Obituaries – June 4th Issue
WAYNE BODENHAMER
Wayne Bodenhamer, 86, of Trenton, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Born on June 21, 1938, in Trenton, Wayne was a lifelong resident of the community he loved. He was the youngest of 14 children born to Luther and Fannie Hicks Bodenhamer. A carpenter by trade, Wayne spent many years helping build and improve homes throughout the area.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Tinker Bodenhamer; parents; and his 13 siblings, Gaston, Tom, Roy, Junior, Robert, and Blanche Bobenhamer, Bessie McBryar, Pearl Stone, Florence Lynn, Pauline Stockman, Carrie Woods, Blonn Stewart, and Joyce Bethune.
Survivors include his children, Ray (Margaret) Bodenhamer and Ann (Michael) Murray; grandchildren, Matt (Hayley) Bodenhamer, Nick (Jessi) Bodenhamer, Crystal (Ken Boullion) Green, and Tiffany Murray; great-grandchildren, Bella and Braxton Bodenhamer, and David, Sarah, and Hannah Pontier; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Monday, June 2, at the Trenton chapel of Moore Funeral Home, with Pastor Chris Hagler and Brother Benny Hatfield officiating. Interment was at Poplar Springs.
Those who wish to express their condolences or view his memorial tribute may do so by visiting www.MooreFHS.com.
Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Trenton.
THOMAS DEAN, JR.
Thomas Daniel Dean, Jr., 58, passed away April 18, 2025, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
He was born on May 12, 1966, in West Palm Beach, Fla. He lived a great deal of his life in Albany and moved to the greater Chattanooga area in late 2017. He spent the last three years of his life with his daughter and her family in Ringgold. He was the proud owner of The Elephant’s Foot Florist in Albany, a business his parents started. He also managed the Leesburg site of Southern Concert and owned both Tom’s Lawn Service and ATI Construction in Albany. His career later led him into logistics and operations management roles at We Haul South and MedStat Supplies. After retiring early due to lingering health concerns, Tom remained active, embracing his role as a devoted and ever-present grandfather while also working as a courier. Whether it was spending time outside, tinkering with machines, working on a project with his family or planning the next adventure, he found joy in simple pleasures and shared that joy freely with others.
Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Jenkins Dean; father, Thomas Dean Sr.
Survivors include his daughter, Melannie Hyde and son-in-law John; grandchildren, Zack and Zoey Hyde; sister, Vicki Norcott and her husband Bob.
A Celebration of Life was Saturday, May 31, at Cloudland Canyon State Park.
Online condolences may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.
ROBERT HUNTER
Robert Kenneth Hunter, 66, fondly known as “Doodle” or “Kenny,” passed away at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Born May 20, 1959, in Lancaster, S.C., he grew up in Kershaw, S.C., where he graduated from Andrew Jackson High School. He was a member of the football and baseball teams. Robert was the son of Sara Agnes Hunter and Robert Hunter. He was an accomplished professional, where he rose to the position of president and owner of National Boiler Service where after 34 years he retired as CEO. An avid sports fan, Robert especially cheered on his Atlanta Braves, Clemson Tigers, golf, and Nascar. Fishing, boating, and hunting filled most of his leisure time. He was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church community.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Ronnie, Kay, and Larry whose memories he cherished always.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, DeLaine; daughter, Savannah (Pedro Garcia); sons, Finn and Rhett; granddaughter, Auriah; sisters, Mary Young and Angie Faile (Roger); and extended family.
A Celebration of Life will be at Heritage Funeral Home-Ft. Oglethorpe, on Saturday, June 7, at 11 a.m.
Visitation will be Friday, June 6, from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, June 7, from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be on his family property in the Hunter Family Cemetery, Ringgold.
Pallbearers honoring Robert are Steve Harville, Dennis Perry, Pedro Garcia, Michael Conley, Mike Nichols, and Kurt Johnson.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Ft. Oglethorpe.
