Obituaries

Judy Carolyn Brazle age 78 of the Short Mountain Community passed away Sunday, December 8, 2024, at her residence. She was born December 28, 1945, to her parents the late Velmar Bogle and Frances Larue Page Redmon.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by daughter, Sherry Potter; great-granddaughter, Evelyn Braswell; brother, Dale Bogle. Ms. Brazle was a member of Blue’s Hill Church of Christ and worked at McMinnville Garment and Tennessee Apparel.

She is survived by husband, Jimmy Bluhn of Woodbury; children, Joyce Ann (Shane) Hollis of McMinnville, Nathan (Sarah) Brazle of Smithville; grandchildren, Nicole (Dustin) Cope, Candice (Jason) Jones, Lily Brazle, Bella Sevier, Easton Brazle, Holly Potter, Krisann Parks, Megan Braswell; great-grandchildren, Cody, Gage and Lakelyn Simpson and Brayden Hollis, Asa and Asher Jones, Alex Sevier, Natasha Sevier, Bentley and Savannah Parks, Skyler and Mae Braswell; great-great-grandchildren, Newt, Ovie and Andy Simpson; brothers, Charles Bogle of Kingsport and Ronnie Redmon of Dowelltown; sisters, Kathy Bennett of Gordonsville and Debbie Bogle of Antioch.

Funeral services will be held 1:PM Wednesday December 11, 2024, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial to follow in Woods Cemetery at Short Mountain. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 10:AM until the time of the service at 1:PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Brazle family. 

Mickey Allen Fricks, 72, of Bradyville passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Stonecrest Hospital.  Born in Chattanooga, he was the son of the late Bill and Evelyn Fricks.  He was also preceded by his father-in-law, Ike Parker.

Mickey is survived by his wife of 32 years, Deborah Parker Fricks of Bradyville; his children, Steven Fricks  and Jessica Fricks both of Rutherford Co., Cody (Katie) Fricks and Signa (Eli) Walden both of Bradyville; sister, Gayle Schuster of Beech Grove; mother-in-law, Hazel Parker of Bradyville; and brothers-in-law, Paul Singleton of Hillsboro, Roger (Dana) Parker of Bradyville and Larry Campbell of Woodbury.  6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren also survive.

He attended New Hope Church of Christ and was retired from Bunny Bread.  Mickey enjoyed fishing, deer hunting and traveling.

His family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until 1:30 PM Friday, December 6, 2024.  Graveside services will follow at 2:00 P.M. Friday at Cherry cemetery with Bro. Ralph Richardson officiating. 

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help his family with funeral expenses.

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

Mary Christine Smith age 65 of McMinnville, passed away Tuesday morning December 3, 2024, at her residence.  She was born March 21, 1959, to her parents the late Nolan & Dorothy May Estes Underwood.

She had worked at the shirt factory, Goody’s, and as a cook at Warren County High School, she was a member of the Pentecostals of McMinnville Church.

In addition, to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers: Willie Underwood and Calvin Underwood; First husband: Buford Anthony Myers; Grandson: Kayden Anthony Myers.

Funeral services will be held 11:AM Thursday December 5, 2024, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Robert Burns and Jason Nunley officiating with burial to follow in the Center Hill Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be Wednesday 3:PM until 7:PM and Thursday 9:AM until time of the service at 11:AM.

Survivors include her husband Roger Smith of McMinnville; Children: Christy (Tim) Anderson of Sparta, Angela (Beau) Patrick of Smithville, Shanda (Paul) Peterson of Sewanee, Alisha (Andrew) McCormick of McMinnville; Grandchildren: Blake Myers, Brooklyn Hosse, Austin Hosse, Spencer Peterson, Carson McCormick, Brantley McCormick; Great-Grandchildren: Mason Myers, Adalyn Myers, Tucker Godwin; Sisters: Wanda Beshearse of Smithville, Joyce Farless of Lebanon, Rebecca Farris of Smithville, Brenda Anderson of Liberty; Brother: Greg Johnson of Rock Island.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Smith Family.  

Mr. Billy Ellis, 86, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. He was born in Jefferson City, Tennessee on May 21, 1938. Preceding him in death were her parents, Charles McKindley Ellis and Elizabeth Magnolia Murr Ellis.

He is survived by his close friend whom he called his niece, Ellanor Morrell.

