Obituaries

Ricky Wayne Caldwell, 65, passed away at St. Thomas Midtown Sunday, June 23, 2024 exactly a year from the passing of his mother.  A native of Cannon Co., he was the son of the late Reba Young Prater and Norman Henson Caldwell and his stepfather, Lemuel Dwaine Prater.

He is survived by his daughters, Lawanna Peeler and Melissa Luttrell both of Woodbury, his grandchildren, Madelynne Bogle (Hayden Carter), Makenna Luttrell, Samuel Holloway and Maci Caldwell, great granddaughter, Raelynne Carter, sister, Connie (Greg) Rigsby of Dandridge, uncle, Zeb Caldwell of Smithville, niece and nephew, Candise Hendricks and Trevor (Emily) Rigsby and best friends, Patricia Caldwell, Perry Markum and Carey Hutchins.

Ricky was a member of the Hollow Springs Community church.  He worked at GE and was a chair maker.  Ricky enjoyed anything outdoors including hunting, fishing, camping and anything on the water.  He loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 26, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Edward Sissom officiating.  Interment will follow in the Amity cemetery.

His family will receive friends from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Hershell Wayne Burnett, 83, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford. He was a native of Cannon Co.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Faye Morris Burnett of Woodbury; his sister, Wanda (Ron) Born of Woodbury and sister-in-law, Diane Jones of Woodbury. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Burnett is preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Minnie Lou Mathis Burnett.

Hershell was a member of the Woodbury First United Methodist church, and he was retired from the LaVergne Farmer’s Co-Op. He had a passion for detailing cars and enjoyed doing word search puzzles.

His family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. Monday, June 24, 2024. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Tony Burnett officiating. Interment will follow in the Riverside cemetery.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Willie Nile Howse, 70, of Manchester, TN passed away on June 7, 2024, after a short illness. Willie was born on May 29, 1954, in Woodbury, TN to Elizabeth Walker Howse and Willie D. Howse.

Willie spent his career as a trailer mechanic for Trailer Sales of TN. In retirement he enjoyed visiting with friends and family, expanding his various collections, and “keeping the roads hot”.

Willie is survived by his children Steve Howse, Dusty Howse Rademacher and Angel Howse, his siblings Ronnie Howse (Sue), and Fred Howse also surviving is special friend Vicki Gilchrist. Preceded in death by his parents and sisters Sherry Bogle, and Helen Wellchance. 

Per his request, he was cremated and his family will have a private service at a later date. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences or memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Juanita Caldwell Midkiff, 95, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024 at her home in Woodbury. Born on April 25, 1929 in Clay, KY., she was the daughter of Edward Erwin Caldwell and Vivian Molene Rheem Caldwell. She was the 5th child out of 10 children.

Ms. Midkiff completed the 10th grade and began working to help her family. Her father was an underground coalminer. She worked at a shirt factory and also at GE. Residing in Owensboro, KY., she was a stay at home mom but worked at odd jobs. In the 1980’s, she started working with Deanie Johnson who owned Creative Catering and worked for her for 15 years.

A member of Southside Wesleyan Fellowship church, she was the church secretary for 38 years. At the age of 85, she moved to Tennessee to live with her daughter and son-in-law. There she attended Simmons Chapel Free Methodist church. She was fiercely independent and very strong willed which served her well until her departure from her earthly home to be with the Lord.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Charline Hanor, Edward Norris Caldwell, Nina Ruth Burton, Vivian Lee Todd, Martha Laneve, James Rheem Caldwell and Morris Dean Caldwell.

She is survived by her daughter and son-law, Beverly and Bobby Wheeler of Woodbury, fur baby, Tilly and her sisters, Addie Herges of Rutherford Co. and Connie Langston of St. Petersburg, VA.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Simmons Chapel Free Methodist church with Pastor Joshua Huff and Pastor John Fowler officiating. Memorial visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.

Samuel “Sammy” Harrison Butcher, Jr., 67, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024 suddenly at his home in Woodbury. A native of Rutherford Co., Sammy was the son of the late Samuel “Sam” Butcher, Sr. and Irene Puckett Butcher.

