Obituaries

Della Toombs, 61, of Auburntown passed away suddenly Saturday, May 30, 2020 at St. Thomas Stones River E/R.  She was a native of Sebring, FL.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Johnny Ray Toombs of Auburntown; her son, Allen (Tina) Barnes of Christiana; grandchildren, Jacob, Ashley, Noah and Allana Barnes and siblings, Suzie (Greg) Gray of Brandon, Fl., Gwenda Byers and Lee Byers both of Lakeland, Fl. Also surviving are several nieces & nephews.

Della was a member of the Auburn Baptist Church and was a commercial and residential painter.  She was a beautiful soul who gave the best hugs and was always smiling.  She enjoyed any outdoors including camping, fishing, listening to her windchimes and taking care of her animals.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benton Lee Byers, Sr. and Geraldine Cheshire Byers.

Graveside Services will be 4 pm Wednesday, June 03, 2020 at Odom Cemetery with Bro. Larry Thomas officiating.   Visitation with her family will be from 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm Wednesday, June 03, 2020. 

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

Landon C Davis, Sr., 81, of Murfreesboro passed away at his home, Thursday, May 28, 2020 at his home. He was born in Cannon Co.

Survivors:  children, Cathy Stride of VA (Richie), Landon “Corky Davis, Jr. (Christine) of Readyville, Dean Allen “Buddy” Davis of Murfreesboro, Tanya Gaither (Clint) of Readyville and Christina Forgey (Steve) of Murfreesboro; sisters, Patsy Cook of McMinnville, Judy Carol York of Macon Co. and Linda Cook of Dearborn, MI; 20 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren also survive.

Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents, Lymon and Hester Barrett Davis; his wife, Catherine Gammon Davis and 9 siblings.

Landon was a member of the Baptist church and was a master mechanic.  He was the former owner and operator Broad Street Auto Clinic.  He enjoyed everything to do with automobiles, whether it was working on them, watching races or simply just admiring their beauty.  He also liked to fish. Above all, he loved his family and spending time with them.

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Sunday, June 07, 2020 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Charles Ward officiating.  Interment will follow in  Blue Wing Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be 12 noon until 8:00 pm., Saturday, June 06, 2020.  

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

Michelle Renee Meissner, 55, of Bradyville passed away at her home, Tuesday, May 26, 2020. She was a native of New Orleans, LA.

She is survived by her father, Joseph Maxwell of Atlanta, GA.; daughter, Ashley (Travis) Miller of Murfreesboro; 3 grandchildren, Juliann, Adeline and Tristan Miller; brother, Chris (Suzanne) Maxwell of Chattanooga and nephew, Carden Maxwell of Chattanooga.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Juliann King Maxwell.

Renee enjoyed riding and caring for horses and she cleaned new construction homes.

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

Mershal Doyle Blanton, age 94, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, May 24, 2020 at Alvin C. York Medical Center.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

He was survived by his wife of 72 years, Edna Sue Goff Blanton of Woodbury; Children, Kenneth Doyle (Nancy) Blanton of Chelsea, MI & Connie Sue Leanza of Tullahoma; Four grandchildren, Sara Blanton (Matt) Kroll, Jenna Blanton, Jennifer Leanza, & Craig Leanza; and Two great grandchildren, Quin Blanton Kroll & Francis Blanton Kroll.

Mershal was the son of the late Doyle & Annie Enis Blanton.  He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Thomas Michael Leanza; Siblings, Joe Blanton, John Hayes Blanton, Mabel Jordan Shackleford, Alice Wilcher, & Eleanor Logan.

Mr. Blanton was a veteran of WWII serving in the Army where he received a Purple Heart.  He was retired from General Motors after 30 years and a member of the Woodbury church of Christ.  He was also a Mason, where he was a lifetime member of the Findlater, Michigan Masonic Lodge #75.

Graveside Services will be 1:30 PM Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at Blues Hill Cemetery with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.

