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 Thursday, November 21
James Ray Griffin, age 81 of Cookeville, passed away peacefully on November 17. A memorial service will be held at a future date. He was born on December 12, 1942, in Nashville. He leaves behind a legacy that embodies kindness, intellect, and dedication. James earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from Vanderbilt University and his Ph.D. at Duke University. After a distinguished career at Texas Instruments in Dallas, TX, he retired with his wife Brenda to the beautiful, friendly town of Cookeville so that both could spend much more time with their families in Nashville and East Tennessee. As an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Engineering at Tennessee Tech, he shared his knowledge and experience with students and encouraged their academic pursuits. He was active in the Cookeville Cameral Club for a number of years, and he shared with Brenda an appreciation of the beauty of the world through photography. James is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Griffin, and his sisters, Anne Veevers of Franklin, TN, and Vivian Allen of Lutherville, MD. He is also remembered fondly by his niece, Lisa (Steve) Sachse, and grandnephew, Jacob (Becca) Sachse, both of Lutherville, MD. Additionally, he is survived by his brother-in-law, Earl Johnson, and his niece, Jana (David) Elsea all of Rockwood, TN, and his niece Whitney (Devin) Richert and grandniece Jordan Richert all of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Those wishing to honor James’ memory are encouraged to kindly donate their time, monetary gift or needed items to a church or local charity of their preference.
Richard Bradley “Brad” Kellum, age 51 of Crossville, passed away on November 15, 2024. A celebration of Brad’s life will be held in Woodstock, Alabama to be announced at a later time. Brad was born on December 31, 1972, to Marsha Kay (Kellum) Minter in Birmingham, Alabama. Brad was a current resident of Crossville, but was born and raised in Alabama and is where he spent all his life. He loved Alabama Football, Dale Earnhardt racing and Lynard Skynard. Brad lived simply and loved a good joke. He loved to laugh. He loved his family. He loved God. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Brad is survived by his daughters, Kaylee Knowles (Stephen) and Conchetta Kellum and his 2 grandchildren, Emileigh and Elijah. Brad also leaves behind his loving mother, Kay (Mark Beal), and sister, Angela Harris Oglesby. Brad was the proud uncle to his niece, Khloe McCullar who will always remember him with great love.
A Funeral Mass for Mrs. Rita Lillian Ruggiano, age 95 of Cookeville, will be held Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Her family will receive friends Thursday morning from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.
Funeral Services for Larry Anthony (Tony) Hodge, age 89 of Crossville, will be held Friday, November 22, 2024, at 11 am at Homestead Baptist Church, Crossville. He passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024. He was born to Luthor and Cora Hodge on July 23, 1935, in Crossville, TN. They were among the first Homestead families. Tony grew up in the Cumberland Homesteads, attended Crossville High School and served in the 82nd Army Airborne Division as a paratrooper. He worked as a carpenter for Martini Construction in Cleveland, OH, Tennessee Valley Authority in Spring City, TN and built dozens of homes in the Crossville and Spring City areas. He instilled in his children a deep appreciation for hard work and the origins of their food, teaching them through construction, tending the garden and caring for the farm animals – a legacy of values that will live on in their lives. He enjoyed taking his family camping and fishing. In later years, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and restored vintage tractors. He has nine children. Preceding him in death were Nancy Louise, Richard Orme, their mother, Ruth and Paul Joseph, Larry Anthony Jr., and their mother, Wilma. He is survived by Susan Day (Bobby) of White House, David Hodge of Crossville, Mary Hodge of Denver, CO, Mitch Hodge (Kristie) of Nashville and Troy Hodge of Ft. Walton, FL. He has eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local Habitat for Humanity.
Funeral Services for Chuck Woodley, age 67 of Crossville, will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 5:00 PM. He was born on June 2, 1957, at Grandy Hospital in Atlanta, GA to Joe and Sally Woodley. He attended Southwest Atlanta High School and graduated from the class of 1975. Chuck passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024, at Fort Sanders hospital. Anyone who had the pleasure and the honor to know Chuck was forever touched by his kindness, his laugh, and the way he always go out of his way to help another. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was an amazing stepdad and even more amazing poppa. He will forever be in our hearts. Survivors include daughter, Tosha Gunter (Ray); son, Sean Strock; grandchildren, McKinley Gunter, Austin Gunter, Baylee Gunter, and Landon Hall; sister, Niece Imes; and special friends, Amber, Christian, Colton, Lexi, Kris, and Bobby. Family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 PM prior to the service.
