Obituaries

Mr. James Franklin Simpson was born on June 16, 1947 in Sparta, Tennessee to the late Richard Simpson and Vernie Mae Burton.  He departed this life on April 12, 2020 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 

Mr. James Franklin was a member of the Bradyville Road Church of Christ.  He worked many years as a painter and as a part-time preacher in years past.  He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp serving during the Vietnam War.  He had a love for the Lord and his country.  He enjoyed going fishing in his spare time and having a good meal with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Robert Harold Simpson and sisters, Christine Gardenhire and Lou Simpson.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Patricia Simpson, son, Shawn (Kelly) Simpson of Readyville, daughter, Cicely Simpson of Woodbury, grandson, Jordan Simpson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Due to the continued situation with the virus the family will hold a private service at Smith Funeral Home with Military Funeral Honors on Thursday, April 16, 2020.  In honor of his service he will be laid to rest at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, Nashville, TN on Thursday, April 16, 2020.  In support of the family you may call to have us sign the guest register at the funeral home or you may share memories and condolences on the guestbook page of www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, call for details.  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Jo Dean Cook Dutton, 87, of Gassaway passed away Thursday, April 09, 2020 at Vanderbilt Hospital. She was born in Dekalb County.

She is survived by her daughter, Jama (Gary) Hancock of Gassaway; Grandchildren, Emily Hancock of Gassaway & Matthew (Alex) Hancock of Smithville; Great Grandchildren, Porter, Cash and Weston Hancock; Siblings, Gene (Dean) Cook of Smithville, Rosa Lee Davis of Liberty, & Doug (Janie) Cook of Smithville, Beatrice Laperouse of Arizona, Eddie Cook of Smithville, Jimmy (Helen) Cook of Liberty, & Wilma (Bob) Mykleby of Arizona; Special Nieces, Melissa Ferrell and Judy McGee. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clay and Callie Lee Murphy Cook; and Sister, Ann Cook Miller.

Jo Dean was retired from Kingston Timers. She was a member of the Gassaway Church of Christ, an active member of the Gassaway Community and was known as one of the “Gassaway Girls”. She loved to quilt, put puzzles together and was always the life of the party.

Graveside Services will be 2 PM Monday, April 13, 2020 at Sycamore Cemetery with Gary Hancock officiating.

Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, no visitation will be held at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gassaway Church of Christ, Sycamore Cemetery or Gassaway Community Center & Fire Hall .

Tory Michael McBratnie, 28, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, April 04, 2020 at Vanderbilt Medical Center.  He was born in Jamestown, NY.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Rublee of Woodbury; siblings, Trent Rublee, Travis Foulk, Trevor Lanphere, Traie McBratnie and Collin Hanson all of Woodbury; Tyler (Ashley) Lanphere of Beech Grove, Tn., Bret Markum of Murfreesboro, Lindsey Hall and Corine Best both of NY.; nieces and nephews, Brody, Brantley, Cheyanne, Tucker and Chance Lanphere, Hannah, Haylee and Raven Foulk; aunt, Jeaneen Rublee and Family and cousin, Tina Burau of NY

He was preceded in death by his father, Archie McBratnie.

A member of the Methodist church, Tory loved to be outdoors, hunting, fishing, riding horses and kayaking. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, friend and would help anyone with anything. Tory was a tree trimmer with Goff’s Tree Service. 

A private graveside service will be held Saturday, April 10, 2020.

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

Mr. Bobby Dean Davis, 65, of Bradyville passed away on April 5, 2020.  He was born in the Blue Wing Community of Cannon County on March 11, 1955.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyman Davis and Hester Barrett Davis, also by a daughter, Angela Nicole Davis, a son, Jonathan Davis, and by all but four of his twelve brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Arnold Davis, son, Chris (Linda) Davis of Bradyville, brother, Landon Davis of Murfreesboro, sisters, Patsy Cook of McMinnville, Judy York of Lafayette, and Linda Cook of Detroit, MI, five grandchildren, Jacob Davis, Kala (Chase Heath) Davis, Destiny Mitchell, Blake Davis, and Brady Davis, and by two great granddaughters, Novalea Heath and Graelynn Rae Mitchell, as well as, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mr. Bobby grew up in the Blue Wing Community and kept a love of that area.  Growing up he enjoyed working in his father’s chair shop and around the farm.  He loved being outdoors going hunting and fishing.  As a young man, his future wife, Kathy, caught his eye.  They married young and started their family right away.  They recently celebrated their 46^th anniversary.  He was born with the talent to tear apart and put back together diesel engines and heavy equipment.  He worked as a diesel mechanic and shop foreman until his health began to fail him.  He was strong in his Christian faith and love for his family.  He would often tell his children and wife, “I’ll spoil your mama and she’ll spoil you.”  He and his family leased a campsite at Woods Reservoir for the past several years and enjoyed being there together.  He never met a stranger and loved to share the gospel with family, friends, and people he hadn’t met before.  His parents bought and donated the land where Blue Wing Baptist Church and cemetery now stand.  Over the years he and his family helped take care of the cemetery and church.  When the church closed several years ago his desire was to revive it for the community.  He helped see the church reopen in recent years and became a deacon to help teach family and friends.  Mr. Bobby suffered with kidney disease for many years and had to take dialysis for the past several years.  He did his best to live to the fullest despite his illness.