He is survived by his wife, Leila Hoffman Butcher of Woodbury; his children, Tracy (Keith) Mangrum, Ashley (Donnie) Simon and Tyler (Brittney) Powell all of Woodbury; his son-in-law, Tony Denami of Woodbury; grandchildren, Kelsey Luna, Samantha (Eddie) Ellis, Reagan and Caylee Denami, Lexie Simon, Connor Davis, Addie Mangrum, Hailey Mangrum, Tylee Powell and Teegan Powell; great grandchildren, Waylon and Travis Ellis and his siblings, Ricky Butcher of Readyville and Wanda Bobbitt of Murfreesboro.

In addition to his parents, Sammy was preceded in death by his children, Samuel Butcher, III and Becky Denami.

Sammy was a Christian and was retired from Backer as a HVAC lab technician. He enjoyed being outdoors and doing things such as fishing, boating, off roading and riding his RZR. He loved watching Gun Smoke and no matter how many times he watched it, he still would act like it was his first time watching. Most of all, any time he got to spend with his family was time well spent. His boisterous personality will be missed by all his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 27, 2024 from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at Rustic Elegance Event Center, 1751 Doolittle Rd., Woodbury, TN. 37190.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.

Mr. Donald Lee Lawson, age 71 of Smithville, passed away Monday evening, June 17, 2024 at his residence.

He was a retired area manager from Nissan after 33 years, a master carpenter, and a member of the Smithville Church of God.

He was born in Smithville on December 22, 1952 to his parents, the late Huey and Sybal Bratcher Lawson. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by 1 brother, Jewel Lawson and 2 sisters, Judith and Virginia Lawson. 

Visitation with family will be on Wednesday from 3-8pm and on Thursday, from 10am until the time of the service at 2pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Banks Cemetery with Bro. William Raph, Jr. and Bro. Arnold Conley officiating.

Survivors include 2 sisters, Sue Arnold and Barbara Lawson all of Smithville; 1 brother, Ronald (Dora) Lawson of Woodbury; 2 nieces, Tina (Rodney) Basham and Angela Lawson; 3 nephews, Adam (Dawn) Lawson, Kevin (Bekah) Hale, and Delane (Kay) Lawson; 5 great nieces and nephews; and special caregiver, Dawn Lawson. 

A special thank you to all of Mr. Lawson’s caregivers, Adoration Home Heath and Genitive Hospice workers. 

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. 

Barbara Ann Holt was a proud native of Cannon County and lifelong resident of Woodbury. She was born to parents Colin and Elizabeth (Lizzy) Merriman also of Cannon County. She is preceded in death by her husband Chuck, sister-in-law Rosemarie Merriman, brother Randy and sister-in-law Kelly Merriman.

She is survived by her children Leslie Holt (partner Renee Lester), Jason Holt (fiancée April Jones) all of Murfreesboro, grandchildren Christian and Connor Holt of Woodbury, her brother J.W. Merriman of Lacey WA, niece Deborah Zinski of Buckley, WA and nephew J.W. Merriman Jr. also of Lacey WA, her niece Abby Merriman of Seymore TN, sisters in law Linda Grammar of Luka MS, Anita Warren of Murfreesboro and chosen family Rick Smotherman and Warren Weible of Murfreesboro.

A devout Christian, she was a lifelong member of the Iconium Church of Christ. Barbara was a devoted mother and home maker first, taking care of her family and anyone extra that came through her door. (And there were ALOT of extras through her door, whether her children’s friends, the neighborhood kids, or the Rescue Squad family dear to her heart). 

During the years she worked outside her home she was a garment inspector. Always cheerful, good natured, kind, loving and fun, she enjoyed decorating her house, traveling to visit family and spending time in the Smokey Mountains every chance she had.

Barbara loved to cook and fellowship with friends. She enjoyed all kinds of music, liked to sing and loved to dance and from the beginning was a dedicated fan of productions at the Cannon County Art Center. Alzheimer’s tried to steal her life from her, but she never allowed it to win and until the end remained happy, upbeat funny and sweet. She passed peacefully at home holding her daughter’s hand of course, listening to her favorite hymns by her favorite singer Alan Jackson. She truly loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed. 

