Obituaries: Weeks of June 7, 2026, In Loving Memory
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:
(Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Chester Allen Thompson
May 3, 1935 – May 21, 2026
Chester Allen Thompson, age 91, passed away on May 21st, 2026, at TriStar Medical Center in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Born on May 3rd, 1935, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Rayford and Francis Thompson.
Chester grew up working on the family dairy farm in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. In his early 20’s he began his career at Baird Ward Printing Co. There he worked as a supervisor and them Manager until his retirement in 1994. During that time, he was a Boy Scout leader and served one term as Sumner County Magistrate. Together, he and his wife, June, owned and operated Center Point Kennel.
He enjoyed the outdoors where he gardened, rode motorcycles, hiked and raised Irish Setters.
Chester was devoted to his family and lived his life based on his spiritual beliefs. He was a member of Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church for over 75 years.
He is preceded in death by his siblings Dick Thompson, Betty Ruth Ralph, Rayford Thompson, Ross Thompson, and Larry Thompson. Chester is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, June Thompson, children: Cheryl (Barry) Turner, Kevin Thompson, and Timothy Thompson. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jennifer (Jonathan) Stokes, and Christopher Turner, great-grandchildren: Margot Stokes and Turner Stokes, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
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Betty Ann Collins
March 29, 1931 – June 2, 2026
Betty Collins, age 95, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026. Born on March 29, 1931, in Smyrna, Georgia, she was the beloved daughter of the late Gerald Sebastian Clackum and Kurzie Lee Miller.
Betty spent a large part of her vibrant life in the Tranquil Community, nestled between Mullins and Marion, South Carolina. She was a member of Tranquil Methodist Church, where her faith and community spirit shone brightly. Betty touched the lives of countless children during her career as a teacher assistant with Marion School District One.
Beyond her professional and church life, Betty had a deep passion for the simple joys. She was a fiercely loyal fan of Clemson sports, particularly Clemson football, and her enthusiasm on game days was contagious. When she wasn’t cheering on the Tigers, she could often be found immersed in a good book or keeping her sharp mind engaged with crossword puzzles and word searches. Above all else, her greatest love and joy in life was her family and her wide circle of friends.
Betty was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Luther L. “Pete” Collins Sr.; her beloved son, Luther L. “Lamar” Collins Jr.; her grandsons, Trey and Michael; and her brother, Jerry Clackum.
Her legacy of love and warmth lives through her surviving family. She is survived by her son, Chris Collins, and his wife, Dina; her grandchildren, Anthony and Victoria; her sister, Gidget Stewart, and her husband, Wayne; Sisters in law Joanne Brucker and her husband Gary and Jane McCravy (late husband Frank). Betty will also be fondly remembered and deeply missed by her fourteen nieces and nephews, their children, and a host of extended family members and friends who were blessed to know her.
🕊️ Memorial Service & Donations
Graveside Memorial Service
Memorial Donations
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM Location: Tranquil Church Cemetery
In lieu of flowers or cards, the family requests that donations be made to The Epilepsy Foundation at https://www.epilepsy.com/ in honor of Betty’s grandson, Michael, or donations towards the Mullins First Baptist Church Christian Life Center in honor of her grandson, Trey. Those donations can be mailed to 303 N. Main St, PO Box 443 Mullins SC 29574 (Attn: Christian Life Center).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
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Robert “Bob” Fred Whittaker
May 10, 1941 – June 5, 2026
Robert “Bob” Fred Whittaker, aged 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Baxter, Tennessee, on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:00 PM surrounded by the love of his family.
Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 10, 1941. Bob spent his early years in Baxter, Tennessee, the town he would always carry in his heart and eventually return to for his final years.
Bob had a highly distinguished career in the entertainment industry with Opryland USA. His leadership, passion for music, and dedication to country music heritage culminated in his final nine years before retirement, during which he served as the general manager of the iconic Grand Ole Opry.
