We Remember: Obituaries For Tuesday, January 23

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, January 23

Jamie Hedgecough, age 49, of Monterey, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Mr. Hedgecough was born on Thursday, April 25, 1974, in Cookeville, to the late Johnny Ray and Carol Ann Roberts Hedgecough. Mr. Hedgecough was a construction worker. He is survived by, 2 brothers and sisters-in-law, Christopher and Rhonda Hedgecough of Monterey, Jonathan and Michelle Hedgecough of Upper Darby, PA; 2 nephews, Dylan Hedgecough and Dawson Hedgecough. His wishes of cremation are being honored with no services planned at this time.

Virginia Ruth Hutchings Sparkman, age 98 of Fort Myers, FL, and formerly of Sparta, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Born in Sparta on Feb. 4, 1925, she was the daughter of Ora Kirby Hutchings Sarten and Carrick D. Hutchings. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Lefford Sarten, brothers Dean Hutchings and Dillard (Dutch) Hutchings, and her beloved husband of 70 years, Grady Sparkman. Virginia is survived by her daughter Denise Sparkman Plunkett, son-in-law Don Plunkett, and their son, Dylan Plunkett. As a mother and grandmother, she loved them unconditionally. Virginia will be buried next to her husband, Grady, in Highland Cemetery in her hometown of Sparta. A private service will be held at a later date.

Funeral services for Judy Ellen Maberry, 75, of Cookeville, will be held at noon on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in the chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home, with Bro. Ronnie Dunn officiating. Burial will follow in the West Cemetery in Cookeville. Mrs. Maberry died peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2024, in NHC. Ellen was born October 16, 1948, in Cookeville, to the late Wiley Brewington and Annalee (Slagle) Brewington. On September 17, 1966, she was married to the late Randall (Randy) Maberry, who died January 8, 2023. In addition to her parents and husband, Ellen was preceded in death by her Daughter: Jo Ellen Maberry and sister, Ann Black. Survivors include her Daughter: Carrie Lea Gentry of Cookeville; Grandchildren: Hannah (Henry) Trubee, Noah Gentry, and Caleb Gentry, all of Cookeville; Brother-in-law: Ralph (Janice) Maberry of Cookeville; Sister-in-law: Lana Sue (Jerry) Maberry of Cookeville; Special Cousin (sister): Bernice Tlanda of Cookeville. Ellen and Randy were married for 56 years. They were successful business partners, owning and operating several restaurants in Tennessee and Georgia throughout their careers. She was a member of the Dodson Branch Freewill Baptist Church. Ellen was a gentle woman known for her generous hearted spirit, an excellent cook, infectious laugh, hard work, determination, and dedication to her family. The family will receive friends from 10 A.M. until time of services. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or West Cemetery by contacting the funeral home.

Services for Virginia Clay, 92 of Georgia and fromerly of Cookeville, will be held at Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home in Cookeville, on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 11:00am. Reverend Casey Langley Orr will officiate. Interment will follow at the Salem Cemetery in Cookeville. She passed away on January 18, 2024 at the age 92 in Hoschton, GA. She was formerly of Douglasville, GA. Virginia was born and raised in Cookeville. She graduated from TPI (Tennessee Tech University) with a BS in Business in 1952. While attending Tech, she met Edward Larkin Clay and they were married in 1952. Virginia and Ed moved to Oak Ridge, TN as Ed began his career with Union Carbide/Nuclear Regulatory Commission. They later moved to Knoxville, TN where she received her BS in Education at University of Tennessee and began teaching at Cedar Bluff Elementary. In 1972, they moved to Douglasville, GA where she continued teaching at Winston Elementary School. She received her Masters in Education at West Georgia University. Gardening and canning with Ed, tennis, bridge, and grandchildren kept Virginia active for many years. Virginia was a dedicated volunteer with the Loving Hands Ministry. Virginia and Ed were active members of First United Methodist Church of Douglasville. She was passionate about the mission trips to Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Venezuela, where she helped to build churches in these countries. Virginia spent the last five years at The Oaks at Braselton. Her lively and outgoing personality brought smiles and cheer to the residents and staff who loved her well. She was adamant about staying busy and helpful so she claimed the role of mail carrier at her facility. Virginia is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Edward Larkin Clay, her parents Haggard Q. Broyles and Johnnie Dimple Huddleston Broyles and her sister Rebecca Broyles Langley. Virginia is survived by her children Lindsey (Rose) Clay of Doylestown, PA and Lucinda (Alan) Sienkiewicz of Braselton, GA. She has two grandsons, Bradley (Mandy) Sienkiewicz of Jasper, GA and Scott (Carrie Ann) Sienkiewicz of Cummin, GA and three great-grandchildren-Jack, Brady and Morgan. Visitation will be at 10:00am at the funeral home prior to the service. Memorials can be made to the Douglas County Animal Shelter, 2171 Mack Road, Deer Lick Park, Douglasville, GA 30135.

