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Carolyn Ann Reightler, age 80, of Maryville, died Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
A good ol’ Southern girl and proud Tennessee native, Carolyn was the youngest of eight children. She had a deep love for flowers and enjoyed spending time in her garden. Carolyn was also an excellent baker—especially known for her sweets. She was the kind of neighbor who always checked in to make sure everyone was doing all right, and she loved going shopping just for the joy of chatting with people along the way.
Carolyn adored her family and cherished her dogs. In quieter moments, she enjoyed watching Jeopardy!, working crosswords and word games, and relaxing on her pontoon boat at the lake. She also loved taking drives through the countryside, appreciating life’s simple pleasures and the beauty around her.
She was preceded in death by her grandson, Brandon Munn.
Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Bob Reightler; son, Paul Ellison (Cindy); daughters, Kimberly Waggoner (Marty) and Rose Guess; grandchildren, Maylin Ellison, Elizabeth Miller, Sara Therit, and Cory Waggoner; great-grandchildren, Rachel Miller, Evelyn Miller, Joshua Miller, Cheyenne Therit, Annalisa Munn, and Brandon Munn; and sister, Shirley McGee.
Funeral Ceremony will be at 11 AM Monday, October 27, 2025, in the Dotson Wildwood Chapel with the Rev. Keith Ross officiating. Interment will follow at 1 PM in Grandview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 until 11 AM Monday at Dotson Funeral Home & Cremation. Arrangements are entrusted to Dotson Funeral Home & Cremation, 4838 Wildwood Road, Wildwood. (865-984-5959) Online Book of Memories: Dotsonfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn Reightler, please visit our floral store.