Obituaries

Mr. Ronnie Johnson, 80, of Readyville passed away on October 25, 2020.  He was a native of Florence, Alabama born on June 20, 1940.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Ethel Milford Johnson and by all his siblings. 

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Johnson, children, Mike (Kristina) Johnson of Woodbury, Alan Smithson of Smyrna and Scott (Michele) Smithson of Auburntown; Teresa (Gary) Brooks of Mount Juliet, Angie (Jeff) Graham of Murfreesboro, grandchildren,  Josh (Taylor) Johnson, Jacob (Michelle) Smithson, Brandy (Daniel) Baltz, Jenna (Will) Shelton, Jackson Graham, Kayla (Cody) Brown, Charlie (Paige) Brooks, Erin Phillips, eight great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was an easy-going person with a smile and a story or joke ready to share. Always ready to help family or friends.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and showing them things.  He didn’t like to be idle he kept his yard and shop neat and clean all the time.  He was retired from Yellow Freight with over 30 years driving for them.  He was a member of the Teamsters Local 480 for over 50 years. Many of his friends knew him best by his c.b. handle, the “Silver Road Hog”. In his spare time, he and Cheryl loved to ride motorcycles and see the unusual sights on the back roads.  They had ridden all over the Southeastern United States as well as to the Badlands, Key West, and the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. When Cheryl still worked for the Bank of Commerce, he would go with the Bank Cloggers on trips to support Cannon County and the Lions Club.  He would sometimes drive the truck they clogged on in the parades. He and Cheryl enjoyed going with their family on an annual trip to Florida in June to celebrate many of their birthdays.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, November 1, 2020 from 1-4 pm. A celebration of his life will follow at 4 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  His grandson, Charlie Brooks will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to the American Cancer Society. Support the family with condolences and memories at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Virginia Sue Davenport, 69, passed away Friday, October 23, 2020 at St. Thomas Rutherford.

She is survived by her sister Brenda Vannatta; nieces, Lisa Wimberly, Tracy Vannatta, Dana Davenport, and Vanessa Shrum, nephew Danny Vannatta.  Also surviving are several great nieces and nephews.9

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vanice K. Davenport Sr., and Vera Bell Davenport; brothers, Vanice K. Davenport Jr, and Michael Lewis Davenport.

She was a member of Dillon Street Baptist Church, previously worked at Colonial. She enjoyed reading, going out to eat with friends, loved helping others and adored her Church family.

Graveside Services will be 4:30 PM Monday, October 26, 2020 at Banks Pisgah Cemetery with Bro, Ray Patrick officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 pm. at Woodbury Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help the family with expenses or Dillon Street Baptist Church.

Woodbury Funeral Home 615 563 2311

Or to leave condolences for her family please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Annie Lois Parton Paschal, 94, passed away Thurs., Oct. 22, 2020 at her home following an extended illness. She was a native of Cannon Co.                  

She is survived by her children, Russell (Janet) Paschal of Woodbury and Lois Marie Paschal of Manchester; grandson, Kelly Joe Ferrell of Manchester.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Sylvester and Delia Mae Smith Parton; her husband, Neil Henry Paschal; and siblings, Idell Summars and Wiley Parton.
 
Ms. Paschal was a member of the Baptist church and a housewife.
 
Visitation with the family will be from 1 pm to 3 pm Sunday, October 25, 2020. Graveside Services will immediately follow in the Riverside Gardens.

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

Mrs. Alena Hope Preston Grayson, 26, of Murfreesboro passed away unexpectedly along with her soon to be born son, Hayden Zane Merlo on October 19, 2020.  She was born in Murfreesboro, TN on October 6, 1994.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Arvis and Mildred Marie Black.

