Obituaries: Week of April 13, 2025, In Loving Memory
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE:
(Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Philip Theodore Welch, III
August 19, 1957 – April 13, 2025
Philip Theodore Welch, III, 67 of Nashville passed away at his home on April 13th. Phil was a Christian gentleman who loved the Lord, family, sports, and music. Phil was happily married for 37 years to Denise “Cissy” Winters Welch. Phil, Philip, and Lesley were still navigating the loss of their wife and mother, who died March 2nd, 2021.
Phil was born August 19th, 1957 in Birmingham, Alabama to Philip Theodore Welch, Jr. and Frances Blackmon Welch. The family moved from Columbus, Georgia to Nashville where Phil and his sisters attended McMurray Junior High and graduated from John Overton High. Phil was a drummer in the award-winning Overton band. Phil was coached by his father on a number of winning youth football and baseball teams where he made long-term cherished friendships.
Brother Dan Gilbert baptized Phil into Christ on March 9th, 56 years ago and he worshiped at Crieve Hall Church of Christ for the rest of his life. Phil was an early riser, who started each day with prayer and Bible study. He was thankful to God and used these practices to begin each day.
Phil came from a long line of Alabama fans. Phil’s father played the saxophone in the Million Dollar Band and his uncle Ed Welch was shortstop for the Crimson Tide baseball team. When Phil attended the University of Tennessee, his allegiance shifted and he became a true Tennessee Volunteer. At UT he pledged and became a member of the Kappa Alpha Order, Pi Chapter, where he formed life-long friendships. As a KA he enjoyed football weekends, road trips, and softball intramurals. Phil had a love for Beach Music and was an avid musicologist, accumulating a first-class record collection and becoming a popular DJ. This love of music extended into his appreciation for the North Myrtle Beach Carolina Shag dancing, participating in competitions and instructing classes with his wife Cissy.
Phil was an award-winning salesman of swim apparel with Speedo and Arena which supported his family for nearly 40 years. He was a sales rep for nationally recognized swim teams and sporting goods stores all over the United States. Developing relationships, exceptional customer service and superior work ethic led to his success. Throughout his career Phil was recognized as a top salesman with both companies. He had the opportunity and enjoyed meeting many Olympic athletes who endorsed the swimwear lines.
Phil and Cissy took great joy in creating a nurturing home for their children. Phil was proud of Philip for his academic progress from Overton to Middle Tennessee State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, winning multiple awards and scholarships. Phil delighted in coaching Lesley in softball and attending her Overton games in volleyball and softball, then graduating at O’More College of Design and progressing into design sales. Phil is survived by son, Philip T. Welch, IV and his daughter Abigail June of Franklin, and daughter Lesley K. Welch of Nashville. Three sisters Gay Welch Rushing (Joe) of Springfield, Deanna Welch Sellers of Nashville, and Lu Welch of Nashville, also nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.
Visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane on Thursday, April 17th from 5-9 pm and on Friday, April 18th from 9-11 am. Daniel Rushing, Bill Watkins and Joe Rushing will lead a celebration of life in the Chapel at 11 am.
Pallbearers are Jarrett Sellers, Adam Rippie, Andrew Rushing, Daniel Rushing, Jerry Moseley, Mark Henningsen, Craig Jenkins and Mark Wright. Memorials can be made to Abigail June Welch for a college fund at First Horizon Bank.
Victoria Elaine Grant
December 26, 1953 – April 8, 2025
Victoria Elaine Grant, age 71, of Springfield, passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at her home. Mrs. Grant’s wishes were to be cremated and the family will hold a Celebration of Life service at a later date.
Mrs. Grant was born December 26, 1953 in Owensboro, KY to the late William O. Payne and the late Enell Kaye Price Payne. Victoria was a loving and loyal friend, generous and hard-working. She loved her family and adored her dog, Charlie. She enjoyed spending time with her family and vacationing in the Smoky Mountains. She was a spitfire and had a great sense of humor. She was a Title Clerk with an automobile dealership for many years, and is now at peace with Bill, her best friend/brother.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Grant was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Payne.
