ATHENS, Tenn. — What began as a routine night at a popular Athens bar turned to tragedy early Saturday morning when the owner of the Double C Bar, 55-year-old Randy Croft, was fatally shot during a confrontation outside the business he built and loved.
The McMinn County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded to the scene just west of Athens following reports of a shooting in the parking lot. When they arrived, they found Croft suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate efforts by first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 24-year-old William Charles Thomas Sullivan of Athens. Witnesses told investigators that the deadly incident began as a heated dispute that escalated into violence. Sullivan fled before deputies arrived, prompting a widespread manhunt that involved local and state agencies. By midday Saturday, Sullivan was taken into custody without further incident and now faces a charge of first-degree murder, with the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues.
News of Croft’s death has sent shockwaves through the Athens community. The Double C Bar was more than just a business—it was a hub where locals gathered, celebrated, and found camaraderie. Friends and patrons described Croft as a warm, welcoming figure who poured his heart into making the bar a place where everyone felt at home.
“This is a huge loss for all of us,” said one longtime customer. “Randy wasn’t just a business owner—he was family to this community. To lose him in such a violent way is devastating.”
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the shooting and are urging anyone with information or video evidence to come forward.
In the wake of his death, community members have begun leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten notes outside the Double C Bar as a tribute to Croft’s memory. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
As Athens mourns the loss of Randy Croft, residents are left grieving the man remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the sense of belonging he created—qualities that will endure even as the community struggles to come to terms with the violence that took his life.