Obituaries

Jerry Wayne Paschal, age 92 of Readyville, TN, passed away Monday, May 20, 2024. A native of Cannon County, he was the son of the late Samuel David and Willie Sam Reed Paschal. Jerry was also preceded in death by a daughter, Christine Paschal and sister, Joanne Smith.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Faye Jacobs Paschal; sisters, Shirley White of Brooklyn, MI and Sammie Mathers of Dearborn, MI, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Friday, May 24, 2024, at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday following the visitation with Rev. Steve Anderson and Rev. Franklin Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery with military honors. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Jerry was of the Baptist faith, a US Korean Air Force veteran, and retired from the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center. He was also a barber by trade.

An online guestbook for the Paschal family is available at www.woodfinchapel.com.

Woodfin Memorial Chapel. (615) 893-5151. 

Larry Van Murphy, age 78, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  He was born on October 29, 1945 to his parents, the late Grady Henry & Mary Lucille Adamson Murphy in Wilson County.

He is survived by his wife, Judy D. Jakes Murphy of Woodbury; Children, Tracy (Jessica) Murphy of Murfreesboro, Marvin (Kathy) Hale of Woodbury, Ricky (Debbie) Hale of Woodbury, Tammie Murphy of Smyrna, & Tanya McKnight of Knoxville; Grandchildren, Jake Murphy, Allie Murphy, Whitney Quarles, & Alisha Phillips; Great Great Grandson, Keanu Quarles; and his Brother, J.B. (Arlene) Murphy of Murfreesboro. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Dean Fletcher; and grandson, Stephen Hale .

Larry was a member of the Baptist church and was retired from Sonoco.  He also worked many years at Samsonite.  He enjoyed bowling & Nascar races, but especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be at 11 AM Thurs., May 16, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Tom Fittis officiating.  Interment will follow at Gunter Grizzle Cemetery. The family will receive friends for the visitation from 4 PM to 8 PM Wed., May 15, 2024.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Janet Elaine White Howse, age 82, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024 at her home.  She was born to her parents, the late Levi Earl White & Margaret White on February 8, 1942 in Roxborough, PA.

She is survived by her husband of almost 15 years, Anthony Howse of Woodbury; Daughter, Barbara (David) Gregory of Live Oak, FL; Grandchildren, Jennifer (Mark) Bauman of Indianapolis & Matthew Gregory of Miami; Step Children, Andrew Mark Howse of Woodbury, Anthony Chad Howse of Lebanon, Titus Nathaniel of Woodbury, & Cindy Anna Howse of Hoover, AL; and Step Grandchildren, Kirisen Howse & Tabitha Howse.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Levi Earl White & Margaret White.

Janet was a member of the West High Street church of Christ.  She had many jobs throughout her life including, Reader’s Digest, Orange Groove, apartment manager, secretary, daycare & preschool teacher, and a guide dog trainer for the deaf school.  She was also the co-author of “God Does No Wrong”.

Funeral Services will be at 2 PM Thursday, May 16, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Peeler officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for the visitation from 12 Noon to 2 PM Thursday, May 16, 2024.                                 

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Clemmie Clarine Crosslin Elkins, age 86, Mt. Juliet passed away on May 10, 2024 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Al Durwood Elkins.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Britton J. & Audrie Elizabeth Crosslin, as well as 4 brothers, James, Maurice, Anthony, and Danny Crosslin, and a sister, Paulette Ervin.

She is survived by her sister, Joan Sissom of Mt. Juliet; Nieces, Kim (Tim) Norrod of Smyrna, Karyn (Jeff) Scott of Spring Hill, Barbara Dunlap of McMinnville, Beth Ervin of Lynchburg, Brittney Ervin of Donelson, and nephew, Brian Farr of Maryland.

She is also survived by many first cousins, Cathy & Edward Frazier and many great nieces and nephews, and many relatives of her husband’s family, Shirley and Johnny Bryson, nephews, Bill, Michael, Robbie, and Terry Bryson, nieces, Melinda Simmons, Michelle Hale, and Myra Melton.

