Kyker Funeral Homes

09/04/2026

When someone we love is no longer here, their presence can still be felt in the stories we tell, the traditions we carry, and the quiet ways we remember.

Grief changes over time, but love remains part of the story.

09/03/2026

The Kippy Brown Way
In Loving Memory of Charles “Kippy” Brown

A Life of Dedication and Warmth
Kippy Brown touched many lives, wearing many hats: legendary football coach, mentor, friend, golfer, storyteller, competitor, and above all, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and companion. His life was defined by unwavering dedication, loyalty, hard work, humor, and love. He possessed an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel welcome, valued, and encouraged—whether on the football sideline, at the dinner table, on the golf course, or while sharing one of his classic Tennessee jokes. Kippy radiated warmth, energy, and a personality that left a lasting impression. He drew people in naturally, not by demanding attention, but because others wanted to be near him.
Football Career
Kippy’s football career was nothing short of extraordinary. Over decades in the game, he earned the respect of players, coaches, colleagues, and fans worldwide. He served as a coach, teacher, mentor, and leader, shaping the lives and careers of countless athletes. For Kippy, football meant more than plays, formation, wins, or losses; it was a platform to teach discipline, responsibility, perseverance, teamwork, and character.
Before gaining recognition as a coach, Kippy made history as a player at Sweetwater High School and later became the first Black quarterback at Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). This...

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09/03/2026

Lowell Keith Todd, age 58 of Roane County, Tennessee passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at his home with Michael Dunn in Rockwood, surrounded by staff, his mother and brother. He was of the Baptist faith. Keith grew up in Oliver Springs and attended Michael Dunn. He lived in Greenville, Tennessee for a period of time and moved back to Roane County where he resided at Michael Dunn until his passing. Keith Loved Dolly Parton, Spiderman, Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, cards, letters, mail and his family. Keith had three nicknames “Slabman”, “Keifro” and “Keitharow”. He was preceded in death by his grandparents James and Irene Hill, Carson and Helen Todd, father Donald Todd, aunt Pricilla Todd and several uncles, aunts and cousins of the Hill Family.

Survivors include:
Mother Lucille Todd of Harriman,
Brother Mike Todd of Oliver Springs,
Nephew Dylan Todd and wife Brooke,
Niece Haven Hazlett and husband Tyler,
Great nephew Stetson Todd and several uncles, aunts and cousins of the Hill Family.

Graveside service 11:00 am Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Clax Gap Cemetery with Pastor Glenn Leffew officiating. Kyker Funeral Home of Harriman is serving the Todd Family.

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09/03/2026

Dennis Leon (Danny) Green, 78, of Loudon, Tennessee, left his earthly home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 29, 2026. After a heart attack on July 29, complications from multiple health issues, and an extended hospitalization finally brought Danny home to his family, he passed away peacefully in his sleep. Danny was born and raised in Sweetwater, Tennessee, always referring to his hometown as “God’s Country”!
Danny’s childhood dream was to coach basketball at his alma mater, Sweetwater High School, where he graduated in 1966. Danny played basketball and football at Sweetwater High School from 1962 to 1966. After a year of post-grad basketball at Tennessee Military Institute, he was recruited to play at Walker Junior College in Jasper, Alabama. From there he returned home to finish his college education and basketball career at Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tennessee. While a student at Tennessee Wesleyan, Danny pursued his dream of coaching at his alma mater where Coach King Berrong was coaching both basketball and football. Coach Berrong, being more of a football coach, was willing to allow Danny to volunteer to not only practice his basketball team, but to also coach them during the regular season while he sat as an assistant on the bench. That gift from Coach Berrong not only made Danny’s dream come true, but it started a basketball coaching career that not only led to the school’s only state championship in 1994, but to...

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09/01/2026

Grief is not something a person simply “gets over.” It changes, softens, returns, and shows up differently over time. Compassion and patience can mean so much to someone carrying loss.

