In Loving Memory: Obituaries September 3-10, 2023
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Obituary for Judy Marie O’Neal
Judy Marie O’Neal, 84, of Coopertown, TN, passed away on September 7, 2023, in Hendersonville, TN.
Visitation will be at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens Funeral Home with the funeral following at 11:30 A.M and burial at 12:30 P.M.
Judy, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and devoted wife, was born on June 17, 1939, and throughout her life, she touched the hearts of many.
She was a loving wife for 64 years to her beloved husband, Frank B. O’Neal, who stood by her side through all of life’s joys and challenges. Their enduring love and commitment were an inspiration to all who knew them.
Growing up, Judy participated in several activities such as playing the piano, being a majorette and a lifeguard. As she got older, she developed a love of being behind the camera and capturing every moment life had to offer – treasuring boxes of pictures and video tapes. She enjoyed taking road trips out west with Frank and collecting Snow Buddies figurines she found along the way.
One of her favorite pastimes was making sure her yard was the best on the block. She had great joy in keeping it looking immaculate and decorating for all the seasons. It wasn’t uncommon to pull into the driveway and see her riding the lawn mower in her straw hat.
In her professional life, Judy worked at Metro Nashville Public Schools as a library assistant and then as a bookkeeper before retiring with WDCN Channel 8 after several years.
Judy will be remembered not only for her professional contributions but also for the love and warmth she shared with her family. She leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of love that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, Murray L. Stinnett and Eloise Oliver Stinnett, sister Muriel A. Jackson and husband Frank B. O’Neal.
She is survived by son Steve O’Neal and daughter-in-law Diana Pelletier and daughter Karen Bradley and son-in-law Tommy Bradley, sister Mary Lynne Hewlett (Steve Hewlett), grandchildren Magen (Carson) Kisner, Shawna O’Neal and Ryan (Melody) O’Neal, great-grandchildren, Ellie Mae, Cortland, Wayde, Reeves and Clyde– who lovingly knew her as Mammaw.
Pallbearers will be Shawna O’Neal, Ryan O’Neal, Carson Kisner, Alan Jackson, Tony Jones and Steve Hewlett.
In the lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. The family of Judy O’Neal wishes to extend their sincere thanks to all the wonderful people at Vitality Living for all the care shown for her.
Arrangements entrusted to Harpeth Hills Funeral Home 9090 TN-100, Nashville, TN
Obituary for Stan Suratt
Stanley “Stan” Thomas Suratt, age 63, of Pleasant View, Tennessee, died Sunday, September 10, 2023 at his home with his furever friend by his side.
Funeral services will be conducted at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View at 1:00PM on Wednesday, September 13th, with Bro. Greg Smith officiating. Burial will follow in EverRest of Cheatham with family & friends serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00AM until the hour of service at 1:00PM.
Stan was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 9, 1960, to the late William Bluford Suratt and Elizabeth Adeline Wilson Suratt. Tennessee is the place he chose to call home for most of his life. He was an extremely hard worker and proudly called himself a truck driver until he had to lay down his keys due to his health, but he remembered those days fondly. He enjoyed watching football (GO TITANS!), hunting (when he was able) and all the fast food. When he entered the room people knew he was there because his laugh was like no other and he would definitely have you laughing. He is loved by many, forgotten by none, and he will live in our hearts forever as he drives the highway in the sky!!! He was a longtime member of Clarksville Highway Church of Christ.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Steven E. Suratt.
Survivors include his son, Jeremy Suratt; sisters, Susan Ferguson and Shirley Baskin; nieces, Rebecca Ferguson, Dakota Ferguson, Heather (Mike) Shubert, and Angela (Christopher) English; nephews, Tony (Pamela) Ferguson, Brian (Karen) Baskin, Chris (Heather) Ferguson, Todd Baskin, and Alex Ferguson; 12 great-nieces & nephews; and many friends.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Clarksville Highway Church of Christ, 5444 Highway 41A, Joelton, Tennessee 37080 or Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 336, Pleasant View, TN 37146.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
Obituary for Thomas “Ray” Powell
Thomas “Ray” Powell, age 62, of Greenbrier, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023 at his home.
Ray’s wishes were for there to be no services, and to be buried naturally at Larkspur Conservation at Taylor Hollow in Westmoreland, TN.
Mr. Powell was born August 20, 1961 in Nashville, TN to William Herschel and Mable Ann Pirtle Powell III. He worked as a handyman most of his life.
