We Remember: Obituaries For Thursday, October 5

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 Thursday, October 5

James Lacy, 92 of Cookeville died Wednesday evening October 4, 2023 in Bailey Manor. Arrangements are pending.

Diane Phillips, age 75, of Monterey, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at St. Thomas Hospital West in Nashville. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

William “Bill” Leroy Cruea, Jr., 59 of Gainesboro, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at his residence. He was born February 29, 1964, in Ohio. He was the son of the late William Leroy Cruea, Sr. and Ruth Katherine Cruea. He was a contractor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Sister: Ronda Routhier. Survivors include his Son: Andy James Cruea of Celina; Daughters: Carmen Paro of Gainesboro, and Sari Ann Cruea of Ohio; Brothers: Michael Cruea of Cookeville, and Ronnie Cruea of Sharon, TN; Sister: Kelly Wiseman of Parker City, IN; and Grandchildren: James Downs, Kolin Noreikas, Kayden Noreikas, Tiffany Cruea and Alana Cruea. Several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive. A private family service will be held, with a celebration of life at a later date.

Funeral services for Willie Joe Russell, Sr., age 87 of Pall Mall, will be held Friday, October 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM from Brown Funeral Chapel with Bro. Rick Cross officiating. The burial will be in Chanute-Campbell Cemetery. He passed away Monday, October 2, 2023 at Pickett Care and Rehab. He was born November 9, 1935 in Pall Mall, to Willie Andrew Russell and Dorothy (Tompkins) Russell. He was a member of Travisville Methodist Church and a veteran serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was a farmer, a former Pickett County commissioner, former soil conservation board member and a former Farm Bureau Insurance (Pickett County) board member. Joe is survived by his wife: Arlene (Campbell) Russell; (2) sons: Joey Russell and wife: Samantha, Jim Russell and wife: Lee; (7) grandchildren: Haley Russell, Hannah Russell-Johns (Gray), Ryan Russell (Danielle), Katie Russell, Kara Dunn (Andrew), Jordan Burch (Chasity) and Michael Burch (Whitney); (7) great-grandchildren: Beau and Tipp Dunn, Waylon, Gabe, Callie, Addie and Ella Burch. Also survived by other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Willie and Dorothy Russell; (2) sisters: Orpha Koger and Odean Stanford; (1) brother: Noble Russell.

Funeral Services for Mr. Larry Eugene Freese, Sr. age 85, of Livingston, will be conducted 1 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2023, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Bro. James Shenko will officiate. Burial to follow in the Overton County Memorial Gardens. Mr. Freese passed from this life on Sunday morning, October 1, 2023, from his home in Livingston. He was born in Flora, Illinois on November 17, 1937, to the late Clarence and Mary Compton Freese. He served his country in the United Stats Army. Larry enjoyed fishing, traveling, crossword puzzles and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved his family and also enjoyed painting pictures. Larry leaves behind his loving wife of 67 years, Mrs. Leona Wyman Freese of Livingston; sons, Randy Freese of the Hardys Chapel Community, Gary Freese and wife Ruth of Hilham, Brad Freese and wife Judy of Plano, IL, and Mark Freese and wife Genevie of Plano, IL; daughter, Teresa Nillis and husband Curt of Aurora, IL; 13 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his son, Larry Freese, Jr.; brothers, Clarence “Hot Shot” Freese, and Paul Freese, Sr.; sisters, Racheal Francher, Georgia Brown, and Wanda Shock. The family will welcome friends on Friday morning from 11 a.m. until time of services.

