We Remember: Obituaries For Thursday, February 29

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, February 29

Danice Verone Taylor, age 76, a McMinnville, (Irving College) native and Baxter, resident went to be with Jesus in paradise after a sudden illness on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Danice was born on April 9, 1947 in McMinnville. He was the son of the late LA and Goldie Taylor. He was preceded in death by loving wife of 58 years, Ann Taylor; parents-in-law, Roscoe and Selma Miller; sister and brother-in-law, Jan Bottoms and Donnie Bottoms, brother-in-law, Johnny Miller; niece and nephew, Kimberley Meche and Marty Bottoms. He is survived by daughters, Amy (Chad) Crouch, Allison (Brandon) Stiles, April Taylor; grandchildren, Britann (Blake) Driver, Brooklyn, Callie and Cassie Crouch, Bryson, Alaina and Bella Stiles, and great-grandson, River Driver. Several other close family and friends also survive. Danice was a former member of Hebron church of Christ. After moving to Baxter, Danice began worshipping with the Double Springs church of Christ last year. Danice was a loving Dad and Poppy. He was a devoted law enforcement officer for 44 years and enjoyed telling others about his law-enforcement career. Danice was honored to serve with so many great men and women in law enforcement. Danice and Ann enjoyed their vacations in Gatlinburg. Danice also loved spending time with his family, friends, and dogs, Bella and Otis. Danice’s family wants to thank everyone for their prayers, love and support during this very difficult time. His family knows how many people knew Danice and would like to pay their respects. However, per Danice’s wishes, he will be cremated and a small family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Double Springs Church of Christ Disaster Assistance Fund, 4665 Norton Drive, Cookeville, Tennessee, 38501, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family of Ronald Gardner Taylor, 73 of Bloomington Springs, will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home. Ron chose cremation and the family followed his wishes. He passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, while surrounded by his family. Born Friday, March 3, 1950 in Newport, Vermont, he was the son of the late Gardner Taylor and the late Frances Robbins Taylor. He was the loving husband of Lynn Sisson Taylor for blessed 54 years. Ron was a loving husband, Dad, and Pa. The best times was when he went hunting and fishing with his daughter. They were fun hunters and fishermen, truly appreciating the time away and being in nature. They would talk about everything and anything under the sun. When they did bring home a catch, there would be a feast with their game. He enjoyed deep sea fishing out of Panama City, FL. He loved his dogs Brutus and Buddy. More importantly he loved his children and grandkids. Ron was in the U. S. Marine Corps for over 23 years, serving in Viet Nam, Desert Storm and Desert Shield. After retiring from the Corps, he worked HVAC for the FL school systems, as well as for the Putnam County School Board. Ron is survived by his wife Lynn Taylor of Bloomington Springs; daughters Misty Taylor of Cookeville, Rhonda Taylor of Summerfield, FL; 5 grandchildren Quinn Dodson, Alyssa Lolley, Trey Lolley, Brayden Taylor, and Madison Taylor; siblings Judy Parker, Susan Call, Pat Gelo, Scott Taylor. And a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Celebration of Life Services for Mr. David Wailen Hendricks, age 41, of Cookeville, will be conducted 12 noon Friday, March 1, 2024, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Bro. Joshua Gonser will officiate. David passed from this life on Monday night, February 26, 2024, from the Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. He was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Rita Gonser Dean and the late Ronald David Dean, Jr. David was an autobody mechanic by trade and fishing was his greatest enjoyment. He was a good ole country boy at heart who enjoyed working on cars and being outdoors. David leaves behind his mother, Rita Dean of Cookeville; wife, Katrina Hendricks of Gainesboro; sons, Jacob Linder of Livingston, and Nathaniel Kellum of Cookeville,; daughters, Destiny Hendricks of Gainesboro, and Gracie Dowell of Spencer; brother, Louie Leimbach of Carson City, NV; sisters, Mary Loss of Centraila, IL, Kimberley Gingerick of Bay City, MI, and Sabrina Rollins of Cookeville; a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, David was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ronald Dean Sr, Mary Ann Dean, Betty Sue Felt and Wailen Glenn Gonser. The family will welcome friends on Thursday evening, February 29, 2024, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Speck Funeral Home. Memorial Donations may be made to the family for Funeral Expenses, by contacting Speck Funeral Home.

