News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Here are the latest obituaries and notices as provided by the funeral homes serving Cookeville, Baxter, Monterey, Sparta, Gainesboro and Livingston.
News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 brings you the daily obituaries each morning, Monday through Saturday, at 7:25am, during The Upper Cumberland This Morning and afternoons at 5:25pm during The Upper Cumberland At 5.
Local news, weather and sports on your way to and from work from News Talk 94.1/AM 1600.
Obituaries For Tuesday, December 19
Funeral services for Phyllis J. Hall age 80 of Allons, will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 10 AM from the chapel of the Hall Funeral Home in Livingston with burial to follow in the Overton County Memorial Gardens. She passed from this life on Saturday, December 16, 2023 in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Phyllis Hall was born on Monday, July 5, 1943 in Checotah, McIntosh Co., Oklahoma to the late LB and Dannie Pearl (Mangrum) Pollard. She was a member of the Allons Baptist Church; Phyllis was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved going to church and spending time with her family. Phyllis will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind her husband Ronald Hall, Sr; One Daughter and son-law: Rhonda and David Smith; One Son and daughter in-law: Ronald, Jr and Amy Hall; 2 Granddaughters: Terra Walker and her husband Scotty, Hannah Adams and her husband David; 3 Grandsons: Rodney Smith and his wife Jessica, Joshua Hall, Zackery Hall; 8 Great Grandchildren: Brodey Walker, Audrey Smith, Cambryn Walker, Daniel Adams, D.J. Adams, Maci Smith, Colton Dulworth, Ella Dulworth along with a host of nieces, nephews; In addition to her parents, Phyllis is preceded in death by 1 Daughter: Terri Hall; She was the baby of 14 children and she leaves behind 1 Sister: Mary Anson of Checotah, Oklahoma; The family will welcome friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, December 19th starting at 6 PM until 9 PM.
Funeral Services for Terry Swallows, age 65, of Monterey, will be conducted on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM from The Chapel of Goff Funeral Home. Rev. Glen Murphy will officiate with interment to follow in the Muddy Pond Cemetery. Mr. Swallows was born on Friday, June 6, 1958, in Crossville, to the late Kernel Bruno Swallows and Eliza Jane Padgett Swallows. Mr. Swallows passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023, at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Mr. Swallows worked with Kroger for 20 plus years as a grocery stocker. He worked with Perdue for several years. He is survived by his sister, Diane Stiles of Crawford; brother-in-law, Rev. Glen Murphy; nieces and nephews, Daniel (Aimee) Murphy, Kevin (Amber) Stiles, Christopher (Lori) Murphy, Melissa (Johnny) Pryor, Sherry (Ronald) Sisco. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Violet Murphy and Mable Christian. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, from 10:00 AM until time of services at 11:00 AM.
Funeral services for Irene Becker, 83 of Sparta, will be held on Wednesday, December 20th, 2023 will be at 1:00 PM at Thurman Funeral Home. A beloved wife, daughter, sister, and aunt, she passed away peacefully on December 16, 2023. She was a cherished member of her community and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Irene was born on November 16, 1940, in Rickman, to William Clenie Breeding Sr. and Nora Lee Breeding. Irene married the love of her life, Lonnie Ray Becker, and together they built a life filled with joy and happiness. They shared many wonderful memories and created a lasting legacy of love that will forever be cherished. Irene leaves behind a legacy of love in the hearts of her surviving family members. She is survived by her siblings James Breeding of CA, Betty Rigsby of Morrison, William Breeding of Rock Island, Jerry Breeding of Sparta. Irene had a special place in her heart for her nephews: Robert Rigsby of Morrison; David Rigsby of McMinnville; Jimmy Breeding and Bobby Breeding of CA; nieces Donna (Jeff) Walker of Morrison; Barbra Breeding of Crossville; Kathy Walner of CA; Regina Campbell pf McMinnville. Irene was known for her kindness, generosity, and warm-hearted nature. She always had a smile on her face and an open ear for those in need. Her warm spirit touched the lives of many people within the community. Irene will forever be remembered for her unwavering love and devotion to her family. She was a pillar of strength and support, always there to lend a helping hand or provide words of encouragement. Her legacy as a loving wife, daughter, sister, and aunt will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A visitation will take place on December 20th, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. In honor of Irene’s life and legacy, contributions may be made in her name to a charity close to your heart.
