We Remember: Obituaries For Tuesday, January 9

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 9

Debbie Canfield, age 67, of Monterey, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2023, at her home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

The family of Richard “Rick” Harlan Henry, 72 of Cookeville, will hold a visitation on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. A private burial will follow. He passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2024. Rick is preceded in death by his parents Harlan and Robbie Henry, his brother Donald Henry, and his family’s beloved dog Lily. Rick is survived by his three children, Daisha Crabtree (Ben), Sonni Mackzum (Leyner), and Chase Henry (Tazia); the mother of his children Michelle Henry; his aunt Edith Bradley; and his nephew Boz Henry (Leanne). Rick graduated from Cookeville High School in 1969. An avid and talented baseball player, he continued playing competitively well into adulthood. Rick was the owner of Industrial Tools & Equipment. His incredible work ethic, strong relationship skills, and technical aptitude enabled a successful and storied 53-year career. Rick was a warm, sensitive, and generous man. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time with his family, either at home or on the lake. A proud and present father, Rick ensured that his children had every opportunity to thrive. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Rick’s memory, the family requests that you look around your community and help meet the tangible needs of its members.

Funeral service for Randell Luther Sells, aged 79 of Rickman, will be on Wednesday, January 10 at 11 a.m at Halls Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery. He was born and raised in Monroe, and passed away on January 7, 2024. He was born on October 14, 1944, to Cordell and Audie Sells. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Bean Sells, who shared in his joys and supported him throughout his life’s journey. Randell will be deeply missed by his children: Scott R. Sells (Crystal) and Rolanda Hummer (Robert). He was a cherished figure in the lives of his grandchildren: Garrett, Matthew, Jonathan, Shanda, Camille, Ziley, and Zeppelin, as well as his great-grandchildren: Jaydan, Alexis, Colton, Morgan, Dani, Jax, and Mason. Randell was a brother to Geraldine Stover, Lillie Ann Sells (Marvin), Rosalie Merkley (Larry), and Josephine Bean. He will be remembered fondly by his nephews: Shawn Sells (Kristy), Brian Bean (Lisa), and nieces: Nancy Morris (Stan), Crystal Bean (Gary), Mary Ann Qualls (Raymond), and Robin King (Matt). He was preceded by his parents, Cordell and Audie Sells, his sister Colena Sells, brothers Henry Sells and Malcolm Sells, brother-in-laws Herman Bean, Charlie Stover, Lloyd Bean, Jr., and in-laws Hazel & Lloyd Bean. Randell’s passion for racing, motorcycles, heavy equipment, hunting, and travel was evident to all who knew him. His Goldwing motorcycle took him on unforgettable adventures, and his expertise in automotive mechanics was apparent through his ownership of Rickman Auto Parts & Sells Auto Repair since 1982. Randell’s excitement for his craft and his boundless energy will forever be remembered. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9 and 9 to 11 am on Wednesday, January 10 at Halls Funeral Home. The family kindly requests that donations be made to Oak Hill Cemetery in honor of Randell’s memory.

Funeral services for Carlos Dobbs, age 85 of Cookeville, will be Wednesday, January 10 at 12:00 pm at Crest Lawn Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. He gained his angel wings after a brief battle with cancer on Sunday, January 7, 2024. He was known as “The Mayor” of Biltmore Estates and at Cookeville Regional Medical Center because he knew everyone during his 18 years in various positions. He never met a stranger. Carlos was born Easter Sunday, April 17, 1938, to the late William Henry Dobbs, Sr and Ethel Hutchings Dobbs in DeKalb County. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sharon Burris Dobbs; daughter, Patty Gass (Steve) of Murfreesboro; son, Kevin Dobbs of Hendersonville; two step-daughters, Teresa Walker Harvey of Cookeville and Pam Walker Jones (David) of Harrison; four grandchildren, Jennifer Cash (Joey) of Lancaster, Tommy Maynard (Tosha) of Smithville, Abby Vaquerano (Cesar) of Lebanon, Aiden Toney – Dobbs of Hendersonville; four great-grandchildren, Peyton, Emma and Madison Cash of Lancaster and Carson Maynard of Smithville; one brother, Harvey Dobbs; special sister-in-law, Carolyn Pinkley; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first love and wife, Sue Dobbs, brothers: Olin, Herbert, William Henry Jr (Little Bill), and Clay. Sisters: Lorene Uselton, Nancy Grooms, and Irene Goodman. Carlos was raised at the Austin Bottom in Dekalb County. His family moved up the hill to another farm once the Corp of Engineers built Center Hill Lake consuming the family farm. Carlos resided on the farm until moving to Michigan in his late teens to live with his sister for a short time. He missed Tennessee and decided to come back home. He went to work for Nixon’s Service Station where he met his first wife. Carlos spent a number of years working at Cookeville Recappers and 18 years for Cookeville Regional Medical Center in maintenance. He took pride in his work and keeping the flowers looking beautiful at the hospital. He also spent many years repairing appliances on the side. He continued repairing appliances until he turned 80. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Crest Lawn Funeral Home, and on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 10:00 am until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be to the Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation – Cancer Fund or a charity of your choice.

