2005 Obituaries

BURRIS, Alice Jackson - McMinnville resident and Briceville, TN native Alice Jackson Burris, age 82, was born November 26, 1923 and died December 28, 2005 at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, TN after a sudden illness.  A retired florist and former owner of the Flower and Gift Center in Woodbury, TN, she was a member of the Ivy Bluff Church of Christ.  She was first married to the late Paul P. Jackson and married second to the late W.T. Burris.  In addition to her husbands she was also preceded in death by her parents, Charlie C. and Mattie Prince Martin;  sisters, Maude Sweet, Carrie Duncan and Faye Jefferies and brothers, Willard and Paul Martin.  She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Paulette Jackson and John P. Jones of Lake City, FL;  son and daughter-in-law, Johnny Wayne and Sally Jackson of Chattanooga, TN;  grandsons, John Robert Jones of Macon, GA, Patrick Jones of Nashville, TN, and Paul and Tip Jackson of Chattanooga, TN;  sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Bud Bracken of Oak Ridge, TN.  Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2005 in High's Chapel with Kenneth Mears and Charles Cochran officiating.  Burial followed in the Mt. View Cemetery.
   

CRIM, James Franklin "Jim" - McMinnville resident and Warren County native James Franklin "Jim" Crim, age 81, was born December 18, 1923 and died December 10, 2005 at NHC.  A retired forestry officer with the State of Tennessee and a member of the Baptist Church, he served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Hobbs Crim; son, Wayne Crim;  stepson, Marvin Hodges; brothers, Eugene and Calvin Crim; and sister, Bonnie Crim.  He was the son of the late Vance and Ella Caldwell Crim.  He is survived by his wife, Bertha Hodges Crim; daughter, Patricia Crim of McMinnville; stepchildren, Frances Roberts, Tony Hodges, Barbara Knight and Terry Hodges, all of McMinnville; brother, R.D. Crim of Michigan; one grandchild, several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.  Service was held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2005 at High's Chapel with Tony Roberts officiating.  Burial followed at Hebron cemetery with military graveside rites administered by VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173.
   

DUKE, SR., Carl F. - McMinnville resident and Franklin County, TN native Carl F. Duke, Sr., age 82, was born October 17, 1923 and died December 8, 2005 at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN of an extended illness.  He was a retired employee of Carrier, a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, and a member of the Westwood Church of Christ.  He was married to Mildred Pearl Stiles Duke who preceded him in death December 8, 2004.  He is survived by two sons, Carl Duke Jr. of Gurley, Alabama and James Duke of McMinnville;  daughter, Kim Duke of McMinnville;  six grandchildren;  brother, Kenneth Duke of Murfreesboro, TN;  sister, Geraldine Waddell of McMinnville;  several nieces and nephews also survive.  Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 12, 2005 in High's Chapel with Harold Jones officiating.  Burial followed in the Mt. View Cemetery with military graveside rites administered by VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173.
   

HIGGINS, Robert Murf - McMinnville resident and Warren County native Robert Murf Higgins, age 72, was born March 16, 1933 and died December 28, 2005 at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, TN after a brief illness.  A heavy equipment operator and a member of the Church of Christ he served his country in the United States Army.  He was the son of the late Robert France and Georgia Lee Melton Higgins.  He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tish and Donald Hillis of McMinnville;  sons and daughters-in-law, Shannon and Wendy Higgins and Danny and Lisa Higgins both of McMinnville and Kirk Higgins of Kennesaw, GA;  seven grandchildren, Hannah and Tucker Higgins, Trevor and Heath Higgins, and Kirby, Reagan, and Ramsey Stewart;  former wife, Iva E. Higgins of McMinnville;  four sisters, Brenda Tate, Ora Rains, Linda Moore, and Jackie Higgins all of Woodbury, TN and brother, Ernest Gray Higgins of McMinnville.  Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 30, 2005 in High's Chapel with Kenneth Mears and Gayle Rains officiating.  Burial followed in the Ivy Bluff Cemetery with full military honors administered by the Warren County Honor Guard.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or Short Mountain Bible Camp.
   

