Obituaries

William H. “Bill” Little passed away on November 6, 2019 at the age of 75 after an extended battle with cancer.  He was a native of Jasper, GA and has lived in Murfreesboro for the past 41 years.

He is survived by his wife Ruby McKenzie Little; Daughter Michelle Ayers, husband Jim and daughter Hannah; Son, Sean Little, wife Taunya and daughter Brittany; Daughter Christy Little and her daughter Victoria Moulton; Daughter April Westbrooks, husband Sam and their children Grace, Walker, and Ruby; Great Grand Daughter Aubrey Spradlin; Sisters Mary Bigham and Patricia Champion; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill graduated from Georgia Tech University with an Industrial Engineering degree.  In 1965 he took a position as an engineer with Imperial Redding Corporation in Anniston, Alabama.  After working there for a year and a half he took a position at Colonial Corporation with locations in Woodbury, TN, and New York City.  Here he spent 26 years rising to the position of President and CEO.  After retiring from Colonial in 1994, Bill took a job as a consultant with MAST Industries out of Andover, MA. and was later promoted to Executive Vice President of Sourcing for the Western Hemisphere and was also a member of the Executive Committee.  While at MAST Bill focused on opening offices and establishing businesses in many places all over the world.  During his career he helped many poverty-stricken countries gain businesses and improve their incomes.  Bill was a world traveler and the last business he established was in Capetown, South Africa which in turn became his favorite place he visited.

Bill was a longtime member of North Boulevard Church of Christ. He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and friend and his generosity and kind spirit will be greatly missed by those who knew him. 

Visitation with the family will be held at Woodfin Memorial Chapel on Saturday, November 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Officiating the service will be Jim Chilton and David Young.  Jim Ayers, Bryan Hardwick, Sean Little, Dennis Rockwell, Scott Taylor, and Sam Westbrooks will serve as pallbearers.  Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Murfreesboro Inner City Ministries, or the charity of your choice in memory of Mr. William H. Little.

Charles Alvin Gentry, 84, of Petersburg passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Harton Hospital, Tullahoma.  He was born in Davidson Co.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elvena Todd Gentry of Petersburg; children, Pam Goodson, Ricky Gentry and Tricia (Bryce) Poteete all of LaVergne, Donna (Tim) Hill of Petersburg, Sam (Sydnee) Gentry of Lebanon and Clay Gentry of Smyrna; siblings, Sonny Gentry and Tom Gentry both of KY, Bob Gentry of LA., Arvil Gentry of Columbia, Glenn Gentry of Prattfield, AL, Bee Doster of Sharon and Judy Powell of Martin; 21 Grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great Great Grandchildren also survive.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William McKinley Gentry and Lena Bell Faulk Gentry; his sons, Allen Wade “Bubba” Gentry and Barry Ray “Dean” Gentry; grandson, Charles David Gentry and siblings, David Gentry and Violet Wade. 

A retired Pressman from Baird Ward Printing Co., Charles was a member of the Berryville Baptist Church in Old Hickory and the Masonic Lodge #686, Nashville.  Charles loved to deer hunt and fish and just enjoyed getting in the car and riding around.  He also loved spending time with his family but most of all he was never serious and would play jokes on anyone he knew.

Funeral Services will be 1 pm Sat., November 16, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Nichols officiating.  Interment will follow in the Centerhill Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm – 8 pm Friday, November 15, 2019.  

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

A.J. Neal, 76, passed away Sun., Nov. 10, 2019 at his home following an extended illness.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Brenda Preston Neal of Cannon Co.; children, Tony (Tracy) Neal, Randy (Gail) Neal and Kim (Brad) Hall all of Cannon Co.; grandchildren, Lacy (Jimmy) Wheeler, Zach Martin and A.J. Hall and great grandchildren, Maddison and Jamie Wheeler.

He is preceded in death by his parents, H.C. & Reba Gunter Neal.

A.J. was a member of the North Warren Church of Christ.  He was a farmer, retired from Nissan and worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator at Cannon Co. Hwy. Dept.  A.J. always loved working in anything that was in the dirt including farming and gardening.  He was a hard worker who loved to tell stories about old times, he loved God and his family but most of all his grandchildren were his favorite.  

