In Loving Memory: Obituaries From August 29 – September 5, 2017
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News)
Obituary for Forde L. Callis
Forde Lanier Callis, passed from this life on Saturday September 2, 2017 at Morningside of Springfield. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday September 9th at 11:00 a.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Reverend Jon Briggs and Jeffery Fryer officiating. Interment will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Chris Cooksey, Warren Cooksey, Glenn Callis, Dylan James, Benton Cooksey, Colton Cooksey, Branden Cooksey, Houston Cooksey serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Callis , Robert Tate, Brian James, Bayler Cooksey, Annabelle Cooksey, and Addie Cooksey. The family will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Mr. Callis was born July 7, 1923 in Robertson County to the late John L. and Bessie Dickens Callis. He was one of fourteen children. After graduating high school, Mr. Callis served in WWII in the U.S. Army for twenty-one months. Upon induction, he served in Naples, Italy. He was part of the 36th Division B Company of the 141st Battalion. His battalion served in Bruyeres, France Vosges Mountains. They became part of the WWII Lost Battalion when they were completely surrounded by the Germans for eight days. They were rescued by the 442 Japanese-American Battalion. After rescue, Mr. Callis spent many months in the hospital from both of his feet being frost bit. He was the recipient of many medals including the American Campaign Medal, Bronze Star, European Theater with Operational Cluster Medal, WWII Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Medal, and the French Legion of Honor Medal. Mr. Callis served as a deputy trustee under S.L. Swann for 15 years. In 1970, Mr. Callis was elected Robertson County Trustee, and served 12 years until his retirement in 1982. He was a member of Highland Chapel Union Church in Ridgetop since 1945 and he served as an Elder of the church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Lucille Warren Callis, his son: Ronald L. Callis, his granddaughter: Shannon Cooksey James, and by his siblings: Lorene Luster, Frances Davis, Billie Joe Adcock, Nolen, Dennis, Verner, Olie, and Bobby Callis.
Mr. Callis is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law: Linda and Burton Cooksey of Springfield Camellia Joy and Mike Tate of Greenbrier, daughter-in-law: Shane Callis of Ashland City, brother: Glenn Callis of Greenbrier, sisters: Margaret Edging of Nashville, Lillian Lambert of Murfreesboro, Joyce Ellis of Chapel Hill, and Peggy Ann Swatman of Kansas, grandchildren: Chris (Talise) Cooksey, Warren (Kim) Cooksey, Robert (Iris) Tate, and Shannon Lee Callis, great grandchildren: Dylan 
James, Benton, Colton, Houston, Addie, Braden, Annabelle, and Bayler Cooksey, Darien and Eli Tate.
The family wishes to extend a special word of appreciation to Mrs. Helen Downey, the staff, and all their special friends at Morningside of Springfield, the North Crest Hospice, and the Highland Chapel Union Church Ladies Aid.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Highland Chapel Union Church building fund.
A message from Howard Bradley, Robertson County Mayor
“I learned yesterday of the passing of former Robertson County Trustee Forde Callis. Mr. Callis served as Trustee from 1970 to 1982. He was 95. Services will be Saturday Sept 9,at 11 at Robertson County Funeral Home. Our thoughts and [prayers go out to his family.”
Obituary for Melva Dean Seay
Melva Dean Seay, 83, of Springfield, died Friday September 1, 2017 at North Crest Medical Center.
Funeral services were conducted Monday September 4th at 11:00 a.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home. with Bro. Martin Babb, Bro. Don Dungan, and Mark Stone officiating. Interment followed in the Port Royal United Methodist Church Cemetery with Ted Smith, Matthew Tobias, Austin Seay-Trzos, Andy Clinard, Tom Czap, and Grant Wakefield serving as pallbearers. The family received friends on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Mrs. Seay was born October 2, 1933 in Robertson County to the late R.B. and Hilda Hunter Clinard. She was a charter member of Unity Covenant Church, and was a former member of West End Free Will Baptist Church and Springfield Baptist Church. Mrs. Seay was a retired from child care, having owned and operated Lynwood Family Daycare for many years. She loved children, sewing, collecting and making dolls. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Louis Austin Seay, daughters: Malinda Jayne Seay and Lora Seay Stone, and grandchild: Denver Smith.
Mrs. Seay is survived by her sons: Randy (Daniel Trzos) Seay of Atlanta, GA, Terry Seay of Ashland City, daughters: Connie (Mike) Smith of Springfield, Lisa (Kevin “Toby”) Tobias of White House, brother: Walter D. (Evangeline) Clinard of Cedar Hill, grandchildren: Ted Smith, Andrea Smith Harrietha, Vanessa Smith Neal, Meredith Tobias Metzgar, Matthew Austin Tobias, Malori Stone Walsh, Melanee Stone, Austin Seay-Trzos, Melissa Smith, and Ashlee Smith Lydiard, eight great grandchildren, two step great grandchildren, and one step great great grandchild
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Robertson County Players
Obituary for Ruth Spain
Ruth Spain, 82, of Springfield, passed from this life to life eternal on Wednesday August 30, 2017 surrounded by her family that she loved so much.
