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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 22
Linda H. Springer (Stith), age 76 of Sparta, originally from Cincinnatus, New York, passed away at her home on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 while being cared for by her loving husband and two dedicated daughters. Linda was the youngest daughter of the late William and Myrtle (Carr) Stith. Linda was a beautician for more than 50 years. She had a passion for providing services to her clients at her shop and at local nursing homes. In her spare time, Linda enjoyed being with family and friends and had a love for painting. Linda was a faithful member of Taylor Wesleyan Church and attended Emmanuel Baptist Church in McGraw, NY. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Isadore, Charles, Theodore, and Jack Stith, as well as her sister, Wilma (LeRoy) Closson. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Robert J. Springer; and her children, Danielle (Lee) Parker and Shannon (Ryan) Weeks. She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren, Bryce (Rachel) Parker, Marissa Parker, Blake and Zander Weeks; sisters, Margaret Parker and Roberta (Donald) Fuller, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Linda can be directed to Emmanuel Baptist Church 2267 Ridge Road, McGraw, NY 13101. Services are pending at this time.
Donald Hix Loftis, 72 of Cookeville, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born on July 13, 1951, in Putnam County. He was the son of the late Fred Earl Loftis and Violet Hix Loftis. He worked in the TV repair business, and served in the U.S. Navy. He was a resident of Cookeville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Brother: Bobby Loftis. Survivors include his Son: Chris Loftis of Florida; Brothers: Jimmy Loftis of FL, Billy Loftis of Cookeville, Ricky Loftis of Phoenix, AZ, and Michael Loftis of Cookeville; Sister: Louise Loftis Gaw of Cookeville; and 2 Grandchildren. The family has chosen cremation, with no services at this time.
Jimmy McCormick, 50 of the Mansell Hill community of Gainesboro, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023 in Gainesboro. He was born December 22, 1972, in Canton, IL. He was the son of the late William Gale McCormick and Debra Jean McCormick. He was a masonry worker, and a resident of the Mansell Hill community. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Son: Douglas Hughes. Survivors include his Sons: Scottie Ketner of Missouri, and Colin McCormick of Illinois; Sisters: Angela (Matthew) Goolsby of Granville, and Brandi (Dion) K. Harris of Belleville, MI; Step-Sisters: Michelle Greene of Gainesboro, and Christina (William) Goolsby of Bloomington Springs; and Step-Father: Bradley Gumm of Gainesboro. The family has chosen cremation, with memorial services to be held at a later time at New Hope Baptist Church in Gainesboro.
Funeral Services for Bryant Coley Sr., age 93, of Monterey, will be conducted on Friday, November 24, 2023, at 12:00 PM from The Chapel of Goff Funeral Home. Rev. Gerald Phillips and Rev. Harlon Thompson will officiate with interment to follow in the Midway Cemetery with Full Military Honors Provided by the Veterans Honor Guard. Mr. Coley was born on Monday, October 20, 1930, in Wheat, Tennessee, to the late George and Beulah Bryant Coley. Mr. Coley passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at his home. Mr. Coley was a farmer. He was an industrial engineer in Chicago. He was a United States Korean War Army Veteran and a Christian. He is survived by, 1 daughter and son-in-law, Ruth and Eric Hitch of Smyrna; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Bryant and Eleisha Coley of Monterey, Henry and Sharon Coley of Jasper, GA; 6 grandchildren, Ashley (Mike) Hannah, Stephen (Aimee) Coley, Amanda (Chris) Pryor, Dylan Coley, Emily Coley, and Ethan Hitch; 6 great grandchildren, Justin, James, Jaden, Hailey, Mary Jo, and Jesse. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Sherwood Coley; and sisters, Eva Fain and Dean Baker. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Friday, November 24, 2023, from 10:00 AM until time of services at 12:00 PM.
Funeral services for Mr. William Robert Harris, better known as Bill, age 84 of Crossville, will be conducted 1:00pm Saturday, November 25, 2023 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors by the Veterans’ Honor Guard will follow in Fraser’s Chapel Cemetery. He passed away Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Life Care Center of Crossville. William Robert Harris was born on the third of May 1939 in the Hickory Valley Community of White County, the only child of the late Robert Samuel and Nannie Velna Haston Harris. His education started at Hickory Valley Elementary School, then WCHS where he was active with several organizations and a member of the football team, Tennessee Tech, then Hiwassee College where he was a member of the baseball and basketball teams. Bill obtained his bachelors from Southern Illinois University and ultimately his masters from Central Michigan. Bill joined the Air Force on October 10, 1960 and discharged after four years of service. Following his service, he worked in the public sector and thought the Air Force was not that bad so he rejoined in February 1966 for 23 more years and retired as a Master Sergeant Major. His Air Force career took him to almost 50 countries and a ride on the Orient Express. His love of traveling carried over to visiting all 50 United States. In his retirement, he served as an Executive Director of Upper Cumberland Teen Ranch; enjoyed hiking and playing softball where he competed in the Senior National Games in Houston, Texas. He was an avid sports fan including UT, Nashville Predators, Memphis Grizzlies, Baltimore Orioles since 1954 and a Titans season ticket holder for their first 20 years in Nashville. His love for traveling and sports was in addition to his love of history and classic rock music. Survivors include his son Chris Harris and wife Stephanie of Camden, S.C. Granddaughters: Brittany and Kacee; Several great-grandchildren and cousins also survive. The family will receive friends after 10:00am Saturday at Hunter Funeral Home.
Funeral Services for Mr. Bruce McCoy Nolen, age 81, of Pulaski, Tennessee and formerly of Overton County will be conducted 1 p.m., Saturday, November 25, 2023, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home. Bro. Bobby Gore will officiate. Burial to follow in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Mr. Nolen passed from this life on Sunday morning, November 19, 2023, from the comforts of his home. He was born January 22, 1942, in Livingston, to the late Claude and Loraine Hogue Nolen. A 1960 graduate of Wilbur Wright High School, and a member of the 2nd Street Church of Christ of Pulaski. He served his country in the Air Force from 1960 – 1964. He worked for 40 years as a Real Estate Broker in Dayton, Ohio. He enjoyed outdoor activities, especially horseback riding, playing tennis, boating, and traveling. Bruce was good at playing his guitar and he enjoyed music. Family gatherings was his greatest joy in life. Bruce leaves behind his wife Kathleen Daniel Nolen of Pulaski; daughter, Stacy Laymon of Madison, AL; son, Justin Nolen and wife Kate of Loveland, OH; stepsons, Will and Dan Earnest of Hinesville, GA; grandchildren, Jake Nolen, Elliott Laymon, Julina Hyatt, Patrick and Miles Earnest; sister, Sandra Ferrell of Indianapolis, IN; and beloved cousin, Patricia Stephens and husband John of Livingston; also, several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Ronnie Ferrell. The family will welcome friends on Saturday from 12 noon until time of services.
Funeral service for Lorene Gaw Wade Holland, 89 of Cookeville, will be at Whitson Funeral Home on Saturday November 25, 2023, at 2:00P.M. with Bro. Tim Frank Officiating and Pallbearers will be family and friends. The burial will follow in the Carlen Cemetery in Silver Point. She passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at home surrounded by family and friends. She was born on May 13, 1934 in Cookeville. to the late Ridley and Beatrice Eldridge Gaw. She attended Putnam County Central High School and worked most of her life in the Manufacturing Industry. In 1995 she retired and began the greatest role of her life as a caregiver of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. As a faithful Christian and servant to the Lord, she was a proud member of the Stevens Street Baptist Church for over half a century. Described as an Angel on earth by all who knew her, Heaven has gained one of the purest spirits to ever grace our presence. She endured more than her fair share of hardships and heartbreak in her life and was able to overcome it through her unwavering faith in God and the sunshine that was ever-present in her heart. To her children and grandchildren, she was the bond that held the family together in leading by example with her strength, compassion, patience, and love for all. She was married for 39 years to the love of her life, the late James Holland of Buffalo Valley. There are no words to describe the life they built together, but the love lives on in their family. She is survived by her sister, Willene Gaw Gentry of Cookeville TN, her children, Janet Wade and fiancé Archie England of Pleasant View, John Frye and wife Lisa of Port Orchard, WA, her grandchildren, Amber Wade of Muskogee OK, Justin Decker (Meghan Anne) of Grapevine TX, Elana (Josh) Hammons of Baxter, Hailey Ensor ( Shamaud Swope) of Cookeville, Thomas Ensor (Allie Hamby), of Baxter, Amber, Cody and Haden Frye of Colorado. 13 Great grandchildren and 3 great-great Grandchildren. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Aubrey Wade, 2 daughters, Anita Wade McCanless and Patricia Holland McDuffie, great grandson, Hudson James Hammons, 2 brothers Carlos and Harvey Gaw, and 1 sister, Virginia Masters. Special thanks to Caris Healthcare of Springfield, NHC of Cookeville and Cookeville Regional IRC, there is a special place in Heaven reserved just for you. The visitation with the family will be on Friday from 5:00P.M. until 8:00P.M. and on Saturday from 12:00P.M. until the time of services at 2:00P.M.
Funeral Services for Mr. Thomas Henry Hood, age 69, of Monroe will be conducted 1 p.m., Sunday, November 26, 2023, from the chapel of Livingston Funeral Home. Bro. Ronnie Cobb will officiate. Mr. Thomas passed from this life on Tuesday evening, November 21, 2023, from the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born in Cookeville, Tennessee on February 12, 1954, to the late Issac Thomas and Evangeline Christian Hood. He was a member of the Wirmingham Church of Christ. Thomas loved the outdoors, especially hunting for deer, and dryland fish. He also enjoyed picking blackberries and gardening. Thomas loved his family unconditionally and spending time with them. Thomas leaves behind his children, Tracy Gentry and husband DC, and Billy Pierce and wife Karin; grandchildren, Cody Whitehead, Courtney Thweatt, Brittany Thweatt, Jonathan Jensen, Brandy Whitehead, Gabby and Josh Johnson, Samantha Osborne, and Katelyn Pierce; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers, Roger Hood and wife Pat, and Edward hood; sisters, JoAnne Magdalena and husband Mike, Carol Tallent, and Donna Berkley. In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his wife Brenda Shewmake Hood; daughter, Tiffany Jensen; grandson, Austin Thweatt; sisters, Lois Bradley, Joyce Ashley, and Wanda Smartt; brother, Hoyett Hood. The family will welcome friends on Saturday evening from 5 until 8 p.m. at Livingston Funeral Home.
A Gathering of Family and Friends Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Marilyn K. Matthews Roop, age 63, of Livingston will be held Sunday, November 26, 2023, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Speck Funeral Home. Mrs. Marilyn passed from this life from the comforts of her home on Tuesday morning, November 21, 2023. She was born in Cocoa Beach, Florida on February 14, 1960, to the late Howard and Elsey Warden Matthews. Marilyn loved reading, going to the beach, gardening, and her family. She leaves behind her husband, William Roop, Jr. of Livingston; sons, Erick Emerick of Monroe, and Zakari Emerick and wife Amy of Livingston; daughters, Elsey Emerick of Ocala, FL, and Shianne Roop Schafer and husband Justin of Livingston; grandchildren, Nicholas Emerick, London Emerick, Lexi Fontenot, Theo Emerick, Camryn Copeland, Chelsea Copeland, and Clayton Copeland; brother, David Matthews of Denver, CO; sister, Debbie O’Neal. In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her son, Matthew Emerick.
Funeral service for Arabella Jolene Tate, 3 months of Warren County, will be held on Friday December 1, 2023 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Thurman Funeral Home. She passed away on November 17, 2023 in McMinnville. Arabella was born on July 14, 2023 in Hamilton Co., Tennessee. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Gary Wayne Tate Sr, Tammy Self Tate; great grandparents, Josephine Butcher, Jim Butcher, Mary Messick, Carmack Messick. She is survived by her loving parents, Gary Wayne Tate Jr., Shelby Tate; sisters, Isabella Tate, Kenzleigh Ungaro, Mariah-Jayde Ungaro, Kalynn Ghrist; brothers, Kayne Tuner, Malachi Tate, Mason Ghrist; special aunt and uncles, Brooke and Joseph Childress, Misty Tate, Amy Tate and Adam Cope, Brian and Stevie Tate, Michael and Tia Russell; grandmother, Kimberly Hartless, Marlena Lawson; great aunts, Holly Messick, Vicky Shelton;; special pa and ma, Hershel and Angie Tate; cousins, Bralynn, Jace, Zoey, Zayna Childress; Also Loved by numerous cousins and friends and family. A memorial will be held in the Chapel of Thurman Funeral Home on Friday December 1, 2023 from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM.
Graveside services and interment for Robbin C. Loftis, 46 of Bloomington Springs, will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 2 P.M. at the Byers Cemetery in the Center Grove community. Bro. Jimmy Anderson will officiate. Robbin C. Loftis was born September 16, 1977, in Cookeville, and he passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. The family has chosen cremation. He was the son of Kenneth Edward Loftis and the late Martha Ann Loftis. He was a brick layer. Survivors include his Father: Kenneth Edward Loftis of Bloomington Springs; Sister: Amanda Elliott-Edwards of Silver Point; and Nephews and Niece: William Elliott III, Annabelle Elliott, and Kenneth Edwards.
A memorial service for the late Linda Gail (Estes) Strasburg of Sparta, will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 2:00pm at the Robinson Chapel Church in White County. Bro. Larry Wilmoth will officiate at the service. Linda passed away from a stroke complicated by Covid-19. Mrs. Strasburg passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Signature Healthcare of Putnam County. Linda was born on July 22, 1940, in Smithville to the late Albert and Kate (Sullivan)Estes. She was a teacher for the White County school system. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her First Husband James McKee, Second Husband Pete Strasburg, Daughter Beth McKee Waggner, Two Brothers: Don and Bass Estes, and one Sister Sylvia Estes Redmon. Her surviving family includes her daughter: Vicki (McKee) McClanahan and Husband Steve; Three Grandsons: Kris Waggoner, Dain and Alec McClanahan. And one Sister: Dora Estes.