Funeral Service for David Ormonde Thomas, 94 of Sparta, will be held Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 12:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Dr. Kevin Conrad officiating. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. He passed from this life on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Life Care Center of Sparta in Sparta. Dave was born Sunday, March 24, 1929, in Pensacola, Florida, he was the son of the late John Douglas and Sybil Rowena (Addenbrooke) Thomas. Dave graduated from Southwestern at Memphis which is now Rhodes College. He started with General Outdoor Advertising in 1951, he later became the Sales Manager at WHBQ in Memphis, he oversaw the start and was the general manager of a new easy listening format WEZI FM, moved to Nashville to be the general manager of WZEZ FM, moved to Cookeville to be the general manager of WGSQ FM which is the Country Giant, and then became a regional manager of Clear Channel Broadcasting and retired in 2004. He was the past President of the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters in 1980, earned Broadcaster of the Year in 1988 from the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, and was a past president of the Cookeville Chamber of Commerce in 1999 – 2000. He married Mary Elizabeth Hickman on June 3, 1955. He played in the Senior Tour Pro-Am in 1980 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and played at Augusta National Golf Course in 1993 after the Masters was played the day before. He enjoyed raising money for the United Way and Alzheimer’s Research through the memory walk. Dave is survived by, Daughter, Rebecca Vanelli and her husband, Robert; Son, David Thomas, Jr and his wife, Irena; Grandson, Joshua Vanelli and his wife, Haley; 3 Great-Grandchildren; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary Elizabeth (Hickman) Thomas; 2 Brothers, Peter and John Thomas; and 2 Sisters-In-Law, Helen and Stella Thomas. Visitation with the family will be held Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Crest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers of Tennessee Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. Cumberlands Office, 390 South Lowe Avenue, Suite I, Cookeville, Tennessee, 38501

Funeral service for Billie Russell Geer, 79 of Sparta, will be Thursday January 25, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home. Interment will be at Clifty Cemetery. He passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Russell was known as a loving father of 4 kids and a loving husband to Shirley Geer of 53 years. He was a kind, loving man with a gentle spirit, and a hardworking man who would do anything for anyone who needed it. He loved to tell you about his life growing up and he always told the best stories. He will always be loved and deeply missed, but we know he has gone to join his beloved wife. He was surrounded by his daughter and son in law and other family through his last days who loved him truly. He left behind Charlotte (Wayne) Rose, James (Amanda) Geer, and Jimmy (Tamara) Geer (kids), 9 grandkids, and 9 great grandkids. He is preceded in death by Mamie Geer (mom), Wesley Rose (great grandson), Shirley Geer (wife), Bill Geer (son). Visitation will be on Thursday January 25, 2024, 12:00 p.m. till 2:00 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Mrs. Sarah Ann Cantrell Dodson, age 78 of Sparta, affectionately known as Granny Ann, will be conducted 11:00am Friday, January 26, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. She passed away 11:25pm Monday, January 22, 2024 at her residence surrounded by family. Granny Ann was born May 25, 1945 in Smithville, to the late Arvil Joe and Ellen Humphrey Cantrell. She was a retired seamstress with a long career in the garment industry. She loved to cook and feed her family. She was an avid traveler, for a period of eight to ten years she traveled all over the country with in her camper with her late husband Wilburn who died July 1, 2022. In addition to Wilburn and her parents, she is also preceded in death by a grandson Ryan White; sister Sandra Martin; brothers Wayne and Stevie Cantrell; daughters-in-law Andrea White, Cindy White and Helen Dodson. Survivors include her daughter Vickie Burks; Three sons: Rex White and Ellen Sain, Billy Jo White, Mark (Chrissy) White; Step-son: Terry Dodson; Thirteen grandchildren; A host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family also survive. Brother: David (Angie) Cantrell. The family will receive friends from 4-8:00pm Thursday at Hunter Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Mr. Carrell “Ray” Neal, age 80 of Cookeville, will be held Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11:00 am in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Pastor Tim Miles will officiate. Interment will follow in Browns Mill Cemetery. A man of unwavering determination and a heart full of kindness, he passed away peacefully on February 20, 2024, at the age of 80 in Cookeville. Born on August 8, 1943, in San Luis Obispo, California, Ray’s life was a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. A proud graduate of Cookeville High School’s class of 1965, Ray’s life was characterized by his steadfast work ethic and his commitment to providing for his family. His career began with a position at UPS in Ohio, where he demonstrated his reliability and diligence. Ray later joined his father, Millard Arvil Neal, in the family business of building roads across the Upper Cumberland and throughout Tennessee. His tenacity shone brightly following a boating accident that resulted in the loss of his leg. Despite being told by doctors that he would never walk again, Ray proved them wrong and went on to work for 20 years as a production supervisor at Porelon, inspiring all who knew him with his perseverance and strength. Ray’s life was not solely defined by his vocational achievements; he was also a man with a deep love for the outdoors. Fishing was one of his greatest joys, a pastime he often shared with his son, his friend Ted Jones, and his brother-in-law, Donald Alcorn. These moments by the water were filled with laughter, stories, and the quiet companionship that comes from shared interests and familial bonds. Ray was preceded in death by his loving parents, Millard Arvil Neal and Velma Buckner Neal; his sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Donald Alcorn; and his brother-in-law, Tommy Price. He was also preceded in death by his cherished mother and father-in-law, Earl and Virginia Price, who held a special place in his heart. He is survived by his family he loved dearly, his wife of 58 years, Janice Price Neal; a son, Tim Neal; a granddaughter, Katie Lee and husband Daniel; a grandson, Jacob Ray Neal; and by a great grandchild, Sawyer Grant Lee. Ray’s family will receive friends Thursday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and again Friday from 9:00 am until service time at the funeral home.