Funeral Services will be 1 pm Wed., November 13, 209 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Mark Parkhurst and Bro. Jamison Crouch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Gunter – Grizzle Cemetery.  Pallbearers include Wayne Hancock, Abby Dobson, Russell Burks, Daniel Kelley, Kevin Wrisner and James Dillard and honorary pallbearers, Jimmy Hale, Billy Young, Jared Kirby and Billy Nichols. Visitation with the family will be after 2 pm Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am until time of his service.  

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

Norma Dean Hollandsworth, age 92, of Woodbury passed away Monday, November 4, 2019 at Woodbury Health & Rehab.  She was a native of the Gassaway Community.

She is survived by her children, Joan & Glen Prater, Stan & Sandy Hollandsworth, & Lisa Jones, all of Woodbury; Daughter-in-law, Betty Faye Hollandsworth of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Cynthia & Don Taylor, Michelle Prater, Stephanie & Mark Vance, Michael & Samanthia Hollandsworth, Shane & Jessica Hollandsworth, & Daniel Jones; Great Grandchildren, Eden (Michael) Baxter, Emily (Luke) Alexander, Reese, Ryder, & Renley Vance, Everett, Emersyn, & Edie Shae Hollandsworth; Great Great Grandchildren, Liam Baxter & Adalynn Alexander; Brother, Thomas & Betty Grizzle of Nashville; and Sister-in-law, Miles Womack of Woodbury.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milligan Hollandsworth; Parents, Robert & Virgin Hancock Grizzle; Son, Phil Hollandsworth; Siblings, Hazel Smith & Maurene Grizzle; and Great Granddaughter, Cadence Hollandsworth.

Mrs. Hollandsworth was a seamstress at Colonial Corporation and was a cook for Woodbury Grammar School & the Cannon County Senior Citizen’s Center. She enjoyed sowing & quilting and loved to read.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 12 Noon in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Al Bugg officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation will be Wednesday, November 6, 2019 from 4 until 9 PM & from 9 AM until the time of service Thursday.

Pallbearers will include Michael & Shane Hollandsworth, Daniel Jones, Don Taylor, Mark Vance, Michael Baxter, & Luke Alexander.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Bob Mason Logan, 86, passed away Sunday, November 03, 2019 at Horizon Medical Center, Dickson, Tn.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Alexander Logan of Dickson; daughter, Mickie (Patrick) Burns of Charlotte, Tn.; grandson, Joshua (Beth) Burns of Nashville; great grandson, Michael Meeks; great great grandson, Alexander Meeks.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lizzie West Logan and siblings, Lida Britton, Vida James, Lefon Logan, Carl Logan Clarence Logan, Jr., Rubin Logan, Wyatt Logan and Lewis Logan.

Bob was a member of the Church of Christ and a veteran of the Army.  He enjoyed hunting and raising goats.  He was retired from Motor Convoy driving a car hauler for over 32 years and was known by his CB handle, “Chain Dragger”.  Bob loved his family, but he had a special place in his heart for his grandson, Joshua, or as he would call him, “Little Buddy”.  Bob and Josh were inseparable and didn’t spend much time apart.  

Funeral Services will be 12:30 pm Wed., November 6, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with visitation from 10:30 am until the time of service Wed., Nov. 06, 2019.  Interment will follow in the Riverside Gardens Cemetery.

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

Ronald Allen Parker, age 74, passed away Saturday, November 2, 2019 at Woodbury Health Care.  He was a native of Cannon County. 

He is survived by his wife, Sheron Mooneyham Parker of Woodbury; Children, Tracy Parker of Woodbury, Tabitha Parker of McMinnville, Nathan (Nicole) Todd of Manchester, and Andrea (Brian) Cathey of Murfreesboro; Grandchildren, Wesley Wright, Victoria Rhodes, Daylan Todd, Carson Todd, and Anna Grace Cathey; Siblings, Larry (May) Parker of Morrison, Jeff (Tammy) Parker of Kittrell, and Patty (Paul) Howard of Kittrell. He is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Allen Parker & Gladys Hobbs Crotto

Ronald was retired from 19 years at Heritage Farms and 16 years at Piggly Wiggly. He loved his four-wheel drive GM trucks and his guns. 