Mrs. Elkins was a member of the Baptist Church and was a nurses aide.

The family will receive friends for the visitation May 12, 2024 at 1:00 PM with funeral services beginning at 2:00 PM.  Interment will follow at Leoni Cemetery.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mr. Tommy “Tom” Dean Boals, 86, of Morrison, Tennessee went on to be with the Lord on Monday, May 6, 2024. He was born in Humboldt, Tennessee on Sunday, December 12, 1937. Preceding him in death were his father, John Garner Boals; mother, Ruth (Vaughn) Nichols; brother, Harry Lee Boals; and sister, Patricia Nell Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Charlotte Smith Boals of Morrison; daughter, Cindy (Barry) Anderson of Morrison; son, Craig (Stori) Boals of Beech Grove; grandchildren, Tommi Lynn Boals, Mason Craig Boals, and William LD Anderson.  There are also several cousins surviving.

Graduating from high school, Tom soon after answered his Nation’s call and joined the U.S. Air Force. Active during the timeframe of the Korean War, his service could have looked very different, but God had different plans for Tom. Sewart Air Force Base in Smyrna, Tennessee became his home for his 4 years of active duty, and it was while he was there that a friend picked at him about this girl Tom just had to meet.

“You’ll marry her if you meet her,” was the phrase used to rile up Tom, which he would quickly reply, “No.” But this mystery girl had peaked his interest, so Tom agreed to go out on a blind date in Nashville. Charlotte, the mystery girl, with her friend encouraging her to go made the request that her date bring someone for her “sister” to date. It was a brisk February day, and Tom and Charlotte hit it right off the bat. Charlotte’s “sister” and her date? Not so much.

Meeting in February, Tom changed his original tune and married Charlotte that same year on September 12, 1959. Charlotte was working for the West End Duchess Hair Salon at the time. During that time, Tom reached the end of his enlistment, and with the potential of getting shipped off very likely, he decided to get out and be a family man, beginning his 6 years serving in the Reserves.

It was 1962, and Tom and Charlotte brought their baby girl, Cindy, into the world. Aiming to be the provider for his family, Tom was working and going to school to be an accountant, but it became too much with a wife and new baby, so he changed his plan to better suit his family. In 1963, Tom and Charlotte brought their baby boy, Craig, into the world. Tom ensured that Charlotte never had to work so that she could stay home with the kids. Over the years, he worked in several different capacities.

From working in collections for General Motors in North Carolina, Tom did what was necessary for his family. General Motors recognized Tom’s work ethics and moved him up the chain into a management position.  Working for General Motors kept things interesting for the Boals family.  It was when General Motors decided they wanted to move Tom to New York City that the Boals family decided to split ties and head back to Tennessee.  After moving back to Tennessee and running the Valley View Market, Tom went on to work for Chevrolet dealerships in the Nashville area.

Even though they enjoyed their time in North Carolina, it just wasn’t home, but they did bring a little bit of home with them. Before the kids, Tom and Charlotte would go to Percy Warner Park and drive around or go to movies. If they really wanted to spend time together, they made sure they got out of town and would drive to Alamo, Tennessee to visit Tom’s brother and family. Wherever they went, Tom and Charlotte made sure the kids grew up making lasting memories. Tom did eventually return to work with General Motors through Chevrolet doing fleet sales for the last several years.

Before he left work, he made sure the house was paid off, Cindy was through college, and his family was taken care of financially. The protector and provider in him came from his deep-rooted beliefs in the Bible and taking the role as the head of household seriously. He and Charlotte were members of the Stewart’s Creek Church of Christ in Smyrna for about 40 years, and then the McMahan Church of Christ for about 7 years.  They showed their children what it meant to love and respect your spouse as sweethearts for those 64 years together.

