Jared (Darla) Black of Spring City, sister; Sabrina Black of Oklahoma, nephew; Michael Black, his father’s family in West Virginia and his fiancé; Salina Reeder of Spring City.

There will be a Memorial Service in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2PM with Brother Greg Kelly officiating. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vaughn Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Adam Lee Black. Please share your words of comfort and memories with his family at www.vaughn-funeral-home-com

03/03/2026

Bettye Reed 86, of Spring City passed away Monday, March 2nd 2026 at Golden Years Retirement Resort.

She was born on December 9, 1940 in Jamestown, Tennessee to the late Cecil and Mazelle McDonald Norris. Bettye attended school in Jamestown, after which she moved to Nashville and worked as a manicurist for a while. After marrying her late husband Bailey Reed, she moved to Spring City in 1964. Bettye worked alongside her husband at Bailey Reed Motors for many years and also owned and operated Bettye’s Fashions. She was a faithful member of the Spring City Foursquare Church and was involved; along with her children, in many community events. Bettye loved doing woodworking and had a workshop in her home; she also loved to read, knit and do crossword puzzles.

Bettye was also preceded in death by her infant daughter Lori Ann Reed and her brothers Bruce McDonald and Don Norris.

Survivors include her children Jamie (Johnny) Spivey Reed of Maryville and Jim Reed of Spring City, her granddaughter Chelse Reed of Dayton and her sister Linda Parsons of Jamestown, TN.

As per Bettye’s request, there be will no visitation or services. Memorials may be given in her memory to The Spring City Lions Club, PO Box 684, Spring City, Tennessee 37381.

Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of the arrangements for Bettye Reed. Please send words of comfort to and share memories with her family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

03/03/2026

Lucille “Lucy” Harvey 92, of Spring City passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Golden Years Retirement Resort. She was a lifelong resident of this area. Lucy attended school at Mars Hill School. She loved to go to yard sales and flea markets, but she especially loved her family. She has lived the last several years with her sister Frances. Lucy was a lifelong member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Spring City.

Lucy was preceded in death by her husband Roger Harvey and her siblings Maxine Wright, Isabella Rodgers Crouse, Harold Miller, Flora Mae Pendleton and Earnest Miller. She is also preceded in death by her faithful dog companion, “Skeeter Sue”.

Survivors include her sister Frances Spicknall of Spring City, Tennessee and her brother Junior (Shirley) Miller of Spring City, Tennessee. She is also survived by her children Ruby (Tinker) West of Cleveland, Tennessee and William (Kathy) Pendleton of Spring City, Tennessee.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026 in the Chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home at 1PM with Rev. Ronnie Arwood and Rev. Bill Randolph officiating. Interment to follow at Friendship Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 3, from 5PM until 7PM and also Wednesday, March 4th from 12PM until 1PM at Vaughn Funeral Home.

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Lucille Harvey. Please share your words of comfort and memories with her family at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com