Obituaries

Sgt. Matthew Studd, 64, of Woodbury passed away on October 15, 2021.  He was born in Jamestown, NY on December 28, 1956.  He was preceded in death by his father, Loris Leroy Studd; mother, Madge Lorraine Fredrickson Waid; son, David Studd; stepbrother, Ed Gordon Waid; and stepdaughter, Lindsey Polzin.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Bucknell Studd and their two sons, Joshua and Nathanial Studd of Woodbury; sons, Sean (Sarah) Studd and their children,  Jade and Brandon of Woodbury and Daniel (Leah) Studd and their children, Caleb and Laney of Beechgrove; daughters, Shannon (Ryan) Bush and their children, Kylie and Emily of Readyville and Dawn (George) Hart of Poughkeepsie, NY; stepdaughter, Annie Snook of South Portland, ME; Lindsey’s children, Drew, Jake, and Chase; brother, Ryan (Beverly) Studd of Bethpage; half-brother, Gordon Waid; stepbrothers, Paul Duwayne (Becky) Waid of Russell, PA and Bruce Waid of Kennedy, NY; sisters, Laura (Mike) Cox of Decherd, Heidi Causey of Gillette, WY, and Maralyn (Peter) Fryberger of Owen’s Crossroads, AL; stepsister, Rosemary Olive (Steve) Fannin of TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also blessed with a multiplicity of friends.

When Sgt. Studd made the decision to return to civilian life, he utilized the skillset he gained in the U.S. Marine Corps. He drove for Cassens Transport Company and jokingly made his job title “Carhaulogist.” Though protecting and providing for his family were key areas of interest for Sgt. Studd, he also had the goal to instill in his children the value of God and Country as well as community. His training kicked in, and he again stepped up to the plate to lead by action. Over the course of his life, Sgt. Studd was involved in countless civic groups, volunteer organizations, and other entities. To name a few, he was a founding member and former Assistant Chief of the West Side Volunteer Fire Department, served as Chairman of the Cannon County Election Commission, and was very active in the Hilton Stone American Legion Post 279 and Tactical Civics.

Outside of government and community, Sgt. Studd was an outgoing Christian and an avid hunter. An evangelist at heart, wherever he happened to be was seen as an opportunity to talk to someone about salvation. He recharged his spirit attending services at World Outreach Church and through his personal Bible studies. When he needed time to himself, he enjoyed going hunting and being out in God’s creation. He made the most of his TWRA membership every chance he had, and his children were beneficiaries of that.

He raised a family of outdoor enthusiasts. Shannon, Sean, Daniel, Annie, Dawn, and Lindsey enjoyed several camping trips and outdoor adventures growing up. Going camping with a Marine kept things interesting, and the weather was only considered an inconvenience rather than a concern. Sgt. Studd had told stories of camping when the rain was pouring down so hard that the air mattresses were floating. All of those adventures will be memories cherished across lifetimes as the stories are relived and retold.

In 1999, Sgt. Studd decided to create an online dating profile. A woman named Nancy Bucknell reached out to him, and they immediately hit it off. After dating for 2 years, they were married on September 1, 2001 in the Woodbury Church of Christ. They built their lives together and created a blended family with their 2 sons, Joshua and Nathanial. Even though the boys were born in an age of technology, Sgt. Studd still made sure he got them outside.

Mud bogs, car shows, and air shows hold irreplaceable memories as well as all of the nerf and water gun fights. It was important to Sgt. Studd for his boys to understand the value of living in America. So, every year on April 19, Sgt. Studd would take Joshua and Nathanial out, let them pick a long rifle, and commemorate the day of “the shot heard round the world” in 1775. It was a small act that kept in the forefront of their minds the sacrifices made for the creation of America.

Sgt. Matthew Studd enlisted in the USMC in December 1975, pledging his Oath to defend the Constitution and Country against all enemies, foreign and domestic so help him God. He firmly maintained that his oath would never expire, and his patriot mentality was partially derived from his family’s rich military heritage. His paternal grandfather, Lee Studd, served in the USMC during WWI. Lee fought in Battle of Belleau Wood France, where the German command labeled the ferocious marines “Devil Dogs.”

Following the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor, his father, Loris Studd, and uncles, Warren and Marshall Studd, dropped out of high school and enlisted in the military. Warren followed in his father’s footsteps and served in the USMC, while Loris and Marshall elected to join the US Navy, both serving in the Pacific Theater. Loris served on the USS Cacapon (AO-52), which was a T3 Cimarron-class fleet oiler. Following their enlistments to serve during WWII, all three brothers were honorably discharged.

