We Remember: Obituaries For Wednesday, January 31

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, January 31

Alton Daniel “DANNY” Underwood, 69 of Cookeville died Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Signature HealthCare in Algood. He was born January 23, 1955 in Biloxi, Mississippi to the late Charlie “Chuck” McKinley Underwood, II and the late Martha Marie Rush Underwood. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister Irene Underwood Bosarge; brothers Ralph “Butch’ Underwood, Brian Underwood and Charlie “Chuck” “Bo” McKinley Underwood, III. He was a retired civilian ship fitter with the Navy. Danny was a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include wife of 18 years (Married December 17, 2005) Donna Kay Criswell Underwood of Cookeville; daughters Priscilla Underwood Walraven and April Marie Underwood Jalbert both of Biloxi; sisters Lou Underwood Tapper of D’Iberville, MS, Patsy Underwood Bailey of McHenry, MS and Sharon Underwood Smith of Biloxi; brother Randell “Randy” Underwood of MS; and 5 grandchildren. His wishes of cremation are being honored and a Celebration of life is being planned.

Mike Alexander, 74 of Goodlettsville and formerly of Baxter, died Tuesday morning January 30, 2024 at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville. Arrangements are pending.

Funeral Services for Robert Larry Miller, age 83, of the Vine Ridge Community of Overton County, will be conducted on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM from The Chapel of Goff Funeral Home. Rev. Robbie Miller, Rev. Johnny Phillips, and Rev. Darrell Harvill will officiate with interment to follow in the Hanging Limb Cemetery. Mr. Miller was born on Thursday, May 2, 1940, in the Vine Ridge Community, to the late Robert Clarence and Rachel Pansy Norrod Miller. Mr. Miller passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at his home. Mr. Miller was a Finish Carpenter. He was a coal miner and worked with Indiana Glass. He enjoyed swapping and trading knives and cars. He was a member of Hanging Limb Freewill Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol Kay Carroll Miller of the Vine Ridge Community; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Rev. Robbie and Renee Miller of the Vine Ridge Community, Patrick and Nancy Miller of Greenville, KY; 6 grandchildren, Jacob (Destiny) Miller, Rebekah (Tysen) Luna, Matthew Miller, Ashley Stilts, Derrick (Katie) Branham, and Sierra Berry; 8 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Claudine Hargis of Greenville, KY, Charlene Ramsey of the Vine Ridge Community; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Janice Miller of the Vine Ridge Community, Roger and Janet Miller of the Haning Limb Community; 2 sisters-in-law, Freida Miller of the Mineral Springs Community, Cindy Miller of Calhoun, KY; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Lonnie Miller, Eddie Miller, and infant brother, Clyde Miller. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

A funeral service for Linda Ann Ellington, 69 of Cookeville, will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Dodson Chapel Cemetery, Cookeville. She passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family. Born Sunday, November 14, 1954 in Cookeville, she was the daughter of the late Arlow Gentry and the late Anna Ruth Mabe Gentry. She was the oldest of four children. She was the wife of Hubert “Hugh” Ellington for 31 loving years. Linda is best described as a generous, thoughtful person that took care of those she loved. Before her disability’s complications, she was a talented cook and quilter, making quilts for each of her nieces. Linda was an avid animal lover, especially her dogs Puppy the beagle and Pepper the poodle. In her free time, Linda would watch Westerns, particularly Clint Eastwood films and Andy Griffith Show. She is survived by: husband, Hugh of Cookeville; son, Brad (Keri) Julian of Spencer; 7 grandchildren, Brittany Parrish, Stephanie (Roy Young) Sullivan, Emily Hendrixson, Cristin (Blake) Ashburn, Ashley Hendrixson, Tyler Julian, and Bree Julian; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Steve (Debe) Gentry of Cookeville, Darlene Overstreet of Cookeville, Larry Gentry of Hilham; And many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her parents, Linda is preceded in death by daughter, Jennifer Hendrixson and step-son, Keith Ellington. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home.

Funeral Service for Ricky Dewayne White, 63 of Gallatin, and formerly of Cookeville, will be held Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Bro. John Pippin officiating. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. He passed from this life on Monday, January 29, 2024, at his home. Ricky was born Saturday, December 3, 1960, in Cookeville, he was the son of the late Edward Lee White and the late Willie Mae (Madewell) White. Ricky was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. Ricky is survived by, 2 Siblings, Jane Cobble and her husband, David, and Eddie White; 3 Aunts, Nancy Huddleston, Faye White, and Betty Howard; Uncle, David White (Juanita); 3 Nephews, Johnny (Stephanie), Kenny (Christy), and Greg Cobble—a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. In addition to his parents, Ricky was preceded in death by his brother, Billy White. Visitation with the family and friends will be held Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Crest Lawn Funeral Home from 12:00 pm until the time of service at 2:00 pm.

