Carroll County Lineman Dies During Severe Weather Outbreak

CLARKSBURG (April 3) — A Carroll County Electric lineman died in the line of duty in the early morning hours on Thursday during a severe weather outbreak that spanned multiple states and spawned deadly tornadoes and flooding.

Chance Carlton, 32, of Huntingdon was working in the Clarksburg area when the truck he and another lineman were in left the roadway on Purdy Road at Roan Creek. According to Tennessee Highway Patrol, Carlton was a passenger in the 2017 International 740 truck, the driver was Jacob Blake, age 28. Blake survived the accident.

Carroll County Electric General Manager Ryan Drewry provided this statement regarding the tragedy, “There are no words to express the depth of sadness blanketing Carroll County Electric with the tragic loss of Chance Carlton. The outpouring of genuine compassion from the community, and so many others, has been much needed on such an unimaginable and devastating day. I would encourage all to share this compassion directly to the family of Chance Carlton by sending donations to the Chance Carlton Memorial Fund at any Carroll Bank & Trust location.”

Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler echoed this sentiment, “We are truly heartbroken in the passing of Carroll County’s own, Chance Carlton. Chance was a Godly and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, colleague, and friend. A true public servant, his passing occurring early this morning [April 3] while in service to our community as part of the Carroll County Electric Department. We pray today for a grieving family, a special work family, and community. I am thankful for the Lord’s promise that He is with us when we are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).”

Gibson County Electric Department offered their condolences, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Chance Carlton, a dedicated lineworker with the Carroll County Electric Department, who lost his life during last night’s storms. Lineworkers like Chance risk their lives daily to ensure that our communities have the power we depend on. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Chance’s family, friends and colleagues. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Carlton family and the Carroll County Electric Department.”

Many area electric departments, businesses and organizations have expressed their condolences.

The Huntingdon Mustangs Quarterback Club said, “My heart is broken for the family of Chance Carlton. Chance was a former Mustang Running back for the class of 2011. Let us lift up his family and the CCED up in prayer.”

Carlton was a talented singer and musician. He loved horseback riding, music, and his community among many other things.

According to Kelly Green of Premier Realty (formerly 100.9 The Farm radio station), “He was a great young man and this is an absolute tragedy. Chance was our first Farmerican Idol winner and the first person to ever perform on our Barn Bash at the radio station in Huntingdon.”

Funeral services were in the Chapel of Chase Funeral Home on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 2 p.m. with Bro. Scott Carter officiating. Interment followed in Shiloh Cemetery.

The family received friends in the Cherrywood Room of Chase Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Monday from 11 a.m. until time of the service.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: The Chance Carlton Memorial Fund, Carroll Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 889, Huntingdon, TN 38344. Donations may also be made at any CB&T branch.

Pallbearers who served are Tim Carlton, Kris Hunley, Philip Barnett, Kyle East, Michael Butler, Jacob Blake, Travis Ward, and Jess Dill. Honorary pallbearers were Dallas Frazier, Nathan Ward, John David Carlton, James Ryman East, Henry Davis East, and Audrey Louise East, and the linemen of the Carroll County Electric Department.

Chance was born October 30, 1992 in Huntingdon, Tennessee to Tim and Robbie (Churchwell) Carlton. He was a devoted servant of Jesus, husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Chance loved being with his wife raising his babies, serving in his church at Shiloh Missionary Baptist in many ways, including leading the church in hymns, spending time with family, bird hunting with his dogs, Tillie and Fern, and traveling on his horse with his family and trail found family. He served his community as a lineman for the Carroll County Electric Department. He was preceded in death by an unborn child, paternal grandparents, Jerry and B.J. Smith, and maternal grandparents, Bobby and Frances Churchwell.

He is survived by his wife, Samantha Carlton, two daughters, Landry Jean Carlton and Ellsie Jo Carlton, his parents Tim and Robbie Carlton, a sister Jessica (Kris) Hunley all of Huntingdon as well as his in laws, Shannon and George Bedocs of Jackson. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, a church family he loved dearly, a God sent group of camping friends as well as many others, and special friends like family in South Dakota.