Obituaries

Bobby Gray Dutton, age 85, of Auburntown passed away Monday, December 30, 2024 at his home.  He was born to his parents, the late Arnold & Edith Grizzle Dutton on May 14, 1939 in the Gassaway Community of Cannon County.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce Mingle Dutton of Auburntown; Children, Tim Dutton of Murfreesboro & Nicole (Charles) Montgomery of Knoxville; Grandchildren, Mary Claire Dutton (Michael) Woodward, Garland Montgomery (Jason) Fisher, Gates Montgomery, Gray Montgomery, & Gwyneth Montgomery; Great Grandchildren, Cayden & Annmarie Woodward; and Siblings, Betsy Leach of Auburntown & Tammy McNatt of Murfreesboro.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Hal Dutton.

Bobby was a member of the Auburn Church of Christ and was an engineer with General Electric for over 35 years.  Bobby was a creative writer, maker, collector and historian.  He loved the outdoors and cherished spending time on his farm.  A passionate student of genealogy, Bobby enjoyed and contributed much to the Auburntown Historical Society.  He valued family above all and cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, who will not soon forget his quick dry wit and valuable words of wisdom.

Funeral Services will be at 7 pm Thursday, January 2, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. David Dunn officiating.  His family will receive friends for the visitation from 4 pm to 7 pm Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Woodbury Funeral Home.  Graveside Services will be held at 11 am Friday, January 3, 2025 at Sycamore Cemetery.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.5378, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Lowell Dwain “Squeaky” Gunter, age 66, of McMinnville, passed away Monday, December 30, 2024 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  He was born to his parents, Robert & Helen Juanita Neal Gunter on March 28, 1958 in Warren Co.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Wanda Gunter of McMinnville; Children, Jequita Gilbert of Christiana, Amanda Hewitt of Tampa, FL, & James Cole of Bristol, VT; Grandchildren, Makayla Gilbert, Everett Gilbert, Jr., Titus Gilbert, Ezrie Cole, Nathan Hewitt, & Jeffery Hewitt, Jr.; Siblings, Roger Gunter of McMinnville, Buddy Gunter of Dickson, & Angel Gunter of Murfreesboro; Brother-in-law, Henry Roark of McMinnville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Cole, and sister-in-law, Billie Sue Gunter.

Dwain was of the Baptist/Pentecostal faith and was a heavy machinery operator and drove a track hoe.  He loved to play jokes & pranks on his family and friends.

Funeral Services will be at 2 PM Sunday, January 5, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Blues Hill Cemetery.  His family will receive friends for the visitation from 9 am to 7 pm Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Everett, Sr., Everett, Jr., Titus, James, Cole, & Henry.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Cathy JoAnn Pendergrass, 61, of Warrenton, VA passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Raised in the rolling hills of Kentucky, Cathy spent her life cultivating beauty, capturing memories, and creating joy in the lives of everyone she met. 

Her passion for working horses and enjoying a ranching lifestyle were shared with family and friends. With a camera in hand, she had an uncanny ability to capture life’s precious moments, preserving them for generations to come. Many of her incredible images were featured on covers of western and livestock publications across the country.

Cathy’s love for gardening was evident in her vibrant flowers and flourishing plants, which was reflected in her nurturing spirit. She used this hobby to instill work ethic and an enjoyment of nature in her grandchildren. Her adventurous soul led her to explore the world through travel, finding wonder and inspiration in every new place she visited.

The light of Cathy’s life was her family, especially her beloved husband, Bill, her children, and her grandchildren, who were the center of her heart. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Bill Pendergrass; her four children, Erica & John Faith, Aaron & Alyssa Faith, Andy & Carla Pendergrass, and Dusty & Emily Pendergrass; and her treasured grandchildren, Layla Pendergrass, Raylee and Landon Faith, Hudson and Etta Pendergrass. She is also survived by her mother, Linda Beck; her siblings, Cindy, James, Robin, and Daniel; and a host of extended family and dear friends. Cathy was preceded in death by her father, James Beck. 

Cathy was deeply loved by many for her kindness, humor, and the warmth she brought to all who knew her. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and a life lived fully. 

Services to celebrate Cathy’s life will be held at Woodbury Funeral Home in Woodbury, Tennessee on Saturday January 4, 2025. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by a service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Beefmaster Educational Endowment Foundation, in honor of Cathy’s generous spirit. 