Funeral Service for Connie Marie (Gullett) Copeland, 81 of Cookeville, will be held Friday, October 6, 2023, at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. She passed from this life on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at her home. Connie was born Thursday, January 1, 1942, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of the late Marvin Ray Gullett and the late Lela May (Pitts) Gullett. Connie was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma, aunt, and friend. She attended Algood Cumberland Presbyterian Church for many years and was the treasurer. Connie was loved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed. Connie is survived by, 2 Sons, Michael Copeland and his wife, Grace, and Patrick Copeland, and his wife, Robin; Granddaughter, Savannah Grace Copeland; 2 Sisters, Norma Richards, and Betty Jo Cowan ; 3 Sisters-in-law, Elaine Burton, Jeanette Crawford, and Margie Copeland; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, David Oliver Copeland, Sister, Margie Edwards, and Brother, Kenneth Gullett. Visitation with the family will be held Friday, October 6, 2023, from 10:00 am until the time of service at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Robert “Big Bob” Leonard Hefflin Jr, 44 of Cookeville, will be at 3 p.m. Friday October 6 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Rev. Robert Utley will officiate. Interment will follow at Algood Heritage Cemetery. He was born February 21, 1979 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA to Debra Fay Fancher and David Kolo. On this day he was adopted by Robert Leonard Hefflin Sr. In 1988 Debra Fancher married A.C. Darty, and with this union two children Alvis “Buzz” Darty and Angela Darty were added to the family. Big Bob gave his life to Christ at an early age. He attended Cookeville High School and later went on to start, own and operate his own business, Big Bob’s Auto Shop in Cookeville. He could take anything apart and put it back together, with a little help from Marty. Bobby was a “gentle giant” and a “Momma’s Boy.” He was a boisterous, opinionated entrepreneur. He loved to cook, decorate, and was quick to jump on the grill while listening to some 90’s R&B music. There was never a dull moment in his presence. His lively laughter could fill a room. To know him was to love him. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Jesse and Carol Wright and Armentha Peek-Wright; his fathers David Kolo and Robert Hefflin Sr.; and brother, Alvis “Buzz” Darty. He leaves behind his mother and stepfather Debra and Levins Fancher of Bowling Green, KY; sisters, Dana Robinson of KY; Angela Darty of IN; brothers Frank, Jackie, and Curtis Robinson of TN. Big Bob is survived by nine children, four daughters, Kessiah Hefflin, Zykira Caperton, Brooklynn Shank, and Hailey Ashley all of TN; five sons Tyshawn Kolo Breedlove, Lybraun Caperton, Javan, Malachi, and Bobby “Lil Bobby” Hefflin; grandsons, Theodore Breedlove, Thaddeus Breedlove, Denver Caperton, and Lorenzo Omelas, granddaughter, Mehlani Hefflin; nephews: Devin Geer, Immanuel and Curtisi Robinson, Tyson and Aaron Darty; nieces: Brooklyn, Mariah, and Ahjanay Darty, Taccara Robinson, and Deauna Mitchell and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Also, his lifelong partner Kimberly Tidwell; special friends: Marty Martin, Rico King, and Patrick Goolsby; and special family, uncle Scottie and Aunt Margaret, Bebra and Anna Wright. His family will receive friends Friday from 1 p.m. until service time.

Funeral Services for Mr. Louis Smith, age 88, of Allons, will be conducted 3 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2023, from the chapel of Livingston Funeral Home. Bro. Randy Alsip and Bro. Rick Carpenter will officiate. Burial to follow in the Bethel Cemetery in Timothy. Mr. Louis passed from this life on Wednesday morning, October 4, 2023, from the Overton County Health and Rehab. He was born at home in the Timothy Community on June 13, 1935, to the late Walter and Mary Sells Smith. Louis was a member of the Allons Baptist Church. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed Nascar Races. His greatest joy was his family, gospel music and going to church. Louis leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Parazetta Davis Smith of Allons; sons, Donald Smith of Algood, and Steve Harris of Dayton, OH; daughters, Amanda Scott of Algood, and Lisa Mueller and husband Matthew of Los Angeles, CA; grandson, Aaron Threet; brothers, Peck Smith and wife Jean of Livingston, and Bruce Smith of Allons. In addition to his parents, Louis was preceded in death by his daughter, Christy Reagan; sisters, Clarie Hunter, Maxine Harlow, and Ruby Maynord; brothers, Delon Smith and Talmadgene Smith. and grandson, Brandon Threet. The family will welcome friends on Friday from 1 p.m., until time of services.

Graveside Service for Roger Dale Culwell, 65 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11:00 am at Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery with Bro. John Pippin officiating. Interment will follow the service. He passed from this life on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at NHC Healthcare Cookeville. Roger was born Thursday, July 31, 1958, in Nashville, and he was the son of the late Boyd Lige Culwell and Linda Kay (Matthews) Culwell. Roger was a loving son, brother, husband, father, Papa, uncle, and friend. He loved anything cowboy, and he was an evangelist and felt called to reach people for God. Roger is survived by, 3 Daughters, Nickie Rogers and her husband, Keith, Carla Bundrant and her husband, Doug, and Regina Geer and her husband, Kyle; 8 Grandchildren, Breanna Short and her husband, Joey, Jake Rogers and his wife, Makayla, Trey Bundrant and his wife, Ashlynn, Andrew Bundrant, Mary Grace Bundrant, Alyssa Geer, Jenna Geer, Lakyn Geer, and Bretton Geer; 2 Great-Grandchildren, Emerson Bundrant, and Mallory Rogers; Mother, Linda Culwell; Sister, Debra Bates; Brother, Jon Culwell; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to his father, Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Culwell; 2 Brothers, Jimmy Ray Culwell, and Timothy Lynn Culwell.

