Obituaries

Howard Knox, Jr., age 78, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021 at his home.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include his children, Lisa Knox Smith & Tim of Nolensville and Chris Knox & Susan of Murfreesboro; Grandchildren, Katelyn Smith, Hayley (Harrison) Waldron, & Natalie Knox; Great Grandson, Liam Hollis; and Sister, Johnnie (Floyd) Alexander of Nashville.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Knox, Sr. & Myrtle Reed Knox; first wife, Janice Tate Knox; second wife, Judy Gilley Knox; sister, Mary Rogers; and brother-in-law, Wade Rogers.

Howard was a member of the North Boulevard Church of Christ and was a retired minister of 35 years at New Hope Church of Christ.

Funeral Services will be 2 PM Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at New Hope Church of Christ with Bro. Charles Williams officiating.  Interment will follow at Riverside Gardens Cemetery.  The family requests friends for visitation from 4 PM to 8 PM Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Woodbury Funeral Home and from 1 PM until time of the service at New Hope Church of Christ.

Pallbearers will include Russell Alexander, Glenn Alexander, Mike Alexander, & Joe Knox.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Howard Knox, Jr.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Linda Bailey Ford, 74, of Woodbury passed away on March 30, 2021.  She was born at her home in Woodbury, TN on March 11, 1947.  Preceding her in death were her parents, James Truit and Lucille Merriman Bailey, her husband, W T Ford, and her brothers, Roy Bailey, Russell Bailey, and Jimmy Bailey. She is survived by her son Jamie (Angela) Ford of Woodbury, grandchildren, Cassie Ford and Tyler Ford of Woodbury, and great granddaughter, Paisley Ford.

Mrs. Linda possessed a mothering spirit. The oldest child, she helped raise her three younger brothers. Even though, she did dress Russell up as a girl because she wanted a sister.  Besides helping care for her   brothers, she later got a job working at the Shirt Factory in Liberty. Once Jamie was born, she left work to become a homemaker. From her brothers to her great granddaughter, she raised many different children throughout her life. She was a babysitter for other families, and her granddaughter, Paisley, was her pride and joy. They slept beside one another for 3 years.

Spending time with family was important to Mrs. Linda, and they all went on a family trip to Gatlinburg every year. On one of their last trips, she got the opportunity to see a bear up close with it foraging just across the road from them. She enjoyed the cabins up in the mountains and talked about her desire to live in one. Also, an Elvis fan, she always wanted to go to Graceland. From her Elvis themed pocketbook to her handbag, she had hints of his memorabilia throughout her day-to-day life. She was the last of her generation in her family, and her influence and perspective on life will surely be missed.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, April 1, 2021 from 4-8 pm.  Funeral services will be Friday, April 2, 2021 at 1 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Tim Gentry will officiate.  Interment will be in Goodridge Cemetery.  Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Mrs. Nadine King Milligan, 86, of Woodbury passed away on March 22, 2021. She was a native of Cannon County, TN born on April 23, 1934. Preceding her in death were her parents, Shelah Estes King and Effie Belle Mullinax King, husband, TJ “Tip” Milligan, brother, Loyd King, sisters, Anna Carmine King and Coleen Northcutt, and nieces, Sheryl Northcutt and Barbara Elliott.

She is survived by her son, Roland Milligan of Woodbury; daughter/granddaughter, Angie (Javin) Fann of Woodbury; son/grandson, Anthony (Jennifer) Milligan of Woodbury; brother, Wallace (Linda) King of Woodbury; granddaughters, Ashley Milligan and Whitney Milligan both of Murfreesboro; great grandchildren, J Daxton Fann, Treyton Fann, Jalin Fann, Tyler Player, Katelyn Milligan, Dakota Wimberly, Kylie Mael, and Skyler Whitford; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Nadine was born the middle child on her family farm in the hollow at Sanders Fork. Growing up during the Great Depression, she knew the trials of this life early on in her childhood. She learned to be conservative and frugal and how to creatively save and reuse items. She attended Auburntown for grade school and quickly realized the most important things in life to be faith and family. Baptized into the Church of Christ, she was a shining light and loving heart to her family and friends.