A graveside service for Mr. Garry Tandy Myers, age 77 of Sparta, will be conducted 3:00pm Friday, March 1, 2024 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. He passed away at 3:30am Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Standing Stone Care and Rehabilitation Center in Monterey. Garry was born December 1, 1946 in Sparta. He had a work resume that included surgical technician to shirt factory worker. He loved taking care and loving his dogs and cats. Garry is preceded in death by his mother Margie Lois Kerr Price and father Tandy General Myers. Survivors include his sister Glenda Moore and husband Danny; Sister: Ann Trowbridge; Step-sister: Suzanne of New York; Special great-nieces: Chelsea Moore and Alexis Ebberson; A host of nieces, nephews and extended family members also survive. There will be no visitation prior to the service.

Funeral Services for Mr. Charles Brett Allen, age 50, of Hilham, will be conducted 12 noon, Saturday, March 2, 2024, from the chapel of Livingston Funeral Home. Bro. Anthony Johnson will officiate. Burial to follow in the Aarons Chapel Cemetery. Brett passed from this life on Monday night, February 26, 2024, from the Livingston Regional Medical Center. He was born in Tifton, Georgia on May 9, 1973, to Charles Anthony and Della Faye Gibbs Allen. Brett was an auto body repairman by trade and enjoyed helping his dad restore classic cars and bikes. Fishing and hunting were his favorite pastime along with the Georgia Bulldogs. Brett leaves behind parents, Charles and Della Allen of Hilham; son, Austin Allen and wife Sydney of Gainesboro; daughter, Brittney Allen and wife Chelsea of the Hardys Chapel Community; sisters, Jammie Johnson and husband Shane of Hilham, and Angie Stewart and husband Derek of the Hardys Chapel Community; aunt, Margaret Holt of Tifton, GA, uncle, Harold Scott Gibbs of Lenox, GA; also, several nieces and nephews. Brett was preceded in death by his son, Braeden Allen along with several aunts, and uncles. The family will welcome friends on Friday evening, March 1, 2024, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Livingston Funeral Home. Memorial Donations may be made to the family for funeral expenses, by contacting Livingston Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life Services for Charles Phillip Nivens, 75 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 1:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Mr. David Dukes officiating. He passed away on February 25, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center with his wife at his side. Known as Chuck to most or “Stick” to his golfing buddies, he was born on December 15, 1948, in Allons. Chuck was an avid golfer in his younger years and enjoyed vintage cars and car shows. In his later life, he cherished his family moments and was a blessing to his grandchildren. They learned through him all life’s worries are less burdensome over an ice cream cone. Chuck is survived by his wife: Beverly Nivens; his siblings: Gene (Cindy) Nivens and Gwendolyn Gilbert; his children: Charles (Donita) Phillip Nivens, Jr.; Stephen Shane Nivens; Heather (Chris) Naaktgeboren; Brandon (Amber) Burgess; his grandchildren: Sydnie Nivens, Reagan Nivens, Clayton Burgess, Laken Nivens, Liam Naaktgeboren, Gracie Burgess and Ashton Nivens. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents: James B. and Velma Cole Nivens and siblings: Buford Nivens, Pearl Mayberry, Edward Nivens, Kathleen Farmer, Danny Nivens, and Geraldean Ruble. Chuck’s calm, kind demeanor will be greatly missed along with his wonderful sense of humor. Chuck being devoted to family was always ready and available to assist in whatever they needed and never met anything mechanical he could not fix. Visitation with the family will be held at Crest Lawn funeral home March 2, 2024 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, for all to gather and share memories. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Hospital in Chuck’s memory. He was a faithful donor to St. Jude’s throughout his life.

