Obituaries

Ralph Juston Gunter of the Short Mountain community died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on September 19th, 2023.  Born April 2nd, 1948 in Woodbury, Ralph was preceded in death by parents Alec Estes Gunter and Maggie Ferrell Gunter, brother Howard Gunter and sister in law Mary Gunter, as well as mother and father in law Audrey and Morris Meyers of Nashville,Tn.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Janis Meyers, son, Erik Gunter, and grandchildren, Hailee and Montana Gunter, brother Dee(Wanda) Gunter, nephews Shawn (Amber) Gunter, and Stefan(Liz) Gunter, as well as a host of grand nieces, nephews and cherished cousins. He is also survived by brother Dee (Wanda) Gunter, nephews Shawn (Amber) Gunter, and Stefan (Liz) Gunter, as well as a number of grand-nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Ralph developed an exceptional work ethic early, and he maintained it throughout his various careers. While he grew up on and loved the family farm, he wasn’t interested in farming, but he loved anything he could drive or ride on whether that was the farm tractor or their mule.  So he made a career out of being a heavy equipment operator who shod horses on the side, and later made horseshoeing his fulltime job.  He could operate any piece of equipment and became legendary for his willingness to tackle the toughest of trail rides.  Fortunately, he found an excellent chiropractor who put him back into shape so he could do it all over again. (Thank you, Trea Wessel and staff for getting him through any number of mishaps and injuries, treating him even after his stroke to relieve some of his constant pain and discomfort.)

He was known for his kindness, his ability to make friends wherever he went and for his sense of humor. You cannot think of him without smiling– and he wouldn’t want you to. While his 

circle of friends were so dear to him and sustained him lovingly throughout the past year, his greatest joys were his son, Erik, and his grandkids, Hailee and Montana. They filled the last 18 years of his life with so much love, laughter, and hugs that his proudest title was “Grandpa.” He richly deserved it.  

In honor of Ralph’s wish to be cremated and to forego funeral services, his family and friends will hold a Celebration of Life– and oh what a life to celebrate! Time and place to be announced.

His family wishes to thank all medical professionals who helped him over the past year, with particular thanks to Compassus Hospice for making a very difficult time less painful.

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

Windol Tate, 80, of Woodbury passed away peacefully Monday, September 11, 2023 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  A native of Cannon Co., TN., the was the son of the late Malcolm and Loni Mai Bogle Tate.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joann Jones Tate of Woodbury; daughter, Angela (David) Mullinax of Woodbury; granddaughter, Laney Mullinax of Woodbury; siblings, Jimmy (Brenda) Tate, Gayle (Karen) Tate, Jeanne (Mike) Melton all of Woodbury and Joel (Marilyn) Tate of Irving College and sisters-in-law, Kathryn Vandygrift and Hazel Jones.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A member of the Baptist church, Windol retired from Standex International as a quality control manager. He and his wife, Joann, are the owners of Jennings Jewelers.  After he retired, he worked at Woodbury Funeral Home for over 20 years. 

Windol was an owner and had a love for TN Walking Horses.  He attended The Celebration for over 50 years.  He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed watching high school basketball and he played football for Woodbury Central.  He was also known for his big smile, his hugs, going to car shows and his cooking abilities.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday, September 14, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Dean Anderson and Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Odom cemetery. 

Pallbearers include David Mullinax, Spencer Benedict, Ricky Jones, James Stembridge, Adam Hayes, Cliff Wilson and Kenny Gilley.  Honorary Pallbearers include Jackie Gannon, Tony Vandygrift, Greg Vandygrift, Mike Melton, Jim Jones, Stuart Williams, Harold Duggin and Harold Bogle.

Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the TN Walking Horse Trainers Association Scholarship Fund.

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

Morgan Sissom, age 83, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, September 2, 2023 at his home. A native of Cannon County, he was the son of the late Homer and Hessie Duke Sissom.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Brenda Walsh Sissom; Children, Kimberly Achorn (Darren) of Alabama, Rex Sissom, and Becky Sissom of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Cassie Sissom, Amber Achorn, and Brittany Achorn; Great Grandchildren, Calin and Maelynn; Siblings, Ellis Sissom, Barney (Linda) Sissom, Ed Sissom, and Wanda Dailey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Donna Taylor, Carl Sissom, and Pharris Sissom.