A celebration of life will be held in Franklin, Texas on January 25, 2025. Additional details to follow. For more information contact Andy Pendergrass (979) 402-2570 or Dusty Pendergrass (979) 402-8153.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

James Cooper age, 60 passed away Tuesday December 24, 2024, at his residence. He was born September 15, 1964, to his parents, Matthew and Jackie May Cooper.

He was preceded in death by a step-son, Jeremy Ray Ferrell; sister, Bertha Cooper; brother, Joseph Cooper; grandparents, Seymour and Pearl Cooper, and James and Bertha May.

Mr. Cooper was a Christian and a Truck Driver for Canco.

He is survived by his wife, Ethel Cooper of McMinnville; parents, Matthew and Jackie May Cooper; step-sons, Jonathan (Angelia) Ferrell of Smithville and Steven (Amanda) Ferrell of Smithville; extra children, Chris (Tori) South and Justin Braswell; grandchildren, Shaun West, Linda West, Ellabeth Ferrell, Colton Ferrell, C. J. South, Summer South, Brooklyn South; siblings, Jeffery (Melissa) Cooper, JoAnn (Randy) Zelker, and Jason Cooper all of West VA.; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many other family and friends also survive; special friends, Glenn “Cotton” and Trish Bogle.

Graveside services and burial will be held Monday December 30, 2024 at 2:PM at Beach Hill Cemetery in Gassaway with Bro. Michael Hale officiating. There will not be any visitation or services held at the funeral home. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.

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

Ann Marie (Davenport) Dismukes,58, passed away on December 27, 2024, after being admitted to Vanderbilt Hospital on Christmas Day following a brain hemorrhage.

Survivors include by her husband of 38 years, Don Dismukes of Cannon Co.  Other survivors include her mother, Rita Grisham of Murfreesboro and father, Eugene (Carol) Davenport of Woodbury, sister, Jeani Davenport and brother, Chip Grisham, both of Murfreesboro, step-sister, Kim Davenport of Woodbury, niece Morgan Grisham of Woodbury and nephew Michael Davenport of Murfreesboro. Also surviving, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Wanda Dismukes of Murfreesboro. She was preceded in death by her brother, Allen Davenport.

Ann brought excellence to both her personal and business life with her resourcefulness and unequaled organizational skills.  She loved to shop, to travel and to spend time with friends.  Her favorite past time was with Don on their “Satur-dates” established many years ago to prevent them from falling into a complacency relationship and spending weekends doing chores.  Wy not share a Saturday with the one you love by antique shopping, find a new restaurant in a nearby town, or spend the day traveling the Highway 127 Yard Sale? Her love for her husband and for bringing joy to others with her quick wit and zest for life is a treasured memory for all who knew her.  She and Don are animal lovers and avid advocates of rescue and other animal support services. 

Ann, an honors graduate of Overton High School in 1985, was employed for the last 19 years by Middle Tennessee State University, most recently as the Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Health and Human Performance. 

Her family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 30, 2024.  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Interment will follow in Thyatira Cemetery.

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

Jason Corey Patrick, 44, of Bradyville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024. He was born in Woodbury, Tennessee on Tuesday, September 2, 1980.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Wanda Davis Patrick and Arzie James Patrick; brother, Joshua Derrick Patrick; grandparents, William Jessie and Ida Pearl Davis, Robert Wilson Patrick, and Mary Hillis Jones; uncles, Tommy Patrick and Arvil Mooneyham; and aunt, Helen Ferrell.

He is survived by his wife Amanda Patrick; daughters, Alysha Patrick and Rachel Patrick; sons, Jason Patrick and Ethan Patrick; brother, Russell Walls; father-in-law, Tim Ramsay; uncle, Barry (Elaine) Jones; aunts, Thelma Hibdon and Margie Wells; and step-brothers, Darrell Patrick and Jaime Patrick.

Jason grew up with the love of his mother, Wanda, and the love he and Joshua had for her only grew over the years. She was the firm hand and the gentle touch, the disciplinarian and the comforter, the swift punishment and the long-suffering prayer. Her influence pushed her boys to go on and work in fields where they could care for others. While Joshua took the path of healthcare and went into nursing, Jason found his talent working with machines.

Traditional school just wasn’t for Jason, and he entered Job Corps, where he earned his GED and trained to be a diesel mechanic. It didn’t take long before Jason landed a job with Bumper to Bumper doing diesel automotive repairs, but he didn’t limit himself to just diesel vehicles. That may have been his profession, but he had a knack for working on any vehicle and enjoyed every minute of it.

