Obituaries

Selmer W. Walls, 84, of Murfreesboro passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at TN. Veterans Home. Born in Woodbury, he was the son of the late Lester White Walls and Anna Bell Davenport. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Tittle Walls; siblings, Gladys St. John, Ricky Walls, Junior Walls, Howard and David Walls.

He is survived by his step children, Faye (Randy) Sulls of Murfreesboro, Brenda (Bob) Freel of Maryville, Ricky (Diane) Campbell of Murfreesboro and Billy (Linda) Campbell of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Wendy Tiano, Shannon McGee, Valerie Freel, Michael Freel, Ashley Primn, Brandon Campbell, Shane Campbell, and Matthew Campbell; siblings, Shirley (Henry) Tittle, Freda Nell Taylor and Kathy Smith all of Murfreesboro, Joyce Bogle of Carthage, James (Joy) Walls and Elizabeth Ann (Jeff) Davis all of Woodbury, Geraldine Byford of McMinnville and Thelma Pendergrast of Morrison. Several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.

A member of the Liberty in Christ Baptist Church, he was a veteran of the United States Army. Mr. Walls retired from Alvin C. York Medical Center. He enjoyed gospel music, yard work, and getting the best deals in town and working on small engines repairing them. After he retired, he also volunteered with Feed America where he delivered meals to people.

The Walls family will receive friends Tuesday, November 10, 2026 beginning at 11:00 A.M. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Dwight Smitty officiating. Interment will follow with Military Honors at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Grandsons and friends will serve as pallbearers.

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

The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) will launch Operation Blackout this Halloween season as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and promote a safe Halloween for Tennessee families.

Operation Blackout adds an additional layer of supervision for sex offenders whose convictions involved minors. On Halloween night, offenders are required to follow special restrictions that prohibit:

1. Answering the door to trick-or-treaters. (Porch lights must remain off, and front doors closed).
2. Giving out candy, treats, favors, or gifts to children at their residence or any other home, or being present at a residence where items are being distributed.
3. Wearing costumes or having decorations.
4. Hosting Halloween parties at their residence or attending Halloween parties.
5. Visiting corn mazes, haunted houses, hayrides, or any other seasonal activities, or attending any function where children are present, including at private residences.

“TDOC probation-parole officers will be out making sure these rules are followed,” said Chris Hansen, TDOC’s Assistant Commissioner of Community Supervision. “We want families to enjoy Halloween knowing we’re doing our part to help keep the community safe.”

With more than 26,000 registered sex offenders in Tennessee and 4,400 under active TDOC supervision, Operation Blackout provides additional oversight during the Halloween season. 

Susan Graham Duke Potts, 75, of Woodbury, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, following a year of significant health challenges.

Born May 30, 1951, in Woodbury, Susan graduated from Woodbury Central High School in 1969 and earned a degree in psychology from Middle Tennessee State University in 1972. For much of her career, she worked as a mortgage underwriter, helping individuals and families along the path to homeownership.

Susan lived a life rooted in family, friendship, and service to others. She and her husband, John R. Potts shared 36 years of marriage, deep companionship, and a rich love. Susan also celebrated 39 years of sobriety, and through her involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous and her service to others on the journey of recovery, she touched many lives.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Orville Wesley Duke and Kathleen Smith Duke, and her beloved brother, Stephen “Steve” Wesley Duke.

She is survived by her husband, John R. Potts, Jr.; her sisters, Elizabeth Duke Krueger (Dr. Thomas) and Treva Duke Travis (Nolan); her sister-in-law, Linda Duke; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, whom she loved as her own.

Susan will be remembered for her generosity, her humor, her gift for storytelling, and the unconditional love she gave so freely to her family and friends. She often told her “grandbabies” that she loved them “to the moon and back.” Her family will carry that love with them always.

A graveside service will be held at Ivy Bluff Cemetery in Ivy Bluff, Tennessee, on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2 p.m.

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

Mrs. Wilma Marie Hart, 92, of Woodbury passed away on October 27, 2026. She was born in the Burt Community of Cannon County, Tennessee on October 19, 1934. She was preceded in death by her parents John William Smith and Pearl Smith and her husband James Hart and brother-in-law, Sterling B. Bush, Sr.

She is survived by her stepdaughters, Denise (Dan) Schwalla and Beverly (Virgil) Knox, sister, Joann Bush, nephew, Jim and (Tammye) Bush, three step grandchildren Darla (Chuck) Hahn, Angela (Nandor) Cseti, Natalie Knox, six step great grandchildren, great nephews, Bo Bush, Elliot Bush, Dylan Bush, Peyton Bush, Ethan Bush, and great great nieces and nephew.

