Obituaries

James Robert Neal, age 60, of Murfreesboro passed away Sunday, January 6, 2019 at his home.  He was a native of Davidson Co. 
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Shelia Faulk Neal of Murfreesboro; Children, Marsha (John) Grimaldi of Murfreesboro, Amy Neal of Murfreesboro, Michael (Fenita) Neal of Murfreesboro, & Kadence Neal of Murfreesboro; 7 Grandchildren, Christopher Neal, Ashleigh Neal, Isaac Miller, Garrett Roberts, Tabitha Collins, Tyson Grimaldi, & Kelsie Neal; Siblings, Linda (Phillip) Wright of Nashville, Anthony (Minnie) Neal of La Vergne, Darrell (Teresa) Neal of Dickson, & Janice (Paul) Hargrove of La Vergne.  Also surviving are 8 Great Grandchildren.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion & Opal Smith Neal; Daughter, Stephanie Neal; and Sisters, Elaine Bennett & JoAnn Tate.
 
Mr. Neal was a member of the Baptist Church and was a warehouse forklift driver.
 
Funeral Services will be 1 PM Wednesday, January 9, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Scott Reeder officiating.  Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be after 10 AM Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at the funeral home.
 
Pallbearers will include Roger Cox, Dustin Boone, Eric Boone, Roger Faulk, Anthony Neal, Jake Neal, Garrett Roberts, & Shawn Neal.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

Nelson Gareth “Rambo” Milliken, Sr., 74, passed away Tues., Jan. 1, 2018 at this home following an extended illness.  A native of Ironton, OH, he resided in Woodbury. 
He is survived by his wife, Nancy J. Milliken of Woodbury; children,  Ann (Ricky) White of Franklin, Beth (Mark) Cole of Huron, Tn., April (Chuck) Arkon of Sparta, Patty Milliken of Wellston, OH., Mary Anita Milliken of Lancaster, OH., and Nelson Milliken, Jr. of Jackson, OH.; grandchildren,  Jennifer White of Murfreesboro, Kayla and Kylia Milliken of Wellston, Dylan White of Franklin, Taylor Arken of Sparta, Zachary, Bryant and Tyler Hively of Lancaster, OH. Several great grandchildren also survive.
 
Rambo was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Fisher Milliken.
 
He was a member of the Pleasant View Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge #774 and the Cannon Co. Walking Horse Assoc.  He also enjoyed riding horses and collecting guns.  Nelson was a farmer and former truck driver.
 
Funeral Services will be 2 pm Friday, Jan. 04, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Jeff Cripps officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery.  Visitation:  4 to 8 Thursday, A Masonic service will be held at 1 pm Friday.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cannon Co. Walking Horse Assoc.  or the Masonic Lodge #774, Woodbury.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 
 

Mr. Rex Spry, 51, of Bradyville passed away on December 31, 2018 with family at his side after a battle with liver cancer.  He was born in Woodbury, TN on April 4, 1967.  He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry C. Spry; grandparents, Cecil and Pauline Spry and James and Clara Basham; and a sister, Lisa Spry. 
He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Sissom Spry; daughters, Amber (Will) Thomas of Commerce, GA, Andrea (Justin) Ortkiese of Bradyville, and Abbey (Jimmy) Rhea of Bradyville; son, Justin Spry of Bradyville; mother, Mary Basham Spry of Bradyville; four grandchildren, Gracie, Josiah, Weston, and Barrett; as well as many other family members, friends, and foster children who came through his home in recent years.
 
Rex was a graduate of CCHS in the class of 1985.  He and Rhonda met while in high school, fell in love, and married right after she graduated.  They celebrated their 30th anniversary with a cruise to Hawaii last year.  Cruising was one of their favorite things to do together, and he was only one trip shy of earning VIP status. Rex and Rhonda were dedicated parents who attended as many ballgames, church functions, and other events with their kids as they could.  They were thrilled to get to see their four grandchildren born. He was a member of the Smith Grove Church of Christ.
 
Rex was gifted with hands that could build, fix, and create practically anything.  He spent many hours and days happily working on projects for himself, family, friends, and his church.  Over the years, he enjoyed restoring various cars and farm equipment, including his grandfather’s antique tractor.  His talent was also put to good use at his job with the VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro.  He worked as an industrial equipment mechanic for nearly 34 years before he retired. Rex was a man of few words, but his word meant everything. He was the epitome of a good man, and his kindness and generosity toward all he knew will never be forgotten. 
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 4-8 pm.  Funeral services will be Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 11 am in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Al Bugg will officiate.  Interment will be in Gilley Hill Cemetery.
 
Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net on the guestbook page with his obituary. Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337
 

Jesse Wiley Reed, age 92, died Friday, December 28, 2018 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.  He was a native of Cannon County and the son of the late Hoyd Reed & Whyte Alexander Reed.  He was owner of Wiley Reed Construction Company, former Cannon County Road Commissioner and a veteran of World War II serving in the U. S. Army.  He was a member of the Church of Christ.  Wiley was a lifetime follower of Cannon County Basketball and Atlanta Braves. 
   Survivors include his wife of working on 74 years, Gracie Mae Knox Reed of Woodbury; 5 Daughters, Patricia Reed Merritt of Smyrna, Judy Reed Hayes and her husband James of Woodbury, Fran Reed Jones and her husband Jeff of Smyrna, Gina Reed Burke and her husband, Mitch and Jill Wiley Reed Spry and her husband Tim, both of Woodbury.  Also surviving are 8 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild.
 
   Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, January 3, 2019 at the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bros. Tim Knox and Charlie Gunter officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverside Gardens with military honors.  Visitation with the family will be Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cannon County Basketball Booster Club.
 

