Obituaries

Deborah Lynn Ross, 67, of Bradyville passed away Sunday, December 27, 2020 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  She was born in Rhode Island where her father was in the Navy and they moved to Murfreesboro when she was three days old. 

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Eddie Ross of Bradyville; children, Angela Marie Ross of Bradyville, Kevin Edward Ross of Wartrace and Brittany Lynn Ross of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Taylor Lee Ross, Lia Marie Bedwell and Hank Gibson Mungoven.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy Armstrong and Mary Evelyn Tolbert Armstrong. A member of the Smith Grove Church of Christ, she retired from Alvin C. York Medical Center where she was an LPN.  Deborah loved her dogs and watching Christmas movies.

Funeral services will be held 1 pm Wednesday, December 30, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Al Bugg officiating. Interment will follow in the Cherry cemetery. Pallbearers include Kevin Ross, Tim Finley, Ricky Finley, Jr., David, Zack and Jonathan Bugg.

Visitation with the family will be Wednesday from 11 am until the time of service.  Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Donna May Taylor, 93, passed away on December 24, 2020 at Woodbury Health and Rehab in Woodbury, TN. Born in the Hollow Springs community October 29, 1927 to Homer and Hessie Sissom.  She lived in Muncie and Marion Indiana prior to locating in Tennessee.  She enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, family, and church. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Taylor, her parents, two brothers, Carl and Pharris, and a daughter, Linda of Woodbury, TN.

She is survived by sons, Larry (Joy) Taylor of Manchester, TN and Robert Taylor of Bradyville, TN, four brothers, Ellis, Morgan, Barney, and Edward all of Woodbury, TN and a sister, Wanda of Woodbury, TN, three grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. 

A private service was held December 26, 2020 at Gilley Hill Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers please donate to a local food bank.  Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Alberta Lassiter Knox, 105, passed away  Tues., December 22, 2020 at Woodbury Health and Rehab.  She was a native of Cannon Co., Tn.

She is survived by her son, Willis Knox of Readyville; grandchildren, Kim (Terry) Gannon and Joe Knox all of Woodbury; great grandchildren, Todd (Tiffany) Gannon, Luke (Christy) Knox and Alex Knox; great great granddaughter, Lucy Knox and daughter-in-law, Lillian Bynum of Tullahoma.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Alexander; her husband, Luke Knox; children, Joe Wayne Knox, Faye Maxwell and infant daughter, Betty Knox; daughter-in-law, Faye Knox and great grandson, Lincoln Knox Gannon.

Ms. Knox was a member of the Woodbury Church of Christ and was a homemaker.  While, her husband, Luke, held a public job she kept their farm running and milked cows while he worked.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, December 26, 2020 at Thyatira Cemetery with Bro. Howard Knox, Jr. officiating.  Visitation with the family will be Saturday from 12 noon to 1:30 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit  www.woodburyfuneralhome.net   

Mrs. Maxine Carney Baumgardner, 75, of McMinnville, TN passed away on December 2, 2020.  She was born on June 12, 1945 in Winona, MN.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Carney and Erma Maurer Carney, also by a sister, Elaine Carney McCullough and a nephew, Douglas McCullough.

She is survived by her sons, Dean Baumgardner of McMinnville and Lee Baumgardner of Iowa, brother, Karol Carney of McMinnville, sister, Lorraine Carney (Larry) Balisky of Canada, daughter-in-law, Tanya Vannausdle, grandchildren, William Baumgardner, Eden Baumgardner, Addie Baumgardner, and Bryce Ferguson.

She was born in Minnesota and she moved to Ft. Dodge, Iowa with her family as a child.  She finished high school in Ft. Dodge.  After high school she moved to Florida to attend college at the University of South Florida, earning her bachelor’s degree.  She later earned her master’s degree at Rollins College.  She worked for the State of Florida for many years before moving to Tennessee.  She worked for the State of Tennessee prior to retiring.  Over the years she and her family lived in many different states and cities all over the country.  She loved the mountains around Gatlinburg and North Carolina.  She also loved to see the waterfalls and streams that fed into the Ocoee River.  As a young girl she accepted Jesus into her heart and life, becoming a Christian.  She enjoyed the gospel singing of George Beverly Shea.  In her spare-time she liked to work complicated jigsaw puzzles.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 4-7 pm.  Memorial services will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel at 7 pm.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.  Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Fannie Lee Miller Gannon, 76, of Woodbury passed away Mon., Dec. 21, 2020 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  She was a native of Cannon Co., TN.

She is survived by children, Larry (Kay) Gannon and Rita (Michael) Howell all of Woodbury; grandchildren, Amber Howell, Michael Howell, Jr., Phillip (Chelsea) Howell; 5 great grandchildren, Lydia Mae, Carter, Kaden and Summer Howell and Ava Vassar; siblings, Mary Stone, Ruby Allred and Raymond Miller all of Woodbury, Sarah Mathis and Lorene Roach both of McMinnville; close friend, Eva Davenport of Woodbury.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Edgar and Pauline Mathis Miller, husband, Floyd Gannon and siblings, Dot Miller, Jesse Miller, Edgar Miller and William Miller. 

A member of New Hope Church of Christ, Ms. Fannie was a seamstress and loved to watch soap operas.  Most of all, she loved being a grandma the most.

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Ralph Richardson officiating.  Interment will follow in Prater Cemetery. Pallbearers,  Jason, Eric and Keith Thomas, Bobby, Kerry and Ronnie Parker. Visitation with the family will be Saturday, 12/26/2020 from 4 pm – 8 pm.  

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

Roy Nelson Pugh age 69 of Auburntown, passed away Monday morning December 21, 2020 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro.

He was born in Woodbury to his parents, Jenelle Pedigo and the late Harold Pugh.  Roy was a member of the Prosperity Baptist Church, the Cannon County Walking Horse Association, he served on the DTC Board of Directors for 34 years and was currently President of the board.  He worked in banking for 47 years, having worked at Bank of Commerce for 23 yrs and Liberty State Bank for 24 years.

Roy’s hobby and passion was farming and he was an avid shopper and not a seller.  He loved life, whether it was camping, nascar races, riding horses and especially supporting his DCHS Tigers and Tigerettes.  Roy Pugh gave his life to serving and helping people, because he loved people and in return people loved him.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Kathy Pugh of Auburntown; daughter, Beth (W.C.) Basham of Lascassas; daughter, Jennifer (Nick) Tucker of Atlanta; mother, Jenelle Pugh of Dowelltown; brother, Joe (Mary) Pugh of McMinnville; grandchildren, Stone Basham, Katie, Carter and James Hancock, Jackson, Elizabeth and Emma Rose Tucker; several nieces and nephews and a world of friends.  Visitation will be Tuesday 4:PM until 7:PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel.

There will not be any visitation for the public on Wednesday.  There will be a private funeral held.  A public graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM Wednesday at Sycamore Cemetery.  Due to Covid-19 and social distancing guidelines, everyone attending the visitation or graveside service is asked to wear a mask for the health and safety of everyone and practice social distancing.  The funeral home lounge is closed at this time and no food or drinks are allowed in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the Sycamore Cemetery or to any DeKalb County High School Sport, in memory of Roy.  DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Dalmon Bragg, age 81, of Woodbury passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at VA Nashville. He was a native of Cannon County.

Survivors include his brother Eddy (Marcia) Bragg of Woodbury; Sisters, Judy (Ben) Brown of Woodbury and Margaret (Stafford) Taylor of Murfreesboro. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Mr. Bragg was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Hooper and Dessie Barrett Bragg.

He was retired from the VA Hospital and served in the Army.

Graveside Services will be 2:00 pm Monday, December 21, 2020 at Bragg Cemetery with Bro. Jerry Barrett officiating. Visitation with his family will be from 12 noon until 2:00 PM Monday, December 21, 2020 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Mr. Dale E. Dinkins, 60, of Morrison passed away on December 14, 2020.  He was born on June 20, 1960 in Tampa, Florida.  He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Ed Lee Dinkins and by a stepson, Justin Bogard.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy Byford Dinkins of Morrison, mother, Patricia Ross Dinkins of Lakeland, FL, daughter, Jessica (Brad) Dolly of Savannah, GA, stepson, James (Crystal) Bogard of Short Mountain, stepdaughters, Jessica Heffner of WA, Jodie (K.J.) Edwards of Murfreesboro, Ashley (Jay) Link of Knoxville, sisters, Linda (Scott) Searles of Melbourne, FL and Lois Channcey of OR, father-in-law, Willie Owen Byford of Morrison, three grandchildren and fifteen step grandchildren.

He grew up in Florida and found his way to Tennessee several years ago.  After he and Tammy met, she traveled to Florida for the first time in her life to visit him.  They had just celebrated their anniversary on Saturday.  He worked as a truck driver for many years until he became disabled.  He enjoyed watching westerns, especially starring John Wayne. He like going camping and fishing.  He loved spending time with Tammy and her dad.

The family plans to hold a service at a later date.  Support the family with condolences and memories at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Russell Lee “Rusty” Manus of Bradyville died after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

He was diagnosed with cancer Saturday May 2, 2020. He was born Tuesday August 28, 1979 and was a native of Cannon County.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents John Morgan Manus and Hallie Arine Manus and maternal grandparents Elmer Lewis Davenport and Allie Fair Allen.

He is survived by his parents George Edward SR. and Linda Faye Manus, Brother George Edward Manus JR. and sister Linda Ann Manus, all of Bradyville. He is also survived by several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends.

Rusty grew up raising Beagle hounds and going rabbit hunting with his Dad and Friends. He spent a lot of time going to Nashville to visit Opryland and ride the General Jackson and Captain Ann Riverboats up and down the Nashville river. He loved watching Wrestling with his family. He would spend about 5 days a week watching it on television. Once a month he watched PPV wrestling. He would go to live events with his family and friends.

Rusty liked hanging out with his Best Friend from High School, James Steven “Scooter” Bogle.

Rusty and Steve would go to Murfreesboro every week to shop for DVD’s and eat at Hooters.

They became known as “Hooter” and “Scooter”.

Rusty worked at Robinson’s Sawmill and the people he worked with were like a second family to him. His nickname at work was “Bubba Fred.” There are only three remaining survivors for the Robinson Sawmill Family. George Manus SR., Thomas “Pee-wee” Mathis, Mark Young. Preceding Rusty in death were Junior “Pa” Young, John Wiley Thomas, Dewey Robinson, Wayne Barrett, Larry Bogle, Larry Weger, Wiley Mathis, Jeff Mathis, Bobby Mathis, and Thomas “Bud” Mathis. Rusty was the youngest of the Sawmill Family and Daddy was one of the oldest. No one thought Rusty would go at such a young age.

Rusty worked at Robinson’s Sawmill and Higgins’ Livestock until his health took a turn for the worse in May 2020 and He had to stop working. Rusty was strong as a Bull and stubborn as an Ox. Rusty didn’t go to the doctor much, like so many in the Manus family. His Mother’s family, the Davenport’s, were more likely to go to the doctor.

Though his time upon this earth was short, Rusty was a kind and gentle Soul and will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, December 18, 2020 from 3-9 pm.  Funeral services will be Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Jerry Barrett will officiate.  Interment will be in Manus Cemetery.  Those who wish may send flowers help with a donation due to his untimely passing.  Support the family with memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Mr. Forrest Dwain Griffith, 86, of Woodbury passed away on December 15, 2020.  He was a native of Cannon County born on September 25, 1934.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Jay Griffith and Golda Prater Griffith, sister, Eva Lois Griffith Rogers, In-laws: Laura Gentry Prater and George Edward Prater, Nora Gentry Fann and Ray Fann, Cecil Gentry and Judy McGuinn Gentry, Harold Gentry, Roberta McBride Gentry and Helon Marie Milligan Gentry

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sue Gentry Griffith of Woodbury, brothers-in-law, Boyd Gentry of Woodbury, and William Gentry of Oklahoma, numerous, nieces and nephews and their families and his special buddy “Thomas” the cat.

Some people knew him as Forrest and others called him Dwain.  He graduated from Woodbury Central High School in the Class of 1953.  Following graduation, he joined the Army and proudly served his country.  He met and married the love of his life, Sue.  They were almost inseparable.  They built their dream home in a beautiful spot where they could see a lot of wildlife and natural surroundings.  They would often have deer, turkeys, and racoons visit their yard and porch.  They also had another visitor, “Thomas” the cat.  He found his way to their home and they loved him like he was their child.  They loved their church family at Leoni Church of Christ.  He worked for Century Electric for over 30 years.  He could remember many of the people from his time in the Army, Century Electric, and other details up until his passing. 

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 5-7 pm.  Funeral services will be Friday, December 18, 2020 at 1 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  He will receive military funeral honors at the interment in Leoni Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to Leoni Cemetery Trust Fund.  Support the family with memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoobury.net   Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337