Obituaries

Rita Crook Stanley, 73, passed away December 7, 2021 at her home in Auburntown.  She was born in Davidson Co., to her parents Elijah Marian “Doc” Crook & Florence Elizabeth Groom Crook. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Stanley.

She is survived by her children, Gerald (Danielle) Goad of Houston and Lisa (Jeff) Hutzel of Memphis; grandchildren, Alexis Land of Memphis, Christian Goad and Gabrielle Goad both of Houston.  Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Rita was retired from customer service where she was a manager. She always loved reminiscing on her high school days at Issac Litton High School in Nashville.  Rita found her most peace while being outside mowing and working in her yard. 

Memorial services for Ms. Stanley will be held at a later date where she will be buried next to her parents at Prosperity Cemetery.

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

Mrs. Macie (Bogle) Walkup, 85, of Readyville, Tennessee went on to be with the Lord on December 9, 2021. She was born to the late Thomas Andrew Bogle and Georgia Madison (DuBois) Bogle on February 14, 1936 in Milton, TN. Being born on Valentine’s Day fit Macie like a glove. She was someone who exuded love wherever she went and to whomever she met. On top of that, she got excited for holidays, so it only seemed right that her birthday should have two reasons to celebrate.

You might think Macie’s favorite color would be red with all of her connections to Valentine’s Day. However, it was actually purple, and that fit her too. Purple is often associated with power, nobility, spirituality, and wisdom, and Macie had all four qualities weaving like fine threads throughout her life.

Macie was a powerful woman, and she wasn’t afraid to show just how tough she could be. Her sweet disposition did make her a successful waitress at Shacklett’s during the earlier stages of her life and is where she met the love of her life, Ray Walkup. However, she also worked tirelessly as a factory worker at Olin Metal Products and Hodge Manufacturing. Her children and grandchildren remember her not worrying over having nice fingernails because she often had metal shards in her hands from work.

That internal strength must have transferred into her family life because Macie was the queen. A matriarch through and through, she carried herself with dignity. Her family was her world, and she became their backbone and the glue that kept them all coming back together. She cooked every Sunday for the whole family until her health got to the point she couldn’t anymore. Still, no one can match her dressing or fried chicken. Her family attests that she cooked the best fried chicken ever made.

If it was a holiday, she cooked for that too, especially on birthdays. Macie wanted to make everyone’s day just as special as they were to her, and she loved all of her babies. She made her delicious lemon meringue pie for every single child and grandchild’s birthday. Then, whenever the family was ready to leave her until the next time, she always gave them her favorite saying, “I love you. Be careful.”

It was that sense of caution mixed with her compassion that lead to a healthy prayer life. Macie was a member of Harvest View Church and a mighty prayer warrior. She took praying without ceasing to heart, and there were times that she would pray hourly for what had been laid on her heart. Outside of prayer, Macie was an avid Bible reader and found great joy in doing devotionals. She was particularly fond of Charles Stanley’s teachings, but there were also the teachings of Macie.

Each of the children and grandchildren had the privilege of attending Macie’s school for practical wisdom. Some of her core lessons revolved around patriotism, perspective, entertainment, and driving. Her family cannot remember a time that Macie passed an American flag without saying that it was “the prettiest flag ever made.” Her respect and reverence toward the symbol for our Nation left a lasting impression on her family. Macie also made sure they all knew that perspectives change, especially for the elderly. She reminded them constantly that, “The older you get, the more you dread winter and the faster time flies.”

The way Macie lived her life was a testament to the value of hard work, but she wanted to make sure her family remembered to make time for fun too. There was nothing she enjoyed more than having a good laugh and a good time surrounded by those she loved. Watching westerns and soap operas, which she would call “her stories,” was something everyone in the family had to endure at least once. Extra stories got worked into the mix when she would indulge herself in reading magazine articles. To round out her entertainment, Elvis was at the top of the list, especially his gospel soundtracks.

For one of her final lessons, Macie taught the kids about driving, or at least what not to do. The only time she rode a bike, Macie managed to run off a concrete slab at the school. Needless to say, it wasn’t something she picked back up. When she worked up the courage to drive a car, she ran into a chicken coop. After that, she kept her stance on driving to let someone else do it until the grandkids came around. Then, she warmed back up to the idea, and Christian remembers getting out on the tractor every day to learn to drive.

