Obituaries

Mr. Freddie Pirtle, 90, of Woodbury passed away on June 26, 2021. He was born in Smithville, TN on February 3, 1931. Preceding him in death were his wife, Frances West Pirtle; parents, William Calvin and Fannie Williams Pirtle; brothers, Johnny James and William “Bill” Pirtle; and sister Minnie Farless. He is survived by his sister Elizabeth (Harvey) Freeze of Elkhart, IN as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mr. Freddie Pirtle knew how to work hard and how to have fun. He had experience budding trees at a nursery. The budding was often done during the hottest times of the year, but he wasn’t afraid to sweat. He proved that when he began working at the Colonial Shirt Factory, where his brother-in-law, J P “Doc” introduced him to his future wife. Mr. Doc told him, “I have a woman for you” and obviously knew him well. He and Mrs. Frances enjoyed many wonderful years together.

After he left Colonial, Mr. Freddie began working at Samsonite, staying there for over 30 years. Starting out on the line, he worked his way into set up and then into maintenance as an oiler. He carpooled with his nephews, and they remember his favorite time was during shut down. There weren’t as many employees in the plant, so the maintenance crew would get the 3-wheel Samsonite bikes and race around the plant.

Many who knew Mr. Freddie knew him because of his green thumb. He was an avid gardener and also raised apple, peach, and dogwood trees. He often had a bountiful harvest and loved to share with his family, friends, and community. If you saw him out and about, he was most likely going out to eat with a friend or headed to deliver some produce. During his outings, he made sure to get some talking in too. He loved joking with friends and telling stories.

Mr. Freddie attended Charles Creek Baptist Church of Christ with one of his friends. His trademark denim blue shirt with the embroidered Farmall tractor was always a welcomed sight and an informal notice that Southern hospitality headed your way.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 11 am in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Rick Pirtle will officiate. Interment will be in Whorton Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made Whorton Springs Cemetery or a charity of your choice. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Randal Lee Curtis, 75, of Cannon Co. passed away Friday, June 25, 2021 at Community Care of Rutherford Co. 

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Barbara Gay Curtis of Cannon Co.; children, Kristy (Joey) Yadon of Murfreesboro, Tina (Tracy) Bracewell of Eagleville and Brian (Amanda) Gregory of Columbia; 8 grandchildren, Caleb (Lauren) Yadon, Madison Yadon, McKenzie and Cole Bracewell, Ethan, Austin, Logan and Alaina Gregory; 3 great grandchildren, J.B., Karenna Lee and Tripp; sister-in-law, Iretta Curtis and special friends, Sam Hoover and David Moss.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don Curtis and Ruth Jetton Vance and his brother, Donnie Curtis.

Randal was retired from Samsonite after 30 years.  He enjoyed watching Nascar races but most of all, he loved his children and grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be 5:00 PM Sunday, June 27, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Brian Gregory officiating. Visitation with his family will be from 2:00 PM until the time of his memorial service.  

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

The Mountain has claimed the last of the family born and raised in the Hales Half Acre log cabin.  Sara Marie Garrett, 86, passed away June 21, 20221 and will join her husband, sisters and brother at the Melton Cemetery. She was born in Cannon Co., the daughter of the late Fred and Hester Melton Hale.  

Marie is survived by her daughters, Marcia (Gerald) Melton and Melanie (Frank) Nistad all of Woodbury; grandchildren, Matthew (Laura) Daniel, Caleb (Heather) Daniel, Skylar (Shelby) Daniel, Tylee Nistad, Jacob (LeeAnna) Melton and Kayla (Cole) Collins; great grandchildren, John, Audrey, Lillie, Holt, Case, Sara, Scarlett and coming soon, Silas, Phobe, Sam and Annabelle.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Garrett.

Marie never met a stranger and wanted to know who your family was because family is everything.  She loved her church, the Short Mountain Methodist at Half Acre.  To Marie, everything should be the color purple or be a butterfly and on Easter, one should always wear a hat.  If you are a grandchild, you can do no wrong.  

To her last day, she said “I have the best life, I had the best husband, I have the best daughters and sons in law.  My grandchildren have all made something of their life.  I have never had a bad day; I am never sick and never worry about anything.”

Funeral Services will be 11 am Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Short Mountain Methodist church with Gerald Melton officiating. Burial will follow in Melton Cemetery. Visitation with her family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

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

Jeffery Dewayne “Bubba” Nichols, 31, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021 at his home in Woodbury.  He was born in Rutherford Co., TN.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara (Jimmy) Wise of Woodbury; daughters, Emma Grace & Ally Faye Nichols of Woodbury; stepchildren, Kimberly, Tiffany, Justin & Addison Johnson; brother, Dustin Nichols of Woodbury; special cousins, Jonathan Johnson and Dewayne Carmack both of Woodbury; grandparents, Jean Murphy and W.R. Nichols both of Woodbury; aunts, Arlene (Dewey) Barrett of Woodbury, Julie (David) Fitts of Smithville and Wanda Mayo (David Barrett) of Bradyville.  Also surviving are several great aunts and uncles as well as numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by father, Jeffery William Nichols, grandfather, Troy Murphy, grandmother, JoAnn Nichols and uncle, Billy Mayo.

