In Loving Memory: Obituaries From July 25th – July 31st, 2017
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News)
Obituary for Mark Taylor Dean
Mark Taylor Dean, age 61 of Springfield, TN died Friday July 28, 2017 in Adairville, KY from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. (See full story) Memorial services will be held at 10 am on Wednesday August 2, 2017 in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-8 pm and again on Wednesday beginning at 9 am until service time at 10 am.
Mark was born September 2, 1955 in Springfield, to the late Clyde Willis “C.W.” Dean Jr and Betty Perdue Dean, he was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and a Vice President of Dean Oil Co. He was also a shareholder in both of his family’s businesses, Dean Oil Company and Robertson County Funeral Home. Mark loved reading, music, card collecting, picking his guitar and he was always up for a good debate.
He is survived by his sons, Andrew Taylor Dean of Nashville, TN and Christopher Adam Dean of Joelton, TN; granddaughter, Mallory Dean; brothers, Clyde (Scotty) Dean of Springfield, David Dean of Springfield, Henry (Gay) Dean of Greenbrier and Bruce Dean of Springfield and many nieces and nephews.
The family request if so desired memorial donations may be made to The CW and Betty Dean Family Scholarship or to Narcotics Anonymous. All donations may be sent care of the Robertson County Funeral Home.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Obituary for Sam Glover Smith
Sam Glover Smith, 83, died Friday morning, July 28, 2017, at his home with his wife and three sons by his side. Sam was the son of Fred Moore Smith, Jr. and Sarah Belle Glover Smith. He graduated from Springfield High School and Middle Tennessee State University, where he played basketball and golf and was known as “Slamming Sammy”. He was selected “All Ohio Valley Conference” in basketball. After graduation, he married Zena Blanche Smalling of Bell Buckle, TN and became an officer in the U.S. Army. Sam served in the Vietnam War in the 1st Calvary, fighting in the first engagement in Army history using helicopters to deploy troops into battle. He was part of the division that became the basis of the book and movie, “We Were Soldiers Once.” After a 22 year career in the Army, Sam retired to Springfield, TN and took over the family insurance business of Fred M. Smith and Son.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Fred Moore Smith, III.
Sam is survived by his wife, Zena and three sons, Sam Glover Smith, Jr. and wife, Bethann and four children; David Landers Smith and wife, Glenda and three children; Paul Arthur Smith and wife, Debra and four children; two great-grandchildren, sister, Susan Smith Apple and husband, Mike; and sister-in-law, Janice Smith.
Receiving of friends will took place on Monday, August 7, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Springfield First United Methodist Church. A memorial service with Pastor Jerry Wallace officiating was held at 11:00 a.m.
A military graveside service will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Springfield First United Methodist Church Prayer Ministry, 511 Oak Street, Springfield or to NorthCrest Hospice, 212 North Crest Drive, Springfield, TN 37172
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Obituary for Ronald Callis
Ronald Lanier Callis, 64, of Ashland City and formerly of Ridgetop, died Friday July 28, 2017 at Vanderbilt Medical Center. Memorial services will be conducted Saturday August 5th at 2:00 p.m. at the Highland Chapel Union Church in Ridgetop with Pastor Jon Briggs officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be his fellow post office co-workers. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church.
Mr. Callis was born July 31, 1952 in Robertson County to Forde Callis and the late Lucille Warren Callis. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines and was a member of Highland Chapel Union Church in Ridgetop. Mr. Callis worked as a mail handler for the U.S. Post Office in Nashville. He was a former Boy Scout in Ridgetop, and he loved motorcycle riding, doing home improvements on his house, and spending time with his wife and family.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Callis was preceded in death by his niece: Shannon Cooksey James. He is survived by his wife: Shane Rediker Callis of Ashland City, daughter: Shannon Lee Callis of Louisiana, step-son: Jason Ashworth of Nashville, step-daughter: April Taylor of Hendersonville, father: Forde Callis of Springfield, sisters and brothers-in-law: Linda and Burton Cooksey of Springfield, Joy and Mike Tate of Greenbrier, grandchildren: Hunter Burdett and Samantha Hoover, and by several nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland Chapel Union Church
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Smokey Barn News (Sponsor/Advertisement) 
Obituary for Wayne J.A. Walton
Wayne Jacob Astor Walton of Bethesda, Maryland and formerly of Nashville, Tennessee passed from this life into the presence of Jesus and to his heavenly home on July 28, 2017. He was 76 years old.
