We Remember: Obituaries For Wednesday, November 1

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, November 1

A Funeral for Donald “Don” Eugene Downey, 76 of Cookeville, will be held on Thursday Nov 2, 2023, at 11:00 Crest Lawn Funeral Home in Cookeville. Burial will be at Chattanooga Memorial Gardens at 3pm EST. He passed away on Sunday October 29, 2023, at his home. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Don Downey was born on 12/3/1946 in Chattanooga to Chester and Margaret Ezell Downey. He attended Tennessee Tech University and pursued a career in accounting. After College Don joined the United States Army as a commissioned officer where he served overseas. Don is survived by wife Linda Thompson Downey, Children: Tom Downey (deceased), Angie Downey Trusty (Dennis), Stacy Shelton Pelfrey (Teeter), Renea Kendall Boggs (Clayton), Jason Kendall (deceased), Grandchildren Dylan Keen, Elijah McCallister, Callie Kendall, Mattea Trusty, Delana Lombardo, Tia Trusty, Dorian McCalpin, Jayce Keen, Carissa Bradbury, and numerous other cherished family members and friends. After his military service Don Served as County Auditor and several positions at Hamilton County, Chattanooga before taking Hospital Administrator positions at several different hospitals throughout his career. Visitation will be Wednesday Nov 1, 2023, at 5pm until 8pm, and on Thursday Nov 2, 2023, at 9am until the time of service.

Funeral services for Mary Lois Roberson, age 83 of Rickman, will be held Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Netherland Church of Christ. Interment will follow in the Netherland Cemetery. Bro. Mark Loftis will officiate. Mrs. Roberson died Monday October 30, 2023 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Her family will receive friends Thursday from 12:00 pm until service time at the church.

Celebration of Life Services for Brad Short, age 54, of Jamestown, will be conducted on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 7:00 PM from The Chapel of Goff Funeral Home. Pastor Sonny Gilpatrick will officiate. Mr. Short was born on Thursday, August 28, 1969, in Anderson, Indiana, to the late Buddy Talmadge and Edna Louethel Harris Short. Mr. Short passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023. Mr. Short currently worked with Cobb-Vantress in Deer Lodge, Tennessee. He was former store manager at Sav A Lot in Monterey, and Walmart in Algood and Jamestown. He loved cowboys, The Braves, and the TV show Supernatural. He was proud of his kids, and his nieces and nephews. He loved to keep everyone laughing and never met a stranger. He was a Christian. He is survived by his daughters, Ivorie Short of Jamestown, Isabel Shaver of Clarksville; sons, Isaac Short of Jamestown, Matthew (Elsie) Short of Monterey, Isaiah Dalton of Jamestown; sisters, Margaret (Tracy) Langford of Monterey, Lena Gail Dishman of Livingston, Ella Dishman of Monterey; 10 nieces and nephews; 13 great nieces and nephews; and mother of his children, Jessica Potter of Jamestown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, James Dishman and Ricky Dishman. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 5:00 PM until time of services at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be given to the funeral home.

A graveside service for Dr. Kirby Pipkin Walker, Jr., 90 of Knoxville, and formerly of Gainesboro, will be held at 1:00pm Friday, November 3 at Rob Draper Memorial Cemetery in Gainsboro. He passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, October 28, 2023, in Knoxville, with his wife by his side. Dr. Walker, formerly of Jackson, MS and Gainesboro, is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia Fuqua Walker, his son William D. Walker (“Bill”) and wife Mary, his grandson Willis R. Walker (“Will”) and wife Erica, granddaughter Elise W. Cottam and husband Kole, and great-granddaughter Callie A. Cottam. Dr. Walker is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Kirby P. Walker, Sr. (Frances) and a son, Kirby P. Walker, III (“Kip”). Dr. Walker was born April 14, 1933, in Hattiesburg, MS and graduated from Central High School (Jackson, MS) in 1951. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and his graduate studies at the University of Tennessee, College of Dentistry in Memphis. He served his country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps attached to Fleet Marine Force Pacific in 1957-58. As a general dentist in Jackson, MS, Dr. Walker operated a private practice for 30 years. During that time, he served as president of the Jackson, MS Dental Society, the 4th District Dental Society, the Mississippi Dental Association, and the William R. Wright Study Club. He was an Assistant Professor of Oral Microbiology at the University Medical Center and was recognized as a life member of both the Mississippi and American Dental Associations. Additionally, Dr. Walker was part of the Mississippi Governor’s Committee which helped pass legislation and raise funds to establish the School of Dentistry at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. A long-time supporter of the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry Alumni Association, Dr. Walker was named an outstanding alumnus and received a distinguished service award. He was instrumental in raising funds for the UT dental program and was named a member of the UT Benefactors Society and a member of the UT Development Council. After Dr. Walker sold his dental practice in 1989, he and his wife moved to a family farm in Gainesboro. There he remained active as an outdoorsman and deacon and treasurer for the Gainesboro Church of Christ. The Walkers moved to Tellico in 2021 and then to Knoxville in 2022 to be closer to family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pheasants Forever, St. Paul, MN or the charity of your choice.

