Obituaries

Chief Master Sgt. Paul Curless, age 77, of Woodbury passed away Friday, July 26, 2019 at his home.  He was a native of Bluff City, IL.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Trail Curless of Woodbury; Children, Greg (Lisa) Curless of Murfreesboro & Brenda (Jeff) Dwyer of Smyrna; Stepsons, Kevin (Jackie) Trail of Shelbyville & Kelly (Starla) Trail of Bradyville; Siblings, Judy Brennan of Springfield, IL, twin sister, Pauline (Dick) Atchley of Lewiston, IL, & Janie (Jess) Atterberry of Springfield, IL; Grandchildren, Erin, Elayna, & Emily Yeatts, Shane & Stephen Curless; Step Grandchildren, Brett Trail, Britta (Jonathan) Cantrell, & MacKenzie Trail, MaCayla Gaines, Jerri, Erbie, & Jaydon Trail; and Step Great Grandchildren, Logan & Harper Trail & Addison Cantrell.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Leo & Eva Thompson Curless; wife, Donna Lee Curless; and Brother, Wayne Curless. 

Chief Master Sgt. Curless proudly served in the United States Air Force for 22 years, serving in Tehran, Iran, Guam, Turkey, Philippines and several states in the United States from the west coast to the east coast. He was a Church of Christ preacher for 34 years.  He also served as a Cannon County Deputy Sheriff court officer for 9 years.  He enjoyed classic cars, playing dummy rummy (and cheating!) and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

Funeral Services will be 11 AM Friday, August 2, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Tony Ferrell & Bro. Charles Holder officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery with full military honors.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 8 PM Thursday, August 1, 2019.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, woodburyfuneralhome.net

Irene Bryson Rich, 101, of Woodbury, passed away Tuesday  at NHC Healthcare in Murfreesboro.  She was a native of Cannon County.

She is survived by her son & daughter in law, Joe David and Ann Rich of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Bart (Richard) Lowell of CA, Jeff (Lisa) Rich and Kelly Armstrong both of Murfreesboro; great grandchildren, Jon Rich and Kelsey Armstrong both of Murfreesboro and Abi (Cole) Davis of NC.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Robert Bryson & Tina Barrett Bryson; her husband, Medford Rich and sisters, Evelyn Hayes and Christine Rich.

Mrs. Rich was a member of 1st Baptist Church, Woodbury and a housewife.  She volunteered and helped with many organizations including the American Cancer

Society and volunteering at the Stones River Hospital. 

Funeral Services will be 12 noon Friday, July 26, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Dean Anderson officiating.  Interment will follow in the Riverside Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 10 am until 12 Noon Friday, July 26th, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 1st Baptist Church, Woodbury.

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

David Anthony Taylor, 45, Smithville died at his home Thursday.

Survivors include; parents: Roy and Louise Taylor of Smithville, brothers: Glen Ferrell of Smithville, Ben Taylor of Warren County, sister: Joyce Mosley of Spencer, special friend: EllaDean Green, Greg Byford and Shane Byford all of Woodbury

He was a member of the Church of God.

Funeral services for David Anthony Taylor will be Tuesday at 1pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Charles Stanton will conduct the service.

Visitation is today: 4pm-8pm and Tuesday: 9am-time of service at 1pm

Burial will be in the Byford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Love-Cantrell Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Bertha Diane Rackley Underwood, 66, of Woodbury died Thursday, July 18, 2019 at her home. She was a native of Warren Co.

She is survived by her son, Lynn (Brenda) Underwood of McMinnville; grandchildren, Katlyn Underwood of Morrison and Hunter Underwood of McMinnville, Titus and Drew Underwood of Woodbury; great grandchildren, Heather Campbell, Kinchen and Hazel George; siblings, Martha Woodward and Harvey Rackley both of Morrison. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Ms. Underwood was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey Rackley and Ruby Pelham Rackley; her husband, Jerry Underwood; her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Jennifer Underwood; siblings, Ida Miller, Bonnie Rackley, and Carl Rackley; In-laws, Janie Rackley, Lavon Woodward and Edgar Miller.