Ray was preceded in death by his grandfather, Elijah Pirtle; grandmother, Mable Dean Pirtle; aunts, Janet Pirtle Shepard, and Mary Pirtle Adkins; and an uncle, William Pirtle.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Nicole “Nikki” Powell; son, Raymond (Emily) Knecht; daughter, Gabrielle Powell and her boyfriend, Jerry Marcum; 4 grandchildren, Karter Lucas Knecht, Victoria Leighann McDougal, Korbin Ray Knecht, and Mystic Rae Marcum; parents, William Herschel and Mable Ann Powell III; and brothers, William (Jennifer) Powell IV, and Tony (Chasity) Powell.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements. 2619 Hwy 41 S., Greenbrier, TN 37073
Obituary for Bettye Jean Davis
Bettye Jean Davis, age 83, of Cookeville, formerly of Greenbrier, passed away Friday, September 8, 2023 at her home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1pm Wednesday, September 13th, in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier with Bro. Jon Briggs officiating. Burial will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Tuesday, and again from 11am until time of the service at 1pm Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Mrs. Davis was born April 20, 1940 in Nashville, to the late William and Gladys Light Suter. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and a retired Administrative Assistant with the TN Department of Transportation.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie Davis.
She is survived by a daughter, Kelly (Greg) Reynolds; 4 step grandchildren, Khloe Reynolds, Tori Reynolds, John Reynolds, and Jim Murphy; 1 great grandchild, Atlas Reynolds; and sisters, Billie Evilcizer, and Bobbye (Jimmy) Wilson.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements. 2619 Hwy 41 S., Greenbrier, TN 37073
Obituary for Nancy Ramsey Wilks Brown
Nancy Ramsey Wilks Brown, 84, of Springfield, passed from this life on Wednesday September 6, 2023, at White House Health Care Center.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday September 11th at 1:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Brother David Harper officiating. Interment will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Michael Lee Ramsey, Charles Mark Ramsey, Randy Ellis, Brian Schmidt, Marty Schmidt, and Galen Ross serving as pallbearers. Kevin Gray will serve as an honorary pallbearer. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Nancy was born April 22, 1939, in Adairville, KY, to the late Hobert Lee and Ethel Pearson Ramsey. She was a graduate of Springfield High School Class of 1958. Nancy was a real estate landlord, a retired line worker with CEI, she worked many years for Acme Boot in Springfield and Clarksville, and sold Home Interior products. She was a member of New Life General Baptist Church in Springfield. Nancy loved going to auctions and yard sales. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: William Thomas “Tom” Brown, by her sons: Rodney Wilks and Donnie Wilks, by her siblings: Hobert Lee Ramsey, Jr., Charles Ramsey, Frances Schmidt, and Helen Kennedy, and by the father of her children: Don Frey Wilks, Sr.
Nancy is survived by her daughter: Lisa Wilks Leftrick and husband Ralph of Springfield, by her granddaughter: Samantha Arms and husband Charles of Cedar Hill, by her great grandson: Ramsey Curtis Arms, by her sister: Shirley Ramsey Adams of Greenbrier, by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and by her baby, her dog, Precious.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Katye Pitt McDorman
Katye Pitt McDorman, 82, of Greenbrier, passed from this life on Monday September 4, 2023, at her home.
Her wishes were to be cremated and no services are scheduled.
Katye was born April 10, 1941, in Springfield, to the late Albert Wesley and Kathry McPherson Pitt, III. She was a retired bookkeeper. Katye loved cats, collecting and making stuffed teddy bears, and quilting. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother: Albert Wesley Pitt, IV.
Katye is survived by her husband: David McDorman of Greenbrier, by her daughters: Cindy Basham and Carol Lynn (Junior) Levening both of Richmond, VA, and by her grandson: Steven Tucker.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Irma Faye Callis
Irma Faye Callis, age 87 of Dowelltown, TN passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023 at her home. She was born November 28, 1935 in Goodlettsville, TN to George E. & Kathleen Martin Ayers. She had worked in the vision center at Wal-Mart before her retirement. Faye enjoyed spending time outdoors and was always thought of as a tom boy. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, tending to her flowers, as well as being a homemaker and painting.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald Royce Callis; brother, Kenneth Ayers; twin sister, Vera Rae Honeycutt. She is survived by her sons, Richmond Eidson, Springfield, TN, Mark Stephen (Shannon) Eidson, Cross Plains, TN and Scott (Wendy) Eidson, Woodbury, TN; daughter, Sheila Dennis, Dowelltown, TN; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service is scheduled for Sunday evening September 10, 2023 at 6pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House. Interment will follow on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 11am in Dekalb Memorial Gardens in Smithville, TN with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Visitation with the family is planned for Sunday, September 10, 2023 2-6pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 1801 West End Avenue, #200 Nashville, TN 37203
Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188
Obituary for Ruby Martine Hulsey
Ruby Martine Hulsey, age 94, of Greenbrier, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at her home.