Graveside services will be Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 2 pm at McMahan Cemetery. Bro. Jeff McMahan will officiate with two additional speakers Norman Pelham and Alan Vick who is an elder at Stewart’s Creek Church of Christ.

Pallbearers will be Craig Boals, Mason Boals, Barry Anderson, and Will Anderson.

Honorary pallbearer will be David Loften.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to (McMahan Church of Christ OR McMahan Cemetery Trust Fund).

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story

Bradley Shane Johnson, 46, of Woodbury passed away suddenly at his home April 25, 2024.  Born in Davidson Co., he is survived by his mother, Viva Ferrell Johnson (Jewel Redmon) of Smithville and was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Johnson.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Brandi Pelham of Woodbury; children, Kimberly Carlton (Aldon) Underwood, Jacob Carlton, Dustin Johnson and Peyton Johnson all of Woodbury; grandchildren, Kingston and Weston Underwood; siblings, Melissa Johnson of Sparta and Debra Johnson of Smithville; nephews, Dylan Johnson and Jaxon Hillis; father-in-law, Gary Pelham of Woodbury and mother-in-law, Cindy (Terry) Staton of Woodbury.

A member of the Blues Hill church of Christ, Bradley was a mechanic at Right Price and previously worked at Neill Sandler.  He was the rock of his family, always picking on everyone and was quick witted.  He enjoyed “big boy toys”, dirt track racing, mud bogging, 4 wheeling, motorcycles and kayaking.  Most of all, he was a wonderful provider for his family and loved spending time with them making memories.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marie and Hilton Ferrell, Lillian and Bobby Taylor and aunt and uncle, John and Mary Chapman.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 11:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. 

Funeral services will be 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Rannie Phillips officiating.  Interment will follow in the Mt. Aarat cemetery.

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

Charles Thomas Grizzle, 35, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2024 at his home in Liberty, TN. Born in Rutherford County, he is the son of Eve (Sam) Moore and Larry Grizzle all of Woodbury.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Allen Moore of Woodbury; Uncles, Jim (Misty) Flesher of McMinnville, Joey Moore of Woodbury and Steve Grizzle of Woodbury; Aunts, Renee Arnold and Vanessa Grizzle of Woodbury, Laketia Grizzle of Shelbyville; Special cousins, Ronica Arnold and Kim Grizzle of Woodbury; fiancé, Chelsea Smith, Stepdaughter, Gracie Arnold of Woodbury; Aunt, Sherry Baker of FL; grandpa, George Mears of McMinnville and granny, Christine Carter. Several cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim Flesher, I; Amy (James) Earp; Charles and Betty Grizzle; brother, James Grizzle; uncles, Charles “Buddy” Grizzle; Eddie Grizzle and Jerome Grizzle; cousins, Dustin St. John and Devin Arnold.

A member of the church of Christ, Charles worked at Tyson Foods. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 P.M. at Sycamore cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help his family with funeral arrangements.

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

Mrs. Johnnie Pauline Knox Alexander, 87 passed away Monday, April 22, 2024 at her home in Antioch.  A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Howard Knox, Sr. and Myrtle Reed Knox.

She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Floyd Alexander of Antioch; children, Mike (Pam) Alexander, Glenn Alexander (Gary Broadrick) and Russell (Stacie) Alexander all of Nashville; grandchildren, Ashley, Courtney (Ben), Shawna (Cav), Michelle (Jared), Dusty (Amanda), Logan, Jake, Cooper, Lindsey (Zach) and Cassidy (Michael); great grandchildren, Breanna, Cameron, Chase, Odin, Braison, Lilly, Realynn, Ella, Iris, Kinsley, Liam and Miles; great great grandchildren, Kai and Zayden.  Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, cousins and her close friend and neighbor, Shirley Gooch.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her baby girl, Susan Lynn Alexander and her siblings, Howard Knox, Jr. and Mary Rogers.