Mr. Billy grew up in the wake of the Great Depression in Tennessee.  While the Great Depression sounds unbelievably scary for people in this day and time.  The lifestyles for people around here didn’t change as much as they did for people in big cities.  Most families in rural Tennessee already knew how to live without many of the conveniences we take for granted now.  They grew, raised or hunted most of what they ate.  Clothes were made and/or handed down. Anything else was a luxury and they knew how to barter or stretch a dollar to get by with what they had. 

He, unlike a lot of his peers, did manage to make it through high school without having to drop out to work and help support his family.  At some point growing up he found an ability to work on cars.  This developed into a passion which comprised a big part of his identity in life. His talent at turning wrenches and restoring cars led to him getting an article published in Hot Rod magazine featuring one of the cars he had put a lot of sweat equity into.  If you had the opportunity to visit his home, he kept the magazine prominently displayed on his coffee table to show off his handy work. 

Many people knew him from the classic truck he restored and drove around.  It had a unique color combination.  It was painted purple with a red leather interior.

It was purported he had another passion in life.  He was a self-styled Romeo, who loved the ladies.  Combined with his passion for hot rods, there were probably more than a few ladies whose heads were turned and fancied a spin around the block with him. 

Sadly, life threw him some curves health wise.  As he got older, he began to lose his mental and physical faculties.  He needed help doing things at home and thankfully, that was when he met Ellanor.  She helped him with things at home.  He appreciated her care and help so much, when they were out running errands, he would introduce her as his niece.  She didn’t mind having an extra uncle, so it worked out for both of them. Finally, he got to the point that even her help wasn’t enough for him to be able to remain independent.  God took over so he doesn’t have to worry about his failing health or his fragile body anymore. 

Mr. Billy will be cremated.  There are no services planned at this time.

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.

James Edd Manus, Jr., age 67 of McMinnville passed away Friday, November 29, 2024, at his home. He was born on May 15, 1957, to his parents, the late James Edd Manus, Sr, and Myrtle Taylor Manus.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jennifer Lisa Melson Manus of McMinnville; daughter, Ashley Melson of McMinnville; grandchildren, Kirsten (Raleigh) Sosa, Destiny Melson (Enrique), Ethan Melson, Marco Melson, Alberto Lopez, Christian Morales, and Dakota Ferrell; brother Johnny Manus (Lisa) of Woodbury and sisters Mary Ward (Richard) of Morrison and Cheryl Conley (Carl) of Rock Island.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Melissa Melson.

Mr. Manus was a member of the Baptist Church and was a self-employed painter. 

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 P.M. Monday, December 2 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Center Hill Cemetery. His family will receive friends Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 10:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Pallbearers include Ethan Melson, Enrique Resendiz, Maro Melson, Alberto Lopez, Raleigh Woods, and Logan Martin. 

Robert Jason Francis, 46, of Auburntown passed away Friday, November 22, 2024, at Stones River Hospital. A native of Dekalb County.

He is survived by his parents Robert (Bobby) and Brenda Kay Bryson Francis of Auburntown; his brothers, Gregory D. Francis of Pulaski, and Johnny (Kimberly) Francis of Auburntown, aunt and uncles Debbie Cheatham of Eagleville, Marylian Hall of Nashville and Billy Francis of Woodbury; nephews and nieces Jonathon (Amanda) Francis, Jennifer (Reid) Hartley, and Callie Francis all of Auburntown, and Ethan Bryson of Morrison, Sarah Beth (Martine) Sandes of Eagleville; great nieces and nephews Allison Francis, Waylon Francis, Brooklyn Francis, Londyn Francis and Ryder Hartley all of Auburntown  and Camila and Lucas Sandes of Eagleville.

A member of the Baptist Church, he was a truck driver with Cannon County Highway Department.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, November 25, 2024, in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Rick Lee and Bro. Larry Thomas

officiating. Interment will follow in the Sycamore Cemetery. Pallbearers include Ethan Bryson, Brad Hall, David Hall, Kirk Davis, Keith Davis, Jonathan Francis and Eric Sadler.

Barbara Reed Sullins, age 83, of Readyville passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at her residence surrounded by her beloved family, following a brief illness.