Due to the threat of Covid-19, please maintain social distancing during the services.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Bobby Ray Pitts, 75 died Sunday May 24^th at his home. He was a native of Woodbury, Tennessee.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Nelda Pitts, daughters:  Paula Renee and Marsha Rhea Pitts both of Woodbury. Grandchildren:   Heather (Josh) Thomas, Brad (Karis Baker) Odom, Rachel Odom, Ethan Ray Stanley and Joanie Campbell.

Great Grandchildren: Westin Thomas, Austin Moody, Anna Moody and Kinley Mae Thomas. Brother:  Gary Don (Judy) Pitts of Murfreesboro, Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law:  James & Marie Prater, Wayne & Katie Prater & Ricky & Barbara Prater all of Woodbury. Also surviving are many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Press & Ruby Jones Pitts; siblings:  Grace Nell Bly, David Pitts, Peggy Edwards, Dot Sullivan, Edward Pitts, Jerry Pitts & Jimmy Pitts.

Bobby retired from GE with 27 years of service and was a member of Cannon Lodge # 774

Funeral Services: Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home When:  2 pm Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Minister:  Bro. Bobby Nichols

Visitation:  4:00 to 8:00 PM Monday May 25

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. 

Ralph Earnest Reed, age 88, entered into his eternal rest on Wednesday, May 20, 2020.  He passed peacefully at home after a long illness, with his wife and children at his bedside.

He was born January 30, 1932 to the Late Charlie Reed & Birdie Rogers Reed.  He was a lifetime resident of Cannon County and never had any desire to live anywhere else.

After high school, he joined the Army and spent a year in a hospital in Colorado due to illness.  After returning home, he attended Draughon’s Business College in Nashville.  Ralph had many jobs in his early years, but had a God given talent for woodwork.  He developed this talent and became a skilled craftsman.  Many homes in Cannon County feature his kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, custom made furniture, and other beautiful crafted items.

Ralph was a longtime member of the Woodbury Church of Christ and his work can be seen throughout the building.  He considered one of his greatest achievements to be the communion table and podium he crafted and donated to the church in memory of his son, Steve, and in honor of his children.

Ralph was a quiet, soft spoken man who loved the Lord, the church, his family, his home, and his friends.

He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Betty Mooneyham Reed; Daughter, Vicky Phillips; Son, Jeff Reed and his wife, Tracey; 4 grandchildren, Jarrod Phillips & Ashley of Brooklyn, NY, Jessica Casper & Kyle of Murfreesboro, and Nicholas Reed, and Blake Reed, both of Woodbury; one great grandson, Noah, who contributed much joy, excitement, and love to Ralph’s life the last few years.  Also surviving is one brother, Howard Reed; Niece, Linda Reed; and Nephew, Bobby Reed of Woodbury and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Ralph Stephen Reed.

Many hearts are saddened by his passing and he will be greatly missed by family, friends, and caregivers of Adoration Home Health, Avalon Hospice staff, Woodbury Health & Rehab, caregivers and friends, Shirley Davenport, Lisa Nichols, and Melinda Bailey, and his former co-worker and best friend, Butch Serfas, and wife, Linda, formerly of Woodbury and now of Elmira, NY.

Visitation with the family will be Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Woodbury Funeral Home from 4 to 8 PM.  Graveside Services will be at Riverside Gardens Cemetery Friday, May 22, 2020 at 2 PM with Bro. Herb Alsup & Bro. Charlie Bowman officiating.

Pallbearers will be Darrell Turney, James Adkins, Mark Vance, Michael Vance, Kyle Casper, Teddy Taylor, Tim Bell & David Burchett.  Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Byars, Stan Hollandsworth, Butch Serfas, Barry Bucey, Dr. Jeff Todd, Dr. Jeffrey Webber.

Rest in peace Ralph Reed.  We will always love and miss you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Due to COVID-19 and Governor Lee’s orders, please adhere to social distancing guidelines during the services.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Troy Clifton Murphy, 61, passed away Wed., May 20, 2020 at his home in Woodbury.  He was born in Soddy Daisy, TN.                