Funeral Services will be 2 PM Tuesday, November 5 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Gardens. Visitation with the family will be Monday, November 4, 2019 from 4 PM to 8 PM. 

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311  www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Jo Ann (Yung Ja) Bell, 77, passed away Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019 St. Thomas Murfreesboro.  She was born in Daegu Gumi, Korea and lived in Bradyville.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jerry Bell of Bradyville; her brother, Lee Hae Do of Chun Chon, Korea; and her best friends, In Pae Buttrey of Murfreesboro and Kim Knox of Bradyville. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother in Korea.

Jo Ann and Jerry met in Korea when he was in the service.  They didn’t have anything when they met and together, they built a good life together.  They never had an argument except maybe when they were fishing in which they enjoyed doing together.  She was a gentle soul and loved her dog, Buddy and her cats, Lucy and Tiger.  She was a homemaker, had pride in her flowers and was a member of the Woodbury First Baptist Church.

Visitation with the family will be Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 10 am until 1:45 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home with graveside services following at 2 pm in the Riverside Cemetery.  Bro. Dean Anderson will officiate her service.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cannon Co. Community for Animals %Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Bobby Charles Martin Sr, 79, passed away suddenly Sunday, October 27, 2019 at his home. He was a native of Dekalb County, TN.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey Brown Martin of Liberty; sons, Charles (Denise) Martin of Erin TN & Terry Martin of Smithville; Step-children, Allen Ashford of Dekalb County, Dana (Chris) Stanley of Gassaway; Grandchildren, Joshua (Alexia) Martin, Chasity (Joel) Parker, Emma Leigh Fletcher, Caleb Gingerich, Elizabeth Stanley, Seth Stanley, Rachel Patterson, & John Daniel Patterson.  Also surviving are a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James H. Martin and Pauline Davis Martin; wife, Julana Alcorn Martin; Step-daughter, Gidget Ashford Patterson; and Brother, Thomas Larry Martin.

Bobby was a former pastor of Clear Fork United Methodist Church, a former school bus driver for Dekalb County for 49 years, and a supervisor at Dowelltown Water Plant.

Bobby served in the Army and the Army National Guard. He was a Mason with Dekalb Lodge and enjoyed genealogy and Indian Artifacts.

Funeral Services will be 2 PM Tuesday, October 29 at Clear Fork United Methodist Church with Bro. Tommy Davis officiating. Interment will follow in the Salem Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be Monday, October 28 4 PM to 8 PM at Woodbury Funeral Home and 10 AM until time of service Tuesday at Clear Fork United Methodist Church.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Johnny Ray Kennedy II, age 21, of Auburntown passed away suddenly Tuesday, October 22, 2019 with one of his best friends, John Holland in an auto accident.  He was born in Rutherford Co. and lived all his life in Cannon Co.

Survivors include his parents, Johnny & Crystal Kennedy of Auburntown; beloved sister, Tyger Lilly Kennedy of Auburntown; grandparents, Glenda & Dan Cohen of Red Boiling Springs, great grandmothers, Ruth Brown & Beulah McCoy of Murfreesboro; aunts & uncles, Tracy (Bryan) Linnell, Dan (Teresa) Kennedy, Stacy (Laura) Kennedy, & Lori (Jason) Reed; cousin & best friend, Cody Kennedy; and best friend & brother, Dathan Ring. Numerous cousins & family members also survive.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Grady Brinkley and Kim Brinkley and Danny Kennedy.

Johnny worked in construction and was an emerging hemp farmer. His love of life was evident in his ever present smile. Seeker of fun, laughter and living life to the fullest was his daily goal.  Making people laugh came easy to him, and he did it often.  Family time was his favorite time, and he loved them fiercely.  His sister, Tyger, was his most favorite person in the universe, and he unashamedly made sure everyone knew it.  Their love and loyalty for each other is one you rarely if ever see.

To say he will be missed does not accurately portray the deep level of sadness his family and friends feel.  Never will there be a kinder, gentler soul.

Visitation with the family will be Friday, October 25, 2019 from 10 AM to 4 PM with the Memorial Service following at 4 PM in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. 

A Celebration of Life for family and close friends will be held at the Kennedy residence following the memorial service.

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