Wilma found her calling in life as a nurse. She worked over 30 years at Miller Hospital. She enjoyed spending time reading. She and her husband took fishing trips together at Kentucky Lake on Little Richland Creek. She was a longtime member of the Smith Grove Church of Christ. Wilma always carried herself with dignity and grace.

Funeral services were held privately. Oran Hicks officiated Interment was in Riverside Garden. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to the Parker Hill Cemetery Trust Fund. Share stories and condolences at www.gentry-smithfuneralhome.com. Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Road, Woodbury, TN 37190, 615–5 63–5337. Because every life has a story.

Mary Frances Miller Rackley Stone, 76, of Woodbury passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Woodbury Health and Rehab.  Born in Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late George Smoot and Pauline Mathis Miller.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, William Miller, George Edgar Miller, Jesse Miller, Fannie Gannon, Dottie Ross and Ruby Allred.

She is survived by her son, Larry Rackley and daughter, Reba Rackley (John Passenger) all of Woodbury; grandchildren, Kodi, Lexi, Bradley (Chloe), Mark and Cory (Amber) Passenger; great grandchildren, Ryland, Brayden, Kohen, Augustine, Maylynn and Talore Passenger; siblings, Sarah Mathis of Centertown, Lorene Holland of Manchester and Raymond Miller of Bradyville.  Also several nieces and nephews also survive.

A member of the Church of Christ, Mary was retired from The Scoreboard where she was a dishwasher.  She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, watching TV, but she especially loved being with her grandchildren and family.

Ms. Mary’s family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Friday, October 30, 2026 and from 9:00 A.M. – until her time of services Saturday.  Funeral services will begin at 12:00 Noon Saturday, October 31, 2026 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Ray Patrick officiating. Interment will follow in the Thyatira cemetery. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

David Justin Prater, 31, of Woodbury passed away on October 25, 2026.  He was born on August 19, 1995.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Marlin Christopher Prater and Kimberly Marie Prater and grandmother, Joyce Smith.

He is survived by his grandparents, David and Pam Prater and Robert Smith, brother, Chris Warrick, sister, Brittany Duggin, aunt Angela (Rodney) Young, and many other relatives and friends.

As a young boy Justin always imagined himself becoming a soldier.  He would often be found pretending to be on a mission or in a battle.  He graduated from Cannon County High School with the Class of 2013. It was at that point he made his dream of becoming a soldier a reality.  Right after graduation he joined the Army with hopes of becoming a helicopter mechanic.  The Army determined he would be better suited to a role in intelligence.  After finishing his service, he came back home to get back to a simpler way of life. 

Justin followed in his father’s footsteps from several standpoints one of those of being handy at working on a variety of things.  Using his handyman skills allowed him to also use his big heart for helping people, especially family.  He was gifted in a variety of ways.  One of his talents was having a creative streak and vision for creating works of art.  This artistic ability opened the door to painting.  Without any formal training he painted many beautiful works, a good number of which he gifted to family and friends.  He would also create art pieces from just about anything he found.  A particularly interesting one was made from driftwood with glass beads which appeared to be the eyes of some fictional creature. 

Another shared interest with his dad was collecting rocks of all kinds.  Geodes, slate and any other stone that he saw as unique and interesting piqued his interest.  While in school he took a band class and discovered another hidden talent for music.  He learned to play the saxophone in school, but he also learned to play the guitar, piano, and drums.  It was easy for him to pick up an instrument and essentially teach himself how to play songs by ear.

Justin’s big heart was always open to his family.  Whenever they were together, he would give a big hug and tell them he loved them.  He didn’t shy away from affection or expressing his feelings.  His family can reflect fondly on his unique blend of creativity and loving kindness as they heal from his too soon departure from their lives.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 12-2 pm.  A memorial celebration of his life will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Greg Mitchell will officiate.  In lieu of flowers the family asks for assistance with funeral expenses.  Share stories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com  Because every life has a story.

Mrs. Cynthia L. “Cindi” DeTorres, 89, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away with her family beside her on October 24, 2026. She was born in Yonkers, New York on January 12, 1937. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grover Frederick Schneider and Emma Claire Schneider, husband, Robert DeTorres, Sr., a son Christopher DeTorres, a brother, Grover Schneider, Jr., and grandchildren, Gabreial Malota and Kenney Koester, III.

