Obituaries

William Donald Henson, age 84, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 21, 2022, at NHC.  Billy was the son of the late Ernest Monroe Henson and Sarah Madeline Overall Henson.  He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Jennifer McCrary. 

Billy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patsy Armstrong Henson; his daughter Laurie (Joey) Gregory of College Grove, his grandson Adam (Erin) Buchanan; his numerous and dear Overall and Henson cousins; countless friends in the Murfreesboro and Rutherford County area; and his brothers and sisters in the Church of Christ.

Billy graduated from Central High School in 1956.  While still in school he began his professional career with Carl Tipton & His Mid-State Playboys on WGNS Radio.  He then joined Goober Buchanan for his show on WSIX Television in Nashville.  In 1962 he got a songwriting contract with Lonzo & Oscar’s publishing company, a recording contract with Nugget Records, and a job as lead guitar player on the Grand Ole Opry.  He toured the United States, Canada, and Europe playing with Pee Wee King, Red Foley, Martha Carson, and others as well as being part of package shows for the USO.  In 1967, Billy had the chance to work in California through the Americana Agency in Hollywood.  He was booked up and down the West Coast, performing in many of the famous California venues.  During these years on the road, Nugget released five singles and one album, and Billy enjoyed impressive airplay worldwide.

Billy proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Air Force Reserve, and was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

As a songwriter, Billy wrote over 100 published songs for Window Music and Sure-Fire Music (The Wilburn Brothers).  His songs have been recorded by Loretta Lynn, Ernest Tubb, Jim & Jesse, Pete Drake, Herb Pedersen, the Bluegrass Alliance (Vince Gill’s early bluegrass band), the Travelin’ McCourys, Josh Williams, and countless others. 

His most well-loved song, “Lonesome Feeling”, was written for the Osborne Brothers and joined their other hits on their boxed set.  It has been recorded by more than 30 artists, is considered a standard in the bluegrass industry, and can still be heard at music festivals and jam sessions.

As a record producer, he worked with other artists who recorded for his labels.  His production of Curly Seckler’s landmark album, 60 Years of Bluegrass with my Friends, garnered a 1996 IBMA nomination for Recorded Event of the Year.  He released projects on Melba Montgomery and Dave “Stringbean” Akeman, culled from masters that he owned.  He was founding member and longtime president of ROPE (Reunion of Professional Entertainers).  As a business owner on the public square in Murfreesboro, he helped create the Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival.  He and Patsy owned HAASCO Office & School Supply and the Book Nook in the 80s and 90s; he retired and spent his last years preaching in several small country churches in Rutherford and Cannon Counties.  In 2010 he went back into the studio to create There Is a Time, an album of self-penned songs and favorite classics.

Visitation will be Wednesday August 24, 4:00-8:00 pm and Thursday August 25, 11:00 am-1:00 pm, at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd., Woodbury TN. Funeral service will be at 1:00pm on Thursday at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Ward’s Grove Church Cemetery.

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.

Willis Hall Knox, 84, of Readyville passed away Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Woodbury Health & Rehab.  Born in Cannon Co., he was the son of the late, Luke & Alberta Lassiter Knox. 

He is survived by his children, Kim Knox Gannon and her husband, Terry of Woodbury and Joe Knox of Readyville; grandchildren, Todd (Tiffany) Gannon, Luke (Christy) Knox, Alex (Seth) Markum and great granddaughter, Lucy Knox.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Faye Alexander Knox, grandson, Lincoln Knox Gannon and siblings, Wayne Knox, Faye Knox Maxwell and infant sister, Betty Knox.

A member of New Hope church of Christ, Mr. Knox was a veteran of the United States Air Force and the SAS (Single Action Shooting Society).  He was a retired Machinist with AEDC.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, August 21, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Boyd Barker and Bro. Milton Stanley officiating.  Interment will follow in the Thyatira cemetery. 

Visitation with his family will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Saturday, August 20, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope Church of Christ, Short Mtn. Bible Camp, or the church or charity of your choice.

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

Jessie Mai Ferrell, age 92, of Woodbury, died on Saturday, August 13, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Ferrell was born on September 6, 1929, in Dekalb County, Tennessee.  Her parents were the late Shelia and Vernie Hale Parker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Ferrell, her daughter, Debbie Underhill Maxwell; son-in-law, J. D. Underhill; sisters, Jean Richardson and Billie Grizzell; brothers, John Parker, James Parker, Jackie Parker, Shelia Parker, Jr. and brothers-in-law, James Richardson, Glenn Grizzell, Robert Dunn, and Jim Speakman.

