Obituaries

Melba June Mayo Nichols, 80, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, July 24, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Clem and Georgia Lee Wooten Mayo.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Billy Nichols of Woodbury; sisters-in-law, Judy (Robin) Pitts of Murfreesboro and Anna Nichols (Stanley Browning) of McMinnville; cousins, Johnny & Linda Brown of Murfreesboro, Glenn & Judi Gassaway of Murfreesboro, Freda Cummings of Woodbury, Harold Patrick of Woodbury, Budford Patrick of Petersburg and Brian Mayo of Woodbury.

In  addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cecil and Bobbie Lee Nichols and her brother-in-law, Tim Nichols.

A member of Pleasant Ridge church of Christ, she worked at Colonial Shirt Factory for many years where she was a seamstress.  She enjoyed camping with Billy, especially in Pigeon Forge.

Funeral services will be 2 pm Wednesday, July 27, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. James McDonald officiating.  Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery. 

Pallbearers include, Mike Gannon, Johnny Brown, Robin Pitts, Dale Witty, Brad Hall, Bobby Trail and Charlie Wilder.

Visitation with her family will be Tuesday, July 26, 2022 from 2 pm until 8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pleasant Ridge church of Christ.  

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

Edward Lynn Baskin, 72, of Woodbury passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Williamson Medical Center.  He was born in Rutherford Co., the son of the late Edward Lee & Mary Eva Todd Baskin. 

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Dottie Jernigan Baskin of Woodbury; his daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and Shannon Higgins of McMinnville; grandsons, Trevor Flint Higgins and his wife, Ariel of Lascassas and Christopher Heath Higgins and his wife, Isabel of Murfreesboro; great granddaughter, Lainey Lynn Higgins of Murfreesboro; siblings, Tom (Anita) Baskin of Winchester and Van (Marsha) Baskin of Estill Springs; sister-in-law, Betty Baskin of Murfreesboro and nieces, Rebecca Baskin-Dillehay (Kristifer) and Amanda Baskin. 

In addition his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, Edward Flint Baskin and his brothers, Larry Baskin and Curtis Baskin.

A member of New Hope Church of Christ, Lynn retired after 31 years from Nissan where he was the paint maintenance supervisor.  He previously worked for Middle TN. Electric where he was a lineman for 12 years.  Lynn was also a member of the Cannon Co. Walking Horse Assoc.  He enjoyed riding horses and spending his time farming.  He had many friends and was truly a wonderful person with a kind heart and loving smile.  Above everything in his life, he loved spending time with his family especially his grandsons.  He was blessed that he got to hold his new great granddaughter, Lainey Lynn who was born on July 12, 2022.  Lynn was “One of the Good Ones”. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Sunday, July 24, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Gardens cemetery. 

Visitation with his family will be Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 4 pm until 8 pm.  

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

Mr. Alfred Oswald Bugg, Sr., 98, of Bradyville, Tennessee went on to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 with his son by his side. He was born to the late Oscar Ellis and Myra Aspen Smithson Bugg in Woodbury, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 5, 1924. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances “Fran” Bugg; son, Matthew Bugg; brother, Paul Bugg; and sisters, Mary Newhouse and Christine Floyd.

He is survived by his son, Al (Kathy) Bugg, Jr. of Bradyville; sisters, Jewel (Doyle) McConnell of Manchester and Elizabeth (Ben) Hartsfield of Bradyville; grandchildren, Kathryn Bugg Barnhill of Illinois, David (Konner) Bugg of North Carolina, Zach Bugg, Christine Bugg, Amanda Bugg, Nathan Bugg, Ben Bugg, and Jonathan Bugg all of Bradyville; and great granddaughters, Molly Grace Barnhill and baby Bugg due this November.

Being born on the family farm in Cannon County and raised during the Great Depression left lasting marks on Mr. Bugg’s life. He learned early on the hardships this life has to offer, and it created in him a strong work ethic and resilience, which some people might call stubbornness. When he turned 16, Mr. Bugg thought it was high time to head out on his own.