Deciding to join the military was not a decision made lightly by Sgt. Studd. He had big shoes to fill when he entered basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in Platoon 1137. However, he was prepared for the challenge and stepped up to the plate. During basic, Sgt. Studd was the Second Squad Leader and was second highest in the Expert Rifle Score. He earned a meritorious promotion to PFC E-2 upon his graduation.

After basic, Sgt. Studd was assigned to Basic Motor Transport Training at Camp Johnson. Graduating in the top 10 of the class, he was then given orders to complete the Advanced Motor Transport Training Program. Again, he graduated at the top, earning him the opportunity to choose his duty station. Receiving another early meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal E-3, Sgt. Studd was sent across the country to the Third Marine Air Wing, WERS-37 (Wing Equipment Repair Squadron 37) at the El-Toro Air Base in Southern California. He served on the 4th Echelon Component Rebuild Platoon and was nominated for Marine of the Month, which later lead to another early meritorious promotion to Corporal E-4.

The Component Rebuild Platoon was reorganized and restructured to become the 1st FSSG Det. B (Force Service Support Group and a Detachment) from Camp Pendleton, and Sgt. Studd became one of the platoon leaders. As a leader, he was directly responsible for reducing down time and the number of motor transport vehicles parked on the Compound awaiting parts and repairs. With the teams under his command, Sgt. Studd was able to achieve zero trucks parked idle awaiting repairs on numerous occasions. It was the strong oversight and high standards of his leading officers that cultivated the esprit de corps within Sgt. Studd, which he shared liberally with those he was directly responsible.

Later on, Sgt. Studd received recognition through a Meritorious Mass put on by the commanding officer. After 18 months in service, another early meritorious promotion came Sgt. Studd’s way, and he was promoted to Sergeant E-5 and to the Platoon Sergeant position. Prior to leaving the USMC, Sgt. Studd was presented the honorable Warrant Officer’s opportunity, which would have turned the USMC into a career. However, with two children recently delivered at the Long Beach Naval Hospital, he decided to conclude his enlistment and pursue a life as a civilian father. What he termed his “4-year enlightenment” came to an end in November 1979, but the memories and lessons live on.

Sgt. Studd expressed his deep appreciation for the education and growth that the USMC afforded him early on in his life. The saying, “Once a Marine, always a Marine” remained true throughout his life. He believed and saw how freedom and liberty can be just one generation away if we allow it. Old Glory was more than just a symbol to him. He made an oath to devote his life to the protection of the values and freedom for which it stands. To have family and personal experience fighting for and sacrificing for something people take for granted daily gives you a different perspective on life, and his patriotism and sense of honor brought to life a time often forgotten.

A few months before he passed, Sgt. Studd shared a prayer with Hilton Stone American Legion Auxiliary Unit 279, and it is one that he would want to continue being prayed for our Country:

“May God Almighty bless and guide America and those who have and who continue to serve Her. May He change the hearts of those bent on Her destruction or change their power and positions as Enemies of our Constitutional Republic. May America once again become a blessing to God Almighty and to the World, His Creation, of which we are a vital part!”

Semper Fi

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 3-7 pm. The Celebration of Life will be Friday, October 22, 2021 with visitation from 2-3 pm and the service directly following at 3 pm in the Hillside Fellowship chapel. Wendell Sealy, Mae Beavers, and Mark Pody will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to A Soldier’s Child, Samaritan’s Purse, Global Accord, and Doctors Without Borders. 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

Odes Cleavon Rackley, 88, of Bradyville passed away Sunday, October 18, 2021 at his home.  He was born in Morrison, TN.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Phyllis Goff Rackley of Bradyville; daughter, Darlene (James) Burd of Goodlettsville; stepchildren, Cindy (Edward) McCabe of Bon Aqua, Ricky Foster (Carol Prater) of Bradyville, Cathy Fults of McMinnville; grandchildren, Heather (Ricky) Ridley and Shea Burd; step grandchildren, Allison (John) Fischer, Kyle McCabe, Jeremy (Amy) Foster, Nicholas (April) Foster, Jeff (Lynn) Fults, Michelle (Eric) Holt, Lacey (Phillip) Hasting, Lynn Fults, LaNae Campbell, Lynsie Armstrong; great grandchildren, Madison (Christian) Brown, Avriel Burd and Jillian Burd; step great grandchildren, Evelina Gray Fischer, Beau Brooks Fischer, Madison and Macie Foster, Tenerra, Madison and Brittany Fults, Brandon and Erica Dixon, India Holt, Noah, Coley and Kamryn Campbell, Chase Grosch, Sybil Haston and Bella Armstrong and brother, Joe Ed (Linda) Rackley of Manchester.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Issac & Ida Pearl Johnson Rackley; his first wife, Pauline Rackley; stepdaughter, Paula Armstrong and siblings, Mary Pearl Wilson, Bertha Gunter, Douglas, Harvey, Dow and Cordell Rackley.

