LTC Michael Eugene Caruthers Sr.

LTC Michael Eugene Caruthers, Sr., US Army Ret., 78, of Millington, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home in September 2025. Born in Columbia, TN, to Arthur Eugene Caruthers and Ella Daphine Herston, Mike lived a life marked by honor, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service.

A proud graduate of Columbia Central High School (Class of 1965) and Tennessee Technological University (1971), Mike also earned a master's degree in business administration from Central Michigan University. He married his high school sweetheart, Claudia Douglas Gillespie, in 1966, and together they built a loving family and a legacy of community involvement.

Mike served 26 distinguished years in the U.S. Army, specializing as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer with expertise in nuclear weapons. His assignments took him across the globe-from Guam to Germany, Hawaii, and the continental U.S.-culminating in his retirement as a staff officer at the Joint Staff, Pentagon in 1996. His military honors include the Legion of Merit, Joint Service Commendation Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, and six Army Commendation Medals.

After retiring, Mike settled in Millington, TN, where he founded USA Properties and became a pillar of civic life. He served five terms as a Millington alderman and contributed to the Planning Commission, Millington Housing Authority, and Millington Crisis Center. A devoted member of the Millington Kiwanis Club since 1999, he held leadership roles as president and treasurer and served on the La-Miss-W Tenn District Foundation Board. His service was recognized with the Tablet of Honor, Hixon Award, and River of Life Award.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife Claudia; son Michael E. (Suzanne) Caruthers, Jr. of Knoxville, TN; daughter Sally (Kevin) Caruthers of Truckee, CA; grandchildren Collin, Olivia, Gaven, Miles, and Charlotte; sisters Edna Webb of Franklin, TN, and Janice Hight of Columbia, TN; and seven nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Friday (Sep 26) from 9am until the service at 10am at the Millington Chapel. Interment with military honors will be in Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbia, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Millington Kiwanis Club or the Millington Crisis Center-organizations close to Mike's heart.