Obituaries

Jimmy “Hollywood” Haley, 80, passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at St. Thomas West.  He was a native of Cannon Co. and lived in the Sycamore community. 

He is survived by his brother, Danny Haley and his wife, Nancy of Gassaway; nieces and nephews, Vicki & Lanny Sandlin of Gassaway, Amy & Derrick Campbell of Brush Creek, Hunter Sandlin of Gassaway, Hudson Campbell and Hayley Reynolds.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl & Lucille Gilley Haley.

A member of the Sycamore Baptist church, Jimmy retired after 31 years with TN Dept. of Transportation.  He enjoyed playing guitar, music, dancing and attending the Cannon Co. Senior Center.

Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Friday November 19 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Richard Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Sycamore cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be Thursday, November 18 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

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

Earl St. John, 84, passed away Sunday, November 14, 2021 at this home in Hermitage.  He was born in Cannon Co., son of the late Kirk and Jenny Ruth Barrett St. John. 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Morris St. John of Hermitage, children, Earlene St. Lewis (David) of Millersville and Angela Rose (Dennis) of Old Hickory; 4 grandchildren, Molly Rose Lewis, Matthew Armstrong, Christiana Bratchie and Jeb Bratchie; 3 great grandchildren, Alexander and Andrew Armstrong and Charlotte Molina; sister, Sue Robinson (Raymond) of Woodbury.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, James Obie “Tootsie” St. John.

Mr. St. John was a retired diesel mechanic and a member of the church of Christ.

Visitation with his family will be from 11 AM until 1:00 PM Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 at Woodbury Funeral Home with graveside services to follow at 1:30 PM in Riverside Gardens.  Bro. Ray Robinson will officiate. 

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

Ronald Dale Odom, 72, died Friday, November 12^th, 2021 at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro.  He was a native of Cannon County.

Survivors include his wife, Claudia Lee Lassiter Odom, children: Rhonda Odom of Centertown, Crystal Melton of Woodbury and Chad Odom of Readyville.

Siblings:  Eva Green of Murfreesboro and John Odom Jr. of Oklahoma,

Grandchildren: Dustin Odom of Woodbury, Amy Calhoun of Murfreesboro,

Amber Echevrria of Florida, Angel Roy of Murfreesboro, Sophia Odom of Murfreesboro and Dalton Odom of Murfreesboro.  Twelve great grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wiley Odom & Alice Bertie Henderson Odom; siblings, Dorothy Reynolds, Paul Odom, Joseph Odom, Bratten Odom, & Dorris Wayne Odom.

Ron was a disabled salesman, working in the auto & insurance industries and a member of the Baptist faith.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Wednesday November 17th at the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with burial to follow at Riverside Gardens.  Visitation will be Tuesday November 16 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

Pallbearers will be Dustin Odom, Caven Odom, Chad Odom, Paul Odom, Caleb Lassiter, & Dan Jolly.  

Honorary pallbearers will be Mason & Harley Odom.

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

Mabel Hawkins Turney, age 99, of Auburntown passed away Friday, November 12, 2021 at her home.  She was born to her parents, Charlie & Jennie Smith Hawkins on June 19, 1922 in Cannon County.

Survivors include her children, Roger (Shirley) Turney, Denny (Sue) Turney, Jackie (James) Waterfall, & Ken (Scarlett) Turney.  15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, & 7 great great grandchildren also survive.  The family wishes to express their thanks & love to Renee, Stephanie, Emily, and all of the caretakers who took care of their mother & became like a part of the family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Jack “Hop” Turney; Parents, Charlie & Jennie Smith Hawkins; and her 10 siblings.

Mrs. Turney was a member of the Auburntown Church of Christ and was a school cafeteria cook & manager.  She enjoyed cooking & tending to her garden, and took many trips with Mr. Turney traveling cross country.  She mostly enjoyed spending time with her family and having get togethers.

Graveside Services will be at 2 PM Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Prosperity Cemetery with Bro. David Dunn officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Auburntown Church of Christ in memory of Mrs. Turney.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

James Brandon-Butner Byrd entered the world on November 5, 2021 and was called back to heaven by God on November 6, 2021. He joins in heaven his great grandfather, Harold Harrington; grandfather, James “Randy” Byrd; grandmother, Ellen Marie Butner; great uncle, Ricky Abel; and uncle and aunt, Brandon and Samantha Byrd.

His passing is mourned by his parents, Amanda Byrd and Jimmy Butner of Murfreesboro; brother and sisters, Jaylin Wood and Roman Keedy both of Murfreesboro and Chloe Byrd of Michigan; grandparents, Ray and Christy Hunt of Murfreesboro; James Butner, Sr. of LaVergne; great grandmother, Cathy (Dan) Barden of Michigan; aunts and uncle, Karen Cottrell and Steven Robinson both of Smyrna; Brandy Castillo of Georgia, Camri Garza of Michigan, Skye Hunt, Faith Hunt, Sarah Hunt, and Amber Hunt all of Woodbury as well as numerous other cousins and relatives.