Funeral services for John Thomas Hall, age 79 of Sparta, will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. Eugene McComas officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Cemetery. He passed from this life on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville. John was born Friday, December 8, 1944 in Twinton, he was the son of the late Johnny Hall and the late Lassie McDonald Hall. John is survived by: wife- Judy Hart Hall; children- Duane Hall, Amy Hall (Scott Wells), Michael Hart, Sherry Brown (Jeff Brown), Willie “Roscoe” Hart ( Nicole Hart), and Deedee Matheny; grandchildren- Clara Wells, Duncan Wells, Michael Hart, Michelle Hart, Sarah Jones, Alivia Hart, and Hank Matheny; great-grandchildren- Cash Hart, Braxton Jones, Paisley Jones, Berkley Jones, and Ashton Hart; sisters- Mary Lou Wells, Anita Slaven (Royce), Velma Chesser (Keith), and Lisa Kirby; brother- Michael Hall; Many other family members and friends also survive. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by four brothers, James Hall, Waymon Hall, John Allen Hall, and John Hall. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, and again Wednesday, from 9:00 AM until time of the service at funeral home.
Funeral services for Randy “Satchel” Johnson, 60 of Gainesboro, will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 1 P.M. at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home with Bro. Jimmy Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in the John L. Clark Cemetery in Jackson County. He was born August 31, 1963, in Jackson County, and he passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville. He was the son of James Johnson and Helen Sue Johnson. He was a factory worker. He was of Church of Christ faith. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Donald Johnson of Ohio, Lucille Johnson of Gainesboro, James and Ruby Stafford of Gainesboro. Survivors include his parents: James and Helen Sue Stafford Johnson of Gainesboro and sister, Sandy (Johnson) Asbel, also, of Gainesboro. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 3 P.M. – 7 P.M., and Wednesday from 11 A.M. until time of services.
Funeral services for Steven “Steve” Nelson Winfree, 63 of Baxter, will be Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Presley Funeral Home in Cookeville. Interment will follow in Crest Lawn Cemetery. He passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 in Indianapolis. Steven was a former pilot, enjoying air shows, and an avid radio-controlled airplane fan. He enjoyed watching old westerns, ghost and conspiracy theory shows as well as Star Wars and Star Trek. Steven was born November 17, 1960 in Cordoba, Argentina to the late Alvin and Ruth Winfree. He graduated from Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis and Vincennes University. He was a member of the Baxter Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Ruth Winfree. Survivors include his daughters, Victoria “Tor” Brockhaus-Winfree (Craig Brockhaus), Kristina “Tina” Henderson (Paul Henderson), and Samantha “Sam” Thomas (Josh Thomas). Seven grandchildren, Conner, Aidan, and Isabelle Henderson; Bailee, Kylee, Emilee, and Karlee Brockhaus; his brother, James “Jim” Winfree; nephews, Thomas and Timothy Winfree; Aunt Lela Winfree; and several cousins. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Funeral services for Joe Maxwell, 73 of Baxter, will be Wednesday, December 20 at 2 PM at the Baxter Chapel of Hooper Huddleston Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Dobbs Cemetery in Putnam County. Mr. Maxwell died Sunday morning, December 17, 2023 at his home. He was born June 20, 1950 in Putnam County to the late Earnest Vestle and Fannie Bell Davis Maxwell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in- law James Dale Delaney, sisters Wanda Carol Vickers and Shirley Jean Fields, his in-laws William and Ruth Herron Sherrell. Joe was of the Pentecostal faith and loved Jesus. He retired from Norwalk of Cookeville with over 22 years of service as an edger. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, taking care of his lawn, playing the guitar, spending time with family and friends and especially his grandson, Peyton. Survivors include wife, best friend and soulmate of 55 years, (Married August 8, 1968) Ruby Sherrell Maxwell of Baxter, daughters Melissa Ann Delaney, Kimberly Denise Goodman and David Richard Tucker, son Joe Kenneth Maxwell, Jr. and Michelle Edmonds all of Baxter, sisters Margie Jones, Patricia “Pat” (Roger Dale) James all of Silver Point, Rosie (Carlos, Sr.) Huddleston of Baxter, Darlene (Wayne) Felt of Cookeville, grandchildren: William Lewis (Amanda) Delaney, Erica Lee Goodman and Michael David Snapp, Brandon Lee Goodman, Peyton Scott Tucker, Stephanie Kay Maxwell, William Maxwell, great-grandchildren: Troy Drake Brown, Zachariah Sage Brown, Zane Alexander Delaney, Addie Grace Maxwell and August Frank Snapp. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 3 to 8 PM. and after 10 AM Wednesday until service time at the funeral home.