Dr. Walton was born in Chariton, Iowa on April 6, 1941. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Beryl Bradford Walton and by his sister, Janice Walton Page. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda Porter Walton, two children Philip Walton (Katherine) and Susanne Walton Fuller (Shaun). His eight grandchildren were his pride and joy: Blaise, Wolfie, Portia, Gigi and Petra Walton and Lucas, Jacob and Pippa Fuller. He is also survived by his sister’s children Richard Weaver, Dennis Moon, and Cheryl Landreth.
Dr. Walton served in the United States Navy 1959-1961.
He received a BS degree from Drury College, a MS degree in Geochemistry from the University of Arizona and a Ph.D. degree in Mineralogy from the Ohio State University. He attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
He worked in the Lunar Curatorial Lab at the Johnson Space center 1974-1978. He taught geology at the university level for several years before committing his life to serve God as a missionary in Burkina Faso, West Africa for more than 14 years. He taught Geology, English and Bible to students at the University of Ouagadougou and directed a student center which provided opportunities for discipleship, music, sports, and a comprehensive library for students.
He loved teaching the Bible to senior adults at Dalewood Baptist Church where he was a member for 17 years. He recently became a member of Wildwood Baptist Church in Bethesda, Maryland.
A celebration of life service will be held at the Orlinda Baptist Church in Orlinda, Tennessee on August 2 at 3:00 PM with visitation beginning at 1 PM. Burial will follow in Orlinda Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne’s honor to the Southern Baptist International Mission Board or the Ruesch Center for the cure GI Cancer at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC
Obituary for JoNell Taylor
JoNell Taylor was born July 28, 1936 in Logan County, KY to the late Leonard and Gladys Bryant. She passed from this life on July 26, 2017 at NHC Healthcare in Springfield, TN.
JoNell professed Christ at an early age. After moving to Tennessee she joined New Wells Grove Church. She was a faithful member of the choir.
She leaves to mourn, a loving and devoted son, General E. “Ronnie” Taylor, Jr. of Springfield; nine grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a host of cousins, in-laws, and friends; and two special friends in her life, John and Eloise Hurt of Springfield.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 12 PM at New Wells Grove Missionary Baptist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial followed in Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Cedar Hill with Quinn Young, Maurice Leavell, Taylor Blakemore, Nicholas Blakemore, Clarence Tisdale, and Joey Dunn serving as pallbearers. Flowerbearers were great granddaughters and nieces.
Arrangements are entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home.
Obituary for Eve Richards Johnson
Eve Richards Johnson, 85, of Springfield, died Monday July 24, 2017 at The Waters of Robertson. Funeral services were conducted Thursday July 27th at 11:00 a.m. at the Cedar Hill United Methodist Church with Pastor Eric Limbo and Jessica Richards officiating. Interment followed in the Bellwood Cemetery with Connor Cathey, Collin Richards, Cooper Richards, Cohen Richards, Scott Richards, Stan Richards, Steven martin, and Ed Anderson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Sandy Aydlett, Lynn Johnson, Tommy Herndon, Sam Smith, Trey Sprouse, Tony Sprouse, and Steven Johnson. The family received friends on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the Cedar Hill United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Johnson was born December 24, 1931 in Stewart County to the late James S. and Kathryn Southall Richards. She was a graduate of the Class of 1949 from Cedar Hill High School, which was the last graduating class from Cedar Hill. During her school years she excelled in playing basketball, and even continue playing on a work league after beginning work with National Life. She worked for National Life, the Methodist Publishing House, the Federal Crop Insurance, and then retired as the office manager for Fred M. Smith and Son. After moving from Cedar Hill to Springfield, she attended Woodland Street United Methodist Church, but her membership remained at Cedar Hill United Methodist Church. During her years at Cedar Hill United Methodist she was always very active and served as a Sunday School teacher, church treasurer, and was a big part of the United Methodist Women. She was a former member of the DAC. Mrs. Johnson enjoyed flowers, cooking, ballroom dancing, and spending time with her family and many friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: J.W. Johnson, her brothers: Robert Hunter, James Eugene, and John W. Richards, her sisters: Lelia Louise Richards and Estelle Watts Grambihler, and by her nephew: Eric Steven Richards.
