Obituaries: Week of August 17, 2025, In Loving Memory
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:
(Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
May Bell (Turner) James
April 20, 1930 ~ August 10, 2025
95 Years Old
May Bell Turner James, 95, of Springfield, passed from this life on Sunday August 10, 2025, at her home. Funeral services will be conducted Friday August 15th at 12 noon in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Dillard officiating. Interment will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery with Jimbo Baggett, Patrick Edens, Bubba Edens, Gilbert Henderson, Donald Reeder, and Forrest Lee Reeder serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.
Mrs. James was born April 20, 1930, in Smithville, to the late William F. Turner and Mattie Lee Jones Turner. She was a retired dye setter with Collins and Aikman and was a member of Westwood Baptist Church. Mrs. James enjoyed gardening and working in her flowers. She also loved to shoot pool and go dancing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Delbert James, and by her siblings: Ed Turner, W.M. Turner, Jule Turner, Loring Turner, and Ella Dean Turner.
Mrs. James is survived by her daughter: Judy Garrison of Springfield, by her son: Jimmy (Joanna) Luna of Mt. Juliet, by her step children: Ricky (Elaine) James, Ronnie (Debbie) James, Larry (Margaret) James, and Sharon (Ryan) Unger, by her sister: Birtie Ruth Reeder of Smithville, by her grandchildren: Joyce (Jimbo) Baggett, James (Tracie) Edens, Jason (Valerie) Luna, and Jeff (Sara) Luna, by her eleven step grandchildren, by her seven great grandchildren and her three great great grandchildren.
Services have been entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home
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Robert “Bob” E. Pentecost
April 7, 1947 ~ August 15, 2025
78 Years Old
Robert E. “Bob” Pentecost, age 78 of Cross Plains, passed from this life on Friday, August 15, 2025 at The Residence at Alive Hospice in Nashville. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Oakhurst Chapel of Robertson County Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10 AM until the time of service.
Mr. Pentecost was born April 7, 1947 in Chicago, IL to the late Sammie J. and Pauline Hulsey Pentecost. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and last worked at the Robertson County Sherriff’s Office. He was the owner of the former Chicago Bob’s Pizza in Cross Plains and he loved to cook. He also enjoyed family trips, making people laugh, swimming, fishing, and was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Sam and David Pentecost.
Surviving him are his loving wife of 52 years, Pat Pentecost of Cross Plains; son Nicholas Pentecost (Jennifer Shelton) of Springfield; daughter, Courney Pentecost of White House; grandson, Liam Jude Larsen; sister, Polly (Gary) Nemsick of Bartlett, IL; and several cousins.
The family request, if so desired, for memorial contributions to be made to the American cancer Society. All donations can be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.
Services have been entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home
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William Howard Thomsen Jr.
July 7, 1946 – August 10, 2025
William H. Thomsen, Jr. age 79, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 10, 2025, with his loving wife, Gaye, by his side. Bill was born on March 7, 1946, in Wayne County, MI to William Howard, Sr and Lila Amanda Thomsen. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Royal Oak, MI and then from Cleary Business College in Ypsilanti, MI while working for N. A. Woodworth Co. In 1972, he moved to Erin, TN to work at Southern Gage Company, a subsidiary of N.A. Woodworth Co, where he excelled and was General Manager of the company. He continued to lead the company when it was sold to Chicago Tools Works. He left the company in 1993 and was employed at Ekco Glaco, Inc in Humboldt, TN until 1999. From 1999-2004 Bill worked for Dairy Partners in Decherd, TN and then moved to Springfield, TN to work for Datrek Golf Company. He completed his work career at MTR Tire Company in Nashville, TN.
William is preceded in death by his parents, William Howard, Sr and Lila Amanda Thomsen; grandchild, Megan Peterson; and newborn child, baby Thomsen.
