In Loving Memory: Obituaries February 13-19, 2023
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Obituary for Dr. Linda Rickman “Ricki” (Sims) Baer
Linda Rickman “Ricki” (Sims) Baer, age 72, passed away in her sleep on February 17 with her beloved husband Terry Blair at her side and her cats Bebe and Kayce at her feet.
Ricki is preceded in death by her father Wilson “Woody” Sims and her grandparents Grace and Cecil Sims of Nashville and Margaret and Robert Henry Bell of Springfield Tennessee. She is survived by her husband Terry Blair and his extended family in Indiana, her mother Linda Bell Sims, her sister Suzanne Sims Haizlip (Wilson) of Chattanooga, her brother Wilson Sims Jr (Ann) of Asheville NC, her nephews Jeff Edmonds (Lourdes Cuellar) and their daughters Panambi and Luna Edmonds Cuellar of Nashville and Philip Edmonds (Linsey) of Driggs Idaho, and her nieces Callie Sims of Asheville NC and Jenny Sims of Santa Barbara CA.
Born August 28, 1950, Ricki spent her childhood in the somewhat idyllic, slow-paced life of ‘old’ Nashville of the 50’s and 60’s, when family was key and children could roam neighborhoods more freely. Surrounded by her friends and siblings, Suzanne and Wilson, she enjoyed many adventures in the heart of nature. These included riding horses (more so, break-neck galloping with Suzanne) in surrounding pastureland and at her grandparents’ farm in Franklin. She continued to enjoy horseback-riding at several summer camps through the years: Beechcreek Day Camp, Hidden Valley Camp, and on the trails of Percy Warner Park. At the Franklin family farm, Ricki found a life-long love of nature and animals. Until her death, our warm-hearted Ricki actively donated to many animal rescue groups and organizations for the conservation of nature and endangered species.
She attended Parmer and Ensworth schools for primary education and Harpeth Hall School for high school. In school she was a natural leader and wielded influence in her classes. She was known for her spirited and dynamic personality, original ideas, great sense of humor and identity as an instigator of uproarious fun. She was intensely competitive in sports and academics and was one of the best dancers at the regular after-football-game ‘combos’. She was a founding member of the late night “2 O’clock Club”. She was voted Most Devilish of her senior class. To use a fifties term, one could say that Ricki was a real ‘fireball’. To say she was unique would sell her short.
At the university level, she attended Converse College and Peabody College, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. She next completed her Masters in Social Work at The University of Tennessee. Her Doctorate of Psychology was granted from Forest Institute in Chicago. Her extensive academic and clinical training, coupled with her own intensive research, made Ricki a particularly skilled therapist, allowing her to treat complex cases with combinations of therapies. Ricki was no stranger to the process of healing. Throughout her life, she faced serious health challenges and underwent numerous interventions and treatments. It is probable that these factors contributed to her successful and intuitive professional practice.
While in Chicago, Ricki met and married Jerry Baer. They traveled extensively throughout the world, living in Santa Fe, NM, Pinehurst NC, and Boca Raton FL. At the end of this relationship in 2005 she returned to Nashville, where she pursued her career in psychotherapy. She had an active practice in several different centers and was still providing therapy until her death.
Upon her return to Nashville, Ricki fell deeply and everlastingly in love with a fellow psychotherapist and social worker, Terry Blair. Among their many commonalities, they shared a dedication to their profession, a deep spirituality, and the joy of performing music. They hosted weekly garage band sessions in their artistic, cozy Sylvan Park home. Ricki loved joining Terry’s friends on the conga drums and tambourine. They were active members at a nearby neighborhood church, Spero Dei. We rest assured that Ricki and Terry have fully shared their vision and their boundless joy for years with friends who span the Nashville community and beyond.
Ricki was an exceptional daughter to Linda and Woody, a loving sister to Wilson and Suzanne,
and a loyal and caring friend to many. She possessed fervent faith and a strong connection to guidance from beyond. She believed angels had guided her many times in her life and helped her overcome all obstacles. And we believe the angels came and gathered her on that February night. All of us dear to Ricki feel blessed by her loving kindness. As one of her close friends commented, ‘Now that she is an angel herself, we look forward to receiving further guidance.’
