We Remember: Obituaries For Tuesday, September 26

Here are the latest obituaries and notices as provided by the funeral homes serving Cookeville, Baxter, Monterey, Sparta, Gainesboro and Livingston.

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Obituaries For Tuesday, September 26

Roy Fields, 80 of Cookeville, passed away Monday, September 25, 2023 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete.

James Everett Rich, age 92 of Crossville, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023, at WyndRidge Health and Rehabilitaion Center in Crossville. He was born on June 4, 1931 in Shelburn, Indiana, and he was the son of the late Robert Rich and the late Daisy Miller Rich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen Rich. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Korean Era. A service will be held at a later date.

Wanda Dale Minnear, 66 of Cookeville, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Wanda was born Wednesday, March 27, 1957, in Sparta, and she was the daughter of the late Theva “Ray” Austin and the late Reba Nell (Bumbalough) Austin. Wanda was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, Nana, aunt, and friend. She graduated from White County High School in 1974. She loved her children and grandchildren and she was a very kind soul. Wanda was loved by everyone that knew her and she will be greatly missed. Wanda is survived by, 2 Children, Kelly Waterman and her husband, Jeff, and Austin Minnear and his wife, Erin; 2 Grandchildren, Ronnie and Della Minnear; 6 Siblings, John Austin and his wife Shirley, Bettye Sue Austin, Linda Moorehead and her husband, Bruce, Joyce Whiteaker and her husband, David, Robert Austin and his wife, Donna, and Kathleen Sparks; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to her parents, Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie Minnear and Sister, Brenda Nash. Wanda chose cremation, the family followed her wishes, and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Funeral Services for Mr. Billy Crabtree, age 58, of Livingston will be conducted 12 noon, Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Bro. Danny Staggs will officiate. Burial to follow in the Old Flat Creek Cemetery. Billy passed from this life on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from his home. He was born in Livingston, on December 5, 1964, to Martha Claudine Linder Crabtree and the late Herbert Crabtree. Billy attended the Flat Creek Church of Christ. He enjoyed being outdoors, working on cars, watching NASCAR racing, spending time with his friends and family, and visiting with his loving Moma. Billy leaves behind his mother, Martha Claudine Crabtree of Livingston; sister, Sandy Staggs and husband Danny of Livingston, TN; niece, Amanda Staggs; nephews, Scott and Josh Murphy; 1 great niece and 2 great nephews; a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition to his father Billy was preceded in death by his sister, Gail Murphy. The family will welcome friends on Tuesday evening from 5 until 9 p.m.

Funeral services for Gail Carr, 57 of the Dodson Branch community, will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 2 P.M. at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro, with Bro. Randy Heady officiating. Burial will follow in the Cookeville City Cemetery. Gail was born July 29, 1966, in Shelbyville, and she passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center at the age of 57. She was the daughter of the late Marion Hancock, Jr. and Betty Ann Hancock. On February 27, 1987, she was married to Rick Carr, who survives. She was a homemaker, and a member of the Old Country Church. She was a resident of the Dodson Branch community. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Brother: Eric Hancock; and Sister: Catherine Leverette. Survivors include her Husband: Rick Carr of Cookeville; Sons: Richard Carr of Somerset, KY, and Adam Carr of Cookeville; Brothers: Paul Hancock of Gainesboro, and Lynn Hancock of Cookeville; and Grandchildren: Tyler Carr, Brandon Carr, Miley Carr, Ellie Carr, and Luna Carr. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9 A.M. until time of services.

Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering for Thomas Dwain Leckenby, 82 of Cookeville, will be held Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Crest Lawn Funeral Home. He passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Thomas was born Thursday, June 5, 1941, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, and he was the son of the late Ralph William Leckenby and the late Marguerite Alvina (Thompson) Leckenby. Thomas was a loving son, brother, husband, father, Pop, Grandpa, uncle, and friend. He retired from Gannett Newspapers after 32 years of service. He proudly served in the Army National Guard for 6 years. He loved to work on cars and rebuilt a 1955 Chevy. Thomas was loved by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed. Thomas is survived by, Wife of 62 Years, Sharon (Gress) Leckenby; 2 Sons, Phillip Leckenby and his wife, Virginia, and Michael Leckenby and his wife, Lisa; 7 Grandchildren, Kelsey Walker and her husband, Jeremy, Kevin Leckenby, Andrew Leckenby, Cameron Leckenby and his wife, Katie, Cody Leckenby and his wife, Madison, Kassi Leckenby, and Colin Leckenby; 3 Great-Grandchildren, Jeremy Lee Walker, Tristan Walker, and Mason Walker; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by, Daughter, Brenda Leckenby.