A graveside ceremony for Alex Jack Carr, Jr., 68 of Livingston, will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 2 pm at Overton County Memorial Gardens. He passed away Friday Oct. 27, at Centennial Hospital in Nashville after a brief illness. He was the son of the late Alex Jack Carr, Sr. He is Survived by wife Sheila Cate Carr and mother Dorothy B. Stanton, sister Patricia McDonald (Tim) all of Livingston, one nephew Hunter McDonald of Cookeville. Many other extended family members. Jack was involved in the transportation industry or many years. He enjoyed his private vehicles also and was an avid participant in Auto Cross racing with TRSCCA Tennessee Region Sports Car Club of America. He was also interested in aviation and was a licensed pilot. In his youth his adventurous spirit earned him the nickname “KRAZY”. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Funeral Services for Mr. Victor Odus Speck, age 93, of Cookeville will be conducted 2 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2023, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Bro. Mike Speck will officiate. Burial to follow in the Copeland Cemetery at West Fork, with Military Honors provided at graveside by the Overton County Veterans Honor Guard. Victor passed from this life on Wednesday morning, November 1, 2023, from the Overton County Health and Rehab. He was born at home on November 21, 1929, in Monroe to the late Joe May and Janie Ledbetter Speck. Vic was a 1948 graduate of Livingston Academy and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a faithful member of the Stevens Street Baptist Church in Cookeville. He loved watching sports, especially UT sports. He even coached high school girls fast pitch softball. Vic was a great motivator to young kids and adults. He always enjoyed keeping his yard well maintained and manicured. His greatest joy was his family and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Victor leaves behind his wife, Betty Copeland Speck of Cookeville; sons, Mike Speck and wife Faye of Sevierville, and Mark Speck and wife Cheryl of Allen, TX; grandchildren, Melody VanNus and husband Matt, Kendal Eicke and husband Jeremy, Hayley Robbins and husband Jacob, and Amon Speck; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill Speck of Lafayette, and Grady Speck of Battle Creek, MI; also, several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Victor was preceded in death by his brothers, Othel, Willie P., and Estes Speck, and sister, Ann Norris. The family will welcome friends on Friday afternoon from 1 p.m. until time of services at Speck Funeral Home. Memorial Donation may be made to the St. Jude Childrens Hospital.