Funeral services for Mr. James Robert Mason, better known as Jimmy, age 84 of Quebeck, will be conducted 1:00pm Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Burial with military honors by the Veterans’ Honor Guard will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. He passed away at 4:30am Sunday, January 7, 2024 at NHC of Sparta. Mr. Mason was born July 23, 1939 in Walling, to the late John Beecher and Mary Emma Thompson Mason. He was a retired carpenter and farmer. He enjoyed old westerns and bluegrass music, but most of all he was a stock car racing enthusiast. He was a regular at tracks from Crossville to the Nashville fairgrounds on Saturdays and by his television or radio on Sundays for Cup series racing. Jimmy served 11 years in the National Guard. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife Janis Lynn Mason and his sister Susie Mason. Survivors include his three children, James Byron Mason and wife Sharron of Walling, Janet Kirby and husband Tracy of Sparta, Barry Mason and wife Debbie of Walling; Grandchildren: Mary Beth (Adam) Price, Tisha (Will) Pelfrey, Beka (Josh) Christy, Tyler (Michelle) Mason, Trey Kirby and fiance’ Cary; Seven great-grandchildren: Aubrey, Emma, James, Harper, Liam, Lilith and Sophie. The family will receive friends after 10:00am Wednesday at Hunter Funeral Home.

A graveside service and interment for Mr. Michael Oneal Walker, age 41 of Cookeville, will be held Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm in Carlen Cemetery in Silver Point. Mr. Walker died Friday January 5, 2024 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He was born November 9, 1982 in Woodbury, TN to Penny Jones and the late Marcus Beavers. In addition to his mother, Michael is survived by a son, Franklin Walker, his brothers, Joseph and Trinity Walker; and by his grandmother, Edna Mullinax. Visitation will follow the service at the cemetery.

Funeral Service for Barbara Clydean (Bohannon) Maxwell, 81 of Cookeville, will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 11:00 am from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. She passed from this life on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Bethesda Health Care Center. Barbara was born Sunday, February 8, 1942, in Cookeville, and she was the daughter of Clyde Bohannon and the late Stella (Dyer) Bohannon. Barbara was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, Granny, aunt, and friend. She was an active member of Stevens Street Baptist Church and the Ladies Friendship Class for 47 years. Barbara was loved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed. Barbara is survived by, Daughter, Angela Mowell and her husband, Randy; Son, Blake Maxwell; 2 Grandchildren, A.J. Smith, and Landon Blake Maxwell; Cousin, James Cumby; Special Friends, Joyce Gentry and Pat Eldridge; 2 Nieces, Julie Galloway and her husband, Chris, and Jennifer Eberhart and her husband Doug; 2 Nephews, Greg and Robert Garner; 2 Great-Nephews, Clayton Galloway, and Matthew Eberhart; Great-Niece, Rachel Eberhart. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Buddy” Maxwell; Sister, Sabra Mills. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.

