Obituaries

Jason Lee Tancer, 38, of Readyville passed away suddenly April 20, 2021 from heart complications.  He was born in Houston Co., TN., to his parents, the late William “Billy” Tancer and Betty Jane Beaudreau Heath of Readyville. 

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 21 years, Amber Hoffman-Tancer of Readyville; his five-year-old daughter, Catherine Jane Tancer of Readyville; sisters, Bobbie Jo Beaudreau of Dickson and Billie Jo Hall of Smyrna; grandmother, Barb Masterson; mother-in-law, Vallerie Rae Jones (Randy Jochem); sisters-in-law, Jessica (Josh) Figured, Erica (Jr. “Juju”) Schoonmaker and Brandie Rae Hoffman; nieces and nephews, Cody Allen Hall, James Douglas Parrish, Jameson Snow, Madison Paige Beaudreau, Cory Ray Hacker, Austen Simmons, Elijah Seth Figuried, Aiden Isaiah Figuried, Brooklynn Nicole Schoonmaker and Ava Elizabeth Figuried; best friends, Nathan , Mark, Trent, Jeff, Chris & Ron; cousins by marriage,  Dale and Chris Heath-Mack, Gale Heath-Pitchford, James Pitchford and Alice Pitchford.  

In addition to his father, his was preceded in death by his sister, Paula Kay Tancer and his stepdad, Paul Oliver “Cookie” Heath, Sr. 

Jason was a mama’s boy who loved being with his family, especially his daughter and wife.  He loved to do anything outdoors which included fishing and grilling.  He was sarcastic, a free spirit, an animal lover, would talk to anyone and would make friends anywhere he went.  He was a friend to all and an enemy to none.  Jason would do anything for anyone and would never expect anything in return.  He found joy in finding God again after the death of his father.  He is now at home with him and his sister. 

The family will receive friends Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 2 pm until the time of Jason’s memorial service beginning at 4 pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made for his wife, Amber and his daughter, Catherine while they deal with his sudden passing. %Woodbury Funeral Home, 504 W. Main St. Woodbury, TN.  37190, 615-563-2311 or to leave memories for his family, you may use his online guestbook available at www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Mr. Gerald “Cadillac Joe” Wayne McCandless, 58, of Readyville passed away on April 18, 2021.  He was born in Winslow, IN on January 5, 1963.  Preceding him in death were his father, Dude McCandless, father-in-law, George Altheide, son, Gerald “Joe Joe” McCandless, and brother, Troy McCandless.

He is survived by wife of 33 years, Pamela McCandless of Readyville; son, Mikey (Carol) Miller of Readyville; daughter, Karly (Trenton Seal) McCandless of Woodbury; mother, Judy Newcom of Marion, KY; mother-in-law, Patty (Tom) Hauck of Newburgh, IN; brothers, Scotty McCandless of New Salem, KY and Jerry McCandless of Evansville, IN; sister, Melinda McCandless of Evansville, IN; grandchildren, Madison Johnson, Ellie Mae McCandless, Harper McCandless, Braxton Miller, and Branson Miller; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

Though his name by birth was Gerald, almost everyone knew him as Cadillac Joe. He lived the life of a biker and was a very talented mechanic. An ASE-certified Master Technician, he could work on anything from a weed eater to a helicopter. Though his profession was auto mechanics, his hobby lied with motorcycles. His love for grease and wrenches was unmatched, and he made it clear that the only thing that came before his “old lady” was his bike. He worked hard in the oil fields to buy his first Harley and later on in life helped build the Epcot Center in Daytona, FL. Whether it was a car or a bike, you could be sure that he would get everyone else’s fixed before he worked on his own. Many people knew he was a Harley enthusiast, a big supporter of Anheuser-Busch, and a talented mechanic; however, his life was so much more than that.

Cadillac Joe was a man in every sense of the word. He served his family as a protector and provider. He was a wonderful father to his children. Stepping up to the plate, he stood in the place of their fathers when they needed him most. He treated them like they were his own and taught them how to be good parents. Even though he would go wherever the wind would take him, he stayed and enjoyed his time at the house with his family. He was a rock and a shelter from the storms of this life for his wife and children. Though he will be deeply missed, his presence and influence live on in the hearts and actions of his family and dear friends.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 12-2 pm. Funeral services will follow directly after on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist with funeral expenses by contacting Smith Funeral Home. Share memories and condolences with them at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Rev. Thomas Earl Nichols, age 89, of Woodbury passed away Friday, April 16, 2021 at St. Thomas Stones River Hospital.  He was born in Cannon County on February 18, 1932.

Survivors include his daughter, Ruth Ann (Dennis) Watts of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Daniel (Amber) Watts & Lee Ann Watts; Great Grandchildren, Katie Watts & Asa Watts; Brother, W.R. Nichols of Woodbury; and Grand Dogs, Loosey & Kitty.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Harmon Nichols; Parents, William Richmond Nichols & Maggie Lucille Davenport Nichols; Brother, Roy Nichols; and Grandson, Levi Nichols.

Thomas Earl was a member of the Dillon St. Baptist Church and was retired from Bridge Builder where he worked in construction.  He was a Baptist minister for 30+ years and was ordained to preach in 1967.  After he retired in 1994, he was an avid beekeeper.  He enjoyed taking trips to the Smoky Mountains, painting & drawing, and loved his family, but especially his great grandchildren.  Thomas Earl was also the founder of the Veterans and Concerned Citizens of Cannon County.

The family will receive friends for the visitation from 11 AM until 2 PM Sunday, April 18, 2021 at Woodbury Funeral Home with graveside services immediately following at Riverside Cemetery with Bro. Ray Patrick & Bro. Bobby Nichols officiating.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Nancy Lee Sullivan, 51, of Bradyville passed away Monday, April 12, 2021 from injuries sustained in an auto accident.  She was a native of Columbus, OH.                 

She is survived by her husband, Timothy A. Sullivan of Bradyville; children, Summer (Donny) Potts & Blake Bowsher both of Lancaster, OH., Casey Sullivan, Robert (Breanna) Valentine and Kylea Sullivan all of Bradyville; grandchildren, Cooper, Grace and Jordan Potts and Brighton Bowsher; brother, Mark (Donna) Seevers of Lancaster, OH.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Judy Lisk Seevers.

A member of the Baptist church, Nancy was a homemaker and worked at Woodbury Nursing Center.  She was an animal lover and enjoyed shopping, poetry and music. Above anything, she loved being with her family and was a loving wife and mother. 

Graveside Services will be 2:30 pm Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Gilley Hill Cemetery.  Visitation with her family will be Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 12 noon until 2 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mr. Ray Charles “Curly” Anderson, 55, of Watertown passed away on April 13, 2021.  He was born in Murfreesboro, TN on January 8, 1966.  Preceding him in death were his father, Howard Anderson, and brothers, Steve and Paul Anderson.

He is survived by his wife, Gabriele Anderson of Watertown; sons, Justin (Heather Franklin) Anderson of Lebanon and Josh Anderson of Savannah, GA; daughter, Stephanie (George) O’Donnell of LaVergne; brothers, Alvin Johnson and Howard Anderson, Jr., Eddie, Tommy, Tony, Christopher, Jeffery, and Michael Anderson; sister, Donna Folk; grandchildren, Gracie Brand, Kenzie Brand, Allie Jones, and Tanner O’Donnell; and tons of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

When Ray was only 3 years old, his aunt gave him the nickname “Curly,” and it has stuck ever since. Originally for his curly hair, he made it his own and grew into the name. He loved to cut up and carry on with his family, which was full of characters. His charismatic personality and quick wit attracted many people into his life. He was also a social butterfly, which made it practically impossible for him to go anywhere without seeing someone he knew. His children remember going on vacations, and he was still able to run into at least a couple of people he knew. He always had something to say, and he was sure to say it, making him the last person to leave gatherings on most occasions.

On the other hand, Curly was a simple and hard-working man. A jack-of-all-trades, he worked as a handyman for 30 years doing carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and concrete. His love for his craft transferred into his hobbies. Though he was a social butterfly, he was still a homebody at heart. He enjoyed his time tinkering on projects at home. Whether it was fixing the lawn mower or restoring a toy for his kids or grandkids, you could usually find him working on something. He was old school and a thrifty man. His habit of pulling over to stop and pick up something off the side of the road has passed on to his children, and it is an action that his memory will live on each time they do it.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 from 10 am – 3 pm. Funeral services will follow directly after on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 3 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donation may be made to assist with funeral expenses by contacting Smith Funeral Home. Share memories and condolences with them at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Jerry D. Sacchinelli, 75 of Goodlettsville, Tn. passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at Alive Hospice.  He was a native of Davidson Co., Tn.

He is survived by his brother, Steven Sacchinelli of Milton; special family friend, Joyce Gambrel; significant other, Kimberly Kemp of Goodlettsville; aunt, Betty (Pat) Denton of Ridgetop; nieces and nephew, Stephanie Amanda Sacchinelli (Jonathan) Wright, Leslie Watson & Stephen McCasland; extended family, Phyllis (Joe) McCasland, Sherrie Kemp (Jeff Pedigo).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerrino Sacchinelli, Sr. and Willie Louise Sauls Sacchinelli and his son, Travis Sacchinelli.

A member of the church of Christ, Jerry was a graduate of UT Knoxville and was a software programmer for Kraft Foods. He was a veteran and served in the United States Air Force.  In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He also liked working in his yard and traveling.   

Visitation with the family will be Thursday, April 15, 2021 from 10 am until time of funeral service at 12 noon in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in the Riverside Cemetery.  Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.

Jodie Lee Tuck, 80, passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2021 surrounded by his family at his home in Auburntown.  He was born in Macon Co., Tn.

He is survived by his wife, wife, Sara Dockery Tuck of Auburntown; 2 daughters, Diane (Doug) Matheny and Jo Helen Tuck both of Auburntown; grandsons, Jackie Hayes, Danny Matheny (Bobbi Mears) and Colton (Abby) Tuck; great grandchildren, Shawn Michael and Mahaley Matheny, Hunter, Jordan, Levi & Kelly Tuck; siblings, Betty Smith of Watertown, Wanda Wright of MI. and Charles Tuck of Nashville and best friends, Ronnie Todd and Bobby Fletcher.

He was preceded in death by his birth parents, Aubrey and Nettie Tuck, his parents who raised him, Dink & Betty Blair and 9 brothers and sisters.

A member of Shiloh Baptist church, Jodie was a paint and body mechanic.  He loved to be outside especially when he could hunt.  He collected guns and knives and adored being with his family.  His grandsons and great grandchildren were the light of his life.  You would see him smiling the most at family gatherings, but his favorite time was enjoying Christmas with everyone and trying to figure out his gifts before they were opened.  

Graveside Services will be 1 pm Friday, April 9, 2021 at Prosperity Cemetery with Bro. Bobby Nichols officiating. Visitation with his family will be Thursday, April 8 from 4 pm – 8 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  For those wishing to do so, you may leave condolences for his family at www.woodburyfuneralhome.net  

Mr. Thomas John Kolasa, Jr., 60, of Murfreesboro passed away on April 5, 2021.  He was born on June 8, 1960 in Detroit, MI. Preceding him in death was his father, Thomas Kolasa, Sr.

He is survived by his mother, Helen Mondoux Moore of Acton, CA; ex-wife, Angela Petro of Bellevue; son, Christopher (Alexandria) Kolasa of Lebanon; daughter, Chloe Loftis of Murfreesboro; step-son, Robbie Murphy of Monterey; brother, Zachary Kolasa of Downingtown, PA; sisters, Kathy Rossitto of Santa Clarita, CA, and Carol Kolasa of Tacoma, WA; granddaughters, Amileah, Savannah, and Caroline Kolasa of Lebanon; and several nephews.

Mr. Kolasa was a man of his craft. A framer for most of his life, he loved to work and had a knack for building things. He was a sensible man with a big heart and enjoyed the simple things in life. He moved several times throughout his life, living across the United States from Washington to Florida before settling down in Tennessee. It was fortunate that he was such a talented storyteller because he definitely had some adventures to share. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his loved ones.

The family will hold private services at a later date. Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Dr. Donna Eley Bush passed away at the age of 63 on Thursday March 25th, after an electrical fire occurred in her home. She is proceeded in death by her parents Don and Vivian Eley as well as her brother Bruce Eley and is survived by a son, Dr. Will Thomas of Anderson, South Carolina. Dr. Eley Bush graduated with honors from Cannon County High School in 1978.

Although she first began a career as a banker at Warren County Bank in McMinnville, Tennessee, she enjoyed a career as a business college professor for many years. Dr. Eley Bush held an Associate’s Degree from Motlow Sate Community College, both a Bachelor ’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from Middle Tennessee Sate University, and the Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the University of Memphis. From 1985-1999, Dr. Eley Bush worked at Middle Tennessee State University, first as a graduate teaching assistant and then as a full-time faculty member. Known for her vibrant charisma and genuine interest in students, she was well-liked and respected by both students and colleagues. Unfortunately, the last several years of her life where dominated by several physical health issues.

At her request, Dr. Eley Bush will be cremated, and a memorial service will be planned for later in May.

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

Victoria “Vicky” Lynn Woods Jones, age 68, of Murfreesboro passed away on Good Friday, April 2, 2021 at Community Care of Murfreesboro.  She lived in Murfreesboro and was a native of Cannon Co.  Vicky was the daughter of the late William Claris Woods and Dorothy Jean Cope.  She was a graduate of Woodbury Central High School, Class of 1970.

She is survived by her two sons, Joey (Kristy) Yadon of Murfreesboro and Justin (Lynette) Payne of Patterson, CA.; grandchildren, Caleb (Lauren) Yadon and Madison Yadon all of Murfreesboro, Zac Payne of Wartrace, Kendra, Whitney and Cooper Payne all of Patterson, CA.; great grandchildren, J.B and Karenna Lee Yadon, Tripp Schwager; brother, Wade Nokes of Des Moines, Iowa; former daughter-in-law and friend, Hope Payne of Wartrace.

In addition to her parents, Vicky was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Jones and her brothers, Michael Wood, Glen Nokes and Timothy Nokes.

Vicky worked most of her life in the healthcare industry as a unit secretary and nurse.  She could strike up a conversation with anyone and made friends with everyone she met.  She also enjoyed a good yard sale, Elvis and the Wizard of Oz.  Vicky loved her family but her grandchildren were the light of her life.

Vicky’s request was to be cremated, with no service, and for everyone to remember her and the good times they shared together. 

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