Macie was preceded death by her parents, Thomas and Georgia Bogle; son, Richard Dale Bogle; brothers, Andrew Thomas (Katherine) Bogle and David (Martha) Bogle; and sisters, Nannie Elizabeth (Sam) Pittard, Lillie Mae Pittard, and Sue Todd. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ray N. Walkup of Readyville; son, Johnny Ray (Kathy) Walkup, Sr. of Readyville; daughter, Rita Cook of Woodbury; grandchildren, Johnny Ray Walkup, Jr., Shelby Lynn Walkup, and Candie Renee Cook all of Readyville; and great-grandchildren, Victor, Andrew, Christian, Tucker, Dixie, and Breanna.

Macie may have lived a simple life, but she lived it in such a way that richly blessed the lives of everyone she came in contact with. In honor of her memory, the family has requested anyone who plans on attending her services to wear purple.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 3-6 pm. Funeral services will be Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Brian Harrell will officiate. Interment will be in Coleman Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for books to be donated in Macie’s memory to Adams Memorial Library in Woodbury.

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

Kathy Leigh Johnson, 41, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021. She was born on Friday, January 11, 1980 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Preceding her in death were her father, Bobby Huddleston and mother, Nancy (Timothy) Graham.

She is survived by her husband of 13 years, Jeremy Johnson; daughters, Katelyn Bucey of Woodbury and Christina Bucey of Bradyville; step-daughters, Nevaeh Miller and Jaria Johnson both of Woodbury; step-sons, Dillon Howell and Dawson Gage both of Woodbury; sister, Brandy Ray of Taylorsville, UT; mother-in-law, Donna Johnson; and caring and loving friends, Amanda “MeMe” Allen and Johnathan “Blaze” Brooks.

Kathy and Jeremy might have been married for 13 years, but they were together for 17. They met at McDonald’s, and Kathy knew that Jeremy was the one. Over the course of 4 years, she asked him 5 times to marry her and finally wore him down. They drove up to Gatlinburg to visit Kathy’s mom and got married during their trip.

Throughout their relationship, they kept things simple. Kathy was the kind of woman who treated others like they treated her and gave as good as she got. She loved Jeremy and made it a point to always take care of him through all of the ups and downs. It was undeniable that they had an understanding of one another and reciprocated in their care.

McDonald’s remained a constant in their relationship because Kathy worked her way up to being the manager. In total, she worked at McDonald’s for 27 years before moving on to be the manager of the Dollar General next to Smith’s Salvage. When she wasn’t working, Kathy was a homebody.

Whether she was at her house or MeMe’s house, that was where she wanted to be during her time away from work. She enjoyed music and listening to it with friends. It was an escape from the day-to-day trials of this life for her. Struggle Jennings, Haystak, and Jelly Roll were some of her favorite artists.

The only things Kathy probably enjoyed more than music in her free time were her fur babies. She had a sheep dog named Bubba, a cat named Nugget, and three pit bulls named Kilo, Sandreas, and Cocaine. They were sweet, loyal, and loving companions to her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist 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. Waymon Bill Mears, 57, of Woodbury, TN passed away on November 28, 2021. He was born in McMinnville, TN on November 23, 1964. Preceding him in death were his father, Billy Wayne Mears; mother, Brownie Dean Russell; son, Devin Bill Mears; sister, Cecelia Pearl Mears; and half-brother, Manuel Malone.

He is survived by his daughter, Desiree Mears of McMinnville; grandsons, Jase and Kade Mears of McMinnville; half-brothers, Joel King of Ohio and Luther Bill “Turk” (Tami) Mears of Lexington; half-sisters, Nancy (Norman) Pelham of McMinnville and Sabrina Malone of Virginia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Waymon was a man of many stories and self-proclaimed attributes. He lived a life filled with humor and hard work but centered himself around his home. Growing up on an 11-acre farm and helping run his mom’s store on the Rocky River, he knew what it meant to work. He took on the role as the man of the house, growing thick skin from a young age and becoming as stubborn as a mule.

It was no wonder that Waymon gained interest in playing football, and he was good at it too. As captain of the Cannon County football team, he lead them on to play in the championship game, but after high school, he decided to leave the playing to the pros and became a huge NFL fan instead. Originally, he was a tried-and-true Steelers fan but moved on to the Titans later on in his life. Derrick, “The King,” Henry #22 was his favorite player.

Even with his gruff exterior, Waymon had a big heart. To his siblings, he was their protector, and Waymon loved his family fiercely. He was prepared at a moment’s notice to defend them because he was allowed to say something to them, but no one else could. That mentality followed him throughout his life, especially with CeCe, whom he took care of for many years. Then, it multiplied when he became a father and Desiree came into his life.

