Losing someone is heavy. It's a weight that doesn't just sit on your shoulders but sort of anchors itself in your chest. When a neighbor passes in a tight-knit place like Waverly or McEwen, the news ripples through the grocery store aisles and church pews faster than any social media post ever could. Honestly, checking the Humphreys County Funeral Home recent obituaries has become a bit of a morning ritual for many of us around here. It isn't about being nosy; it’s about making sure we don’t miss the chance to stand by a friend during their worst week.
In a small community, a funeral home isn't just a business. It’s a keeper of stories. Whether it’s a farmer who worked the same Tennessee dirt for sixty years or a young soul gone too soon, these records are the final chapters of local history.
Recent Departures and Services in Waverly
The start of 2026 has been particularly poignant for the community. We've seen the passing of several individuals who truly defined the character of Humphreys County. It’s a diverse group—chemists, farmers, and young children—reminding us all how fragile and interconnected our lives are.
Michael Wayne Brown, a staple of the McEwen community, passed away on January 10, 2026. If you knew Michael, you knew he was a man of the land. He spent 27 years as a dedicated dairy farmer. That kind of work isn't just a job; it’s a lifestyle that requires a specific kind of grit. He was 62, born in Dickson but deeply rooted here.
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On that same day, the county lost Jerry Walker Stuart. Jerry was 76 and passed away peacefully at his home in McEwen. He was a skilled chemist by trade, but many locals remember him simply as a kind neighbor. His family has been part of the fabric of Waverly and McEwen for generations—his parents were John Walker Stuart and Edna Ruth Street Stuart.
Then there is the heartbreaking loss of the Thompson and Johnson family members earlier this month. On January 2, 2026, a tragedy took Heather Michell Thompson (32), her young son Arius Raymond Thompson (4), Isaiah Gavin Johnson (13), and Evelyn Christine Johnson (88). It’s the kind of loss that leaves a town silent. Heather was a member of the Pipefitters Union Local #572, and little Arius was known for an infectious laugh that could brighten the darkest room.
A Snapshot of Recent Records
- Debra Kay Davis, 65, of Waverly. She passed on January 9. Debra was a whirlwind of energy, known for her love of travel and her long tenure selling Avon.
- Barbara Jean Patrick, 70, who moved to Waverly when she was just 14. She passed in Camden on January 2, but her roots remained firmly planted in Humphreys County.
- Richard Allen "Dick" Rice, often called "Heydad" by those who loved him. He was a fixture in the community until his passing on December 30, 2025.
How the Process Works at 217 East Main Street
Humphreys County Funeral Home sits right there on East Main Street in Waverly. It's owned by Steve Spann, who also runs the funeral home in Dickson. Locally, the face you’ll most likely see is Kallie Singleton, the manager. She’s a licensed funeral director and embalmer, but more importantly, she's someone who knows how to navigate the technicalities of death while holding space for the living.
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They handle a lot more than just the "big day" of the service. Basically, the staff takes over the logistics so the family can just breathe. This includes:
- Coordinating with local florists for arrangements.
- Organizing the "Life Celebrants" for families who aren't affiliated with a specific church.
- Managing the "We Remember" memorial pages which allow people to upload photos and stories from anywhere in the world.
The costs are something people often feel awkward asking about, but they're pretty transparent. A basic service fee usually starts around $1,595, with embalming at $750 and the use of facilities for a ceremony around $400. It adds up, which is why a lot of folks in the county have started looking into pre-planning.
Why Keeping Up With Local Obituaries Matters
You might wonder why people stay so glued to the Humphreys County Funeral Home recent obituaries list. In a place like this, "neighbor" is a verb. When someone passes, the community shows up. They show up with casseroles, they show up for the visitation, and they show up to line the streets when the procession passes by.
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Reading these obituaries is also a way to preserve local genealogy. For those researching family trees in Tennessee, these records are gold. Names like Binkley, Damesworth, and Porch appear decade after decade. It’s a lineage of people who built the schools, fought the 2021 floods together, and kept the county moving.
Practical Steps for Families
If you find yourself needing to look up a recent service or plan one yourself, here is how to handle it effectively:
- Check the Official Website Directly: While third-party sites like Legacy or the local newspapers carry some info, the funeral home’s own "Redesign" site is usually the most up-to-date for service times and webcasts.
- Use the Webcast Option: For family members who can’t make the drive to Waverly, many services are now streamed. This has been a game-changer for elderly relatives or those living out of state.
- Sign Up for Alerts: You can actually subscribe to receive email notifications when a new obituary is posted. It sounds a bit morbid, but it's the most reliable way to ensure you don't miss a visitation for an old coworker or friend.
- Consider Pre-Need Arrangements: If you’re looking at these lists and realizing how much stress the families are under, talking to Rita Oliphant or Kallie Singleton about pre-planning can take that burden off your own kids later on.
The reality of living in a small county is that every loss is felt. The Humphreys County Funeral Home recent obituaries serve as a digital town square where we can pause, remember the dairy farmers and the chemists and the grandmothers, and acknowledge that they were here, and they mattered.
When you're looking for information on a specific service, verify the time and location at least two hours before heading out, as schedules in Middle Tennessee can shift due to weather or family needs. If you are sending flowers, try to use a florist located directly in Waverly or McEwen to ensure they arrive before the first visitation period begins. For those wishing to make a memorial donation, the obituary will typically list a preferred charity, which is often a more lasting tribute than a temporary arrangement.