Funeral Service for Susie “Vina” Louvina Gregg, 96 of Cookeville, will be held Friday, January 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Owens officiating. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. She passed from this life on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Signature Health Care of Putnam County. Vina was born Friday, March 11, 1927, in Rickman, and she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Nancey (Gaw) Nelson. Vina was a loving daughter, sister, mother, Nanny, aunt, and friend. She was the most courageous, selfless, gracious, and wonderful woman. Her love for God was strong and she attended House of Prayer Revival Center for many years. Vina was loved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed. Vina is survived by, 2 Children, Loretta Johnson, and Timothy Gregg; 2 Grandchildren, Michelle Johnson and her husband Shane, and Renee Haines and her husband James; 3 Great-Grandchildren, Brittany Brewer, Amanda Brewer, and Sam Farris; 7 Great-Great-Grandchildren, Naomi Gregg, Skieler Vernon, Scarlett Guess, Bristin Laughlin, Jaxon Hood, Linda Hood, and Jaxson Farris; Sister, Louise Conley; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to her parents, Vina was preceded in death by, 2 Husbands, Howard Morgan, and James Gregg; 3 Great-Great-Grandsons, Alexzander Gregg, Zachariah Guess, and Michael Hood; 7 Siblings, Brownie, Carlos, Ardean, Jack, Benton, and Horace Nelson, and Mary Jane Ray. Visitation will be held Friday, January 12, 2024, from 10:00 am until the time of service at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Virgil Chasten Cope, Jr. better known as ‘Jr.’, age 83 of Byrdstown, will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM from Brown Funeral Chapel with Bro. Rick Cross officiating. The burial will be in Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Wooster, OH. He passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born September 11, 1940 in Akron, OH to Virgil Chasten Cope and Grace (Myers) Cope. He attended the Nazarene church and was a former employee at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Jr. is survived by (1) daughter: Melissa Walsh and husband: James; (2) sons: Craig Cope and wife: Janna, Ronald Kevin Cope and life partner: Glynis Carpenter; (8) grandchildren and (10) great-grandchildren; (1) sister: Georgia Lee Cope; special friend: Frank Gerard. Also survived by other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Virgil and Grace Cope; wife: Sandra K. Cope; (1) brother: Gordon Cope. The family will receive friends Friday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Brown Funeral Chapel.

A memorial service for Sylvia Lorene Lewis McCann, 100 of Cookeville, will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, 11:00 AM at Cookeville First United Methodist Church. She passed away peacefully on September 7, 2023 at McKendree Village in Hermitage. Sylvia was born on October 29, 1922 on a farm in Mercer County, Missouri. Her parents were Palestine Douglas (Pat) Lewis and Nettie Josephine (Babe) Cox Lewis. Sylvia was the eldest of 6 children, which included 4 brothers and a sister who died in childhood. When Sylvia was 14, the family moved to Indianola, Iowa, where her father purchased and operated a Sinclair gas station. After graduating from high school, Sylvia attended a community college in Des Moines, Iowa, learning secretarial skills. It was there that she met Robert Harold (Brick) McCann. Shortly after finishing his training, Brick joined the US Coast Guard during World War II. Brick and Sylvia were married on July 17, 1943, at his duty station, the Fire Island Lighthouse, on Long Island, New York. A son was born prematurely, and died shortly after birth. After the war ended, they moved back to Des Moines, Iowa, where they both worked, were active in the First United Methodist Church, joined the choir, and had many friends. Their daughter, Doreen Dae McCann Neal was born there in April, 1947. In 1956, the manufacturing company Brick worked for relocated to Cookeville. The family joined Cookeville United Methodist Church, and again became active in the choir and the Friendship Sunday School class. Sylvia joined the United Methodist Women and was a devoted member, serving in many offices and roles. Sylvia and Brick were active in the community as well. Sylvia was a volunteer at the Cookeville hospital, delivered Meals on Wheels, and was a Girl Scout leader, among other community activities. She and Brick regularly hosted students from abroad studying at TTU, serving as a family to students far from home. In 1959, Sylvia and Brick adopted their son, Timothy Robert McCann. He added many joys to the family until his passing away in 1998. Sylvia was a role model for her daughter, Doreen. She was known for her fantastic yeast breads and cinnamon or orange rolls. She was a great cook, who loved to entertain. She was also a gifted seamstress, quilter, and needle worker, winning several blue ribbons at the Putnam County Fair. She is survived by her daughter, Doreen Neal (Richard), 3 grandchildren, Mollie McCarthy, Jill Olney (Ian) and Todd Neal (Crystal) and 7 great grandchildren: Matthew Gmitter, Caroline and Elizabeth McCarthy, Ethan and Emma Olney, and Sophia and Charlotte Neal. She is also survived by 2 brothers, Jack Lewis and John Lewis (Marjorie). The family will receive friends Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Cookeville First United Methodist Church. Memorials in her name can be sent to First United Methodist Church, Cookeville Regional Hospital, or to Meals on Wheels.

