In Loving Memory:Obituaries April 8-14, 2024
ROBERTSON COUNTYTENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Obituary for Chris Burton
Chris Dale Burton, age 60 of White House, passed from this life on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at his home.
Memorial services will be conducted Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Oakhurst Chapel of Robertson County Funeral Home with Bro. Paul Edwards officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 12 noon until the time of service.
Chris was born September 23, 1963 in Nashville to the late James Alga and Peggy Lee Cole Burton, Sr. He was a Christian and worked at DET Distributing. He was all about his family, especially his children and grandchildren and was a “Dad” to his children’s friends and his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed bowling and NASCAR with Tony Stewart being his favorite driver. He also liked horror movies and Scooby Doo. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Alga Burton, Jr.
Surviving him are his wife, Garah Burton of White House; daughters, Christian Burton and Savannah Burton, both of White House; grandchildren, Kaylee Evans and Bobby Burton; brothers, Ernie (Sandy) Burton of Nashville and Gary (Sissy) Burton of Hendersonville; and sisters, Teresa (Mike) Beane of White House and Kathy Burton of Nashville.
The family request, if so desired, for memorial contribution to be made to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital of the American Cancer Society. All donations can be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.
Robertson County Funeral Homein charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Henry Poole
Henry M. Poole, age 89 of Old Hickory and formerly of Greenbrier, passed from this life on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Life Care Center of Old Hickory Village.
His wishes were to be cremated and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. His cremains will be buried at Elmwood Cemetery.
Mr. Poole was born July 18, 1934 in Springfield to the late James Henry and Lyda Witt Poole. He was a member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church and was a towmotor operator. He enjoyed doing woodwork. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Poole; a son, Tony Poole; and 11 brothers and sisters.
Surviving him are his sons, Jeff Poole of Ashland City, Joel Poole of Smyrna, Scott Poole of Old Hickory, and Jason Poole of Springfield; daughter, Kathy Jones of Salisbury, NC; 14 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren.
Robertson County Funeral Homein charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Jimmy Grubbs
James H. “Jimmy” Grubbs, Jr., age 69, of Springfield, passed away on Tuesday April 9, 2024, at his home.
Funeral services were conducted Thursday April 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Tim Harris officiating. Interment followed in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Bill Stewart, Kenny White, Ron Birdwell, Buford Raymer, Billy Reese, and Peter Obenauer serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Steve Jones, Thurman Groves, Wayne Jones, Jerry Winters, and Doug Pardue. The family received friends on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Jimmy was born June 10, 1954, in Springfield. He was a graduate of Springfield High School Class of 1972 and was of the Baptist faith. Jimmy was the former owner of Grubbs Pest Control, was a member of Tennessee Pest Control Association, where he recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award, was a member of the Middle Tennessee Pest Control Association, was a member of the Tennessee Valley Golf Association, and was a member of the Oak Hills Golf Club in Greenbrier. He loved playing golf and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father: James H. “Jimmy” Grubbs, Sr.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Terri Cardwell Grubbs, of whom he would be married to for 51 years this coming June, by his daughter: Jamie (Tony) Forster of Nashville, by his son: Joel “Joey” (Lauren Donihue) Grubbs of Hendersonville, by his mother: Jo Evelyn Groves Grubbs of Springfield, by his brother: John (Julie) Grubbs of White House, by his grandchildren: Morgan (Colten) Underwood, Rebecca Forster, and Miles Grubbs, and by his great grandchildren: Colson and Camden Underwood.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe Carell Jr., Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and may be sent c/o the Robertson County Funeral Home.
Robertson County Funeral Homein charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for William “Bill” A. Swaffer
William Alvin Swaffer, age 86, of Clarksville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 11, 2024.
Funeral services will be conducted at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View at 2:00PM on Sunday, April 14, with Pastor Randy Hester officiating. Burial will follow in Mallory’s Church Cemetery with Ray Gates, Gene Knox, Ricky Knox, Billy Pentecost, Larry Rediker, David Swaffer serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, April 13 from 2:00PM until 6:00PM and again on Sunday from 1:00PM until the hour of service at 2:00PM.
Bill was born on September 27, 1937 in Hickory Point Tennessee to the late Benton T and Alice Boone Swaffer. He is survived by his three children, Gary (Kathy), Ann (Rachell), and Mark; two granddaughters, Abbie and Ellie. He is also survived by his brother Edward Herbert Swaffer. Bill is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife Mary Lynn Carney Swaffer of 60 years of marriage; his brother Charles Ray Swaffer and sister Alice Rhey Swaffer.