Mr. Sissom was a member of Plainview Baptist church and was a retired railroad engineer. He enjoyed making memories with his family, trains, helping his church, fellowshipping with people and always had a smile on his face.

Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, September 6, 2023, from 2 PM until 4 PM. Funeral Services will follow at 4 PM in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Jonathan Womack officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Gardens

Mrs. Mary Joyce Tyner, 87, a native of Cannon County, Tennessee passed away on July 18, 2023, after an extended illness.  She was the daughter of the late Ernest Hill Haley and Gertie Mae Gann Haley.  She was also preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Earls; and all of her siblings, Billy Haley, J C Haley, Junior Haley, Martha Vance, Trevle Wood, and Dorothy Rogers.

She is survived by her daughter, Vickie (Jimmie) Martinez; son, Michael Earls; grandchildren, Lucas Earls and Shelby Earls; great grandchildren, Paisley Young, Bryson Fox, and Cercie Earls; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Being born in the middle of the Great Depression in the South probably would not have been ideal circumstances for most people.  In the case of Joyce, it forged her spirit into a special kind of toughness.  Adversity and determination were constantly found in her life, but her determination won out most of the time.  After graduating high school, she married a young man in the military, James Alex Earls, Sr.  They had three children together and she traveled with him for a while. While he was stationed in France, she made the challenging journey with her three young children. Unfortunately, she soon found herself as a single mother with three children to raise.  At that point she moved back to Tennessee and found a home.  Her mother, being recently widowed, moved in with her and the kids to help split expenses. 

Joyce wasn’t one to rest on her laurels, so she found work at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Woodbury.  One of the doctors could see her potential and encouraged her to get certified as an LPN.  While it wasn’t easy juggling work, going to school, and raising three children, she found a way.  Her daughter, Vickie, pitched in to help with taking care of her younger brothers and doing chores around the house. When the kids had a little free time, they would head down to the skating rink to meet up with their friends. With the LPN certification under her belt, she looked for other work opportunities.  She found work at the Woodbury Nursing Home, V. A. Nursing Home, and other places that suited her. 

Burning the candle at both ends seemed to be her lot in life, but she still managed to have some time to take the kids to Center Hill Lake on occasion and get together with an old friend.  She must have had an eye for a man in uniform because her friend introduced her to another soldier.  They married and she was able to do some more traveling with him. During their brief few years together, she saw some unexpected sites like Saudi Arabia and Japan.  Life threw her another curve, and they divorced.  It was then she found her way back to Tennessee again.

When she wasn’t working her fingers to the bone, she enjoyed sitting down to watch a good old John Wayne western.  She could count on the Duke to take her mind off of things.  He could always impart some wisdom, grit, and an extra dose of her brand of determination.  In some of her other time off, she loved to go for a drive with her sister, Dorothy, in the country looking at some of the places they remembered growing up. Another outlet for her to relieve some stress was crocheting.  She had a keen eye for crafting each piece to perfection.  While she didn’t often have time to attend church, God was a part of her life, and it is certain He was watching over her. The adversities of life all looked like opportunities to her because she had the determination to make them so.

The family held a private graveside service to lay her to rest at Leoni Cemetery.  She lived a simple life and was buried with the same dignity and honor her life encompassed.  Share memories and condolences with the family at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com  Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.

Cora Jean Rains Davis Duke, 90, of Woodbury passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at her home following a brief illness.  A native of Cannon Co., TN., she was the daughter of the late Homer and Bertha Sadler Rains.

She is survived by her daughter, Shelia Davis Rutledge of Lewisburg; grandson, Ethan Rutledge of Murfreesboro; great granddaughter, Eris Rutledge; brother, Roy Rains of Bradyville and stepson, Jeff Duke of Murfreesboro.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Kenneth Davis and Lynwood Duke and her siblings, Ray Rains, Thelma Rains and Clark Rains.