She is survived by her husband of almost 66 years, Ellis Sullins of Readyville; her children, Stan (Sandra) Sullins of Woodbury, Shannon (Tim) Bacon of Readyville and Tracy (Steve) Marks of Columbia; grandchildren, Shellie (Matt) Rigsby of Lascassas, Scott Sullins of NYC, Brianna (Jon) Smith of Bowling Green, Garrett Bacon of Murfreesboro and Emily Bacon of Cookeville; 5 great grandchildren, Race, Coy and Wynn Rigsby, Madelyn and Micah Smith and sister, Myra Greeno of UT.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Malcolm and Mary Alieen Youree Reed and her daughter, Lori Ann Sullins.

Mrs. Sullins was a member of the Curlee Church of Christ and was retired from the United States Postal service.  She enjoyed sewing, shopping and she loved everything about politics. Most of all, Barbara adored her children and grandchildren and being involved in their lives. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Curlee Church of Christ with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  Interment will follow in Curlee cemetery. 

Pallbearers include Eric and Tony Reed, Garrett Bacon, Matt, Race, and Coy Rigsby, Doug Hollandsworth and Brooks Lance.

Her family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 19, 2024 and Wednesday, November 20, 2024 until 1:30 P.M. at Woodbury Funeral Home. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave memories and condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Buddy Franklin Davenport, 85, of Woodbury passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  A native of Cannon Co., he was the son of the late Jack and Johnnie Richardson Davenport.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy Young Davenport of Woodbury; his daughter, Kathy Davenport of Woodbury and his grandchildren, Travis Davenport of Smithville, Justin Davenport of Denver and Haleigh Davenport of Centertown.  6 great grandchildren also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, Michael “Mikey D” Davenport.

A member of the Centerhill Baptist church, Buddy was retired from the Town of Woodbury after 34 years where he was the City Manager.  He was also a 32 Degree Mason. Buddy enjoyed fishing, raising sheep, trading just about anything and absolutely loved to mow.  He was full of sayings too.  Buddy loved the Lord and loved his family.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, November 18, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell and Bro. Al Bugg officiating.  Interment will follow in the Riverside Gardens cemetery.  Pallbearers include Darrell Young, Jeffery Young, Rodney Young, Edwin Young, David Bragg, Hayden Bryson, Andy Bryson, Gary Dyer, Danny Reuhland, Jimmy Blanton and Marty Vance.

His family will receive friends Monday, November 18, 2024 from 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

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

Mrs. Jean Gilley Reed Goodman, 90, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024. She was born at home in Beechgrove, Tennessee on Friday, May 25, 1934, to the late Dan Palford and Betty French Gilley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Lee Reed; second husband, Bill Dean Goodman; brothers, Almet Palford Gilley, Jerry Randall Gilley, and Robert Garrel “Bobby” Gilley; and sister, Joy Fay Spain.

She is survived by her children, Jeff (Pam) Reed and Vicki Smith both of Woodbury; grandchildren, Cliff (Amy) Reed, Clint (Jessica) Reed, Cole (Kelsie) Reed, Lindsay (Joe) Patterson, and Blaire Smith; great-grandchildren, Ryker Reed, Adrianna Reed, Brett Reed, Carson Reed, Kaynie Reed, and Gabe Patterson; brothers, Lyle Max (Debbie) Gilley and Gary Bruce (Melissa) Gilley; sister, Vivian Louise Thomas; and a handful of her work family from Colonial Shirt Factory.

Other than a few of her early years after being born just over the Cannon County line in Beechgrove, Tennessee near the Hoodoo community, Jean was a lifelong Cannon County resident. The Gilley family learned quickly that they weren’t going to have much trouble out of Jean. Her mind worked in a rule-oriented fashion, and things were much closer to black and white than gray in her life. From an early age, she had a sharp mind, but that didn’t mean she was going to break tradition.

Jean went on to do what many in Cannon County did from her generation. She attended church, graduated from Woodbury Central High School with the Class of 1952, and went to work at the Colonial Shirt Factory. Before she got out of high school though, she met and married her sweetheart from church, Robert Lee Reed. When you marry a woman, it’s been said you get one or the other – a working woman or a homemaker. Well, Jean made it clear to Robert which category fit her.

Going straight to work after high school, Jean’s sharp and analytical mind got her a job in Accounts Receivable. Numbers suited her well with no chance of anything gray getting involved and making a mess of things. Her work ethic and personality won her lots of friends at work, and they took many trips to Gatlinburg together over the years. Outside of work, Jean remained just as busy.