A celebration of her life was held on Saturday September 2nd at 2:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home. with Bro. Bob Filson and Bro. Jim Hester officiating. Interment followed in the Owens Chapel Cemetery with Weston Adams, Jerry Clemmons, Jason Krisle, Brad Spain, Kevin Spain, and Donnie Spain serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were her caregivers: Brenda Green, Joyce Spain, Mary Duncan, Wanda Spivey, Vicki Couts, Jamie Head, Jean Spain, Amanda Spain Vaughn, and Rhonda Hudgens. The family received friends on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Mrs. Spain was born July 25, 1935 in Robertson County to the late Jim and Mae Adams Hughlett. She was a member of Grace Free Will Baptist Church. Mrs. Spain was a retired cafeteria worker for the Robertson County Board of Education, having retired from Krisle School. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, crafts, and spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: John Thomas “Johnny” Spain.
Mrs. Spain is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: Doug and Connie Spain of Springfield, daughter and son-in-law: Diane and Jerry Clemmons of Springfield, brother and sister-in-law: Joe and Pat Eden of Nashville, sister: Brenda Green of Portland, grandchildren: Jason Krisle, Brad (Brittany) Spain, Kevin (Randi) Spain, great grandchildren: Hadleigh Spain, John Thomas Spain, and Gracey Spain.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Free Will Baptist Church.
Obituary for Rachel Elizabeth Ring
Rachel Elizabeth Ring, cherished newborn daughter of James Frederick Ring, III and Morgan Swann Ring, August 28, 2017 at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.
In addition to her parents, Rachel is survived by her Grandparents, Jim & Christie Ring of Springfield and Kenny and Lori Swann of Cross Plains; great-grandparents Jim and Linda Ring, Eddie and Donna Swann, Gail Nichols Swann, Glenda Holmes and Connie Swann; Uncles Cody Ring (Aunt Kennedy), Mac Swann, Andrew Swann, and Wilson Swann, Great Aunts & Uncles: Ryan & Stacy Ring, Amy and Jamie Bradford, Jill Hobdy, Dana & John Anderson, Kathy & Kelly Raglin, Holly and Nishka Devaser, Scott & Amanda Jernigan and many other family and friends that loved her so much and had so many plans for her.
Rachel’s time on earth was short, but that doesn’t minimize the amount of joy her arrival brought, nor the depth of sorrow her passing leaves. We look forward to the promise of a reunion with her someday.
A graveside service was held September 2, 2017 at Mt Carmel Baptist Church at 12:30 pm.
Morgan & Jimmy would like to give a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Vanderbilt Hospital and especially to Annie, Peg and Jennifer with West End Women’s services for their wonderful care and Christian love and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations to March of Dimes are requested.
Obituary for Helen C. Dailey
Helen Curlen Mangrum Dailey, age 80, of Greenbrier passed away Sunday, September 3rd 2017 at her residence. Austin & Bell Funeral Home Greenbrier is in charge of arrangements.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 from 4 pm to 8 pm at the funeral home and on Wednesday 9 am to 11 am. The funeral service will follow at 11 am at the funeral home with Bro. Donnie Bryant and Bro. Gary Dillard officiating. Burial will follow in the Hudgins Cemetery in Fairview, TN.
Helen was born July 24, 1937 to the late Hubert C. and Hettie O. Anderson Mangrum. She was also preceded in death by sons, John Dailey and Earl Dailey. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Greenbrier, TN.
She is survived by her husband, James B. Dailey; son, Oliver (Janis) Dailey; daughters, Kathy (Greg) Roller, Stella (Kent) Hill; 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Buddy Jackson, Marty Dailey, Mickey Dailey, James Dawson, Steve Williams and Brandon Williams.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements.
Obituary for Michael Dempsey Jr.
Michael Anthony Dempsey, Jr., age 29, of Springfield, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 1pm in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield with Brother Dewy Keys officiating. Burial will follow in the Springfield Memorial Gardens with Vincent Traughber, Ernest Edwards, Michael Rawls, Kennedy Rawls, Jr., Christopher Dempsey, Dustin Belcher, Karry Parrigin and Lavoy Sales serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, September 4, 2017 from 4-8pm and again on Tuesday from 11am until the hour of service at 1pm.
Mr. Dempsey was born October 14, 1987 in Springfield. He worked at Rawls and Sons Auto Salvage and was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church.
Mr. Dempsey is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Dillard Rawls. He is survived by his father, Kenny Rawls; wife, Tami Stevens; brothers, Christpher Dempsey, Michael Rawls, Kennedy W. Rawls, Jr., Ernest Edwards and Vincent Traughber, all of Springfield; sister, Joni Rawls Traughber of Springfield; 9 nieces; 7 nephews; and 1 great-niece.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
Obituary for Julius Walton
Julius Weil Walton, age 82, of Springfield, died Monday, August 28, 2017 in an automobile accident. (News report) Funeral services were held Friday, September 1, 2017 at 11am in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield. Burial followed in the Springfield Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Visitation was held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 31, 2017 from 4-8pm and again on Friday from 9am until the hour of service at 11am.
Mr. Walton was born June 22, 1935 in Robertson County to the late Thomas Henry and Mary Beatrice Butrum Walton. He worked as a security officer and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
In addition to his parents Mr. Walton is preceded in death by his brothers, Henry Walton and Hillis Walton; and his brother-in-law, Robert Fuqua. Mr. Walton is survived by his wife, Patricia Wilson Walton; sons, Tony (Cindy) Walton of Adams, Mark (Donna) Walton of Springfield and Rocky Walton of Lebanon; daughter, Rhonda (Tom) Torres of Munford, TN; sister, Eunice Irene Fuqua of Springfield; 16 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
Smokey Barn News (Sponsor/Advertisement)
We bring you ALL the News in and surrounding Robertson County, Tennessee.