After a year, the United States began to go through a new turmoil, officially entering World War II in December 1941. Mr. Bugg had gone from Murfreesboro to Massachusetts and finally to Michigan. Originally moving to Michigan for work, he instead found a higher calling. In 1945, Mr. Bugg answered the Nation’s call and was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving with the 600th Engineers in the 5th Air Corp. They worked on runways and were the first Americans on Japanese soil at the Yokota Air Base, 30 miles from Tokyo.

Coming back to the States, Mr. Bugg got back to his purpose for being in Michigan and began working as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Operating Engineers 324. He primarily operated the 300-ton cranes and the 360-foot boom lifts and used the brakes to his advantage. While everything was getting set up at work sites, he was reading and studying to earn his Bachelors from Wayne State University. From the age of 16, his goal and ambition was to be a self-made man, and he wasn’t letting anything slow him down.

Michigan afforded Mr. Bugg many opportunities for growth and advancement, but it also is where he met his beloved wife, Fran. They were married March 4, 1961 and enjoyed many years of adventure together, joining clubs like the Tip Toppers of Detroit and Red Wing Motorcycle Club. Of course, their greatest adventure was starting a family together, and Mr. Bugg was sure to raise his kids with the frugality and resilience of his generation in mind.

Once Michigan couldn’t offer them anything else, Mr. Bugg decided it was time to move back home. With a name like Bugg people were bound to get talking, and Mr. Bugg enjoyed being around people. Smith Grove Church of Christ, where his son Al Bugg, Jr. preaches, became his church home and the main social hub in his life. He also was a member of the Senior Citizen Center and enjoyed music nights. Being blessed with 34 years back in Tennessee, he picked up the passion for horse riding at age 70. Even after being thrown from his horse in his mid-80s, he didn’t stop riding until he was 94. The only modification he needed was cutting off his saddle horn. He loved his horses, and his last one died only about a year before him.

It’s not often you hear a homecoming story where they get to come back to the exact same place, but Mr. Bugg’s story is one of those. He lived on the land where he was born, and he was determined to live there until he died. Just like he succeeded in being a self-made man, Mr. Bugg also held true to this vow.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, July 15, 2022 from 5-8 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 11 am in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. His son, Al Bugg, Jr., will officiate. Interment will be in Midway Church of Christ Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Smith Grove Church of Christ, Cannon Christian Academy, and Woodbury Day School.

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

Ola Frances Duggin, 72, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at her home in Morrison.  She was a native of Warren Co, the daughter of the late Mitchell & Bessie Higgins Leeman. .

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Virgil Duggin of Morrison; 3 children, David Duggin of Woodbury, Chad (Kimberly) Duggin of Murfreesboro and Susan (Michael) Wrenn of Manchester; 5 grandchildren, Alex, Austin and Ethan Duggin, Amy and Emily Wrenn, sisters, Agnes (Marvin) Smith of Murfreesboro, Lyda Hockett of Manchester and Janie Pirtle of Murfreesboro and sister-in-law, Judy Leeman of Manchester.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mildred (Donald) Duke, brother, Melvin Leeman, brothers-in-law, Basiel Hockett and Ron Pirtle.

A member of Red Hill Church of Christ, Mrs. Duggin was retired from State Farm Insurance and Bank of Commerce.  Her favorite hobby was spending time with her grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Saturday, July 16, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Carl Witty and Bro. Mark Parkhurst officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside cemetery. 
 
Visitation with her family will be Friday, July 15, 2022 from 4 pm until 8 pm.  
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  To leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Georgia Dale Gannon, 86,, of Murfreesboro passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at Stones River Manor Advanced Care.  She was a native of the Gassaway community of Cannon Co.

She is survived by her children, Steve (Rhonda) Gannon of McMinnville, Garry (Ann) Gannon of Rockwood, Claire Risa (Butch) Hahn of Murfreesboro and her grandson, Michael Hahn of Murfreesboro. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Monroe Givan and Ruby Elizbeth George Givan and her husband, Clarence Gannon.