There were many things, hobbies, and memories that Waymon and Desiree shared. They would listen to James Taylor and sing “Fire and Rain” together. They also went on several weekend dates together to Red Lobster. Though Waymon was a steak and potatoes kind of man, he had a soft spot for crab legs. Desiree remembers being asked to leave the Jade Dragon’s all-you-can-eat buffet because Waymon planned to do as the buffet was labeled even after the 3-hour mark of being there.

Anyone that knew Waymon probably knew him for at least one of his signature characteristics. The first being that he was intelligent and didn’t need a degree to prove it. He knew a little bit about everything and missed a good chance to be on Jeopardy (but he would play it on his phone). He also had quite the vocabulary and used lots of adjectives and colorful metaphors.

Second, you couldn’t get past Waymon without talking to him or hearing a story about one of his grand adventures, like when he went to Woodstock. And when Waymon told a story, he was not going to spare you any of the details. Anything he remembered about the memory, he was going to be sure you heard about it. His larger-than-life personality was something he frequently used in his careers and for his careers.

Working as a plumber in Texas when it really began to boom, Waymon worked on several multimillion-dollar hotels and other infrastructure projects. When he came to Tennessee, he opened up Bill’s Package store from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s, earning him a name and warm welcome back to the community. After making the decision to close it, he returned to plumbing, working for WW Plumbing and MP3 Plumbing and working on several more multimillion-dollar projects, like convenience stores and hospitals.

Some might say Waymon never bragged a day in his life, but they would be lying. He loved to tell customers and friends about his life. He was even a self-proclaimed professional air hockey, foosball, and darts player, and his family would vouch for him that he was an excellent cook. If you took any phrase from Waymon, one of his and his family’s all-time favorites was when he would say he was made up of “twisted steel and sex appeal.”

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 1-4 pm. Memorial services will be Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 4 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Tim Gentry will officiate. 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

Louie M. Hillis, 91, of Morrison passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at his home following an extended illness.

He is survived by his sons, Tim (Teresa) Hillis of Morrison and Steve (Sharon) Hillis of McMinnville; grandchildren, Amy (Eddie) Fults, Chris Byford (Stacy Turner) and Michael (Tina) Hillis McMinnville, Nathan (Erin) Hillis of Morrison and Andrea (Caleb) Scheidler of Shelbyville.  4 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by is parents, Arzie & Aletha Owen Hillis; his wives, Fay Violet Haley Hillis and Mary Nelle Elkins Hillis and his daughter, Patricia Ann Hillis.

Mr. Hillis was a member of the Baptist church and had pastored several churches includes Blue Wing and Dillion St. Baptist church.  He was a retired factory worker and farmer.

Louie was a veteran of the United States Army serving in the Korean War.  While there, he was a Prisoner of War being held captive for over three months.  He received a Purple Heart along with other medals from his time there.  His loyalty to his beloved country led him to be a member of the American Legion and he was the former Ex POW commander with the Alvin C. York chapter.

Graveside services with military honors will be 11 am Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at McMahan Cemetery.

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

Claudia Lee Lassiter Odom, age 71, entered into God’s kingdom on November 25, 2021, after a short battle with colon cancer. Before falling ill she was the owner and operator of Claudia’s Family Hair Care in Readyville for almost 30 years. While Claudia was great with haircuts, colors, and perms, her true gift was the genuine love and compassion she had for people.

Claudia was the first born child of the late Parmer Carl and Ovie Spradley Lassister. She was born in      Rutherford County on December 14, 1949. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her only sibling, James Carl Lassiter.

In 1968, Claudia married the love of her life, the late Ronald “Ronnie” Dale Odom. Claudia & Ronnie went on to have three children: Rhonda Odom of Centertown, Crystal Melton & spouse Caven of Woodbury, and Chad Odom of Readyville. During their 53 year marriage, Claudia and Ronnie were also blessed with 6 grandchildren: Dustin Odom & spouse Kori, Amy Calhoun & spouse Robert, Amber Roy, Angel Roy, Sophia Odom, and Dalton Odom and 12 precious great grandchildren.

In addition to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Claudia is also survived by loving in-laws: Eva and Robert Green, John and Sue Odom, and Brenda Lassiter.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Mr. Dan Jolly officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverside Gardens Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 3:00pm – 7:00pm Monday, November 29, 2021. Pallbearers will be Dustin Odom, Caven Melton, Chad Odom, Paul Odom, Caleb Lassiter and Stephen Johnson.  Honorary pallbearers will be Mason Odom and Harley Odom.

