Obituaries: Week of July 12, 2026, In Loving Memory
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:
(Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Richard Calvin Ballard
Mar 8, 1944 — Jul 18, 2026
Richard Calvin “Rick” Ballard, 82, of Springfield, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. Born March 8, 1944, in East St. Louis, Illinois, he was the son of the late Richard Calvin Ballard, Sr., and Catherine Millatti Ballard. Rick’s life was a testament to dedication, service, and love—a legacy treasured deeply by all who knew him.
Rick’s foundation was laid early on, graduating from Belleville Township High School with the class of 1963. Shortly thereafter, he answered his country’s call, serving in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. His years in the military embodied his values of commitment and integrity, qualities that he would continue to display throughout the rest of his life. He would then go on to graduate from Central Missouri State University where he was on scholarship for football in 1970, and earn his Masters degree from Western Kentucky University in 1971.
Following college, Rick embarked on a distinguished career as an educator, most notably as principal of East Robertson High School from 1972 thru 2008. His passion for education extended to the classroom and the athletic field, teaching mathematics, health, physical education, and driver’s education. Rick also coached a variety of sports, including football, basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and soccer, inspiring countless students through his encouragement and belief in their potential. He was a dedicated member of the Robertson County Education Association, The Tennessee Education Association, and the National Education Association, always striving to make a positive impact in the lives of young people.
Rick’s devotion was not confined to his professional life. At home and in his community, he modeled faith, kindness, and service. He was a longtime member of Main Street Church of Christ, where he formerly served faithfully as an elder.
Among his proudest roles was that of grandfather. Rick cherished time spent attending his grandchildren’s games and events, celebrating their achievements with pride. He was especially delighted when his granddaughter Bayleigh chose to follow his path and became a teacher, embodying the legacy of education and encouragement that defined his life.
Rick leaves behind his beloved wife, Linda Crockett Ballard, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. He is survived by his son Chance Ballard; his dearly loved grandchildren, Bayleigh Ballard and Ally Ballard; brothers Wayne (Diane) Ballard and Tony “Buck” (Beth) Ballard; and sisters Anna Jaworski and Josephine (Randy) Niebur.
Visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday, July 21, at the Main Street Church of Christ, 318 North Main Street, in Springfield . A funeral service officiated by Brother Barry Throneberry and Brother Joe Rushing will take place at the church on Wednesday, July 22, at 1pm. The family will welcome friends and visitors one hour prior to the funeral. Burial with military graveside honors will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be David Collie, Dan Whitlow, Jody Swearingen, Mark Reeves, James Owens, and Scott Barron. Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Austin, Guy Stanley, and Mike Padgett.
Donations can be made to:
East Robertson High School Athletics, 158 Kilgore Trace, Cross Plains, TN 37049.
Main Street Church of Christ, 318 N Main Street, Springfield, TN 37172.
Rick’s life was one of service—service to his country, his community, his faith, and most of all, his family. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
Arrangements entrusted to Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 584 Nashville Pike, Gallatin. (615) 502-0011 Online condolences can be left at www.AlexanderGallatin.com
SEND FLOWERS TODAY! –> Click HERE
Richard Clay Binkley
Apr 29, 1943 — Jul 11, 2026
Richard Clay Binkley, born April 29, 1943, in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, determination, and devotion to those he loved.
Richard was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving his country with honor before embarking on a lifetime of entrepreneurship. A gifted builder with a passion for construction and development, he possessed a remarkable vision for what could be created through hard work and perseverance. His entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic were evident in every project he undertook, and in the example he set for those around him.
More important than any accomplishment was his Christian faith, his love of God, and the love he had for his family. He shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Margie Binkley, building a life centered on love, commitment, and family. Together they raised three children who were the pride of his life: his son, Randy Binkley (Karen); and his daughters, Dana Mires (Timmy) and Shelly Wenner (Craig).