A member of Kingwood Church of Christ, Ms. Gannon was a homemaker.  She enjoyed quilting, playing the piano and cooking.  She also enjoyed gospel music especially Friday night singing at her church.

The family would like to thank the staff of Stones River Manor Advanced Care and Alive hospice for the wonderful care and concern for Ms. Georgia.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, July 16, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Mike Gann officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn cemetery. 
 
Visitation with her family will be Friday, July 15, 2022 from 4 pm until 8 pm.  
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  To leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Judy E. Neufell, 74, of Bradyville, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2022. She was born in Woodbury, Tennessee on Monday, March 8, 1948. Preceding her in death were her parents, John R. and E. Ruth Simmons Barnett; her husband, Paul Neufell, Sr.; and her granddaughter, Megan Neufell.

She is survived by her son Larry (Tammy Skeen) Lowe of Fall Branch; step-son, Paul (Shannon Robbins) Neufell, Jr. of Woodbury; ex-daughter-in-law, Valeria (Tim) Brewer, brother, James Randall Barnett of McMinnville; grandchildren, Courtney (Zack) Dixon of Woodbury, Faith (JT) Allen, Christina Neufell Hampton, and Samantha Neufell; great grandchildren, Blain, Canaan, and Eden; and nephew, Nathan Barnett and dear friend of over 50 years, Wanda Robinson and close friend, Dinah Cawthorne, and special friend and neighbor, Bethany Frisen.

A business woman at her core, Judy was a workaholic and frequently worked 7 days a week. Determined and a hard worker, Judy was a woman with the grit to get the job done. Larry remembers her starting a garbage route in Smyrna, LaVergne, and Antioch when he was young. The company’s name was Dependable, and she would also use her tractor trailer trucks to run her business J & L Trucking. This must have been when Larry decided to become a truck driver.  She was always quick to tell people she was proud of him getting his CDL. Whatever someone needed is what they did. It didn’t matter if it was a short or long haul, and her reputation for business preceded her, which led to them getting bought out by BFI.

Being an entrepreneur, Judy learned quickly to say what you mean and mean what you say. She could cut up with the best of them but also knew when it was time to get down to business and be blunt. If business was involved, she didn’t worry too much about what others thought or if it hurt their feelings. She was going to tell you like it was and not sugar coat it. So once she got entrepreneurial ventures out of her system, Judy made the seamless transition to working as a machine operator.

She began at Paramount Packaging and stayed there for 27 years, even having the opportunity to tap back into her business skills and go to Canada as a representative for the company. After that, she saw the need for caregivers and devoted her time to sitting with and caring for the elderly. Even after her stroke in 2015, she was determined to get back on the horse working. Things just didn’t pan out the way she had planned, but Judy used her savviness to make the most of every situation.

Serving in many different capacities over the course of her life, Judy had to have a favorite, and the most cherished title of all was “Granny.” At the age of 41, she took 14-month old Courtney home with her. It wasn’t until Courtney that Judy slowed down to smell the roses for a while. She and Paul would take Courtney and Megan to Memphis to see Graceland and the zoo. Once Courtney met Aaron Tippin at Chuck E. Cheese.  She convinced him to call Judy and sing his song, “Stand For Something” over the phone because Judy loved it so much.  They enjoyed time listening to Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn together, and Courtney remembers Judy’s time attending Plainview Baptist Church when her health was still good enough.

She raised Courtney in the way she should go, and it created a special bond between the two. Like two peas in a pod, they quickly became best friends, and Courtney remained quick to call Granny to tell her about the day or what was happening. That relationship blossomed even more when Courtney had Blain. The great grandchildren were Judy’s world, and she loved them dearly. The only things in her life close to reaching that level of love were her pets. Athena and Luna were her dogs, and Stinker, Oreo, and Sammie were her cats. But all of them were her babies.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Monday, July 11, 2022 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at 12 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Bro. Charlie Bowman will officiate. Interment will be in Gilley Hill 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.