Bubba was a 2009 graduate of Cannon Co. High School.  He was an easy going, fun, happy and caring person who cherished is 2 daughters.  Bubba loved music, mud bogging, fishing, 4 wheeling, grilling out and spending time with his family and friends.  Most of all, Bubba was a diehard Roll Tide Fan.

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Centerhill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 12 noon until 8 pm Tuesday, June 22, 2021. 

In lieu of flowers, 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  

Mrs. Peggy Sue Markum Hodge, 47, of Woodbury passed away on June 12, 2021. She was born in Murfreesboro, TN on July 2, 1973. Preceding her in death was her husband, Jason Hodge. She is survived by her parents, Isaac, Sr. and Peggy Jo Markum; children, Christopher “Dalton” (Lexi) Green and Jolene Green; brother, Isaac Markum, Jr.; niece, Alexis Markum; great nephew, Aiden Drake; and many friends and other relatives.

Though Mrs. Peggy Sue Hodge was her name, her family called her Sue with the exception of her great nephew, Aiden, who called her Granny Sue. She had a big heart and an old soul that were wrapped up in a present with a rustic bow on top. She was a gift to the lives of everyone she crossed paths with, especially children. Her love for children was unmatched, creating a close bond between her, Dalton, and Jolene. However, her heart didn’t stop there because regardless of whether the kids were hers or not, she was going to love them anyway. Her caring heart led her to show more concern for others than herself, and she would go out of her way to help people or make them feel special.

In line with her giving spirit, Christmas was Sue’s favorite holiday. In previous years, her brother, Isaac, Jr., had been a Grinch about the commercialization of Christmas, so she set out on a mission to infect him with Christmas cheer. He couldn’t say no to his sister and even dressed up like Santa for the kids. Sue and Isaac, Jr. shared that bond only siblings understand and would go riding around doing errands together. He remembers her love for tie-dye and old music, and when he would be ready to go home, she would make at least a few more stops just to push his buttons.

Sue knew what was important in life. She loved her family and loved the Lord. There were several fond memories made fishing and camping at Center Hill Lake and Normandy Lake as well as all the rides she took out in the country. She enjoyed being outside admiring God’s creation, especially the dragonflies. Her life was lived in a way that honored the greatest gift of all, love, and it was a gift that she shared freely.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 11 am-2 pm. Memorial services will follow on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel. Tim Gentry will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist with expenses. Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

James Monroe Johnson, Jr., 63, of McMinnville passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Stones River Center in Murfreesboro.  He was born in Ft. Worth, Tx. and was the son of the late, James Monroe Johnson & Leatrice Redella Bailey Johnson. 

James is survived by his siblings, Richard Johnson of May Pearl, Tx. and Debbie James of Ft. Worth, Tx.; nieces and nephews, James Miles, Josh Miles, Jimmi Lee James, Michael James, Steven Mikecell, Jayson Lewis and Stephanie Conrad.  Also surviving are several great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Patricia Miles, Doris Mikecell, Andrea Johnson, Denise Henley and Hannah Erickson.

James loved his family dearly, always kept them laughing and always wanted hugs. He also enjoyed playing video games especially with his nephews. 

Graveside Services will be 10 am, Monday, June 21, 2021, at Wilson’s Chapel cemetery in Warren Co.

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

Kimla Denise Stacey, age 64, of Murfreesboro passed away Monday, June 14, 2021 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.  She was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include her brother and sister-in-law, Mike & Jody Barnes Turner of Shelbyville; Nieces, Leslie Hollandsworth Self of Murfreesboro & Valerie Turner Gardner of Dukedom, KY; Nephew, Steven Hollandsworth of Woodbury; and Brother-in-law, Gary Hollandsworth of Woodbury.  8 Grand nieces & nephews and 3 great grand nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Ophia Melton Turner; husband Johnny Stacey; sister Linda Hollandsworth; and Nephew, Wesley Hollandsworth.

Kim was a member of the Methodist church and was a retired call center supervisor at Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Cooperation.  She enjoyed shopping, music, going to the beach, and concerts.

Graveside Services will be 11 AM Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Riverside Gardens Cemetery with Bro. Ronnie Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends for the visitation from 5 PM to 8 PM Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Mrs. Virginia Kathryn Lynch Mitchell, 83, of Bradyville passed away on June 11, 2021. She was born in Laurens, SC on September 16, 1937. Preceding her in death were her parents, Clarence Irby and Frances Catherine Terry Lynch; husband, Andrew “Andy” David Mitchell, Sr.; brothers, Walker, William, Joe, and Paul Lynch; and sisters, Pearl Johnson, Peggy Smallwood, and Mary Sneed.