Richard found great joy in being “Poppy” to his three grandsons, Thomas Clay Mires, Hatcher Greer Wenner, and Houston Ridge Wenner. In recent years, nothing brought him greater happiness than watching his family continue to grow with his great-grandchildren, Madelynn, Ronin and Leilynn Mires. His family was his greatest treasure, and his love for each of them will continue to live on through the memories they share.
He is also survived by his sisters, Wanda Binkley Herring and Martha Lynn Bryant, and his brothers, James White and Terry Lee White, along with many extended family members, friends, and all whose lives were touched by his devotion, kindness and generosity.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Ida Rhea Greer Binkley “Mammy”, whose influence helped shape the man he became; his father, Goodlett Binkley; his mother, Martha Elizabeth White; his sister, Wilma Claridy; and his brother, Detlev Binkley.
Richard’s life was defined by integrity, resilience, adventurous spirit and an unwavering belief that anything worth having was worth working for. Whether building homes, growing businesses, serving his country, building and flying planes, collecting classic muscle cars, or simply spending time with those he loved, he approached every chapter of life with determination and purpose.
Richard built many things throughout his lifetime, but his greatest achievement was building a family founded on love, strength, and enduring values. His legacy will continue to live on in the lives of his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation will be held at Cole and Garrett Funeral Home 127 N Main St. Goodlettsville, TN:
Friday July 17, 2026, at 12:00p-8:00p, and Saturday July 18, 2026, 9:00a-1:00p
Funeral Service: Saturday July 18, 2026, at 1:00pm at Cole and Garrett Funeral Home
Graveside Service: July 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Ivy Point Church of Christ
2705 Greer Rd Goodlettsville, TN
Service Pastors:
Johnny Harris – Ivy Point Church of Christ
Jonathan Dedmon – Hillcrest Church of Christ
Alec Cort – Highpoint Hospice Chaplain
Pallbearers:
Randy Binkley
Tim Mires
Craig Wenner
Sammie Blackwell
Thomas Mires
Hatcher Wenner
Houston Wenner
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
SEND FLOWERS TODAY! –> Click HERE
Paula (Hudgins) Fisher
January 28, 1947 ~ July 12, 2026
79 Years Old
Freda Paulette “Paula” Fisher, age 79, of Greenbrier, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday July 12, 2026. She was born on January 28, 1947, in Nashville, to the late Fred and Lenora Hodges Hudgins, Sr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Noble Fisher, Sr., by her children: Missy Kay Fisher and Billy Noble Fisher, Jr., by her siblings: Mike Hudgins, Fredie Hudgins, Terry Biggs, Cindy Byron, and Judy Smith, and by her great grandchild: Deven Lee Martin
Paula leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory forever: her son and daughter-in-law: Clinton Lee Fisher and Tommi Vowell, her grandchildren: Kimberlie Little, Kassie Fisher, Tommy Fisher, Jalen (Jazmyn) Fisher, Chelsea Fisher, Bud Bollinger, and Shelby (Luke) Phillips, her treasured great grandchildren: Timmy Fisher, Dahlia Fisher, Shiloh McTasney, and Langston Phillips, her great great grandchild: Layla Fisher, and by Tommi’s children and grandchildren.
Paula was a faithful member of Coopertown Church of Christ, where she found strength, comfort, and friendship through her church family. Her faith guided her throughout her life and was reflected in the love and kindness she showed to those around her. In her younger years, Paula enjoyed bowling and shared many happy memories competing on a bowling team with her mother and her sisters. She loved family gatherings and looked forward to every opportunity to be surrounded by the people she loved most. Whether it was a holiday meal, a birthday celebration, or simply siting together and sharing stories, those moments always brought her great joy.
Those who knew Paula will remember her loving heart, her devotion to her family, and her unwavering faith. She had a special way of making people feel welcome and cared for. Her greatest happiness came from watching her family grow and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Though her family grieves her loss, they find comfort in knowing she is reunited with loved ones who went before her and rests peacefully in the presence of our Lord. The memories created, the love she shared, and the faith she lived by will continue to inspire all who knew her. Paula’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will remain in the hearts of her family forever.