A service in Ricki’s memory will be held Monday, March 6 at 11am at Vine Street Christian Church, 4101 Harding Pike in Nashville. The visitation will also be at Vine Street from 9:30-11am the same morning. The arrangements are made by Austin & Bell Funeral Home, Springfield Tennessee (www.austinandbell.com). In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ricki Baer may be made to Project Redesign P.O. Box 159276. Nashville, TN 37215, or to an animal rescue or conservation organization of your choice.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut St., Springfield, TN
Obituary for Vince Simon
Vincent “Vince” Paul Simon, age 71 of Pleasant View, Tennessee, left peacefully for his heavenly home on Wednesday, February 15th, 2023, at NorthCrest Medical Center in Springfield Tennessee. Malinda, his loving wife of 20-years, was at his side.
Vince was born April 19th, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Charles Henry & Rose (“Popp”) Simon. He graduated from Pershing High School in 1969 and went on to study art history and sculpture at Wayne State and Oakland Universities until he was drafted in 1971.
During the Vietnam conflict, Vince was stationed at Camp Page, Korea and served as a Radio Relay and Carrier Attendant Specialist for the U.S. Army. In 1974 he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), and Marksman (Rifle) awards.
After his military service, Vince went to work for General Motors in Pontiac, Michigan where he was a devoted member of UAW Local 594 for 30-years. Vince applied his appreciation for art at GM as an automotive paint application and finishing expert. He retired as a Team Leader in 2006 from Pontiac East Assembly.
Vince was proud to be a native of the Motor City. He never hesitated to declare to anyone that he was a Detroit sports fan. Vince was a faithful fan of the Detroit Tigers and a diehard Detroit Lions fan through and through.
In addition to art, sculpture, and classic car automobiles, Vince loved military history, collecting vintage vinyl records, caring for nature, pets, and wildlife. He was also very gifted with a unique satirical sense of humor. He will be dearly missed.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to any organization dedicated to the preservation of nature, animals or wildlife.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
Obituary for Helen Marie Wix
Helen Marie Wix, 92, of Springfield, passed from this life on Wednesday February 15, 2023, at Springfield Heights Assisted Living.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday February 20th at 11:00 a.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Brother Mitchell Buck officiating. Interment will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens with J.W. Rogers, Derek Wix, Colt Alley, Dalton Armstrong, Drake Sneed, Bryson Alley, Kendra Little, and Walton Wix servings as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and their spouses. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Ms. Helen was born December 24, 1930, in Franklin, KY to the late Neal and Icie Cauley Joyce. She was a homemaker and a member of the former Tabernacle Baptist Church in Springfield. She loved traveling, shopping, sewing, watching ballgames and Wheel of Fortune, playing the penny slots at the Casino, and working word search puzzles. More than anything, she loved her family and spending time with them. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years: Willis Wix, by her son: Jimmy Dale Wix, and by her brothers: David, R.C., and Carlie Joyce.
Ms. Helen is survived by her children: Dianna Wix Rogers and husband Jimmie of Springfield, Daryl Wix and wife Teresa of Orlinda, Randall Wix and wife Debi of Citrus Springs, FL, and Delores Wix and husband Mark Hendrix of Springfield, by her brothers: Ted Joyce of Barren Plains, Johnny Joyce and wife Rachel of Adairville, KY, by her sister: Anna Faye Joyce of Knoxville, by her 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and her first great great grandchild that will arrive this coming July.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Pat’s Place for Special Needs Adult Programs, or the East Robertson High School Dugout Club, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Rhonda Ann Long Savage
Rhonda Ann Long Savage, age 65 of Greenbrier, passed from this life on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at The Residence at Alive Hospice in Nashville.
Graveside services were conducted Friday, February 17, 2023 at 12:00 PM in the Greenbrier Cemetery with Bro. Johnny O. Trail officiating and Jerry Tidwell, Lukas Savage, Hudson Savage, Rock Rote, Ryan Rote, and Benny Long serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Holden Tidwell and Cole Head. There was no visitation prior to the graveside service.