Odes was a Christian who read his bible daily and was a member of the McMinnville Church of God.  He was a veteran of the United States Army where he served during the Korean War with the military police.  Mr. Rackley was the owner of Rackley Amusement Co. He was also a member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Moose Lodge.

Odes was a man who loved his family. He wanted to make sure that they knew the Lord and did good in this life. His hobbies included fishing, playing guitar and banjo. Odes loved to joke with people and play Snooker with friends, who he considered family, that he met through his business.  He had the most enjoyment when he received his pilot license at the Warren Co. Airport where he was also a member of the Aviator and Navigators Club.

Graveside services will be 3 pm Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at Blues Hill cemetery with his son-in-law, Rev. James Burd officiating.  Pallbearers include Ricky, Jeremy and Nicholas Foster, Kyle McCabe, Ricky Ridley and Christian Brown.

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

Patricia Ann Wade, 74, passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at her home in Woodbury.  She was born in Detroit, MI.

She is survived by her daughters, Julie (Anthony) Paros and Kimberly (Mike) Alcantara both of Cannon Co. and her grandchildren, Jake, Nick and Isabella.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard & Dorothy Wolfe Gryzmala and her husband, J.D. Wade who recently passed in February.

A member of the Pleasant View Baptist church, Ms. Wade worked in the Steel Mill industry.  She enjoyed going to church and church activities, but she loved to spend time with her grandchildren most of all.

Visitation with her family will be from 1 pm until 2 pm Friday, October 15, 2021 with graveside services to follow at 2:30 pm at Gunter-Grizzle cemetery with Bro. Jeff Cripps officiating.  

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

Richard Carl Haley, 90, passed away Monday, October 11, 2021, at his home in Woodbury.  He was born in Rutherford Co. to his parents, the late J. Carl & Beatrice Anderson Haley.

 
He is survived by his children, Victor (Becky) Haley, Darrell Haley, Roger Haley and Anita (Ray) Patrick all of Woodbury; siblings, Hubert Clyde (Barbara) Haley, Shirley (Eddie) Nelson and Connie (Tommy) Mooneyham all of Cannon Co. 15 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.
 
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife who passed August 23, 2021, Sara Elizabeth Haley; son, Barry Haley; brother, John William Haley and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
 
He was saved as a teenager and became a member of the Dillon Street Church in 1956.  It was 1959 before he became regular in services and he soon became a bible teacher, song leader, Sunday school superintendent and in September of 1960 was ordained as a deacon.  Then in December of 1978 he was ordained as minister.  Richard went to pastor the Sink Creek Baptist church in Dekalb Co. in September 1983 and moved to pastor the Sunny Hills Baptist church in the fall of 1988 where he stayed until he retired in 2010.  He is still recognized as pastor emeritus of the Sunny Hills church.  He left the membership of Sunny Hills, April 2013, to return to the Dillon Street Baptist church as assistant pastor under Ray Patrick.

Funeral services will be 11 am Friday, October 15, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Ray Patrick officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Gardens. His grandsons, the “Haley Boys”, will serve as pallbearers and his two granddaughters will serve as honorary pallbearers.
 
Visitation with his family will be Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 4 pm until 8 pm. 
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dillon St. Baptist Church Building Fund.
 