Paula’s family will gather to celebrate her life on Saturday July 18th at the Robertson County Funeral Home in Springfield. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m., with Brother Keith Howell officiating and burial to follow in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Goodlettsville with Justen Pierce, Bud Bollinger, Luke Phillips, Tristan McTasney, Tommy Fisher, Jalen Fisher, and Matt Moore serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Matt Byrom and Bryan Hooper. The family will receive friends on Saturday July 18th from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the Robertson County Funeral Home.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
SEND FLOWERS TODAY! –> Click HERE
Gary Alan Larby
September 13, 1955 ~ July 15, 2026
70 Years Old
Gary Alan Larby, age 70, of White House, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, at TriStar Skyline Medical Center. In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Gary was born on September 13, 1955, to the late Ewing Larby and Mary Chapman Woodall. He retired as a dispatcher for TSI Trucking Company, a career through which he built lifelong friendships across the country, as well as in Canada and along the Mexican border.
Gary had a deep passion for sports, especially golf, NASCAR, and the Little League World Series. He also had a great love for music of all genres, and his collection was one to be admired.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Steven White.
He is survived by his sister, Constance “Connie” Ward; nephews, Chris (Alison) Neal of Spring Hill and Josh (Jennifer) Neal of Cross Plains; great-nieces, Chloé (Preston) Wallace, Nadia Neal of Cross Plains, and Amaya Neal of White House; great-nephews, Roman Neal and Jonah Neal of Cross Plains; great-great-niece, Lyla Wallace; his “Little Sunshine Buddy,” JJ; and his chosen brother, Chip Reames and family.
Gary will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services have been entrusted to the Robertson County Funeral Home.
SEND FLOWERS TODAY! –> Click HERE
Tony Curtis Rigsby
September 6, 1958 – July 12, 2026
Tony Rigsby, born September 6th, 1958, age 67, of Springfield, passed away peacefully from this life on Sunday, July 12th, 2026, after a long illness.
His battle may have been long and hard, but in the end, Tony’s victory was won. He is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior.
Tony lived a carefree life, but at the same time, he was always willing to help someone in need if he could. Tony loved bass fishing and could and would call a creek bank home, especially a place called Flat Rock.
In addition to Tony’s parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Darrell, Troy, Tracy, niece Jada Graves, great-niece Kelsey Thaxton and a great nephew, Bailey Rigsby.
Tony is survived by his sister, Tina (aka “Killer”), and her husband, Randy Ellis; sister Teresa Baxter; nephew Darrell (aka “Cricket”) and his wife, Tina Thaxton; Bobby Thaxton (aka “Drack”); Nieces Leanna Keymon (aka “Monk”); Katie Keymon; nephews, Eric and Bryan Rigsby, and several great-nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of Tony’s life at the home of Tina and Randy Ellis on September 5th, 2026 @ 2pm (rain or shine).
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000
SEND FLOWERS TODAY! –> Click HERE
Andrew Lloyd Lang
October 6, 1940 – July 12, 2026
Andrew Lloyd Lang, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully July 12, 2026 at Alive Hospice Residence in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on October 6, 1940, in Arlington, Virginia, Andy was the son of the late Frankie Riordan Lang and Albert Kenneth Lang. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Linda Ayersman Lang, and his sister, Barbara Lang Poetzman.
He is survived by his daughter, Sandra (James) Long; his son, Jason (Amy Beville) Lang; his cherished granddaughters, Libby Long and Ainsley Long and niece Kelly Poetzman Jeffries.
Andy grew up in Arlington, Virginia, and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1958. Following graduation, Andy proudly enlisted in the United States Army and served as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division, as a communications specialist. His service as a member of the 101st Airborne was among the crowning achievements of his life, a distinction he cherished and spoke of with great pride for the remainder of his years. After completing his military service, Andy pursued his education at the University of Tennessee, earning both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor. He remained a devoted and proud Tennessee Volunteer throughout his life.