Pat Tenpenny, 73, was born in Woodbury, TN on July 21, 1945 and rode through the gates of Heaven to be with the Lord on December 13, 2018. Pat lived in St. Cloud, FL. He is preceded in death by mother, Luree McBroom Tenpenny and brother-in-law, Larry Hill. 
Pat is survived by wife of 5 years, Sharon Tenpenny, brother, Fred Tenpenny; sister, Nancy Hill; nieces, Renee Powell and Jenny Baldwin, nephew, Greg Hill, several aunts, many cousins, and friends.
 
Pat proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1963-1965. He was a patriot and loved our country. Pat touched many people with his kindness, generosity, and maybe even shenanigans.  He loved to joke and share stories.  His almost constant smile and unique laugh will live on in the memories of family and friends.  He was a hard worker.  Pat lived life the cowboy way, off and on the road, whether he was driving cattle or the crews and entertainers from coast to coast and border to border. He was especially proud of his Southern heritage and he was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
 
A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church in Woodbury, TN on Sunday, January 13, 2019. A time to fellowship with the family from 2 pm – 3 pm and service beginning at 3 pm. Services officiated by Phil Purvis.  Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Woodbury, TN, Gideons International, or Wounded Warriors.  Share memories, support, and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337
 

Mary Lou Melton, age 69, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, December 27, 2018 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.  She was a native of Newton, Iowa.Survivors include her husband of 39 years, Bill Melton of Woodbury; Father, Marion Brown of Paola, KS; Daughters, Tina Melton of Woodbury & Alona Morosava of NY; Mimi to 3 grandchildren, Stephon Harris serving in the United States Air Force, Kenan Gaines of Woodbury, & Elodie Meador of Woodbury; and Sisters, Marilyn Langston of Paola, KS & Brenda Halstrom of Paola KS.  Several nieces & nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Coleen Townsend Brown.
Mary was a member of the Woodbury First Baptist Church and was a daycare provider for over 25 years.  She enjoyed going to yard sales & auctions.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 
 

J C Rogers, 86, of Cannon County died at his home Saturday.Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law: Sue and Tony Manning of Smyrna.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake Rogers and Annie Bell Dabbs Rogers; wife, Whyte Whitfield Rogers; & Daughter, Becky Anne Rogers.  He enjoyed woodworking and carving and eating at the Cracker Barrel.
Funeral Service for J C Rogers will be Monday in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home at 1:00 PM Monday, Dec. 24, 2018.
Bro. Nickey Nichols will conduct the service. Burial in the Curlee Cemetery.    
Visitation:  11 AM until time of service Monday.
Woodbury Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
 

Rex Howard LaFever, 74, passed away Fri., Dec. 21, 2018 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  A native of White Co., he lived in Woodbury. 
He is survived by his wife, Linda Mayo LaFever of Woodbury; daughter, Victoria LaFever-Howell of MS; stepdaughters, Annette Merriman and Jean Sloan both of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Lindsy (Jered) Brewer of KY., Cattarena Campis of MI., Tiffany Garcia and babies of Bradyville; siblings,  James (Alberta) LaFever of Woodbury; Helen Rhodes of Rutherfordton, NC., Ben (Wilma) LaFever of Beech Grove, Danny (Nancy) Haley of Woodbury and Marie Seabaugh of Murfreesboro; furbabies,  Midnight & Star. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eley and Pauline Cason LaFever; Brothers, Lynn, Roger, Richard and Randy LaFever; Sister, Mary LaFever and Nephew, Russell LaFever.
 
A member of the Baptist church and Masonic Lodge, Rex was a prankster and loved to play pool, fish and hunt.
 
Memorial Services will be 2 pm Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Tony Burnett officiating.  Visitation with the family will be from 12 – 2 pm Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or www.woodburyfuneralhome.net to leave condolences for his family. 
 

Linda Fay Gann Sissom, 65, died suddenly Monday, Dec. 17, 2018 at St. Thomas Stones River E/R.  She was a native of Cannon Co. and lived in Bradyville. 
Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Lanny Sissom of Bradyville; mother, Gertrude  Gann Morris of Woodbury; sons, Slade and Shane Sissom both of Woodbury; grandchildren, Riley Sissom and Cheyenne Sissom both of Woodbury; brother,  Roy (Beth) Gann of Woodbury.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
 
She was preceded in death by her father, Doran Gann.
 
Linda was a member of the Parker Hill Church of Christ and an RNC at Alvin C. York Medical Center.  She loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren and her dogs. She also liked to trail ride.
 
Memorial Visitation with the family will be from 2 pm until 6 pm Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018 at Woodbury Funeral Home.  A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.
 
 

Louis Wade “Sonny” Thomas, 72, passed away Sun., Dec. 16, 2018 at St. Thomas Rutherford.A native of Cannon Co., he lived in Morrison. 
 
He is survived by his siblings, Rachel (Wayne) Merriman of Woodbury, Ricky Thomas of McMinnville and Pamela (Chris) Lance of Morrison; nieces and nephew:  Sonya Lance (Micah) Reece, Raelynn (Angela) Lance, Christy Schultz, Devin (Molly) Merriman; great nieces and nephews,  George and Deona Schultz, Khalessi Reese, Colton and Reagan Merriman.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Edward and Goldie Mae Mathis Thomas; siblings, Willie Adeline Thomas and George Edward Thomas, Jr.
 
A member of the Methodist Church, he loved to go fishing. 
 
Funeral Services will be 2 pm Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Tony Burnett officiating.  Interment will follow in the Gilley Hill Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 3 pm 9 pm Tues., Dec. 18, 2018.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net