A Memorial Service for Janie Louise Ledbetter, 88 of Cookeville, will be held at the Speck Funeral Home on Thursday September 28, 2023, between 10:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M., followed by processional to Bethlehem United Methodist Church/Cemetery, 104 Bethlehem Road in Livingston. She passed away peacefully with family on Friday, July 14, 2023, in Tinley Park Illinois. Janie was born in Akron Ohio on April 7, 1935, to James ‘Otis’ and Anna Mae (Warden) Ledbetter. In addition to her early years in Akron, she also resided in Livingston, Detroit Michigan and Midlothian Illinois, finally moving to Cookeville following her retirement from the law firm of Kirkland and Ellis in Chicago Illinois. Janie is preceded in death by her husband Albert ‘Buddy’ Kendziora. Janie is survived by her children Mark (Laura) Simos, Greg (Cathy) Simos, Kathy (Tom) Lillie and stepson Tim Kendziora, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. Janie is also survived by her sister Joanne (Ledbetter) Byrd. Janie was a vegetarian most of her life, who loved to dance, crochet, walk, read and spend time with her family. She also loved attending Sunday services at the Algood United Methodist Church, followed by lunch with her fellow parishioners. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral Services for Reba Elise Luna, age 88 of Sparta, will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Erik Cremeans officiating. Burial will follow in Old Zion Cemetery. She passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023, at her home. She was born January 26, 1935 in Sparta, and she was the daughter of the late Joseph O’Dell and the late Eddie Brock O’Dell. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and grandmother. Elise was a woman of strong faith and loved the Lord and was a strong inspiration for others. She always had a giving heart and a helping hand. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, WH Luna; sons, Jerry Luna, Jimmy Luna, Jackie Luna, and Jeffrey Luna; infant daughter, Debbie Luna; brothers, Kenneth O’Dell, Clayton O’Dell, and Terry O’Dell; sisters, Roberta Wilson, Betty Jo Luna, and Shirley Hodge. Survivors include: Sister- Dean Masters (Ray); Brother- Harold O’Dell; Daughter-in-Law- Linda Kay Luna; Sister-in-Law- Liz O’Dell; Grandson- Jeremy Shoemaker (Lorretta); Great-Grandchildren- Lyla Shoemaker and Jake Shoemaker; Step-Grandchildren- David Wilder (Lela) and Danny Wilder (Lisa); 7 Step-Great-Grandchildren; Special boys- Josh and Mikie; A host of nieces, nephews, and friends also survive. The family will welcome friends on Thursday from 10:00 AM until time of the service at the funeral home.

A funeral service for Danny Wayne Walker, 62 of Cookeville, will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Presley Funeral Home with the Pastor Mike Gillock officiating. Interment will follow in Stone Seminary Cemetery in Cookeville. He went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Born Friday, June 9, 1961 in Cookeville, he was the son of the late Henry Walker and the late Geraldine “Jerry” Walker Foucault. He was raised by his mother Jerry and step-father Raymond “Frenchy” Foucault. Danny is remembered for his love of camping, fishing, being outdoors, traveling, and his classic rock CDs. When the weather was right, Danny practically lived at the campgrounds of Lilydale and Dale Hollow and was known as “The Mayor” due to how frequently he stayed there. He took his dogs Layla and Zeba each time. Danny enjoyed traveling, often taking his children to Dollywood, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge, as well as going to as many concerts as possible. Most recently he enjoyed seeing KC and the Sunshine Band, and his next concert would have been Wayne Newton. Danny enjoyed the hustle and bustle of auctions, regularly attending each week. Bucket list items for Danny was seeing the Grand Canyon and canoeing the Caney and many, many other concerts. Before his disability, Danny was a railroad and construction worker and was proud to be able to provide for his family. Danny was a proud member of the US Coast Guard. Surviving are daughters, Millie (Billy Joe) Phipps of Crossville, Cassie (Rob) Carey of Crossville, Tawana (Toby) Kouns of Virginia, Madora Allen of Indiana; son, Preston Blake Walker of Cookeville, Isaiah Allen of Indiana; Grandchildren, Jeremiah, Noah, and Natalie (and Bryson to come) Carey, Aydan and Rilann Sutton, and many others; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by son, Jadon James Walker, and step-daughter, Shiloh Jean Elmore. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Presley Funeral Home.

Memorial services for Austin Garrett Ryan, 36 of Cookeville, will be held on Thursday, September 28 2023, at 6 P.M. at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home with Jeremiah Sells officiating. The family has chosen cremation. Austin Garrett Ryan was born August 6, 1987, in Cookeville, and he passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023 in Cookeville, at the age of 36. He was the son of Mickey Ryan and Tami Ryan. On September 18, 2021, he was married to Sonya Ryan, who survives. He was the manager at Rib City in Cookeville. He was preceded in death by his Paternal Grandparents: Lyn Bearl Ryan and Wanena Joan Ryan; and Maternal Grandparents: Hugh Adams and Marilyn Joyce Bustos. Survivors include his Wife: Sonya Ryan of Cookeville; Son: Bryson Garrett Ryan of Cookeville; Daughters: Sharissa Hancock, Jazlynn Hancock, and Falon Roberts; Parents: Mickey Ryan and Tami Ryan of Gainesboro; Brothers: Justin Elliott (Jessica) Ryan of Sparta, and James Drake Matheney of Gainesboro; Sister: Tamicka Joyce (Jerry) Ryan of Crossville; Grandchild: Amiralyn LaCour of Cookeville; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Thursday from 1 P.M. – 6 P.M.