Graveside Services for Wilma Ann Payne, age 78 of Sparta, will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Rose Chapel Cemetery with Jonathan Burns officiating. She passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at her home. She was born July 28, 1945 in Sparta, and she was the daughter of the late Willard Allen and the late Edith Scott Allen. Wilma loved people, therefore excelled at her job as a switchboard operator. She was the friendly, familiar voice at Edd Rogers Chevrolet for over 40 years. Wilma loved UT football. Also, being a former WCHS basketball star herself, she was an avid follower of Pat Summitt’s Lady Vols. Most of all, Wilma LOVED her family. Her husband, Sid, of 60 years; sons, Brian and Brad; daughters-in-law, Wendi and Tracey; grandchildren, Kyle, Tyler, Kyle T., Brittany; and her many great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Allen. Survivors include: Husband of 60 Years- Sid Payne; Sons- Brian Payne (Wendi) and Brad Payne (Tracey); Grandchildren- Kyle Payne (Ashley), Tyler Payne, Kyle Thompson (Stephanie), and Brittany Wong (Mickey); Great-Grandchildren- Ella Payne, Luke Payne, Makenzie Thompson, Cameron Thompson, Emory Wong, and Avery Wong.
Funeral services honoring Horace Jeffrey “Jeff” Fleming, 82 of Algood, will be at 1 p.m. Thursday December 21 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Bro Richard Bond will officiate. Interment will follow at Algood City Cemetery. A cherished husband, brother, uncle, and friend, he passed away peacefully on December 17, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Born on July 31, 1941, in Overton Co, Jeff’s life was marked by his loving nature, kindness, and an admirable dedication to his community and family. Jeff’s journey began as the son of Horace C. Fleming and Ruby Lucille Green Fleming, both of whom, along with his beloved niece Wanda Maxwell, sister-in-law Ann Bowman, and two brother-in-laws Harold Bowman and Bill Graham preceded him in death. His roots were grounded in the values passed down from his maternal grandparents, Ezra and Mae Green, and paternal grandparents, Frank and Lanie Fleming, all of whom left an indelible mark on his character. Jeff was a proud 1959 graduate of Algood High School, his commitment to friends and his community was evident early on. For over half a century, Jeff shared a beautiful and enduring love with his wife, Brenda Phy Fleming. Their marriage was a testament to devotion, having taken their vows on June 25, 1971, at Brenda’s parents’ house. Together, they navigated the joys and challenges of life, their bond only strengthening with each passing year. Jeff’s love extended to his sister, Gail Graham, and his brother-in-law, James Phy, and his wife Carolyn. He was a cherished uncle to his nephew, Gary Bowman, and niece, Heather Dickerson, along with her husband Tim. Jeff took great joy in the lives of his great nephews, Anthony Maxwell and Jackson Reese, and great-great niece and nephew, Tobias and Allison, delighting in their accomplishments and milestones. Professionally, Jeff dedicated 35 years of service as a lineman with Upper Cumberland Electric, where his hard work and reliability were well-known. His commitment to his work was paralleled only by his involvement in the community, particularly as a member of the Algood Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Jeff’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing him strength and solace throughout his years. His family will receive friends Thursday from 11 a.m. until service time.