MARGIE LONG
Margie Smith Long, 72, of Trenton, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Margie was born April 11, 1953, in Lynchburg, Va., and had a 34-year career in nursing that included family medicine and occupational health. Her most rewarding and true calling was working for five-plus years at the Chattanooga homeless shelter. She was a true believer in Jesus and was honored to be a sister in Christ.
Margie was preceded in death by her parents, John Lee Smith, Sr. and Frances Deaton Smith of Madison Heights, Va., and brother, John Lee Smith, Jr., of Powhatan, Va.
Survivors include her husband of 23 years, Dwain Long; children, Brandy (Michael) Forsch of Lynchburg, Va., Carla Crawford Campbell of Amherst, Va., Tarena (Kenneth) Moore of Stevenson, Ala., and Jeremy (Mandi) Long of Bridgeport, Ala.; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; best friend and Sister in Christ, Linda Hopkins.
Funeral services were Sunday, June 1, in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Pete Hess officiating. Private burial was in the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Monday, June 2.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.
MARY LOU STRIKER
The family of Mary Lou Striker, 86, of Trenton, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025.
Mrs. Striker was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Wildwood.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Striker, as well as her parents and two brothers.
Survivors include her daughters, Antoinette Wright, Denise Smith, Michele Rimas, and Paula Reese; brother, Michael Mishak; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral mass will be Saturday, June 14, at 1 p.m., at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church with Father Mark Thomas officiating.
In-lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (st.jude.org), St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 140 New England Road, Wildwood, GA 30757 or a charity of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.
ETHAN WARRICK
Ethan Spencer Warrick, 20, of Trenton, passed away Friday, May 23, 2025.
He was born Jan. 4, 2005, in Valdosta. Ethan was known for his big, bright, and caring heart. He was full of life, always trying to make someone else laugh and smile. His spunky, fun personality which endeared him to all who knew him. Ethan cherished spending time with his son, being outdoors, and fully enjoying life’s moments. He loved God and will be a blessing to others as he has helped save many lives by donating his organs so they may have a chance to have a full blessed life.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Emory and Sylvia Warrick, Sr., and Karen Massey; aunt, Elizabeth Warrick.
Survivors include his three-year-old son, Ethan Spencer Colson Warrick, II; mother, Summer Warrick; father, Emory Warrick, Jr.; step-pa, William Nabors; sister, Victoria Warrick; brother-in-law, “Outlaw”; brothers, Emory Warrick III (Marcella), Jeramey Martin (Tiffany) and Brandon Martin (Liz); girlfriend, Laurel Greathouse; grandfather, Harold Massey, Jr.
Ethan cherished spending time with his son, being outdoors, and fully enjoying life’s moments. His absence will profoundly be felt by his family, friends, and all that knew him. He loved God and will be a blessing to others as he has helped save many lives by donating his organs so they may have a chance to have a full blessed life.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made, in his honor, to his son Ethan Spencer Colson Warrick, II, at the Bank of Dade.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net.
A Celebration of his life was Sunday, May 25, in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Samuel Everett officiating.
Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.
DERRELL WILDMAN
Phillip Darriel “Derrell” Wildman, 70, a resident of Lookout Mountain, passed away Friday, May 23, 2025.
Derrell was born in Guntersville, Ala., on Jan. 29, 1955, to the late Sloan and Annie Wildman and has resided in Lookout Mountain for many years. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time on Weiss Lake in Alabama, as well as other favorite fishing locations. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for 10 years. In his later years, he was self-employed and operated a small engine repair service.
In addition to his parents, Darrell was also preceded in death by brothers, Charlie Wildman, Randy Wildman and Merle Wildman; sister, Charlotte Derryberry.
Survivors include his children, Michael Wildman, Nicholas Wildman, Sam Wildman and Tana Wildman; sister, Margaret (Gene) Bradford; brother, Billy Wildman; special friend and partner of seven years, Stella Powell.
No formal services will be held at this time.
Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Trenton.