Celebration of life services for Jimmy “Jim” Lee Deck age 72 of Livingston, will be held at 10am on Saturday November 4, 2023, at the Church of Christ at Walnut Grove. Mr. Deck passed from this life on Sunday October 29, 2023, at the Livingston Regional Hospital. He was born in Monterey, TN on May 27, 1951, to the late Thomas and Geraldine Poston Deck. He was an active member of Walnut Grove Church of Christ. He enjoyed fellowship with his church family. With his quick wit and winning personality, he was loved by many. Jim loved traveling with his family, spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. Jim loved working in his yard. He took great pride in making his home a special place for friends and family. He also enjoyed washing their cars, visiting with neighbors, camping and just being outdoors. Jim enjoyed sports, especially Cincinnati Baseball, Titan’s football, UT and our local football and basketball teams. Jim served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. After he came back from the war he went to Vocational School. He then chose a career in commercial sales with Cherokee Distributers where he was promoted to branch manager. He loved being with people and did this for forty years. Jim retired in April 2021, where he left behind an amazing work crew that he considered family. Jim leaves behind his wife Marsha Hogue Deck, son Josh Deck, daughter Rachel Deck, grandchildren Emma, Drew, and Tyson Deck and Nevaeh Skelton, sisters Debbie Deck, Laura Phillips and brother in-law Duane, sister in-law Sarah Hogue, great aunt in-law Dorothy Stanton and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. He is preceded in death by parents Thomas and Geraldine Deck, brother Tommy Deck, sister Pat Mayberry and husband Larry, niece Amy Lewis, father in-law Glenard Hogue, mother in-law Betty Jo Hogue Norris and brother in-law Mark Hogue. Donations can be made to St. Jude and the Orphan fund at Walnut Grove. Visitation will begin at 10am, with the service to follow at 2pm.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Pat Austin, age 82, of Livingston will be conducted 11 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, from the Netherland Church of Christ. Bro. Mark Loftis will officiate. Burial to follow in the Good Hope Cemetery. Mrs. Pat peacefully passed from her home in Livingston surrounded by her family, on Monday afternoon, October 30, 2023. She was born at home on February 9, 1941, in Livingston, to the late Earl Hasker “Hack” and Nora Anna Hodges Copeland. She was a member of the Netherland Church of Christ. Pat married the love of her life Mr. Ray Price Austin, in August of 1957. She then graduated Livingston Academy in 1959 and started building their family shortly afterwards. During that time Pat and Ray traveled to every State in the Union except Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Hawaii. In 1978 Pat received her Bachelor of Science and started teaching school in Overton County. She earned her Master’s degree in 1997 and earned her EDS degree in 1999. Her children and grandchildren were her life where she would travel for sports and soap box derbies all over the Northeast. Pat was also known for her excellent cooking for her family and church family. Pat leaves behind her husband of 66 years, Ray Austin of Livingston; daughters, Tammy Loftis and husband Mark of Cookeville, Amanda Austin and husband Mike White of Hermitage, and Beth Gunnels and husband Joe of Rickman; son, Mike Austin and wife Lori of Rickman; grandchildren, Evan Loftis and wife Hannah, Dylan Loftis and wife Kaylee, Lucas Gunnels, Leah Gunnels, John Lewis Austin, and Matthew Austin; great-grandchildren, Griffin Loftis, Maxine Loftis, and Adelaide Loftis; step-sister, Patricia Conner and husband Steve of OH. In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her sister, Anita Copeland and step-brother, Jimmy C. Ledbetter. The family will welcome friends on Friday evening from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., then on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until time of services at the Netherland Church of Christ. Memorial Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by contacting Speck Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Beatrice Alberta Goolsby Hall, 87 of Cookeville, will be conducted 11:00am Saturday, November 4, 2023 from the Chapel of Dyer Funeral Home in Cookeville. Burial will follow in John L. Clark Cemetery in Gainesboro. She was born in Celina on September 11, 1936 to Shelby and Eldrith Roberts Goolsby. She passed away at Signature Healthcare on October 31, 2023 at the age of 87 from complications of Alzheimers. Alberta or “Bert” sometimes referred to graduated from Baxter Seminary in 1956. She worked various jobs including telephone company and shirt factory. Alberta married Carlos Ray Hall in 1958. In 1970 they owned the City Cafe In Gainesboro. Throughout the years, they owned two grocery stores. In 1980, Alberta went to work for Putnam County Health Department as a Certified Nursing Aid. She worked in outreach, home health and retiring after 20 years in the clinic. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Alberta was preceded in death by her parents Shelby and Eldrith Goolsby, her husband Carlos Ray Hall, her son, Anthony Ray Hall, her siblings Charles Goolsby, Bruce Goolsby, David Goolsby, Jenny (Charles) Hunt, Evanelle Scott. Alberta is survived by her brother Neal (Linda) Goolsby, daughter Sharon (Ricky) Anderson and Shelia (Tracey) Barker, grandchildren Amy (George) McCready, Eli (Hayden) Barker, and Shelby Barker, great grandchildren Frank McCready, Breanna McCready, and Hayley McCready, daughter-in-law Gaye Hall, her sister-in-law Mary Elise Goolsby, brother-in-law Jack Scott and and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 4-7:00pm Friday and after 9:00am Saturday at Dyer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heart of the Cumberland Grief Center, 25 W. Broad Street #11, Cookeville, TN 38501

A Memorial Service for Larry Wayne Geer, age 72 of Sparta, will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Lamar Redmon officiating. He passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born May 22, 1951 in Sparta, and he was the son of the late William Geer and the late Marie Stoglin Geer. He served in the United States National Guard for many years. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with is family and friends. He owned Geer’s Grocery for 39 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carrie Geer and his brother, Douglas Geer. Survivors include: Wife- Nelouise Geer of Sparta; Daughter- Christy Tubbs (Chad) of Sparta; Son- Kyle Geer (Regina) of Baxter; Step-Daughters- Tania Whittenburg (Steven) of Cookeville, and Teri Dockery (Mike) of Sparta; Son- Trevor Elrod of Sparta; 8 Grandchildren and 1 Great-Grandchildren; Sisters- Brenda Oaks (Jim) of Sparta, and Patricia Trobaugh of Baxter; Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family will welcome friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until time of the service at the funeral home.

