Obituaries

Thomas Edwin Shirley, Jr. (Ed) passed away at St. Thomas West in Nashville on March 23 2018 from a sort illness.  He was born on November 16, 1942 to his parents who preceded him in death, Thomas Edwin Shirley, Sr. and Amy Nell Harris Shirley.  He is also preceded in death by his first wife, Elaine Shirley. 
He is survived by is wife, Joan Banks Shirley, Sister, Faye (John) Shirley of Woodbury; Other family, Dr. Melanie Banks of Woodbury, Justin, Kelly, Gracie and Banks Nichols of Ivy Bluff, Joe, Lana, Easton, Allie and Avery Geren of Monroe, GA., Herb Satterfield of Birmingham, AL and special friends, Shane and Pat Nichols, Ashley, Carson and Cooper Henderson.
 
Ed was a graduate of Woodbury Central High and Middle Tennessee State University.  He was a n education specialist holding a B.A., Masters, and Masters +45 Education degrees.
 
Ed was a member of the Smith Grove Church of Christ, a member of the Cannon County Audit Committee and was the leader of the Monday Woodbury Church of Christ Bible Class.
 
He was retired from the Rutherford County School System where he served as assistant superintendent of schools.  He previously worked a the Wilson County School System.
 
Ed had a love of music enjoyed playing the piano,  He enjoyed traveling, including two trips to the Holy Land.  His pride and joy was Gracie and Banks Nichols and Easton, Allie and Avery Geren, Carson and Cooper Henderson. 
 
Funeral services will be 3 pm Tuesday in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Dan Sweet and Bro. Al Bugg officiating.  Interment will follow in the Ivy Bluff Cemetery.  Vistation with the family will be from 430 pm until 9 pm Monday and Tuesday from 10 am until time of service.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Donald “Don” Eugene Phillips, 71, passed away Friday, March 23, 2018 at St. Thomas West in Nashville. 
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Bell Phillips of Woodbury; 2 Sons, Corey Phillips (Shelley Atnip) of Manchester and Josh (Amber) Phillips of Manchester; Grandson, Lukas Phillips of Manchester; Siblings, Paul Phillips of Lebanon, Jimmy (Pam) Phillips of Manchester and Ellen Vaughn of Manchester; Sister-in-law, Donna Phillips; Brother-in-law, Wayne Millraney. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Pauline Reed Phillips; siblings, Ed and Harvey Phillips, Fran Fox, Tennie Millraney and Margaret Gold.
 
A member of the Church of Christ and former member of the Manchester Jaycees, Don was retired from Batesville Casket Co. after 28 years and was a Butcher.  He was a Dixie Youth Baseball Coach, an avid UT fan, TN Titans fan and a New York Yankees Fan. He loved to play golf but he was most proud and loved his grandson, Lukas. 
 
Funeral Services will be 1 pm Tuesday, March 27, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Corry officiating.  Interment will follow in the Centerhill Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm to 9 pm Monday, March 26, 2018
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 
 

Lynville Ray Trail, age 68, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at St. Thomas Stones River ER.  He was a native of Cannon Co.  
He is survived by his loving family, his wife of 48 years, Nancy King Trail of Bradyville; Sons, Lynn & Krista Trail & Bradley Trail, both of Bradyville; Granddaughters, Kaitlynn & Kathryn Trail, both of Bradyville; Sisters, Pam Clark & Karen (James) Harris of Manchester; and Special Sisters-in-law, Martha Taylor & Betty West.
 
He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and numerous friends.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell & Lydia Campbell Trail; and his brother, Donnie Trail.
 
Mr. Trail was a devoted member of the Lumley Stand Church of Christ and loved his church family.  He was retired from General Electric after 34 years, and currently worked at Manchester Builder’s Supply.  He was an avid fisherman.
 
Funeral Services will be 11 AM Saturday, March 24, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bros. Paul Sullivan & Brian Pitts officiating.  Interment will follow at Gnat Hill Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 8 PM Friday, March 23, 2018.
 
Pallbearers include Brent Sain, Silas Vaughn, Sawyer Vaughn, Ethan Crouch, Kaleb Crouch, Byron Sullivan, David Carr, & Jacob Raines.
 
Honorary Pallbeares include Brad Sain, James Smith, J.C. Jones, & Doyle Duke.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lumley Stand Church of Christ.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 
 

William Dempsey Bess, 73, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018 at his home in Readyville.  He was a native of Liberty, TN. He is survived by his wife, Janet Taylor Bess of Readyville; Children, Margie (Mark) Moreau, William “Bill” (Norma) Bess, William “Allen” Bess, Anthony “Tony” (Melissa) Bess; Step-daughter,  Jennie (Tim) Lovvorn; Grandchildren, Brandy Moreau and Brittney Bess; Step Grandchildren,  Issac and Elliott Lovvorn; Great Grandson, Niko Espitsito; Step Great Grandson, Arlo Lovvorn and siblings, Siblings, Mildred Parker, Clementine Tackett, Angel Clark, Ruby Mae Williamson, Jewell Bess, John Abraham Bess, Walter Bess, Josh Bess, Charles Bess, Paul Bess, Freddie Vaught, Rex Vaught, Roy Vaught and Nelson Vaught.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Bess and Ruby Johnson Vaught and his brother, Sam Bess.
Mr. Bess was a member of the United States Army where he did three tours in Vietnam.  He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star in addition to numerous other medals.  He was also in the Special Forces.  Willie was retired from Lewis Bakery and a member of Plainview Baptist Church.
Memorial Services will be 2 pm Sunday, March 25, 2018 at Plainview Baptist Church with Bro. Jonathan Womack officiating. 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Thomas Edward “Tommy” Miller, age 61, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2018 at his home.  He was a native of Cannon Co. 
He is lovingly survived by family members, Sheila Holt and her daughters, Stacey Holt & Lynn (Justin) Kelly, both of Manchester, and three grandchilren, Trae Roberts, JJ & Merrick Kelly.  He was the son of the late Edward Levi & Bessie Thomas Miller, and is survived by two sisters, Rita Miller Grisham of Murfreesboro and Judy (Glenn) Higgins of Woodbury, along with one brother, Phillip Glen (Rachel Prince) Miller of Shelbyville and a host of nieces and nephews.
 
Tommy was a carpenter and (along with his best friend and business partner, Tony Morgan) leaves a legacy of well-built and/or renovated homes throughout Cannon & surrounding counties.  He enjoyed doing masterful trim work on the homes of his clients and camping with his family.  His greatest pleasure, however, was spending time with his grandchildren.
 
Graveside Services will be 1:30 PM Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at Riverside Cemetery with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Visitation with the family will be 11 PM to 1 PM Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at the funeral home.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

William L. Brown, 73, of Manchester, passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 26, 2018 at his home.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Chester Brown and Bettie Thomas Brown and his brothers, Joe L. Brown and Roy G. Brown. 
He is survived by his wife, Sarah Moore Brown of Manchester; daughters, Rhonda Brown Hibdon (Jeff “Chico” Cawthon) of Milton,  Deneen Sissom  (Luther) Stotts of Manchester and son, Dwayne Sissom of Woodbury; grandchildren, Lindsey Smith, Leslie Smith (Gary) Young, Jimmy Stotts and Joe Stotts all of Manchester; Great Grandchildren, Anna, Journey and Wesley.
 
Bill worked many years at Carrier Corp. until its shutdown forced him to retire.  He loved spending time with his family, piddling in the back yard and his trips to people watch at Walmart. 
 
Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 24, 2018  from 2 – 4 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home to honor his memory with stories and laughter.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

Mike “Finny” Simmons, 63, passed suddenly Friday, March 9, 2018 at his home in Readyville.  He was a native of Cannon Co., TN.  
He is survived by his son, Carl (Sara) Logan of Readyville; 2 Grandchildren, Madison & Ryan Logan of Readyville and his best friends, Jeff “Heavy” Higgins, Johnny “Poindexter” Jacobs and Charles “C.J.” Johnson.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Frank Simmons and Emma Nell Davenport Simmons; Sister, Anita Milligan and Niece, Kristy Milligan.
 