Her family left their home at Sanders Fork and moved closer to town. She attended and played basketball at Woodbury Central High, where her bubbly personality earned her a spot in the “Big 11.” The Big 11 was a group of girls who became close-knit friends. They would often go horseback riding together and have continued to stay in touch after all these years. You could often find Mrs. Nadine giggling with her family and friends, but friends weren’t all she found during high school.

Once she met “Tip,” they quickly became sweethearts. He joined the military and left for Korea after high school but not before giving Mrs. Nadine a ring. While he was gone, she began working for Colonial Shirt Factory. She waited patiently and faithfully until he returned 2 years later, and they were married. Tip suffered a severe injury during the war, and she moved with him to Fort Gordon, GA for his rehabilitation. Though they considered starting their lives there together, they decided to come home to Woodbury.

Mrs. Nadine worked for Colonial Shirt Factory for nearly 25 years before making a change in career. She worked for the Bank of Commerce for 18 years as a teller and loved to see people at the drive-in. In everything she did, she kept that same loving heart. At the bank, she would often fulfill the role of a mother/grandmother for people she worked with, hearing their stories and giving them valuable advice. When the bank provided her with the opportunity to further her education, she started back to school, attending college in her 50s. Certain to not get a B, she worked hard and studied all the time to earn straight A’s in all of her classes.

Mrs. Nadine and Tip were simple people, they centered their lives around family.  Mrs. Nadine blessed the lives of those she considered her children. She was a loyal and devoted wife and mother, and Tip paid her back by being adamant about spoiling her at home. He often cooked her breakfast, did the housework, and took care of the vehicles. Mrs. Nadine didn’t learn to pump her own gas until Tip’s health began to falter.

She enjoyed going to Floating Mills at Center Hill Lake on the weekends with Tip and Roland to go boating and fishing. Once they decided to sell the boat, she easily filled her time taking Angie and Anthony to basketball, softball, baseball, and football games and practices. A talented seamstress, she made Roland’s and Angie’s clothes, even including a “Handcrafted by Nadine Milligan” tag in Angie’s clothes. She took the time to teach Angie how to sew, and they share many cherished memories of this time together.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, March 26, 2021 from 4-8 pm and Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 12-2 pm.  Funeral services will be Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Richard Burks will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Garden. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Share your condolences and memories with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Jackie Dee Rogers, age 85, of Woodbury left this life March 20, 2021 at Woodbury Health & Rehabilitation Center.  He was born on February 2, 1936 in Cannon County.  He was preceded in death by his parents, C.D. & Lois Knox Rogers; two sisters, Hazel Beck and Martha Knox Rogers; and three brothers, Joe, Ray, and Gayle Rogers.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Myrna Smithson Rogers; one daughter, Jacquelyn (Boyd) Pitts of Woodbury; one son, Greg (Lisa) Rogers of Woodbury; four grandchildren, Wesley Rogers, John (Mandy) Pitts, Erin (Ryan) Emlen, and Alex (Brittney) Pitts; great grandchildren, Eli Rogers, Brinley Pitts, Jack & Duke Emlen, and Baby Logan Pitts who is due in May.  Also surviving are six sisters, Ovie Hollis of Woodbury, Jean Mathews of Pensacola, FL, Joyce (Tom) Harris of Gulf Breeze, FL, Linda Strickland of Murfreesboro, Joan (Bill) Bryson of Lebanon, & Cathy (Alvin) Brandon of Kittrell; and one brother, J. Mark (Jean) Rogers of Murfreesboro.

Jackie graduated from Woodbury Central High School in May of 1955 and went into the Marine Corp in May of 1956 for three years.  When he left the Marine Corp, he was a Sgt.  After serving in the military, he came home and worked at General Electric for seven years.  He then went to work for Cumming Sign Company as a graphic designer for 31 years.  Meanwhile, he was doing volunteer work for Children’s Discovery Center Museum in Murfreesboro for 31 years as well.

Jackie was a member of the West High Street church of Christ and became a member of the Woodbury Lions Club in 1983.  In 1994-1995, he was named Lion of the Year and following that from 1988-1998, he was named Lion of the Decade, as well as Melvin Jones Fellow and Lindsay Jennings Fellow.