Graveside services were conducted at 12 noon Saturday, September 9th in the Springfield Memorial Gardens with Bro. Mike Duff officiating. Pallbearers will be John F. Hulsey, Jr., Christopher Elmore, Scottie Elmore, Douglas Worsham, Eli Worsham, and Zach Worsham.
The family received friends from 9:30am until 11:30am Saturday at the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield.
Mrs. Hulsey was born October 26, 1928 in Springfield, to the late Joseph Clinton and Nancy Ellen Cockrill Swallows.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hulsey was preceded in death by her husband, John Frank Hulsey Sr.; brothers, Odis Swallows Sr., and Joseph Darrell Swallows; and a sister, Juanita Beatrice Swallows Hallum.
She is survived by a son, Johnny (Julia) Hulsey Jr.; daughter, Nancy Claire Moffitt; 3 grandchildren, Stephanie Otto, Christy Horton, and Adrian Driver; 5 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut St., Springfield, TN
Obituary for Jesse Levi Aldridge
Jesse Levi Aldridge, age 88, of Greenbrier, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at his home.
Funeral services were conducted at 1pm Friday, September 8, 2023 in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier with Bro. Robert Tyson and Bro. Al Hodges officiated. Burial followed in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Jacob Aldridge, Craig Harris, Trent Harris, Matthew Mayo, Kenny Pearson, and Randy Pearson serving as pallbearers.
The family received friends from 10am until time of the service at 1pm Friday at the funeral home.
Mr. Aldridge was born August 18, 1935 to the late Jesse Lee and Annie Belle Mooneyhan Aldridge. He was a machine operator at the Ford Glass Plant for many years and enjoyed farming.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Aldridge was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Long.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carolyn Aldridge; son, Jamie (Jo) Aldridge; daughters, Rhonda (Lynn) Mayo, Jo (Gary) Harris, and Bonnie (Jackie) Woods; 6 grandchildren, Janna Harris, Jacob Aldridge, Matthew Mayo, Jenny Wall, Trent Harris, and Hannah Woods; 12 great grandchildren; brother, Ricky (Hillary) Long; and sisters, Ann (Jim) Vaughn, and Ellen (Walter) Wallace.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements. 2619 Hwy 41 S., Greenbrier, TN 37073
Obituary for Tiney Mae Hand
Tiney Mae Hand, age 85, of Springfield, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at her home.
Funeral services were conducted at 11am Friday, September 8th in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield with Rev. Tracy Hagerman officiating. Burial followed in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Sean Crutcher, Michael Rogers, Jordan Chandler, Kenny Hand Jr., Randy Bugg, and Joe Bilyeu serving as pallbearers.
The family received friends from 9am until time of the service at 11am at the funeral home.
Mrs. Hand was born February 24, 1938 in Springfield, to the late Sidney and Ada Hicks Bilyeu.
In addition to her parents Mrs. Hand was preceded in death by sons, Kenneth Hand Sr., and Jeffrey Hand; daughter, Anita Davidson; brothers, Edward Ray, Jimmy Bilyeu, Dan Bilyeu, Bobby Bilyeu, and Tom Bilyeu; and sisters, Elizabeth Bilyeu Roach, Lynn Biggs, and Kay Hand.
She is survived by her husband, A.C. Hand Jr.; son, Ricky (Lisa) Hand; and 6 grandchildren, Sean Crutcher, Kenneth (Shannon) Hand Jr., Meagan (Michael) Rogers, Michaela (Jordan) Chandler, Laura (Chris) Sabourin, and Michelle (Tim) Timmons.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut St., Springfield, TN
(Updated) Obituaries August 28 – Sept. 3, 2023
Obituary for Diana Kay Ward
Diana Kay Ward, age 75 of Goodletsville, TN, formerly of Greenbrier passed away Monday, September 4, 2023 at Advanced Health Care in Nashville, She was born November 24, 1947 in Lawton, OK to Alfred and Edith Lois Proctor Mixon. Diana worked in management for Hobby Lobby and was of the Nazarene faith. She enjoyed home decorating and was known for her kindness in helping others.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter Hampton Ward; brother, Eddie Mixon. She is survived by her son, Ricky (Leonessa) Ward, Goodlettsville, TN; 2 grandchildren, Mora (Corwin) Cole and Izaiah (Kara Brewer) Ward; 4 great-grandchildren, Aidric Cole, Magnus Cole, Ellowen Cole and Vallen Cole; brother, Tom (Beverly) Mixon, AZ; sister, Maureen (Earl) Howard, OK.