Rhonda was born October 29, 1957 in Madison to Barbara Ann Binnion Long McDonald and the late Louie Earl Long. She was a member of Hillcrest Church of Christ, a member of the Greenbrier High School Class of 1975, and worked for several years at Castner Knott in loss prevention. Her joy for the last 13 years were taking care of her grandchildren. She loved having them spend the night and going to all their sporting events. She also enjoyed horses, camping, and decorating.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Terry L. Savage of Greenbrier; son and daughter-in-law, Lukas Lee and Jessica Savage of Greenbrier; daughter and son-in-law, Erica Ann Savage Rote and Ryan Rote of Greenbrier; mother, Barbara Ann Binnion Long McDonald of Clarksville; grandchildren, Hudson Lee Savage, Tanza Ann Rote, Camille Ann Savage, Skyla Jane Rote, Raina Belle Rote, and Sadie Faith Savage, all of Greenbrier; brother and sister-in-law, Benny and Kristy Long of Pleasant View; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sherrie and Mark Russell of Pleasant View, Louann and Jerry Tidwell of Cedar Hill, Stacie and Jason Pitt of White House, and Monica and Brian Allen of Clarksville; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Butch and Pam Savage of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.
The family request, if so desired, for memorial contributions to be made to Hillcrest Church of Christ. All donations can be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Brandon Chase West
Brandon Chase West, 39, of Springfield, passed away on Monday February 13, 2023.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday February 18th at 1:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Reverend Michael Smith officiating. Interment followed in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Daryl Pratt, Donnie West, Salvador Valencia, Brian West, Weston Smith, Thomas Powell, and Austin Dean serving as pallbearers. The family received friends on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Chase was born September 16, 1983, in Springfield. He was a graduate of Springfield High School Class of 2001, worked in bag manufacturing, and was of the Baptist faith. Chase was preceded in death by his mother: Tina West.
Chase is survived by his daughters: Taylor West of Gallatin, MaKenzie and Kailey West both of Portland, by his parents: Ronnie and Barbara Spicer West of Springfield, by his aunts: Tracy Smith of Springfield, Tanya (Thomas) Powell of Springfield, Trixie (Jeff) Dean of Springfield, and by several cousins, other family members and friends.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Brenda Spain
Brenda Gayle Spain, age 72, of Ashland City, Tennessee, died Saturday, February 18, 2023 at St. Thomas West in Nashville.
In honor of her request, her remains will be cremated.
There will be a memorial visitation from 2:00-4:00PM on Saturday, March 4th, at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View.
Mrs. Spain was born on June 23, 1950 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Earl & Margaret Fitzgerald. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by brothers Jerry Fitzgerald, and Earl “Dooner” Fitzgerald; sisters Linda Cain, and Judy Hooberry.
Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Dale Spain; sons, Dale Spain, Jr., and Tyler Spain; grandchildren, Jack Spain, Drew Spain, Landen Spain, Brookelynne Spain, Clayton Spain, and Greyson Spain.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
Obituary for Minerva Ann Deen
Age 80 of Cross Plains passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at The Residence of Alive Hospice. She was born October 26, 1942 In Ripley, TN to Louis Ed & Era Green Herron Butler. She was retired from Wal-Mart with 30+ years of service as a CSM Manager. Mrs. Deen was a Christian and very strong in her faith. She was considered “spunky” and she enjoyed playing games on her iPad, shopping Clearance Day at Dillards each month, cutting grass with her zero turn mower and feeding the birds and hummingbirds. But the thing she enjoyed most was spending time with her daughters and her grandchildren. She loved her Yorkie, Bentley, who passed away, her cat, Sugar and her cockatiel.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Billy Gene Deen; sister, Peggy Threadgill. She is survived by her daughters, Paula (Dr. John) Bastian, Cross Plains, TN and Tori (James, II) Harper, Jackson, TN; brothers and sisters, Charles Butler, OR, Kenneth Butler, Betty Lyons and Joyce Daniels, all of OK; 8 grandchildren, Caleb Bastian, Cody (Milagros) Bastian, Laura (Ben) Williams, Rachel Bastian, Nathan Bastian, Amanda (Hunter) Jones, Paige (Chris) Landers and Christian (Anna-Laura) Lindsey; 9 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service is scheduled for Monday, February 20, 2023 at 11am in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House with Bro. Don Hutchinson officiating. Interment will follow in Gallatin City Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, February 19, 2023 3-6PM and Monday, February 20, 2023 9-11AM at the funeral home.
Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188
Obituary for Bonnie Lou Hall
Bonnie Lou Hall, age 64, of Franklin, KY passed away Monday, February 13, 2023 at The Medical Center in Bowling Green, KY.
There are no services scheduled at this time. Mrs. Hall’s wishes were to be cremated and the family will have a memorial gathering at a later date.
Mrs. Hall was born August 21, 1958 in Altoona, PA to the late Thomas Gerald and Dorothy Blanch O’Shell Nolan.
In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, William Wesley Hall; sisters, Donna Kay Quarry and Kathy L. Spicer; and brothers, Thomas L. Moore, Thomas L. Butterbaugh and Clair E. Nolan.
She is survived by her sons, Jason (Sarah) Hall and Kevin (Kim) Hall; 5 grandchildren; sister, Carol S. Wholaver; and a brother, James R. Nolan.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut ST., Springfield, TN
Obituary for Robert Black
Robert Carl Black was born in Nashville on June 8, 1965, son of Viki Anderson Black and Carl Black, Jr. He received a baby brother, Paul Black, as a Christmas gift in 1969.
Robert was an active and happy baby who rarely slept. He was a loving child who liked to entertain family members with his wit.
Unfortunately, Robert’s father who was on officer in the US Marine Corps died when he was age 7. His brother Paul was then age 2 and the boys became extremely close.
In elementary school one teacher said that Robert did not think he could begin the day without first personally greeting every student. He was always a people person.
Robert was good at sports playing football, basketball, baseball and soccer.
He was a natural musician playing drums, piano and guitar. In high school he played tuba and was proud that his Hendersonville High School Band won State Champions in 1983. Robert attended Middle Tennessee State University playing in their band.
As a dedicated worker, he began working at Domino Pizza the day he turned 18 and worked his way up to Regional Supervisor. Robert taught himself computer technology and worked several years for CT&T. He then became IT Director of Robertson County 911 Center and worked there until cancer prevented his continued employment.
Robert married Dena Williams in 1990, but the marriage did not survive. The major focus of Robert’s life was his precious daughter Joscelyn Black who was born in 1993. Robert’s love and support helped Jo graduate from high school as a member of the Honor Society. With his encouragement Jo graduated with honors from Austin Peay University. He was absolutely devastated when she died in 2017.
He and his daughter Jo were fortunate to have escaped alive when their house burned to the ground in 2005.
Robert enjoys cars and owned a 1965 Ford Galaxy, 1971 Maverick and has restored a 1978 Ford Fairmont. He was a member of the Hurt’s Club of car enthusiasts.
Robert and his step-father Charles Keller formed a close and loving friendship. They enjoyed sports, cars and video games together.
The last several years of Robert’s life had been a struggle to defeat cancer. Robert’s generosity was demonstrated by his participation in several cancer clinical trials. He donated his body to the University of Tennessee Department of Forensic Anthropology better known as the Body Farm.
A wonderful Celebration of Life was conducted on January 14, 2023 with many friends and family visiting. A parade of classic cars drove by his home in his honor led by a fire engine and police car and followed by another police car. This was a beautiful tribute to this amazing man.
Robert’s great sense of humor and his friendly nature will be missed by all who were privileged to have known him. He is loved my many
Robert passed from this life on February 13, 2023 with his mother and brother by his side. He joined his beloved daughter Joscelyn Black and his dad Carl Black in heaven.
Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home
Obituary for Anne Elliott
Anne Murphy Elliott, age 96, formerly of Pleasant View, Tennessee, died Monday, February 13, 2023 at her home in Arcadia Senior Living in Clarksville.
Funeral services were conducted at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, February 15th, with Bro. Jake Townsend officiating. Burial followed in Elmwood Cemetery with family & friends serving as pallbearers.
The family received friends at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View on Wednesday, from 10:00AM until the hour of service at 12:00 noon.