Beyond his incredible career, Bob’s life was defined by the things he anchored himself to: he loved fishing, he deeply loved his family and friends, and he had a profound, lifelong love for his Savior, Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Jean Whittaker, affectionately known to all as “Miss Jean,” who loved him dearly. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children: Eddie Sloan, Jeannie Newton and her husband Matt, and Gregg Whittaker and his wife Whitney.
Bob was a proud grandfather to Joleigh Cook and her husband Jackson, Layken Whittaker, Christian Newton, Claire Newton, and Elijah Newton. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Walker Carson Whittaker and Savannah Jean Whittaker.
Arrangements:
Visitation: Friday, June 12, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Services: Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Goodlettsville First Baptist Church.
Visitation from 12:00pm to 2:00pm and Funeral Service from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Burial: Maxwell Family Cemetery in Baxter, Tennessee following the Funeral Service
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
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Jerry Mankin
February 25, 1938 – June 6, 2026
Jerry Mankin, a man of quiet strength and steadfast principles, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at his home in Gallatin, Tennessee. Born on February 25, 1938, in Minor Hill, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Thomas R. Mankin and Margaret Turner Mankin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ted Mankin, Tommy Mankin, and his sister, Suzanne Schofield.
After graduating from Florida High, part of Florida State University, he joined the United States Navy. Jerry was a proud veteran who served for eight years. His service took him across the skies patrolling between Hawaii and Alaska. Later, he served as an air traffic controller in the Philippines before concluding his naval career at Naval Air Station Miramar in Southern California.
Following his military service, Jerry took his disciplined nature and entrepreneurial spirit into the business world, owning and operating Unique Stationers Office Supply. Known for his integrity and methodical approach, he ran his business “by the book,” earning the respect and trust of his clients.
Beyond his career, Jerry was a man of strong Christian faith and attended Saint Michael’s Anglican Church in Gallatin. He was an introvert by nature, but he found joy in a variety of hobbies. He was a licensed pilot who proudly owned two airplanes during his life and harbored a love for motorcycles. Jerry also nurtured a beautiful garden, embraced the underwater world through scuba diving, and enjoyed sailing, kayaking, snow skiing, and RV life.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Jane Cato Mankin; his daughters, Julie (Todd) Buttrey and Jonie (Elliott) Sparks; his brother, Joey Mankin; and his sister, Carol Terceno. He was also a proud grandfather to Megan (Matt) Jankiewicz, Chase Stidham, Morgan (Austin) Petitt, Emily (Dr. Jared) Britt, and Mitchell (Melanie) Buttrey. He leaves behind a legacy as a great-grandfather to Scarlett Jankiewicz, Mattie Kate Jankiewicz, Henley Buttrey, Mason Jankiewicz, and Parker Petitt, with another great-grandchild on the way. This extended family stands as a testament to Jerry’s legacy of love and dedication.
Funeral services to honor Jerry’s memory will be held at Crestview Funeral Home, Memory Gardens & Cremation, located at 1623 Hwy 109 N, Gallatin, TN 37066. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 12, followed by the funeral service officiated by Rev. David Greenwood at 12:30 PM. Burial will follow at 3:00 PM at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 111 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37210. His family will be honored to serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gallatin Cares.
Arrangements are entrusted to Crestview Funeral Home, Memory Gardens & Cremation. Online condolences can be left at CrestviewFH.com.
Nancy (Clayborn) Johnson
July 19, 1958 ~ June 2, 2026
67 Years Old
Nancy Clayborn Johnson, 67, of Orlinda, passed from this life on Tuesday June 2, 2026, at Skyline Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday June 6th at 2:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Dr. David Jicka officiating. Interment will follow in the Orlinda Cemetery with Ducky Johnson, Aiden Johnson, Josh Hesson, Josh Lackey, Joey Hanner, Aden Miller, Jimmy Bonner, and Brenner Rogers serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Saturday June 6th from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Nancy was born July 19, 1958, in Danville, IL, to the late Charles and Helen Spivey Clayborn. She served as the City Clerk for the City of Orlinda, the Asst. Fire Chief for the City of Orlinda, was a former member of the Robertson County 911 Board of Directors and was of the Baptist faith. Nancy enjoyed both watching and feeding the birds, working puzzles, gardening, and sewing. Her favorite pastime was being Nana to her grandchildren.