She is survived by the love of her life, Brandon Merlo, mother, Lena “Pat” (Alan Barrett) Garland of Smyrna, father, Tracy L. Preston of Murfreesboro, children, Serenity Grayson, Gabriel Grayson, Waelyn Merlo, grandparents, Wiley and Beverly Preston of Leanna, brothers, Noah William Garland of Smyrna and Aiden Wesley Preston of Murfreesboro, sister, Olivia Ann Preston of Smyrna, Brandon’s parents, Tom and Luann Yates, and by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She was a wonderful loving mother, hardly ever spending a minute away from her kids.  They were her world.  She had a bubbly personality, full of life, and ready to pull a prank to make you laugh.  A country girl, who loved jacked up trucks, and wearing sundresses with cowboy boots.  She loved to cook and insisted on cooking for the kids and Brandon every chance she had.  She was a go-getter, always willing to be there for family and friends who needed her.  If she loved you there were no limits to what she would do to help or get you to laugh. She was a Christian baptized by her uncle in the lake, just like a country girl would.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 4-8 pm.  Funeral services will be on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 2 pm.  Earl Black will officiate.  Interment will be in Thyatira Cemetery.  Support her family with condolences and memories at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Mary Louise Goins Simmons, 98, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 at her home in Woodbury.  She was a native of Cannon Co.

She is survived by her son, Larry Joe (Gracie) Duncan of Arrington, TN.; daughter-in-law, Deborah Lynn Simmons of Lebanon; grandchildren, Lynn (Ricky) Fann, Mary Beth (Josh) Creswell, Sean (Mindy) Simmons and Holly Simmons; siblings, Farris (Vertrice) Goins of Woodbury, Wayne (Linda) Goins of Clayton, NC, Shirley Goins Taylor of Nashville; sisters-in-law, Frankie Goins of Readyville and Sarah Goins of Franklin.  Also surviving are 6 great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Jimmie Sullins Goins; husband, John D. Simmons; son, Martin Steve Simmons, grandson, Jesse Leo Duncan and siblings, Gertrude Goins Bogle, Irlee, James, Bill and Charles Bogle. 

Ms. Simmons was a member of the Church of Christ and was a florist.

Graveside Services will be 2 pm Thursday, October 22, 2020 in the Riverside Cemetery with Bro. Ron Hackney and Bro. Mike Lamb officiating.  

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

Mr. David “Ruff” Young, 22, of Bradyville passed away unexpectedly on October 16, 2020.  He was born in Murfreesboro, TN on October 31, 1997.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter and Janice Young and Jimmy Driver, Sr.

He is survived by his mother, Angel (Bobby Murphy) Hernandez of Bradyville, father, Brad Young of Alabama, grandmother, Faye Driver of Bradyville, brothers, Bradley Young of Bradyville and Dillion Young of Woodbury, sisters, Cheyenne Black of Auburntown, Maria (James Porter) Funes, Virginia Hernandez and Lexi Driver all of Bradyville, and Cherish Thomas, aunts and uncles, Rebecca Driver, Connie Mejia, Jimmy Driver, Jr., and Scottie Young, the love of his life, Autumn Akey, great aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins and friends.  He was also looking forward to becoming an uncle in the near future so he could hold and spoil his sister Maria’s baby.

He worked as an electrician and had previously worked with Rollins Excavating.  He loved to go mudding, fishing, and ride the back roads listening to music.  He was a pure country boy, always ready to lend a hand, and go horseback riding.  He was a volunteer with the Mooretown and Westside Fire Departments.  Anytime he went out on a call he made sure to turn his siren on right by his family’s house for a laugh.  He loved to aggravate his family and friends.  He had attended Plainview Baptist Church and was a part of one of the church’s videos “A Gift for a Son”.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, October 23, 2020 from 4-8 pm and on Saturday, October 24^th from 11-2 pm.  Funeral services will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel with Jonathan Womack officiating.  Interment will be in the Young and Driver Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to assist with funeral expenses.  Support the family with condolences and memories at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Mr. Buddy Floyd, 61 of Hillsboro passed away on October 18, 2020.  He was born on September 9, 1959 in Nashville, TN.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Baker Floyd, Sr. and Jackie Woodham Floyd Ott, a daughter, Autumn Marie Floyd, brothers, J. D. Floyd and Charles Floyd, and sisters, Frances Floyd and Ester Floyd.

