Jeffrey Alan "Jeff" Withrow

Jeffrey "Jeff" Alan Withrow, age 60, of Athens, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. As a small child, Jeff grew up helping his grandparents Henry and Lorraine Brown in their family store: Henry Brown Grocery. He was born in McMinn County, TN on March 28, 1965. Jeff was a graduate of McMinn County High School, went on to graduate from Donelson Police Academy. He then continued to serve his community as a deputy for McMinn County Sheriff's Department, working under Sheriff D.T. Nation and Sheriff Steve Frisbee. Later, he went to the Athens Fire Department as an engineer and was a lifetime member of McMinn County Rescue Squad. He went to join a team as a Director of Maintenance with Life Care Center of Ooltewah where Jeff dearly loved his "work family". Jeff was a member of Mt. Verd Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Dorris Withrow and Helen Brown Kennedy, his grandparents: Lorraine and Henry Brown, Gertrude and Creed Withrow, and a special uncle: James Brown.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 22 years: Melissa Pilkey Withrow, one son and daughter-in-law: Joshua Aaron and Hobie Withrow, two daughters and sons-in-law: Teaha and Jeremy Withrow, Brittney and Randy Cook, and his very-loved grandsons: Channing, Cooper, and Walker Withrow, Brentley, Bryson, and Branson Cook, a special young man who was like an adopted son: Darrell Mark Dorr, bonus mother: Mama Diana Withrow, two sisters and brother-in-law : Teresa Davis, Tonya and Carl Colbaugh, one cousin and spouse that was very much loved like a sister and brother: Kimberly and Jeff Yates, two loving aunts: Margaret Brown and Charlotte Campbell, mother-in-law and father-in-law: Faye and Gene Pilkey, sister-in-law and brother-in law: Alisha and Jeff Brown, Justin Pilkey, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Craig Riley for being a great friend and doctor, as well as Hospice of Chattanooga and Shauna Carroll.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Ziegler Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow at 7:00 PM with Brother Donnie Dalton officiating. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Sullins Cemetery.

Jeff Yates, Darrell Dorr, Bo Henry, Kevin McConkey, Tommy Crowe, and David Sessions will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff's grandsons, Steve Hester and Joshua Withrow.

You are invited to sign the online registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with serving the family of Jeffrey "Jeff" Alan Withrow.