Mrs. Johnson is survived by her sisters: Mary R. Sprouse of Springfield, Vickie (George) Anderson of Cedar Hill, and Frankie R. Fletcher of Springfield, her brother: Walter Thomas (Sandra) Richards of Cedar Hill, sisters-in-law: Barbara Richards of Clarksville and Edalene Frogge Richards of Cedar Hill, brother-in-law: Dr. Ken Grambihler of Clarksville. She also leaves many special and loved nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, and special friend Shirley Head.
Her family extends their appreciation and love to special cousin: Mary Jo Head, and the staff of The Waters of Robertson.
Memorial contributions may be given in Eve’s memory to the Cedar Hill United Methodist Church, the Woodland Street United Methodist Church, or to the Bartlett Cemetery
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Obituary for Ronnie Bierman
Ronald “Ronnie” Gene Bierman, age 69 of Pleasant View, died Sunday, July 30, 2017 at St Thomas West Hospital. Funeral service will be conducted at 10 o’clock am on Thursday, August 3rd at Austin and Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View with Brother Randy Riggs officiating. Burial will follow at EverRest of Cheatham with friends and family serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, from 4:00PM-8:00PM at the Funeral Home and again on Thursday from 9:00am until the hour of Service at 10:00am. Mr. Bierman was born in Effingham, Illinois on January 2, 1948 to the late Ambrose B. and “Virginia” Hattie McManaway Bierman. He retired from Yellow Freight and was of the Catholic faith. He was a US Army Veteran and fought in the Vietnam War.
Along with his parents, Mr. Bierman was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Bierman; and three brothers, Bob, Don, and Dale Bierman.
He is survived by, his daughters, Kristi (Brian) Cepukenas of Maylene, AL. and Veronica (Phillip) Dyer of Goodlettsville, TN.; sister, Brenda K. (Bill) Ball of Franklin, TN.; sister-in-law, Debbie (Cecil) Lusby of Clarksville, TN.; 6 grandchildren, Dennis Brumett, Summer Cepukenas, Grace Cepukenas, Kayla Grimmett, Jessica (Ryan) O’Rourke and Eliana Dyer; and 1 great-grandson, Kai Grimmett.
If so desired, memorial contributions in Mr. Bierman’s memory may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. All donations may be sent in care of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View assisted the family with these arrangements.
Smokey Barn News (Sponsor/Advertisement) 
Obituary for Bobbie Dell Shepard
Bobbie Dell Shepard, age 83 of Adams, died Sunday, July 30, 2017 at her home. Funeral service will be conducted at 11 o’clock am on Wednesday, August 2nd at Austin and Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View with Brother Jimmy Jackson and Pastor Dennis Herron officiating. Burial will follow at Shepard Cemetery with Vince Shepard, Michael Shepard, Justin Brooksher, Drew Brooksher, Tom Barnett and Adam Barlow serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 3:00PM-8:00PM at the Funeral Home and again on Wednesday from 9:00am until the hour of Service at 11:00am. Mrs. Shepard was born in Robertson County, Tennessee on February 17, 1934 to the late Woodard and Johnnie Martin Apple. She retired from Jostens in Clarksville and was a member of Harmony Baptist Church.
Along with her parents, Mrs. Shepard was preceded in death by her husband, Houston Shepard. She is survived by, her sons, Jeff (Diane) Shepard of Stroudsville and Steve (Susan) Shepard of Stroudsville; daughter, Amanda (Bruce) Brooksher of Adams; brother, James Leigh (Rachel) Ruffin of Nashville; 6 grandchildren, Stephanie (Tom) Barnett, Vince Shepard (Megan Getchel), Michael (Amy) Shepard, Crystal (Adam) Barlow, Justin (Cassie) Brooksher and Drew Brooksher; and 5 great-grandchildren.
If so desired, memorial contributions in Mrs. Shepard’s memory may be made to the Harmony Baptist Building Fund or Martha’s Song – the NorthCrest Foundation. All donations may be sent in care of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View assisted the family with these arrangements.
Obituary for John Mantooth
John Lee Mantooth, age 70, of Adams, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2017 at his home. (News story) Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 2pm in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield with Brother Tyler Estep and Billy Vogle officiating. Burial will follow in the Bellwood Cemetery with Jamie Mantooth, Bo Mantooth, Grady Enriques, Todd Patterson, Tyson Patterson and Tyler Patterson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Mantooth, Knox Mantooth, Gerald Coomes, Eddie Coomes, Mike Coomes, Ricky Coomes, Raymond Coomes, Burt Castleman, Bruce Head, Mikel Patterson, Kenneth Stanley, Cody Stanley and the Jo Byrns Family.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 from 2-8pm and again on Wednesday from 10am until the hour of service at 2pm.