Funeral Services for Mr. Roger Dale Ruble, age 74, of Livingston will be conducted 1 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Bro. David Beaty and Bro. Daniel Ledford will officiate. Burial to follow in the Dugan Smith Cemetery. Mr. Ruble passed from this life from his home on Tuesday afternoon, February 27, 2024. He was born at home in Alpine on June 30, 1949, to the late Albert and Veachel Ledbetter Ruble. Roger was a 1968 graduate of Livingston Academy, and a member of the West Fork Masonic Lodge. His love for his family was his true joy and he cherished watching his grandchildren play baseball, supporting them at their baseball games and being a constant presence in their lives. Roger’s love for golf was the thread that wove through his life, you could always count on his comforting smile and wave at the Hidden Valley Golf and Country Club. He could always strike up a conversation with anyone he met. Roger worked hard to provide for his family working many years for the Tennessee Department of Transportaion. He was always willing to help his friends and was a Die Hard Tennessee Vols Sports Fan. Roger leaves behind his son, Lance Ruble and wife Taylor of Livingston; grandchildren, Clayton and Garrison Ruble of Livingston; sisters, Janice Ledford of Farmersville, TX, and Carolyn King and husband Jim of the Bolestown Community. In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carla Ruble; sisters, Betty Allred, and Joyce Eldrige; brothers, Bill, Junior, Red, Clyde, Donald, Dallas, Cecil, and Bernie Ruble. The family will welcome friends on Friday evening from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. then on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services at Speck Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Avis Hamby, age 80 of the Rinnie Community of Cumberland County, will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Rinnie Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Rinnie Cemetery. He passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at the Signature Health Care of Fentress Co. Avis is survived by his: Daughter, Jennifer Hamby; Son, Brian Young; Brothers, William Clarence Hamby, Dudley Hamby, Billy Hamby; A host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his: Wife, Connie Hamby; Parents, Edgar and Vernie (Madden) Hamby; Sisters, Irene Henry, Agnes Hamby; Brothers, Earnest Hamby, Robert Hamby, John Hamby, Walter Dale Hamby. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm at Rinnie Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made towards funeral expenses. Donations can be left at Jennings Funeral Homes.

A funeral service for Billy Junior Haney, 75 of Cookeville, will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home with the Bro. Keith Pryor officiating. Interment will follow in Smith Chapel Cemetery, Cookeville. He passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, while surrounded by family. Born Wednesday, July 7, 1948 in Cookeville, he was the son of the late Ernest “Tony” Haney and the late Estelle Allen Haney. He was one of six children. He was the husband of Brenda Roberts Haney for 56 loving years, and they raised two children together. Anyone that knew Billy understood that his priorities were God, his church, and his family. He was a jack of all trades–a shade tree mechanic, a woodworker, a father, a friend. He did all he could to help others, whether that was working on their car; handcrafting guitars, fiddles, jewelry boxes, or rocking chairs; or being a shoulder to lean on. In the 1980s, Billy was saved and called to preach, and he has been the pastor and spiritual leader of Cummins Mill Baptist Church for 40 years. He will be missed. Surviving are: wife, Brenda Haney; children, Ricky (Carolyn) Haney, Kim (Matthew) Hall; grandchildren, Ryan and Olivia; siblings, Betty (Jim) Peavyhouse, Sue Storms, Joe Haney; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, Billy is preceded in death by siblings, Bobby (Bertha) Haney and Wanda (Eddie) Chaffin, and niece, Julie Peavyhouse. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home, and again on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help cover funeral expenses.

Celebration of Life for Allen Roy Tarver, 81 of Sparta, and formerly of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Cookeville Church of the Nazarene. He passed from this life on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Allen was born Wednesday, January 20, 1943, in Lecompte, Louisiana, he was the son of the late Will Alvin Tarver and the late Agnes (Powell) Tarver. Allen was a loving son, brother, husband, father, Papa, uncle, and friend. He loved woodworking, his church, his family, and his friends. He was a great storyteller, enjoyed pulling pranks, and never met a stranger. Allen was loved by those who knew him and he will be greatly missed. Allen is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean Marie Tarver; 2 Children, Donita Gleaves and her husband, David, and Robert Tarver and his wife, Scotti; 4 Grandchildren, Brandon Gleaves, Juliana Gleaves, Amanda Coddington and her husband, Eddie, and Michael Tarver; 2 Sisters, Hazel Bostick, and Beverly Bedwell; Brothers and Sisters-In-Law, Butch and Marie Lipscomb, Marylynn Tarver, Jimmy and Patsy Graham, Kenneth and Anna Lou Lipscomb, and Linda and Louie Powell; Aunt, Dorothy Harris; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to his parents, Allen was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Tarver; Brothers-In-Law, Ted Bostick, and Otis Bedwell; Sister-In-Law, Cathy Bevers.

