Obituaries

Frances Nichols Rains, 82, passed away Monday, October 15, 2018 at her home in Bradyville.  She was a native of Cannon Co., Tn.  
She is survived by her husband, Clark Rains of Bradyville; children, Gary & Tammy Nichols of Woodbury, Mike & Chantay Nichols of Murfressboro, Jackie & Connie Rains of Tullahoma, Linda & Billy Lance of Warren Co., Teddy & Brenda Rains of Bradyville; Grandchildren,  Mark Nichols, Cameron (Lauren) Nichols, Drew (Julie) Nichols, Amber (Caleb) Barrett, Amy (Bryan) Lawrence, Lindsay (Benji) Locke, LaWanda (Dave) Jordan, Nathan (Stacie) Rains and Erin Rains; Great Grandchildren, Brady, Presley and Nash Barrett, Noah and Oliver Lawrence, Alex, Amelia and Colin Nichols, Wyatt and Josey Locke and Ryder Jordan.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert & Ina Busey Mitchell; first husband, Leon Nichols and her four brothers, Brown, Josh, Lehman and George Mitchell.
 
Frances was a member of the Woodbury Church of Christ and was retired from the City of Woodbury as the City Recorder.
 
Funeral Services will be 11 am Thursday, October 18, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating. Interment will follow in the Riverside Gardens.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Wednesday, October 17, 2018.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

Ms. Linda Moore, 72, of Woodbury passed away on October 12, 2018.  She was born in Woodbury, TN on September 8, 1947.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Bucey and Dollie Lee (Vickers) Bucey and a brother, Larry Bucey.She is survived by a brother, Barry Bucey of Woodbury; a sister, Wilma (Willie) Sutton of Hermitage; an aunt, Irene Hollis of Readyville; and nephews, and cousins.
She had been working for Autozone recently. She always had a unique laugh and loved to pick and aggravate. 
Ms. Linda’s request was to give her body to Vanderbilt University.  There are no services planned at this time.  Share memories and thoughts with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190,  615-563-5337
 

Mrs. Sherry Dale Kramer, 63, of Woodbury passed away unexpectedly on October 10, 2018. She was a native of Nashville, TN born on June 21, 1955. She was preceded in death by her parents, . She is survived by her husband, Alan W. Kramer of Woodbury; son, Chris Rubio; of Savannah, GA; a brother, Tommy McGrady of Winchester; a very close cousin and friend, Lynn Demoll of Winchester, TN; two grandchildren, Brittany and Trevor; she had become very fond of her in-laws, Dave and Betty Kramer and had adopted them as her own.
Mrs. Sherry was an outgoing and energetic person. She was one who always gave of herself, time, and talents. Part of that giving spirit included volunteering with a hospice, helping elderly, veterans, or strangers who would soon become friends. Those friendships sprouted from her bubbly personality and non-stop smile. Growing up in the city, she didn’t experience life in the country until after she and Alan met and married. At first, she didn’t know if she could adapt to living in the country. She soon transitioned into all the country life had to offer. She loved being outside, planting flowers, trees, working in the yard, and enjoying the tranquility, and beauty outside. She had begun researching transforming their land into a place for other city dwellers to come and enjoy through Air BnB camping experiences. 
She was very nostalgic and Alan loving called her his “True Hippie”. She had rediscovered her love for crafting tie dye shirts, etc. and was working toward making it a business opportunity. She loved music from the 60’s and live music of all kinds. She could spend several days a week going out to different venues to hear live performances. She had a strong Christian faith and love of Jesus. She and Alan were members of World Outreach Church. Their relationship began online, and their shared faith lead them to a first meeting at the church. Ironically, they both had already been attending church together and their paths had just not crossed yet. She was always concerned about other people and it didn’t take much in life to keep her happy.
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, October 14, 2018 from 4-6 pm. A celebration of her life and spirit will follow at 6 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel. Pastor Tim Posch will lead the celebration. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to World Outreach Church. Share memories and thoughts with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd., Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 
 
 
 
 

Bettie Fuller Melton, 90, of Nashville a native of Woodbury passed away on October 6, 2018 with her family at her side.  She was born on February 10, 1928.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Landon Fuller and Lydia Elizabeth Cook Fuller.  Also, by her husband, Reb Jones Melton; a brother, Robert “Bobby” Fuller; a sister, Melba Barton; and by grandchildren, Jacob Robert Melton and Amy Webb. 
She is survived by sons, Ralph J. (Carolyn) Melton of Walter Hill, Michael Landon Melton of Nashville, Mark Reb Melton of Nashville, and Reb Jay (Denise) Melton of Charlotte; daughter, Janet Webb of Mt. Juliet; grandchildren, Jill Marie (Carey) Frost, Matthew (Feather) Webb, Mary (Lake) Smith, Rachel (Jason) Cherry, Shyanne Melton, Savana Melton, Juliana Melton, Rebeca Melton, and Landon Melton; seven great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
 
Mrs. Melton was born in Woodbury and graduated Woodbury Central High School in the Class of 1946.  She and her husband moved to Nashville from Woodbury in 1955 to be closer to his work.  They found a home near the airport in Nashville and she continued to live there until her passing.  While he worked she busied herself with the work of a loving mother and wife.  They had celebrated 47 years together prior to his passing. Taking care of raising her children and helping with grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was lovingly known by her family as Granny Go Go.
 
