Obituaries: Week of November 16, 2025, In Loving Memory

Obituaries: Week of November 16, 2025, In Loving Memory

ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:

(Smokey Barn News)

*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.

Wilda Henderson Dodson
April 30, 1952 — November 14, 2025
Gallatin

Wilda Henderson Dodson, age 73, passed away peacefully of natural causes in her home, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, November 14, 2025.

She is survived by her husband, William C. “Bill” Hudgins; her niece, Penn Dodson (Christopher), and their children. She was predeceased by her parents, Billie C. Henderson Dodson and Clay F. Dodson, and her brother, C. Frank Dodson.

Wilda was known for many things, but perhaps primarily her strength and her sense of humor. Having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1988, she faced frustrations associated with having to deal with a body that wasn’t cooperative and the challenges of diminished physical capacity that worsened year by year. Nevertheless, sometimes described as a “lioness,” she consistently held an attitude of stubborn determination and playing the hand she’d been dealt, usually accompanied by a joke or dose of quick wit. She often referred to MS as a “damn nuisance,” and delighted in overcoming the difficulties it presented.

A lifelong Tennessean, Wilda was born at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. She grew up in a combination of Springfield and Gallatin and graduated from Gallatin High School in 1970. After high school she attended and graduated from Southwestern College (now Rhodes College) in Memphis, TN. After college Wilda attended law school at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, which had only recently begun admitting women.

After receiving her JD in 1977, Wilda worked as in-house counsel for Park Bank in Knoxville for a couple of years, then practiced law at a general practice small law firm in Cleveland, TN. She subsequently became an assistant district attorney in Bradley County, prosecuting child support nonpayment cases.

In 1984 she transitioned out of the practice of law and became a financial advisor for the Edward Jones company, which she continued to do until she retired in 2016. In 1984 she renovated the old Commerce Union Bank at 115 East Main St. on the town square in Gallatin, converting it into the office space where she worked until she retired.

In this role she worked alongside a number of wonderful office administrators who assisted her work. Focused primarily in helping her hundreds of clients reach their financial goals, Wilda’s role was primarily about the relationships, first and foremost, and it showed. Nothing was more important to her than earning their trust and friendship. She enjoyed enormous satisfaction when clients said her advice enabled them to achieve goals such as educating their children or retiring comfortably.

On Dec. 29, 1979, Wilda married Bill Hudgins in the First Presbyterian Church in Gallatin. He was her best friend, confidant, and co-conspirator in as much mischief and adventure as they could get away with. Together they traveled to many interesting foreign and domestic destinations including Russia, Alaska, Greece, the Caribbean, Scotland, and Austria. Wilda and Bill maintained close friendships with a number of people in the greater Gallatin area and afar. Over the years they had an array of household pets and beginning in 2007 they began to host horses and donkeys rescued from situations of abuse and/or neglect for the Volunteer Equine Advocates organization.

Wilda was also known for her contributions to the community–in terms of financial giving, time/energy, and sheer presence. In fact, Wilda and Bill were honored by the Sumner Regional Medical Center Foundation in 2004 for their support of the Foundation and role in funding a new county health department facility. Friends viewed Wilda and Bill as “Team Bilda.” They supported each other’s interests as well as community organizations such as Downtown Gallatin, First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Shalom Zone, Salvus, Rotary, Junior League, Habitat for Humanity, Gallatin Chamber of Commerce, Sumner Spay Neuter Alliance and Volunteer Equine Advocates (VEA).

She also cared deeply about human rights, women’s issues and America’s future, and supported the ACLU, Planned Parenthood and the Southern Poverty Law Center. For many years, she has sponsored a scholarship for returning women students at Volunteer State Community College.

Always creative and with an eye for bright, bold colors, Wilda enjoyed sewing, flower arranging, knitting, and various other craft projects. She read widely, both fiction and non-fiction, and enjoyed mysteries.

Wilda will be missed by many, but her contributions will live on, in Gallatin and beyond.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, November 22, from 11am til 3pm at Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Gallatin. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for sometime after the upcoming holidays, to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions in her honor to Volunteer Equine Advocates (VEA), Sumner Spay Neuter Alliance, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 584 Nashville Pike, Gallatin. (615) 502 0011 Online condolences can be made at www.AlexanderGallatin.com

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Catherine “Kate” Hunter McGee
September 22, 1932 — November 12, 2025

Catherine “Kate” Hunter McGee, also known to many as “Dandy” or “Baby Kate” was born on September 22, 1932, departed this life on November 12, 2025, leaving a legacy of love and positivity that touched the hearts of many. A cherished member of her community, Kate dedicated her life to both her family and her work, with notable positions including her time at the Bank of Goodlettsville and the City of Millersville. Prior to these significant roles, she also served at the Federal Reserve.

A graduate of Hendersonville High School, Kate exemplified an optimistic spirit that was felt by all who had the privilege to know her. She was celebrated not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her vibrant personality. Kate was known as the most positive and optimistic person, treating everyone she met as family and always embracing laughter.

Kate’s passions extended beyond her career; she found joy in watching sports, enjoying any and all teams, and loved to engage in games. However, her greatest pride and joy stemmed from her family. She lovingly welcomed the title of “Dandy” from her grandchildren, whom she adored and cherished deeply.

Kate was a devoted member of Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville her whole life. She was a Sunday school Teacher and helped start the Crusaders Program at the church. She always loved to teach people about Jesus.