Bill grew up in Montgomery County and joined the Navy at age 17. He married Mary Lynn Carney in 1960 and started a family while working at Fort Campbell as a civilian contractor in the Birdcage for the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project. His career path moved the family to TX where he worked for the government at Pantex which is responsible for maintaining the nation’s nuclear arsenal. He moved the family back home to TN in 1974 to run the family farms that he and Mary grew up on in Cheatham and Montgomery County for 14 years. Afterwards, Bill worked for the East Montgomery Utility District for several years before retiring.
Bill was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and mentor to many people who was beloved by family and friends. He was an active member of Mallory’s Church dating back to 1960 who served as the Treasurer of both the church and cemetery for over 40 years. He was very outgoing, always on the move, full of life and it’s safe to say that he never met a stranger. He had a heart of gold and would gladly give the shirt off his back to those in need. Bill will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but his memory will remain in the hearts of all those who knew him.
If so desired memorial contributions may be made to Mallory’s Cemetery Fund, PO Box 601 Pleasant View, TN 37146.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
Obituary for Donna Swaffer
Donna Carrie Swaffer (Fleming), age 76, of Springfield, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Ascension Saint Thomas West Hospital in Nashville.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10am until 2pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier, TN.
Ms. Swaffer was born February 25, 1948 in Clarksville to the late Elmer Haynes and Mildred Powers Fleming. She worked as a phlebotomist at Gateway Hospital and attended Cross Roads Baptist Church. She was always on the go and enjoyed water aerobics at the local YMCA, lunches and weekend trips with her church and Sunday school, traveling with friends and family, dancing at the senior citizen events, and family gatherings.
In addition to her parents, Ms. Swaffer is preceded in death by her brothers, Andy, Sluggo and Michael and her sister, Kay.
Ms. Swaffer is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dauphne and Darrell McGavic; brother and sister-in-law, David and Cathy Fleming; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kelly Brown, Vicki and Doug Freeman, and Jo and Larry Byrd; 2 grandchildren- Dylan McGavic and Brittany Clanton; and 3 great-grandsons- Emmitt, Owen, and Reece Clanton. Ms. Swaffer is also survived by her precious fur baby, Bailee (often referred to as the fat goldendoodle), who enjoyed trips to Dairy Queen for pup cups.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements. 2619 Hwy 41 S., Greenbrier, TN 37073
(Updated) Obituaries April 1-7, 2024
Obituary for Michael Brown
Michael Anthony Brown, 68, of Springfield, passed away on Wednesday April 3, 2024, at his home.
In honor and keeping with his wishes, his remains were cremated and no services are scheduled at this time.
Michael was born March 24, 1956, in Detroit, MI, to the late Buddy Brown and the late Earlene Hedrick Martinez.
Michael worked many years as a roofer. He is survived by his partner in life: Cheryl Small of Springfield, by his sons: Michael Joseph (Wendy) Brown of Nashville and Nathan Brown of Bon Aqua, by his bonus sons: Ricky Small, Ronnie Small, and Bernie Sands, by his brother: Tony Dewayne Brown of Nashville, by his sister-in-law: Donna Oquendo of Joelton, and by his cousins: Sandra and Carl Smith of Louisiana, Judy and Marsha Williams of Nashville.
Robertson County Funeral Homein charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Joyce Whitworth
Dorothy “Joyce” Whitworth, age 92, of Cedar Hill, Tennessee, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2024 at NHC Healthcare in Springfield surrounded by her family.
Funeral services were conducted at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View at 11 am on Friday, April 12th with Bro. Randy Riggs and Bro. Eric Brown officiating. Burial followed at Heads Church cemetery with Jeremy Whitworth, Brandon Whitworth, Carl Anderson, Kurt Heber, Kevin White, and James Thomas Walker serving as pallbearers.
The family received friends at the funeral home on Thursday, April 11th, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and again on Friday from 10 am until the hour of service at 11:00 am.
Mrs. Whitworth was born on December 18, 1931 to the late John Thomas White, Sr. and Minnie Head White. She was a homemaker for the first 15 years of her marriage and after her husband became disabled, she worked at Bolen Leather in Springfield and as a cafeteria worker at Springfield Middle School until her retirement in her mid-70s. She adored her sons and they all would admit to being mama’s boys. Her greatest joy in life were her grandchildren. She was a woman of many talents. She loved to sew, garden, quilt and feed people. You never left her house hungry after a visit.
She was the oldest member of Heads Free Will Baptist Church where she had attended for 70+ years. She taught the junior Sunday School class for many years and was very involved in other ministries including women’s auxiliary and Vacation Bible School.
