Obituaries

Mr. Wesley Patterson, 37, of Woodbury, TN passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2024.  He was born in Murfreesboro, TN on July 16, 1987. 

He is survived by his parents, Larry and Geraldine Patterson of Woodbury, sons, Whaylen and Leland Patterson, daughter, Atleigh Patterson, brother, Dewayne (Vickie) Patterson of Murfreesboro, sisters, Penny (Gary) Nash of Columbia and April (Nick Butler) Parker of Smithville, close friends, Tony Burns, Justin Kelly, and many others.

Wesley’s parents were happily living life and raising their other three children as teenagers when he made his surprise entrance into their lives.  It was clear from the beginning he was going to be a ball of energy and keep things interesting.  The nurses had to improvise padding around his crib in the hospital to keep him from banging into the sides because he moved around so much. 

It didn’t take long for Wesley to decide he was going to be a sports fanatic.  He tried his hand at T-Ball and grammar school baseball, but he was cut out more for watching from the sidelines.  His dad and brother were both into drag racing.  Larry and Dewayne went partners on a car.  They built it from a Studebaker body.  It had a Chevy engine they built and dialed in.  Wesley was right there watching every move as they built the car. They made almost weekly trips to local drag strips at Buffalo Valley and Beech Bend to compete for prizes and bragging rights.  Wesley clung to the fence cheering them on at the races. If any mention was made about having to miss a weekend at the strip, he was not a happy camper.  If they lost a race, he was mad as a hornet.

His brother always had a fast muscle car.  When Wesley got old enough, he followed in his footsteps. Larry and Dewayne were both mechanically inclined.  Wesley would get them to show him how to work on his cars.  Dewayne had helped him customize his Camaro to get it just how he wanted it.  He and Dewayne also got to spend time working together at Steel Technologies in Murfreesboro.

His sports passion didn’t end with racing.  He was a huge Nashville Predators fan and collected a variety of jerseys and other memorabilia.  If there was any kind of game on he was ready to root for his team or player to win.  You name the sport, and he was in.  If he wanted to do something a little more laid back, he would grab his fishing pole and tackle box.  Dropping a line in the water was a good way for him to unwind and refocus.  He and his friend, Tony had recently gone fishing and Wesley reeled in a monster fish.

Spending time with his children was high on his to-do list. When Whaylen and Leland got old enough to play T-Ball he was there rooting them on.  Atleigh got involved in cheerleading and gymnastics and he watched intently.  They were fortunate enough to be able to take many family trips together.  The kids loved going to Disney, Gatlinburg, and New Orleans.  He wanted to make them feel special and would go out of his way to get them whatever they wanted.  If it meant he had to do without something, he would do it without flinching. 

Thirty-seven years isn’t a lot of time in the big picture, but Wesley packed a lot of living into the time he had.  They are heartbroken he left so quickly but are thankful for the memories they have to hold onto.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Monday, December 30, 2024 from 4-8 pm.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 1 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Tim Gentry will officiate.  Interment will be in Riverside 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.

Jackie Ray Crips, age 69, of Smithville Tennessee, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024 at his Woodbury home following an extended illness. Mr. Crips was the son of the late Jim Robert and Goldie Irene Melton Crips.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Timothy Joe Crips and Jerry Lane Crips, sisters Beverly Diane Crips and Jimmie Irene Crips Carter

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Anita Faye Knox Crips daughter, Jennifer Irene Crips Collins, son-in-law Mark Anthony Collins, grandson Robert Dalton Collins and granddaughter Taylor Riley Collins; Sons, Jackie Ray Crips Jr, Jamie Lee Crips and Jimmy Robert Crips, granddaughter Alex Morgan Crips and Weston Robert Kenamer Crips Daughter, Angela Dawn Hoover Stroh, son-in-law Shawn Stroh, granddaughters Lacy Elizabeth Stroh and Allie Kate Stroh. Brothers, Douglas Don Crips and wife Gail, Thomas Edward Crips and late wife Ann, Melvin Leon Crips and wife Leeann, Ricky Gene Crips, Billy J. Crips and wife Toni and sister Cathy Sue Crips Jiminez and many special nieces and nephews. Lastly his faithful little white dog, Quinzel, “Bob Barker”, who was his constant shadow.