She was a loyal and devoted Christian and a member of Vultee Church of Christ.  She attended a Tuesday Church class in addition to regular worship services.  Taking the opportunity to be with her church family when she could.  She was former member of the Woodbury Church of Christ when she still lived in Cannon County.  Mrs. Melton enjoyed traveling.  She stayed active with many different things including, being in a bowling league, quilting, cross stitching, and scrap booking.  Her home held many of the beautiful things she made over the years. 
 
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Monday, October 8, 2018 from 2-8 pm.  Graveside services will be held at Melton Cemetery in the Short Mountain Community on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 12 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to Alive Hospice.  Share memories and thoughts with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net.  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337
 
 

William Michael James, 55, passed away Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at St Thomas West.  He was a native of Indianapolis, Indiana. 
He is survived by his wife, Angela Kay Bogle James, stepdaughter, Jennifer (Samuel) Alford; stepson, Caleb Peck all of Woodbury; sons, Jesse James of Florida; Michael James of Woodbury; daughters, Beth Ann James, Christy James, Kala James all of Indiana, Alana James of Woodbury, and Sherry James.
 
Grandchildren Braydon, Claira, Brooklyn, Jillian, Addison, Zachary and Kaylin Alford. Also surviving is his Father Michael James of Indiana and close friend Jerry Reed of Woodbury.
 
Mr. James is preceded in death by his mom Sheila Stout James.
 
William was a member with the Pentecostal Church of Woodbury.  He was a floor covering installer of 20 years.  He loved life and enjoyed simple things. Being with family, grilling in the back yard, eating out, playing with his grandchildren, and bringing them gifts.  He loved people and animals.  He was big hearted, generous, and he would give what he had to help someone else.  He liked relaxing and watching Andy Griffith.  He also loved homemade tacos and spaghetti. William was a loving husband, wonderful step dad, son and friend. He will be forever in our hearts, greatly loved and missed.
 
Funeral Services will be 2 pm Saturday, October 06, 2018 at Pentecostal Church of Woodbury with Bro. Clayton Neal officiating.  Interment will follow in the Tolbert Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 PM until 8 PM on Friday October 5, 2018 at the Pentecostal Church of Woodbury  11 AM until time of service October 6, 2018.
 
In lieu of flowers donation to Woodbury Funeral home to help the family with funeral expenses
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

T.G. “Tall Shadow” Gilliam passed away from an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Frith Gilliam and father, John Gilliam, his mother, Josephine Gilliam ,his twin brother, John, his adopted father (uncle) Macon Morris and mother (aunt) Nell Frye Morris Bedford, his brother Jack Morris and sister Frankie Allen.   He is survived by his son, Joshua Gilliam and grandson, Chance Jaxson Frith Gilliam. 
Mr. Gilliam was a disabled veteran who served two tours in Vietnam in the United States Army. He worked for Showbus building custom busses for country music stars such as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.
 
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 14 at Plainview Baptist Church in Woodbury, TN, at 2:00 p.m.  All family and friends are invited.  Bro. Jonathan Womack will be officiating the service.
 

Mary Helen Murphy age 73 of Smithville and a longtime resident of Dowelltown and the Sycamore Community, passed away Monday at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.  
Survivors include a daughter, Cindy Murphy of Nashville; 3 grandsons, Jon Murphy of Nashville, Nathanyel Pedigo of Smithville and Trenton Pedigo of Dowelltown; 11 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers, Billy Baker of Smithville, Glen Baker of Liberty, Jimmy Baker of Smithville; 3 sisters, Betty Scurlock of Carthage, Dorothy Leach of McMinnville and Sue Mitchell of Cookeville; several nieces and nephews also survive. 
 
She was a homemaker and a retired factory worker.  Mary was a Baptist.
 
Funeral services Mary Helen Murphy will be conducted 2:00 pm Thursday at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Timothy Baker officiating and burial will follow in Sycamore Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be Wednesday 4:00pm until 8:00pm and Thursday 10:00am until the time of the service at 2:00pm. 
 
DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
 

Stephen Lancin Jr, age 90, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 26, 2018, at Henderson Health and Rehabilitation Center in Henderson, TN.  
He is survived by his siblings, June Henry of Romulus, MI, Gerald Schoen (Linda) of Boring, OR, Geraldine Patranella (Tony) of Bryan, TX; sister-in-law, Judy Schoen of Woodbury, TN; granddaughters, Melissa Bolton (Patrick) of Henderson, TN and Heather Studenberg (Daus) of Murfreesboro, TN; great grandchildren, Alex and Anna Bolton of Henderson, TN and Audrey and Cameron Studenberg of Murfreesboro, TN; nieces & nephews, Patricia Carden (LT) of Lewisberg, TN, Donna Beeler (Scott) of Bryan, TX, Kim Reid (Jason) of Austin, TX, Henry Creasap of Greenville, MI, Debbie Creasap of Ft. Myers, FL, Mary Lynn Johnson of Ft. Myers, FL, Karen Means (Bob) of Romulus, MI, Kathy Smith (Ron) of Taylor, MI, Jerry Henry (Gail) of Romulus, MI, Mike Schoen (Wanda) of Lebanon, TN, Edward Schoen of Woodbury, TN, Sherri Raethke (Dan) of Portland, OR; plus several great nieces and nephews.
 
 
A native of Detroit, Michigan, he was the eldest son of the late Verna Johnson of Saskatchewan, Canada and Stephen Lancin, Sr. of Detroit, MI, though was raised by Verna and his step-father, the late Edward Schoen of Frankfurt, IL.  Stephen was a longtime resident of Burt Burgen Road in Woodbury, TN and later moved to Henderson, TN.  Member of the Henderson Church of Christ.  Retiree of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 48, having driven for Tennessee Carolina Transportation, Inc for 30 years. During his career driving for TCT, Inc he was awarded the Mack Million Mile Award. 
 
In addition to his mother, father, and step-father, he was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Alma Simmons Lancin, of Woodbury, TN; son, Larry Lancin (daughter-in-law Sandra Lancin) of Henderson, TN; siblings, Lenora May Schoen, Thelma Creasap (brother-in-law Jim) of Greenville, MI, and James Schoen of Woodbury, TN; brother-in-law, Charles Henry of Romulus, MI. 
 
Visitation with the family will be on Saturday, October 6, 2018, from 9 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at Woodbury Funeral Home. Graveside service for Stephan Lancin will follow at 12 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery with Bro. Joey Ferrell officiating.
 
 
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Henderson Church of Christ’s youth program.  Checks can be made payable to Henderson Church of Christ, 240 White Avenue, Henderson, TN 38340 (please note: youth program in memory of Stephen Lancin).
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, (615) 563-2311.  To leave online condolences, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net . 
 

William Ross Prater, 25, of Woodbury, passed away Wednesday, September 26, 2018. He was a native of Davidson County. 
 
He is survived by his mother, Belinda Prater Purvis and her husband, Hal Purvis of Woodbury; father, David Johnson of Woodbury;
Sisters, Kayla Kirkpatrick of Manchester, Beth Asbury of Woodbury and Cassidy Chianese of Walter Hill; grandfather, William Prater of McMinnville; grandmother, Shirley Nelson of Woodbury; Four nieces, four nephews, several aunts and uncles also survive.
 
 
He is preceded in death by his grandmother Debbie Prater and great grandparents Carl and Beatrice Haley, and Sport and Bell Prater.
 
 
William loved his nieces, nephews, being outside and his dogs.  He is a member of the Baptist Church.
 
 
Funeral services will be 2 PM Saturday, September 29, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Brother Ray Patrick and Brother Richard Haley officiating. Interment will follow at Prater Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 12 noon until 8 PM on Friday September 28, 2018.
 
 
In lieu of flowers donation to Woodbury Funeral home to help the family with the funeral expenses
 
 
Woodbury Funeral Home 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

Alice Stacey Parker, 76, passed away Sun., Sept. 23, 2018 at her home in Murfreesboro.  She was a native of Cannon Co., Tn. 
She is survived by her daughter, Beverly (Kevin) Krieb of Murfreesboro; grandson, Noah Krieb of Murfreesboro; siblings, Ruby Best of Murfreesboro, Ray Stacey of Woodbury, Viva Medders of Birmingham, AL. and Sally Cantrell of Smithville.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Abe & Cassie Simmons Stacey; husband, Grady Parker and siblings, Eva Potter and James Stacey.
 
Ms. Parker was a member of the Baptist Church and a homemaker. 
 
Graveside Services will be 3 pm Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Parker Hill Cemetery with Bro. Michael Best officiating.  Visitation with the family will be from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm Wednesday, September 26, 2017.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or www.woodburyfuneralhome.net to leave condolences for her family.