Funeral Services for James Randall Yates, better known as “Randy”, age 59 of Doyle, will be held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Jimmy Jack Walker officiating. He passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital in Sparta. He was born on March 10, 1964 in Sparta, and he was the son of the late James Elex Yates and the late Lula Teeples Yates. Survivors include: Son- James Derrick Yates (Kathleen); Daughter- Chelsea Nash; Grandsons- Tristan Yates, Sawyer Yates, and Reid Yates; Sister- Rhonda Lou Robinson (Terry); Special Aunts and Uncles whom he loved very much- Kenneth and Kathy Simmons and Billy and Mary Linda Dodson; Special Friends and Caregivers- Paula Savage, Maggie Clark, and Mark Taylor; Special Cousins- Tracey Dodson and Angie Montgomery. The family will welcome friends on Thursday from 5:00 PM until time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Oak Lawn Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses.

Funeral Service for Bobbye Jean (Carr) Wilkerson, 88 of Cookeville, will be held Friday, February 2nd, 2024, at 1:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. She passed from this life Saturday, January 27th, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. She was born on Sunday, May 26th, 1935, on her family farm in Cookeville. She was the daughter of the late James and Grace (Maxwell) Carr. Known as the Queen of Burgess, Bobbye was a loving wife, daughter, sister, Memaw, aunt, and friend to all who knew her. She enjoyed attending services at Wilhite Baptist Church, spending time with family and friends, sitting on the back porch while drinking sweet tea down at the farm, and watching reruns of The Lawrence Welk Show. Bobbye is survived by: 2 Brothers: James (Gloria) Carr of Cookeville, Billy Carr of Cookeville; 1 Son and Daughter-in-Law: Randy and Amelia Wilkerson of Cookeville; 1 Daughter: Paula Lucas of Nashville; 2 Granddaughters: Rebecca Wilkerson of Cookeville, Lindsay Lucas of Nashville; 2 Grandsons: Jonathan Lucas of Nashville, Adam Wilkerson of Cookeville; 1 Great Granddaughter: Ailsa Lucas; And many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Bobbye was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Bettye (Jim) Bilyeu and Sue (Clyde) Henry; her loving husband, Hoyal Wilkerson; daughter-in-law, Deborah Wilkerson; son, Philip Wilkerson; and grandson, Austin Lucas. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, February 2nd from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm.

Funeral services for Justine Keyes, age 83 of Clarkrange, will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the Jennings Funeral Homes-Clarkrange Chapel. Burial will follow in the Midway Cemetery. She passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the Livingston Regional Hospital. Justine is survived by her: Son, Danny Keyes and wife Lisa; Granddaughters, Alyssa Keyes, Mariah Roberts and husband Donathon; Great-Granddaughters, Ivy and Ember Roberts; Brother, Ronnie Barnes and wife Nancy; Sister, Thelma Cooper; Brothers-in-law, Bobby Keyes and wife Beverly, Tommy Keyes and wife Amy; Sisters-in-law, Fay Barnes, Mary Lou Buck, Shirley Keyes. She is preceded in death by her: Husband, Charles Keyes; Parents, Claude and Myrtle (Cook) Barnes; Brothers, Harold Barnes, Claude “Junior” Barnes, Dairl Barnes; Brothers-in-law, Nolan, Carlos and Donald Keyes, JC Buck, Mike Cooper; Father and Mother-in-law, Charlie and Ellie Keyes. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Jennings Funeral Homes-Clarkrange Chapel.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Barbara Jean Baier, 73 of Cookeville, will be held on Saturday, February 3 at 12 p.m. at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. A cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she passed away peacefully on January 26, 2024, at NHC of Sparta. Born on May 8, 1950, in Lexington, KY, Barbara’s journey through life was marked by her warmth, kindness, and the joy she brought to those around her. Barbara dedicated many years of service as an administrative assistant, where her love for students and commitment to their care shone brightly. She worked with great pride at the University of Kentucky and Auburn University before her tenure at Tennessee Tech University’s Alumni office. Her passion for nurturing young minds was evident in every interaction, creating a legacy of warmth and guidance that many will remember. She is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, Dr. James Baier, whom she married on December 3, 1997. Their partnership was a testament to mutual respect and adoration. Barbara’s legacy lives on through her daughter, Leigh Ann Clark, and son, Bryan Woodruff, as well as her adored grandchildren, Isaac Clark and Alex Woodruff, who brought immense joy and laughter into her life. Barbara was a caring daughter to her late parents, Leroy Prewitt and Billie Cadle Prewitt, and she cherished memories of her late sister, Leah Prewitt. An introvert at heart, Barbara had the unique ability to transform into an extrovert in the company of a crowd. Her friendly disposition and kind nature drew people to her, and she became the life of any gathering. Her interests were varied and rich; she found solace in her garden, tranquility in the pages of a good book, and challenge in the twists and turns of a crossword puzzle. Barbara’s love for animals was profound, and her compassion for all living creatures was a reflection of her generous spirit. Barbara’s presence was a gift to those who had the privilege of knowing her. She approached life with a rare combination of grace and tenacity, forging a path of love and service that will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her family will welcome friends and family from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Barbara’s commitment to education and the well-being of students will continue to be honored through memorial contributions to the Agricultural Engineering Technology Innovation Student Center at Tennessee Tech University. Crawford Alumni Center, Box 5157, 705 N Dixie Ave, Cookeville, TN 38505.

Funeral services for Linda Watson, age 79 of Jamestown, will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Jennings Funeral Homes Chapel in Jamestown. Burial will follow in the Fentress Memorial Gardens. She passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024 at the Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro. Linda is survived by her: Husband, Bill Watson; Children, Gina Emery and husband John, Brian Beaty and wife Tammy, Jason Watson and wife Leta; Grandchildren, Kevin Beaty, Tessa Beaty, Zoie Lierly and husband Jacob, Noah Emery and wife Haylee, Karlin Watson, Kelsey Watson, Kason Watson; Great Grandchildren, London Lierly, Reagan Lierly, Preston Claire Lierly; Brother, Tom Reagan and wife Carolyn; Sister, Mary Cravens and husband Pete; Special Loved Ones, Tim Buck and wife Melanie, Gina Mullinix; A host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her: Grandson, John Wayne Emery, III; Father, John Dayton Reagan; Mother, Zora (Cantrell) Reagan; Siblings, Naoma Rankin and husband Ralph, Ralph Reagan and wife Zula, Owen Reagan and wife Vina, Hoyt Reagan and wife Ceyna. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Jennings Funeral Homes Chapel in Jamestown.

A celebration of life service for Mr. Jim Sutherland, age 77 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, February 3rd at 5pm at the Cookeville chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. He died Tuesday evening, January 30th. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 3rd from 3pm until 5pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services for Mrs. Shelby Jean (Jones) Beaty, age 85 of Crossville, will be held Sunday, February 4 at 1 pm at the Jennings Funeral Homes-Clarkrange Chapel. She passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024. She was born on March 8, 1938 to Herschel and Mossie (Whittenburg) Jones. She was the only girl with three brothers Arthur “Skip”, Daniel “Bill”, and David “Wink”. Shelby Jean was married to Ruble “Rube” Beaty for 62 years until his passing. She was a talented seamstress who loved to quilt. In addition, she was a proud member of the order of the Eastern Star Mary Chapter. Mrs. Shelby Jean Beaty is survived by: Daughters, Rujena Dotson and husband Philip, Renita Beaty and friend Jim Gifford, Raquel Dice and husband Kelly; Grandsons, Colten Dotson and wife Kayla, Eli Dotson; Great-Grandson, Rex Dotson; Special Nephew and Nieces, Danny Jones, Lisa Jones Hedrick, Lori Jones Hedgecoth; Special Friends, Butch and Judy Hall. She is preceded in death by her: Husband, Ruble Beaty; Parents, Herschell and Mossie (Whittenburg) Jones; Brothers, Arthur “Skip” Jones, Daniel “Bill” Jones, David “Wink” Jones. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 3 from 5 pm-8 pm at the Jennings Funeral Homes-Clarkrange Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Clarkrange Cemetery Fund.

A memorial service for John Bennett Cassetty, 70 of Gainesboro, will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 2 P.M. in the chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro. The family has chosen cremation at this time. He was born January 8, 1954, in Jackson County, and he passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville. He was the son of Charles Edward Cassetty and Navoy Virgie Hawkins Cassetty. He worked for Northern Telecom. He was a gifted musician and loved music. He was a former member of the Legacy Band and was a member of various other musical bands throughout the years. Survivors include his son: Ian Bennett Cassetty of Gainesboro; sisters: Deborah (Mike) Searcy and Charlene Cassetty both from Gainesboro. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Angie Reed Cassetty. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 11 A.M. until time of service at 2 P.M. in the chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help assist the family with the cremation expenses by contacting the business office of the funeral home.