A member of the church of Christ, she was a seamstress throughout her life with many companies including the Colonial Corp. and she retired from the Overall Factory.  She enjoyed being with her family making memories, gardening and she also raised Eskimo Spitz dogs.

Visitation with her family will be Sunday, September 2, 2023 from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Cunningham officiating.  Interment will follow in the Midway cemetery.

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

Carl Dwight Blankenship, Jr., 43 of McMinnville passed away Monday, August 28, 2023 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  He was born in Dekalb Co., TN.

He is survived by his mother, Judy Prater Blankenship (Bobby Irwin) of McMinnville; aunt, Carolyn (Jimmy) Blanton of Woodbury and uncle, Myron Prater of McMinnville. Several cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Blankenship.

Jr. enjoyed working on vehicles, fishing and watching sports especially the Tennessee Titans.

Graveside services will be 1:30 P.M. Friday, September 1, 2023 at Centerhill cemetery with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.

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

Johnnie Magaline Davenport, 91, Wednesday,  August 30, 2023 at NHC – Smithville.  She was born in Wilson Co., TN.

She is survived by her 4 daughters, Brenda (David) Dodd, Darlene Davenport Gilliam and Pam (David) Gaither all of Woodbury and Regina (Stephen) Mayo of Bradyville; 11 grandchildren, John (Britany) Dodd, Bridgette Dodd, Derrick (Beth) Cooper, Leslie (Tyson) Stephens, Dale Mayo, Lindsey Davenport (Eric Vickers), Jacob (Brittany) Duggin, Dustin Mayo, Austin Duggin (Madison Blanton) Samantha Gaither and Madison (Lane) Poss and her siblings, Betty (Dooley) Green of Morrison, Arlene (Larry) Sanders of Woodbury and Clyde (Betty) McCord of Woodbury.  17 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, Rufus Ed and Liz Murphy, her mother, Martha Mai Warren Murphy; her husband, Vess Davenport; son, David Davenport and siblings, Ines Davenport, Clifton “Tip” Murphy, Fannie Ruth Fletcher, Allie Allen, George Murphy, Roy Murphy, Joe Murphy, Lela Finley, Howard Murphy, Ray Murphy, Sally Jane Murphy, JT McCord, Margie Burks, Jo Bryan and John McCord.

A member of the Sycamore Baptist church, she was a retired seamstress.  She enjoyed planting and tending to her flowers. The more she had the happier she was.  She also enjoyed quilting and playing Bingo.

Funeral services will be 4:00 P.M. Friday, September 1, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Pelham officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sycamore cemetery.

Pallbearers include her loving grandchildren, John Dodd, Derrick Copper, Dale and Dustin Mayo, Jacob and Austin Duggin, Tyson Stephens, Eric Vickers, Preslee Merriman, Bridgette Dodd, Leslie Stephens and Lindsey Davenport.

Visitation with the family will be from 12 Noon until 8:00 P.M. Thursday, August 31, 2023 and Friday, September 1, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until her time of service.

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

Pamela Kim Cawthorn, 68, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Cookeville Medical Center.  She was born in Summerville, NJ.

She is survived by her mother, Mary Taylor of Woodbury; her daughter, Heather Hedrick of Cookeville; grandson, Andrew Hedrick of Cookeville and sisters, Sharee Seiffert, Lorrie Bogel and Shelia Holt all of Woodbury. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Newton Wright, her stepfather, Merrick Taylor and her brothers, Newton Wright, Jr., Larry and Gary Taylor.

Pam recently retired from Murfreesboro Medical Clinic where she was a switchboard Operator.  She loved online shopping, watching tv and watching her grandson play baseball.

Visitation with her family will be Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.  Graveside services will follow at 1:30 P.M. with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.

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

Barbara Lynn Mayo Gribble, 68, passed away Wed., August 23, 2023 at Manchester Center for Rehabilitation.  She was born in Hohenwald, TN.

She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Rose Thomas of Smithville; her children, Gary Mayo of Pelham, Lori Mayo of Woodbury and Kathy Lynn Hasty of Tullahoma; grandchildren, Lacie Hale Baxter and Natalie Miller; great grandchildren, Jaden and Peyton Baxter and siblings, Wayne Thomas of Smithville, Randy Thomas of Woodbury, and Larry Thomas of Murfreesboro.

