Obituaries

Mrs. Guycell Pedigo Cole, 85, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024. She was born to the late Oad Nelson “O.N.” and Oza Rains Pedigo in Woodbury, Tennessee on Tuesday, August 30,1938. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her soul mate, Robert “Bob” William Cole, Jr., and brothers, Dewey, Emmitt, and Raymond Pedigo.

She is survived by her cherished daughters, Robin Cole (Donald) Sandlin of Union, Kentucky and Pamela Cole (Adrian) Dye of Murfreesboro; grandson, Cole Donald Sandlin, whom she treasured and always supported. They shared a love of coins, collectibles, and yard sales. She is also survived by a sister, Jenelle Pugh, and many nieces and nephews.

Guycell was born into a successful real estate family and participated in the business from a young age, starting with working in auctions with her mother and father until becoming a broker and establishing her own firm, Cole Realty. Her true passion was loving her family, and she loved them all well.

Guycell had many talents, including a love of houseplants and flowers. She even still has a houseplant that she received upon the birth of her first child. She enjoyed traveling with her family, music, and reading. She was a particularly talented seamstress and made many of her daughters’ clothing when they were young. Both daughters still have their handmade dolls made when she was recovering from surgery. She often sewed on an antique Singer featherweight sewing machine that was purchased for her by her father. She also loved law and politics. Those who knew her know she was always kind, supportive, generous, and thoughtful.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 12-2 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Rev. Chris Findley will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Anglican Church (7103 Baker Rd., Murfreesboro, TN 37129).

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

Duane Earl Solomon, 72, passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at his home in Woodbury. A native of Plymoth, IN, he was the son of the late Scott and Eileen Ballinger Solomon.

Duane is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda Taylor Solomon, his children, Chris (Michelle) Solomon and McKenzie (Jimmy) Penner; grandchildren, Tristan (Kaitlyn) Solomon, Amaya Solomon (Bailey Hakins) Charlotte and Monroe Penner and A’Rya Richey; great grandchildren, Kasen and Banks Solomon. He is also survived by his best friends, Charles Johnson, Layne Ferrell, Michael Prater, Wayne Adamson, David and Michael Thomas.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Sharon May Solomon, Dennis William Solomon and Steven Scott Solomon. A member of the Baptist church, Duane was a truck driver. He enjoyed working on classic muscle cars and spending his time making memories with his grandchildren whom they lovingly called “Hoppy”. He and Linda were blessed with good friends and neighbors.

The Solomon family would like to thank Cannon County EMS, Adoration Home Health, Gentiva Hospice and Woodbury Funeral Home for all of their care and concern.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Preston cemetery with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Wanda Lee Spry, 90, passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at her home in Bradyville. A native of Coffee Co., she was the daughter of the late Marvin and Eula Duke Lewis.

She is survived by her children, Roger Bratton Spry and his wife, Judy of Cannon Co. and Kim Fann and her husband, Kim of Bradyville; grandchildren, Kendell (Ashley) Smith, Kaylee (Jacob) Barnes, Ashley Spry Alford (Jordan Alford), Austin Bratton Spry and Amy Spry (Devan) Gipson; great grandchildren, Jetson, Rosie and Remi Barnes, Anna Leigh, Amelia and Addie Alford, Aubree, Luke and Bentley Gipson; sister-in-law, Deloris Lewis; special niece, Kay (John) Barker and her faithful dog, Daisy.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Spry and her siblings, Troy, Orville, Manuel, Malcolm and Irma Lewis.

A member of the Midway church of Christ, she was a homemaker. Mrs. Spry was a great storyteller, enjoyed shopping, gardening and taking care of her neighbors. She cooked every Sunday for her family but her most favorite thing was caring for them especially her grandkids and great grandkids.

Her family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 27, 2024 with funeral services to follow at 5:30 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Bro. John Barker and Zac Barker will officiate. Interment will follow in the Midway cemetery. Pallbearers include, Kendell Smith, Jacob Barnes, Kim Fann, Austin Spry, Jordan Alford and Devan Gipson.

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

Ricky Wayne Caldwell, 65, passed away at St. Thomas Midtown Sunday, June 23, 2024 exactly a year from the passing of his mother.  A native of Cannon Co., he was the son of the late Reba Young Prater and Norman Henson Caldwell and his stepfather, Lemuel Dwaine Prater.