Mrs. Elliott was born on June 3, 1926 in Cedar Hill, Tennessee to the late Lon & Mary Alice Murphy. She sold World Book Encyclopedias before working as a tax accountant for Farm Bureau Insurance until age 75. After retiring from there, she continued to work as a self-employed tax accountant. Mrs. Elliott enjoyed studying God’s word, sewing, reading, and researching her family genealogy. She was a member of Harmony Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Carney “Bub” Elliott; baby son, Stephen Carney Elliott; two brothers; and one sister.
Survivors include numerous loving family members.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Arcadia Senior Living in Clarksville, especially the Memory Care Unit, and to Avalon Hospice, for all their kindness, support, and loving care of Mrs. Anne.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Harmony Baptist Church Building Fund, 4303 Harmony Church Road, Adams, Tennessee 37010
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
(Updated) Obituaries February 13-19, 2023
Obituary for John D. “Trey” Sprouse, III
John D. “Trey” Sprouse, III, son of Mary Kathryn Richards Sprouse and the late John D. Sprouse, Jr., was born May 30, 1962, in Springfield. He passed from this life on Saturday February 11, 2023 at Jackson-Madison General Hospital in Jackson, TN.
Trey grew up in Springfield, but has lived on the lake that he loved so much for the past 15 years in Springville, TN. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, he worked for ABG for nearly 30 years which afforded him the opportunity to travel all over the United States, and he was of the United Methodist faith. Trey loved fishing, being on the lake, boating, camping, and his Tennessee Vols. He loved all of his family.
Trey is survived by his wife: Jan Howell Sprouse of Springville, by his mother: Mary Kathryn Richards Sprouse of Springfield, by his daughters: Samantha (Jeff) Warick of Cleveland and Emily (Brandon) McGregor of White House, by is grandchildren: Audrey and Nathan Warick, Levi, Shia, and Haven Shea McGregor, by his brother: Tony D. (Daisy) Sprouse of Trezevant, and by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A Memorial Graveside service will be conducted on Saturday February 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., in the Elmwood Cemetery in Springfield with Reverend Kenny Hix officiating. The family will receive friends at the graveside service on Saturday February 25th.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Fisherman’s Club in Adams or to the Cedar Hill United Methodist Church.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Wayne Gail Reece
Reverend Wayne Gail Reece, 87, left this physical world to go to live in his heavenly home on Sunday, February 12, 2023.
Wayne was born in Muncie, Indiana, on March 23, 1935, to Charles Sutton and Cleota Harbaugh Reece.
He attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1957 and went on to earn his master’s degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, in 1960. He was ordained as Elder in the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) that same year.
Over his 42-year career, Wayne served two circuits of UMC churches in seminary and The First United Methodist churches of Marion, Indiana; Bangor, Michigan; Kalamazoo, Michigan; Big Rapids, Michigan; and Mason, Michigan. In each town, he was actively involved in social justice causes.
Wayne also served The United Methodist Church at the Conference, Jurisdictional, and International levels. As a Conference Staff member of the West Michigan Conference, he provided specialized training in Adult Education for clergy and laity. He also served as the Chair of the West Michigan Annual Conference Meetings for a number of years. He served two terms on the General Board of Discipleship, appointed by the North Central Jurisdictional Council representing the West Michigan Conference. Wayne and his wife, Jo, also represented the North Central Jurisdiction at the World Methodist Conference meeting in Brighton England in 2000. While appointed to Mason First UMC in Michigan, they also served churches in Wigan, England, in 1997 on an exchange through the World Methodist Conference.
As an editor at the United Methodist Publishing House for nine years, he edited many educational resources for youth and adults including, “Faith link,” “Adult Bible Studies,” and “Adult Leader.” He also wrote books at UMPH and for United Methodist Communications, such as “Giving Beyond Ourselves.” He continued this work freelance for a number of years in retirement.
Wayne gives credit for the spark that led to his calling to serve God in these ways to his parents and his grandparents, who were part of the founders of his home church, Madison Street United Methodist Church in Muncie, Indiana, that nurtured and sent dozens of young people into ministry. Additionally, his role as editor of the yearbook, The Munsonian, at Muncie Central High School and his lead roles in high school plays taught him the importance of writing and using words effectively, along with the arts to act out scriptures and sermons, such as his first-person monologues that touched so many over the years.
In retirement, he enjoyed working with Dr. David Watson for two years creating Covenant Discipleship Groups among clergy and laity in The Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of The UMC.