HUNTER, Stephen Blake - Morrison resident and Warren County native Stephen Blake Hunter, age 21, was born November 25, 1984 and died Saturday, December 17, 2005 of a sudden illness. He was self-employed in the lawn care business.  He was preceded in death by his mother Denise Wanamaker Underhill,  paternal grandfather, James C. Hunter and uncle, John Hunter.  He is survived by his father, Mike Hunter of Morrison, TN;  sister, Katelyn Underhill of McMinnville;  paternal grandmother Ruth Hunter of McMinnville;  maternal grandparents, Bill and Brenda Wanamaker of McMinnville;  aunts and uncles, Carolyn and Daryl Yane of Kent, OH, Larry and Heidi Hunter of Fayetteville, GA, Deborah and Danny Johnson, Michael and Carla Wanamaker, and Gina George all of McMinnville, and Karen Smith of Pennsylvania;  great aunt, Patricia Lowery of Nashville, TN;  step grandfather, Wilburn McDowell of McMinnville;  special friend, Richard Copley of McMinnville;  several cousins and other special friends also survive.  Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2005 in High's Chapel with Darryl Cantrell and Kevin Murphy officiating.  Burial followed in the Gardens of Memory.
   

MACON, Carrie Elizabeth - McMinnville resident and Cannon County, TN native Carrie Elizabeth Macon, age 61, was born February 2, 1944 and died December 11, 2005 at River Park Hospital.  An employee of NHC dietary department  she was married to Walter Macon, Jr. who survives.  She was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry and Ruth Mount Wade;  brother, Cecil Lee Hayes and sister, Ruby Pleasant.  Beside her husband she is also survived by three daughters, Teresa Kay Locke and Shannon Renee Porras both of McMinnville and Deborah Batey of Nashville, TN;  son, Corey L. Woods of McMinnville;  eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren;  four sisters, Nora Arnold, Marie Janice King, and Helen Johnson all of McMinnville and Frankie Olivia Wooten of Tullahoma, TN.  Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2005, in High's Chapel.  Burial followed in Brown Chapel Cemetery.
   

MCLEAR, Alex Ralph - McMinnville resident and Plattsburg, NY native Alex Ralph McLear, age 20, was born May 2, 1985 and died December 10, 2005 at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, TN.  He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth McLear of McMinnville;  mother and step-father, Hazel and Victor of McMinnville;  father and step-mother, Edward and Linda McLear of McMinnville;  sister, Jennifer Baker of Tupper Lake, NY;  two step-brothers, Adam and Josh Vaughn of McMinnville;  step-sister, Amanda Vaughn of McMinnville;  maternal grandmother, Janet Baker and paternal grandmother, Beulah McLear both of Tupper Lake, NY;  fiancé, Stephanie Foreman of McMinnville.  Funeral service was held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2005 in High's Chapel with Victor Vaughn officiating.
   

MILLER, Selma Evelyn - McMinnville resident and Warren County native Selma Evelyn Miller, age 85, was born November 12, 1920 and died December 14, 2005 at River Park Hospital of an extended illness.  She was a retired Social Service Worker for the Head Start Program and a member of the Church of Christ.  She was married to William Roscoe Miller who preceded her in death September 3, 1983.  She was also preceded in death by brothers, J.B. and Leon Barnes and sisters, Edna Byars and Lila Panter.  She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Jan and Donnie Bottoms of McAllen, TX and Ann and Danice Taylor of McMinnville;  son, Johnny Miller of McMinnville; grandchildren, Marty Bottoms, Amy Crouch, Kim Meche, Allison Stiles, and April Brown;  six great-grandchildren;  three sisters-in-law, Jobyna Barnes of McMinnville, Loyce Barnes of Murfreesboro, TN and Jean Harris of Nashville, TN.  A graveside service and interment was held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 17, 2005 at Smyrna Cemetery with Bob Deason officiating.
   