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

Franklin Cordell Foster, 88, Monday, October 11, 2021 at Woodbury Health and Rehab.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Turner Foster, whom he married April 7, 1995, of Woodbury; daughter, Leslie Pitcock of NC; Franklin’s pride and joy where his grandsons whom he loved dearly, Cody (Maddie) Reynolds and children, Grayson and Sydney Rose all of CO., Toivo Blaine Pitcock of Co., Christian Quinn Pitcock of Maine; stepson, Troy Comer and his daughters, Holly and Camile of Murfreesboro; sisters-in-law, Jerry (Henry) Sharp of MO; her daughter, Jordan Gillispie of CA and her son, Jacob Gillispie of NM ; Linda & Ray Grew of MI., Charlotte Wattles and Bobby of AR; nephews and nieces, Ronnie (Connie) Foster of Woodbury; Jerry (Diane) Foster, Elly and Brooke of MT., Jo Ann Hollandsworth of Woodbury, Charles (Sandy) Brandon of Woodbury; Thresia Horn, Emily Haynes and Anna Rowland.

Franklin was the last of his family.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Austin Foster, and Hassie Brady Foster; his first wife, Faye Smith Foster; his brothers, Royce Foster, Medford Foster; his sisters, Hazel Hollandsworth, Jo Porterfield and Mary Brandon. He was also preceded in death by his stepson, Roger Comer and brother-in-law, Billy Smith.

A veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Army, Franklin worked driving a truck for Mason Dixon. Retired for 25 years, he went to work as a builder.  Franklin retired to his back porch, where he could watch the deer and look at Short Mtn which was his favorite thing to do. He was a member of the church of Christ.

Graveside services will be 10 AM, Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Riverside cemetery with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, October 13, 2021 from 4 pm until 8 pm. 

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

Farris Main Goins, 90, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Woodbury Health and Rehab.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Vertrice Spry Goins of Woodbury; his sister, Shirley Goins Taylor and her daughter, Shannon Lewis. Several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins also survive.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe & Jimmie Sullins Goins; his siblings, Gertrude Goins Bogle, Mary Louise Goins Simmons, Irlee, James, Bill, Charles and Wayne Goins.

A member of the Woodbury church of Christ, Farris was a veteran of the Korean War where he served in the United States Army.  He retired from Metro Bordeaux Hospital where he worked in Maintenance.  Mr. Goins gardening, tending to his flowers, painting and sports.

Graveside services will be 2:30 PM Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Riverside Gardens cemetery with Bro. Donnell Harper and Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  

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

Sue Crook Powell, age 89, of Auburntown passed away Friday, October 8, 2021 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  She was born on November 23, 1931 in Wilson County to her parents, Riley Oakley Crook & Sallie Fite Crook.

Survivors include her husband of 69 years, Homer Powell of Auburntown; Children, Sara (Bill) Irwin of Auburntown, Elizabeth (Jason) Graves of Canton, GA & John (Brandy) Powell of Auburntown; Grandchildren, Brad Irwin, Nathan Irwin, First Lt. Joshua Graves, Hannah Graves, Noah Graves, Catherine, Emily, Tucker, & Brodie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Riley Donald Crook.

The family will receive friends for her visitation on Monday, October 11, 2021 from 12 PM to 2 PM at Prosperity Baptist Church with Bro. Jason Graves officiating.  Graveside Services will immediately follow the visitation at Prosperity Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Powell to the Prosperity Baptist Church.

     Alice “Joy” Nicolau, 88, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away on October 5, 2021. She was born in Forsyth, GA on March 4, 1933. Not long after, her family moved to Miami, FL, where she became the oldest of four children. Her sister was born when Joy was 12 years old and she learned to be a caregiver at a young age, that caring heart followed her throughout her life. During her teen years, she was very involved in the Baptist church. It further developed her passion for helping people, but this life wasn’t made to be done alone.

     After graduating from Miami Sr.High School in 1950, she started working at a company where she met her future husband, Frank W. Nicolau. Joy had a car, and Frank needed a ride home. It was a match made in heaven. At the time, Joy was a quiet and shy redhead, while Frank was a Puerto Rican from New York. He knew how to be the life of the party playing drums in a band. A classic case of opposites attracting, they married on August 29, 1953, officially becoming a real-life “Lucy and Ricky Ricardo” couple.

     Communication is key in any relationship, and Frank and Joy were devoted to communicating with one another. Since most of Frank’s family spoke Spanish, Joy happily learned Spanish to share conversations and stories with them. When they weren’t using words, their communication was in sync through dance. They shared a love for dancing and witnessing them dance the jitterbug together was a sight you would not soon forget.

     Frank and Joy desired a child most in their life. Though they did not have a child early on in their marriage like they wanted, the Lord blessed them with a baby girl in 1962 after 10 blissful years together. They fittingly named her Charmaine after the 1927 song, which talks about waiting for Charmaine to come.

     Joy had a restless spirit. She craved adventure, and wherever Joy went, Frank would follow. In the 70s, they learned how to ski, and they made it a habit of taking trips to areas with colder climates to practice their skills and enjoy the snow. With Frank’s career as a corporate salesman, he and Joy would often take trips driving up and down the state of Florida.

Even if it wasn’t far, Joy always wanted to feel like she was going somewhere. It didn’t matter if it was down the block or across the United States; she wanted to go. There was a running joke between Joy and Charmaine that her middle name was “I wanna go.” Because of this, the family enjoyed many trips traveling and exploring together. Joy’s adventures took her to 18 countries and all 50 states.

     Joy earned a degree in Nursing from the University of Miami in 1983.  In order to pay for her college, she accepted a full-ride scholarship through the Health Service Corps. In return for paying for her schooling, they required her to work a minimum of two years in an underserved population. It was a fitting trade for Joy’s caring heart, and after graduating, she and Frank moved to Gallup, NM, where she worked at the Navajo Indian Hospital on the reservation.

     In 1985, they decided to redirect their adventure to be closer to their beloved Charmaine and moved to Denver, CO, where Charmaine graduated from college. Joy decided to further her own education and earned a Master’s in Gerontology from the University of Colorado in 1988. While earning her degree, Joy worked at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, a service near and dear to her heart since Frank served in the military. Even with her adventurous spirit, Joy was still someone who believed in planting roots wherever you were. She combined her passion for helping others with being a part of the community through her volunteer work with the Denver Zoo and the American Cancer Society: Denver Chapter.

     Joy’s most treasured adventure on this earth, was helping to raise her granddaughter whom she loved dearly.  Frank passed in 2008 and Joy carried on his memory for nearly 13 years, but now, she is reunited with him, where they never have to worry about having their last dance again.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Harry and Lucille Bazemore; husband, Frank W. Nicolau; and brother, Linn Bazemore. She is survived by her daughter, Charmaine Nicolau of Murfreesboro; brother, Robert Bazemore of Florida; sister, Kay Eitneier of Nashville; granddaughter, Jasmine Joyrose Nicolau of Murfreesboro; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, October 10, 2021 from 1:30-2:30 pm. A Celebration of Life will be Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 2:30 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Charmaine Nicolau will officiate. Mrs. Joy will be reunited with her husband at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society: Denver Chapter or the Alzheimer’s Association. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Marty Kent Reed, 47, of Woodbury died Thursday, October 7, 2021 at his home.  He was a native of Cannon Co., TN.

He is survived by his parents, Jerry & Betty Merriman Reed of Woodbury; brother, Ricky (Ramona) Reed of Murfreesboro; niece, Lindsey (Brandon) Koenig of Woodbury; great nephew, Halston Koenig and his beloved dog, Max.  He is also survived by all the ladies that took care of him at Save-A-Lot where he worked for many years.

Marty was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jon William and Ailene Preston Reed and Dick & Willie Matt Mooneyham Merriman.

Funeral services will be 3 pm Saturday, October 9, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Chris Mears officiating.  Interment will follow in Prater Cemetery.

Visitation with his family will be from 10 am until the time of his funeral service Saturday, October 9, 2021 

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

Wesley Chiles Nokes age 40 of Liberty passed away Wednesday night at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

He was born May 7, 1981 to his parents, Bill and Kathy Hale Nokes.  Wesley was preceded in death by his grandparents, Billy and Bobbie Hale, Clyde and Maxine Nokes.

He attended the Old Short Mountain Methodist Church.  Wesley had a BS in Aerospace and was the former manager of the Smithville Municipal Airport and aerospace was one of his passions. He was a powertrain claims adjuster with Smart Auto Care.

To know the Nokes family, you know their love for music and Wesley loved playing music.

He leaves to cherish his memory, 1 son, Koen Bradley Nokes of Liberty; parents, Bill and Kathy Nokes of Liberty; sister, Natasha (James) Anderson of Woodland; niece and nephew, Lakelynn and Noah Anderson; fiancé, Nicole Hite of Liberty; several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

Graveside services and interment will be 1:PM Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Melton Cemetery with Bro. Donald Owens officiating.  Visitation will be Friday 4:PM until 7:PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel.  There will not be any visitation on Saturday, family and friends will meet at the Melton Cemetery for the graveside service at 1:PM.

The funeral home lounge is closed at this time and no food or drinks are allowed in the funeral home.  DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.