Obituaries

Thomas Ray Mears, Sr., 75, of McMinnville passed away Saturday, September 22, 2018 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.  He was a native of Warren Co. and preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Jefferson Mears and Ollie Durham Mears. 
 
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Mears of McMinnville; Son, Thomas (Ellen) Mears of McMinnville; Grandchildren, Kayla Mears, Candace (Charlie) Rockhart and Nicole Mears; great grandsons, Hayden and Carter Rockhart; siblings, Roberta Collins, Myrtle Cox, Maggie Lance, Joyce Davis, Wauline Davis, Treva Hutchins, John Mears, James Mears, George Mears and Charlie Mears. 
 
 
Thomas was retired from Carrier Corp and was a farmer.
 
 
Funeral services will be 12 noon Wednesday, September 26, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in the Centertown Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Tuesday, September 25, 2018. 
 
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 
 
 

Mr. John Albert Robinson, 85, of Woodbury passed away with family at his side September 19, 2018.  He was born September 28, 1932 in Woodbury, TN.  He was preceded in death by his parents Richard Alex Robinson, Sr. and Lizzie Bell Davenport Robinson; son, John David Robinson; daughter, Wanda Bosarge; and by brothers, Dewey Robinson and Richard Alex “R. A.” Robinson, Jr. 
He is survived by his wife, Alice Robinson of Woodbury; daughter, Linda Dewrell of Woodbury; brothers, James (Mildred) Robinson of Toledo, OH and Raymond (Linda Sue) Robinson of Woodbury; sister, Joyce Pelham of Woodbury; grandchildren, Dusty Dewrell, Adam (Sonia) Bosarge, Amanda (Terry) Fredricks, and Shelby Robinson; great grandchildren, Ashton Skeleton and Michelle Bosarge; also, many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and a host of family and friends.
 
He was born and raised in Cannon County and moved to Toledo, Ohio when he was 18 years old.  He met and married his wife Alice.  They recently celebrated 66 years of marriage.  He was drafted into the Army and shortly after they had two daughters.  They moved back to Cannon County in the late 1950’s and later had a son.  In 1966 they moved to Florida and began his studies for the ministry.  He held many pastoral positions throughout his studies.  He earned a Master of Religious Education Degree.  Over the years he raised and provided for his family with the love and support of his wife.  Over the years the ministry led him to Mississippi, New Orleans, Alabama, and back to Cannon County in 1979. 
 
He started Woodland Baptist Church in 1982 with Dewey Robinson, and James Preston.  Serving as pastor until his early 80’s.  He and the members of the church often opened their hearts and doors to anyone in the community.  Including members of other churches in the county. He had a strong desire to study the Bible and share it with everyone he had an opportunity to meet.  His memory was keen throughout his life.  He had a great recollection of scripture, events, and names from his studies of the Bible.  He also worked diligently with family to develop a lumber mill along with a pallet building business which the family still operates.  He always carried a smile and a unique laugh with him wherever he went.  He enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life and turning them into friends.
 
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 2-3 pm.  Funeral services will immediately follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Ray Robinson and Tim Gentry will officiate.  Interment will be in Robinson Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations are requested to one of the following charities or one of your choice:  American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Foundation, or Alzheimer’s Research.  Show your support and love for the family by sharing a memory or thoughts at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd., Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337
 
 

Mrs. Rita Leigh Halfacre, 49, of Shelbyville passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2018.  She was born in Nashville, TN on April 25, 1969.  She was preceded in death by her father, Horace Gerald Stinson and her husband, Jeff Halfacre. 
She is survived by her son, Jeffery Halfacre of Shelbyville; mother, Wilma Jo Poole of Ashland City; sisters, Tammy (Larry) Puckett of Elmwood, Jaclyn Smith of Nashville; brother, Jerry Wayne Stinson of Nashville; step-brother, Wayne Tandy of LaVergne; step-sister, Deanna Easterling of Murfreesboro; several aunt and uncles; special friends, Lisa Bierbaum and Natasha Markley.
 
Mrs. Rita was a graduate of Smyrna High School.  During her early years she developed a love of reading.  Her family and friends knew her as a bookworm who would ready anything she could get her hands on.  She had a love for children and would often help watch her friend’s children.  Her son, Jeffery, was near and dear to her heart and she helped him in any way she could.  She possessed a giving spirit and a generous heart.  She was the type of person who would give you her last penny.  No matter what she was going through she would reach out to people around her.
 
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 11-2 pm.  Funeral services will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel at 2 pm.  Interment will be in Amity Cemetery.  Due to her untimely passing donations are requested to assist with funeral expenses through Smith Funeral Home.  Show your support and love with thoughts and memories on the guestbook page of her obituary at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net   Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337
 

Brenda Gail Wilson Farless age 68, passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2018.  She was preceded in death by her parents WIllie and Mary Lucille Bryant Wilson, three brothers Charlie Thomas Wilson, Pat Wilson, and Cecil Wilsonl; two sisters, Lois O’Dear and Jean Thomas and one daughter Kimberly Dawn Farless. 
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jerry Lee Farless of Bradyville, three daughters Lisa Farless of Centertown, Julie (Larry) Thomas of Bradyville, Jennifer (Chris) Garrett of Murfreesboro; three grand children, Kimberly and Kaden Thomas and Coty Garrett; siblings, Pearl Campbell of Flintville, TN. and Tony Wilson of Elora, TN.
 