Nancy is survived by her husband: Dusty Johnson of Orlinda, by her son: Dusty “Ducky” Johnson, Jr., and wife Jennifer of Orlinda, by her daughter: Ashley (Josh Hobbs) Johnson of Orlinda, by her grandchildren: J.J. Johnson, Aiden Johnson, Hunter Johnson, and Myles Johnson, by her sisters: Janet Norris of Springfield, Faye Vorich of Hoopeston, IL, and Brenda Gumm of Brownsburg, IN, and by her sister-in-law: Robin Smith of Hoopeston, IL.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Neil Swann
January 27, 1953 ~ June 2, 2026
73 Years Old
Gary Neil Swann, age 73, of Clarksville, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Park Meadows Post Acute in Clarksville.
Neil was born on January 27, 1953, in Springfield, Tennessee, to the late Virginia Dean Cook Swann and William Richard “Bill” Swann.
A man of many talents, Neil spent much of his career in the construction industry as a general contractor, overseeing numerous projects, including the Charleston Square Apartments in Springfield. He also owned and operated a tree-planting business that provided reforestation services. In his spare time, Neil enjoyed playing the guitar.
He is survived by his sister, Kim (Jeff) Martin; his sons, Robert Armstrong and John Armstrong; his niece, Jackie Rawls; his nephew, Ryan (Michelle) Martin; his great-niece, Amaya Walker; and his great-nephews, Cruz Walker, Cannon Walker, and Luke Martin.
Neil will be cremated, and no public service is planned.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Lynda (Jackson) Harris
October 19, 1945 ~ June 3, 2026
80 Years Old
Lynda Jackson Harris, 80, of Cedar Hill, passed from this life on Wednesday June 3, 2026, at her home. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday June 7th at 2:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Hester and Troy Rust officiating. Interment will follow in the EverRest of Cheatham in Pleasant View with Mitchell Jackson, Blake Jackson, Brennen Dixon, Cal Jordan, Tennessee Rust, Chris Garrett, and Keith Surratt serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Ms. Lynda was born October 19, 1945, in Robertson County, to the late Earl Stonewall and Irene Mae Fort Jackson. Ms. Lynda was the mother of four children, was a personal caregiver, and was a member of Oakwood Baptist Church until it’s closing, and she then attended Mallory’s Church. She loved her flowers, gardening, and all her animals. Ms. Lynda’s favorite pastime was taking care of everyone else.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son: Timothy Harris, and by her siblings: C.F. Jackson, Melvin Jackson, Clayton Jackson, Neil Jackson, Tomcat Jackson, Glenda Binkley (her twin sister), Mavis Surratt, and Norma Sue Bayliss. Ms. Lynda is survived by her son: Scott Harris of Cedar Hill, by her grandchildren: Amy (Troy) Rust, and Brandi Harris, by her great grandchildren: Addie, Amelia, AnMarie, Tennessee, Irene, Autumn, Jude, Azalea, and Earl, by her brother: Bobby Ray Jackson of Pleasant View, by her special nieces: Sherry Mutkus and Michelle Farmer, and by five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, several other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
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James “Jim” Taylor
June 14, 1944 ~ June 5, 2026
81 Years Old
James Lloyd “Jim” Taylor, 81, of Pleasant View, passed away on Friday June 5, 2026, at Centennial Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Monday June 8th at 12 noon in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Dr. Eric Taylor officiating. Interment will be at 3:30 p.m. in the Charity Cemetery in Hazel Green, AL. The family will receive friends on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Mr. Taylor was born June 14, 1944, in Gary, IN, to the late Floyd and Mildred Stout Taylor. He was a retired lab manager for Lens Crafters and was a member of Cedar Hill Baptist Church. Mr. Taylor enjoyed reading and spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son: Aaron Matthew Taylor.