Funeral services for Mrs. Elise Ragland Huff, age 92 of Sparta, a native of Jackson County, will be conducted 1:00pm Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Sparta First United Methodist Church with burial in Highland Cemetery. She passed away Monday, December 18, 2023 at Signature Healthcare in Algood. Mrs. Huff was born June 9, 1931 in the Nameless community. She was last surviving child born to the late Sidney Alphaeus and Sarah Ann Kirby Ragland. She was a longtime Granville Postmaster. After retirement, she moved to Sparta to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Elise loved to travel and being on the go. Her favorite getaways were with her postmaster friends to postal conventions, and more importantly, to Newport Beach, California to visit with her children and grandchildren. She spent many Thanksgivings in California, happily packing suitcases full of food and her famous rolls for their meal together. Elise was an active member of the Sparta First United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and served as church secretary for several years. If she was not visiting with family, she could be found at her weekly Bridge game or at home taking care of her beloved cat, Millie. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her son, Marion Hale Halfacre who died June 9, 2007; daughter Teresa June Dicus who died April 30, 2018; husband Mr. Carl Huff; father of her children, Everett “Elb” Halfacre; brothers, Bedford, Vernon, Savage, Verble, Lester, Cordell, and Guy Ragland; and sisters, Bessie Brown, Ethel Brown, Daris Apple, Nell Barton and Bobbye Williams. Surviving family members that fondly knew her as Mimi include her daughter Sarah Verble and husband Bruce of Cookeville. Son-in-law: Buddy Dicus of Sparta; Daughter-in-law: Lula Halfacre of Newport Beach, California; Grandchildren: Ashley Dicus and wife Amber of Sparta, Blake Dicus and wife Jackie of Hendersonville, Summer Wood and husband Patrick of Old Hickory, Carly Verble of Los Angeles, CA., Erik Halfacre of California and Natalie Halfacre of Australia; Eight great-grandchildren. A host of beloved nieces and nephews also survive. The family will receive friends after 11:00am Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Tangent Children’s Christmas Party affectionately known as “Buddy’s Kids” or Granville Heritage Musuem in care of Hunter Funeral Home PO Box 90, Sparta, TN 38583
Funeral Services for Billy Qualls, 86 of Livingston, will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Cemetery. He passed from this life on December 16, 2023, in Sparta. He was born on August 15, 1937 in Overton County, the first child of William Harrison Qualls and Willie Ethel McCulley Qualls. Billy was a much-loved husband, daddy, “Pa,” brother, uncle, and brother-in-law. A proud McCulley and Bilbrey, he was a friend, a helping hand, and a supportive shoulder for many. A man of many talents and gifts, Billy left his mark in the world through masonry. His hands laid the cornerstones for many homes and schools, and they stand, along with his family, as his legacy. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his brother,Thomas Gatewood Qualls; and his sister, Linda Qualls Steward. Billy leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 67 years, Dora Mae Woody Qualls; daughters, Shelia Qualls Cockcroft (Jesse) of Dorchester, South Carolina and Kimberly Qualls Bodner (Steven) of Porto, Portugal; granddaughter, Chelsea Lauren Cates “CC” of Austin, Texas; and grandson, Jordan Gatewood Cockcroft “J-man” of Dorchester, South Carolina. The family will welcome friends on Thursday from 12:00 PM until time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a cause dear to Billy’s heart, the restoration fund for the Bilbrey family cemetery. Donations can be sent to The Bilbrey Family Reunion at One Bank of Tennessee in Livingston at 1477 West Main Street, Livingston, TN 38570.