PATRICK, Marcia K. - Northville, Michigan resident Marcia K. Patrick, age 45, was born May 27, 1960 and died December 31, 2005 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  A graduate of the University of Michigan she was a paralegal for Seyburn, Kahn, Ginn, Bess and Sierlin P.C. in Southfield, Michigan.  She is survived by her parents, Hugh and Jo N. Johnson Patrick of Northville, Michigan;  brother and sister-in-law, David and Olga Patrick of Ada, Michigan and nieces, Michaela, Ariel and Caitlin Patrick.  Funeral service was held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 7, 2006 in High's Chapel.  Burial followed in the Mt. View Cemetery.
   

POWELL, JR., G.H. - McMinnville resident and Warren County native G.H. Powell, Jr., age 82, was born August 1, 1923 and died December 21, 2005 at Raintree Manor Nursing Home following an extended illness.  A retired, self-employed building contractor and a member of the Central Church of Christ where he served as church treasurer for many years, he served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  He was the son of the late George H. Powell, Sr. and Edley Heard Powell.  In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his sister, Juanita Powell Smith and nephew, Hugh Powell.  He was married to his wife of fifty-five years, Patsy Phillips Powell on February 4, 1950.  In addition to his wife he is also survived by a son, Phillip E. Powell of McMinnville;  three grandchildren, Lacy, Casi, and Saylem Powell;  two great grandchildren, Lakelyn and Aleya;   several cousins also survive.  Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 23, 2005 in High's Chapel with Ernest Laws officiating.  Burial followed in the Mt. View Cemetery with military graveside rites administered by the VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173. 
   

SADDLER, Larry Wayne - Cleveland, TN resident and Warren County native Larry Wayne Saddler, age 50, was born October 28, 1955 and died December 26, 2005 at Bradley Memorial Hospital in Cleveland, TN after an extended illness.  A master electrician he served his country in the United States Army.  He was the son of Dan Sadler of Cleveland, TN and the late Emma Grace Smith Sadler Schaffer.  He is survived by three children, Jennifer Saddler of Houston, TX and Larry Saddler, II and Megan Alexis Saddler both of Portland, OR;  brother, Jerry Sadler of Cleveland, TN;  sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Randell Doty of Gainesville, FL;  sister, Lisa Sadler and step-father, Robert Schaffer both of Cleveland, TN.  Several other family members in Warren County also survive.  Funeral service was held Thursday, December 29, 2005 in High's Chapel.  Burial followed in the Salem Cemetery in DeKalb County, TN.
   

SHIRLEY, Reta Chambers Clendenon - McMinnville resident and Van Buren County, TN native Reta Chambers Clendenon Shirley, age 96, was born May 19, 1909 and died December 31, 2005 at her residence after an extended illness.  A homemaker and a member of the Central Church of Christ, she was the daughter of the late Furgus Ewin Chambers and the late Maggie Troglen Chambers.  She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Doris Clendenon of McMinnville and L.C. and Jonny L. Clendenon of Meridianville, AL;  daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Lonnie Rains of McMinnville;  step-son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Ruth Shirley of Murrells Inlet, SC;  four grandchildren, Victoria Hudson of Huntsville, AL, Landy Clendenon of Birmingham, AL, Amy Clendenon of Nashville, TN, and Matthew Rains of McMinnville;  three great grandchildren, Lauren Clendenon, Haley Clendenon, and Jake Rains.  Several step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren also survive.  Funeral service was held Monday, December 2, 2006 in High's Chapel with Ed Todd officiating.  Burial followed in the Smyrna Cemetery.
   