Jackie was a “jack of all trades”, skilled in Carpentry, roofing, and painting and was also a Butcher. Jackie was an avid collector of antiques, coins, and stamps. He loved tinkering with clocks. He had an amazing green thumb and artistic talents. He loved fishing, hunting, and most of all his family. Jackie loved to cook and made the best pies around town. Our best memories will always be gathered around the kitchen table. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and that “Crips” laugh.

 “Now we have to remember you, but you will get to live through us.”  “Remember that I am always with you until the end of time” Matthew 28:20

His family will receive friends, Friday January 3, 2024 starting at 11:00 A.M.  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Ron Harper officiating.  Interment will follow in Curlee cemetery. Pallbearers include Mark Collins, Robbie Crips, Ricky Crips, Harley Crips, Stephan Crips, and Noah Crips.

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

James Christopher Carpenter, 66, of Woodbury passed away Monday, December 23, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford. A native of Memphis, he was preceded in death by his parents, James Junior Carpenter and Mary Aline Swan Carpenter.

Mr. Carpenter is survived by his loving son, James Andrew Kerr Carpenter of Woodbury and his siblings, Mark (Lynn) Carpenter of Huntsville and Suzette Rasmussen of Memphis. Also surviving are his niece and 2 nephews.

A member of Woodbury First Baptist Church, he was a CPA and worked for Global Industries Corporation. He was involved with Campus Crusaders for Christ and Gideons International. James was a big fan of University of Memphis Tigers basketball. He loved his church and he loved the Lord. Most of all, he was a wonderful and loving father.

His family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. with funeral services to follow at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home, Monday December 30, 2024. Bro. Dean Anderson will conduct his service. Interment will follow at Cherry Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Journey Home, Woodbury First Baptist church or to Gideons International.

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

Martha Cox Graves, 97, passed away Monday, December 23, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford following an extended illness.  A native of Wilson Co., she was the daughter of the late H.H. Cox and Maddie Belle Hardison Cox.

Ms. Martha is survived by her daughter, Jackie Martin of Woodbury; grandchildren, Nicholaus Martin of Woodbury and Ashley Crader of Murfreesboro; great grandchildren, James Stephen Martin, Matthew Bates Martin, Aiden Dickens and Adalynn Burns.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bates C. Graves; daughter, Shelia Joy Graves; grandson, Ronnie Martin, Jr. and 9 siblings.

A member of the church at Brawley’s Fork, Ms. Martha was a factory worker and caregiver.  She enjoyed doing word puzzles.

Her family will receive friends Saturday, December 28, 2024 from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M.  Funeral services will follow in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home at 11:00 A.M.  Interment will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday at Fairfield cemetery in Westmoreland, TN.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Glenda “Grammie” Lorraine Russ Batey, 84, of Morrison passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon Glen and Lois Ferguson Russ; her devoted husband of 60 years, Ben W. Batey; brother, Don Russ; daughter, Debi Batey Page and great grandson, Luke Aaron Batey.

She leaves behind three children, Glenn Batey, Timothy (Shelly Resseguie) Batey, and Shannon Dewey all of Morrison.  Her loving grandchildren, Tracy Page of Guyton, GA, Kelly (Lee) Hicks of Bradvyille, Alex (Megan) Batey of Murfreesboro, Shania (John) Hinman of Hendersonville, Jeramy (Tani-Mara) Batey of Enid, OK, and Naomi (Clint) Phillips of Bradyville.  Her biggest blessings and pride and joy, her great grandchildren, Ava and Dary Hicks of Bradyville, Braxton, Brantley and Bailey Phillips of Bradyville, Addali Batey of Grandbury, TX, Kendall and Cole Hinman of Hendersonville, Jackson, Wyatt, Fisher and Hunter Batey of Murfreesboro, and Kimber, Ashayla and Matty Batey of Enid, OK.  Her sister, Marsha McClanahan of Arlington, VA. And her brother, Jacque (Tish) Russ of Horseheads, NM.

She was the ultimate example of God-fearing woman.  One who put God first in all things with family a close second.  She was a member of the Barren Fork Baptist church.  There was never a question of where her alliances lie.  When she loved, she loved with her whole heart.  She always said that the greatest blessing in her life was that of getting to be “Grammie” to those she loved.

Her family will receive visitors Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Teb Batey officiating.  She will be laid to rest at McMahan cemetery.

Pallbearers include, Timothy Batey, Lee Hicks, Clint Phillips, Alex Batey, Jeramy Batey and Braxton Phillips.  Honorary Pallbearers, Glenn Batey, Dary Hicks, Brantley Phillips, Jackson Batey, Wyatt Batey, Fisher Batey.

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

Judy Carolyn Brazle age 78 of the Short Mountain Community passed away Sunday, December 8, 2024, at her residence. She was born December 28, 1945, to her parents the late Velmar Bogle and Frances Larue Page Redmon.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by daughter, Sherry Potter; great-granddaughter, Evelyn Braswell; brother, Dale Bogle. Ms. Brazle was a member of Blue’s Hill Church of Christ and worked at McMinnville Garment and Tennessee Apparel.

She is survived by husband, Jimmy Bluhn of Woodbury; children, Joyce Ann (Shane) Hollis of McMinnville, Nathan (Sarah) Brazle of Smithville; grandchildren, Nicole (Dustin) Cope, Candice (Jason) Jones, Lily Brazle, Bella Sevier, Easton Brazle, Holly Potter, Krisann Parks, Megan Braswell; great-grandchildren, Cody, Gage and Lakelyn Simpson and Brayden Hollis, Asa and Asher Jones, Alex Sevier, Natasha Sevier, Bentley and Savannah Parks, Skyler and Mae Braswell; great-great-grandchildren, Newt, Ovie and Andy Simpson; brothers, Charles Bogle of Kingsport and Ronnie Redmon of Dowelltown; sisters, Kathy Bennett of Gordonsville and Debbie Bogle of Antioch.

Funeral services will be held 1:PM Wednesday December 11, 2024, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial to follow in Woods Cemetery at Short Mountain. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 10:AM until the time of the service at 1:PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Brazle family. 

Mickey Allen Fricks, 72, of Bradyville passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Stonecrest Hospital.  Born in Chattanooga, he was the son of the late Bill and Evelyn Fricks.  He was also preceded by his father-in-law, Ike Parker.

Mickey is survived by his wife of 32 years, Deborah Parker Fricks of Bradyville; his children, Steven Fricks  and Jessica Fricks both of Rutherford Co., Cody (Katie) Fricks and Signa (Eli) Walden both of Bradyville; sister, Gayle Schuster of Beech Grove; mother-in-law, Hazel Parker of Bradyville; and brothers-in-law, Paul Singleton of Hillsboro, Roger (Dana) Parker of Bradyville and Larry Campbell of Woodbury.  6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren also survive.

He attended New Hope Church of Christ and was retired from Bunny Bread.  Mickey enjoyed fishing, deer hunting and traveling.

His family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until 1:30 PM Friday, December 6, 2024.  Graveside services will follow at 2:00 P.M. Friday at Cherry cemetery with Bro. Ralph Richardson officiating. 

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help his family with funeral expenses.

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

Mary Christine Smith age 65 of McMinnville, passed away Tuesday morning December 3, 2024, at her residence.  She was born March 21, 1959, to her parents the late Nolan & Dorothy May Estes Underwood.

She had worked at the shirt factory, Goody’s, and as a cook at Warren County High School, she was a member of the Pentecostals of McMinnville Church.

In addition, to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers: Willie Underwood and Calvin Underwood; First husband: Buford Anthony Myers; Grandson: Kayden Anthony Myers.