Funeral Service for Charles Thomas Green, 80 of Sparta, will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 12:00 PM in the Chapel of Thurman Funeral Home with Bro. Andy Cannon. Burial will be at Copeland Chapel Cemetery. He passed away on October 4, 2023 in Cookeville. Charles was born on November 22, 1942 in Sparta. He is preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Green; son, Charles Lee Green; daughter, Delores Hale; parents, Shirley and Mary Green; siblings, John, Lloyd, Shirley Jr., and Wilene. He survived by sons, Shawn (Erica) Green and Casey (Beth) Walker; daughters, Becky, Brenda, Linda, Pam, Jessie; grandchildren, Cameron (Arlyn) Green, Ashley (Chris) Ballew, Marina (Brandon) Young, Destiny, Whitney, Tracy, Sharlene, Kenny, Carol Lee, Lisa, Charles, Nicole; great-grandchildren, Kali, Caiden, Joel, Skylar, Addison, Lily, Gabe, Colton, John, Adalyn, Raelynn, Nevaeh, along with a host of other great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and loved ones. There will be a visitation in the Chapel of Thurman Funeral Home on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Thurman Funeral Home.

Funeral services Stella Tracy Richards Madison, 53 of the Stone community of Jackson County, will be held on Saturday, October 7 2023, at 12 Noon at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro, with Bro. Randy Heady officiating. Burial will follow in the John L. Clark Memorial Cemetery in Gainesboro. She was born August 22, 1970, in Jackson County, and she passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. She was the daughter of the late Mary Helen Richards, and a member of the New Hope Baptist Church. She was a resident of the Stone community of Jackson County. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her Maternal Grandparents: Edd Thomas and Stella Mae Young. Survivors include her Son: Adam Thomas Richards of Gainesboro; Daughter: Adriane Mai Madison of Gainesboro; Sister: Susan (Tony) Ballentine of Gainesboro; Grandchildren: Annabelle Kowalski, Caddy Mai Lewis, and Cali Lewis; and Special Friend: Carolyn Madison. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 A.M. until time of services. Memorial donations may be made to assist with funeral expenses by contacting the funeral home.

Funeral Services for Shirley Ann Furman, age 81 of Sparta, will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Bear Cove Baptist Church with Riv Temple officiating. Burial will follow in Plainview Cemetery in Cassville. She passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital in Sparta. She was born May 25, 1942 in Trenton, New Jersey, and she was the daughter of the late Charles Heater and the late Alice Wolverton Heater. She loved crafts, flowers, cooking,her family, and the ladies in her Sunday school class. She was a member of Bear Cove Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Furman and granddaughter, Alicia Rose. Survivors include: Daughters- Christine Furman (William Rockwood) of Sparta; Carolyn Moore of Paulding, OH; and Suzanna Adams (Robin) of Sparta; Grandchildren- Brandon Greiner, Dakota Greiner, Joseph Rose, Jason Moore, Jessica Moore, Chris Adams, and Rebecca Rose; 14 Great-Grandchildren. The family will welcome friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until time of the service at the church.

Funeral Services for Bobbie Sue Bowman, 78 of Monterey, will be conducted on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 1:00 PM from The Chapel of Goff Funeral Home. Internment will follow in the Welch Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Her life journey began December 10th, 1944, when Bobbie Sue was born to the late John D. and Hennie Stevens of Monterey. She was preceded in death by: Johnny Stevens, James Stevens, Mott (Linda) Stevens, JD (Marla) Stephens, Mary Jane (Frank) Clark; a special cousin, Paul (Brenda) Stevens; and a sister-in-law, Carrie (Cluster) Hite. Bobbie was the devoted wife to the late James Harold (Jim) Bowman for 28 years. Bobbie and Jim were childhood sweethearts who lost touch when he joined the army, but eventually found their way back to one another and formed a loving family. Bobbie was a cherished mother to Bayron (Kris) Botkin, Regena Murphy, Mark Bowman, Johnny (Penny) Bowman, Joey (Angie) Bowman, and Candy (Aaron) Degnan. As a grandmother, she was a source of endless joy to numerous grandchildren, each of whom she treasured deeply: Brad, Wesley (Hollie), Gerald, Craig, Taylor (David), Logan, Jada, Austin, Brittney, Michael, Michaela, Jamison, Justin (Rachel), Christopher (Brinton) Cameron (Ansley), Jeremy, Devon, Dalton, and Dawson. Her great grandchildren include: Ella, Elie, Elaina, Kaiden, Dewayne, Maverick, Rohan, Finley, Bryleigh, Bryson, and Bryonna. Her love of family extends to her nieces, nephews, and cousins with special mention of Lacy (Brent) Jackson with Aiden, Ronnie and Angie Clark, and Thomas (Jennifer) Stevens with Dalton who shared their love, support, and homes with her. She is eternally grateful for her family’s love. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 11:00 AM until time of services at 1:00 PM.