She is survived by her sons, Robert (Anita) DeTorres, Jr. and Kenneth (Louise) DeTorres, daughters, Kathleen (Kenney, Jr.) Koester, Mary-Rose (Todd) Sneeringer, and Cheryl Shivel, grandchildren, Dusty DeTorres, Eric DeTorres, Alex DeTorres, Krissy Koester, Kayla Gallaher, Kyle Koester, Renee Meehan, Nicholas Shivel, Trey Sneeringer, Lucy Keller, Mike Milam, as well as eleven great grandchildren.

Born and raised in Yonkers, New York. She cultivated a love of music and decided to share it. Cindi was a member of a band who performed at one of the local VFW posts. She was involved with a young man in the military who was being deployed. A friend of his, Robert DeTorres also played in another band at the same VFW. He wanted to be sure that she was looked after while he was away, so he asked Robert to look after her. Robert took that mission so seriously that they spent the rest of their lives together. They were wed on June 26, 1954. After getting married they made their home in the Bronx. They later made a short move to Long Island, New York, which happened to still have some rural areas for those families to enjoy outside the Big Apple.

Robert was in the Navy and was attached to a Seabees unit. He spent 18 years in the Navy, achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer at the time of his departure from the service. After leaving the service he worked as a union sheet metal fabricator. He often had to travel to find work. Anytime one job ended and he was laid off; he made sure to bring Cindi home a big bunch of roses to smooth over any ruffled feathers caused by the uncertainty of his work. He knew happy wife equals happy life. He certainly did a good job keeping her happy for those 67 years of marriage.

One of the jobs he landed carried him all the way to Florida. He was working on some of the projects developing Disney World. At that point he and Cindi decided to make the move to Florida permanently. In 1974 they pulled up stakes in New York to set down roots in Florida. The older children, Robert, Jr. and Kathleen got the experience of living in New York. The younger children, Cheryl, Mary-Rose, and Kenneth got the experience of living in Florida.

Cindi loved family get togethers. Christmas being top of the list. She would spend a significant amount of time and energy every year transforming her home into a Christmas wonderland. Complete with her impressive collection of Santas. One keynote about the collection, she, was particular about the Santa’s having their feet showing. On Christmas morning the family would gather at her and Robert’s home for a day filled with laughter and love.

She was blessed with a green thumb. She put it to good use with flower gardening and vegetable gardening. Although Robert used his skills to cook whatever they harvested. Her hands also stayed busy knitting. She created many treasured family pieces to share with her children and grandchildren. The grandchildren lovingly dubbed her Nana and Nanny, while the great grandchildren called her GG. Also passing along her skills to the family who were best suited to them.

Over the years, the Family had many fun vacations. The most special vacations were reserved for she and Robert though. Their dream vacations included trips to Italy and Ireland. They were also frequent cruise goers, traveling all through the Caribbean and other fun stops. Her favorite drink of choice on the cruises or at home was a cold Bud Light.

The family will never be quite the same after her departure from this world. They do have many happy and loving memories and traditions to remember and share to keep her spirit alive for the generations to come.

Her wish was to be cremated and rejoined with her beloved husband. The family will hold a celebration of her life in Florida soon. Share stories 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.

William Hollis Roden Senior, 58, of Milton Tennessee passed away on October 17, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on December 14, 1967. He was preceded in death by his parents Ben Floyd Roden, Sr. and Dorothy Louise Roden. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Ben Roden, Jr. and Jeff Roden.

He is survived by his wife, Victoria Roden, sons, William Roden, Jr. and Corey (Bella) Roden, daughters, Kerry Roden, and Ashley (DJ) Dearry, his racing team drivers who were like his own sons, Dustin Winfree and JJ Greene, sisters, Ellen (Keith Stacey) Roden, Rita McClure, Elber McCullough, Teresa Brewer, Virginia (Greg) Hams, thirteen grandchildren, Payton (Kaleb), Kyle, Payslee, Kinlynn, Kysen, Graysen, Navie, Blakely, Kaden, Emery, McKinlee, Jaxon, Camryn, and side kick Pomeranian dog, Ozzy Bentley.

Growing up in Murfreesboro in the 70’s and 80’s you got to know the other families in your neighborhood very well. It didn’t take long for William and Victoria to notice one another. The sparks flew and they knew they had met their mate. They were blessed with over 41 years together and married for 31 of those. A rare feat in today’s world of relationships. They were often heard saying to each other “I love you to the moon and back.”  They meant it.