Mr. Taylor is survived by his wife, Brenda Lee Taylor, whom he would be married to for 63 years on the 22nd day of this month, by his son and daughter-in-law: Eric and Melissa Taylor of Cedar Hill, by his grandchildren: Seth (Carrie) Taylor, Andrew (Alexis Kehmna) Taylor, and Luke Taylor, and by his great grandchild: Conner Taylor.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Hill Baptist Church building fund and may be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Irving “Herb” Heidings
February 1, 1940 ~ June 7, 2026
86 Years Old
Irvin George “Herb” Heidings, 86, of Greenbrier, passed from this life on Sunday June 7. 2026, at Skyline Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday June 12th at 11:00 a.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Tim Harris officiating. Interment will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to service time at the funeral home.
Mr. Heidings was born February 1, 1940, in Marengo, Wisconsin. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Korean Conflict, was a retired truck driver with Consolidated Freight, and was of the Lutheran faith. Mr. Heidings enjoyed fishing, hunting, taking care of his cattle, and was always meticulous about cutting his hay. He was a good Christian man that was always willing to help anyone that he could.
He was preceded in death by his parents: William L. and Helga Zier Heidingsfelder, Sr., and by his siblings: William L. Heidingsfelder, Jr., John Heidingsfelder, Elmer Fredrick Heidingsfelder, and Mary Lou McDowell. Mr. Heidings is survived by his wife: Martha Jane Massengill Heidings of Greenbrier, by his daughters: Lynn Marie Fabish of Greenbrier, Missy (Linda) Perkins of Smyrna, and Jodie (Kai) Sorenson of Appleton, WI, by three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Richard “Richie” Wayne Hogan
May 27, 1975 – June 3, 2026
Richard “Richie” Wayne Hogan, age 51 of Greenbrier passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in the Chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 2619 Hwy 41S, Greenbrier, TN with burial following in the Sulphur Fork Creek Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends 12pm until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Richie was born May 27,1975 in Nashville, TN to Richard Stephen Hogan and Laquilla Mae Sullivan Hogan. He is also survived by sons, Trevor Hogan, Drake Hogan; daughters, Savannah Hogan, Taylor Hogan, Ava Hogan; sister, Tracy (Kerry) Felts; 3 grandchildren and one on the way.
He was a carpenter in the construction business. He graduated from Greenbrier High School class of 1994 and also graduated from a four-year carpenter’s apprentice school. Richie loved hunting, fishing and watching UT and the Titans play football. He also had a love for 4-wheelers.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 2619 Highway 41S, Greenbrier, TN is in charge of arrangements.
(615) 643-4000 www.austinandbell.com
Edward Saucedo
February 24, 1940 – June 5, 2026
Edward Saucedo, age 86, of Pleasant View, Tennessee, passed away Friday, June 5, 2026, at Skyline Medical Center.
A graveside service will be conducted at 12 o’clock pm, Thursday, June 111h, at Joelton Hills Memory Gardens in Joelton with Bro. Jon Justice officiating.
Burial will follow with Edward Saucedo, Benjamin Saucedo, Lane Graham, Jarod Saucedo, Jacob Saucedo, and Mason Velez serving as pallbearers.
There will be no public visitation at the funeral home prior to the graveside service.
Mr. Edward was born on February 24, 1940, in Lubbock, Texas, to the late Gabriel & Anita Puente Saucedo. He retired from Goodyear after 35 years. He enjoyed watching baseball and went to the College World Series. He was a Golden Gloves Boxer in his younger years and then he was a boxing referee. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Saucedo; and his brothers, Al and Gabriel Saucedo.