Diane was a member of the Bradyville Church of Christ and was retired from Vintec.  He enjoyed reading books and writing in her journal.  

Graveside Services will be 12 noon Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Thyatira Cemetery with Bro. Charlie Gunter officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expenses.  

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

Mrs. Lorene Parker, 99, a native of Cannon County and resident for the past several years of San Diego, California passed away on July 15, 2019 just a few months shy of reaching 100.  She was born on November 30, 1919.  She was preceded in death by her parents, William Fred Parker and Mary Jane Starr Parker; husband, Beecher Parker; sons, Nicky Parker and Ranny Parker; daughter, Myrna Joyce Parker; brothers, Lonnie Parker, Elvin Parker, Clark Parker; and a sister, Christine Sabia.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Joyce Parker; grandsons, Allen (Stephanie) Parker and Jeffery Parker; great grandson, A. J. Parker; special niece and nephew, Pamela Parker and Jim (Renea) Sabia; Connie (Wayne) Parker Phillips; and many other nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Lorene was an outgoing and energetic person.  She kept a smile on her face and loved to be around people.  She worked as a beautician for many years with different shops in and around Woodbury.  She lived in Cannon County for about 90 of her almost 100 years of life.  When she wasn’t working, she, Mr. Beecher, and other family members enjoyed playing music, going dancing, and listening to other live music.  She kept active well into her nineties, until dementia began to affect her mind.  She was a longtime member of the Midway Church of Christ. 

A service is being planned but arrangements are incomplete at this time.  They will be announced later by Smith Funeral Home.  In the meantime share memories, thoughts and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Sterling A. Harrell, 82, of Murfreesboro passed away Monday, July 15, 2019 at St. Thomas West hospital.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Ball Harrell of Woodbury; children, Brenda McKenzie, Beverly Wallace and Brian Harrell and his wife, Monica all of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Jessica Wallace, Julie Wallace Walker and her husband Brian all of Nashville and Cassy McKenzie of Murfreesboro; stepchildren, Jackie Elliott and her husband, Larry of McMinnville and Ricky Ball of Woodbury; brothers, William Howard Harrell and his wife, Mildred of Murfreesboro and Russell Harrell and his wife, Jo of Lawrenceville, GA. Several nieces and nephews also survive. 

Mr. Harrell was preceded in death by his parents, Nollie and Hettie Campbell Harrell; his first wife, Geneva Blanks Harrell and his siblings, Glen Harrell, Sepal Boren and Pauline Jones.

Sterling was a member of the Kingwood Church of Christ and was retired from Colonial Corp. as the plant manager.  He also managed other privately-owned plants throughout TN.  Mr. Harrell loved his employees and was very passionate about his job as he was a cornerstone of his community and in the garment industry.  He would spend most of his mornings drinking coffee with his friends at Hardee’s “liars table”.  Sterling enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening and yard work but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Funeral services will be 11 am Friday, July 19, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup and Bro. Doug Hutchins officiating.  Interment will follow in the  Riverside Gardens cemetery.  Visitation with his family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm, Thursday, July 18, 2019 and Friday from 10 am until time of his service.  Pallbearers include, Eric Parker, Ricky Ball, Bobby Francis, Brian Walker, David Godwin and Manny Camara.  Larry Elliott and Martin Harrell will serve as honorary pallbearers. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Blvd. Church of Christ Meals on Wheels or to Riverside Gardens Cemetery % Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  To leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.