James’ name was a combination of multiple family members’ names, and his family was eagerly awaiting to welcome him home. They had several grand adventures in store for him and so many memories they were looking forward to sharing together. They had already began making preparations for his entrance into the world.  A nursery decorated with a Batman and Pops action figure theme would welcome him home.

Baseball was a family tradition that they looked forward to passing along to James. His dad had big plans to share his love of collecting baseball cards. His grandfather looked forward to continuing the tradition of playing catch with each of his grandkids, and everyone was ready to work on batting tips when James was ready to play baseball.

His mom couldn’t wait to take him outside and show him the wonders of the world.  Introducing him to the outdoors and how to use his imagination were her plans to keep him from staying indoors playing on the computer. Any boy would be thrilled to go fishing, and they were anticipating those adventures.  His large extended family couldn’t wait to begin the spoiling that was sure to come.

While their hearts are broken, they are comforted by the fact he received his angel wings and family was waiting to greet him in heaven and take him into their care.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, November 13, 2021, from 12-2 pm. Memorial services will be held in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 2 pm. Tim Gentry will officiate. Share thoughts 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.

Carter White Murphy was born on Thursday, April 22, 2021 to his loving parents, Clifton R. Murphy, Sr. and Mary L. Nichols, at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Carter’s family was blessed with 6 months and 14 days with him before he went to his heavenly home on November 5, 2021.

Though Carter was born premature, he was a happy and healthy baby, and his size earned him the nickname “Hoss” from his parents. Born with enough hair to make a mohawk, Carter’s dad took every opportunity to style his hair that way, and his hair matched his spirit. Carter was a bundle of joy with an outgoing personality. He was very energetic and loved to show off his boots that Ma Ruth got for him. An observant baby, he already knew faces and voices and would light up at the sound of his mother’s. He also loved all of his big brothers and sisters and would play with them and his cousins like he was the same size.

Carter knew what he needed to be happy in life, and aside from his family’s love, he was content with his favorite blanket and a bottle. He loved to wrap up in his blanket with it pulled up to his chin, especially when listening to music with his mom and dad. “My Hero” was a song he liked to listen to with his daddy. Carter loved visiting his aunt and uncle, Beth and Keith’s, house. Carter had just reached the milestone of being able to roll over on his own, and he was working on cutting some more teeth.

Preceding him in death were his grandfathers, Bobby “BJ” Johnson and Ricky “Pa” Murphy. Carter is deeply loved and remembered by his Mom and Dad; grandmothers, Ruth Murphy of Woodbury and Kathy (Rick) Hindsley of Smithville; big brothers and sisters, Kimberly, Tiffany, Justin, and Addison Johnson, Ally and Emma Nichols, Christian Dehaven, Hunter, Kaylee, Kaytlynn, Kaydyn, KayAnna, Clifton Jr., and Jaxon Murphy; aunt and uncles; Fairy and Mark Johnson of Smithville, David and BJ Murphy of Woodbury, Kayla and Joey Nicholson of Woodbury, and Keith Barrett and Beth Murphy of Woodbury; and numerous cousins, great aunts, and great uncles. Carter will always remain his parents’ precious baby and his siblings little brother.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 12-8 pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Tim Gentry will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. 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

Mrs. Ruth Ann Blythe, 79 of Murfreesboro passed away on November 6, 2021. She was a native of Toledo, Ohio born on April 1, 1942, but lived most of her life in Rutherford County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd Lewis and Nancy D. Smith, stepmother, Joann Lewis, husband, Bobby Blythe, Sr., and by a son, John Walter Lewis.

She is survived by sons, Bobby (Sherry) Blythe, Jr. of Murfreesboro and Shannon Blythe, brothers, Marshall (Betty) Lewis and James Lewis both of Toledo, OH, sisters, Linda Lewis, and Laura Lesko both of Toledo, OH and Mary Lewis of Texas, grandchildren, John Lewis, Jr., Janet Lewis, Skyler Blythe, Makala Blythe, Emily Breedlove, and Tony Breedlove.

Growing up in Ohio, she attended Mary Brook Catholic Academy, now known as St. John’s University, and graduated in 1960. In 1961, she made her way to Rutherford County. It wasn’t long before she settled in and set down roots.

In her spare time, she loved reading most any kind of book. Detective novels and history books topped the list of favorites. The only exception to books she loved to read were romance novels. Whenever she could slip away, she loved to go fishing. Being outdoors gave her a great level of peace. Often, she dreamed of having a little cabin where she could have a cup of coffee and watch the birds eat from her feeders. 

