Cathey C. Loftin

Cathey was born in Meridian, Mississippi, on October 19, 1945, the only child of Julius and Myrtle Grimes. Not long after, her family relocated to Gadsden, Alabama, where Cathey lived until adulthood. She fondly recalled growing up in Gadsden, enjoying walks with her father and playing outside all day with the neighborhood children.

Cathey attended Gadsden High School, graduating in 1964. Just a few years later in 1967, she married former classmate Dan Loftin, whom she had known since she was 14. They remained together for the rest of her life.

After Dan graduated from Auburn University and began military service during Vietnam, Cathey remained in Alabama near her parents. He and Cathey welcomed their first child, Cynthia, in 1970. The following year, the family moved to Nashville, Tennessee. In 1974, they welcomed their second child, Mark. For the next 10 years, Cathey was a dedicated stay-at-home mother. She often said this was her favorite period. She enjoyed and took pride in providing a warm, safe home environment for her family.

In the mid 1980s, Cathey entered the workforce, becoming a trusted and respected administrative assistant at Tractor Supply Company’s headquarters. She was great friends with many of her co-workers and was prized for her excellent work ethic. Cathey was employed by TSC for over 13 years.

In October of 1996, Cathey and Dan’s first grandchild Max was born. Cathey was an active, engaged grandparent, volunteering to babysit and taking Max on special trips to the zoo. In 2001, she was overjoyed when their second grandchild Kathryn was born, joining her big brother in being a frequent visitor and a large part of her life. Cathey was delighted to be a grandmother and would say her grandchildren were the best gift she ever received.

Up until recent years, Dan and Cathey both enjoyed staying active by going on regular walks in local parks, especially Radnor Lake State Park and Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville. They were often accompanied by their dogs and family members.

Cathey is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dan Loftin of Nashville; her daughter Cynthia (Sean) Lovely of Smyrna, Tennessee; her son Mark (Yolanda) Loftin of Smyrna, Tennessee; and grandchildren Max and Kathryn.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday December 21, 2023, at 11:00 am at

Hermitage Funeral Home in Hermitage, Tennessee, followed by a graveside service at 1:00 pm at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to local no-kill animal shelters and rescues.