Funeral services for Ms. Juanita Emerson Messenger, age 99 of Sparta, will be conducted 1:00pm Friday, January 26, 2024 at First Baptist Church with burial to follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. She passed away at 9:40pm Saturday, January 20, 2024 at NHC of Sparta. The family will receive friends after 11:00am Friday at the church.

Funeral services for Paul M. Stafford, 79 of Gainesboro, will be conducted on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 2 pm in the Chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home with Bro. Jimmy Anderson and Bro. Jimmy Stafford officiating. Burial will follow in Pharris Cemetery in Gainesboro. He was born October 21, 1944, in Jackson County, and he passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville. Paul was the son of Sam Tinsley Stafford and Hallie Biggs Stafford. He was a construction worker and a resident of the Gainesboro Community. He was a member of Lakeview Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Paulette Stafford. Survivors include his sons: Paul Stafford, Jr., Gene (Judy) Stephens, and Derek (Kayla) Keith all of Gainesboro, TN; grandchildren: Dustin (Miranda) Stephens, Natasha Stafford, Linda Christian, Cinda Stafford, and Kyle Keith; great grandchildren: Tristan Stafford, Adrianna Doney, Michael Paul Doney, Travis Christian, Taylor Christian, Bailey Davis, Kenzie Jones, Riley Stafford, Sayler Keith, Braxton Keith, and Bentley Keith. Several other relatives and friends also survive. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 25, 2024, beginning at 3 pm until 7 pm and Friday, 9 am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist the family with funeral expenses by contacting the business office of the funeral home.

A Memorial Visitation for Ronald Dale Stewart, 55 of Gainesboro, to be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 12 P.M. until 2 P.M. at the chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro. The family has chosen cremation at this time. He was born November 25, 1968, in Trenton, New Jersey, and he passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at his residence. He was the son of Steven Stewart and Frances Ellen Burton Worthington. He was a welder by trade. Survivors include his son: Stephen (Kaitlyn) Stewart of Gainesboro; daughter: Kendall Stewart of Northeast, Maryland; sister: Kim Head of Gainesboro; grandchildren: Gunner Stewart, Barrett Stewart, and Rowan Reeves. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jonny Stewart, of Trenton, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help assist the family with the funeral expenses by contacting the business office of the funeral home.

Graveside Service for Sarah Beck (Springthorpe) Denmark, 86 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Cookeville City Cemetery. Internment will follow the service. She passed from this life on Friday, January 12, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. Sarah was born Friday, May 7, 1937, in Mount Airy, North Carolina, and she was the daughter of the late John Springthorpe, Sr. and the late Pansy Violet (Jackson) Springthorpe. Sarah was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-n-law, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Sarah is survived by, 3 Children, John William Denmark, Diane (Denmark) Kennon, Bruce Allen Denmark and his wife, Linda; 1 Step-Son, James Richard Denmark; 1 Daughter-in-Law, Carie Garrett Denmark, 6 Grandchildren, Spencer Kennon, Sarah (Kennon) Reynolds and her husband Brian, Christopher Denmark and Steven Denmark, Lindsey Edds and her husband, Andrew, and Nicholas Denmark; Great-Granddaughter, Piper Reynolds; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to her parents, Sarah was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Richard S. Denmark; Son, David Walter Denmark; 2 Siblings, John Springthorpe, Jr., and Clara (Springthorpe) Yokley. We request in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Bangham Heights Baptist Church Food Bank, 5961 Hilham Hwy, Cookeville, TN 38506.