He is survived by his daughters, Lawanna Peeler and Melissa Luttrell both of Woodbury, his grandchildren, Madelynne Bogle (Hayden Carter), Makenna Luttrell, Samuel Holloway and Maci Caldwell, great granddaughter, Raelynne Carter, sister, Connie (Greg) Rigsby of Dandridge, uncle, Zeb Caldwell of Smithville, niece and nephew, Candise Hendricks and Trevor (Emily) Rigsby and best friends, Patricia Caldwell, Perry Markum and Carey Hutchins.

Ricky was a member of the Hollow Springs Community church.  He worked at GE and was a chair maker.  Ricky enjoyed anything outdoors including hunting, fishing, camping and anything on the water.  He loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 26, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Edward Sissom officiating.  Interment will follow in the Amity cemetery.

His family will receive friends from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

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

Hershell Wayne Burnett, 83, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford. He was a native of Cannon Co.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Faye Morris Burnett of Woodbury; his sister, Wanda (Ron) Born of Woodbury and sister-in-law, Diane Jones of Woodbury. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Burnett is preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Minnie Lou Mathis Burnett.

Hershell was a member of the Woodbury First United Methodist church, and he was retired from the LaVergne Farmer’s Co-Op. He had a passion for detailing cars and enjoyed doing word search puzzles.

His family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. Monday, June 24, 2024. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Tony Burnett officiating. Interment will follow in the Riverside cemetery.

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

Willie Nile Howse, 70, of Manchester, TN passed away on June 7, 2024, after a short illness. Willie was born on May 29, 1954, in Woodbury, TN to Elizabeth Walker Howse and Willie D. Howse.

Willie spent his career as a trailer mechanic for Trailer Sales of TN. In retirement he enjoyed visiting with friends and family, expanding his various collections, and “keeping the roads hot”.

Willie is survived by his children Steve Howse, Dusty Howse Rademacher and Angel Howse, his siblings Ronnie Howse (Sue), and Fred Howse also surviving is special friend Vicki Gilchrist. Preceded in death by his parents and sisters Sherry Bogle, and Helen Wellchance. 

Per his request, he was cremated and his family will have a private service at a later date. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences or memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Juanita Caldwell Midkiff, 95, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024 at her home in Woodbury. Born on April 25, 1929 in Clay, KY., she was the daughter of Edward Erwin Caldwell and Vivian Molene Rheem Caldwell. She was the 5th child out of 10 children.

Ms. Midkiff completed the 10th grade and began working to help her family. Her father was an underground coalminer. She worked at a shirt factory and also at GE. Residing in Owensboro, KY., she was a stay at home mom but worked at odd jobs. In the 1980’s, she started working with Deanie Johnson who owned Creative Catering and worked for her for 15 years.

A member of Southside Wesleyan Fellowship church, she was the church secretary for 38 years. At the age of 85, she moved to Tennessee to live with her daughter and son-in-law. There she attended Simmons Chapel Free Methodist church. She was fiercely independent and very strong willed which served her well until her departure from her earthly home to be with the Lord.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Charline Hanor, Edward Norris Caldwell, Nina Ruth Burton, Vivian Lee Todd, Martha Laneve, James Rheem Caldwell and Morris Dean Caldwell.

She is survived by her daughter and son-law, Beverly and Bobby Wheeler of Woodbury, fur baby, Tilly and her sisters, Addie Herges of Rutherford Co. and Connie Langston of St. Petersburg, VA.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Simmons Chapel Free Methodist church with Pastor Joshua Huff and Pastor John Fowler officiating. Memorial visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M.

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

Samuel “Sammy” Harrison Butcher, Jr., 67, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024 suddenly at his home in Woodbury. A native of Rutherford Co., Sammy was the son of the late Samuel “Sam” Butcher, Sr. and Irene Puckett Butcher.

