Vaughn Funeral Home

04/24/2026

Nancy “Tootsie” Smith, age 98, of Spring City, died Thursday, April 23, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born January 8, 1928 in the Old Washington Community in Dayton, Tennessee to the late Grover Jackson and Sydney Dake Aikman.

Nancy was a graduate of Rhea Central High School and M.T.S.U., where she played basketball at both. She was an educator with the Rhea County Dept of Education for over 42 years, teaching at Spring City High School, Rhea Central High School and Rhea County High School. During her teaching career, Nancy taught P.E., Typing, Business, and Health, and she coached women’s basketball, softball, and cheerleading. Nancy was the first coach of the women’s softball team at the newly-opened Rhea County High School, introducing fast-pitch softball to Rhea County women’s sports.

Nancy loved to mow her yard, and continued to until not very long ago. She also loved to quilt and cook; but her favorite time was spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nancy was an avid U.T. sports fan, especially football and Lady Vols basketball. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Spring City.

Nancy is also preceded in death by her husband Earl Mack Smith; siblings Margaret Tallent, Elizabeth Aikman, Helen Aikman, Sue Shaver, Laverne Aikman and Jack Aikman.

Survivors include her children Jack (Melissa) Smith of Tullahoma, TN and DeAna (Farrell) Arnold of Dayton, her brother Bob (Bennie) Aikman, also of Dayton; her grandchildren Sarah (Preston) Smith, Katie (Will Newman) Arnold, Evan (Megan) Smith and Chad (Kirsten) Arnold; great grandchildren Ensley Smith, Mack Smith, Cade Smith, Henry Newman, and Ella Smith (due June 2026). Nancy is also survived by her longtime family friend Nancy Jo McClendon of Spring City., as well as several nieces and nephews

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 11:00am in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Dew officiating. Interment will follow in the Spring City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Vaughn Funeral Home Monday, April 27, 2026 from 4 to 7pm.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Nancy, can be made to the Rhea County High School Girls’ Softball Booster Club or the Animal Shelter Alliance of Rhea.

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

04/23/2026

Lori Antczak, age 77, passed away on April 20, 2026. She was born on February 4, 1949.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard B. Antczak.
Lori found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She especially loved camping, fishing, and even the daily routine of checking her mail—small moments that brought her genuine happiness.
Lori is survived by her four children: Lori (Blake) Thompson, Richard (Kris) Antczak, Chris (Michele) Antczak, and Amanda (Seth) Christen. She is also lovingly remembered by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.
She will be remembered with love by her family and all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.
There will no services or visitation at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Lori Antczak. Please share your words of comfort and memories with her family

04/23/2026

Daryl Holloway, 64, of Spring City, Tennessee passed away Monday, April 20, 2026 at Rhea Medical Center.

He was a lifelong resident of Spring City. Daryl was born October 27, 1961 in Dayton Tennessee. Daryl was a graduate of Rhea County High School “Class of 1979”. He worked in construction his whole career. Daryl love to garden, watch Tennessee football and play with his grandchildren.

Daryl is preceded in death by his father; Edward “Babe” Holloway and his brother; Keith Holloway.

Survivors include his mother; Lois Holloway of Spring City; his daughter Hayley Holloway of Alabama; his brothers; Audie (Marla) Holloway of Kingston, Robert Holloway of Spring City and David (Carol) Holloway of Bremham, Texas. Daryl is also survived by his grandchildren Austin and Mia.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 3pm in the Chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev Paul Forgey officiating. Interment to follow at Spring City Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Sunday, April 26 from 1pm until 3pm in the Chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home.

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Daryl Holloway. Please share your words of comfort and memories of him at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

04/23/2026

Joseph “Joe” A. Wilkey 66 of Dayton, Tennessee formerly of Spring City, Tennessee passed away at Spring City Care and Rehabilitation Friday, April 17, 2026.

He was born April 14, 1960 to the late Billy Joe and Betty Henderson Wilkey. Joe was a graduate of Rhea County High School, Roane State Community College, Tennessee Tech and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He was an educator at Rhea County High School for 39 years. Joe enjoyed painting, working with his Dad raising goats and collecting numerous items. He loved people and when he would laugh, it would come straight from his soul. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Joe is survived by his wife; Angela Arnold Wilkey, his brother; Mike Wilkey of Decatur, his sister; Faith (Bruce) Garner of Chattanooga, and his sister-in-law; Betty Pillion of Decatur. He is also survived by his heart-adopted family L.T. and Kaitlyn Miller, and Huck, Opie and Scout, special nephew; William Wilkey, and several other nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

As per Joe’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Joe Wilkey. Please share your words of comfort and memories of him at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

04/22/2026

Jayson “Jay” Manley 77, of Dayton, Tennessee, formerly of Spring City, Tennessee, passed away at his residence Monday, April 20, 2026.

He was born in Savannah, Georgia June 5, 1948 to the late James A. and Marjorie Newman Manley. Jay was a graduate of Spring City High School, “Class of 1966”. He attended Bryan College and was a salesman most of his career. Jay owned Manley Sales and Manley Automotive. He was a collector of guns, and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Jay was also preceded in death by his brothers Craig, Richie and Micah Manley.

Jay is survived by his wife of 59 years Barbara Gamble Manley of Dayton, his sons Jayson (Beverly) Manley of Graysville, and Marty (Denise) Manley of Spring City, his brother Jamie (Sharon) Manley of Young Harris, Georgia and his sister Janna Goins of Evensville; his grandchildren Hanna (Parker) Pearson, Hayley (J.T.) Stone, Brennan (Stormi) Manley, Ethan (Bailey) Manley, Noah Manley, and Christian Manley and nine great grandchildren.

As per Jay’s request, there will be no visitation or service. A private burial will be in Spring City Memorial Gardens with Rev. Roger Britton officiating. Pallbearers will be J.T. Stone, Ethan Manley, Parker Pearson, Brennon Manley, Noah Manley, Andy Burton, Tyler Burton and John Stone.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate or your favorite charity in Jay’s memory.

Jay’s family would like to thank Hospice of Chattanooga for their care and compassion in caring for Jay.

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

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