Funeral services for Mrs. Patricia Ann Chang Simpkins, affectionately known as Pattie, age 76 of Sparta, will be conducted 1:00pm Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Oakwood Street Church of Christ in Sparta. In honor of Pattie’s wishes, she will be cremated following her funeral service. She passed away at 12:02am Sunday, January 7, 2024 at St. Thomas Highlands Hospital. Pattie was born January 22, 1947 in Honolulu, Hawaii to the late Harry Lee and Agnes Rosario Chang. She had a variety of work experience from the food service industry to a Platte County, Nebraska Deputy Sheriff. Her wonderful cooking will be missed but her love for God and her grandchildren will always be remembered. Pattie was a devoted member of Oakwood Street Church of Christ. In addition to her parent, she is also preceded in death by her sister Wanda Lee Chang and brother Raymond Chang. Survivors include her loving husband of 58 years Marvin “Butch” Simpkins, Sr. Two sons: Marvin Stanley Simpkins, Jr. and wife Diane, Harry Eugene Kalani Simpkins; Grandchildren: Elijah, Letani, Marvin Lee, Scarlett, Kyler, Andrew and Earan; Five great-grandchildren; Special friend: Lynn Griffis; Oakwood Street church family; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members also survive. The family will receive friends after 10:00am Saturday at the church. Bro. Erwin Williams will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Happy Haven or the Shriner’s.

A Memorial service for Travis Lee Brewer, 33 of Gainesboro, will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 3 P.M. at The Bridge Community Church in Gainesboro Bro. Matthew Scoggins and Bro. Ken Lewis will officiate at the service. He was born November 20, 1990, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and he passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Stone Crest Medical Center. He was the son of Jack Edward Brewer and Eileen Marie Brewer. Survivors include his Mother: Eileen Marie Brewer Father: Jack Edward Brewer Sisters: Amy Maxwell, Crystal (Chris) Womack, Elizabeth (Brandon) Alexander, and Irita (Clint) Reagan Aunts: Sharon Terek, Kim Custer, Donna Marie Liepinis and Paula Kromko.

A Celebration of Life service for James (Jim) Kyle McElroy, 34 of Silver Point, will be held at The Edge Building of Life Church in Cookeville, on Friday, January 19th at 7:00pm. An additional Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 27th from 12:00-4:00pm at Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center (29 Pines), 5872 33rd Avenue, Eau Claire, WI. He died at his residence, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday, January 6th, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 4th, 1989, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He started his career in the Twin Cities before relocating for his career and finalizing his home in Silver Point. Jim graduated from Chippewa Falls High School with the class of 2007. He had a strong passion and love for heavy equipment, spending his career in numerous facets of the construction industry. He achieved his utmost goal of establishing McElroy Land Management, LLC., his beloved land clearing company. Jim was able to make endless relationships throughout his work, finding a way to connect with anyone that came into his path. Jim was a hardworking and dedicated man placing his heart into everything he did, learning it to its fullest. He was meticulous with his work, emphasizing and ensuring that every detail be perfected from cleaning machinery to mechanical needs, to final aspects of a project. When Jim was not working, he enjoyed hunting, going on adventures, and traveling with his family, and riding the high terrain trails of Tennessee. He had a strong love for his family, prioritizing his wife and children’s needs before his own, utilizing them as a motivator to each and every personal accomplishment. Jim is survived by his loving family, including his wife and high school sweetheart, Kayla (Schneider) McElroy; children, Payten and Coy McElroy; his mother, Mary McElroy; his sister, Cary (Brian) Proud; his nephew’s, Logan Goettl and Wyatt Proud; his father and mother in law, Brian and Linda Schneider; his brothers-in-law, Chad (Mandi) Schneider, Cory (Kim) Schneider; his sister-in-law, Carrie (Charlie) Dahl; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy McElroy; his great-grandmother, Dorothy McNamara; his friend, Alan Prueher; maternal and paternal grandparents: Maxine Kowieski, William McElroy, Dorothy Miller, Arthur Hamman, Ronald Miller; and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will be held at The Edge Building of Life Church in Cookeville, on Friday, January 19th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm