The LDS FamilySearch site has two remarkable databases of Tennessee death records.
Please note that, while these databases are awesome, they are the output from a world-wide indexing project. Despite meticulous attention to detail, errors in the extractions could have occurred. For that reason, you should be creative in your searching.
- TN Deaths and Burials 1874-1915 Database
- TN Death Records 1914-1955 Database (with certificate images).
Note: You must create a free user account at FamilySearch.org in order to view the death certificate images.
For deaths from 1949 to 2009, click here to search the database at the Shelby County Registers Web Site. Select Deaths. Please note that there are some known errors in the county identifications. Also, some people died in neighboring counties. As usual, you should be creative in your searching.