Being a man’s man, it probably isn’t hard to believe that, other than cars, Jason’s interests included women. However, he didn’t want just any woman. He was looking for a woman who had the strength of his mother but would know she could depend on him. One night he went over to his girlfriend’s house to visit, and he met her tenant, Amanda. He and Amanda hit it off and stayed up the whole night talking.

Rather than love at first sight, it was love at first conversation for them. Jason parted ways with his previous girlfriend knowing that he had found the one. Many dates involved riding around in his white Dodge Neon, where they could talk the evening away. Jason didn’t want to let this one get away, so he popped the question and they were wed on May 27, 2005.

From then on, he followed Amanda wherever she went. His goal was to be present in her life, especially the kids’ lives when they came along. He wanted to be everything his father was not for him and his brother, and he was a good husband and dad. One of his favorite parts of being a dad was aggravating his kids, and he knew just how to do it.

Being a cut-up who enjoyed doing pranks, he could get under just about anyone’s skin and then be laughing and friends the next minute. Other than his kids and Amanda, his father-in-law became a central focus of his jokes. He called Tim “Uncle Cracker” or “Super Cracker” and had many occurrences where he would catch him off guard with a prank. 

Jason was the king of popping up and scaring people. His feet walked softer than a cat on the hunt, but his personality was like a dog. You could try your best to get under his skin, but he was too nonchalant and relaxed to let anyone trip him up. He was just happy to have you putting in the effort and giving him some attention.

Though there were many positives in Jason’s life, it wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies. His life took turns that brought hard times, and he lost many of the aspects of his life he enjoyed and loved most. However, he tried to make the most of every situation. When his health began to fail and he could no longer work on cars, he found solace in sharpening knives and eating a good meal.

No matter what Jason went through, he didn’t change at his core. He had a good heart and good intentions toward anyone he met. Like most of us, he had regrets about some of his past decisions, and he wanted to make changes. Up until his last day, he talked about getting better, getting back on his feet, and even potentially becoming a preacher. It is with deep sorrow that his family and friends lay him to rest, but they take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his mother and brother.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 from 12-2 pm. Memorial services will follow on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Interment will follow at Center Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist the family with expenses.

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

Mr. Wesley Patterson, 37, of Woodbury, TN passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2024.  He was born in Murfreesboro, TN on July 16, 1987. 

He is survived by his parents, Larry and Geraldine Patterson of Woodbury, sons, Whaylen and Leland Patterson, daughter, Atleigh Patterson, brother, Dewayne (Vickie) Patterson of Murfreesboro, sisters, Penny (Gary) Nash of Columbia and April (Nick Butler) Parker of Smithville, close friends, Tony Burns, Justin Kelly, and many others.

Wesley’s parents were happily living life and raising their other three children as teenagers when he made his surprise entrance into their lives.  It was clear from the beginning he was going to be a ball of energy and keep things interesting.  The nurses had to improvise padding around his crib in the hospital to keep him from banging into the sides because he moved around so much. 

It didn’t take long for Wesley to decide he was going to be a sports fanatic.  He tried his hand at T-Ball and grammar school baseball, but he was cut out more for watching from the sidelines.  His dad and brother were both into drag racing.  Larry and Dewayne went partners on a car.  They built it from a Studebaker body.  It had a Chevy engine they built and dialed in.  Wesley was right there watching every move as they built the car. They made almost weekly trips to local drag strips at Buffalo Valley and Beech Bend to compete for prizes and bragging rights.  Wesley clung to the fence cheering them on at the races. If any mention was made about having to miss a weekend at the strip, he was not a happy camper.  If they lost a race, he was mad as a hornet.

His brother always had a fast muscle car.  When Wesley got old enough, he followed in his footsteps. Larry and Dewayne were both mechanically inclined.  Wesley would get them to show him how to work on his cars.  Dewayne had helped him customize his Camaro to get it just how he wanted it.  He and Dewayne also got to spend time working together at Steel Technologies in Murfreesboro.

His sports passion didn’t end with racing.  He was a huge Nashville Predators fan and collected a variety of jerseys and other memorabilia.  If there was any kind of game on he was ready to root for his team or player to win.  You name the sport, and he was in.  If he wanted to do something a little more laid back, he would grab his fishing pole and tackle box.  Dropping a line in the water was a good way for him to unwind and refocus.  He and his friend, Tony had recently gone fishing and Wesley reeled in a monster fish.