He is survived by his wife, Leila Hoffman Butcher of Woodbury; his children, Tracy (Keith) Mangrum, Ashley (Donnie) Simon and Tyler (Brittney) Powell all of Woodbury; his son-in-law, Tony Denami of Woodbury; grandchildren, Kelsey Luna, Samantha (Eddie) Ellis, Reagan and Caylee Denami, Lexie Simon, Connor Davis, Addie Mangrum, Hailey Mangrum, Tylee Powell and Teegan Powell; great grandchildren, Waylon and Travis Ellis and his siblings, Ricky Butcher of Readyville and Wanda Bobbitt of Murfreesboro.

In addition to his parents, Sammy was preceded in death by his children, Samuel Butcher, III and Becky Denami.

Sammy was a Christian and was retired from Backer as a HVAC lab technician. He enjoyed being outdoors and doing things such as fishing, boating, off roading and riding his RZR. He loved watching Gun Smoke and no matter how many times he watched it, he still would act like it was his first time watching. Most of all, any time he got to spend with his family was time well spent. His boisterous personality will be missed by all his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 27, 2024 from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at Rustic Elegance Event Center, 1751 Doolittle Rd., Woodbury, TN. 37190.

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

Mr. Donald Lee Lawson, age 71 of Smithville, passed away Monday evening, June 17, 2024 at his residence.

He was a retired area manager from Nissan after 33 years, a master carpenter, and a member of the Smithville Church of God.

He was born in Smithville on December 22, 1952 to his parents, the late Huey and Sybal Bratcher Lawson. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by 1 brother, Jewel Lawson and 2 sisters, Judith and Virginia Lawson. 

Visitation with family will be on Wednesday from 3-8pm and on Thursday, from 10am until the time of the service at 2pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Banks Cemetery with Bro. William Raph, Jr. and Bro. Arnold Conley officiating.

Survivors include 2 sisters, Sue Arnold and Barbara Lawson all of Smithville; 1 brother, Ronald (Dora) Lawson of Woodbury; 2 nieces, Tina (Rodney) Basham and Angela Lawson; 3 nephews, Adam (Dawn) Lawson, Kevin (Bekah) Hale, and Delane (Kay) Lawson; 5 great nieces and nephews; and special caregiver, Dawn Lawson. 

A special thank you to all of Mr. Lawson’s caregivers, Adoration Home Heath and Genitive Hospice workers. 

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. 

Barbara Ann Holt was a proud native of Cannon County and lifelong resident of Woodbury. She was born to parents Colin and Elizabeth (Lizzy) Merriman also of Cannon County. She is preceded in death by her husband Chuck, sister-in-law Rosemarie Merriman, brother Randy and sister-in-law Kelly Merriman.

She is survived by her children Leslie Holt (partner Renee Lester), Jason Holt (fiancée April Jones) all of Murfreesboro, grandchildren Christian and Connor Holt of Woodbury, her brother J.W. Merriman of Lacey WA, niece Deborah Zinski of Buckley, WA and nephew J.W. Merriman Jr. also of Lacey WA, her niece Abby Merriman of Seymore TN, sisters in law Linda Grammar of Luka MS, Anita Warren of Murfreesboro and chosen family Rick Smotherman and Warren Weible of Murfreesboro.

A devout Christian, she was a lifelong member of the Iconium Church of Christ. Barbara was a devoted mother and home maker first, taking care of her family and anyone extra that came through her door. (And there were ALOT of extras through her door, whether her children’s friends, the neighborhood kids, or the Rescue Squad family dear to her heart). 

During the years she worked outside her home she was a garment inspector. Always cheerful, good natured, kind, loving and fun, she enjoyed decorating her house, traveling to visit family and spending time in the Smokey Mountains every chance she had.

Barbara loved to cook and fellowship with friends. She enjoyed all kinds of music, liked to sing and loved to dance and from the beginning was a dedicated fan of productions at the Cannon County Art Center. Alzheimer’s tried to steal her life from her, but she never allowed it to win and until the end remained happy, upbeat funny and sweet. She passed peacefully at home holding her daughter’s hand of course, listening to her favorite hymns by her favorite singer Alan Jackson. She truly loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed. 

Graveside services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Prater Cemetery with Bro Herb Alsup officiating

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 9:00 AM -10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donation be made in her memory to the Woodbury Public Library, The Cannon County Art Center or any charity near and dear to your own heart.

Woodbury Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements.