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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 are presented by Presley Funeral Home, West Jackson Street in Cookeville.
Obituaries For Tuesday, January 21
A memorial service for Mr. Robert “Bob” Dewey Presley, age 75 of Sparta, will be held at 7:00pm Tuesday, January 21, 2020 in the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. He passed away Thursday, January 16, 2020 at his residence in Sparta. Mr. Presley was born November 6, 1944 in Sparta to the late Thomas Presley Sr. and Christine Presley York. Bob was a simple man who loved to go fishing and watch Gunsmoke. At the age of 16, Bob started going to the Pool Hall and remained an avid pool and card player throughout his life. In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his stepfather Roy York, Brother Thomas Presley Jr. and sister Betty Hall Pinion. Family members left to cherish his memory include his Daughter: Lisa Presley Perry of Sparta; Son: Robert Lynn Presley of Sparta; Granddaughters: Adrienne Lowe, Kandace Gibson; Great-grandsons: Broderic Clayton Allen Jr., Cooper Wade Lowe; Sisters: Jeannette Bennett of Sparta, Sue Stephens of Chattanooga; Mother of his children: Diane Presley; Several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Tuesday at the funeral home.
Funeral services for Mrs. Jackie Donaldson, age 73, of Cookeville, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 22 at Cookeville First Baptist Church. Pastor Scott McKinney will officiate. Interment will follow in the Sylvester Robins Cemetery in Monroe, TN. Her family will receive friends Tuesday from 4 – 8 p.m at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home and again Wednesday from 9 a.m. until service time at the church. Jackie passed away Saturday morning January 18, 2020 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She was born Saturday, March 9, 1946 in Albany, KY to Billie Matthews Beaty of Cookeville, and the late J. D. Beaty. Jackie loved the Lord and was an active member of First Baptist Church Cookeville for over 40 years. Jackie graduated with a Bachelors’ degree in Home Economics in 1967 from TTU. She earned a Masters’ degree in Family Consumer Science from U.T. in 1987. Jackie began her career in 1967 as the 4-H agent for Putnam County and retired as the UT Extension Leader for Putnam County. She worked as a Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent and Extension Leader with the UT Agricultural Extension Service Office in Cookeville. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 57 years, Lonnie Donaldson, (whom she married September 22, 1962 in Cookeville); two sons, Matthew (April) Donaldson of Knoxville, TN, Jay (Carrie) Donaldson of Gainesville, VA; brother, Steve Beaty of Cookeville; grandchildren, Katie (Spencer) Cooke, Braden, Grant, Ethan, and Annie Grace Donaldson; as well as several other very special family members and wonderful friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Harlin Poston, 89, of Gainesboro, will be held at 12 Noon on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at Anderson – Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro, TN. Burial will follow in the John L. Clark Memorial Cemetery in the Stone community of Jackson County, TN. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2 P.M. – 7 P.M., and Wednesday from 10 A.M. until time of services. He passed away on Monday, January 20, 2020, at his residence. He was born April 30, 1930, in Jackson County, TN, to the late Daniel Poston and Annie Mae Poston. On October 23, 1954, he was married to the late Becky Jo Poston, who passed away October 12, 2018. He worked as an electrician and plumber at Lakeland Electric, and was a member of the Church of Christ. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by 1 Brother: D.B. Poston; 1 Sister: Lora Bailey; and Granddog: Buckwheat. Survivors include 1 Daughter: Linda (Eddie) Vantrease and Granddog, Gracie of Lebanon, TN; 2 Brothers in Law: James Bailey and Jack Smith, both of Gainesboro, TN; 4 Sisters in Law: Eva Fox of Gainesboro, TN, Joyce Ann Smith, Betty Smith, and Margaret Smith; 9 Nieces: Carolyn, Anita, Wanda, Wilma, Peggy, Glenda, Linda Jo, Betty, and Carolyn; 6 Nephews: Ronnie, Boyd, Billy, Bobby, Dennis, and Rex; and Special Friends: Ray and Bunie Stafford; Randy, Shawn, Neylan, and Haleigh Spivey; Ray Heady; James “Trap” Hughes; Luann Rosson; and Jane Clemons.
Funeral services for Mrs. Carolyn Sue Ford Cravens, age 77 of Walling, will be conducted 1:00pm Wednesday, January 22, 2020 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Doyle Cemetery. She passed away Sunday, January 19, 2020 at her residence. Mrs. Cravens was born May 18, 1942 in Sparta, to the late Wilbert Henry & Mary Alice Clouse Ford. She was retired from Thomas Industries and was a longtime member of Gum Springs Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband David Lee “Dave” Cravens who died December 4, 2011. Surviving family members include her brother George Ford and wife Carolyn of Sparta; Nephews: Scottie Baldwin and wife Mandy of Rickman and Chris Cravens of Manchester; Niece: Andrea Neill and husband Mike of Cookeville; Several great-nieces and nephews also survive. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 11:00am until service time at Hunter Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Patricia May Jones, age 80, of Bristol, TN and formerly of Cookeville will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday January 22 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Pastor Tim Frank will officiate. Interment will follow at Cookeville City Cemetery. Pat worked for 30 years as an associate for Tutco. She was a longtime member of Stevens Street Baptist Church and attended Joyce Gentry’s Sunday School Class. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James ‘Jimmy’ Jones; son, James Ricky Jones; sisters, Agnes Grdinic, Linda Gaines and Vivet McBroom; and brothers, James Roberts and Ester ‘Cotton’ Roberts. Her family will receive friends Wednesday from 11 a.m. until service time. Mrs. Jones passed away Sunday morning January 19, 2020 at Elmcroft Assisted Living of Bristol.
Memorial service for Mr. Wesley Harold Johnson, age 92 of Sparta, will be conducted 7:00pm Wednesday, January 22, 2020 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. He passed away Friday morning, January 17, 2020 at Life Care Center of Sparta. Mr. Johnson was born in the Bon Air Community of White County May 1, 1927 to the late Riley Magnus Johnson and Phronie Belle Sapp Johnson. He had a work career that took him inside most White County homes, most notably as a Milk Man, delivering milk for Irwin Dairy which eventually became Southern Belle and then he retired as a Sears repairman. When Mr. Johnson was not working, he could be found in the woods or around a body of water as he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a longtime member of Hickory Valley Baptist Church. He was also a proud United States Army Veteran, serving in the 82nd Airborne during World War II. As part of his service, he was assigned as an instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. There he was a member of the crew that trained cadets on the firing of the 105mm and 165mm guns and all of the duties connected with the firing of the gun, cleaning, oiling and rust proofing parts of the gun. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Willie Mae Greene Johnson; sisters Laura Stacey, Ruby Jackson, Ova Rollins and Dorothy Lawson. Surviving family members include his two daughthers Anna (Brett) Rich and Kathy (Aaron) Cole all of Sparta; Son: Tommy (Rita) Johnson of Sparta; Five grandchildren: Riley (Jen) Rich of Cookeville, Scott (Brooke) Johnson of Sparta, Jennifer (Jacob) Spivey of Sparta, Kayla Johnson of Cookeville, Macy (Jared) Woodward of Memphis; Five great-grandchildren: Collin & Hallie Johnson, Lydia, Alethea and Irene Rich. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4-7:00pm at Hunter Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Hickory Valley Baptist Church in care of Hunter Funeral Home, PO BOX 90, Sparta, TN 38583 or Gideons International.
Funeral services for Donna Ray Daniels, age 43, of Lebanon and formerly of Cookevlle, will be at 1 p.m. Thursday January 23 in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Pastor Tim Miles will officiate. Donna passed away Saturday January 18, 2020 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Donna’s family will receive friends Thursday from 11 a.m. until service time.
Memorial services for Peyton Louis Gunnels, Sr. 81 of Cookeville, will be Friday, January 24 at 6 PM at the Edge Facility of Cookeville Life Church. Pastor Donnie Davidson and Pastor Ted Kocher will officiate. Mr. Gunnels died Sunday, January 19, 2020 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 6, 1938 in Macon, Georgia to the late Louis and Thelma Lowe Gunnels. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jane Utley. He graduated from Lanier High School in Macon. He was a 1961 graduate of Auburn University with a degree in graphic design. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was a big diehard, lifelong Auburn fan. He was a member of Life Church. He was owner/operator of his company, P.L. Gunnels Company of Cookeville. He enjoyed photography, especially of the grandkids. Survivors include wife of 43 years (married August 9, 1975 in Cookeville) Becky Love Gunnels of Cookeville, daughters and sons-in-law Alicia and Daniel Eldridge of Cookeville, Stephanie and Al Picken of Columbus, GA, Kimberly and Todd Mills of Bainbridge, GA, son Peyton Louis “Bo” Gunnels, Jr. of Cookeville, grandchildren: Macey, Shawn and Gabe Allen, AJ and Lauren Picken, Stephanie Sues, Melissa, Michael and Abby Mills, sisters and brother-in-law Sherry Love Hilton, Suzanne and Ed Buck, brothers and sister-in-law Tommy and Rose Love, Bill and Roberta Love, many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Friday from 3 PM until service time at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Seeds for Souls Program c/o Life Church 2223 North Washington Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501.
Funeral services for Maxine Loftis, age 87, of Cookeville will be held 12:00 noon, Saturday, January 25th 2020 in the chapel of Presley Funeral Home with James Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in Smyrna Cemetery. Mrs. Loftis passed away peacefully, January 16, 2020, at her daughter’s home in Sunrise Beach Village of Llano County Texas. Maxine Loftis was born March 2, 1933 in Cookeville, to the late Cecil Carmack and Susie May (Davis) Maddox. Max was born and raised in Putnam County. After marrying Ralph Loftis on December 15, 1954, they moved to Detroit where she worked for Goodson Bindery until early 1960; when she gave birth to their first child. Max was a homemaker who enjoyed raising her two children. She loved sewing and crafting for others often making clothes and porcelain dolls for friends and family. She was a fabulous baker making cakes and cream puffs for church gatherings and whimsical chocolate candies for birthdays and Easter baskets. After retiring back to Cookeville she focused her energy and attention on her grandchildren and those of her brothers and sisters. One of her favorite hobbies was shopping at thrift stores and going to garage sales. She was known for her generosity and good will towards others, and for her compassion and care of animals of any sort. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Art Maddox, sisters Josephine Maddox and Hazeltine Weaver. Mrs. Loftis is survived by; daughter, Regina (Scott Olguin)Johnson of Sunrise Beach, TX; son, Leonard “Lenny” (Melissa) Loftis of Medina, OH; four grandchildren, Tanner Johnson, Madison Loftis, Brooke Loftis, Allie Loftis and great grandson Lucas, one sister, Earnestine “Plum” Poole; four brothers, Ken (Sidney) Maddox, John Zell (Sarah), Don (Brenda) Maddox and Jim (Christine) Maddox. Family will receive friends from 10 am until service time at the funeral home.
Funeral services for Ricky Howard Burchett, age 62, of Cookeville, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday January 25 at Dyer Funeral Home. Bro. Steve Peek and Bro. Phillip Peek will officiate. Interment will follow in the Gentry Cemetery. His family will receive friends Saturday from 11 a.m. until service time. Ricky passed away Saturday January 18, 2020 at his home. He was born September 1, 1957 in Cookeville to the late Nevil Howard Burchett and Pauline Gentry Burchett Apple. Rickey was a retired painter. He was a talented musician who loved to play the guitar and banjo. He also enjoyed fishing and helping on the family farm. He is survived by his daughter, Tashauna (Michael) Burchett-Flannery of Whittier, CA; sister, Debbie (Kenneth) Apple Jones of Mt. Juliet, TN; brother, Scott (Candice) Waites of Algood; granddaughter, Kaylee Flannery; special aunt, Jo Ann Harrod of Cookeville; step-father, Leonard Apple of Mt. Juliet; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral Service for Michael “Mike” David Bray, 49 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, January 25, 2020, at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home. He passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Mike was born Friday, April 10, 1970, in Detroit, Michigan and he was the son of the late Michael Bray and the late Shelia Williams. Mike was a loving son, brother, husband, Dad, Papa, Pops, and friend. He was loved by all that knew him and he will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Mike is survived by, Wife, Linda Bray; 3 Daughters, Brittany Angel Bray and Aspen Bray, and Alisha Dowell; 2 Sons, Joseph and Michael Dowell; 18 Grandchildren; Brother, William Bray; Sister, Tamara (Bray) and Matt Pelc; Best Friends, Jeannette Phy and Michelle Gosnell; Biological Fur Baby, KoKo. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by, Maternal Grandparents, Aunt, Pamela Williams; Uncle, Dave Williams; and Biological Fur Baby, Carlo. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.
Celebration of Life Services for Dr. Chuck Olds (Charles Houston Olds, II), age 74 of Cookeville, will be Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home, with Celebrant Judy Duke officiating. Interment will be in the Cookeville City Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. He died at his home with his wife on January 16, 2020 at the age of 74. He is survived by his wife, Mary Crawford Galyean Williamson Olds; his children — Chuck (Charles) Houston Olds, III (and his mother Sharon Olds Stewart) of Riverbank,CA; daughter Sarah Olds Wiley (Joshua) of Sparks,NV; daughter Katie Olds Ocha(Aaron) of Roseville, NV; son Hunter Hardin Olds(Cory Chitwood) of West Valley City, UT; his grandsons Zach Williamson of Cookeville, TN; Jacob Williamson of Algood, TN; Parker Littrell of Sparks,NV; granddaughter Izzy Ocha of Roseville, NV; his Very Special Chosen Daughter-Carmon Ferrell (Michael) of Murfreesboro, TN; his brother Robert (Regina) Olds of Reno, NV; his sister Fran Olds Eastep (Lee —d.10-15-2019) of North Las Vegas, NV, Very Special Chosen Brother Coy Van Meter (Sheryl) of Hendersonville, TN; Beloved Brother in law Danny Galyean & Sister-by-Love Rhonda Robbins Galyean of Rogersville, ALFlowers will be received at Hooper, Huddleston &Horner Funeral Home or you may make a memorial donation to any NO KILL ANIMAL SHELTER of your choice as “Doc” dearly loved all dogs!