She is survived by her son, Andrew Mitchell, II of Murfreesboro; daughters, Leslie (Jim) Lloyd of Readyville and Lisha (Jim) Moore of Mauldin, SC; SC; grandchildren, Chris (Priscilla) Lloyd, Jennifer (Kevin) Taylor, Kimberly (Brandon) Howard, and Jacqueline Moore; and great-grandchildren, Harley Lloyd, Hunter Lloyd, Kallie Lloyd, Kadence Howard, Ava Howard, Thomas Howard, and Carissa (Willis) Woody.

Mrs. Virginia Mitchell was a lady in every sense of the word and met the love of her life, Andy, right after he graduated from college in 1955. With a year and a half of beauty college in her tool belt, she made sure she always looked her best. Her priorities were first God, then family, and then her appearance. She was a member of the Baptist church and attended regularly in person until her health confined her to listening to sermons from home.

When she got married, Mrs. Virginia learned that she preferred having wheels instead of feet. She traveled across the United States camping in a motor home with her family and was just shy of knocking all 50 states off her bucket list. They also traveled up into Canada for more camping adventures, where they made many cherished memories. Aside from adventure, Mrs. Virginia loved to challenge herself with crossword puzzles and word searches. Her children recall frequently finding her with one of the books in hand.

Even when she suffered a series of health problems, she held firm to her faith and belief in looking her best. It was a given that she was going to listen to a sermon, study her Bible, and have her hair fixed. That firm foundation she demonstrated is carried on in the hearts and minds of her children. She and Andy shared 57 wonderful years together before the Lord called him home. Now, she can be with him once again for all eternity.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, June 20, 2021 from 1-3 pm. Graveside services will follow on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 3 pm at Riverside Cemetery. Tim Gentry will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the American Heart Association. Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Felicity Leigh Dean Simpson, 19, of Bradyville, Tn was born May 24, 2002 and departed this life for her heavenly Home on June 13, 2021 from a tragic automobile accident. 

She was preceded in death by a sister, Jasmine Marie Lynn; grandfather, Billy Hughes “Paw Paw”; great grandparents, Ross Gilbert Bowling “Big Bo”; Erliene Bowling “Baby Bo”; William Alex Hughes “Pa”; Clara Zumbro Hughes “Nanny”; Rachel Campbell, Frederick Foe and Louise Simpson.

Felicity is survived by her mother, Melissa Hughes Simpson of Bradyville; her father, Rocky Lee Simpson, Jr. of Murfreesboro; her special brother and friend, Rocky Lee Simpson, III of Bradyville and her sister, Kinsley Grace Simpson of Columbia.  Also surviving are her grandparents, Cheryl Hughes of Murfreesboro, Lovetta Pack of Smyrna, and Rocky Lee Simpson of Murfreesboro; uncle, Brian (Brooke) Hughes of Murfreesboro; aunts, JoJo (Archie) Victory of Murfreesboro and Rachel Simpson (Daniel Bates) of McMinnville; cousins, Paxton and Molly Rose Hughes, Austin (Ashley) Victory, Bailey and Caleb Victory and two special little second cousins, Logan and Joseph.

Felicity graduated from Penn Foster high school, August of last year.  Having a quiet nature but such a big heart made her so special to us.  She loved her dog, Diesel and took him everywhere she went.  He passed away with her.  She hated rainy days but loved the sunshine.  Felicity liked to change her hair color and put on make-up.  She liked to shop for clothes, especially shoes.  Her favorite store was Wal-Mart.  She also loved babies and small children and they loved her.  As a teenager, she enjoyed her phone and liked to connect with friends through social media.  Felicity loved helping people who needed help.

Our Felicity was so loved by her family and friends. We were not ready to let her go and leave us, but God needed another special beautiful flower in his Heavenly Garden.  We know that you are smiling down at us and happy beyond belief.  We will forever miss that beautiful smile, that laugh and your twinkling eyes.  We will always love you and remember you, everyday until we meet again. 

Funeral services will be 1 pm Friday, June 18, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Bain officiating.  Graveside services will be 3 pm Friday at Roselawn cemetery, Murfreesboro, Tn. where she will be laid to rest beside her little sister. 

Pallbearers include, Rocky Simpson, Jr., Rocky Lee Simpson, III, Brian Hughes, Paxton Hughes, Austin Victory, Bailey Victory, Caleb Victory and Chris Fletcher.

Visitation with the family will be Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 4 pm until 8 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home. 

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

Ruby Mae Smith Hale, 86, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 at her home. Born in Iowa, she was the daughter of the late, Cledane and Millie Clark Smith.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Luther Carl Hale, Sr. of Woodbury; 5 children, Luther Carl Hale, Jr. of Woodbury, Sherry Covey of Lenore City, Shauna Taylor and David Alan Hale oth of Smithville and Tiffany Roach of McMinnville; sister, Elaine Larson of Nashville and brother, Raymond Smith of Sanford, FL. Several grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her children, Donald Carl Hale and Richard Keith Hale.

Ruby was a member of the Baptist church and did nursery work most of her life.  She was also a housewife and loved raising her children and spending time with her grandchildren.  She loved playing video games and watching movies.  

Visitation with her family will begin at 9 AM Thursday, June 17, 2021 with funeral services to follow at 1 PM in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Prater Cemetery.  

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