A member of the Smith Springs church of Christ, Mrs. Alexander was retired from Ingram Book Co. where she was a secretary.  She enjoyed gardening, quilting and growing flowers.

Her family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 2:00 P.M. Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Woodbury Funeral Home, 504 W. Main St. Woodbury, TN.  37190.  Graveside services will immediately follow at Thyatira Cemetery with Bro. Jackie Charlton officiating.  Pallbearers include Chris Knox, Tim Smith, Logan Alexander, Cooper Alexander, Jake Alexander and Jared Crantek.

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

Mrs. Michelle Lynn Williams, 51, of Woodbury passed away on April 20, 2024.  She was born on June 22, 1972, in Murfreesboro, TN.  She was preceded by her mother, Linda Williams.

Survivors include her father, James E. Bogle of Murfreesboro, children, Cora (Eric Burton) Williams of Readyville, Katelynn (Jordan) Ward of Woodbury, Cody Williams of Murfreesboro, husband, Jeff Williams of Murfreesboro, partner, Adam McClure of Woodbury, brothers, Hiram (Rhonda) Hodge of Georgia, Victor (Jennifer) Smith of Tennessee, seven grandchildren, Carter Burton, Raelynn Burton, Abigail Burton, Addison Burton, Everly Burton, Ellakay Ward, and Aerial Jones.

Michelle grew up in Murfreesboro and graduated with the Class of 1991 at Oakland High School.  Her personality was one of being very independent and to blend into the background of whatever was going on.  She avoided being the center of attention and helped everyone else to shine, while still marching to the beat of her own drum. Whenever she ran into anyone needing a helping hand, she had it to give.  Even if it meant picking up a stranger from the side of the road, giving you her last dollar, or the shirt off her back.  The care and love she had for everyone was very apparent. That caring spirit drove her to get trained as a certified nursing assistant.  She landed a position with Boulevard Terrace Nursing Home and loved caring for their many residents over the years.  

If you wanted to know where her focus was, it was on her children and grandchildren. There wasn’t a doubt in their minds that they held her heart.  Loving them to the moon and back each and every day.  There were a few more things about her that weren’t in doubt either.   One was not to mess with her kids or grandkids.  If you were unfortunate enough to get on the bad side of her about the way you treated her family, you would see and feel the fire from her “Momma Bear” spirit.   The next thing you didn’t have to doubt was if you wanted a good old down-home meal she could handle it.  She had everyone’s mouth watering for Thanksgiving with her dressing and chicken and dumplings.  No one had to lift a finger in the kitchen as long as she was in it.  

When the grandkids started being born, she was first on the list as a built-in babysitter and made sure to spoil them rotten.   Everyday was a special day for them at “MeMe’s” house.  It meant going outside to play in the yard, getting nails done for the girls, coloring special pictures to go on the fridge, and getting whatever you wanted to eat.   Any time you saw her or talked to her on the phone you had better set aside some extra time.  When God blessed her, He gave her a double helping of the gift of gab.  There was no way you could get off the phone without telling her bye and you loved her at least seven or eight times.  If you were visiting in person, she would walk you out to the car and keep talking as you drove off. 

When she wasn’t babysitting or working, she filled in the blanks by reading Stephen King.  She also discovered an app for coloring on her smart phone. While she didn’t always find time to attend church.  She did seek out God’s word through tele-evangelists. Making it a regular routine for her throughout the week. The family is heartbroken with the loss of their rock.  They can take comfort from her special brand of MeMe’s love and care.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 3-7 pm.  Funeral services will be on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 12 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Interment will be in Cherry Cemetery.  Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com    Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337.  Because every life has a story.