SHORTER, Marie Bratcher - Franklin, TN resident and Warren County native Marie Bratcher Shorter, age 82, was born June 28, 1923 and died December 29, 2005 at Claiborne and Hughes Health Care in Franklin, TN after an extended illness.  A retired employee of Genesco and a member of the First United Methodist Church she was the daughter of the late Fred and Edith Davis Bratcher.  In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by two sons, John Curtis Shorter and Michael Wayne Shorter.  She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Gary Sanders;  granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Michele and Troy Jackson;  two great grandchildren, Seth and Cole Jackson all of Franklin, TN;  two brothers and sister-in-law, Earl and Pat Bratcher of Marietta, GA and Bob Bratcher of Nashville, TN.  Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 31, 2005 in High's Chapel with Bro. Robert Case officiating.  Burial followed in the Mt. View Cemetery.
   

SMITH, Gladys Bonner - McMinnville resident and Warren County native Gladys Bonner Smith, age 82, was born August 9, 1923 and died December 24, 2005.  A homemaker and a member of the Mt. Leo Church of Christ, she was married to Gordon Franklin Smith who preceded her in death March 29, 2005.  She was the daughter of the late Willie E. and Laura Johnson Bonner.  She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Terry Kent and Twana Smith, William Gordon "Bill" and Ann Smith and Lynn Clark "Cork" and Annette Smith all of McMinnville;  six grandchildren, Matthew Ryan Smith of Murfreesboro, TN and Billy, Travis Kent, Cory Alan, and Jeffery Lynn Smith and Gina Holt all of McMinnville;  seven great grandchildren, Tristan, Kaleb, Tylan, and Taylor Smith all of McMinnville, and Maggie, Colby, and Lyndsey Smith all of Murfreesboro, TN.  Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at High's Chapel with Lane Dix and Ernest Laws officiating.  Burial followed in Smyrna Cemetery.
   

STEVENS, Herbie - Tazewell, TN resident and Cumberland Co., TN native Herbie Stevens, age30, was born August 21, 1975 and died suddenly December 31, 2005 at Claiborne Co. Hospital in Tazewell, TN.  A furniture builder at England Company in New Tazewell, TN and a member of the Baptist church, he was the son of Herbert Clayton Stevens of Tazewell, TN and the late Frieda Mae Dunlap Stevens.  In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by his brother, James Robert Stevens.  In addition to his father he is survived by two brothers, William Clayton Stevens and Charles Henry Stevens both of Tazewell, TN;  aunt, Robbie Maggard of Michigan;  three uncles, Hobert Dunlap and Charles Dunlap both of Spencer, TN and Gordon Dunlap of the Centertown community.  Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2006 at High's Chapel with Clinton Thacker officiating.  Burial followed in the Spencer Town Cemetery in Spencer, TN.
   

TERRY, Shelby West - McMinnville resident and DeKalb County native Shelby West Terry, age 95, was born October 16, 1910 and died December 22, 2005 at Raintree Manor Nursing Home following an extended illness. She was a homemaker and a member of the Barren Fork Baptist Church.  She was married to Felix Rowland Terry who preceded her in death in February of 1980.  She was the daughter of the late John and Mattie Chisam West.  In addition to her husband and parents she was also preceded in death by two brothers, Howard and Jack West;  sister Gladys Young, and daughter-in-law, Maxine Terry.  She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Don and Frankie Terry and grandchildren, Gary Terry and Staphana and Billy Gay all of McMinnville;  great grandchildren, Brittany and Travis Gay;  sisters, Jimmie Thweatt and Dixie Ellen Wright both of Memphis, TN and sister-in-law, Elaine West of Johnson City, TN.  Graveside service and interment was held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 23, 2005 at Oak Grove Cemetery at Barren Fork with Mark Carrigan officiating.
   