Mr. Bobby’s wish was to hold his funeral in the Blue Wing Church and be buried in the cemetery with his other family.  Due to the current situation with the virus plaguing our country, the family plans to uphold his wishes.  The services will be announced later, once people are able to gather together to honor his memory.  In the meantime, share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  You may also call for us to place your name on the guest register.  Those who wish may make memorial donations to assist with expenses.  Call Smith Funeral Home for details about how to donate.  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

On Thursday, April 2, 2020, our loving mother and grandmother, Jessie Pauline Elkins, passed away at the age of 99 at Woodbury Health and Rehabilitation Center.  She was born on August 24, 1920 in Bradyville, Tennessee.

Pauline and her husband, Clark, lived in several different states throughout their married life while Clark was preaching the gospel and building congregations.  She was known for her delicious cooking.  She prepared many meals for church members, family, and friends.  She loved spending time with her family and was a member of the Bradyville church of Christ.

She was preceded in death on April 7, 2004, by her husband of 65 years, Clark.  Her parents, Vince & Eugenia “Eudie” Knox Williams; her brothers, Ellis, Maurice, & Wayne Williams; her son, Darrell Elkins; and her daughter, Patricia Stratton.  She is survived by her son, Don (Tommie) Elkins of Cape Girardeau, MO and her daughter, Vickie (Don) Knox.  Thirteen grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren also survive.

Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, graveside services will be 3 PM Sunday, April 5, 2020 at Thyatira Cemetery with Bro. Charlie Gunter officiating.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Terry Grant Holt, age 73, of Readyville passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Shirley Mealer Holt of Readyville; Daughters, Sherry (Michael) Sexton of Christiana and Tanya (Dusty) Lewis of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Cody & Lane Baker and Deegan & Finley Lewis.

He is preceded in death by his parents, White & Ailene Bynum Holt.

Terry was a member of the Bradyville church of Christ and served in the National Guard for 6 years. He was retired from General Electric after 31 years where he was a material handler.  He enjoyed hunting & farming.

Graveside Services will be 1 PM Thursday, April 2, 2020 at Thyatira Cemetery with Bro. Charlie Gunter officiating.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Myra Haley, 86, of Woodbury passed away on March 30, 2020.  She was born on June 21, 1933 at home in the Red Hill Community of Cannon County.  Her parents were the late Vernie Granville Burks and Mary Etta Young Burks.  She was the youngest of five girls and the last living of the children.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Mack Haley, sisters, R. A. Lynn, Jewel Parker, Juanita Parker, and Evelyn Davis Myers, and by a granddaughter, Harmony Haley.

She is survived by her son, Shane (Sharon) Haley of Woodbury, daughter, Shannon Haley of Woodbury, half-brothers, Allen Hale and Vernie Hale both of Murfreesboro, grandchildren, Nathan (Kayla King Weller) Horn, Kellye (Dillon) Weaver, Melody Haley, Sean Haley, Elizabeth (Bryce) Bichon, and Sarah Haley; great grandchildren, Lucas Horn, Kyan Weller, Cooper Weaver, Evie Weaver, Brodie Bichon, Ella Bichon, Haven Haley, Cameron Haley, and Cason Haley, as well as, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mrs. Myra grew up knowing the value of family.  She went out of her way to make her family feel special, giving them unconditional love, and showed them how to be strong.  As a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother she gave more than she took and deeply enjoyed time to share stories, talk, hug, and laugh.  Her beautiful smile and green eyes were twinkling almost every time you would see her.  The love of her life was her husband Mack.  They met and married very young and celebrated their 48^th anniversary before his passing.  He was a Marine veteran and they lived many different places over the years.  Raising their kids in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s was a great time in our country.  It was unusual for the time, but she made sure they experienced things many other kids of the era didn’t.  They took trips to the State Fair and took time out to see the Christmas Parade.  She and Shane took a train ride from California to Nashville.

She also kept busy working.  Through the years she worked as a secretary for many different places.  One of the first was for Walter “Cap” McCrary and her last 20 years were spent at the VA in Murfreesboro working as a clerk in the Prosthetics Department until the age of 77.  She was a graduate of Woodbury Central High School in the Class of 1951 and stayed close friends with many of her classmates.  She was also a long-time member of the Woodbury Church of Christ. 

Due to the continuing situation with the virus in our country we are offering options to family and friends to pay their respects.  You may call to have us place your name and condolence in the register book, you may also offer memories and condolences on the guestbook page of our website, www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  A private graveside service will follow at Riverside Garden later Thursday.  Herb Alsup will officiate.  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Ethan Patrick Grizzle, 25, of Bradyville passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2020. He was born in Dekalb Co.