Funeral services honoring Waymon Earl Dyer, 74 of Cookeville, will be at 3 p.m. Saturday October 7 at the Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Wayne Sullivan and Rich Stone will officiate. Interment will follow at Crest Lawn Cemetery. He passed away on October 3, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Born on March 17, 1949, in Jackson County, Waymon lived a life characterized by love, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family, work, and faith. Waymon spent 46 fulfilling years working at Cummins Filtration in Cookeville, where he was not just an employee, but a valued member of the community. His colleagues remember him as a hardworking and dedicated individual, always willing to lend a hand. A man of deep faith, Waymon was a dedicated member and deacon at Gentry Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. His unwavering belief and commitment to his faith were an inspiration. He also held the esteemed position of Past Master of the Cookeville Masonic Lodge #266 F&AM, a testament to his leadership and dedication to service. Waymon was known for his big heart and friendly demeanor. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. His generosity extended beyond his family and friends, touching the lives of countless individuals in the community. He was a beacon of kindness and compassion, always ready with a warm smile and a helping hand. Waymon is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Mildred Ann Bumbalough Dyer, his loving mother, Maggie Elise Medlin Dyer, and his two devoted sons, Thomas Shawn Dyer and Tim (Amanda) Dyer. He also leaves behind his brother, Roger (Cindy) Dyer, and his sister, Roberta (Maurice) Parsons. Waymon’s legacy lives on in his grandchildren, Aaron (Bailey) Dyer, Reuben Dyer, Samuel Dyer, and Ethan Dyer, as well as his great-grandchildren, Jude and Silas Dyer. The family is also joyfully anticipating the arrival of a third great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Leon Dyer, and his brother, James Shurrell Dyer. His family will receive friends Friday from 5 – 8 p.m with a Masonic Service beginning at 6 p.m. His family will also welcome friends Saturday from 1 p.m. until service time.

A memorial service to honor Mrs. Rosemary Twilla Jarvis, age 88 of Sparta, and her late husband John D. Jarvis, 88 of Sparta, will be conducted 4:00pm Sunday, October 8, 2023 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. She passed away on September 3, 2023 at Adams Place in Murfreesboro, where she was loved by the staff and other residents. Rosemary was born April 26, 1935 in Smithville to the late Dr. Roy L. and Rosa John Twilla. Rosemary was a graduate of Vanderbilt University. After graduating, she was soon employed by the State of Tennessee as a social worker where she spent her entire career until retirement. Rosemary was active in the Presbyterian Church in Sparta. She enjoyed traveling and spending time at the lake with her late husband John D., who was her constant companion. She will be greatly missed. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband John D. Jarvis, who died April 30, 2020 and her brother Dr. John Kenneth Twilla. Survivors include her two nephews Neil Twilla of Auburntown, Tennessee and John Twilla of Murfreesboro; The family will receive friends after 3:00pm on Sunday at Hunter Funeral Home.

Memorial services for Sherrie Anne Durham, 42 of Cookeville will be Monday, October 9 at 3 PM at the Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston Horner Funeral Home. Bro. Chris Blair will officiate. Sherrie died Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at her home. She was born April 2, 1981 in Torrance, California to Georgette Sullivan Moffatt of Cookeville and the late Don Moffatt. She was a sales manager/sales consultant in a rental center. Sherrie was a member of Eastwood Baptist Church. Survivors in addition to her mother, include husband Joe Durham of Cookeville, daughters Brianna Sullivan and Andrianna Anorve both of Cookeville, sons Jonathon Najharo of California and Jacob Anorve of Cookeville, sister Sandra Russell of Pulaski. The family will receive friends from 2 PM until service time at the funeral home.

A memorial service for Mrs. Carol Rose, age 75 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 3:00 pm at Stevens Street Baptist Church. She passed away September 29, 2023. Her family will receive friends Saturday from 1:00 pm until service time at the church.

A memorial service for Donald Vincent Hynes, age 86, of Cookeville, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday October 21st at the Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Donald passed away on Saturday, September 30th, 2023 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. His family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the 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.