Tennessee Code Title 38. Prevention and Detection of Crime § 38-5-118

After the inquisition, the coroner or medical investigator may deliver the body of the deceased to the deceased's relatives, if there are any; but if not, the coroner or the medical investigator shall cause the deceased to be decently buried or cremated in accordance with § 68-4-113, and the expense to be paid from the property found with the body, or, if there is none, from the county treasury, by certifying an account of the expenses to the county mayor, who shall allow and pay the expenses, if deemed reasonable, as other claims on the county.