Brenda was retired from the Woodbury Nursing Center where she worked as a CNA.  She was a member of the Baptist Church.
 
Funeral services will be 4 pm Saturday, September 22, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Larry Thomas officiating.  Interment will follow in the Thyatira cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be Friday, September 21, 2018 from 4 until 8 pm and Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 11 am until the time of service.  
 
In lieu of flowers donations to Woodbury Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expenses.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 
 

Janie Ruth Wilkinson Walker, age 67, of Bradyville passed away Monday, September 17, 2018 at her home.  She was a native of Gallatin, TN. 
Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Larry Clayton Walker, Sr. of Bradyville; Son, Larry Clayton Walker, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL; Daughter, Barbara (Wayne) Hoover of Woodbury; Grandson, Timothy (Natasha) Hoover of Woodbury; and Sister, Karen Marie (Ronnie) Lance of Manchester.  9 grandchildren & 25 great grandchildren also survive.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Edward Wilkinson & Buelah Young High; Stepfather, Avery High; and Siblings, Ray Wilkinson, Lynn Wilkinson, & Sharon High.
 
Ms. Walker was a housewife.
 
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Janie to Caris Hospice or to the American Cancer Society.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

Bobby Don Vance, age 67, passed away at his home on Saturday, September 15th, as his long-fought battle with cancer came to an end. He was a native and lifelong resident of Cannon County, a member of the Woodbury Church of Christ, and a retired dairy farmer. 
Mr. Vance was preceded in death by his father, Hoyte Vance; brother-in-law, Johnny Melton; and father-in-law & mother-in-law, Charles & Rebecca Davenport.
 
He is survived by his mother, Mamie Vance; his wife of almost 44 years, Glenda Davenport Vance; sons Mark (Stephanie) and Michael (April) Vance; a brother, Marty Vance, and a sister, Barbara Melton, all of Cannon County; brother-in-law, Doug (Dana) Davenport, of Great Falls, MT. He is also survived by uncles James Vance and John (Betty) King; and an aunt, Chick Smithson, all of Woodbury; a nephew and nieces, Jason (Kristy) Melton and Callie Vance, of Woodbury; and Emily (Brent) Hargrove, of Manchester; Erin Davenport, of Minneapolis; and Samantha Davenport, of Great Falls, MT. Last, but not least, Bobby is survived by the apples of his eye, four special young ladies who were their Granddad’s pride and joy; granddaughters, Reese, Ryder, Renley, and Makenzie Vance. Several cousins, great nephews & nieces, and many good friends also survive.
 
A graduate of Cannon County High School, Bobby was President of the Class of 1969. He also graduated MTSU with a B.S. in Animal Science. Mr. Vance was a longtime member of the Volunteer Beagle Club, former President of the Cannon County Walking Horse Association, and was a former Director of the Cannon County Farm Bureau. Bobby enjoyed training and showing spotted saddle horses for several years with his sons when they were small children. They won countless trophies showing their horses, and often went as a family on the Ride-A-Thon. His favorite hobby was rabbit hunting with his friends, and later, competing in Field Trials with his prized Beagle dogs. Bobby had registered Beagles for many, many years, right up until shortly before his death. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was very proud of his family. He loved his friends and his church family, especially his Monday Men’s Bible Class. Bobby was strong in his faith. A firm believer in God and His Word, Bobby was ready to go Home.
 
Funeral Services will be 2 PM Tuesday, September 18, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bros. Daniel Hayes, Al Bugg, & Andy Walker officiating. Interment will follow at McMahan Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 8 PM Monday, September 17, 2018 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woodbury Day School or to Short Mountain Bible Camp. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Perry Alton “Tony” Stembridge, 57, passed away Monday, Sept. 10, 2018 at Alive Hospice. He was a native of Cannon Co., Tn. 
He is survived by his father, Harrell Wayne Stembridge of Woodbury; siblings, Terry (Pam) Stembridge and Sherry (Andy) Gay all of Woodbury; son, Samuel Moss Stembridge of Gordonsville; nieces and nephews, Kyle, Mandy and Amelia Gay; Jessica, Jonathan, Kyler, Bella, Jon and Gabriella Byson; Jason and Tosha Stembridge; Tabitha and Jacob Pope; Eddie “Bud” and Monica Colwell; Terra and Tamra Stembridge.
 
Perry was preceded in death by his mother, Mamie Lou Bogle Stembridge, Brother, Barry Stembridge; and grandparents, John D. Bogle, Sr. and Pauline Ledbetter Bogle, Samuel Stephen and Mary Susan Harrell Stembridge.
 