She is survived by her son, Troy Wade Canary; and 4 grandchildren, Dylan, Austin, Colbi, and Jaxson.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME-
509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000
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Tom Richards
April 24, 1951 ~ April 8, 2025 (age 73)
Walter Thomas “Tom” Richards, husband of the late Sandra Stark Richards, passed away on April 8, 2025. Born to the late Kathryn Southall Richards and James Selvyn Richards, Tom was known for his humorous jokes and illustrative storytelling. A lifelong resident of the city of Cedar Hill, TN, where he served as Mayor for 26 years.
His devotion to his family was evident in all he did, from his thoughtful gestures to his unwavering support. The birth and life of his daughter, Hanna Makay Richards, was one of his most cherished accomplishments. Tom leaves behind a legacy of love, courage, and dedication. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who have had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his daughter Hanna (Minka) Richards, sons, Stan (Rhonda) Cherry and David (Paula) Cherry, daughter-in-law Jessica (TJ) Gaia, grandchildren Hayden, Alayna, Connor, Collin, Cooper, and Cohen Richards, and sisters Vickie (George) Anderson and Mary Kathryn Sprouse. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, brothers James Eugene, Robert Hunter, and John Wayne Richards, sisters Estelle Grambihler, Louise Richards, Eve Johnson, and Frankie Fletcher, and son Eric Steven Richards.
As we mourn the loss of Dad, Daddy Tom, Uncle Tom, Tommy, we celebrate the life he lived and the indelible mark he left. Rest in peace, Tom. You will be missed.
Memorial services will be conducted Thursday April 17th at 12 noon in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home
with Jessica Gaia and Tim Harris officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday April 17th from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home. Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Wright, Roger Keith, Troy Head and grandsons Connor, Collin, Cooper, and Cohen Richards.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Jo Byrns High School and may be sent c/o the Robertson County Funeral Home.
Services have been entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home
This obituary is a courtesy of Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Roy Wayne White
March 4, 1954 ~ April 8, 2025 (age 71)
Roy Wayne White, age 71, of Clearwater, FL and formerly of Greenbrier, passed from this life on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Accent Care Hospice Mease IPC in Dunedin, FL after a courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Oakhurst Chapel of Robertson County Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Greenbrier Cemetery with Luke White, Matthew White, Derek White, Brent White, Carney White, Jr., Cory White, Will White, and Dale Spain serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 AM until the time of service.
Mr. White was born March 4, 1954, in Nashville. He was a Christian and a retired plumber. He enjoyed Nascar and coin collecting, He was preceded in death by his sons, Shawn White and Roy White, Jr; mother, Lillian Ruth Weaver White; father, Jason Junior White; and wife, Terry Tenpenny White.
Surviving Roy are his daughter and son-in-law, Jenifer and Todd Averitt of Clarksville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Carney and Debbie White of Goodlettsville, Jason and Susan White of Greenbrier, and Jeff and Lisa White of Greenbrier; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Bill Compton of Zachary, LA; grandchildren, Shawn (Kaitlyn) White, Jr., Olivia and Ella Averitt, and Paige, Justin, and Joey White; great-grandchildren, Charlie and Jaxon White; companion, Debbie Armstrong; and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home.
This obituary is a courtesy of Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Carl Edward Robertson
April 11, 1957 ~ April 11, 2025 (age 68)
Carl Edward Robertson, age 68 of Greenbrier, passed from this life on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Tristar NorthCrest Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM at South Haven Baptist Church that is located on the hill with Dr. Frank Gagliano, Bro. Mitchell Buck, Bro. Lee White, and Pastor Nester Patino officiating. Burial will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Tuesday at Robertson County Funeral Home from 2 until 7 PM and Wednesday at the church from 10 AM until the time of service.
Mr. Robertson was born April 11, 1957 in Springfield. He was a member of South Haven Baptist Church. He was retired from Peterbilt where he worked as a painter and then South Haven Baptist Church where he was a custodian. He enjoyed tinkering on old cars with his brothers and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Carl was preceded in death by his son, Carl Jason Robertson, father, George Walter Robertson; mother, Dorothy Lee Wilson Jones; step-father, Edward Jones; and a brother, George Robertson.