Robert and Jean kept the road hot going to Gospel meetings, or what Jean called “pickin’ and grinnin’s.” They were both music lovers and enjoyed keeping up with the preachings, but Jean really thrived in socializing with the other ladies. When they weren’t at Gospel meetings, Robert and Jean still kept moving either traveling or going camping. They enjoyed one another’s company and that multiplied when Jeff and Vicki came into the world.

Though Jean didn’t stay home with her kids, you could see it was her hand that still rocked the cradle. She passed along her gift with numbers to Jeff and was proud to see him open Reed’s Builders Supply in 1983. To Vicki, she gave her the restless spirit for the next new thing and was more than happy to watch her move around renovating houses. It also didn’t hurt that Vicki went on to work at Colonial Shirt Factory with her mom, but when Vicki decided to stay home with her girls, Jean kept on working.

Gray got thrown into the life of the Reed family when Robert died on May 12, 1984. What he left behind was a legacy, but Jean knew what he went on to was so much more than she could imagine. She continued working and keeping her nose to the grindstone as she grieved her husband. It took a few years, but music and mutual friends ended up connecting Jean with Bill Dean Goodman. Having such a wonderful marriage with Robert, Jean decided to get married again.

She made sure her role was clear to Bill too. She didn’t cook, but she would enjoy a good meal and compliment the chef generously. She didn’t clean, but she would let you know when you were making a mess in her nest. It was around this time that Jean also decided to retire from Colonial Shirt Factory. After over 45 years of crunching numbers, she figured it was time to start investing in the next generations, and invest she did.

Jean loved her grandchildren, and it showed in their excitement. They couldn’t wait to get to her house and see what adventures and fun awaited them. She took a few of them on camping trips and zoo trips became a cherished memory. Her support of family was something Jean never lost, no matter what generation you came from. She didn’t miss a decoration day at the cemetery as she remembered and honored her loved ones gone before, and she instilled the importance of dignity, knowledge of self, faith, and family togetherness into each generation to come.

Now, don’t think Jean revolved her life around her grandchildren after retirement. She and Bill still had many wonderful adventures until his death in 2011, and anyone could have an interesting conversation with her. Up until the last few days of her life, Jean’s mind remained a steel trap. She enjoyed reading and keeping up with the news and current events. Jean was even one to enjoy the barrage of doctor’s appointments as she learned more about her own health and medicine in general.

There wasn’t a day that Jean didn’t worry about and show concern for others. She’d made family everywhere she went from home to work to church. Woodbury Church of Christ was the hub for her church family for countless years, but really, family could have been anywhere in Cannon County for Jean. She had a heart for service and a mind for conversation, and she used both liberally to the honor and glory of God.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 11 am – 2 pm. Graveside services will follow on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 2:30 pm at Gilley Hill Cemetery. Herb Alsup will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Woodbury Church of Christ, Woodbury Day School, or Boyd Christian Elementary School basketball. 

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

Joseph Donavon Smith, Jr., 56, of McMinnville passed away Wednesday morning at River Park Hospital. Born in McMinnville, he is the son of Phyllis Smith of McMinnville and the late Joseph Donavon Smith, Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Marsha Johnson Smith of McMinnville; his children, Ashley (Jeffery) Steakley of McMinnville, Alexis Melton of McMinnville and Matthew (Jenna) Hennessee of Cookeville; grandchildren, Alex Steakley, Bishamon Bowhall, Anslee-Belle Steakley, Bella Steakley, Fraya-Belle Steakley, Jane Steakley, Mira-Belle Steakley, Amora-Belle Steakley, Reigny Steakley, Dakota Hennessee, Brooklyn Hennessee and Adrienne Hennessee; siblings, Josh (Vonda) Smith of Manchester and Katie (Tony) Love of Murfreesboro. His aunts, uncles and numerous cousins also survive.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Adam Love and his grandparents, Fred and Margaret Smith and Alfred and Estelle Blair.

Mr. Smith was a member of the Church of Christ. He enjoyed fishing, hunting deer and arrowheads. Most of all he was a loving son, husband, father, brother and papa. He truly enjoyed spending his time with his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 16, 2024 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Cherry cemetery.

His family will receive friends Friday, November 15, 2024 from 1:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

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