He is survived by his wife Morgan Floyd of Hillsboro, mom, Peggy Daniels of Smyrna, step-son, L’Alexander Scott of North Carolina, son, Baker “Bubba” Floyd, III of Smyrna, daughter, Nellie Marie “Nellie Bell” Floyd of Smyrna, brothers, Thomas (Tammi) Floyd of Woodbury, Kenneth (Kristi) Floyd of Smyrna, James Floyd of Nashville, and Joseph Floyd of LaVergne, sisters, Diane (Mark) Milom of Lebanon, and Elizabeth Adams.

Over the years he worked mainly as a painter.  He also worked on the General Jackson, at the U.S. Post Office, as a plumber, and a professional clown.  He had been a member of the Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department.  He enjoyed fishing, loved his children, and his Lord.  He attended Oakland Ministries in Hillsboro.  His special buddy was his dog, Lucky and his wife’s service dog, Pocket.  His c.b. radio handle was “Skillet Man”.  He liked to be outside listening to the birds when he could.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 from 11-2 pm.  Following visitation, he will be cremated, and his ashes scattered at one of his favorite spots.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to assist with funeral expenses.  Share condolences and memories with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Wade Rogers, 85, passed away Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 at his home in Nashville. He was a native of Cannon Co.               

He is survived by his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Johnnie and Floyd Alexander of Nashville and Howard Knox, Jr. of Murfreesboro. Nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Medford Rogers and Mamie Reed Rogers; his wife of 62 years who passed away in January 2020, Mary Ellen Knox Rogers; his daughter, Vickie Rogers and his brother, Howard Rogers.

Mr. Rogers was a member of the Church of Christ and a retired truck driver.  He was a member of the Teamsters Union, local 480.  He was a loving husband and father.

Funeral Services will be 2:30 pm Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Thyatira Cemetery. Pallbearers will be retired friends from the Teamsters Union.  Visitation with the family will be Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 12 noon until 2 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Thyatira Cemetery %Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Mrs. Virginia Lemmons, 83, of Woodbury passed away on October 13, 2020. She was born in Woodbury, TN on May 17, 1937.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Elizabeth Wallace Davis, husband, Joe Houston Lemmons and a daughter, Frances Reed.

She is survived by five daughters, Dottie Leiman of Long Island, NY, Brenda K. Lemmons of Woodbury, Reba (Sam) McHenry of Murfreesboro, Sue Bailey of Tullahoma, and Shirley Godfrey of Florida, ten grandchildren, Jonathan Leiman, A. J. Leiman, Trevor Hutchison, Ali Hutchison, Daniel Burch, Serena Hobbs, Joe Van Dervort, David Godfrey, Michael Godfrey, and Robin de Klerk, as well as eight great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 12-2 pm.  Funeral services will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel at 2 pm.  Interment will be in Cherry Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to Alive Hospice.  Support the family by leaving condolences and memories at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Eddie Dean Whittemore, 68, of Woodbury died on October 11, 2020.  He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family.  He was born on August 11, 1952 in Woodbury.  His parents were Eldred (E.C.) Whittemore and Della Louise Gann Tischer.  His stepfather was the late Charles “Chuck” Tischer.  He grew up with 11 siblings. (9 brothers and 2 sisters).  He was retired after working 26 years with Samsonite and 5 years with Pillsbury.  He was very active with animals and was at peace when working with them.  He had a love for farm and country life. Eddie was a member of the Baptist church.

Eddie is survived by the mother of his children, Diane Whittemore of Woodbury; his daughter, Amy Whittemore Bond and her husband, Jimmy Bond of Crossville; 6 grandchildren, Jacky Whittemore, Tyler Finley, Kayla Edwards, Briana Bond, Kelsey Finley and Miranda Bond; 3 great grandchildren, Lillie Whittemore, Blaizlynn Finley and Emery Bond; 6 brothers, James Whittemore of Colorado Springs, CO., Robert Tischer of IN., Charles Tischer of FL., Beano Tischer LaVergne, Gary Tischer, Dakota Tischer, Jessica Tischer and Frankie Tischer all of Paris, IL. Dear family friends, Ann Mooneyham, Faye Foster, Linda Reed and Terry St. John all of Woodbury.

In addition to his parents and stepfather, he was preceded in death by his son, Jacky Dean Whittemore and 3 brothers, Ronnie, David and Johnny Whittemore.

A graveside service will be held at a later date. 

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