Wayne also regularly wrote letters to the editor on social justice issues and won The Amy Crotts Award in 2005 “for exhibiting care and concern for fellow human beings,” given annually by The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville, Tennessee.
His fun passions in retirement included ushering for the Nashville Sounds baseball team for 19 years and ushering for sports and musical events at the Bridgestone Arena and plays, musicals, and ballet at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
He especially enjoyed filling in for pastors in many places including Donelson Heights UMC and McKendree Village, where he and Jo have resided since 2010. One of his special joys was having the honor of being invited by his niece, Catherine Burns, artistic director at The Moth, an international story telling nonprofit, to tell one of his ministry stories at the opening of an exhibit on Three Faiths at the New York Public Library in 2012.
Wayne, along with his wife Jo, enjoyed travel around the world, especially cruises to the Mediterranean, where he preached along Paul’s Journey in Athens, Greece, Central America, and the Panama Canal, where he served as Chaplain on three Princess Cruises. Their other joy was attending St. Louis Cardinals games each year, where he could visit his brick, a gift from his family celebrating 60 years of being a fan on his 70th birthday and meeting good friends at various baseball stadiums along the way (17 stadiums at last count).
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Judith Sharp Fenner, and his sister-in-law Rebecca Bentley Gay.
Left to cherish the many wonderful memories are Reverend Jo Bentley Reece, his wife of 50 years; C. David (Judi) Reece, his brother and sister-in-law; Wayne (Jean Griffin) Gay, brother-in-law; and four daughters and sons-in-law: Marcie (John) Mills, Angela Reece Pierce; Kirsten (Adrian) Goodnight, and Kendra (David) Gray. He also leaves behind 15 beloved grandchildren: Heather, Jessica, Jillian, Jonathan, Daniel, Richard, Nick, Jamie, Shawn, Amanda, Ashley, Breanna, David, Jacob, and Samuel, and 17 great-grandchildren, along with all of their families, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Wayne and Jo want to especially thank Brody Ray Runge, his very special caregiver and friend, and the staff at McKendree Village Health Center, Rehab 1 East and Long Term Care 2 North, for their wise, loving, thoughtful, and kind care.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2pm Sunday, February 19, 2023 in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home, Springfield, Tennessee, with Rev. Debra Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 12pm Sunday until the time of the service at 2pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, 1029 Richard St., in Springfield.
To send flowers to the family of Wayne Gail Reece please visit our Sympathy Store link at the bottom of this page.
For those wishing to make memorial donations in Wayne’s honor, they can be made to the Donelson Heights UMC Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, 84 Fairway Drive, Nashville, TN 37214.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut ST., Springfield, TN
Obituary for Frank O’Neal
Frank O’Neal (a.k.a. The “Rod” Father), 87, of Coopertown, TN, passed away on February 6, 2023, in Nashville, TN.
Visitation was at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, February 10, 2023, at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens Funeral Home with the funeral following at 1:30 P.M.
Frank was born in Montgomery County Tennessee to H.B. and Christine O’Neal on October 8, 1935. He graduated from Litton High School. He was married to the love of his life, Judy O’Neal on May 16, 1958, in Nashville, TN. They spent nearly 65 years wonderful years together.
Frank was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving two years in in the Motor Corp in Korea from 1958-1960. After coming home and meeting his son for the first time, he worked as a manager for Universal Tire for 20+ years.
He was a Master Mason, member of the John B. Garrett Lodge #711: 32º Scottish Rite Mason, member of Al Menah Shrine Temple and active member of the Shrine Motor Corp.
Featured in numerous car magazines, Frank was a big car enthusiast and heavily active in the Nashville car scene. Starting back when the Nashville fairgrounds had a dirt track through the asphalt being laid, Frank raced in numerous divisions including the Hobby Division and Sportsman Car Division. Frank traveled all around the Southeast participating in various races like Daytona in 1968. He was one of the first charter members for the National Street Rod Association, one of the founding members of the Shade Tree Street Rods and was a member of ‘The Coasters’ – the first charter car club in Nashville.
He also enjoyed traveling out west with his wife and friends and stopping in little sleepy towns to go snowmobiling. Sharp as a tack, he always had a story to tell with great detail – no matter the topic and would tell them to anyone who would lend an ear and their time.