Spending time with his children was high on his to-do list. When Whaylen and Leland got old enough to play T-Ball he was there rooting them on.  Atleigh got involved in cheerleading and gymnastics and he watched intently.  They were fortunate enough to be able to take many family trips together.  The kids loved going to Disney, Gatlinburg, and New Orleans.  He wanted to make them feel special and would go out of his way to get them whatever they wanted.  If it meant he had to do without something, he would do it without flinching. 

Thirty-seven years isn’t a lot of time in the big picture, but Wesley packed a lot of living into the time he had.  They are heartbroken he left so quickly but are thankful for the memories they have to hold onto.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Monday, December 30, 2024 from 4-8 pm.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 1 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Tim Gentry will officiate.  Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.  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.

Jackie Ray Crips, age 69, of Smithville Tennessee, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024 at his Woodbury home following an extended illness. Mr. Crips was the son of the late Jim Robert and Goldie Irene Melton Crips.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Timothy Joe Crips and Jerry Lane Crips, sisters Beverly Diane Crips and Jimmie Irene Crips Carter

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Anita Faye Knox Crips daughter, Jennifer Irene Crips Collins, son-in-law Mark Anthony Collins, grandson Robert Dalton Collins and granddaughter Taylor Riley Collins; Sons, Jackie Ray Crips Jr, Jamie Lee Crips and Jimmy Robert Crips, granddaughter Alex Morgan Crips and Weston Robert Kenamer Crips Daughter, Angela Dawn Hoover Stroh, son-in-law Shawn Stroh, granddaughters Lacy Elizabeth Stroh and Allie Kate Stroh. Brothers, Douglas Don Crips and wife Gail, Thomas Edward Crips and late wife Ann, Melvin Leon Crips and wife Leeann, Ricky Gene Crips, Billy J. Crips and wife Toni and sister Cathy Sue Crips Jiminez and many special nieces and nephews. Lastly his faithful little white dog, Quinzel, “Bob Barker”, who was his constant shadow.

Jackie was a “jack of all trades”, skilled in Carpentry, roofing, and painting and was also a Butcher. Jackie was an avid collector of antiques, coins, and stamps. He loved tinkering with clocks. He had an amazing green thumb and artistic talents. He loved fishing, hunting, and most of all his family. Jackie loved to cook and made the best pies around town. Our best memories will always be gathered around the kitchen table. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and that “Crips” laugh.

 “Now we have to remember you, but you will get to live through us.”  “Remember that I am always with you until the end of time” Matthew 28:20

His family will receive friends, Friday January 3, 2024 starting at 11:00 A.M.  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Ron Harper officiating.  Interment will follow in Curlee cemetery. Pallbearers include Mark Collins, Robbie Crips, Ricky Crips, Harley Crips, Stephan Crips, and Noah Crips.

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

James Christopher Carpenter, 66, of Woodbury passed away Monday, December 23, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford. A native of Memphis, he was preceded in death by his parents, James Junior Carpenter and Mary Aline Swan Carpenter.

Mr. Carpenter is survived by his loving son, James Andrew Kerr Carpenter of Woodbury and his siblings, Mark (Lynn) Carpenter of Huntsville and Suzette Rasmussen of Memphis. Also surviving are his niece and 2 nephews.

A member of Woodbury First Baptist Church, he was a CPA and worked for Global Industries Corporation. He was involved with Campus Crusaders for Christ and Gideons International. James was a big fan of University of Memphis Tigers basketball. He loved his church and he loved the Lord. Most of all, he was a wonderful and loving father.

His family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. with funeral services to follow at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home, Monday December 30, 2024. Bro. Dean Anderson will conduct his service. Interment will follow at Cherry Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Journey Home, Woodbury First Baptist church or to Gideons International.

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

Martha Cox Graves, 97, passed away Monday, December 23, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford following an extended illness.  A native of Wilson Co., she was the daughter of the late H.H. Cox and Maddie Belle Hardison Cox.

Ms. Martha is survived by her daughter, Jackie Martin of Woodbury; grandchildren, Nicholaus Martin of Woodbury and Ashley Crader of Murfreesboro; great grandchildren, James Stephen Martin, Matthew Bates Martin, Aiden Dickens and Adalynn Burns.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bates C. Graves; daughter, Shelia Joy Graves; grandson, Ronnie Martin, Jr. and 9 siblings.

A member of the church at Brawley’s Fork, Ms. Martha was a factory worker and caregiver.  She enjoyed doing word puzzles.

Her family will receive friends Saturday, December 28, 2024 from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M.  Funeral services will follow in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home at 11:00 A.M.  Interment will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday at Fairfield cemetery in Westmoreland, TN.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net