Surviving him are his wife, Vickie Wilson Robertson of Greenbrier; daughter, Victoria Robertson (Jon Daniel) Williams of Greenbrier; grandchildren, Kelsea Robertson (Luke) Arkell, Luke Robertson, Heidi Williams, Elliott Williams, and Alexander Williams; great grandchildren, Maddie, Leevi, Jason Lane, and Justin Arkell; brothers, Joe (Connie) Robertson of Springfield, Jerry Robertson of Dover, Freddie (Sherry) Robertson of Springfield, Carlos (Debbie) Robertson of Springfield, and Lynn (Karen) Robertson of Springfield; sisters, Janie Traughber of Springfield, Cheryl (L.T.) Maplesden of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Marie Robertson of Ashland City, and Nancy (Kenneth) Lamb of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home.
This obituary is a courtesy of Robertson County Funeral Home.
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Joseph Creighton Miller
November 29, 1943 — April 11, 2025
Hendersonville, TN
Joseph Creighton Miller, also known as “Joe” and “Creighty” an esteemed attorney and beloved family man, passed away on April 11, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 81. Born on November 29, 1943, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Joseph dedicated 26 years to his career as a legal practitioner; he earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Jefferson University in 1965 before obtaining his law degree at Vanderbilt in 1969.
Joe’s distinguished service to his country included time spent in the United States Army, where he was a Captain in the Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG Corps). His calm demeanor, sense of humor, and love for his country were characteristics that endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A devoted father, Joe is survived by his children, Joel Miller (Shonda), Heather Miller Renfroe (Scotty), Ashley Miller, and Kristin Fowlkes. He was also a cherished grandfather, fondly known as Grandpap and Pap, to Cole, Lexi, Joshua, Lauren, Ryan, Charlie, and Connor. Joe’s pride in his grandchildren was immeasurable, as they brought him great joy and fulfillment throughout his life.
In addition to his immediate family, Joe leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom will remember him as a guiding light and source of inspiration.
Outside of his professional life, Joe embraced a range of interests. He was an avid fan of Steelers football, enjoyed reading, found pleasure in old movies and classic radio shows, and cherished the sounds of oldies music. He also loved bird watching, grilling, and creating memories with family and friends.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Guy Molinaro and Anna Mrukot, as well as his brother, Sam Miller, and many aunts and uncles. His legacy of laughter, dedication, and love will live on through all those he touched during his remarkable life.
The Miller family is extremely grateful for the care and kindness of the staff at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
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Esther Ruth Sullins
August 6, 1933 – April 7, 2025
Esther Ruth Winfrey Sullins, age 91 of Cottontown passed away Monday, April 7, 2025 at Stone Creek Memory Care in Hendersonville. She was born August 6, 1933 in Nashville, TN to Ollie Aaron & Wilma Lois O’Brien Winfrey. She worked as a receptionist for Dr. Anthony Trabue before her retirement. She was a member of Kemper Heights Church of Christ. She enjoyed exercising and walking every day, traveling, attending church, preparing food for others and always being ready to serve in any way she was needed at her church.
Others were amazed at how well she could remember all the words and verses to just about any hymn that was sung. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter Edward Sullins, Sr.; daughter, Pam Lawrence; grandson, Daniel Neil Sullins; sister, Eunice Priscilla Smalling; 2 brothers, Ray Carl Winfrey and Ralph Aaron Winfrey. She is survived by her sons, Eddie (Neva) Sullins, Cottontown, TN and Mike (Condra) Sullins, Ringgold, GA; son-in-law, Scott Lawrence, White House, TN; 5 grandchildren, Jody Sullins, Cory Sullins, Cody Sullins Walt Sullins & Max Lawrence; 8 great-grandchildren, Anna Reece, Walter IV, Bennett, Sloan, JJ, Essie, Hailey, Grace and Sam.
Funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 11am in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House with Mike Richardson officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 15, 2025 4-8PM & Wednesday, April 16, 2025 9-11AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow in White House Memorial Gardens with family serving as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Kemper Heights Church of Christ 1040 Tuckahoe Drive Madison, TN 37115 ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
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Blythe Kypton Cooper
February 24, 2025 – April 6, 2025
Blythe Kypton Cooper, age 41 days, went home to be with Jesus Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Vanderbilt Medical Center. He was born February 24, 2025 to Jacob Gideon & Kaylee Lynn Grammer Cooper.
He is survived by his parents; Jacob & Kaylee Cooper, Cottontown, TN; maternal grandparents, Thomas and Erika Grammer, Millersville, TN; paternal grandparents, Jake and Gina Cooper, Cottontown, TN; 7 uncles; 5 aunts; numerous cousins. \
There are no services or visitation planned. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
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