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jean Mathis Murphy of Woodbury; daughters, Wanda Mayo (David Barrett) of Bradyville and Barbara Nichols (Terry Brewer) of Woodbury; grandsons, Jeffery “Bubba” Nichols (Mary), Dustin Nichols and Dewayne Carmack all of Woodbury and Jonathan Johnson of Murfreesboro; great grandchildren, Natalie, Emma, Addison and Allie Nichols, Jesiah Johnson, Remington and Colt Carmack and sister, Wanda Kay Mathis of Woodbury. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton White Murphy and Helen Louise Hall Murphy, brothers, Ray and Ricky Murphy and sons-in-law, Jeff Nichols, and Billy Mayo.

A member of the Baptist church, Troy, affectionately known around Woodbury as “Pa”, never met a stranger and was a mechanic. He was the jack of all trades and never met a stranger.  Troy was always willing to help others.  He got his greatest joy in teaching his grandsons how to work on vehicles.  He also enjoyed fishing, racing, camping, and going rock crawling.  

Graveside Services will be 2 pm Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Centerhill Cemetery with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Visitation with the family will be from 12 noon until 1:30 pm Thursday. Due to Covid-19 and the Governor’s orders, please maintain social distancing during the services.  

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

Mrs. Lisa Ann Moody, 45, of Murfreesboro passed away on May 18, 2020. She was born on November 28, 1974 in Huntsville, Alabama.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest C. Mashburn, Jr. and Joann Whitehead Mashburn and by two sons, Austin Moody and Jimmy Dean Robinson, Jr.

She is survived by her significant other, Jimmy Robinson, son, Charles Edward Moody, Jr., daughters, Hope (Payton Cantrell) Robinson and Nichole Robinson both of Woodbury, brothers, Bobby (Bella) Mashburn of Murfreesboro, Ray (Heather) Mashburn of Smithville and Joel Mashburn, sisters, Brenda (David) Fulton of McMinnville and Rachel Mashburn of Smithville, two grandchildren, Austin Moody and Anna Moody, and by aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 She was born in Alabama, but her family moved to Tennessee while she was still young. She enjoyed listening to music, mainly country, such as Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, and Elvis.  Kid Rock happened to be one of her favorites though.  She liked to cook and loved when her family and friends would give her flowers.  Throughout her life she faced many health challenges.  She stayed strong and determined to keep fighting. She could be fun loving and have a good time but could also be serious when she needed to be.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, May 21, 2020 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm.  Funeral services will be Friday, May 22, 2020 at 2:00pm.  She leaves behind two young daughters and those who wish may make donations through the funeral home to assist with expenses in lieu of flowers.  You may also share condolences, thoughts and memories at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  If you are unable to attend due to COVID-19 you may call to have your name placed on the guest book.  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Max Stills, 86, passed away May 18, 2020 at St. Thomas West, Nashville.  He was born in Centertown, Tn to his parents, Jesse Stills and Quixie Brown Stills.

He is survived by his son, Max Still, Jr. of Readyville; grandchildren, Max Aaron Stills, Nicole Stills Risner and Joshua Stills all of IN., Raven Vierke of Readyville and great grandchildren, Matthew, and Wyatt Risner of IN.

Max was a member of the Baptist church, the UAW and served in the United States Air Force.  He was retired from Bud Company in Indiana where he made automotive equipment. After retirement, Max worked at Unionville Sale Barn and was the owner of Stills Tree Service. He enjoyed his animals including goats and horses but among everything he was a great dad and granddad.  

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

Johnny Hoyte Holt, age 64, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, May 16, 2020 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  He was a native of Michigan.

Johnny was survived by his cousins, Joan Banks Shirley & Dr. Melanie Banks.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Hoyte & Dorothy Frances Johnson Holt.

He enjoyed reading & collecting records and was the custodian at Cannon County High School.

Due to the threat of Covid-19, Graveside Services will be at 10 AM Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at Gilley Hill Cemetery with Bro. Mark Barker officiating.

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