Lillian Charlene Spence Higdon, age 88, passed away July 15, 2019 at St Thomas Rutherford Hospital. She was of the Church of Christ faith.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Beverly Burks and Robby Lee Sanders Spence; husband, George Franklin Higdon; sons, Timothy Higdon, Brent Higdon, Brad Higdon; daughters, Sherry Higdon, Jan Higdon, Nan Higdon; brothers, Gilbert Spence, Ernest Spence; and sister, Mildred Spence Smotherman. She is survived by her son, Bruce (Yong) Higdon of Rutherford County, George Scott (Lauren) Higdon of Georgia; brother, James Spence of Indiana; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Visitation with the family will be 4:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Smotherman Cemetery with her son, Bruce Higdon officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 820 South Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 615-893-2422. Please leave online condolences at www.jenningsandayers.com

Mrs. Peggy M. King, 86, a long-time resident of Nashville and native of Woodbury passed away on July 15, 2019 after an extended illness.  She was born on September 22, 1932.  She was preceded in death by her parents, William Houston Milligan and Ailene Bucey Milligan; husband J T King; son, Jeremy Thomas “Tommy” King; brothers, T J “Tip” Milligan, Kenneth McKeller Milligan, Bill Milligan; sisters, Alma White Orr and Bonnie Lee Eaton.

She is survived by a son, Larry (Beverly) King of Nashville; daughter-in-law, Shirley Ann King of Nashville; sister-in-law, Nadine Milligan of Woodbury; grandchildren, Steven Douglas (Stacey) King of Nashville and Amanda Barnhill of Arkansas; great grandchildren, Carter King, Miller King, Ann Douglas King, Preston King, Kylee King, and Jamison King; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. King grew up in Woodbury.  She was known to be a hard worker all her life.  One of her first jobs was with Bratten & McCrary Drugs which later became Woodbury Drugs.  She went on to work in the grocery business with Cooper & Martin-Malone & Hyde, Giant Foods of America.  She worked her way up to be the store manager of the 100 Oaks location.   During her time there she was tasked with helping close the last three of their stores in the Nashville area.  She continued in the grocery business as produce manager with Bill Crook’s Grocery.

She and her husband made their home in Nashville for many years but she always had a love for her hometown of Woodbury.  During earlier years she and her husband enjoyed planting a vegetable garden together.  After she retired, she enjoyed having family over for a regular Tuesday night supper with fried chicken and Thursday lunch of BLT sandwiches.  She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren who lovingly called her “Mamye”.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 from 11-2 pm.  Funeral services will follow at 2 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel.  Tim Gentry will officiate.  Interment will be in Riverside Garden.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Steve Bass Foundation providing scholarships for underprivileged children in law enforcement.  Contact Smith Funeral Home for details.  Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

Estel Smith Reed, 95, passed away Friday, July 12, 2019 at Alive Hospice.  She was a native of Cannon Co.

She is survived by her nephew, Bobby Hollis of Nashville and his children, Rebecca Tatum and Alex Hollis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Leona Pittman Smith; her husband, Joe D. Reed, Brother, Clarice Smith and sisters, Alma Hollis, Earlene Todd and Ethel Todd.

Ms. Reed was a lifelong resident of the Sunny Slope community and the Sunny Slope Church of Christ.  She was retired from Armour Creamery in Woodbury.  Her grandparents bought the county farm in 1901 and it is now a Century farm.  

Funeral Services will be 2 pm Tuesday, July 16, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup, Bro. Joey Ferrell and Jason Morris officiating.   Interment will follow in Riverside Gardens Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 10 am to 2 pm Tues., July 16, 2019 at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  To leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net . 

Charles Markum, Sr., 72, passed away Sat., July 06, 2019 at his home following an extended illness.  He was a native of Cannon Co.

Survivors include his daughter, Renee Trail of Woodbury; son, Charles “Bubba” Markum, Jr. of Woodbury; granddaughters, Mackenzie Trail, Macayla Gaines and Mylee Markum and his sister, Patsy Sanders of Smithville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Callie Mae Brown Markum; Brothers, Dorris, Frank and Ralph Markum and his significant other, Agatha Lucille Sherrill.
 
Charles was a logger and he loved to tinker with things.
 
Graveside Services will be 2 pm Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Cherry Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 10 am until 1:30 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home. 
 
For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expenses, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net