Mr. Mantooth was born July 25, 1947 in Cleveland, Tennessee, to the late Donald and Loretta Wattenbarger Mantooth. He was a teacher, coach and principal at Jo Byrns School during his 32 years of service there. Mr. Mantooth was a member of the Red River Masonic Lodge, member of the Adams Community Club, member of Community Spirit and member of the Red River Baptist Church.
Mr. Mantooth is survived by his wife, Mary McCroy Mantooth; sons, James (Katie) Mantooth of Martin, TN and Bo (Loni) Mantooth of Terre Haute, IN; daughters, Lori Jean Mantooth of Atlanta, GA and Hunter Mantooth of Ridgetop, TN; sisters, Diana (Kenneth) Stanley and Pam (Mikel) Patterson, both of Old Fort, TN; sister-in-law, Margaret Ann McCroy of Springfield; grandchildren, Porter Mantooth, Betsy Mantooth, Jack Mantooth, Knox Mantooth and Harper Mantooth. Mr. Mantooth is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
If so desired memorial contributions may be made to God’s Grocery at Red River Baptist Church or to the Fishermen Club of Adams. Any donations may be sent in c/o Austin & Bell.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
Obituary for Joe D. Durham
Age 85 of Goodlettsville, TN went home to be with Jesus on July 28, 2017. He is preceded in death by his parents James Harry and Carlene Durham and 3 brothers, James Harry, Charles and Paul.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bobbi, a son Tommy, granddaughter Rache’ Ash, and a great grandson Miguel Ash, and brother, Sid (Georgia) Durham and 3 sisters, Marguerite (Bill) Butler, Laura Frances (James) Cason and Katrina (Ronald) McRady. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Goodlettsville.
Funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 12 noon in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House with Bro. Jim Ryan officiating. Interment will follow in Beech Cemetery with Paul Garrett, Jimmy Edwards, Clifton Garrett, Mike Donahoe, Ronnie Cothran and Brian Hampton serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Garrett, Fisherman’s Sunday School Class First Baptist Church, Goodlettsville.
Visitation is planned for Tuesday, August 1, 2017 4-8 pm and Wednesday, August 2, 2017 10am-12 noon at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International.
Remains rest at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House, TN.
Smokey Barn News (Sponsor/Advertisement) 
Obituary for Jack C. Torkelson
Jack C. Torkelson, age 70, of Greenbrier, TN passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at his residence. (News story)
The family will receive friends 3:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at Ridgetop Seventh Day Adventist Church. A Memorial Service will follow at 4:00 pm at the church with Pastor William Little and Pastor Richard Harbour officiating.
Jack was born in Noblesville, IN on January 9, 1947 to the late Oscar E. and Laura Ann Jarnes Torkelson.
He was a member of the American Chestnut Foundation and the Tennessee Native Plant Society. He loved tinkering on various projects, some complete and some not so much. A favorite was the nature center with a fire pit which he had built by the pond which he also constructed.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Buttorff Dyer Torkelson; sons, Andrew Teton (Leslie) Torkelson, Timothy Walden (McKenzie) Torkelson; grandchildren, Katelyn Torkelson, Peyton Jo Torkelson and a sister, Jill (Richard) Harbour.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Chestnut Foundation, 50 Merrimon Ave, Suite 115, Asheville, NC 28804 or the Ridgetop Adventist Elementary School, P.O. Box 829, Ridgetop, TN 37152.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home Greenbrier is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary for Charles D Hubbard
Charles D. Hubbard, age 58, of Pleasant View, died Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. A funeral service will be conducted at 6 o’clock pm on Sunday, July 30th at Austin and Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, from 2:00PM-6:00PM at the Funeral Home. Mr. Hubbard was born in Jackson, Tennessee on January 31, 1959 to the late Albert Hubbard and Wanda Sullivan Rodriguez. He worked in the janitorial industry and served in the Army. Charles is preceded in death by his brother Roy Hubbard.
He is survived by, along with his mother, his son, Matthew Niebuhr; sister, Victoria Hubbard, all of Pleasant View; and many loving nieces and nephews.
If so desired, memorial contributions in Mr. Hubbard’s memory may be made to the Nashville Rescue Mission. All donations may be sent in care of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View assisted the family with these arrangements.
Smokey Barn News (Sponsor/Advertisement) 
We bring you ALL the News in and surrounding Robertson County, Tennessee.