Bill is survived by Gaye Thomsen, his loving wife of 39 years; sons, Edward Alan (Beth) Thomsen and Brian Lawrence (Sarah) Thomsen; stepsons, Marcus Clay (Jean) Batten; Michael Andrew (Bridgette) Batten, and Steven Lee (Denise) Batten; grandchildren, Kyle, Zachary, Spencer, Brandon, and Brittany Thomsen; Paige Ferino; Cody, Colton, Wyatt, Cato, and Jax Batten; Chelsea Knopp, Jessica Watson, Rossi Morgan, and Charlie Hubbard; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Bill was passionate about his God! He and Gaye actively served the Lord wherever they lived. They attended First Baptist Church (Clarksville, TN); West Jackson Baptist (Jackson, TN), Grace Baptist Church (Tullahoma, TN) and Springfield Baptist Church (Springfield, TN) where Bill was a deacon. Bill served on many committees across the different churches they attended. Bill was a member of The Gideons International.
Bill was also passionate about golf. He was a long-time member of the United States Golf Association (USGA). Bill golfed as often as he could and was most proud of his two Hole-In-One awards. Bill’s other passion was his family who he loved unconditionally. Bill and Gaye enjoyed traveling around the world and especially spending their winter months in Orange Beach, AL where they made many friends from all over the country. Bill was such an outgoing, loving people-person with an incredibly positive outlook on life.
A Celebration of Life service for Bill will be held at Springfield Baptist Church at 2:00 pm Sunday, August 17, 2025 with Bob Hogan officiating. Bill will be laid to rest at Standing Rock Creek Cemetery in Dover, TN.
In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to The Gideons International at https://gideons.org/donate.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com
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Mary Elizabeth Crutcher
January 14, 1935 – August 11, 2025
Mary Elizabeth Hedgepath Crutcher, age 90 of Greenbrier, TN passed away, Monday, August 11, 2025 at Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN.
Services will be held in the Chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier on Friday, August 15 at 1:00 PM with Bro. Chad Hedgepath and Bro Kenny Hix officiating. Burial will follow in the Gideon Church Cemetery in Greenbrier, TN with family serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends and family from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home on Friday.
Mrs. Crutcher was born January 14, 1935 in Nashville, TN to the late James Roy Hedgepath, Sr. and Nippy Lorene Hunt Hedgepath. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Sanford Crutcher, Jr; Step-mother, Margaret Nicholson Hedgepath; brother James “Buddy” Hedgepath and brother-in-law, Cecil Crutcher. She was a member of Gideon Methodist Church in Greenbrier. She loved being a wife and mother and enjoyed cross stitching, ceramics and camping.
Mrs. Crutcher is survived by her son; Kenneth (Susan) Crutcher of Clinton, TN; daughters, Joy Huffines of Greenbrier, TN, Wanda (Randy) Hollis of Nashville, TN; brother, James Roy (Debbie) Hedgepath of Franklin, TN; sister, Allie Mai Crutcher of Ashland City, TN and sister-in-law, Bonnie Hedgepath of Smithville, TN; grandchildren, Brittany (Josh) Bunn, Emily (Ben) Griffith, Justin (Elizabeth) Huffines, Tiffany Hollis, Roger Hollis, Katlin Hollis; great-grandchildren, Madeline Hollis-Beard, Brantley Huffines and Sawyer Huffines.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gideon Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 2428 Gideon Rd., Greenbrier, TN 37073. Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbell.com
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Phyllis “Dee Dee” Jean Palmer
December 3, 1949 – August 12, 2025
Phyllis Jean “Dee Dee” Palmer, age 75 of Cottontown passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Skyline Medical Center. She was born December 3, 1949 In Welch, West Virginia to Lloyd Fuggint and Ollie Mae Porterfield Carnell. She worked as a homemaker and was a member of The Church at Walnut Grove.
She enjoyed crocheting, making ceramics collecting Precious Moments figurines and making people laugh. She is preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Jimmy Carr Carnell and Cecil Lloyd Carnell. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Donald Earl Palmer, Cottontown, TN; son, Jesse (Halima) Palmer, Plano, TX; daughter, Dorothy (Mattias) Simonsson, Towson, MD; sister, Mary Jane (Dan) Mullins, Hermitage, TN; 5 grandchildren, Sumayyah, Sadia, Maryum, Oskar and Madeleine.
Funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 2pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House with Sandy Shawhan officiating. Interment immediately following at Palmer’s Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Visitation is planned for Saturday, August 16, 2025 11am until the time of the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are requested to The Church at Walnut Grove 4101 Highway 76 Cottontown, TN 37048 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
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Robert Harold Traughber
October 27, 1929 – August 13, 2025
Robert Harold Traughber, age 95, of Cedar Hill, passed away early Wednesday morning August 13, 2025, at NHC Springfield. Funeral services will be conducted at 10am Monday, August 18th, in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield with Bro. Danny Dixon officiating. Burial will follow in the York Cemetery, with Jared Eden, Chad Eden, Mark Hand, Little Bobby Hand, Kaden Evitts, and Michael Szachnitowski serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Ethan Ward.
The family will receive friends from 4-7pm Sunday, August 17th, and again from 9am until time of the service at 10am Monday, at the funeral home.
Mr. Traughber was born October 27, 1929, in Springfield, to the late Tom and Nannie Lou Traughber. He was a farmer and a member of Battle Creek Baptist Church. Harold will be remembered by his family and many friends as a hard worker and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who loved each of them very much.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Traughber was preceded in death by his wife, Daisy Lee Traughber; sons, Harold Steven “Steve” Traughber, Stonie Lee Traughber, and William Patrick “Pat” Traughber; and several brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his sons, Robert Michael “Mike” (Diane) Traughber, and Richard Thomas “Ricky” Traughber; 5 grandchildren, Jeremy Traughber, Jason Traughber, Misty Faye Traughber, Michael Traughber, and April Traughber; and 4 great grandchildren, Caleb Traughber, Garrett Traughber, Heather Traughber, Kaden Evitts
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to Battle Creek Baptist Church, 2655 Battle Creek Road, Springfield, TN 37172
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com
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Barbara Lee Plunkett
August 29, 1951 – August 14, 2025
Barbara Lee White Plunkett, age 73, of Springfield, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025 at NHC Springfield. Funeral services will be conducted at 1pm Monday, August 18th, in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield with Bro. Bob Carroll officiating. Burial will follow in the Hopewell Cemetery with Jeremy Gainous, Ivan Gainous, Paul White, Dalton Gainous, Bubba Atchley, and John Tanner serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 2-6pm Sunday, August 17th, and again from 11am until 1pm Monday, August 18th, at the funeral home.
Mrs. Plunkett was born August 29, 1951, in Springfield, to the late Paul White and to the late Bonnie Harris White. She was an Administrative Assistant for the State of Tennessee and a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Plunkett was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Edward Ray Plunkett; and sisters, Darlene Dorris, and Brenda Gainous
She is survived by her son, Mike (Shannon) Plunkett; daughter, Robin (Jim) Duke; 4 grandchildren, Bryanna (Chad) Tate, Brittany (Allen) Strickland, Jilliann Plunkett, and Jenna Beth Plunkett; 4 great grandchildren, Kyleigh Tate, Drake Strickland, Dakota Strickland, and Bryson Tate; brother, John (Demetria) White; and sisters, Diane (Earl) Fuqua, and Paulla (Charles) Atchley.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com
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Jimmy Williams
November 18, 1961 – August 14, 2025
Jimmy Dale Williams, age 63, of Pleasant View, Tennessee, died Thursday, August 14, 2025, at his home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 o’clock am, Monday, August 18th, at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View with Pastor Chris Royalty officiating.
Burial will follow in EverRest of Cheatham with Timmy Williams, Austin Williams, Elijah Everett, Shelbi Williams, James Jordan, and Ben Jordan serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Kingston Wright.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, August 17th from 3:00-8:00PM, and again on Monday beginning at 9:00AM until the hour of service at 11:00AM.
Jimmy was born on November 18, 1961, in Nashville to the late John & Frankie Rhodes Williams. He was a retired computer operator from HCA who loved to “tinker” with anything. He was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Glasgow; and 2 infant sisters, Deborah & Deloris.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carole Renee Williams; son, Timmy (Missy) Williams; daughter, Kayla Williams; brother, Johnny (Gail) Williams; grandchildren, Austin Williams, Elijah Everett, Addi Williams, and Kingston Wright; and several nieces & nephews.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Jimmy’s memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com
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Ronnie Shelton Brooks
July 18, 1942 – August 14, 2025
Ronnie Shelton Brooks, age 83, of Springfield, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Alive Hospice in Nashville. Funeral services will be conducted at 11am Monday, August 18, 2025 at the Springfield First United Methodist Church with Bro Eddie Bellar and Bro. Jason Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery in White House with his grandsons serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 4-8pm Sunday and again from 10-11am Monday at the church.