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

Eugene Maas Harris, born April 23, 1934, in Auburntown, TN passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at his home.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Wilma Phillips Harris; two daughters, Beverly Bryan (Jerry) and Martye Harris. He is also survived by two granddaughters; Leah Bryan Wilson (Nick) and Rebekah Bryan Tate (Josh); seven great grandchildren: Maggie Tate, Allie Wilson, Elijah Wilson, Maya Wilson, Levi Tate, Isaiah Wilson, Noah Wilson and “grand dog” Paige Harris.

Mr. Harris was a fixture in the Auburntown community and well known throughout Middle Tennessee due to his 30-year ownership and operation of Harris Auto Parts (1962 to 1992).

He served as a Deacon of the Auburntown Church of Christ.

He was a founding member of the Auburntown Lions club and worked their monthly Fish Frys for over 41 years. He also served for many years on the Auburntown City Council.

Always active in the community and “loafin” at Jimbo’s; he enjoyed most time spend with family.

Visitation with the family will be at the Woodbury Funeral Home Saturday, November 27^th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Funeral services will be 2 pm Sunday November 28, 2021 at the Auburntown Church of Christ with visitation from 1:00 PM until time of the funeral with David Dunn officiating. Interment will follow at the Prosperity Cemetery in Liberty, TN.

Honorary Pallbearers: Marvin Davenport, Perry Robinson, Lynn O’Neal, Dwight Hancock, Jim Brown, Roger Turney, Robert Mee and Jimmy Mingle. Pallbearers: Josh Tate, Nick Wilson, Ed Faille, Jason Brown, Travis Turney and Elijah Wilson.

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

Ronald Lewis Simpson, 71, passed away  Thursday, November 18, 2021 at his home in LaVergne.  He was a native of Davidson Co., Tn.

He is survived by his sons, Brad (Amy) Simpson and Michael (Wendy) Simpson both of Murfreesboro, Terrance (Barbara) Simpson of LaVergne; grandchildren, Michaela Simpson, Lane Simpson and Brooklyn Simpson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Lewis Simpson and Georgette Graham Simpson and his wife, Stephanie Simpson.

Ronald was a hard worker and a retired supervisor from Good L.  After retirement, he was a homebody who loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren, watching tv, especially Gunsmoke. 

Graveside services will be 1 pm Monday, November 22, 2021 at Riverside Cemetery.

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

Luther Carl Hale, 90, passed away Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Alvin C. York Medical Center.  A native of Sparta, TN., he lived in Woodbury. 

He is survived by his children, Luther Carl Hale, Jr. of Woodbury; David Alan (Rita) Hale of Smithville, Sherry (Tony) Colby of Lenoir City and Tiffany (Sonny) Roach of McMinnville; siblings, Ann Snyder of Apopka, FL., Jean Hardee of Sparta, Jo Cameron of Eastland, Charles Hale of Longwood, FL and Willis Hale of Merritt Island, FL.  Several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren also survive. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Nophis and Ova Frasier Hale; his wife, Ruby Hale, 2 sons, Donald and Richard Hale; granddaughter, Stephanie Hale and sister, Mary Spears.

Mr. Hale was a member of the Baptist church and he served in the United States marines.  He was a retired painter. 

Visitation with the family will be from 9 AM until 11 AM Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.  Funeral services will be 11 am in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Nick Pelham officiating.  Interment will follow in the Prater Cemetery with Military honors.

Wallace Ray Barrett, Jr., 41, passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Centennial Medical Center following complications with Covid pneumonia.

He was a native of Warren Co. and lived in McMinnville.

He is survived by his wife, Brie Barrett of McMinnville; children, Cheyanne Grace Money and her husband, Tyler of MO., Dillon Barrett, Zoey Parks, and Addison Barrett all of McMinnville; grandchildren, Neveah Money and Roman Money who is due in March 2022; mother, Evonne Hayes of McMinnville

siblings, Carolyn (Chris) Barton of McMinnville and Liz Austin of McMinnville and father-in-law, Bill Chandler of Spring City.  Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Hayes; his niece, Abigail Hemby and mother-in-law, Lisa Higgins.

A member of the Irving College Baptist church, he was recently saved. He was an Industrial Maintenance worker at Shiroki in Smithville.  Wallace was a hard worker and enjoyed doing anything outside.  He was known for making beef jerky and he loved to fish.  Above everything else, Wallace was a wonderful husband and amazing father that will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Memorial visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm Friday November, 19 with Memorial service to follow at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Bro. Ryan Cripps will officiate.

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