Finny loved to fish and work on old cars but most of all he loved to spend time with Madison and Ryan.
 
Visitation with his family will be from 4 – 8 pm  Monday, March 12, 2018 at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
 

William “Bill” Scott Nelson, 78, passed away Thursday, March 08, 2018 at his home in Readyville, TN.  He was a native of Warren Co. 
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Pat Nelson of Readyville; children, Mark (Erin) Nelson of McMinnville, Dwayne Nelson of Mufressboro, Catrynia (Jeremy) Gannon and Jennifer (Michael) Smitty of Readyville, Amanda (Sean) Humphrey of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Misty (Trey) McBride, Daniel (Chelsea) Nelson, Brandi (Justin) Harris, Matt Nelson, Austin Smitty, Will Nelson, Kellie Nelson, Audrey Smitty, Tyler Humphrey; 5 Great Grandchildren also survive.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Scott Nelson and Sara Elizabeth Hillis Nelson; brother, Bob Nelson and nephew, Scott Nelson.
 
Bill was a member of the Mt. Zion Methodist Church in McMinnville and was retired from AEDC as a maintenance supervisor after 32 years.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved to hunt, fish and go camping with his family.  Bill was also a Master Mason, York Rite Mason, Scottish Rite Mason, a Shriner and a KYCH.
 
Funeral Services will be 3 pm Sunday, March 11, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. William Webb officiating.  Interment will follow in the Woods Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 12 noon till 3 pm Sunday, March 11, 2018.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 
 

A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Joanna Ruth Lewis will be conducted at 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Coffee County Funeral Chapel.  Visitation with the family will be from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the funeral home.  Mrs. Lewis passed away on Monday, March 5, 2018, at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. 
Joanna was born in Beechgrove, TN, the daughter of the late James Ewell and Louise Shaw Ewell.  She attended college at Austin Peay State University and then served her country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  Later, Joanna worked as a journalist for the Fayetteville Observer in Fayetteville, North Carolina, moved back to Tennessee and worked as a seamstress, managed the PCA factory store, worked on the US Census multiple times, and most importantly raised six children.  She was the Coffee County Historian, served as President of the Coffee County Historical Society, and was a member of the Middle Tennessee Amateur Radio Society.  A passionate historian and genealogist; she also co-published Tombstone Records of Cannon County, Tennessee.
 
Joanna is preceded in death by her late husband, Jesse Wesley Lewis, Jr.  She is survived by her six children, James (Mary Lou) Harvill, Michael (Shawna) Lewis, Nicholas (Vicki) Lewis, Tracey (Tony) Suzzi, Stephanie (Jeff) Hayes, and Stephen Lewis; one sister, Paula (Randall) Carr; and seven grandchildren.

Minnie Lee Fite, age 84, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, March 4, 2018 at her home.  She was a native of Cannon Co.  
Survivors include her children, Russell (Deanna) Fite of Woodbury, Rosemary (Wayne) Reed of Woodbury, & Lisa (Bryan) Hayes of Murfreesboro; Grandchildren, Suzanne Reed, Phillip (Julia) Reed, Alan (Chelsea) Reed, Heather (Drew) Garland, Taran Hayes, Lyndi Hayes, Lydia Fite, & Cheryl (Marty) Youngblood; Great Grandchildren, Zachary Hayes, Collin Reed, Cason Youngblood, Madie Reed, Olivia Garland, Staylee Reed; Siblings, Oleta Guthmiller & Hal Morris of Chattanooga; and Good Friend, Betty Duke.
 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Fite; Parents, Thel Morris, Sr. & Frances Young Morris; Granddaughter, Angela Dawn Reed; and Siblings, Christine, Vertrese, Jenny, Winnie, Quention, Brent, & Thel, Jr.
 
Ms. Fite was a lifelong member of the Gassaway Church of Christ, but attended Woodbury Church of Christ in her later years.  She was retired from Colonial Shirt Factory and worked at Woodland Elementary School.  She was a homemaker and a loving mother and loved being a grandmother more than anything.
 
Funeral Services will be 2 PM Wednesday, March 7, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Interment will follow at Sycamore Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 9 PM Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net