He is survived by his sons, Edward (Vanessa) Saucedo and Benjamin Gabriel (Debra) Saucedo; daughters, Cynthia (Lane) Graham, Teresa (Martin) Wilcox, and Valerie Velez; brother, Carmen (Kathy) Saucedo; sister, Irene Smith; grandchildren, Natasha (Italo) Moddaloni, Jarod (Kathy) Saucedo, Megan (Tyler) Moon, Austin Wilcox, Jacob (Megan) Saucedo, Robin Velez (fiancé, Josh), Zachary Wilcox, and Mason Velez (fiancé, Hannah); and great-grandchildren, Jamieson Edwards, Leo Moon, Kai Moon, Eleanor Saucedo, Eli Moon, Charlotte Saucedo, and Ezra Sheppard Velez.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Edward’s memory to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-9959
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
Linda Holt
February 21, 1952 – June 5, 2026
Linda Ruth Holt, age 74 of Adams, Tennessee passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11 o’clock am, Wednesday, June 10th, at Sango Cemetery in Clarksville.
There will not be a visitation prior to the graveside.
Burial will follow in the Sango Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
Mrs. Linda was born on February 21, 1952 in Clarksville, Tennessee to the late John & Jennie Grant Traylor. She retired from Trane after 20 years. She loved animals, especially her dog, Gizmo. The love of her life was her late husband, Jerry who she missed very much. Linda was of the Methodist faith.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Holt: sister, Martha Henry; and brother, John B. Traylor.
She is survived by her sister; Patty (Keith) Slack; and many loving nieces and nephews.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Linda’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, Tn. 38105 or to Nashville Humane Association, 213 Oceola Ave, Nashville, Tn 37209.
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
Thomas Harold Worsham Jr.
November 3, 1944 – June 5, 2026
Thomas Harold “Tom” Worsham, Jr., age 81, of Cedar Hill, passed away Friday, June 5, 2026 at the TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted at 4pm Saturday, June 13th, in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield with Minister Chuck Pitt and Minister Phil Kinzer officiating. Honorary Pallbearers will be Eli Worsham, Zach Worsham, David Homiller, Wayne Lowe, Mark Lowe and Jim Stroud.
The family will receive friends from 2-4pm Saturday at the funeral home.
Mr. Worsham was born November 3, 1944, in Springfield, to the late Thomas and Geneva Worsham, Sr. He worked in Emergency Services most of his life as a Firefighter, EMT and Security Guard, and was a member of the Cedar Hill Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 59 ½ years, Marilyn Worsham; son, Doug (Shawn) Worsham; daughter, Judy (Matt) Homiller; grandchildren, Laura Homiller, Samantha Homiller, David Homiller, Eli Worsham and Zach Worsham; and brothers, James (Rita) Worsham, Jerry (Barbara) Worsham and Jack Worsham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Cedar Hill Church of Christ, 6568 Highway 41 N, Cedar Hill, TN 37032
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
William Henry Byard
July 13, 1962 – May 28, 2026
William Henry Byard, age 63, of Greenbrier, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Northcrest Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted at 12pm Friday, June 12th at Christ Community Church with Pastor Antonio Rojas officiating. Burial will follow in the Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 10am-12pm Friday at the church.
Mr. Byard was born July 13, 1962, in Springfield, to the late Henry and Dorothy Mae Byard. He worked in construction as a finishing carpenter most of his life. Mr. Byard was a member of Christ Community Church. He enjoyed playing golf, camping, fishing, dirt biking and playing guitar.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Byard was preceded in death by a sister, Paula Lindquist; a brother, Daniel Byard; a half-brother, Tommy Byard; and his stepmother, Bonnie Byard.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela Byard; stepchildren, Jamie Dority and Amanda Clark; grandchildren, Katee Clark and Haylee Clark; sisters, Debbie (Nyron) Graham and Brenda Fritz; stepbrothers, Bill Lindquist, Ted Lindquist and Michael Lindquist; and a half-sister, Becky Byard.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
