Former Benton Police Chief Tracy Watwood will assume Marshall County Coroner duties as of Jan. 1, after longtime coroner Mitchell Lee retires from the position at the end of the year. Marshall County Judge-Executive Kevin Neal held a swearing in ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 20 at his office in the courthouse to administer the oath of office.
Watwood said he will serve as interim coroner until the position is filled during the upcoming election. He does not intend to run for the position.
Lee has served as Marshall County Coroner since 1992.
Watwood served at the Benton Police Department for 19 years, including nine years as chief. He retired from BPD July 31, and was recently hired in the Marshall County Attorney’s office as an investigator.