She was preceded in death by her father, Morgan Thomas, her husband, Geroge Edward Mayo and her grandson, Travis Hale. 

A member of the church of Christ, she was a tax professional with H & R Block.

Memorial visitation will be Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Memorial services will follow at 6:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. 

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

Mrs. Janice Ann (Beshearse) Smith, age 61, of Woodbury, Tennessee was reunited with her husband on Monday, August 21, 2023. She was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Monday, February 19, 1962. Preceding her in death were her husband of 37 years, Samuel “Sammy” Smith; nephew, Michael Shane Shipley; brothers-in-law, Jeffery (Catherine Anne) Smith and Carl Michael Shipley; sisters-in-law, Teresa (Smith) Pelsue and Joyce Smith; and special dog, Buttons.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Chris Green) Beshearse of Woodbury; parents, James and Mary Elizabeth Beshearse of Murfreesboro; sisters, Debbie Shipley of Bell Buckle and Gail (Tim) Landers of Columbia; brother, Sammy (Janice) Beshearse of Bell Buckle; nephews, Jeffrey “Boss Man” Shipley, Brandon Beshearse, and Chad Herrod; nieces, Chasity Shipley and Lynice Beshearse; brothers-in-law, Robert Smith, Ronnie Smith, and Michael “Mikey” Smith all of Woodbury; sisters-in-law, Jeannie (Randy) Durham of Readyville, Pat Maxwell of Murfreesboro, and Marie (Ray) Ferrell of Lebanon; granddog, Cassie; and several other family members and friends.

Janice centered her life around others, and that went double if they were family. Growing up, she and her sisters were as thick as thieves, and they adored having a baby brother. She graduated from Oakland High School in 1980, and around that chapter of her life is when she met the love of her life, Sammy.

The titles of mother and father, husband and wife, came quickly to the young couple, and they both took those roles very seriously. Both were sure to take every opportunity to help out or spend time with family. Now, when Janice became a Smith, she fell right in line. Outside of family togetherness, there are two qualities you must have. Namely, you must be a hard worker and have an interest in hot rods.

When it came to hard work, Janice was far from a stranger. For the majority of her working life, she stayed at Better Built, manufacturing windows and screen doors until major health problems pulled her out of the workforce. That didn’t mean she wasn’t working by any means though. She and Sammy both had big hearts and stood ready to help whenever anyone needed it.

To know Janice was to love her. She and Sammy were just simple, ordinary people that made extraordinary impacts during their lives. And their quality time together to rejuvenate their souls often involved those hot rods that the Smith family is known for. They enjoyed going on rides through the country together, especially when those rides took them to the Smokies for the Rod Run or another car show.

Much to Sammy’s joy, Janice aligned with his tastes and was a Pontiac girl. So, Sammy had his ’67 GTO, and Janice had her ’69 Firebird. Their relationship worked out well because Sammy liked working on classic cars, and Janice liked driving them. When the two weren’t working on or racing their cars, they enjoyed drives out to Buffalo Valley to watch Sammy’s brother, Mikey, race.

Having Jennifer gave Sammy and Janice a whole new outlook on life. They both loved her dearly and unconditionally. As members of Midland Baptist Church, they raised her up in the way she should go. Of course, that also involved the traditional Smith flare to it. No child of theirs wasn’t going to appreciate a nice car and the simplicity of a drive through the country.

The only one who might have loved Jennifer more was Buttons, their Chihuahua and Pomeranian mix. That little dog brought so much joy to Sammy and Janice’s hearts, and when Jennifer had her wreck and couldn’t walk, Buttons was her brave defender against anyone unknown that came into the house. Out of their family unit, Buttons was the first to leave their side.

When Sammy’s health began to fail, Janice set her own health issues to the side to be with him and offer the support only a wife can. There was a theme that stayed true throughout Janice’s life — she loved her family. And they loved her. While their hearts are grieving, they take comfort in knowing that Janice was met on the other side by a little fox-looking dog named Buttons and the embrace of her husband, saying “What took you so long?”.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Jim Jones will officiate. Interment will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Lung Association.

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