Graveside services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Prater Cemetery with Bro Herb Alsup officiating

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 9:00 AM -10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donation be made in her memory to the Woodbury Public Library, The Cannon County Art Center or any charity near and dear to your own heart.

Woodbury Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Sally Ann McMurtry Sullivan of Readyville, TN, age 92, passed peacefully on June 15, 2024.  Sally was born to Flora & Drew McMurtry on August 3, 1931 at Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX, the youngest of three daughters, including Patricia McMurtry Semands & Mary Francis McMurtry Hofheinz.  She was a daughter of the American Revolution and a lifelong member of the Scottish Brigade.

Sally was a loving Mother and Grandmother, survived by her only child, Elroy Sullivan (Debra), Grandchildren Eric Drew Sullivan (Courtney), Matthew Stewart Sullivan (Diana), & Virginia Ross Sullivan, & Great Grandchild Rowan Halley Sullivan.  In addition, Sally loved her step-Grandchildren Scott Davis Bissmeyer (Clotivel) & Jacob Shane Godley (Annie).

Sally was a lifelong member of the Garden Villas United Methodist Church in Houston, and also joined the Woodbury United Methodist Church upon moving here in 2016.  During her career, Sally was an extremely hard worker, working as an owner/manager, hostess, bookkeeper, & personal assistant.  In addition, she loved a good party, whatever the circumstances.

Services will be graveside at 2pm, June 17, 2024, at Thyatira Cemetery, 860 Bradyville Pike, Cannon County, conducted by Rev. David Lilley.  Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com.

Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.

Buddy G. Francis, 90 passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024 at his home in Woodbury. A native
of Cannon Co., he was the son of the late Rayburn and May Bell Bryson Francis.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Ann Davenport Francis of Woodbury; his daughters,
Teresa Miller and Raycell (Robert) Wimberley both of Manchester; grandchildren,
Robert Michael Wimberley and Steven Ray Wimberley; great grandchildren, Ryan,
Blake and Raylan Wimberley and his siblings, Bobby (Brenda) Francis of
Auburntown, Billy Francis of Woodbury and Marilyn Hall of Nashville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Robert Mark
Nichols and siblings, Elizabeth Wilson, Joann Davis and Nile Francis.

A member of the Baptist church, Buddy was a farmer, worked at Armour creamery,
Woodbury Builders Supply and Woodbury Funeral Home.  He loved life and
enjoyed living so much.  He also loved music, playing guitar, singing and
most of all fox hunting. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 12, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury
Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow
in the Riverside Gardens cemetery.  Pallbearers include, John Francis,
Kirk Davis, Tim Hall, Brian Francis, David Wilson and Brad Hall.  Honorary
Pallbearers include Teddy Taylor, Greg Smithson, W.R. Nichols and Dennis
Bromley.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 11,
2024.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family,
please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Randall “Pappy” Taylor age 69 of Smithville of the Short Mountain Community, passed away Saturday morning, June 8, 2024, at his residence.

He was born July 12, 1954, in Smithville, to his parents, the late George Emery and Minnie Louise Estes Taylor.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Taylor and sister, Tammy Davenport.

Pappy worked with the Cannon County Highway Department.

He is survived by 2 sisters, Brenda Barrett and Georgene (Jeffrey) Grisham both of Liberty; brother, Russell Taylor of Woodbury; niece, Brenda (Wayne) Lattimore; great-nieces, Miranda, Serenity and Brandi; great-nephew, Joshua Grisham; honorary sister, Glenda Hale; honorary brother, Mark Pryor and 2 special friends, Charles Taylor and Steven Hobbs.

Graveside services and interment will be 1:PM Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Melton Cemetery at Short Mountain with Gary Hancock officiating.  There will not e any visitation at the funeral home, family and friends will meet at the cemetery for the graveside service at 1:PM Tuesday.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Taylor family.