David Jeff Sargent, age 65, of Fayetteville, TN, passed away on June 27, 2026, at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro. Born on November 6, 1960, in Sewanee, TN, he was the beloved son of John R. Sargent and Amy Nunley Sargent. Jeff was a proud Eagle Scout and an avid outdoorsman who found his greatest joy in nature, whether he was camping, canoeing, or trout fishing on his treasured Elk River. Jeff loved playing bluegrass music on his guitar and was an enthusiastic University of Tennessee football fan. He was a dedicated member of the Fayetteville Elks Lodge #1792 for 39 years. Jeff was a man of deep faith, belonging to the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
Survivors include his wife of almost 44 years, Fayna Henley Sargent of Fayetteville; parents, John R. and Amy Sargent of Sewanee; brother, Mark (Vicki) Sargent of Murfreesboro; nephews, Nick (Taylor) Sargent, Logan Sargent, Forrest (Anna) Duncan, Hence Duncan, Willis (Bethany) McKee, Robert (Jesse-Katherine) McKee, Jared (Crystal) Henley, and Dillon Henley; niece, Laura Henley; seven great-nieces and great-nephews; and his fur-baby, Finnegan.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home, with Bruce Gifford and the Elks Lodge officiating. The family will receive friends and visitors during a visitation from 12 PM until 2 PM on Wednesday at Higgins. A reception will follow the service at the Fayetteville Elks Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Lincoln County, P.O. Box 37, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of David Jeff Sargent.
I’m so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. I was in Boy Scouts with him in Sewanee. That’s me in my Explorer uniform standing to his left at the Eagle Scout Board of Review. We did our Eagle Scout project together—blazing a section of what would become the Perimeter Trail in Sewanee. I remember him riding his horse for part of the project. We also traveled together to the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base in Ely, MN for a two-week canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness/Quetico Provincial Park. That’s where we got those red sashes we’re wearing in the picture. It’s an adventure I’ll never forget. Scouting was an excellent experience for me, as I’m sure it was for Jeff.
I’ll also never forget Jeff’s excellent outdoors skills and quiet, unfailing good nature. He will be in my prayers.
Fayna Jeff and I r so sorry too hear of Jeff’s passing .r prayers and thoughts r with you and family!!🙏🙏🙏🙏😰
Fayna, I am so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. He is the one that first hired me at the country club part time in the bar. We became friends quickly. He was so nice and such a gentleman always. That was over 30 years ago. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Fayna, Barb and I send our condolences, we’re so sorry for your loss. We won’t be attending due to health issues, but know that you’re in our prayers.
Praying for Fayna and the family. All my memories with Jeff were happy ones. He was a good man. I’ll leave a funny line that only a few people would get: Rest in Peace Pinky…. From: Kim
Fayna, I’m sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. May God provide peace and comfort during this time of sadness.
Fayna, I am so sorry for your loss. May the peace of Christ be with you in this time of grieving. I have fond memories of Jeff and you when we were younger. I remember going to Opryland with y’all. The time you came to our house in Lebanon with our other high school friends and so many times in high school. My condolences
Jeff was a lifelong friend that brought music, laughter, and great insight as a close friend for so many years. I would not have missed it for.the world. We are heart broken for all of you and pray for peace and.comfort. Much love and peace from the Monks Family.
Jeff and I spent many hours on the bus together in high school, since Bobtown Rd was the first road in Sewanee on bus 41’s route. He was always such a pleasure to be around. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Fayna, you and the rest of the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fayna so sorry for your loss
Fayna, I’m so sorry to hear about Jeff. You are in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Always love Jeff. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Omg ,Fayna .I am so very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing.I used to be his one and only nurse for many years.May God wrap his arms around you and your Family and Friends. God has definitely gained another Angel. LOVE YA LADY!