Maxey Leon Spain, age 81, of Woodbury passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at St. Thomas Stones River.  He was a native of Springfield, Tennessee.

Survivors include his sons, Ralph Larry Spain of New Market, AL & Edward Lee Spain of Springfield; Companion, Madonna Lynn Kennedy of Woodbury; Brothers & Sisters, Dale Spain, Bobby Spain, Linda Spain, & Michael Spain; Grandchildren, Brian Spain, Kenneth Spain, Phillip Spain, & Samantha Spain. Several nieces & nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Sylvanus & Dorothy Elizabeth Nelson Spain.

He was retired from Roadway Express as a truck driver, loved riding his four wheeler, watching his deer cam, and spending time with his dog.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Benton Tyler Martin, age 29, of Woodbury passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  He was born on October 29, 1992 in Murfreesboro.

Survivors include his mother, Lisa (Donnie) Thomas of Woodbury; Father, Steve Martin of Manchester; Sisters, Amber (Caleb) Milligan of Woodbury & Erica Martin of Woodbury; Nieces, Ava Grace, Paislee Joy, & Sadie Annalise; Best Friend, Nicholas Young of Morrison; Step Brother, Chris Thomas of Woodbury; and Nephew, Brayden Thomas of Woodbury.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard & Virginia Briggs and Ralph & Ruby Martin.

Tyler attended the Woodbury Methodist Church and worked in Construction.  He loved playing softball and was very athletic.  He loved to spend time with his family.

Funeral Services will be at 3 PM Saturday, July 9, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow at King Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 12 PM until time of the service.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Jodi Michelle Kelch, age 55, of Woodbury passed away Friday, July 1, 2022 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.  She was a native of Marion, Indiana.

Survivors include his husband, Kent Kelch of Woodbury; Daughters, Kristen Hurst of Woodbury & Nichole Knight of McMinnville; Stepsons, Krik Kelch of Woodbury & Dereck Kelch of Smryna; and Brother, Jeff Cruz of Murfreesboro.  Several nieces & nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Juan Cruz & Dora Allie Forbes Hull.

Jodi worked in the medical field as a billing & coding specialist and was a member of the Cannon Co. Walking Horse Association.

Funeral Services will be at 4 PM Friday, July 8, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow at Amity Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 11 AM until 4 PM Friday, July 8, 2022.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

J. Kevin Lewis entered into the arms of Jesus on Friday, July 1, 2022.  His father & uncle were there to welcome him home.

Kevin was born on March 19, 1999 to Edward & Linda Lewis in Bradyville, Tennessee.  He was preceded in death by his father & special uncle, John Highland.

He is survived by his mother, Linda Lewis; brothers, Mark (Brenda) Lewis, Roger (Norma) Lewis, & Ken Lewis; his sister, Kayla (Chris) Talmage; Nephews, Matt (Beth) Lewis, Dan (Heather) Lewis, Jared (Candace) Lewis, & Everett (Tommy) Talmage; Nieces, Carter, Tori, Kinsley, Ashlynn, & Oaklynn Talmage; Special Aunt, Lucille Palmer; and Special Friends, Hayden Steele, Bob Ally, & Ben Townes.

He was born into this life with numerous medical issues, which he never let hinder his optimistic outlook on life.  He always had a big smile which lit up any room & a hug for everyone he came in contact with, as he never met a stranger.  To know him was to love him.

He always enjoyed watching his cartoons & playing with his cars & trucks.  He loved his family, friends, God, & enjoyed going to church.

Funeral Services will be at 2 PM Friday, July 8, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral with Bro. Tom Watkins, Bro. Smitty, & Bro. Steve Goforth officiating.  Interment will follow at Parker Hill Cemetery.  Visitation with his family will be from 11 AM to 2 PM Friday, July 8, 2022 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expenses. Due to Kevin being autistic and epileptic, this made him ineligible for life insurance.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net