Memorial services honoring Rebecca Diane “Becky” Tomlinson, 63 of Cookeville, will be held 2:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday November 4th at the Cookeville chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. A woman of radiant optimism and boundless love, she passed away peacefully at Bethesda Health Care in Cookeville on October 18, 2023. Born on December 17, 1959, in Nashville, Becky lived her life with a contagious zest for life, a sharp wit, and an unwavering kindness that touched all who knew her. Becky was predeceased by her parents, William Charles Tomlinson and Jean Tomlinson Dallas, and her brothers, David and Steve Tomlinson. She is survived by her loving son, Kyle Greenway of Huntsville, AL; her cherished daughter, Kasey Greenway of Baxter; her supportive brother, Michael (Michele) Tomlinson of Blaine, WA; her dear sister, Janice Tomlinson of Nashville; and her treasured grandchildren, Jules Rose Salgado and Jameson Nash Greenway. Becky was a woman of many passions. She had a profound love for music and reading, often seen with a book in one hand and headphones in the other. Her wit and humor were infectious, and she was known for her ability to light up any room with her laughter. Becky was a no-nonsense woman who lived her life with a kind and loving spirit. Her optimism was unwavering, and she had a unique ability to see the positive in every situation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Becky’s honor to the Cookeville-Putnam County Animal Shelter, 2650 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501.

Celebration of Life for Maylene Elizabeth Whitefield, 74 of Cookeville, will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 3:30 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Frieze officiating. She passed from this life on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at NHC Healthcare Cookeville. Maylene was born Wednesday, May 18, 1949, in Cookeville, and she was the daughter of the late Valous Maylon Whitefield and the late Eula Mildred (Allen) Whitefield. Maylene graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a Master’s Degree in Psychology. As she began her career, her first job was teaching school in Bowling Green, Kentucky for several years. On April 13, 1973, she started working for the Social Security Administration as a Claims Representative, in Bowling Green. Later she transferred to McMinnville to continue working for the Social Security Administration as the Management Support Specialist. Later she transferred to the Cookeville office as the Operations Supervisor. She finished her career in 2005 with over 30 years. After she retired, she was a caregiver to her dad and sister until their deaths. She was a member of Hope Church in Algood (Formerly Trinity). Maylene loved the Lord and her strong faith got her through some tough times. Maylene loved planting flowers in her yard and she loved all of her cats she has had over the years. She was an avid reader of hundreds of books and her bookshelves were full where she had read every one of them. Maylene is survived by, 8 Cousins, John, Jimmy, and Jerry Allen, Mary Lee Brown, Debra Hargis, Wayne and Barry Jones, and Denise Whitefield; Uncle, Vay Vickers, Jr. In addition to her parents, Maylene was preceded in death by her sister, Marsha Whitefield. Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 2:00 pm until the time of service at 3:30 pm at Crest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to your favorite charities.

A memorial service for Rosina “Rose” Fields, 85 of Cookeville, is being planned, tentatively set for Saturday, November 11 at 1 PM at Cookeville First Baptist Church. She died Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at her home. Her wishes of cremation are being honored. She was born August 1, 1938 in Sicily, Italy to the late Basil and Rose Natoli Aragona. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James Erwin Fields on February 16, 2019 and a sister, Anna Kowalczyk. She was a homemaker. Rose was a member of Cookeville First Baptist Church and very active in her Sunday School Class. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include sons David (Anh-Phuong) Fields of Burke, VA, Douglas (Gabriele) Fields of Albuquerque, New Mexico, sister Gracie Brooks of Michigan, brother Joe Aragona of Wisconsin, grandchildren: Andrew Fields, George Fields, Anne Catherine “Kitty” Fields, James Monroe Fields, Lukas Samuel Fields, great-grandchildren: Elysia Noel Fields and Seraphina Ophelia Fields. The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until service at the church.