Pallbearers will be Wesley Rogers, John Pitts, Alex Pitts, Ryan Emlen, Brad Smithson, & Brian Hughes.

Honorary pallbearers are nephews:  Alvin W. Brandon, Matt Bryson, Shane Hollis, Jon Mark Brandon, & Ken Beck

Funeral Services will be 11 AM Tuesday, March 23, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Paul Smithson officiating.  Interment will follow at Riverside Gardens Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for the visitation from 4 PM to 8 PM Monday, March 22, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jackie’s memory to Cannon Christian Academy, Children’s Discovery Center Museum, or the Riverside Gardens Cemetery.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Russell Leon Parton, age 70, of McMinnville passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include his son, Kevin Parton & his fiancee, Kelly Simpson; Brother, Grady Parton & his wife, Alice; Nephews, Ted Parton & Douglas Parton; Niece, Hallie Quick; Father, “Pa” Ray Davenport; Life Partner, Lynda Evans; Stepdaughter, Nicki Evans; Grandchildren, Newby, Jonah, Ian, Lindsay, & Chaley; and Great Grandchildren, Chasity, Allyann, & Ellie.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Ferrell Davenport; Father, “Bud” Parton; and a Stepson, Joey Evans.

Mr. Parton was a longtime resident of the Blues Hill Community and was a veteran of the Army.  He was a retired employer of General Electric in Murfreesboro & more recently retired as a groundskeeper of Faulkner Cemetery.  He loved mid-50s Ford cars, yard sales, flea markets, junkyards, & “all you can eat” buffets.

Funeral Service will be 11 AM Thursday, March 25, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Nathan Jones officiating.  Interment will follow at Wood Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM Wednesday, March 24, 2021 & 9 to 11 AM Thursday, March 25, 2021.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Barbara C. Page Pack, 90, passed away peacefully Wed., March 17, 2021 at her home in Woodbury.  She was born in Dekalb Co., TN.

Survivors include her children, Ronny Page Pack (Alice), Kathleen P. Davenport (Bobby), and Allan Francis Pack (Sharon) all of Woodbury; Son-in-law, Mike Davis of Liberty; grandchildren, Lisa Hass, Rhonda (Gary) Owen, Jessica Johnson, Katie-Marissa Pack, Sandra (Ken) Vickers, Jennifer Davenport, Scott (Gabriella) Pack, Andy Pack, Lauren Pack, Amy Davis and Amanda Davis; siblings, Erma Dell Wyatt of Franklin and Ophel (Joyce) Page of Lancaster sister-in-law, Lois Page of Detroit and special friends, W.C. Smith and Shirley Rogers. 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild also survives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Resen & Jewel Smith Page, her husband of 65 years, Amon J. Pack, her daughter, Elaine Davis and her brother, Robey Gene Page.

A great Christian example for her family and friends, Ms. Pack was a member of the Burt Baptist church and a homemaker.  She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who always enjoyed visits with her family especially her grandchildren. 

Visitation with her family will be Sunday, March 21, 2021 from 10 am until the time of service at 1:30 pm in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in the Mt. Holly Cemetery, Dekalb Co.

Pallbearers include Mike Davis, Scott and Andy Pack, Brinth and Hunter Owen, Daniel Hass and Ken Vickers.  

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

Doris Jean Arnold, 74, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at her home in Murfreesboro. She was born in Charlottesville, VA. to her parents, Dorothy Hoskins Fleenor of Woodbury and the late Garland Fleenor. 

In addition to her mother, she is also survived by her children, Kerry (Victor) Viardo of Stevensville, MD., Jennifer (Jeremy) Morrill of Murfreesboro, Emily (Steven) Calamia of Woodbury and Benjamin Arnold of Bowling Green, KY.; siblings, Diane Fleenor (Terry Simon) of Bowling Green, KY and Fitzpatrick Fleenor of Antioch; grandchildren, Nicholas and Alex Viardo, Brendan, Nathan and Kade Morrill, Matthew and Alyssa Calamia; niece, Laura (Kelley) Orr and their children, Abigail, Jackson and Isabelle Orr of Bowling Green, KY. 

In addition to her father, she was also preceded in death by her nephew, Jason Fleenor.

Ms. Arnold was a member of the Three Forks Church of Christ in Smiths Grove, KY. And was a retired bookkeeper.  She enjoyed reading, crafting, gardening and tending to her small farm.  Mostly, she loved her grandchildren and spending time with them making memories.

Memorial visitation with her family will be Saturday, March 20, 2021 from 1 pm until 3 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home.

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

Raymond “Alex” Haines, 33, of Woodbury passed away on March 11, 2021.  He was born in Murfreesboro, TN on December 3, 1987.  

He is survived by his parents, David and Cyndi Haines of Woodbury, mother, Robbye (Ronnie) Goins of Knoxville, fiancée, Stacie Miller of Woodbury, sons, Kaide Alexander Haines and Landen Ray Haines of Woodbury, stepdaughters, Lacie (Kyle) Baxter of Readyville, Elaine (Dave) Greer of Woodbury, and Macy Miller of Woodbury, brother, Robert (Christina) Bolton of Murfreesboro, sisters, Laura Leath of Morrison and Lacy (Reid) Connor of Christiana, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Mr. Alex fit into many categories during his short time on this earth. He was an outdoorsman, country boy, teddy bear, helping hand, and family man. Practically raised on the lake, he enjoyed spending time on the houseboat and going boating and water skiing. He had a love for the outdoors and found peace of mind being out in nature. Whether you found him mudding in his truck, splitting wood, or out camping, you were sure to see a smile on his face. He was fond of his time going camping and sitting around the fire with his family and friends. Though by no means was he a small man, he had a big heart. He would give his last dollar and the shirt off his back to help others. He was loyal to his family and friends. His father remembers him coming home with barely any pay after a work week at Sonic because he would let his friends charge their food to him. He had the rare gift of a giving heart, and his heart played a role in how he interacted with children. He was always a picture of love, patient and kind, and cherished spending time with his sons. You could tell what kind of person he was through the love he had for his family and the numerous friends that genuinely cared about him.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, March 14, 2021 from 3-7 pm.  Funeral services will be Monday, March 15, 2021 at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Tim Gentry will officiate.  Interment will be in Cherry Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations may be given to assist with expenses.  Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net

Teresa Diane Brewer, age 67, of Bradyville passed away Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Stonecrest Medical Center.  She was a native of Shelby Co.

Survivors include her husband, Ronnie Brewer of Bradyville; Children, Sherae Griffith (Stephen) Stewart of Iuka, MS, David (Angel) Griffith of Finger, TN, & Jacob Kilpatrick of Shelbyville; Stepdaughters, Sonya Melton of Woodbury, Sherry Rivera Garcia of Manchester, & Sandy Brewer of Murfreesboro; Siblings, Debora (Red) Materna of Lucy, TN, Edith Caviness of KY, Louis (Liza) Rodgers of Indy, IN, & William (Fran) Rodgers of Memphis.

19 Grandchildren and many Great Grandchildren also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Rodgers & Betty Ingram Balcom; and brothers, Daniel Rodgers & John Ivin Rodgers.

She was a member of the Baptist church and was a retired typesetter.  She enjoyed crocheting, collecting ceramics, and loved spending time with her family.

Graveside Services will be 2 PM Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Memorial Gardens, 6444 Raleigh LaGrange Rd., Memphis, TN 38134.  Visitation will be from 5 PM to 9 PM Friday, March 12, 2021 at Woodbury Funeral Home & 1 PM until time of the service Saturday at Memorial Gardens.

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

Vira E. Hayes, age 97, of Murfreesboro, passed away Thursday at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. She was a native of Knoxville but resided in Rutherford County. Vira Co-Owned a Machine Shop with her husband, Bob.

She is survived by her son, Jim Baggett; and brother, Clyde Day.

Robert Raymond Hayes, age 89, of Murfreesboro, passed away on Saturday at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. He was a native of St. Louis, Missouri and resided in Rutherford County. Bob Co-Owned a Machine Shop with his wife, Vira.

He is survived by his daughter, Randie Gaddis of Washington; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Mr. and Mrs. Hayes will be held at a later date.

Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation, 820 S. Church Street, Murfreesboro, TN  37130.   Please leave online condolences at www.jenningsandayers.com