In 1969, Andy married the love of his life, Linda Ayersman. They spent 30 years in Cincinnati working and raising their family. Andy dedicated his professional career to public service, practicing law with the National Labor Relations Board in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Portland, Oregon. He retired in December 2001 after nearly 30 years of distinguished service.
Following retirement, Andy and Linda settled in White Salmon, Washington, where they embraced the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and delighted in welcoming family and friends to their home. They were active members of White Salmon First United Methodist Church and enjoyed traveling together while creating treasured memories.
In 2010, Andy and Linda began splitting their time between White Salmon and Springfield, Tennessee, eventually making Springfield their full-time home in 2021. Andy became an active member of Springfield First United Methodist Church, where he participated in the Grand Sweep Sunday School Class. He also belonged to the New Chapel Men’s Club and Springfield VFW Post 2120, where he faithfully served as chaplain. Andy volunteered with United Ministries and greatly valued the friendships he formed with the “Monday Crew.”
Andy loved renovation projects and was rarely without more than one underway. He had a lifelong passion for classic automobiles, especially Corvairs. Andy and Linda enjoyed attending car shows together and reminiscing about fond memories from years gone by.
Andy will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, service, love of family, and faith. He touched many lives and leaves behind a legacy of integrity, and dedication.
After Linda’s passing in July 2025, Andy moved to Abe’s Garden in Nashville. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, caregivers, and staff of Abe’s Garden and Alive Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and comfort they provided to Andy and his family during his final months. Their dedication, compassion, and support were a great blessing and will always be remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 8, at 1:00 p.m. at Springfield First United Methodist Church, officiated by Reverend Jason Jones. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
• Springfield First United Methodist Church
511 South Oak Street
Springfield, TN 37172
• Abe’s Garden 115 Woodmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37205
• Alive Hospice 1718 Patterson St. Nashville, TN 37203
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
SEND FLOWERS TODAY! –> Click HERE
William Winfrey “Billy” Burchett Jr.
November 1, 1961 – July 13, 2026
William Winfrey “Billy” Burchett, Jr., age 64, of Springfield, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026 at his home. There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at a later date.
Mr. Burchett was born November 1, 1961, in Pembroke, KY, to the late William Winfrey Burchett, Sr., and Dorothy Ann Scott Burchett Shemwell. Billy worked for Holley Performance Products and Electrolux most of his life.
In addition to his father, Mr. Burchett was preceded in death by his wife, Della Jean Burchett.
He is survived by his daughter, LeAnn (Michael) Erickson; mother, Dorothy Shemwell; stepsons, Scott Kelly and Tommy (Nancy) Kelly; stepdaughters, Christy Minnis, Shawn (Barry) Minnis and Shana (Tommy) Weaver; 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; and a sister, Penny Bagby.
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
SEND FLOWERS TODAY! –> Click HERE
Melvin LeRoy Nipper
February 3, 1932 – July 14, 2026
Melvin LeRoy Nipper, age 94 of Springfield, Tennessee was called home by the Lord on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 11am in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 2619 Hwy 41S, Greenbrier, TN. Visitation will be 3pm to 6pm on Sunday, July 19th with a Masonic Service following at 6pm. Visitation will also be held 9:30 until time of service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Goodlettsville, TN.
Melvin Nipper was a well liked and respected citizen in Robertson County all his adult life.
He was born in Nashville, Tennessee on February 3, 1932 to the late Ailene Harrison Nipper and the late Paul Edward “Bowman” Nipper. He was also preceded in death by a son, Kenny Nipper.
Melvin enlisted in the Navy at 18 years of age and served in the Navy during the Korean conflict. During his service he was a metal smith and was stationed on the USS Fulton AS11 tender. Along with his duties he was a Shore Patrolman and was on the U.S. Navy Boxing team in the Golden Gloves division and won the championship on the Virgin Island defeating the incumbent Island champion.