There are no services or visitation planned.
Arrangements entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188
Obituary for David Lee Billiau Jr.
David Lee Billiau, Jr., age 57, of Pleasant View, Tennessee, died Saturday, September 2, 2023 at his home.
There are no services scheduled.
David was born on March 19, 1966, in Flint, Michigan, to David & Diana Billiau, Sr. He was a Christian.
He is preceded in death by his baby nephew, J.J. Ormsbee.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Daniel (Sheryl) Billiau, Sr.; sisters, Davon Ormsbee and Davida Kittrell; nieces & nephews, Jimmy O’Neal, Niky O’Neal, Edward Lee, Jennifer Plass, Julie & Mike Odom, Davida Hoening, Jessica Ormsbee & Dewayne Wright, Christina & Bradley Underwood, Zhavia Wright, Destiny & Kayden Ormsbee, Briley & Mya Ormsbee, Brittany & Richard Ormsbee, Wyatt Prince, and Zeke Wright; friend, Ronnie; and his dog, Jack.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146
Obituary for Thomas Richard “Dick” Dean
Thomas Richard “Dick” Dean, 90, of Springfield, passed away on Monday August 28, 2023, at Morningside of Springfield.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday September 9th at 11:00 a.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Reverend Alisha Burton and Tim Harris officiating. Interment followed in the Elmwood Cemetery with Larry Dean, Chris Dean, Bob Shetter, Walter Dean, Park Roach, Connor Dean, John Dillard, Jimmy Anthony, Emily Roach and Alex Dean serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were the New Chapel Men’s Club and the Hardee’s Coffee Club. The family received friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday September 8th and from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday September 9th at the funeral home.
A native of Roberston County, Dick was born January 9, 1933. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Wilson “Jack” and Walcye King Dean. He was a graduate of Springfield High School Class of 1951, serving as class president for three years. Graduate of Murray State University in 1959. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served (1952-1956). He was Office Manager of Springfield Lumber Company prior to his employment at Security Federal Savings and Loan Association. In 1988 he became president and CEO of Security Federal and later name President of Regions Bank of Middle Tennessee where he retired as Chairman of the Board.
Dick was a lifelong member of Central Christian Church, where he was an Elder Emeritus, former church treasurer, and served the church in many capacities over the years. He loved his community of Springfield, where he was a member of the New Chapel Men’s Club, a former board member of H.A.T.S., a member of the Hardee’s Coffee Club, delivered bread to the shut-ins, was a member of the former Optimist Club, was a volunteer with the Robertson County Historical Society and received Volunteer of the Year, helped transport patients for chemotherapy treatments, and was a former little league baseball coach. In his spare time Dick enjoyed working in the yard, watching all sports, and hunting, along with sharing time with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Linda Dillard Dean, who passed away in January of this year, and by his siblings: Louise Dean Hollingsworth, William Dean, Mary Katheryn Dean Shetter, and Ray Dean. Dick is survived by his son: Kenneth Dodson Dean and his wife Julie of Miami, FL, by his daughter: Karen Dean Roach of Nashville, by his grandchildren: Connor Monroe Dean, Alexander Thomas Dean, Emily Dean Roach, and Thomas Park Roach and wife Andrea, and by his great granddaughter: Grace Collins Roach. Sister-in-Law: Marty Dean, Ashville North Caroline, Sister-in-law: Carol Dillard, Clarksville TN
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the New Chapel Men’s Club or to Central Christian Church. 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 Gary Clark French
Gary Clark French, age 72 of Cedar Hill passed from this life on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at NHC Healthcare in Springfield.
Memorial services were held Friday, September 1, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. IN THE Oakhurst Chapel of Robertson County Funeral Home with Brother Eddie Anderson and Matt French officiating. The family received friends on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
Gary was born October 22, 1950 in New Market, TN to the late Edgar Reford “Booge” and Wanda Alice Clark French. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald E. French
Gary French was truly a one of a kind man. He loved his family and friends and had a larger than life personality. He was loved and respected by everyone that crossed paths with him. Coming from a farm in the mountains of East Tennessee, Gary has always been an avid outdoorsman and had a love for agriculture. This love for agriculture and a desire to help others, lead him to the career to which he was a cut above the rest. From PCA to Farm Credit Services and finally to Community Bank and Trust before retiring, Gary left a lasting impact on the agricultural community in Robertson County and surrounding areas. Even more so than his career, Gary’s passion for the outdoors was unmatched. At any given point, you could always find him chasing one of his hounds through the woods or in a creek trying to fill his multiple stringers with black perch. This passion led him to some of the clubs that he held very near and dear to his heart. A few of these clubs include the White Oak Fishing Club, Robertson County Coon Hunters Club and the National Plott Hound Association. As with everything he did in his life, he went above and beyond in his memberships with the respective clubs. He held numerous leadership roles throughout the years and always had the betterment of the clubs in mind. Whether it was his career or hobbies or anything in between, there’s one thing that always remained true. He never did anything half-heartedly. The life of Gary French is something that will be celebrated by all that he held near and dear to him.