He was raised knowing how to work hard. He didn’t shy away from doing some of the hardest and hottest jobs out there either. After leaving school he went to work in the roofing business. Definitely not the kind of job you can sleep on. Especially, when you’re the boss man. If he wanted a paycheck, he had to get up and at it. Then he went to work as a laborer and truck driver with Bradley’s Paving. Again, not a cushy desk type job, but it didn’t bother him. He became the right-hand man for the owner, Jim. They worked together over 25 years.

William had an aptitude and smarts for doing anything he put his mind to. He was especially good working with his hands. That coupled with his mechanical ability drew him into a nearly full-time hobby go kart racing. He built racing carts for his sons, by blood and chosen to perform on the track. As a young man his grandpa nicknamed him Wizard. Although the story behind he name is still a mystery, he carried it proudly. He named his race team Wizard Roden MotorSports. Just because they weren’t full size cars didn’t mean he wasn’t serious about putting the pedal to the metal to get in the winner’s circle. He had the boys for drivers, and the girls were the sideline cheerleaders and trash talkers to promote the team.

Whenever they weren’t on the track, they were in the garage. Trying to pull every ounce of horsepower out of those carts. They traveled near and far to show what they had. Spending many weekends at the tracks from Morrison to Alabama and Georgia. Over the years he amassed a garage full of trophies. He didn’t want anything to interfere with the races. That meant birthday parties may have to be rescheduled and trying to figure out how to postpone a birth. But seriously, he loved his time racing and he loved his family.

Racing helped ensure lots of family time together. He was a stickler for doing things his way. If you rode with him, don’t even think about messing with the radio. He didn’t think the kid’s choice in music was suitable or necessary. You also shouldn’t try to adjust the thermostat in the truck, or you might just get smoked out with the windows up.

When he wasn’t racing, he needed to wind down with Victoria and watch a good Clint Eastwood Western or just a show they could watch together. When his brothers were living, they enjoyed getting together to play poker. He was also a good pool shooter, competing in tournaments in years past.

They grandkids lovingly called him Papa. He loved having them around to pass on the family traditions and his knowledge to the next generation. His spirit and stories can be carried by the generations to come with the same drive that he put into his race carts.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 3-7 pm. Funeral services will be held in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 12 PM. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Murfreesboro, TN. Share stories and condolences with the family awww.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Road, Woodbury, TN 37190, 615–563–5337. Because every life has a story.

Edward Doyle Duke, 86, of Woodbury passed away Sunday October 18, 2026.  Born in Cannon Co.,  he was the son of the late Opal Parker Duke and Arlin Duke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte Duke, son Tracy Duke, sister Judy Logan, sister-in-law Barbara Duke, brothers-in-law Jerry Trail and Larry Trail.

He is survived by his son Scott Duke, daughter Kendria (Franz) Walkup of Woodbury, grandchildren Konner (David) Bugg, Kolby Duke and Laiklynn Walkup; great grandchildren, Charlotte Bugg and Matthew Bugg, brother Don Duke, brother-in-law Hubert Logan, sisters-in-laws Cathy (Jack) Hyatt, Lisa Trail (Tim) Tipps, Sandra Trail and Betty Trail, numerous nephews and nieces also survive.

A member of the Woodbury church of Christ, Doyle retired from General Electric. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, going to flea markets, and mission trips to the Ukraine.

The Duke family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, beginning at 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday October 21, 2026, in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Knox officiating.  Interment will follow at Midway cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Midway Cemetery.

Linda Faye Moore, age 83, of Woodbury passed away Friday, October 16, 2026, at NHC Health Care. She was born to her parents Georgia and France Higgins on April 2, 1943, in Warren County.

She is survived by her daughters, Valerie Moore of Woodbury, Leah (Michael) Lott of Mooresville NC; grandchildren Jonathan (Tiffany) Moore of Bradyville, Leeann (Tommy) Davis of Woodbury, Erin (Jeremy) Harrell of Chattanooga, Brent Scott of Woodbury, Noah Lott and John Lott both of Mooresville NC; great grandchildren Luna, Abigail Moore and Annabeth Davis, sisters Brenda (Jimmy) Tate and Jackie Higgins; son-in-law Tim Scott.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Johnny Moore of 50 years, daughter Denise Scott, and great grandson Henry Lee Moore.

Linda was a member of Sunny Slope church of Christ and was a hairdresser and worked for Cannon County dispatch. She enjoyed sewing, making flower arrangements, beach trips and all the conversations with her clients.  

Funeral Services will be 11 AM Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Ivy Bluff Cemetery. Her family will receive friends for the visitation from 4 pm to 8 pm Monday, October 19, 2026.