Frank is preceded in death by his parents, H.B. and Christine O’Neal.
Arrangements entrusted to Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cremation Center
Obituary for Billy Wayne Parker
Billy Wayne Parker, age 82 of Greenbrier, passed from this life on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at his home.
Graveside services were conducted Friday, February 10, 2023 at 1:00 PM in the Bellwood Cemetery with Jimmy Orand officiating. There was no visitation prior to the graveside service.
Mr. Parker was born July 12, 1940 in Saddlersville to the late Ellis and Lorene Qualls Parker. He was a member of Hillcrest Church of Christ where he had served as a deacon before his health began to fail. He was retired from Unarco where he worked as a computer operator. He loved his family and spending time with them, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a member of Jo Byrns Class of 1958 and was a Tennessee Titans and University of Tennessee Volunteers fan. He enjoyed traveling and antiques as well. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lt. General Donald Parker.
He is survived by his wife, Rachel Cline Parker of Greenbrier; son and daughters-in-law, Mark and Lisa Parker of Springfield and Ricky and Cindy Parker of Russellville, KY; grandchildren, Jonathan Parker, Joshua Parker, Mackenzie Wilson, Marissa Parker, and Savannah Mohr; and 8 great grandchildren.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Diana Lynn Edwards
On Friday, February 10, 2023 a beautiful wife, mother of two children and Nana of three grandchildren, Diana Lynn Edwards, age 63, of Goodlettsville, went home to be with the Lord.
Funeral services were conducted at 11am Tuesday in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier with Pastor Nelson Garrett officiating. Burial followed in Mayes Cemetery with Chris Edwards, Dalton Edwards, Chance Nelson, Robert Edwards, Matt Fru and Wayne Smithson serving as pallbearers.
The family received friends from 4-8pm Monday, February 13th and again from 10am until time of the service at 11am Tuesday at the funeral home.
Diana L (Diane) Edwards (Nana) that she was so lovingly called by the ones that loved her the most, was born June 30, 1959 in Chicago, IL to the late John Logan (J.L.) and Ernestine Payne Smithson. She graduated from Hendersonville High school in 1977 and at the age of 57 she went back to school and earned two Bachlor degrees, finishing at the top of her class. Diana worked as a childcare provider for more than 30 years. She was of the Baptist faith and a proud member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Millersville. One of her many proud moments was to witness all of her children saved and Baptized in the house of the Lord. Diana loved to cook, bake cakes, travel, and just spend time with her kids, and she also loved animals.
Diana is survived be her husband of 45 years, Dennis James Edwards: children, April (Chance) Nelson and Chris (Robin) Edwards; grandchildren, Dalton Edwards, Hailey Edwards and Analyn Nelson; and she was God Nana of Peyton Logan. She had three sisters and a loving Brother Wayne Smithson (Kelly) Smithson.
Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home 2619 Hwy 41 S., Greenbrier, TN 37073
Obituary for Johnny Lee McQuiston Sr.
Johnny Lee McQuiston Sr., age 46, of Cedar Hill, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. (News Report)
Memorial services were conducted at 6pm Tuesday, February 14, 2023 in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield. His remains were cremated.
The family received friends from 4-until the hour of service at the funeral home.
Mr. McQuiston, Sr. was born October 23, 1976 in Daytona Beach, Fl to Faye Vernon McQuiston and the late Walter Smith. He was self-employed in flooring, loved riding motorcycles and living life.
In addition to his father, Mr. McQuiston was preceded in death by his step-father, Charlie McQuiston, brother, Oscar “Jr.” Briggs and grandson, Jayden Murphy.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his sons; Johnny McQuiston, Jr. (Catrina McQuiston-mother) and Johnny Furr; daughters, Taylor Furr, Makayla Furr and Bradyn Osborne; brothers, Joe (Samantha) McQuiston, Walter McQuiston, Larry (Dawn) Armstrong, Michael Wayne Armstrong and Terry (Lindsey) McQuiston; sister, Denise (Adrian) Bernhardt; and grandchildren, Matthew and Grayson Murphy and Lynnlee Furr.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut ST., Springfield, TN
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