Celebration of Life Services Honoring the life of The Reverend Dr. David Leon Moore, 89 of Livingston, will be conducted 3 p.m., Saturday, January 27, 2024, from the Livingston First Christian Church. Rev. James Shenko will officiate. The Reverend Dr. David Leon Moore passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024, in Livingston. A lifelong pastor in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), his ministry began at small churches in Kentucky and New Jersey in the 1950s, before he settled with his family in Tennessee in the early 1960s. Over the next 60 years he served as Senior Minister at Central Christian Church and Dozier Church in Springfield, Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville, and First Christian Church and Millerʼs Chapel in Livingston, and he had a number of interim ministries at other Christian Churches in Tennessee and Kentucky. David Moore was preceded in death by his parents Earl Moore and Gladys Swiger Moore, his brothers Ronald Moore and Earl Moore, Jr., his first wife Dana Fisher Moore, and his second wife Frances Jean McGuire Moore. Survivors include his children Dee (Al) Wells of Crawford, David (Karen) Moore II of Livingston, Drew Moore of New York, New York; his grandchildren David (Jelena) Moore III of Harker Heights, Texas, John David (Hannah) Ledford of Vacaville, California, Dana (Matt) Duncan of Henderson, Kentucky, and Mary (Trevor) Miller of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and his great-grandchildren Natalie Moore, Jaydin Moore, Corey Moore, Lizzy Phillips, Clay Phillips, Annabelle Ledford, Nora Ledford, and Ella Miller. Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, January 26 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday January 27 from 2:00-3:00pm at First Christian Church. Memorial contributions may be paid and sent to First Christian Church in Livingston, with reference to (1) Millerʼs Chapel, or (2) David Moore Scholarship for Bethany Hills Church Camp.

Visitation with the family of Arthur Lewis, 79 of Monterey, will be held from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at the Hall Funeral Home in Livingston. Burial will be held at a later date and time at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevierville Hwy 168, Knoxville, TN 37920. He was born and raised in Tullahoma, by his parents Amos and Katherine Lewis alongside 5 siblings. Not long after high school he joined the National Guard and later enlisted with the Air Force in 1963, serving until 1967 with a deployment to Vietnam. He was a Jet Aircraft Mechanic and last assigned to the 47th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TAC). He loved telling stories about different aircraft he worked on and some of his experiences in the Air Force. Following his military service, he attended Tennessee Tech University, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While enrolled at TTU, he met his future wife, Sherril Carr. They married in December 1968 and became loving parents of Dee in 1975 & Ryan in 1976. Each child later married and Art cherished spending time with his 5 grandchildren. Art engaged in so many things in life that brought him joy. Some of them included house boating, camping, fishing, hunting, water sports, snow skiing, dirt bikes, golfing, racing cars and so many other things especially related to being outdoors that he and his family and/or friends explored together. In addition to those passions, he and Sherril spent a number of years farming on their property near Monterey, where they also lived. He spent a great deal of time supporting his children’s athletic interests in their younger years such as softball, cheerleading, baseball and golf. Arthur’s career path included employment at Teledyne Stillman after graduation and starting a business with another engineer, G & L Manufacturing in Cookeville; however, he spent the majority of his career with Manchester Tank in Crossville, which was the part of his work career that he enjoyed the most. Art is survived by his loving wife, Sherril Lewis, who shared and supported the activities and adventures throughout his life after marriage. He will be missed dearly by his children, Dee Arp (Tyler) and Ryan Lewis (Christy). His grandchildren Elle, Aislyn and Wyatt Arp along with Brody and Colby Lewis will miss Pa. He is also survived by sisters Rosaline Spray (Donald), Louise Crosslin (Albert) as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by brother Clifford Lewis (Evelyn), brother Paul Lewis (Elsie), and sister Faye Schmidt (George). In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to Upper Cumberland State Veterans Cemetery Association, PO Box 352, Attn: Cemetery Fund, Cookeville, TN 38503.