Funeral Service for Larry Glen Farley, 71 of Cookeville, will be held Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 am from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Bro. Ben Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. He passed from this life on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.Larry was born Wednesday, August 27, 1952, in Cookeville, and he was the son of the late David Lee Farley and the late Ara Ethel (Grogan) Farley. Larry owned Farley Masonry Company of Cookeville for many years and was instrumental in building a large number of residential and commercial buildings in and around the Cookeville area still in existence today. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Debbie (King) Farley, daughter, Tracy Farley, and son, Chris Farley, brother, Ronald Farley, and his wife Nancy, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by, Daughter-In-Law, Jill Farley, and Father and Mother-In-Law Nelson and Madeline King. Visitation with the family will be held Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 and again, Friday, September 29, 2023, from 10:00 am until the time of service at Crest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Willow Avenue Church of Christ Meals on Wheels or a favorite charity.

A celebration of life for Margie C. Dyer, 89 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11 A.M. at Union Hill Church of Christ, Bloomington Springs. Bro Randy Bybee from Pippin Church of Christ, her home congregation, will officiate. Mrs. Dyer passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at her residence in Cookeville.  She was married to the late Harold W. Dyer. She worked in retail and was a homemaker, and a member of the Pippin Church of Christ. She is survived by her daughters, Pam (Ronald L.) Winningham, and Vickie (Lance) Wells. The family has chosen cremation. Memorial donations may be made to the Union Hill Flatt Cemetery by contacting the funeral home, or by mailing a check payable to Union Hill Flatt Cemetery, Attn: Gregg Pippin, 600 Gainesboro Hwy, Baxter, TN 38544

Celebration of Life Services for Brian “Bozzy” Boswell, age 41, of Rickman, will be conducted on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 12:00 PM from The Chapel of Goff Funeral Home. Mr. Boswell was born on July 9, 1982, in Livingston, to Joe Boswell of Rickman, Tennessee, and the late Debbie White Boswell. Mr. Boswell passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023, at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Mr. Boswell worked at Transtar in Cookeville. He was a proud member of RENEGADES Motorcycle Club. He was a former Overton County volunteer firefighter and member of the Rescue Squad. In addition to his father, he was survived by his wife Tabatha Conner Boswell of Rickman; 3 sons, Matthew Conner, Lucas Boswell, and Joseph Boswell of Rickman; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law, Randy and Jennifer Boswell of Rickman, Corrie and Ambrea Boswell of Livingston; father-in-law, Elbert Conner of Pickett County, brother-in-law, Daniel (Victoria) Conner of Putnam County; nieces and nephews, Troy, Hadlee, Maddie, Grayson, Ryland, Keelynn, Hayden, Harrison, Harlin, Hayson, Clark, Kinsley, Mason, Grayson, and Maddie. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his son, Nathaniel; nephew, Hayze; mother-in-law, Tami Conner; and brother-in-law, Jeremy Conner. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 9:00 AM until time of services at 12:00 PM.

A memorial service for Ms. Dawn Cheryl Garrison Knoxville, age 73 of McMinnville, with honors by the Tennessee Nurses Honor Guard will be conducted 1:00pm Saturday, September 30, 2023 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. She passed away at 10:02pm Monday, September 25, 2023 at Creekview Health and Rehabilition in Knoxville. Dawn was born May 31, 1950 in Daytona Beach, Florida to the late Donald and Katherine Lecroy Garrison. She served many years as a proud Registered Nurse. Survivors include her son Jason Knoxville of Seymour, TN. Hunter Funeral Home has been entrusted with Dawn’s cremation. The family will receive friends after 11:00am Saturday at Hunter Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life for William Charles Sliger of Baxter, will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 2:00PM at the Faith Fellowship Church in Cookeville. Brother Sterl Paramore will officiate. William Charles Sliger was born in Cookeville on July 29, 1985, to Garry and Cathy (Davis) Sliger. William worked in the construction industry as a pipeline layer. In addition to his parents, he is survived by three children: Brayden Price, William Sliger and Arianna Sliger. Two Sisters & Brother-In-Law: Jennifer Hester & Patrick Cockerell, and Deanna (Sliger) Osluand. His Paternal Grandmother: Betty Bumbalough. Nephews and Niece: Nick and Gabe Hester, Kaden, Kaitlyn, and Zane Pass. He is preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents: William C. Davis Jr. and Francis Davis, Paternal Grandfather: Charlie Sliger, and Brother-In-Law: Geoff Oslund. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00PM until the time of the Celebration of Life at 2:00.