A member of the Baptist church, he was a carpenter and worked in construction.  Tony was a talented artist who loved his horses and dogs.  His daddy was his best friend.
 
 Funeral services will be 2 pm Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow in the Wood Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018 from 2 pm until 8 pm. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for the family please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

Patricia Ann Lawson age 62, of Smithville, passed away September 7, 2018 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville. 
She was born April 9, 1956 to her late parents Alfred Kenneth and Thelma Jean Lawson Herman. In addition to the parents she was preceded in death by brothers, Kenny Ray Herman, James Eddie Herman, Bobby Lynn Herman; sisters, Carolyn Sue Herman, Mannie Denise Herman, and Lisa Gail Mingus.
 
She was a lifelong homemaker and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.
 
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Lee Lawson of Smithville; children, Jerry Lynn (Marie) Lawson, Tim (Christy) Lawson, and Brandy Lawson all of Smithville; grandchildren, Nathan (Kelly) Lawson, Megan Fitts, Haley Fitts, Isaac Lawson, Jacob Lawson, Bryson Lawson, Brayden Lawson; step-grandchildren, Jennifer Crabtree, Cassie Taylor, and Brittany Venerable; 2 sisters, Frances (Joel) Adcock and Brenda (Stevie) Cripps; special family member, Joe Fitts, Jr.; several nieces and nephews and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law also survive.
 
Funeral services will be Tuesday September 11,2018 at 3:PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Charlie Lawson officiating and burial to follow in the Bonham Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Monday 10:AM until 8:PM and Tuesday 10:AM until the time of the service at 3:PM.
 
DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. 
 
 

T. .J “Tip” Milligan, 88, of Woodbury passed away on September 8, 2018.  He was a native of Cannon County, TN born on June 4, 1930.  He was preceded in death by his parents, William Houston Milligan and Aileen Bucey Milligan; brothers, Kenneth McKeller Milligan and Bill Milligan; and sisters, Alma White Orr and Bonnie Lee Eaton.He is survived by his wife, Nadine King Milligan; son, Roland Milligan both of Woodbury; sister, Peggy King of Nashville; daughter/granddaughter, Angie (Javin) Fann, son/grandson, Anthony (Jennifer) Milligan both of Woodbury, granddaughters, Ashley Milligan, and Whitney Milligan both of Murfreesboro; great grandchildren, J Daxton Fann, Treyton Fann, Jalin Fann, Tyler Player, Katelyn Milligan, Dakota Wimberly, Kylie Mael, and Skyler Whitford.  Also survived by several other nieces and nephews.
Mr. Milligan was known by everyone in the community as Tip.  Growing up during the Great Depression his family faced some hardships.  His parents taught their children how to work hard, be honest, and take care of family.  He graduated Woodbury Central High School in the Class of 1949.  While in school he set his sights on his future wife, Mrs. Nadine.  It wasn’t long until he proposed to her.  After graduation he volunteered for service in the U. S. Army with his best friend Harry Jones.  He was sent to Korea during the war.  While he served there he was wounded in combat by a grenade.  He was separated from his unit after being wounded.  He managed to walk on broken legs for many miles until a tank unit picked him up and transported him to the 121st M.A.S.H. Unit.  They sent him to Seoul, South Korea where he spent many months recovering until he came back to the states.  He was awarded a Purple Heart due to his injuries.  He suffered for the rest of his life from those injuries, but he didn’t open up to talk about it.  He was a humble and quite person.
One of the first things he did once he got back was to make Mrs. Nadine his wife.  She had waited over two years for him while he served his country.  They were looking forward to celebrating their 66th Anniversary in December.   They enjoyed many family outings to Center Hill Lake, boating, fishing, and having extended family come join them.  The family was very close knit and enjoyed those times very much.  When he was home he kept his yard neat, grew a vegetable garden, and took rides in the country.  He was a member of the Baptist Church.  He was honored to help take care of other veterans at the VA Hospital in Murfreesboro for over 30 years.
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 from 3-6 pm.  Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  He will be laid to rest in Riverside Garden with Military Funeral Honors.   In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the American Heart Association, American Kidney Foundation, or a Veteran’s Charity of your choice.  Share memories with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337
 

Paul Adams Foster, 82, died Friday, September 7th at this home. He was a native of Cannon County. 
Survivors include his wife Cynthia L. Braswell Foster, children:  Ricky Paul Foster of Woodbury, Cynthia Jean McCabe of Bon Aqua, Darlene Heller of Knoxville and Heather Rowell of Manchester. eight grandchildren, sisters:  Margie West and Mary Lynn Bush all of Woodbury.  Sisters-in-law, June, Jennie and Judy Foster all of Woodbury, six great grandchildren also survive.
 
He was a member of the Elkins Church of Christ and a veteran serving in the Army. Paul was retired from AVCO/Textron.
 
Services for Paul Adams Foster will be Monday at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Bro. Norman Pelham will conduct the service.
Visitation with the family will be Sunday from 2 pm until 8 pm.
 
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.