Obituaries

Lucille Melton Parton, 90, passed away on January 9, 2021 at Woodbury Health and Rehab following an extended illness.  She was a native of Cannon Co.

As a young mother during an era where most women stayed home, Lucille was considered an exceptional wife and mother. In addition to taking care of her home, she cared deeply for her family and neighbors. She was always the first to offer help and regularly visited and fed the sick. Throughout her life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with all around her. She often sang hymns as she performed her daily tasks.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband JL Parton, Jr., and her parents Prentice and Lorena Smithson Melton. She is survived by her brother, Billy Reed Melton, sister-in-law, Faye Burger, her children, Hugh (Rebekah) and Virginia (Tim), her grandchildren, Prentice (Lisa), Hope (Justin), Lauren (Ricc), Hilary (Zach), Ford (Allison), Landon, and her great grandchildren, Trista, Mason, Owen, Dreamer, Lennix, Jagger, Anzel, Ophelia, Juke, Jones, Honor Lucille, and Judge. 

Most know that Lucille suffered a debilitating stroke in 2007. She has relied on a large team of healthcare providers throughout her illness. She loved her care providers like family. To honor Lucille’s memory, the family asks that donations be made to Lucille’s Healthcare Heroes so they can recognize these heroes that took such excellent care of Lucille. Donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home. 

Funeral services will be 1 pm Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at Leoni Church of Christ with Bro. David George officiating.  Interment will follow in the Leoni Cemetery.  Pallbearers include, Prentice, Ford and Landon Parton, Justin Jenne, Ricc Yat and Zach Cripps.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert Pitts and Kenny Gilley.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family request that mask and social distancing be exercised while inside the church.  No public visitation will be held.

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

Ms. Dorothy Jean Mears, age 87, of McMinnville passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at her home.

Survivors include her stepson, Thomas (Ellen) Mears of McMinnville; Brothers-in-law, Johnny (Valerie) Mears, James (Fay) Mears, & George Mears; Sisters-in-law, Myrtle Cox, Roberta Collins, Waulene Davis, Treva Hutchins, Maggie Lance, & Joyce Davis; Grandchildren, Kayla Thomas, Candace Rockhart, & Nicole Mears; and Great Grandchildren, Hayden & Carter Rockhart.  Several nieces & nephews also survive.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Mears, Sr.; Parents, James M. Lefevers & Unlend May Phart Lefevers; and several brothers and sisters.

She retired from Ben Lomond and worked at Carrier Corporation.  She was an animal lover of all kinds.

Graveside Services will be 12 Noon Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Centertown Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 9 AM until 11:00 AM at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Ronnie Orville “George” Pitman, 67, passed away Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 at his home in Bradyville. He was a native of San Angelo, TX,

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Anna Maria Morgan Pittman of Bradyville; son, Jason Michael Pittman and his wife, Kelly Maria Pittman of Bradyville; mother, Ellen Joyce Simpson Pittman of Hollywood, AL.; siblings, Barbara Ellen Matthews, Terry, David, Mark and Steve Pittman.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Orvis Pittman and his daughter, Angela Michelle and Lisa Marie Pittman.

A member of the Baptist church, George was an explosive Engineer for 40 years.  After retirement, he built homes for 10 years and was owner of Fine Swine BBQ on the square in Woodbury.  George was the chairman for the Cannon County election commission for many years.  He enjoyed fishing and his tractors.

Graveside services will be held 1:30 pm Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Campbell Family cemetery in Davidson Co.  Pallbearers include Matt Cowan, Matt Tepley, Curtis Sparks, Roy Sullivan, Nathan Luna, Jason Pittman and Jay Fann.  Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. James Spurlock and Mark Pody.  Visitation with the family will be Friday, January 8, 2021 from 3 pm until 7 pm  and Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 10 am until 12 noon at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Sandra Paulette Mullins, 69, of Murfreesboro passed away Sun., Jan. 03, 2021at St. Thomas Rutherford.  She was a native of Cannon Co.

