Jeffrey Alan "Jeff" Withrow

Jeffrey Alan "Jeff" Withrow obituary, Athens, TN

Jeffrey Alan "Jeff" Withrow

Jeffrey Withrow Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ziegler Funeral Home on Jul. 9, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Jeffrey's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jeffrey Withrow's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Jeffrey Withrow's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?