Funeral Services for J.V. Roberts, age 88 of Sparta, will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 22, 2023, at North Sparta Church of God with Emory Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Cemetery. He passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023, at his home. He was born January 31, 1935 in Sparta, and he was the son of the late William Vance Roberts and the late Liddie Virginia Smith Roberts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Jean Roberts; daughter, Leah Faith Roberts; 13 sisters, LoQuita Joy Judkins, Lella Jean Luna, Ruby Nell Edge, Betty Rowena Roberts, Ola Vee Roberts, Beulah Mae Oakwood, Margaret Cole, Jessie Rice, Christine Swift, Vera Lee Wagoner, Mary Kostelny, Brenda Lou Brown, and Linda Sue McGinniss; and 4 brothers, Vivian Roberts, William Carl Roberts, Richard Roberts, and Robert Douglas Roberts. Survivors include: Daughters- Dena Simmons (Mike) of Sparta; Hope Brown (Jim) of Sparta; and Loel Thompson (Emory) of Sparta; Grandchildren- Jill Thomas (Anthony), Jay Simmons (Mica), Alicia Baker (Bryan), Josh O’Connor, Jordan Brown (Andrea), Jinya Martin (Preston), Whitney Newport (Allen), and Isaac Thompson (Cassidy). 7 Great-Grandsons and 4 Great-Granddaughters also survive. The family will welcome friends on Thursday, December 21, 2023, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM and again on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 9:00 AM until time of the service at the church.
Funeral services for Bettie Mae (Winningham) Dowdy, age 75 of Byrdstown, will be held Friday, December 22, 2023 at 1:00 PM from Brown Funeral Chapel with Bro. Travis Simpson and Bro. Rick Cross officiating. The burial will be in Edgefield Cemetery. She passed away Monday, December 18, 2023 at Livingston Regional Hospital. She was born November 15, 1948 in Byrdstown, TN to Willis ‘Buster’ Winningham and Sibbie Arlene (Franklin) Winningham. She attended Calvary Bible Church, was a former dispatcher for Pickett County Sheriff’s Department and a homemaker. Bettie is survived by her husband: Edward ‘Hawkeye’ Dowdy; (1) daughter: Tammy Asberry and husband: Michael; (2) sons: Dana Dowdy and wife: Misty, David Dowdy and companion: Angie Pickens; (10) grandchildren and (3) great-grandchildren; (1) sister: Ruby Prodromides. Also survived by other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her father: Buster Winningham; mother: Arlene Rock; (2) sisters: Johnnie Starkey and Peggy Petree. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Brown Funeral Chapel.
Funeral services for Mr. Walter Lytal, 97 of Cookeville will be held Friday December 22 at 1 pm in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery. His family will receive friends Friday from 11 am until service time at the funeral home.
A celebration of life for Marine Bumbalough, age 83, of Cookeville, will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 3pm in the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home in Sparta. She passed away on November 4, 2023, in Apopka, Florida. She was born on February 14, 1940. Marine was a brilliant homemaker, devoted wife of 59 years to Terry Bumbalough, loving mother of two children, grandmother (Emma) to five grandchildren and blessed by many great friendships. Marine was an artist, known for her talent in painting. She started her artistic journey when her husband went to Vietnam, and she began creating beautiful paintings. Over time, her passion evolved into craft books, and collectible dolls that were cherished by collectors across America. She created art pieces under the label ‘Sweet Expressions’, referencing lyrics from the hymn ‘Sweet, Sweet Spirit’ by Doris Mae Akers, and for the doll’s unique hand painted faces that highlight the individual qualities of all God’s people. Marine is survived by her loving husband, Terry Bumbalough, her sister Hellan (Teen) Shown, her son Randy Bumbalough, and five grandsons: Whitten, Alex and Rhye Bumbalough, and Parker and Chase Robinson. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Marci Robinson, her parents, Orley and Dorothy Maynard, and her sisters, Barbara Thomas, and Mable Willoughby. A visitation will be held from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, January 20, 2024 in the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home in Sparta. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Marine Bumbalough.