Paulette is survived by her husband, Billy Mullins of Murfreesboro; daughter, Kristy Yadon and her husband, Joey of Murfreesboro; siblings, James Neal of Kingston, Shirley Mingle of Auburntown, Sue Hinson of Murfreesboro and Jerry Neal of Woodbury; grandchildren, Caleb (Lauren) Yadon and Madison Yadon all of Murfreesboro and great grandchildren, J.B. and Karenna Lee Yadon, Tripp Schwager.  Also surviving are 2 stepsons.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvie and Delma Osment Neal.  

Paulette was a retired small business owner and was a member of the Church of Christ.  She enjoyed quilting and cross stitching.  

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 2:00pm in the Gunter Grizzle cemetery with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, January 6, 2021 from 10 am until 1:30 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net  

Nellie Ethelene Thomas Zumbro born January 29,1930 to James D. Thomas and Ethel LaFevre Thomas, passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Woodbury Health and Rehab Center. She spent most of her young years in Manchester, Tennessee. After high school, Nellie attended business school in Nashville. She later worked as a secretary for Sequatchie County High School. She also worked in the administrative services department of State Farm Insurance in Murfreesboro,TN.

She attended church at First Baptist Church in Manchester, Tennessee. It was there that she met and married a young minister by the name of Bobby Leon Zumbro.  They were married for 65 years. Together they served the Lord in several different churches: Rucker Baptist, Whiteville First Baptist, Dunlap First Baptist, and Woodbury First Baptist.

She was a loving mother to Susan Annette Zumbro and Thomas Leon Zumbro. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and reading. She loved having fun and her joy was quite contagious!

She is survived by her loving husband, Bobby Zumbro; her daughter, Susan Zumbro Dennis; two grandchildren, Max (Sasha) Wilkinson and Terra Davidson (Brian) Sally. She also leaves behind one great grandson, Caden Wilkinson. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Jo Thomas; sisters-in-law, Ann Z. Bell and Betty R. Armistead as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ethel Thomas, brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Ruth Thomas and her son, Thomas Leon Zumbro.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the benevolence fund through Woodbury First Baptist Church.

A private graveside service will be held.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mr. Gary Wade Bush, 65, of Manchester passed away on December 17, 2020.  He was a native of Coffee County born on June 10, 1955.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Lee Bush and Emma Jean Crews Bush, brothers, Randall Bush and Wendell Ray Bush, and sisters, Lucille Cheryl Markum and Patricia Ann Bush.

He is survived by a son, Lonnie Wade Bush, brothers, Jerry Wayne Bush and Winford Ray Bush, four grandchildren, one great grandchild, and special friend, Tim Sprague.

He grew up in the Hollow Springs and Gnat Hill communities.  He was a hard worker all his life he worked at, Roselawn Memorial Gardens for about 25 years, the Convenience Center on Bradyville Pike for about 10 years, he was also a part-time Deputy for the Cannon County Sheriff’s Department for a while.  When he wasn’t working, he liked to go fishing and spend time with family and friends.

A graveside service will be held at Cherry Cemetery on January 12, 2021 at 2 pm.  Jerry Wayne Bush, Jr. will officiate.   Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Alfred Dalton “Tut” Raines II passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at St. Thomas Dekalb Hospital.  He was born in Davidson Co.

Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Rhonda Raines of Auburntown; Children, Megan (Josh) Myers of Murfreesboro, Jason Holland of Readyville, Carri Gleason of Smyrna, & Phillip Miller of Mt. Juliet; Grandchildren, Isaac Rayne Myers, Sierra Holland, Austin Holland, Chandler Corlew, Stella Miller, & Cohen Miller; Siblings, Thad (Robin) Raines of Woodbury & Missy (Lee) Nichols of Woodbury.  Three great grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred “Dump” Raines & Teresa Eden Raines; Grandson, Jonathan Holland; Sister, Anne Anderson; and Brother, George Leonard Raines.