Many friends and church members were the grateful recipients of her famous vegetable soup, cornbread and pecan pie when they were sick, recovering from surgery or welcoming a new baby into their homes. She loved serving others.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Whitworth; son, Jerry Whitworth; granddaughter, Allison Whitworth; brothers, Robert White and J.T. White; and sisters, Frances Fort, Eula Mae (Pete) Head, and Neva Ellis.
Survivors include her sons, Larry Whitworth, Bart (Sandy) Whitworth, and Kim (Lori) Whitworth; daughter-in-law Debbie (Johnny) Hunter; brother, Donnie (Dianne) White; sister, Ann Broerman; grandchildren, Jeremy (Jara) Whitworth, Brandon (Candace) Whitworth, Brandi (Troy) Smith, Jake (Rebecca) Brooks, Carl (Makayla) Anderson, Alicia (Josh) Holt, Taylor (BJ) Tomblin, Jessica (Matt) Price, and Emily (Dustin) Allen; 22 great-grandchildren (and one on the way); one great-great grandchild; many loving nieces and nephews; and special friends, Nina Summers and Pauline Hyde.
A special thanks to the wonderful nurses, CNA’s and cafeteria staff who so lovingly cared for her during the last two years. It was beautiful to see how many lives she touched during her stay there. Many of them adopted her as their own grandmother.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the youth ministries department at Heads Free Will Baptist Church, 2792 Heads Church Road, Cedar Hill, TN 37032.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
Obituary for Belinda Mayo
Belinda Kay Mayo, age 68, of Joelton, Tennessee, died Saturday, April 6, 2024, at St. Thomas West in Nashville.
Funeral services were conducted at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View at 10:30AM on Wednesday, April 10th, with Bro. Randy Hester officiating. Burial followed in Mayo Family Cemetery with Adam Sterry, Ryan Sterry, Larry Knox, Isaac Rich, Jesse Clevenger, and Patrick Rediker serving as pallbearers.
The family received friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 9th from 4:00PM until 8:00PM and again on Wednesday from 8:30AM until the hour of service at 10:30AM.
Mrs. Mayo was born on September 1, 1955, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Milton Carney & Clara Sharpe Law. She was previously employed at Flexible Whips & retired from Esquire Wire. She loved to go camping and was of the Christian faith.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by step-daughters, Stephanie Jock and Kimberly Hackett; and sisters, Verlie Gilmore and Margaret Gibbs.
Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Ronny Mayo; son, Kevin (Misty) Mayo; brother, Milton (Marion) Carney, Jr.; and grandchildren, Adam (Michelle) Sterry, Ryan Sterry, Austin Beard, Bailee Saturday, Noel Saturday, Owen Mayo, and Olivia Mayo.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
Obituary for Orville Odell Oeser
Orville Odell Oeser, age 88 of Murfreesboro went home to be with the Lord Friday April 5, 2024 at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, TN.
He was born February 5, 1936 in Nashville, TN to Ernest G. & Ruth Ann Davis Oeser. He worked more than 50 years for Baird Ward Printing Company. The friends and fellowship of the employees there were very important to him. He so enjoyed their alumni dinners and spending time with all of them. Mr. Oeser proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was a member of Goodlettsville Pentecostal Church. He loved golfing and spending time with his family. He was a very nurturing and loving husband, father and grandfather.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ernest, Robert, Jimmy, Paul and Herb; sisters, Ruth Massey, Dorothy Carlton and Margaret Allen. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Glenda Oeser, Murfreesboro, TN; sons, Dennis Oeser, Murfreesboro, TN, Derek (Patty) Oeser, Rock Island, TN, Jonathan Oeser, Murfreesboro, TN and Joseph (Angela) Oeser, Pennsylvania; daughter, Deeann (Brad) Logan, College Grove, TN; brother, Ronnie (Brenda) Oeser, Donelson, TN; 7 grandchildren, Doug, Andy, Cody, Gage, Ruby, Elise and Marie; 3 great-grandchildren, David, Hadley and Hayden.
Funeral service was held Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Goodlettsville Pentecostal Church with Bro. Tim Zuniga and Bro. Dan Russell officiating. Interment followed at 2pm in Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with Martin Cobb, Randy Norwood, Roy Fann, Andy Wells, Cody Wells and Brad Logan serving as pallbearers and with military honors. Visitation was held Wednesday, April 10, 2024 2pm-4pm and Thursday, April 11, 2024 10am-11am at Goodlettsville Pentecostal Church.
Arrangements entrusted toAustin & Bell Funeral Home 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188
Obituary for Larry Williams
Larry Thomas Williams, 67, of Springfield, passed away on Monday April 1, 2024, at TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday April 6th at 11:00 a.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Mays officiating. Interment followed in the Williams Chapel Cemetery with David Fulton, Walt Fulton, Joe Williams, Jimmy Sanders, Brent Hallman, Troy Walling, Josh Moore, and Evan Carr serving as pallbearers. Bryant Hallman served as an honorary pallbearer, as he and Larry were best friends and were just like brothers. The family received friends on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Larry was born February 9, 1957, in Springfield, to the late Thomas Moore and Susie Pearson Williams. He was a graduate of East Robertson High School Class of 1975. Larry was a lifelong farmer and was a member of Williams Chapel Baptist Church. He loved working on his farm, fishing, bird hunting, and going to the lake. Larry loved to grill, cook, and especially loved to eat. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife: Nancy Carter Williams, and by his brother: Terry Lynn Williams.
Larry is survived by his daughter and son-in-law: Amanda and Kenneth Spivey of Adairville, KY, by his son: Corey Williams of Springfield, and by his grandchildren that he loved so much: Carter Spivey, Hannah Williams, Caroline Spivey, Reed Williams, and Carson Spivey.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Williams Chapel Baptist Church for the Youth Fund. All donations can be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.
Robertson County Funeral Homein charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Waymon Smith
Waymon Carrol Smith, age 85, of Joelton, Tennessee, died Friday, April 5, 2024, at Ahava Healthcare of Clarksville.
Funeral services were conducted at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View at 1:00PM on Tuesday, April 9th, with Pastor Dylan Proctor officiating.
A private burial was held in the Henderson City Cemetery.
The family received friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 9th, from 11:00AM until the hour of service at 1:00PM.
Mr. Smith was born on July 3, 1938, in Henderson, Tennessee, to the late Barney & Ruby Bain Smith. He was a retired meat inspector for the USDA. He was also a butcher and vegetable gardener.
He is survived by his son, Forrest Smith; and his daughter, Sonia Smith (Terry) Carter.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2000 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, Tennessee 37203-2003
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
Obituary for Duane Warren
Duane Allen Warren, age 89, of Pleasant View, Tennessee, died Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at his home.
A celebration of life service will be held at the Joelton Church of Christ at 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 20th, with Bro. Joe Jones and Bro. Joe McKinney officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00AM until the hour of service at noon.
Mr. Warren was born on March 31, 1935, in Nora, Nebraska, to the late Cyrus & Stella Massey Warren. He was retired after almost 30 years of service in the security department of Bank of America. He was a long-time deacon then elder in the Lord’s church, and was also involved in the World Bible School Missions. He enjoyed handing out gospel tracts, riding motorcycles, and collecting coins. Mr. Warren was a great encourager and never met a stranger. He was a member of Joelton Church of Christ.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brothers, Laverne Warren and Walt Warren; sister, Ruth Voelker; and granddaughters, Jessica Walters and Danielle Hanco*ck.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Lela Warren; son, Randall (Lori) Warren; daughters, Joleen (Johnny) Logan, Sandra Solomon, and Dawn (Layne) Rogers; grandchildren, Shona (Brian), Tiffany (Darrell), Ashley, Amanda (Tanner), Katie (Cody), Ben (Rachel), and Sara (Ryan); and 23 great-grandchildren.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Joelton Church of Christ Missions Fund, 3541 Old Clarksville Pike, Joelton, Tennessee 37080
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
Obituary for Rita Ann Duty
Rita Ann Duty, age 74 of Springfield passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Centennial Medical Center. She was born June 8, 1949 in Columbia, TN to Ed & Bobbie Dodson Rippey. She worked for Bunch Cadillac and then for Andrews Cadillac for many years as a cashier. She also later worked for Crown Electric. She enjoyed boating and was a member of the Cumberland Yacht Club. She absolutely loved M&M’s.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Michael Duty; brother, David Ince. She is survived by her special companion, Don Jennings, Brentwood, TN; son, Charles “Ken” Duty, Cottontown, TN; daughter, Christy (Randy) McClung, Springfield, TN; sister, Kay (Rick) Dorland, Arrington, TN; 4 grandchildren, Michael (Candice) McClung, Joey (Shelby) McClung, Zack Duty and Alex Duty; 7 great-grandchildren, Brody, Landon, Emma, Charlie, Olivia, Collins and Ellie Jo.
Funeral service was held Monday, April 8, 2024 at 1pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House with her nephew, Pastor Doug Duty officiating. Interment followed in White House Memorial Gardens with Michael McClung, Joey McClung, Zack Duty, Ken Duty, Randy McClung and Tony Seay serving as pallbearers. Visitation was Monday, April 8, 2024 9am until the hour of the service at the funeral home.
Arrangements entrusted toAustin & Bell Funeral Home 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188
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