Funeral services will be held 11:AM Thursday December 5, 2024, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Robert Burns and Jason Nunley officiating with burial to follow in the Center Hill Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be Wednesday 3:PM until 7:PM and Thursday 9:AM until time of the service at 11:AM.

Survivors include her husband Roger Smith of McMinnville; Children: Christy (Tim) Anderson of Sparta, Angela (Beau) Patrick of Smithville, Shanda (Paul) Peterson of Sewanee, Alisha (Andrew) McCormick of McMinnville; Grandchildren: Blake Myers, Brooklyn Hosse, Austin Hosse, Spencer Peterson, Carson McCormick, Brantley McCormick; Great-Grandchildren: Mason Myers, Adalyn Myers, Tucker Godwin; Sisters: Wanda Beshearse of Smithville, Joyce Farless of Lebanon, Rebecca Farris of Smithville, Brenda Anderson of Liberty; Brother: Greg Johnson of Rock Island.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Smith Family.  

Mr. Billy Ellis, 86, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. He was born in Jefferson City, Tennessee on May 21, 1938. Preceding him in death were her parents, Charles McKindley Ellis and Elizabeth Magnolia Murr Ellis.

He is survived by his close friend whom he called his niece, Ellanor Morrell.

Mr. Billy grew up in the wake of the Great Depression in Tennessee.  While the Great Depression sounds unbelievably scary for people in this day and time.  The lifestyles for people around here didn’t change as much as they did for people in big cities.  Most families in rural Tennessee already knew how to live without many of the conveniences we take for granted now.  They grew, raised or hunted most of what they ate.  Clothes were made and/or handed down. Anything else was a luxury and they knew how to barter or stretch a dollar to get by with what they had. 

He, unlike a lot of his peers, did manage to make it through high school without having to drop out to work and help support his family.  At some point growing up he found an ability to work on cars.  This developed into a passion which comprised a big part of his identity in life. His talent at turning wrenches and restoring cars led to him getting an article published in Hot Rod magazine featuring one of the cars he had put a lot of sweat equity into.  If you had the opportunity to visit his home, he kept the magazine prominently displayed on his coffee table to show off his handy work. 

Many people knew him from the classic truck he restored and drove around.  It had a unique color combination.  It was painted purple with a red leather interior.

It was purported he had another passion in life.  He was a self-styled Romeo, who loved the ladies.  Combined with his passion for hot rods, there were probably more than a few ladies whose heads were turned and fancied a spin around the block with him. 

Sadly, life threw him some curves health wise.  As he got older, he began to lose his mental and physical faculties.  He needed help doing things at home and thankfully, that was when he met Ellanor.  She helped him with things at home.  He appreciated her care and help so much, when they were out running errands, he would introduce her as his niece.  She didn’t mind having an extra uncle, so it worked out for both of them. Finally, he got to the point that even her help wasn’t enough for him to be able to remain independent.  God took over so he doesn’t have to worry about his failing health or his fragile body anymore. 

Mr. Billy will be cremated.  There are no services planned at this time.

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.

James Edd Manus, Jr., age 67 of McMinnville passed away Friday, November 29, 2024, at his home. He was born on May 15, 1957, to his parents, the late James Edd Manus, Sr, and Myrtle Taylor Manus.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jennifer Lisa Melson Manus of McMinnville; daughter, Ashley Melson of McMinnville; grandchildren, Kirsten (Raleigh) Sosa, Destiny Melson (Enrique), Ethan Melson, Marco Melson, Alberto Lopez, Christian Morales, and Dakota Ferrell; brother Johnny Manus (Lisa) of Woodbury and sisters Mary Ward (Richard) of Morrison and Cheryl Conley (Carl) of Rock Island.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Melissa Melson.

Mr. Manus was a member of the Baptist Church and was a self-employed painter. 

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 P.M. Monday, December 2 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Center Hill Cemetery. His family will receive friends Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 10:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Pallbearers include Ethan Melson, Enrique Resendiz, Maro Melson, Alberto Lopez, Raleigh Woods, and Logan Martin.