08/31/2026

William Eugene Bettis, age 78, of Sweetwater, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, after a brief illness. He was a member of the Cedar Fork Baptist Church. Eugene was a graduate of the Sweetwater High School Class of 1966, he received his bachelor’s degree, from the Tennessee Wesleyan University. Mr. Bettis was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. He loved to fish. He worked for many years at the Richesin’s Feed store. He later was the co-owner of C.B. & R. Feed store in Athens for a number of years. Preceded in death by his parents: Willis and Peral Bettis, brother: James Allen “Jim” Bettis, brother -in-law: Allen Jett.

Survivors include his sisters and brother-in-law: Patricia Jett, of Sequin, TX., Brenda and Pat McGinnis, of Philadelphia, TN, several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will meet at 9:45A.M. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Cedar Fork Baptist Church for a 10:00A.M. graveside service and interment. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com

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08/30/2026

Clara Lemons, age 97, of Sweetwater, departed to her heavenly home at sunrise on August 29, 2026, to be greeted by her Lord & Savior, and spiritually reunited for eternity with her beloved husband Bill, along with family and friends who passed before her.
She was a long-time member of Cedar Fork Baptist Church before transferring to Fairview Baptist Tabernacle Church in Sweetwater. She was raised by faithful parents who instilled the important values of living a simple and fulfilling life serving God, family and friends based on 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Her lifelong journey was driven by these three virtues that have withstood the beginning of time as essential elements to a meaningful life. As a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, aunt, sister and sister-in-law, her faith, hope and love led to a life well lived that touched many lives. Her life was a testament for these virtues and this testament remains as her legacy and a reminder for us to continue living with faith, hope and love with an obligation to spread these virtues to the next generation to carry forward to others.
She loved spending time with family and cooking. Given her family’s love of food, she spent a lot of time in the kitchen not only at home but also as a cafeteria cook at Sweetwater High School where she cooked and served countless meals over the years before retiring.
Preceded in...

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08/28/2026

Mary Ellen Crowe, age 92 of Coalfield, Tennessee, peacefully passed from this earthly life into the arms of her Savior and was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband Boyd Crowe on Friday, August 28, 2026. She was surrounded by the love of family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and service that touched countless lives.
Mary Ellen was a devoted Christian whose strong faith guided her throughout her life. She was a member of Corbin Hill Baptist Church. She lived her beliefs daily through acts of compassion, generosity, and unwavering love for others. Her church, her community, and her family were at the center of everything she did.
She was known for her love of cooking and baking, especially fried apple pies and stack cakes. She and her fried pies were featured in a WBIR news story (Morgan County woman makes fried apple pies to fundraise). Whether gathering family around the table, sharing food with neighbors, or helping others in times of need, Mary Ellen's kitchen was a place of warmth, fellowship, and care. Serving her community was one of her greatest joys, and she never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
Above all, Mary Ellen cherished her family. She was a devoted mother to 4 children, Tony (Midge), Becky (Steve), Judy (Ryan) and Scott (Gwen). She was also a beloved grandmother, treasured great-grandmother, and proud great-great-grandmother. In addition, she was a loving aunt to many nieces and...

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08/28/2026

Taking time to document your wishes is a thoughtful way to care for your family. A plan can bring peace, clarity, and confidence for the future.

https://www.kykerfuneralhomes.com/plan-ahead/

08/28/2026

Larry Holland Mays, age 78, of Kingston, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Larry was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He attended Young’s Chapel Church in Kingston and found great joy in spending time with his family. Larry had a lifelong love for all types of sports, but some of his favorite memories were made by watching and enjoying games including sons and grandsons. His family was one of the greatest sources of happiness in his life.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, J.T. Mays, and his beloved wife, Pamela Mays.

He is survived by his mother, Sarah Mays, of Muscle Shoals; his sons, Kevin Mays and wife, Melinda, of Kingston, and Bryan Mays and wife, Ashley, of Knoxville; his stepsons, Jarrett Brackett and wife, Wendy, of Texas, and Jeremy Brackett of Kingston; his grandchildren, Cade Mays, Cooper Mays, Camp Mays, Ryder Mays, and Ramsey Mays; his brother, James Mays and wife, Patsy, of Florence, Alabama; and his special nieces, Lisa Moates and Leigh Ann Foote, and their families.

Larry leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will carry his love, laughter, and spirit with them. He will be remembered fondly and greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 29, 2026, from noon until 1:00 p.m. at Kyker Funeral Home of...

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