Celebration of Life Services Honoring the Life of Mrs. Donna Jean Copeland, age 70, of Alpine will be conducted 2 p.m., Sunday, March 3, 2024, from the Christ Church Presbyterian in Alpine. Bro. Beau Carr will officiate. Mrs. Donna passed from this life on Tuesday night, February 27, 2024, from the Overton County Health and Rehab. She was born in Livingston, on July 7, 1953, to the late Joe and Mazie Vaughn Copeland. She was a 1971 graduate of Livingston Academy and a member of the Alpine Christ Church Presbyterian. Donna worked for many years as the Administrative Secretary for the Department of Human Services. Her family was her life, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved watching all of them playing at their sporting events. Donna leaves behind her son, Ricky Deck of Alpine; daughters, Stephanie Paul and husband Kelly of Alpine, Kim Dillon and husband Chad of Hilham; grandchildren, Ashley Taylor, Jordan King, Slade Paul, Tatum Robinson, Tanner Dillon, Ricky Joe Deck and Gemma Deck; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, John S. Copeland of Cookeville, Kent Copeland of Cleveland, TN, and David Copeland of Lenoir City; sisters, Betty Speck and Ann Pangle both of Cookeville; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family will welcome friends on Sunday from 12 noon until time of services at the Church. Memorial Donations may be made to the Vaughn Cemetery Fund by contacting Speck Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life for Raymond Lee Kozub, 83 of Sparta, will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. He died on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville. Born Sunday, June 16, 1940 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, he was the son of the late Henry Kozub and the late Evenlyn Anderson.

A Memorial service for Theresia Ellen Grogg, 81 of Cookeville, will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home. She passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born Tuesday, March 10, 1942 in Greenville, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Leo Goubeaux and the late Mary Beyke Goubeaux. Theresia was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She raised her 5 children by herself while working and always providing for her children. She never missed one of their practices or ball games. She always nurtured her children, but was terribly scared when they got sick. Theresia loved her family, and enjoyed the gatherings during Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. She was an awesome cook, cake decorator, even making several wedding cakes. She enjoyed going to the beach and loved eating at Calabash Seafood Restaurant. She worked at Fentress Industries as a seamstress and at Russell Stover’s Candies. She enjoyed sewing, making most of her children’s clothing. She never knew a stranger. Theresia was a member of the Catholic Church and loved the Lord. Jimmy was her favorite child! Actually, her favorite was who ever was doting on her at that time. Surviving are 3 sons Eric (Betty) Grogg of GA, James “Jimmy” Grogg of Monterey, Mike (Sandra) Grogg of Hendersonville; 1 daughter Rhonda Marie Tinch of Crossville; grandchildren Melissa Miller, Justin Laster, Jameson Laster, Tyler Tinch, Erin Grogg, and Ashlyn Grogg; great-grandchildren Dawson Miller, Melyssa Grogg, Masien Shelton, Lydian Laster, Jaylee Laster, Gavin Laster, and Jacob Laster; Special friends Mary LaPeer and Debbie Klem; siblings Larry (Jeanettia) Goubeaux, Doris (Dennis) Brown, and Cecil (Diane) Goubeaux; And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Theresia was preceded in death by daughter Robin Laster, siblings Joan Franks, and George Goubeaux. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM.

A memorial service for Mr. James Rhea “Jim” Slatten, age 70 of Rock Island, a native of White County, will be conducted 1:00pm on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. He passed away Saturday morning, February 24, 2024 in the emergency room of St. Thomas River Park Hospital in McMinnville. Jim was born December 23, 1953 in Sparta, to the late William Wade and Mildred Marie Boyd Slatten, Jr. In honor of Jim’s wishes, Hunter Funeral Home has been entrusted with his cremation. The family will receive friends after 11:00am on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Hunter Funeral Home.