We Remember: Obituaries For Wednesday, December 20

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 Wednesday, December 20

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.

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Anna Kent Thompson, age 89 of Sparta, will be conducted 1:00pm Friday, December 22, 2023 at Central Church of Christ with burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. She passed away at 1:50pm Monday, December 18, 2023 at St. Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville after a brief illness. Mary Anna was born November 29, 1934 in Sparta to the late Malcolm Perry and Eunetta Mason Kent. She was an employee of Mallory Timers. After her retirement, she and Dean settled into their new life. Dean played golf while Mary Anna visited with her mother every day. With Dean’s passing, she found solace in her girl friends and developed a love for dancing at the Senior Citizens Center. Mary Anna was devoted to her family. She allotted an hour every weekday to her enjoyment of The Young and the Restless. She was a faithful member of Central Church of Christ where she was active with the Primetime group. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband Carroll Dean Thompson; grandson Mark Davis Manus and Amber and sister Betty Lou Moore Weaver. Surviving family members include her daughters, Pam (Monte) Manus, Annette (Roger) Fuqua, Karen Rogers Hogan, Laurie Sewell, Candice (Jorge) Abeledo; Son: Robert Wayne (Pam) Thompson, Kenneth Thompson; Grandchildren: Ashley (Brad) Wright, Kenneth Thompson, Josh (Renee) Thompson, Kelley (Andrew) West; Great-grandchild: James Wright; Nieces: Teresa & Chris Colby, Cindy & RJ Hickey, Sandy & Allan Clouse, Faye Moore, Kaye Moore, Renee & Kevin Henry; Special friend: Bill Adams. The family will receive friends after 10:00am Friday at the church.

Funeral Services for Mr. Thomas Wayne Hargis, age 69, of Livingston will be conducted 2 p.m., Saturday, December 23, 2023, from the chapel of Livingston Funeral Home. Burial to follow in the Poplar Springs Cemetery. Tom passed from this life on Monday, evening December 18, 2023, from the Livingston Regional Medical Center. He was born in Overton County on December 31, 1953, to the late Thomas Buren and Bess Deck Hargis. Tom was Baptist in faith and enjoyed coon hunting with his old coon dog Dusty. Tom always had a smile and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Tom leaves behind his son, Shane Hargis and wife Lisa of Livingston; daughter, Amber Masters of Livingston; grandson, Daniel Geesling; brothers, Jack Hargis and wife Sheila of Indiana, and Bill Hargis and wife Carol of Rickman; sister, Debbie Jones and husband Bruce of Cookeville; cousin, Michael Deck of North Carolina; nieces and nephews, Amy Hargis Maxwell and husband David, Roy Ogletree, Angela Hargis Sullivan and husband Dale, Paula Hargis Whitehead, and Melissa Hargis Knowles. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife Diann Hargis; brothers, Earl, Ronnie “Possum”, Paul, J.B., and Otis Hargis; sisters, Emma Jean Ogletree, Carolyn Sue Elizer, Betty Harris, Vicki Birdwell, and Wanda Lois Cross. The family will welcome friends on Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of services at the Livingston Funeral Home. Memorial Donations may be made to the family by contacting Livingston 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.