Obituaries

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            

Ramona L. Adkins, 66, of Woodbury passed away on December 12, 2020.  She was born October 26, 1954 in Pensacola, Florida.  She was preceded in death by her father, Leland Browning, grandparents, Raymond and Edna Banfield and Dude and Grace Browning.

Survived by her mother, Dorthy Browning of Woodbury, husband of 44 years, James L. Adkins of Woodbury, son, Jay (Stephanie) Adkins of Elizabethton, TN and many foster grandchildren.

She was a very loving wife, mother, and daughter.  She held a variety of interests including, raising Orchids and African Violets, sewing, reading on the beach, collecting everything, going to auctions, watching Star Wars, shooting guns, traveling, going to concerts, and discovering great places to dine, just to name a few.  She was an avid animal lover as well.  Needless to say, she kept active and had fun doing it.

Ramona put her truest in our Lord Jesus Christ.  Her hope in this life was that everyone would come to know Jesus as their Savior so they would have eternal life in Heaven.  She attended Experience Community Church Cannon.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 15, 2020 from 4-6 pm at Experience Community Church Cannon with funeral services following at 6 pm.  A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 1 pm.  In lieu flowers memorial donations are requested to Appalachian Bear Rescue, 121 Painted Trillium Way, Townsend, TN 37882.  Support her family with memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Florene Allen, age 80, died Saturday December 12, 2020 at Woodbury Health Care Center following an extended illness.  She was a native of Cannon County and the daughter of the late Lehman and Cora Bowen Allen and was also preceded in death by her brother, Billy J. Allen.  She was a member of the Woodbury Church of Christ.

Florene is survived by her sister-in-law, Norene Allen of Woodbury and a special cousin, Claudette Alexander of Readyville and several other cousins.

Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Monday, December 14 at Riverside Cemetery with Bro. Al Bugg officiating.

Cody Dale Higgins, age 27, of Bradyville passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020.  He was a native of Bradyville.

Survivors include his parents, Tracy Taylor Higgins of Bowling Green, KY and Bobby (Lisa) Higgins of Woodbury; Son, Parker David Higgins of Beaver Dam; Brother, Hunter Lewis Higgins of Bowling Green; Grandparents, Clarence & Brenda Thompson of Murfreesboro, Danny & Joan Vythoulkas of Bradyville, and Jerry & Judy Taylor of AL; Uncles & Aunt, Chris Taylor of Woodbury, Barry (Rhonda) Higgins of Lebanon, Dan (Carla) Taylor of New Market, AL, Art (Angie) Taylor of New Market, AL, Chad Taylor of New Market, AL, and Melina (Allen) Chasteen of Woodbury, MN; Stepbrothers, Zac Davenport of Murfreesboro & Alex Davenport of Woodbury.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Tony Lewis Higgins.

He was a former cook at DJ’s restaurant, formerly D & G, where his grandparents, Danny & Joan first opened in 1978. 

Memorial Services will be at 1 PM Saturday, December 12, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Visitation will be from 11 AM until time of service at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home for a fund for his son, Parker.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Betty Jo Jones, age 90, of Woodbury died Friday December 4, 2020 at Westmoreland Care and Rehab.  She was a native of Cannon County and the daughter of the late Thomas Benton and Nola Fuller McFerrin and was married to the late Howard Reed Jones, 9 brothers and sisters preceded her in death.

Ms. Jo is survived by her 3 children:  Melissa Rowland and her husband Tom of Lafayette, Rebecca Lowder of Humble, TX and Scott Jones and his wife Jenise of Lincoln, NE;  a sister, Jean Stevens of Georgia;  9 grandchildren:  Aaron Rowland, Alexis Boxold, Carrie Beth Bergman, Eric Lowder, Melissa Gonzalez, Henry Jones, Cairn Persky, Edward Jones and Andrew Jones.  Also surviving are 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

She was a member of the Woodbury Church of Christ, a member of the rook club at the Cannon County Senior Citizen Center and enjoyed playing the auto harp and mountain dulcimer with her husband Reed.

Graveside services will be 12:00 noon Wednesday December 9 at Riverside Gardens with Bro. Al Bugg officiating.

The family requests for everyone to wear masks and exercise social distancing.

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

Ray Daniel Wimberly, 43, of Bradyville passed away Sat., Dec. 5, 2020 at Centennial Medical Center following a short illness.  He was born in Cannon Co.

He is survived by his mother, Susan Howell Wimberly of Bradyville; daughter, Lacy (Landon) Hunt of Morrison; stepchildren, Stetson Blanton, Shelbi Blanton and Wyatt Teal all of Manchester; wife, Kelly Wimberly of Manchester; 5 grandchildren, Gage Hunt, Jordynn Blanton, L.J. Hunt, Sophia Blanton and London Hunt; aunt, Judy Mooneyham of Woodbury and cousins, Christy Mooneyham, Kim McPeak and Terri Tenpenny.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Morris Wimberly.

A member of the Baptist church, Daniel was a factory worker and storage builder with Martin’s Mini Storage.

Graveside Services will be 2 pm Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Amity Cemetery.  Visitation with his family will be from 10 am until 1:30 pm Wednesday, December 9 at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net