Mr. Brooks was born July 18, 1942, in White House, to the late William Oliver Brooks, and the late Norma Jean Brinkley Brooks. He was a loving family man that enjoyed traveling, camping with his grandkids, playing golf, and hunting and fishing. Ronnie was a huge NASCAR and Dale Earnhart fan, as well as watching and following the Tennessee Titans. He was most proud of obtaining his private pilots license, and his 30 years in car sales at Payne Chevrolet where he sold 100 cars in a month. In his later years, Ronnie enjoyed spending the winters in Florida and all his friends there. He was a member of Springfield United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Vicki Brooks; sons, Sean (Jana) Brooks, and Jeremy (Sarah) Baldwin; daughters, Tonya (Randy) Hilliard, and Kelly (Kelly) King; 13 grandchildren, Matt Brooks, Jarrett Brooks, Ben Brooks, Luke Hilliard, Lydia Hilliard, Andrew King, Anna King, Amelia King, Aiden King, Alayna King, Max Baldwin, Bryce Baldwin, and Layne Baldwin; and 4 great grandchildren, Sadie Grace Brooks, Lake Brooks, Marlie Brooks, and Beckham Brooks.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to: Springfield First United Methodist Church, 511 S Oak Street, Springfield, TN 37172 or by visiting www.springfieldfumc.org
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com
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Larry “Duke” Stephenson Jr.
December 5, 1956 – June 22, 2025
In Loving Memory of Larry “Duke” Stephenson, Jr. Born in Nashville and raised in Madison, Tennessee, Duke lived a life filled with rhythm, heart, and connection. From an early age, he was immersed in the family’s music entertainment business — playing drums, singing harmony, and even driving the tour bus while traveling and performing with his grandparents, the legendary Johnny Wright and the Queen of Country Music, Kitty Wells. Music wasn’t just part of his life; it was in his blood — a language he spoke fluently and passionately.
For many years, Larry was the proud co-owner of the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater, where he helped bring live music and joy to countless visitors and locals. His deep love for entertainment and hospitality made him a natural in creating memorable experiences for all who walked through the doors. Beyond music, Larry built a remarkable career in the hotel and tourism industry. Over more than two decades, he served as a Director of Sales, Sales Manager, and General Manager at various hotels and entertainment venues, earning numerous accolades and industry awards along the way.
Whether with colleagues, clients, or guests, Larry never met a stranger. His gift for conversation — rooted in his church upbringing — made him not only a persuasive salesman, but a genuinely warm and unforgettable person. An avid sports fan and gifted athlete, Duke earned a college sports scholarship and remained passionate about all things sports, especially college and pro football. Go Vandy! His competitive spirit, quick wit, and love of the game made every season one to look forward to. With striking blue eyes and a smile to match, Larry’s presence lit up every room.
He was a man of deep passion — for music, for people, and for the work he loved. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through kindness, conversation, and an unwavering enthusiasm for life. Duke was preceded in death by his parents, Larry Stephenson, Sr., and Ruby Jean Wright Taylor; and maternal grandparents, Johnny Wright and Kitty Wells. He is survived by his husband of 23 years, Jason Pitkin; sisters, Kitty Ervin, and Corrie (Brad) Cluck; nieces, Kourtney Wingert and Katie Ervin; nephew, Brandon Ervin; uncle, Bobby Wright; aunt, Sue Sturdivant; mother-in-law, Jacquie Billings; father-in-law, William Pitkin, Jr.; and several great nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Receiving of Family and Friends for Duke will be from 1:30 pm until 2:30 pm. on Saturday, August 16, 2025 with a Celebration of Life to follow from 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater, 2416 Music Valley Village, Nashville, TN 37214.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com
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