TOLBERT, Elsie Faye Denton - McMinnville resident and Warren County native Elsie Faye Denton Tolbert, age 82, was born September 3, 1923 and died December 19, 2005 at River Park Hospital following an extended illness.  She was a homemaker and a member of the Morrison Church of Christ.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Toy Freeman Tolbert;  parents, Green and Bessie Lee Darnell Denton;  two sisters, Georgia Mae Denton and Ruth Stroud and several half brothers and half sisters.  She is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and Hugh Melton, Barbara and Sammy Brady, Debbie Evans, and Becky Griffith;  two sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Tamala Tolbert and Larry and Linda Tolbert all of McMinnville;  twenty two grandchildren, Michael, Lisa, Shalen, Casey, Rhonda, Joan, Tina, Billy, Shawn, Samantha, Amanda, Sam, Charlie, Randy, Stacey, Amiee, Nickole, Kelly, Stacy, Paulette, Christy and Lori;  sixteen great grandchildren, Abby, Chelsea, Dillon, Hayden, Cody, Hunter, Kara, Collin, Stephanie, Tiffany, Terry, Christie, Travis, Justin, Leann, and Shelly;  brother, James Denton and sister, Lorene Robbins both of McMinnville.  Funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2005 in High's Chapel with Rex Boles and Billy Nunley officiating.  Burial followed in the Morrison Cemetery.
   

TURNER, Georgia Marie - McMinnville resident and Warren County native Georgia Marie Turner, age 74, was born November 26, 1931 and died December 12, 2005 at River Park Hospital. A homemaker and a member of the Forest Park Baptist Church she was married to Ray Ambrose Turner who preceded her in death February 7, 1999.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy Yates and Effie Mae Vanatta Ogle and brother James Ogle.  She is survived by five daughters and sons-in-law, Janice Turner of McMinnville, Annette Bowen of Kernersville, NC, Brenda and Jimmy Basham of Morrison, TN, Rita and Charlie Goodwin of Cookeville, TN, and Nancy and Larry Sanders of Smartt, TN;  son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Diane Turner of McMinnville; eighteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren;  brother, Charles Ogle of Ashland City, TN;  great-aunt and uncle, Robert and Margie Blevins of McMinnville.  Funeral service was held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2005 in High's Chapel.  Burial followed in Shellsford Cemetery.
   

VAUGHN, Nancy Belle - McMinnville resident and Warren County native Nancy Belle Vaughn, age 63, was born April 3, 1942 and died December 16, 2005 at her residence of an extended illness.  She was a floral designer and a member of the Westwood Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her father, Dave Aycock. She was married to Col. Thomas B. Vaughn who survives.   In addition to her husband she is also survived by two sons, Thomas B Vaughn, Jr. of McMinnville and Larry Vaughn of Nashville, TN;  mother, Clairene Aycock of McMinnville;  brother and sister-in-law, David and Brenda Aycock of McMinnville;  niece, April Bryant and nephews, Adam Aycock and Gregory Taylor.  Funeral service was held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 2005 in High's Chapel with Jack White, Harold Jones, and Paul Roberts officiating.  Burial followed in the Shellsford Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to Magness Memorial Library, Share A Christmas Dinner and Nursing Home Christmas.
   

WHITEAKER, Randel - McMinnville resident and Warren County native Randel Whiteaker, age 61, was born September 27, 1944 and died December 30, 2005 at River Park Hospital after an extended illness. A self-employed mechanic and a member of the Bybee Branch Church of Christ, he was the son of Minnie Moffitt Whiteaker and the late Jewell Whiteaker. He is survived by his wife Mickey Roberts Whiteaker of McMinnville; four daughters and sons-in-law, Kelly and Paul Smartt and Tammy and Anthony Cantrell both of McMinnville, Sherry and Windell Tate of Rock Island, and Tina Brown Glotfelty of Orlando, FL; eight grandchildren, Stephanie Tate, Bryan Tate, Houston Simons, Alyson Smartt, Chandler Cantrell, Whitney Cantrell, Zach Glotfelty and Skylar Brown; two brothers and sisters-in-law, C.L. and Jo Whiteaker and Gary and Kay Whiteaker both of McMinnville; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Jerelene and Jerry Prince of Lavergne, TN, Carolyn and Al Doig of Boston, MA, and Kathy and Don Wiley of Calhoun, GA. Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 1, 2006 in High's Chapel with Tony Lawrence officiating. Burial followed in the Smyrna Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
   
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