Tut was a machine operator at Ideal Clamp.  He loved his roosters, knives, & his family.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Sunday, January 3, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will immediately follow at Riverside Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 2 PM to 8 PM Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

James “Mike” Michael Knox passed away November 30th 2020, 63, in Portage County Wisconsin following an extended illness. A native of Cannon County, born December 3, 1956. Mike was the son of James Parmer Knox (step-mother Dorthy Knox Pearson) and Genece Faye Gordon (Corbitt) (step-father Billy Richard Corbitt).

Mike was preceded in death by his parents James Parmer Knox, Billy and Genece Faye Corbitt. Grandparents Jim Roe and Lacy Lorene Knox, Willy and Maude Gordon. Sister Debbie Charlene Travis and nephew Shane Michael Carpenter.

He is survived by his sister Anita Faye Knox (Crips) and brother in law Jackie Ray Crips of Woodbury. Nieces Angela Dawn Hoover (Stroh) of Readyville and Jennifer Irene Crips (Collins) of Woodbury.

Mike will always be remembered for his love of God, striking blue eyes, hunting, fishing, spotted saddle horses, Jack Russells, duct tape and his fishing Motto….ripsomelip! His step mother Dorthy Pearson added that Mike was a special boy and man, always kind and thoughtful. Precious memories with Mike and Anita his sister.

Per Mikes wishes he was cremated in WI and brought home to TN to be scattered on Center Hill Lake with immediate family. The lake held a special place in Mike’s heart, because that was the first place his father ever took him fishing. A memorial will be placed in his honor at Curlee Cemetery, where he went to church when he was younger.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Woodbury Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Ms. Toni Annette Dillard was born in Coffee County, Tennessee on November 24, 1969 and was lovingly cared for by her parents Tom and Jeannette her entire life. She transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Alive Hospice – Murfreesboro, TN with her family by her side.

Toni attended Woodbury Grammar School and then transferred to Journey’s Adult Activity Center. She faithfully attended Journey’s for 29 years; until COVID-19 caused the facility to temporarily suspend services.

Toni always brought joy and happiness to everyone who met her. There were many affectionate nicknames for our Angel; sometimes known as: Stinker, Pumpkin, Sweetheart and Missy. Her favorite things were cartoons, Wheel of Fortune, listening to music, and her special rattle. You always knew when she was near, by the sound of her rattle. Although, immobile that never stopped her from traveling with her parents to: California, Florida, Colorado, Michigan, Alabama, Mississippi, Washington DC, and many other places throughout the United States.

She leaves to cherish her memories parents Tom and Jeannette Dillard, brother LaRon (Brandy) Dillard; sister LaShonda Dillard; Grandmother Jewell Dillard, three nieces; Zowee, Ziya and Zallona Dillard; and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Charlie and Rosie Lee Osborne and Jake Dillard.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, January 1, 2020 from 4-7 pm and Saturday, January 2, 2020 from 10-11 am.  Funeral services will be Saturday, January 2, 2020 at 11 am in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Brother Paul Elam will officiate.  Interment will be in Cypress Garden Cemetery.  For those unable to attend, the funeral services will be broadcasted live at the appointed time on Smith Funeral Home’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Smith-Funeral-Home-166926279989266.  Support the family with memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Dennis Charles Johnson, 60, of Woodbury passed away Monday, December 28, 2020 at his home.  He was born in Frankfort, Germany.

He is survived by his daughters, Jamie (T.J.) Southworth of Liberty and Jessica Murphy of Woodbury; grandchildren, Jameson, Tyler, Waylon & Lane Southworth, Landyn, Brandyn and Kendra Murphy; sister, Linda (Terry) Morrison of Mt. Juliet; nieces and nephews, Terry (Gloria) Morrison and Laurie Guethlein and his best friend, Richard “Truck” Presley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie & Laura King Johnson and his brother, Jerry Johnson.

A member of the Living Springs Baptist church, he was a long-haul truck driver.  He loved spending time with his daughters but most of all his grandsons were the lights of his life. 

Graveside services will be held 3 pm Wednesday, December 30, 2020 Woods cemetery with Bro. Sidney Parham officiating.

Visitation with the family will be Wednesday from 11 am until 2:30 pm.  Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net