She is survived by her sons, David (Peggy) Ferrell and Layne (Eva) Ferrell of Woodbury; sisters, Joyce Speakman of Murfreesboro and Elizabeth (Dave) Burnett of Bradyville; sisters-in-law Catherine Parker of Cleveland, Tennessee and Edna Parker of Watertown.

Grandchildren are:  J. D. (Tammy) Underhill, Holly (Michael) Parker, Keianna J. (Johnny Ray) Simons, McConnico Maxwell and step granddaughter, Monte Chandler, all of Woodbury.  Several great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren along with many loving nieces and nephews also survive.

Mrs. Ferrell was a smart woman and hard worker her entire life.  Along with being a homemaker, she worked as a seamstress in the garment industry and as a nurse’s aide at the Woodbury Nursing Home.

She was a great country cook, but it was her love of the outdoors she cherished most.  She enjoyed gardening both vegetables and flowers and attending auctions.  She continued walking the hills with her goats until age eighty-eight, but it was being with her family and her little dog, Creole, that gave her the most joy.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, from 12-3 pm.  A private family graveside service will be conducted by Gentry-Smith Funeral Home at Gunter-Grizzle Cemetery at 3:30 pm following the visitation.  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.

Mr. Justin Lee Highfill, 40, of Liberty, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2022. He was born in Fayetteville, Tennessee on Saturday, September 26, 1981. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joyce (Vern) Ballew, Leon Glassco, and Jack Highfill.

He is survived by his wife, Ashley Highfill of Liberty; father, Ronnie Jack Highfill, Sr. of Fayetteville; mother, Angie Proctor of Kelso; daughters, Lillie Abagail Highfill and her mother, Rachel Stacey, Gracie Lee Highfill, and Emily Marie Rose Highfill; brothers, Ronnie Jack (Paula Lunn) Highfill, Jr., Lucas Edward (Ashley Sinclair) Highfill, and Lincoln Shelby (Kaitlyn Reed) Highfill; grandmother, Jean Highfill of Fayetteville, nieces, Dallys (Nick Reed) Highfill, Autumn Rose Highfill, and Summer Grace Highfill; and great nephew, Caiden Thomas Reed and by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Do you know all of those phrases you hear, like “jack of all trades,” “man’s man,” and “good ole country boy?” Well, Justin was the epitome of them. Starting off young, he wrestled for Antioch High School. Then, he decided that he wanted to leave the boys behind and start being a man. Leaving school in the 11th grade gave him a head start on the rest of the competition.

Every free chance Justin had, he was working with his hands fixing and doing things. He was gifted in the ability to use just about any tool he picked up or jump on any piece of equipment and run it. It didn’t matter if it was a house or a car, and those phrases that ring true in his life? “Night owl” was another that fit him to a tee. He was notorious for waiting until dark to work on the car, tractor, chicken coop, or whatever other project he had in mind to accomplish that day. He knew how to work on it and was happy to work on it, especially for family and friends.

Justin enjoyed working on his and Ashley’s home and his mom’s lake house to get them fixed up just how the ladies wanted them. He’d worked in construction and picked up a trick or two, even shooting dynamite. Recently, he was looking at taking his skills a step further and going into business for himself doing construction. Not only did he have the talent to get the job done, but he had the personality to run a business.

An outgoing and caring man, he knew how to motivate people toward a common goal, especially being the dad of three daughters. There wasn’t a day you would catch him without a smile on his face because he maintained a happy and grateful perspective on life. He’d do anything for anybody, and that showed in how he lived his life. He was selfless and loving toward everybody but gave an extra dose to his girls.

For Justin, everything circled back to his family. All that he did and was as a man was because of the girls he loved so dearly in his life. With his hobbies of hunting, fishing, mudding, and just being outdoors, you might think it odd that he ended up having a carload of girls, but being a dad of daughters fit Justin well. He gave them a living example of what a man should be and how he should treat them.

Helping to raise them and being a part of their lives meant the world to him. He made sure they knew deer meat was leaps and bounds ahead of beef in taste and texture. He showed them it’s okay to get a little mud on the tires. Most importantly, Justin taught them life isn’t what you take from it, it’s what you make of it.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 18, 2022, at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested for a fund to help his girls with future expenses of school and activities.

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.

Mary Elizabeth Kemp, 95, of Murfreesboro, Tn., passed away Thursday, August 11, 2022 at NHC Healthcare in Sparta.  A native of Birmingham, AL., she was the daughter of the late John Johnson and Lucile Russel Johnson.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lloyd Kemp; grandson, Michael Sadler and sister, Ada Marguerite Cates.

Survivors include her children, David Sadler of Eatonton, GA., Sandi McDaniel of Auburntown, Glen (Maryann) Kemp of Cocoa, FL., Susan (Todd) Turney of Murfreesboro, Robert Kemp of San Diego, CA.; 6 grandchildren, Hal Diggs, Jared Zimmerman, Sarah Megan Nash, Jordan (Sabrina), Lauren & Mackenzie Turney; brother, James Deloy Johnson of Lee’s Summit, MO.  10 great grandchildren also survive.

A member of the church of Christ, Ms. Kemp was a bookkeeper and homemaker. She enjoyed reading, knitting and spending time with her family.  She was a wonderful cook and loved cooking for wedding receptions at church.

Visitation with her family will be from 12:30 pm until her time of service, Sunday, August 14, 2022 at Auburntown church of Christ.  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM with Bro. David Dunn officiating.  Interment will follow in Donnell Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Hal Diggs, Jared Zimmerman, Jordan Turney, Travis Turney, Cory Turney and Ken Turney.

For those wishes to do so, donations may be made to the Auburntown church of Christ.

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

Mrs. Lee Higgins, age 86, of Woodbury, Tennessee, passed away in her home in Woodbury on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. She was born on January 15, 1936, in Woodbury, Tennessee to the late Cecil and Eula Mai (Bogle) Gannon. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Rob” Higgins.

She is survived by her son, Bobby (Catherine) Higgins of Lawrenceville, GA; daughter, Debbie Higgins of Woodbury; brother, Jacky Gannon of Woodbury; sisters, Emogean Mason, Mary Bowman and Kathy Lack of Woodbury; five grandchildren, Blake Foster, Daniel Higgins, Dr. Dylan Higgins, Mary Kate Peabody, and Ashley Carter; and six great grandchildren, Hayden Foster, Clayton Foster, Addison Higgins, Grayson Carter, Hudson Carter, and Nova Mae Carter.

Growing up she learned family comes first and a little, or a lot of, hard work never hurt anyone. She was raised in the Pleasant Ridge community. Her parents ran the Gannon Grocery, and they went to the Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ. Most families in Cannon County in those days didn’t have monetary wealth but were wealthy in love and family togetherness. As a student at Woodbury Central High School, she and her siblings pitched in and got jobs to help their family. Mrs. Lee worked at the Colonial Shirt Factory while finishing high school and gave her paychecks to her parents to help them build a better home. Earning a high school diploma was no small feat for a young lady in those times, even if she hadn’t been working extra. To top it off, she was able to achieve a spot in the top 20 of her class.

She soon met her future husband, Mr. Rob, and they began their family. Even though they may not have had a lot of worldly goods starting out, they worked hard and provided for their family. The school was right next door to the shirt factory. Often, she would go visit Bobby and Debbie on her lunch break and take them a special treat of a Coke. This made many of their classmates a little jealous.  She and Mr. Rob saved up enough money to buy her parents store in the early 1970s, turning it into the Higgins Grocery right in the heart of Pleasant Ridge. 

Continuing the tradition of hard work, she and Mr. Rob farmed, raising livestock and gardening. It wasn’t in her nature to quit or give up. Many times, she would jokingly say, “I closed down every place I’ve worked in.” This included Colonial Shirt Factory, Anderson Door and Window, and Alcan. However, her greatest joy continued to be her family. As the kids grew up and began their families, she loved to see the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Keeping them gave her the opportunity to spoil them and share her love of farming. She would show them how to care for the kid goats and teach them the importance of a good goat dog to protect them. Sharing this knowledge and experience with them gave her great pride. She and Mr. Rob were married over 60 years, a great milestone and blessing compared to what many families experience now. In the time since his passing, she began attending church at Smith Grove Church of Christ with Debbie and great grandson, Hayden. 

Mrs. Lee was more of a homebody and enjoyed a private, quiet family life. This being the case, she requested not to have a public service. The family will honor her life and legacy with a private service.  Those wishing to do so may make memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Alzheimer’s Association, or Dementia Research. 

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.

Wanda Jewell Tarpley, 91, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at Woodbury Health and Rehab.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Jim B. & Clistie Wilcher Cummings. 

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sandy & Mike Halliburton of Readyville; her grandchildren, Tonya (Jeff) Gannon and Kristy Halliburton (Gary Henderson) all of Woodbury; great grandchildren, Kelsey Hayes, Josie and Alex Gannon and great great granddaughter, Alison Roberts.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle Tarpley; and siblings, Bill Perry Cummings, Kenneth Cummings, Raydean Cummings Vance, Irene Cummings Davenport and Jean Cummings Nichols.

A member of the church of Christ, Ms. Tarpley was a retired factory and babysat many children over the years that she loved and cared for as her own.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Saturday, August 13, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Ralph Richardson officiating.  Interment will follow in Riverside Gardens.

Visitation with her family will be Friday, August 12, 2022 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Smith Grove church of Christ, New Hope Building Fund or the Lincoln Blair Scholarship Fund.

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

Kathy Odom McBroom, age 69, of Smyrna, TN passed peacefully on Saturday, August 6, 2022 due to complications of a hemorrhagic stroke. Kathy was a native of Cannon County, born May 2, 1953. 

She had a host of friends and family she adored, to whom she was known for her generosity, kindness and passion to always help others before herself.  After retirement from her career in Human Resources, she filled her time caring for her family, friends and fellow members of her church. She was an amazing chef who found her purpose in cooking for her loved ones and anyone who may have needed a home-cooked meal. Kathy’s caring and compassionate nature extended to all living things as well, as she loved animals of all kinds and enjoyed tending to her garden and plants. Her greatest joy was being mother to her daughter, Mandy, to whom she instilled her values of humanity and hospitality.  She will forever be remembered for her sense of humor, her infectious laugh and her signature red lipstick. She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by so many.

She is survived by her daughter Amanda ‘Mandy’ McBroom of Nashville, TN and partner William Baumgardner, as well as her McBroom family of in-laws, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Lee Odom & Dessie Lee Davenport Odom and siblings, Jerry Wayne, Bobby Lynn, Carol Ann & Judy Faye Odom and Mandy’s father, Randy McBroom.

Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, August 13, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm prior to Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the American Stroke Association at stroke.org

Woodbury Funeral Home, 504 W. Main St., Woodbury, TN.  37190, 615-563-2311.  Fond memories and expressions of condolences for her family may be shared at www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Dale Merriman, 72, passed away August 6^th, 2022, with his children by his side in Aubrey, Texas. Dale was born August 28^th, 1949, in Woodbury, Tennessee to William “Dick” and Willie Matt Merriman.

Dale spent his days as a child playing with his three siblings in the hollers of Hollis Creek. When he was old enough, he enrolled in the Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970 as a part of the 101^st Airborne Division, Heavy Artillery. Dale was awarded the Bronze Star for his outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operation against hostile forces in Vietnam.

When he came back from Vietnam, he moved to Oklahoma to pursue other dreams, eventually settling into a career as a tow truck driver for Exclusive Collison & Towing in Yukon, Ok. Dale was an upstanding, heroic man and that was acknowledged again in 1997 when he received The Towman Commendation for Courageous Professionalism in the Endeavour to Save a Human Life.

He enjoyed his retirement, spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. In his free time, he loved to be at the BMX track, play with his grandchildren, watch WWE and Football, and eat Moon Pies.

Dale is survived by his wife of 24 years, Brenda; his 3 daughters, Becky, Shelly, and Sally; his son Jimmy; 6 grandchildren, Cody & Jacob Jarvis, Hannah & Austin Merriman, Carolyn & Declan Maclaskey; and 2 great-grandchildren; his sister and her spouse Betty & Jerry Reed.  Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Linda Merriman. 

He was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey Dale Merriman; his sister and her spouse Garnett & Charlie Campbell; his brother Lonnie Ray Merriman; and both of his parents William “Dick” and Willie Matt Merriman.

Funeral services will be 1 pm Saturday, August 13, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow in the Prater Cemetery with Military Honors.

Visitation with his family will be Friday, August 12, 2022 from 4 pm – 8 pm.

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

Raymond Campbell, 83, passed away Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022 at Southern TN Regional Medical Center.  Born in Cannon Co., he was the son of the late Sanford Campbell and Nobie Bryson Campbell. 

He is survived by his children, Barbara Riddle of Murfressboro, Kenneth Campbell and Shannon Riddle of Tullahoma; siblings, Mildred Harville of Tucson, AZ., Amos Campbell of Bedford Co. and Sanford Campbell, Jr. of Murfreesboro and sister-in-law, Kim Parks of Tullahoma.  Several grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sandford Campbell and Nobie Bryson Campbell, his wife, Barbara Campbell and his siblings, James Campbell, Hoyte Campbell and Frank Campbell.

Raymond was a veteran of the United States Army and was retired from Borders Distribution where he was a forklift driver.  He enjoyed playing golf, watching UT sports and Nascar.

Graveside services will be 11:30 am Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at Reed Cemetery.  Bro. Harold Partin will conduct his service. 

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