Though not a social butterfly, she loved talking to people and could talk your ear off. Fitting her unique personality, she and her husband had special nicknames for each other. He lovingly called her “Wife Woman,” and she called him, “Boar Hog.”  Living life simply and on her own terms was her way. She could have a stubborn streak and loved her independence. Her family and friends will remember her fondly for her smile, humor, and unique personality.

The family will have visitation at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, from 12-2 pm. Funeral services will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 2 pm. Gaylon Dawson will officiate with interment following at Milton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a church or charity of choice. 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.

Richard “Critter” Barabas, Sr., 78, passed away Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  He was a native of Whitehouse, NJ and resided in Bradyville, TN.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Joyce Barabas of Bradyville; children, James (Patty) Barabas of Three Bridges, N.J., Theresa Barabas of Mt. Arlington, N.J., John (Donna) Barabas of Smith, AL., Richard (Dian) Barabas, Jr. of Woodbury, Michael Andrew Barabas of Bradyville and Kim (Scoty) Miller of Murfreesboro and brother, Henry Edward Barabas of Jackson, N.J. Also surviving are many grandchildren, great grandchildren and his beloved four-legged companion, Roe.

Mr. Barabas was preceded in death by his parents, Henry P. and Matilda Debert Barabas; his wife, Martha; his grandson, Nicholas Barabas and his siblings, Robert Barabas, Marie Lunden and Irene Calnan.

Richard was retired from Weaver Transport where he was the shop foreman.  He loved fishing, woodworking and taking his yearly deer hunting trips to Pennsylvania with his buddies.  They affectionately called him “Critter”.  A member of the Mt. Herman Baptist church, Mr. Barabas was a Christian man who enjoyed spending time with his church family and his Sunday school class.  Above all he loved his family and making memories with them.

Graveside services will be 11 am Tuesday, November 9, 2021 in the Riverside cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Herman Baptist church building fund.  Donations may be send to Woodbury Funeral Home, 504 W. Main St., Woodbury, TN.  37190, 615-563-2311.
 
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Cecil E. Bowman, 91, passed away Sat., October 30, 2021 at Woodbury Health Care.  He was a native of Celina, Clay Co., TN. and was a resident of Murfreesboro.

He is survived by his wife, Elene Cavanaugh Bowman of Murfreesboro; children, Rita Kay Bowman Bryson and her husband, Terry of Readyville and Gary Lee Bowman of Sht. Mtn. Community; stepchildren, Teresa Castleberry Moseley of Murfreesboro and Walter Thomas Castleberry of Huntsville; grandchildren, Chrissy Bowman Vaughn, Nathan Bryson, Cecilia Bowman, Brooke Bryson Vanderbent, and Cassie Bowman; step grandchildren, Melissa Moseley Robbins, Matthew Thomas Castleberry, Sarah Kaitlyn Castleberry and Caroline Elizabeth Castleberry; brother, Edward Bowman of Newport News, VA.; stepsister, Teena (Arna) Smithson of Woodbury and aunts, Savannah Morgan and Beatrice Barrett both of Murfreesboro.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Waymon & Clyde Rich Bowman; his first wife, Margie Elizabeth Knox Bowman and his siblings, Sarah Bowman and Billy Ray Bowman.

A member of the Antioch church of Christ, Mr. Bowman was a retired mechanic and auto body repairman.  He was also a church of Christ minister for many years.  He also fulfilled many mission trips to Jamaica. Cecil retired from the United States Army as Staff Sergeant and was a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars.  He enjoyed restoring antique vehicles, fishing, gardening and spending time with his dog, Blackie.

Funeral services will be 1 PM Wednesday, November 3, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Bud Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow at Thyatira cemetery.  Pallbearers include Nathan Bryson, Jeremey Vaughn, Eric Robbins, Buster Alexander, Paul Nipper and Russell Paschal. 

Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, November 2, 2021 from 4 pm until 8 pm and Wednesday, November 2, 2021 from 11 am until 1 pm.

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

Teresa St. John Van Hooser, 79, of Merritt Island, FL. passed away Friday, October 22, 2021 in La Plata, MD where she was being cared for by her son, Patrick.  She was born in Cannon Co., TN., the daughter of the late Austin and Clara St. John.

She is survived by her son, Patrick Van Hooser and his wife, Rebecca of Lusby, MD; grandsons, John Austin Van Hooser and William Van Hooser.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Van Hooser, Jr.; and siblings, Darlene Smith and Lindra McWilliams.

A member of the church of Christ, Teresa was a computer programmer.  She was a loving mother and grandmother who loved spending time with them and seeing their accomplishments. Ms. Van Hooser has gone to her eternal home where she is finally reunited with her loving husband, John.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Saturday, October 30, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Blues Hill cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 from 3 pm until 8 pm.  

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