Harold Loftis

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Harold Loftis, a beloved member of the Cookeville community, passed away on December 20, 2025, at Brookdale in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Born on September 2, 1933, in Cookeville, Tennessee, Harold devoted his life to service, family, and his passions.

A proud alumnus of Cookeville High School and Tennessee Tech University.  Following college, he worked as a field agent for Carnation Milk and later had a distinguished career with the State of Tennessee as a soil conservation agent, where he dedicated himself to the well-being of the environment and the land throughout the State. His contributions in these fields earned him respect among colleagues and the community alike.

Harold was a long-time member of Smyrna Church of Christ, where he found both solace and camaraderie among fellow congregants. His loving presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Harold cherished his time spent outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing. He relished the moments spent enjoying nature and took great pleasure in sharing these experiences with his grandchildren, often taking them to the lake, where memories were created that would last a lifetime.

He is survived by his wife, Ella Irene Newberry, and their loving family: son Michael (Kim) Loftis; daughters Debbie (Ricky) Banks, Margo (Jeff) Johnson, and Mary (Kevin) Wooten; brother Robert H. Loftis; brother-in-law Frank (Cheryl) Newberry, Jr.; sister Mary F. Loftis; sister-in-law Sue Loftis; as well as his grandchildren Justin Banks, Joey Banks, Matt Johnson, Ben Johnson, Wesley Johnson, Tyler Loftis, Whitney Keener, Zach Wooten, and Jenna Lee. Harold's 16 great-grandchildren brought immense joy to his life.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Francis and Vada Mae Moore Loftis; brothers Taylor Loftis, Ralph Loftis, and William Loftis; and sisters-in-law Ovella Loftis, Patsy Loftis, and Maxine Loftis.

a Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, December 27, 2025 from the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home with interment following at Smyrna Cemetery.

His beloved grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 12 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. 

Harold Loftis leaves behind a legacy of love for his family, and numerous fond memories that will be cherished by all who knew him.