He is survived by his parents, Jennifer Grizzle Barrett of Woodbury and Shannon (Cydney) Robinson of Auburntown; children, Paisley, Ainsleigh and Walker; 

sister, Paige (Obie) Gnida of Bradyville; grandparents, Diana (Butch) Prater and Pam (Bill) Tillman all of Bradyville; great grandmother, Pauline Campbell of AR.; niece, Willow Gnida; aunts and uncles, Tana (Brian) Lewis of Ashland City, Christy (Sonny) Davis of Hackett, AR., Kristen Grizzle of Readyville and Chad Robinson of Kittrell; cousins, Dustin Duggin, C.W. Alexander, Sadye Lewis and Haley Davis.

Ethan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ronnie Grizzle, Roger and Shirley Robinson.  

If you knew Ethan, you knew he had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. He was full of life and loved his family more than anything.  Ethan loved the outdoors, enjoyed riding horses and shooting pool.  He was affiliated with the church of Christ and was a tree surgeon.  

Graveside Services will be  2 pm Wednesday, 04/01/20 at Midway Cemetery with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Pallbearers include Obie Gnida, Christopher Hanes, Anthony Allen, Austin Boyle, Talyn Black and Matt Prater. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dustin Duggin and C.W. Alexander. 

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses or Cannon Co. Walking Horse Assoc. 

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

James T. Bly, 83, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2020 at his home in Bradvyille. He was a native of Cannon Co., TN.

He is survived by his children, Betty Ann Allen of Bradyville; Bertha Elaine Kellebrew of Nashville, James Ray Bly of Dickson, Vickie Diane Bly of Nashville, and Jo Ann Mitchell of Nashville; grandchildren, Lou Ann Meyer, Mavis Frances Mayo, James Ray Bly, II, Rocky Joe Bly, James Alexander Reynolds, Dustin St. John, Kayla Lynn Clinton, Christiana Lynn Moore & Roger Dale Kellebrew, Jr.; siblings, Faye Lefever of Murfreesboro, Elinor Hughes of Woodbury, Jean Canda of Lebanon and Peggy Sue Kentner of Nashville

Mr. Bly was preceded in death by his parents, Jeff Bly and Joanna Scott Bly; his wife, Mavis Ruth Bly; Son, Robert Eugene Bly and siblings, Mary Ann Shrum, Joyce Bly, Magaleane Merritt, Charles Bly, Robert Bly and A.J. Bly.  

Graveside Services will be 1 pm Monday, March 30, 2020 at Cummings Melton Cemetery with Bro. Mike Moore officiating.  

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

Mrs. Mae Ann Davenport, 85, of Readyville, TN passed away on March 24, 2020.  She was born on July 6, 1934 in Woodbury, TN.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard N. Tenpenny and Beatrice Patrick Tenpenny, her husband, Thomas Earl “Ted” Davenport, and a sister, Reba Jo Bowman.

She is survived by brothers, Billy (Shirley) Tenpenny, Sr. of Murfreesboro and Tony Lynn Tenpenny of Murfreesboro, nieces and nephews, Billy Tenpenny, Jr., Andy Tenpenny, Becky Anderson all of Murfreesboro, Gilda Bowman and Patrick Bowman both of Nashville, great niece and nephew, Andrew Anderson and Rachael Anderson, one great great niece, Kaitlyn Scruggs, cousins and special friends, Edward (Myrtle) Bryson, Jerry (Brenda) Mullinax all of Woodbury.

Mrs. Mae Ann was a happy go lucky and fun-loving person.  She enjoyed being with family and friends, talking, smiling, and having a good laugh.  In the summer of 1950, she met and married the love of her life Ted Davenport.  They went to Georgia to get married and came back to Floating Mills at Center Hill Lake for their honeymoon.  They were married for 56 years before his passing in 2006.  Most of their married life was spent living in or near the Dobbs Hollow.  They enjoyed taking trips to the Smokey Mountains, Indiana State Fair, and Michigan to visit family.  Many times, they would take their trips on Ted’s motorcycle.  It was unusual in those days for people around here to have a motorcycle.  He was one of, if not the first in the county to own a Harley Davidson.  July was always an important month in her life.  She was born, engaged, and married in July.  After Ted’s passing, she kept active with family and friends, she liked listening to live music, going out to eat, and visiting. 

Starting out she worked for the Colonial Shirt Factory for about 10 years.  Later she found a job with the Bank of Commerce and stayed there over 35 years.  She worked as a teller in the drive-in window.  During her time with the bank she was able to take banking courses.  She was a long-time member of the Church of Christ.  As her health began to fail, she depended on her brother, Billy and other family to help take care of her an provide much needed time to talk and visit when she couldn’t get out. 

Due to the current situation in our country the immediate family will hold private visitation and funeral at Smith Funeral Home on March 27, 2020.  Herb Alsup will officiate.  Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be given to Adam’s Memorial Library.  Those who would like may sign our online guestbook to share memories or condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  If you would like to call we would be glad to sign the register for you or you may stop at your convenience to sign the register and pick up an obituary program.  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337