Surviving him are his wife, Cindy French of Cedar Hill; sons, Andrew Clark French of Springfield and Matthew Thomas French of Cedar Hill; daughter and son-in-law, Alice and David Palmer of Springfield; and grandson, Eli Palmer.
The family request, if so desired, for memorial contributions to be made to the Robertson County Coon Hunters Club. 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 John David Johnson
John David Johnson, age 61 of Springfield, Tennessee, died Tuesday August 29, 2023 at his home.
There are no public services planned.
John was born March 7, 1962, in Springfield to the late Jeff David and Betty Poole Johnson. His daughter, Jill Johnson and a brother, Jeffrey Johnson also preceded him in death. He worked as a painter.
Surviving John are his sons, Ryan Johnson and Patrick Johnson, sisters, Sherri Johnson and Michelle Cauley, brothers, Larry Johnson and Michael Johnson, four grandchildren and the mother of his children, Paula Robertson.
Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 2201 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172
Obituary for Russell Couts
Russell Couts, age 72, of Springfield, formerly of Adams, passed away peacefully Friday, September 1, 2023 at The Waters of Springfield, to join his loved ones who have preceded him.
Graveside services were conducted at 2pm Tuesday, September 5th in the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery in Cross Plains with Mike Reaves, Michael Watts, Doug Couts, Jason Couts, Justin Couts, Brendan Dudley, and Ronald Tate serving as pallbearers.
For Anyone who wanted to visit with the family prior to the graveside service, were invited to The Tate House, 7675 Hwy 25 E, Cross Plains, TN from 11:30am until 1:30pm on Tuesday.
Russell was born October 12, 1950 in Springfield, to the late Moses Harper and Emma Irene Halliburton Couts. Russell started his career at Springfield Welding Shop as a teenager under the guidance of his beloved mentor, Cecil Reaves. He graduated from Springfield High School with the Class of 1969 where he loved performing in the drama “the Mouse that Roared”. Russell served in the United States Air Force. He went on to work at Bolen Leather Goods, also as a taxi-driver and was the business owner of Mr. Fix It. Russell was known for his expert craftmanship, a true Jack-of-all-Trades and master of many. Russell loved flying airplanes and anything related to electronics and science. His wonderful sense of humor and storytelling skills always kept his family and friends entertained.
In later years, motorcycles were a passion – watching, riding, rebuilding and eventually wrecking, which led to a decline in his health. Fishing and gardening with his dad, Mose, was a favorite pastime the two of them shared. He also shared his love and talent for poetry with his mom, Irene, and they loved to play Rummy together. Russell’s relationship with Jesus Christ sustained him throughout his life, and we rejoice that we will see him again in Heaven one day.
In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by a brother, Douglas Anthony Couts (infant); and his grandparents, Walter William and Mattie Lee Harper Couts, and Luther Webb and Ethel Maebell Shyer Halliburton.
He is survived by a daughter, April Couts (Scott) Maxwell; grandsons, Joseph Cleveland, and Kadon McGehee; great grandsons, Robert and William Cleveland; brother, Douglas Lee (Freida) Couts; and sisters, Kitty Couts (Charles) Hale, and Robin Couts (Ronald) Tate; and his many nieces, nephews and numerous cousins who loved him dearly.
The family would like to say a special Thank You to the health care team at The Waters of Springfield who lovingly cared for Russell during his illness.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut St., Springfield, TN
Obituary for James Mark McCreary
James Mark McCreary, age 60, of Greenbrier, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at his home. Mr.
McCreary’s wishes were to be cremated and there are no services scheduled at this time.
Mr. McCreary was born November 14, 1962 in Springfield, to Jerry and Brenda McCreary. He was a Supervisor with Tyson Foods.
Mr. McCreary is survived by his son, Austin McCreary; daughter, Stacy Gann; parents, Jerry and Brenda McCreary; sister, Kim McCreary (David) Jones; and a niece, Marlee Jones.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. 509 Walnut St., Springfield, TN
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