Memorial Services for Virginia (Ginny) E. Schneider, age 89 of Crossville, will be held at Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM. She completed her life on earth on November 10, 2024, in Crossville, after a long illness. She was born 12/29/1934 to Robert E. Puckett and Stella Zeigler Puckett in Wichita, KS and grew up in the Wichita, Hutchinson, and Augusta, Kansas area. She was always excellent in school, going through high school with all A’s and being a very accomplished pianist. She attended Kansas State University, where she met her future husband, Robert M. Schneider, during her first week of college. Two years later, in 1954, they wed and began a wonderful marriage that lasted 69 years until his death in 2023. Together they raised two children, Kathy and Ken. Virginia was a homemaker during her children’s early years but also taught piano lessons, played piano at church, and sang in the choir. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University, her master’s degree at University of Kentucky, and her Doctor of Education at Western Kentucky University. She taught elementary school in Frankfort, Kentucky, and Bowling Green, Kentucky until her retirement in 1994. She and Bob, over those 69 years, lived in several states and even Nigeria, West Africa until they retired and settled in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee. They loved to travel across the United States and even the world, by car, by cruise ship, or by airplane, visiting all 50 states and more than 30 countries. Virginia was the consummate planner, whether it be meals for the week, financial affairs, or two-month driving trips across the country. Sadly, late in life, she developed the mind robbing disease of Alzheimer’s. She is survived by her daughter Kathryn Schneider Fix (Tom Fix), daughter in law Wendy Schneider, and 4 grandchildren Karyn Fix, Kevin Fix (Shawna), Zachery Schneider (Ashley), and Allison Schneider, and brother, Robert E. Puckett, Jr.
Memorial Services for Caleb Josiah Hall, age 23 of Cookeville, will be Saturday, November 23, 2024, at First Baptist Church at 12 Noon. Pastors Alex Melton and Alex Fisher will officiate. He went to be with his Savior on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, surrounded by family. Caleb was born in Seoul, South Korea on Friday, February 2, 2001. On January 31, 2002, Caleb was adopted by Dr. Richard Scott Hall and Patsy “Pat” Lynn Hall. He was the second youngest out of five children. Caleb is remembered for his love of the culinary arts, his family, his friends, and his Lord. As a chef, food was important to him and allowed him to express his creativity and tell stories. He was known for serving an superb prime rib roast and excelled at making desserts from scratch, such as an Avant Garde apple pie and French opera cakes, but he also appreciated the American classics, such as hot dogs and hamburgers. Caleb knew he had found his calling in life when he attended Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, CO, and loved every minute he was there. He shared a special love of food with his dearest niece, Macy. Caleb is survived by his parents, Richard Scott Hall of Cookeville, Patsy Lynn Hall of Cookeville; his siblings Sara Caroline (fiancé Jeremy) Hall of Greensboro, NC, Madeline Bechira Hall of Nashville, Lucas Gabriel (Bethany) Hall of Cookeville, Zoë Isabella Hall of Cookeville. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Scleroderma Foundation and the Youth Department at First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 10:00AM until time of service.
Funeral Services for Lawrence Cardinas, age 89 of Cookeville, will be at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 23, at Crest Lawn Funeral Home. Interment will be in Crest Lawn Cemetery, Cookeville. He passed on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Signature Health Care of Putnam County in Cookeville. Larry was born Friday, January 18, 1935, in Highland Park, Michigan, he was the son of the late Salvador Cardenas and the late Lacadia Sandoval. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Surviving family, Lorinda (Lori) Allgaier and Shelley & Gary Zarick, and four grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Dennis Lee Bartlett, 58 of Cookeville, will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 2:00pm from the Chapel of Whitson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Cooke Cemetery. Mr. Dennis Lee Bartlett was born on July 19, 1966, in Dayton, Ohio to the late James and Alice (Sherfield) Bartlett. Dennis worked most of his life in construction as a contractor. He enjoyed live music and especially Harley Davidson motorcycles. He is survived by his son: Michael Bartlett and Sarah Blakenship; Daughter: Christina (Tyler) Agee; Grandkids: Eric, Gabriella, Connor, and Ethan. The mother of his children: Patricia; Plus, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation will be held Friday, November 22, from 5:00-9:00pm and Saturday, November 23rd from 7:00am till time of the service at 2:00pm.
Memorial Services for Shirley King, age 88 of Cookeville, will be held November 23, 2024, at United Freewill Baptist Church, at 2pm. A dedicated business leader and beloved family man, he passed away on November 10, 2024, at Standing Stone Care and Rehabilitation Center. Born on April 6, 1936, in Cookeville, Tennessee, he lived a life marked by both professional achievement and deep familial bonds. Mr. King was self-employed and played a significant role in the restaurant industry in Cookeville for many years. Along with his brother Nelson, he owned and operated several Tastee-Freeze Restaurants throughout the Upper Cumberland area, establishing a legacy of community service and entrepreneurship that touched many lives. Shirley was the proud father of Larry King, wife Robin King, residing in Wilmington, NC, and Mark King of Cookeville. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Lee King of Conway, SC, and his former wife and mother of his children, Jean King. His family grew to include adoring grandchildren: Wendy Western of Cookeville, Dr. Christopher Ryan King and his wife Molly McCann of St. Louis, MO, Landon Edward King and his wife Elizabeth Robinson King of Brooklyn, NY, and Lana King Garrett and her husband Jake Garrett of Cookeville. In addition to his grandchildren, Shirley’s legacy extends further with four great-grandsons, one great-granddaughter, and two great-great-grandsons. He also shared a special companionship with Wanda McCool. Visitation takes place November 23 from 1pm to 2pm.
