Obituaries: Weeks of May 31, 2026, In Loving Memory
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:
(Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Charles Knapper
December 1, 1951 ~ May 29, 2026
74 Years Old
Charles Frederick Knapper, 74, of Springfield, passed from this life on Friday May 29, 2026, at Centennial Medical Center. Celebration of Life services will be conducted Tuesday June 2nd at 11:00 a.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Tim Harris officiating. Interment will follow in the Palestine Cemetery with Zach Johnson, Caleb Knapper, Alex Knapper, Christian Richardson, Austin Wright, Hank Knapper, Maddox Knapper, and Jeremy Pratt serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Charles was born December 1, 1951, in Winchester. He was a graduate of Franklin County High School Class of 1970, and then went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1974, where he was a member of the first graduating class of the School of Nursing at U.T. Charles received his Nurse Practitioner degree from Vanderbilt University and served the Knoxville community with Dr. Kilmer Reed as an advanced practice nurse before continuing his education at Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia to earn his degree as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
During his career he worked at various medical facilities including Maury Regional Hospital, Southern Hills Medical Center, Centennial Medical Center, Baptist Hospital, The Birthing Center, NorthCrest Medical Center, and he finished his career as a travel CRNA in multiple states including South Carolina, Georgia, North Dakota, Wyoming, and most recently KDMC in Kentucky.
Charles was the founding mayor of the City of Nolensville, where he served from 1996 through 2006, and he was an Eagle Scout and a lifelong member of the AANA. He was a mentor and leader in his field, and he always shared his wealth of knowledge with his co-workers and fellow man. Charles loved fishing, boating, going to the lake, and working in his yard. He had a great love for Tennessee sports, especially the Vol’s and the Titan’s, and was an avid supporter of the TN Vols boosters club. He was always willing to and loved helping his fellow man. If you knew Charles, then you knew his saying “I’m your huckleberry” – Doc Holiday, and he was.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Frederick and Frieda Brown Knapper, whom he loved so much and was always devoted to their wellbeing and care until both of their deaths. Charles is survived by his wife of 19 years: Doylene Kermicle Knapper of Springfield, by his children: Stephanie Johnson of Murfreesboro, Christopher (Amber) Knapper of Knoxville, Matthew (Emilie) Knapper of Chapel Hill, Jeremy (Joy) Pratt of La Vergne, Rachael (Ashlee Mooneyhan) Pratt of Black Mountain, NC, Leslie (Michael) Barber of Greenville, SC, and Brent (Holly) Needham of Spring Hill, by his grandchildren: Caleb, Alex, Zach, Austin, Christian, Finley, Cora, Maddox, Hank, Harpeth, Maggie June, Brayden, Allie, Brody, and Cash, by his great grandchildren: Sam, Tucker, and Mavery, by his brother: Tim (Sandy) Knapper of Winchester, and by his best buddy, his Lab: Cooper.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to United Ministries in Springfield and may be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Thomas Earl Hoots
March 21, 1942 ~ May 31, 2026
84 Years Old
Thomas Earl Hoots, 84, of Concord, IL, passed away on Sunday May 31, 2026, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, IL. Graveside services will be conducted Monday June 15th at 2:00 p.m. in the Springfield Memorial Gardens with Tim Harris officiating. There will be no public visitation prior to the graveside service.
Mr. Hoots was born March 21, 1942, in Winchester, IL, to the late James A. and Ruth Duffer Hoots. He was the owner and operator of Hoots Feed Store in Concord for many years. Mr. Hoots enjoyed fishing, hunting, and farming. His favorite pastime was hanging out with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son: Brian Hoots, by his siblings: James B. Hoots and Shirley Hoots Clary, and by his grandson: Kevin Bly. Mr. Hoots is survived by his daughter: Lori Bly of Springfield, IL, by his grandchildren: Jeffrey Bly, Dylan Bly, Lauren Hoots, and Matthew Hoots, by his great grandchildren: Stassi Bly, Gentry Bly, and Kace Bly, and by his sister: Rachael Hoots Casey of Jacksonville, IL.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Barbara (Allen) Baggett
February 22, 1952 ~ June 1, 2026
74 Years Old
FULL OBITUARY TO BE POSTED
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Ann Joyce Baker
February 1, 1938 – May 27, 2026
Ann Joyce Baker, age 88 of Greenbrier passed away Wednesday, May 27th, 2026.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday May 30th at 12 pm in the sanctuary of
Greenbrier First Baptist Church with Rev. Nathan Washburn officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Municipal Cemetery in White House, TN with JR Baker, Matthew Baker, Clint Baker, Ray Baker, Matthew Strunk, Jeff Baker and Bobby Joe Gourley serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, the 30th, beginning at 10 AM until time of service at the church.
Ann enjoyed sewing, cooking and taking care of everyone, especially her family, whom she loved very much. She was a member of Greenbrier First Baptist Church for 52 years.
She was born in White House, TN, on February 1, 1938, to the late Roy Franklin Hoover and Louise Binson Hoover. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Roy Hoover, Jr., James Oliver Hoover, and sisters, Virginia Camplin, Evelyn Gourley and Lilly Rogers. She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Dean Baker; sons, Jeff (Susie) Baker, Max (Judy) Baker; Grandchildren, JR (Mitzi) Baker, Clint (Roxie) Baker, Matthew (Angel) Baker, Anna Strunk; great-grandchildren, Constance Baker, Calla Baker, Mallory Baker, Emlie Baker, Ray Baker, Avery Baker, Thora Baker, Matthew Strunk and Zach Strunk.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, 2000 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, TN 37203-2003. Austin & Bell Funereal Home, 2619 Hwy 41S., Greenbrier, TN in charge of arrangements. (615-643-4000) www.austinandbell.com
Rollin Stephens “Steve” Thomas
June 2, 1954 – May 27, 2026
Rollin Stephens “Steve” Thomas, age 71, of Springfield, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at his home.
Memorial services will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Monday, June 8, in the sanctuary of Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Woodard officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12:00 PM on Monday.
Mr. Thomas was born on June 2, 1954, in Springfield to the late Robert Lee Thomas, Sr. and Mary Thomasine Thomas.
Steve will be remembered for his love for his family and the friends he considered family. He loved studying God’s Word, especially the Book of Romans, and was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church for more than 40 years. Those who knew Steve will remember his steady faith, his willingness to help others, and his unconditional love.
Steve spent most of his career working as a pipeliner, a profession he enjoyed and through which he built many lifelong friendships. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed fishing, horses, and spending time at home, especially in his barn. Above all else, Steve would want to be remembered for his love of the Lord.
Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jody Thomas; daughters, Jennifer (Brandon) Morgan, Emily (T.C.) Groves, and Havi (Brandon) Farmer; grandchildren, Erin Morgan, Rolli-Kate Groves, Kash Groves, and Josie Farmer; and brother, Robin (Cheryl) Thomas.
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
Patricia Gail Briley
December 22, 1964 – May 29, 2026
Patricia Gail Briley, age 61 of Springfield passed away Friday, May 29, 2026 at her home. She was born December 22, 1964 in Portland, TN to Thomas Lee & Charlsie Carlene Edwards Briley. She had worked as a waitress and as a housekeeper for Fiddler’s Inn before becoming disabled.
She enjoyed playing Bingo, going to yard sales, collecting frogs and attending races at Highland Rim Speedway. She is preceded in death by her mother, Charlsie Carlene Briley; husband, Steve Hicks; granddaughter, Tori Hicks; 2 brothers, Larry and Thomas Lee Briley. She is survived by her father, Thomas Lee Briley, White House, TN; son, Stephen (Ame)Hicks, Orlinda, TN; brother, Charlie (Michelle) Briley, Hendersonville, TN; grandson, Thomas Peyton Hicks, Orlinda, TN.
Funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 1pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House. Interment to follow at Halltown Cemetery with friends and family serving as pallbearers. Visitation is planned for Tuesday, June 2, 2026 10AM-1PM at the funeral home.
ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
Bily Jetton Jones
May 30, 1937 – May 30, 2026
Billy Jetton Jones, age 89 went home to be with the Lord Saturday, May 30, 2026 at The Residence of Alive Hospice. He was born May 30, 1937 in Quitman, Arkansas to James Tewick & Zula Mae Gaither Jones. He worked as a drywall finisher for Basko Painting Company. When he was younger, he enjoyed riding motorcycles.
In his later years, he loved horseback riding, camping and going on wagon trail trips, some of which originated near Yosemite National Park. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Iris Floyd; brothers, Kenneth Jones, Jerrell Jones & Roscoe Jones. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Georgia Jones, White House, TN; daughters, Rebekah (John Kevin) McNulty, White House, TN and Gloria Paulette (David) Hawes, Folsom, CA; brother, James Trawick (LaVonne) Jones, Jr., Nampa, ID; 3 grandchildren, Ashlee, Garrett and Dakota; 3 great-grandchildren, Everett, Carson and Presley.
A graveside service and interment is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 1pm in Hillcrest Cemetery with Pastor Greg Young officiating. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000
Connie Marlene Johnson
April 12, 1956 – May 31, 2026
A graveside committal service will be held Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 10am in White House Memorial Gardens. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