She is survived by her children, Robert McGee, Keith (Natalie) McGee, and Kim (Ray) Morton; along with her grandchildren, Kaylee (Logan) Stem, Hunter McGee, Ella Morton, Annclaire (Conor) Dryer, Wyatt Morton, Erica Roland Gysin, and Roland Gysin, along with her great-grandchild Bennett Stem. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews who will remember her warmth and kindness.

Kate was preceded in death by her parents, T. W. Hunter, Sr. and Ella Catherine Hunter, as well as her siblings: Dewey Hunter, William Hunter, Ellen Hunter Parker, Virginia Thomas Hunter Garrett, Thomas W. Hunter, Jr., Alonzo Hunter, and Jo-Ann Hunter Jenkins. Each of these family members played a significant role in her life, and she will be fondly remembered for the bond they shared.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kate’s remarkable life. Visitation will take place at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Goodlettsville, TN, on November 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Additionally, there will be a second visitation at Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, TN, on November 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life, where stories and memories will be shared at 1:00 PM. Ms. McGee will be laid to rest at Beech Cemetery following the service.

Dandy lived her life with a steadfast faith and a gentle spirit that reflected God’s love in all she did. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that her earthly journey is complete and that she is now rejoicing in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home

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Jerry Hitt Galbreath
May 1, 1941 — November 14, 2025
Goodlettsville, TN

Jerry Hitt Galbreath, aged 84, of Goodlettsville, TN, passed away on November 14th, 2025.

Jerry and his twin, Larry (deceased), were born May 1st, 1941, in the Protestant Hospital (later became Baptist Hospital) in Nashville, TN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Lillian Galbreath, birth mother, Leona Hitt Galbreath, brothers, Nathan (Jean), twin, Larry (Sue), and brother-in-law, Clem Schonhoff.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda, three children, Cary Galbreath, Tammy (Neil) Peace, and Emily (Curt) Campbell, as well as 7 grandchildren; Elise Galbreath, Brandon Galbreath, Sarah (Karl) Gilbert, Cory (Kelsey) Peace, Jordan (Julianne) Peace, John (Sarah) Marlin, III and McKay (John David) Moffitt. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren; Crosley and Greer Peace, Sam and Ford Peace, Rowen and Raylee Marlin. In addition, he leaves his step-children, Angie (Richie) Murray, Julie Wood, and step-grandchildren, Jake, Luke, and Creed Murray, Kaylee Bardill, and step-great-grandchild, TJ Bardill and his sister, Doris Jean Schonhoff.

Jerry graduated from Goodlettsville High School as president of the class of 1959. He finished his education with his accounting degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, in the class of 1963. He went to work for the DuPont Company in June 1963 as a cost accountant. He was caught in a downsizing in 1987. At that time, he had reached the position of control superintendent. At age 30, Jerry was the youngest CS in DuPont’s engineering department, nationwide. He was able to find a similar position as Director of Finance & Administration at Ernst & Young CPA in 1987. In 1999, he was caught in yet another downsizing and retired from public work. In 2001, he and Brenda started J & B Accounting, INC. and serviced several small to medium-sized companies for twenty years. Jerry retired J & B at the end of 2020. Jerry also was a member of the Board of Directors of the local DuPont Company subsidiary, Allegro, for 20 years.

Besides his family, his loves were UT sports and music. At a young age he learned to play organ and piano and went on to serve ten churches as their instrumentalist. Jerry was an active member of Civitan International for twelve years and was a two-term president of the Goodlettsville Civitan Club, following in his father’s footsteps. His father, Ernest Galbreath, was the first vice-mayor of the City of Goodlettsville. Jerry was a long-time member of Walkers United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriner’s Hospital.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com

Joe Denzel Chambers, age 81, of Clarksville, Tennessee, died Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Select Specialty Hospital in Nashville.

A graveside service will be conducted at 1 o’clock pm, Wednesday, November 19th, at Mallory’s Cemetery in Chapmansboro with Bro. Jon Justice officiating.

There will be no public visitation prior to the graveside service.

Mr. Joe was born on August 2, 1944, in Kaufman, Texas, to the late Cecil & Pearl Stephens Chambers. He was the retired owner operator of Joe Chambers Concrete. He loved fishing, gardening, cooking, and most especially loved spending time with his family. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Jasmin; and sisters, Pat, Wanda, and Barbara.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lila Chambers; sons, Jacob Chambers and Jaden Chambers; brother, Jimmy; sister, Becky; and grandchildren, Neil, Jozlynn, Debbie, Kaydee, and Amy.

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

Royce Lee Loyd “Buster”, age 61, of Pleasant View, Tennessee died Monday, November 17, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 o’clock pm, Friday, November 21st, at Hope Worship Center, 136 Elizabeth St., Ashland City, Tennessee, with Pastor James Walsh and Pastor Rick Walsh officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church on Friday beginning at 1:00PM until the hour of service at 3:00PM.

Buster was born on August 15, 1964, in Livingston, Tennessee, to the late Lewis & Joyce Loyd. He was a mechanic who loved fishing, hunting, drag racing, and restoring old cars. He was a follower of Christ and a friend to all. Buster’s motto was “God, Family, & Friends.”

He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Nora Loyd; daughter, Leah (Christopher) Mooney; brother, Bo Loyd; sister, Melissa Shortbridge; granddaughter, Maylene Mooney; close friends, Fred Nordquist, Tim Farrell, Melvin Hendrix, and Bobby Morris; and too many others to count!

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