After Melvin’s military service he returned home and became active in the Masonic Lodge where he served as Master of the Greenbrier Masonic Lodge two times and also of the White House Masonic Lodge once. He had over fifty-five years of dedicated service to the Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Scottish Rite, the York Rite and a Shriner. He was devoted to charitable endeavors that were supported by the Masonic Lodge and Shrine. Melvin served fourteen years as a Deputy Sheriff in Robertson County serving under Sheriff Herbert Dodd, Sheriff Dan King and Sheriff Ted Emery. Melvin was also a truck driver and drove for many different freight companies in Nashville, Tennessee and was a member of the Teamsters Union number 480.
Melvin enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and woodworking. He was also a skilled carpenter and did repair work as well as designing and making various things in his shop. He was gifted for understanding mechanical things and working on them. He devoted his entire life to serving others and was a devoted Christian having been membership in both, Gray’s Point Baptist Church in Joelton and Third Baptist Church in White’s Creek.
Austin & Bell Funeral 2619 Hwy 41S, Greenbrier, TN are in charge of arrangements. Ph. (615) 643-4000 www.austinandbell.com
SEND FLOWERS TODAY! –> Click HERE
Jaden Taylor Vest
March 8, 1997 – July 15, 2026
Jaden Taylor Vest, age 29 of White House passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at his home. He was born March 8, 1997 in Hendersonville, TN to Joshua Clayton Vest and Christie Anna Vest. He worked at the Macys Distribution Warehouse in Portland and enjoyed gaming. He was known to be a very generous young man and would give away to anyone in need, even if it meant he didn’t have enough left for himself.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Ralph “Doug” Stevenson and his maternal step-grandfather, Dean Crotzer. He is survived by his mother, Christie Vest, White House, TN; father, Joshua (Pam) Vest, Wheeling, WV; brother, Marshall Vest, White House, TN; sister, Amber Skye Vest, Nashville, TN; paternal grandparents; Joe and Mary Vest, White House, TN; maternal grandmother, Brenda Crotzer, White House, TN; paternal great-grandmother, Irene Scranton, Geneseo, IL; 4 Uncles; 1 Aunt; numerous cousins.
A memorial service is being planned at a later date and this obituary will be updated when those arrangements are finalized. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000
SEND FLOWERS TODAY! –> Click HERE
Betty Jane Allgood
June 8, 1944 – July 18, 2026
Betty Jane Weaver Allgood, age 82, of Greenbrier, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026, after a long illness. Funeral services will be conducted at 1pm Wednesday, July 22nd, in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier with Bro. David Evans officiating. Burial will be at 11am Friday, July 24th in Springfield Memorial Gardens with her nephews, Chuck Weaver, Jason Mathis, Tommy Weaver, Todd Bollinger, Shane Bollinger and Walker Weaver serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer is Dawson Weaver.
The family will receive friends from 4-8pm Tuesday, and again from 11am-1pm Wednesday, at the funeral home
Mrs. Allgood was born June 8, 1944, in Greenbrier, to the late Paul and Felicia Weaver. She was a devoted wife and mother and was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed working at H.G. Hills for many years where she had many friends. Her favorite car was a ’71 Chevelle, that she and her husband owned. Betty loved long rides in the country, quilting, cross stitching along with knitting and she absolutely loved her antiques.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Allgood; daughter, Lisa Allgood; brother, Johnny Weaver; and a sister, Jan Weaver Greenwood; grandparents; and a nephew, Kevin Moncrief.
She is survived by her brothers, Ronnie (Charlotte) Weaver and Randy Weaver; sisters, Faye Williams, Sandra Merkel and Joy Bollinger; and her pride and joy, her great great nephew, Dawson Weaver, whom she loved very much.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 2619 HIGHWAY 41 S., GREENBRIER, TN 37073 (615) 643-4000 www.austinandbell.com
SEND FLOWERS TODAY! –> Click HERE