Mr. Billy Ray Carmack, 56, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on Monday, February 19, 1968. Preceding him in death were his parents, Willie L.G. and Dianna Catherine Carmack; daughter, Brittany Annette Carmack; and grandsons, Jace L.G. Carmack and DJ Carmack.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Carmack; sons, Billy “BJ” (Angel) Smith and Haskel Dewayne (Jackie Caffey) Carmack; daughters, Elizabeth Smith and Kaitlyn Jeanette (Dalton Green) Carmack; grandchildren, Joshua Dalton Smith, Dallin Oakley Smith, Destiny Marie Smith, Bailey Michelle Rose, Kaydence Olivia Rose, Kyson Anne Marie Rose, Aubree Elaine Carmack, Journee Jade Carmack, Remington Kenneth Ryder Carmack, Colton James Carmack, Jeremiah Ray Caffey, Lazarus Carmack, Bronson Carmack, Elizabeth Jane Carmack, Tinsley Vanessa Caffey, and Weston James Green; siblings, Paula (Brian) Woods, Gail (Jeff) Phillips, Jennifer (Mitch) Washer, and Joe (Christy) Carmack; special friends, Tony Barrett and “Bit” Odom; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Growing up in his hometown of Carthage, it seemed odd that Billy was born in Indianapolis, but it made perfect sense when you knew Billy and heard the story. Mrs. Dianna was getting closer to her due date, but the Carmack family decided to load up and go visit family in Indiana. In true Billy fashion, he decided to give everyone a surprise and not wait another moment to meet his family, and Mrs. Dianna delivered their happy and healthy baby boy.

Getting the excitement of meeting everyone at once suited Billy, but the Carmack family had enough excitement for that trip and headed home to Carthage. It was there Billy grew up having plenty of country boy experiences while also having the convenience of the city. He attended Smith County High School but decided school wasn’t the path for him and dropped out early. A hard worker and talented with his hands, Billy proved himself in several trades throughout the years.

His mechanic work took him to trade school, but Billy decided to give everyone a surprise again, setting off an explosive that knocked the cars off the lifts. The instructors thought that was more than enough excitement for them and parted ways with Billy, but his talents in mechanics were known well enough that it didn’t stop him from getting work. Billy did heavy equipment repair for Jack Barrett for many years. From there, he went on to show promise as a plumbing technician with W.W. Plumbing Company, and when he missed the power tools, he worked as a tree surgeon for Asplundh.

Work made up a good portion of Billy’s life, but it wasn’t everything to him, especially when kids and Mary Ellen came into his life. Billy and Mary Ellen met through a friend, dated for a few months, and surprised everyone with the decision to get married. Their decision to have children together came just as quickly, and on Mary Ellen’s 18th birthday, they started praying and preparing for their baby boy, Dewayne. Having a family, Billy tried to imbue some of the wisdom he had garnered over the years.

That wisdom can be interpreted through Billy’s favorite color, purple, which is often associated with pride, independence, peace, and grandeur. Billy took pride in a job well done and being a self-made man. He worked hard at everything he did and earned the nickname, “Tinker,” from a young age. He taught his kids how to fish and camp at the Readyville Dam and Normandy while also giving a living example of how to work and be accountable for that work. He wanted them to know how to be self-reliant, and it was on camping trips that Billy really let his true colors show.

Believe it or not, Billy was usually quiet and gentle. Mary Ellen could attest to this remembering how she accidentally ran him over on a camping trip. Billy was caught between the car and the truck, but he was so nice about it that Mary Ellen thought he was trying to pull one over on her. She kept on backing, and he kept on being patient until he finally got it across that he wasn’t cutting up this time. That good nature and calm attitude kept their family boat even-keeled in the rough waters of life.

The family enjoyed their adventures riding around, fishing, and camping, but Billy never lost that thrill to give people a surprise. If he was going to do it, he was going to do it big. That went for anything from his coffee drinking to playing with the grandkids. There probably wasn’t a drop of water in his body that wasn’t tainted with coffee grounds, and he drank it morning, noon, and night. He also enjoyed getting the grandkids riled up and wanted them to believe no one could do it better than “Pa Billy.”

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Friday, April 26, 2024 at 1 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Tim Gentry will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist with funeral expenses.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story