Celebration of Life Services for Harold Douglas “Doug” Matthews, age 75, of Cookeville, will be conducted on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 5:00 PM at Church on the Hill. Pastor Justin Grant will officiate. Mr. Matthews was born on Tuesday, September 27, 1949, in Monterey, Tennessee, to the late Fraude O. and Mollie J. Matheney Matthews. Mr. Matthews passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Mr. Matthews was a retired contract manager working with UCHRA for 30 years. He enjoyed his family, was active with Boy Scouts serving as a past Scout Master, and was a very proud Papa. He loved his flowers and gardening. He was a graduate of West Carrollton High School class of 1967 and a member of Church on the Hill. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Laurie Jump Matthews of Cookeville, TN; son and daughter-in-law, Quinton and Kelsey Matthews of Lebanon, TN; 3 grandchildren, Madison, Liberty, and Serenity; sister and brother-in-law, Marcia and Michael LaMusga of West Carrollton, OH; niece, Shannon (Dustin) Sprague; great niece, Olivia; and his dog, Lilah. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Amanda Matthews. The family will receive friends at Church on the Hill on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 3:00 PM until the time of services at 5:00 PM.
A Celebration of Life for Sharon Lynne Schibik (Kelly), age 64 of Livingston, will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Crest Lawn Funeral Home. She passed away on November 14, 2024 at the Livingston Regional Hospital after a lengthy illness. Sharon was born June 20, 1960 in Salem, NJ, and she was the daughter of the late Robert Rollin Kelly and the late Hazel Mae (Stackhouse) Stewart. Sharon was a member of West View Baptist Church in Cookeville and practiced her love for all children that entered her life. She will be remembered by many and forgotten by few. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Joseph Robert Schibik; Sister Sandra L. Green of Cookeville; Brother William Kelly and Sister-In-Law Pamela Kelly of Sevierville TN and Sister Sue L. Kelly of Gatlinburg TN; Children Lezah Peay & Earl Graybeal, Jessica Smith, Jonathan & Nicole Gandy of Cookeville TN, Joseph & Mitzi Schibik of Bowling Green KY and Nathan Schibik of Livingston. In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the funeral home to help with the expenses of the services.
Graveside Services for Joe Richmond “Ted” Johnson, age 97 of Jackson County, will be on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 11am in Rob Draper Memorial Cemetery. He was born January 21, 1927 to Oliver Lee Johnson and Olga Simpson Johnson in the Flynn’s Lick community of Jackson County. He passed away Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Signature Health Care Center in Algood at the age of 97. As a young man, Ted served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, and then went on to graduate from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute with a BS in Health and Physical Education. He coached and taught school in Jackson County and later worked for the Atomic Energy Commission in Oak Ridge, TN as an educator of school students across the United States. He then worked as a stock broker in Knoxville, TN for many years before retiring to Gainesboro. Ted grew up in the Flynn’s Lick community during the Great Depression. His father and uncle owned a general merchandise store which was a focal point of the community for several generations. Ted loved his friends and memories from these years. He later cherished his friendships with Donnie Elkins, Benton Quarles, and the Anderson & Haile staff and coffee crew. He is survived by nieces and nephews, Jackie Johnson Haynes, Jerry Johnson, Don Johnson, Nancy Johnson Chaffin and Melinda Johnson Doty, and a host of beloved grand nieces and nephews. Memorial donations may be made to the donor’s favorite charity by contacting the funeral home.
Memorial Service for Mr. Barry Burks, 67, of Wadley, Alabama will be Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 3:00 pm in Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Burial will be in the McCoy Family Cemetery in Sparta. Mr. Burks passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024. He was born on September 26, 1957 in Fort Myers, Florida to Rex Dene Burks and Lyda Ruth McCoy Burks. He was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Barry worked for many years in the Fort Myers area as an emergency vehicle mechanic before moving to Alabama. Barry loved the Lord and his church very much. He cherished his time spent fishing and fixing anything in sight, however, his love for his children and grandchildren surpassed all else, as evident in every action he took. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly. He is survived by his son, Clayton (Jamie) Burks of Wadley; daughter, Tiffany Harris of Tallassee; grandchildren, Abbie Burks, Rex Burks, Lily Wood, and Lucy Wood; former wife; Iline (Duncan) Ross; sister, Deanne (Benny Crews) Smith; and brother, Michael (Lisa) Burks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist Church 161 Mt. Olive Circle Wadley, AL 36276. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 2:00 pm until Service time.
