Obituaries: Week of June 1, 2025, In Loving Memory
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:
(Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Joyce Marie Jones
May 31, 1959 ~ May 29, 2025
65 Years Old
Joyce “Goggie” Marie Jones, also known as Gunny, age 65, of Springfield, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025, at her home. A Time of Visitation with the family will occur on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Ms. Jones is survived by her daughter: Caitlin (Alan) Lemmons of Cedar Hill, granddaughter: Averie Lemmons of Cedar Hill, four out of five of her sisters: Deborah “Debbie” (Rick) Grudowski of Highpoint, NC, Patricia “Patty” Arms of Springfield, Brenda (Scott) Lawson of Springfield, and Sandra (William) Wright of Springfield, the father of her daughter: Otis Mark Walker of Barren Plains, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and an aunt. Aside from her blood family, Joyce had a lot of “chosen” family, whom she chose to love.
She is preceded in death by her parents: Bobbie Jane Draper Jones and Forest Edward Jones, sister: Ruth Cruse, nephew: Benny Johnston, and great-nephews: Zach Smith and Owen Lewis Jones. She will be met by her fiancé: Richard McCreary, and all of her friends and chosen loved ones who passed before her.
Joyce was an avid reader from a young age. She loved non-feathered animals and running the farm fields. As a teen/young adult, she thoroughly enjoyed running the roads with her sisters and friends, just living life for what it was worth. As she aged, things became simpler. Joyce kept with her wild and hippy soul, but she lived slower and more focused. She would give you the shirt off her back and cuss you at the same time. She was a true once-in-a-lifetime spitfire of a person.
Ms. Jones loved and adored her daughter and granddaughter. Averie gave light back to her life. She is sitting and smiling, surrounded by books, blaring her music, and catching up with long-missed loved ones. Joyce was a giver, fighter, lover, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend, and overall, a genuinely good human. She will be missed to an unfathomable capacity.
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Frank Harelson Foley
April 10, 1934 – May 25, 2025
Frank Harelson Foley, age 91, of Adams, TN, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025 at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. Service arrangements are incomplete at this time, but will be announced at a later date.
Mr. Foley was born April 10, 1934, in Davis, CA, to the late Leo Foley and the late Clarice Harelson Foley. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and had spent his life serving in law enforcement, mainly as Police Chief.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Foley was preceded in death by 2 grandchildren, Brieanna Nicole Fisher, and Darren Scott Fisher; and 4 brothers.
He is survived by a son, Ronald Foley; daughter, Shani Birdwell; 6 grandchildren, Alicia, Mellisa, Brent, Steven, Derek, and Stephanie; numerous great grandchildren; and a very special friend and caregiver, Nicole at Oak Pointe Assisted Living.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to an organization that was near and dear to Mr. Foley’s heart: Survivors of Blue Suicide Foundation (SBS), P.O. Box 3199, Camdenton, MO 65020 or by visiting www.survivorsofbluesuicide.org. This group is fostering hope by uniting survivors of law enforcement suicide to support one another and honor our fallen heroes.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. www.austinandbell.com
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000
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William Robert Hardester III
April 16, 1939 – May 26, 2025
William Robert Hardester, III, age 86 passed away Monday evening May 26, 2025 at his home. He was born April 16, 1939 in Baltimore, MD to William Robert & Alice Marrietti Hardester, Jr.. He was a Captain with the Baltimore County Fire Department at the time of his retirement. He took great pride in his service with the fire department.
He enjoyed early morning walks with Ms. Jane, working on cars with his friend Rod and eating at Cracker Barrel. He was happiest when he was helping others. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sylvia Joyce Hardester; step-daughter, Crystal Francisco. He is survived by hia sons, Rob (Rachel) Hardester, Springfield, TN and Charles Michael (Suzanna) Francisco. Statesville, NC; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren. Funeral service is scheduled for Friday,, May 30, 2025 at 11 am in the chapel of Austin & Bell
Funeral Home in White House with Pastor H.D. Jones officiating. Interment will follow in White House Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Visitation is planned for Thursday, May 29, 2025 4pm-8pm and Friday, May 30 2025 10am-11am at the funeral home. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
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Eliizabeth Ann “Betty” Ford
March 18, 1941 – May 26, 2025
Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Ford, age 84 passed away, Monday, May 26th at Aviva Maybelle Carter Assisted Living in Madison, TN. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Monday June 2, 2025 at Spring Hill Cemetery in Nashville. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Betty was born March 18, 1941 in Madison, TN to the late Henry Horace and Martha Maris Phillips Davis. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Merrill Kent Davis. She is survived by brother, Bill (Mary Lou) Davis and sister-in-law, Kay Davis.
She was of the Baptist faith and was employed as a Stenographer at Dupont. She enjoyed reading and loved her cat, Patches.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959
Austin & bell funeral Home Greenbrier
2619 Hwy 41S, Greenbrier, TN 37073
(615) 643-4000 www.austinandbell.com
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Iva “Polly” Pauline Kirby
February 15, 1929 – May 27, 2025
Iva Pauline Kirby “Polly”, age 96 of Greenbrier passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at her home. She was born February 15, 1929 in Iron City, Tennessee to William Lonnie & Iva Lorene Hughley Nunley. She worked as a telephone operator for AT&T until her retirement. She was a member of Way Cross Church of Christ. She enjoyed traveling, cross stitch, gospel singing, especially the old hymns, Christmas, collecting nutcrackers, gold ornaments and Santas, gardening, blackberry picking and cooking for others.
She made quilts for all of her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eldon Kirby son, Randy Wotring;4 brothers, Alvin Nunley, Charles “CW” Nunley, Edgar Nunley and Dudley Nunley; 4 sisters, Dorothy Thoni, Nancy Gardner, Edith Vaughn and Joyce Nixon. She is survived by her daughter, Marsha McCloud, Greenbrier, TN; sister, Bert Montgomery, Madison, TN; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral service is scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025 at 12 Noon in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home with Mike Stewart officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery with her grandsons Alan Ballinger, Josh Ballinger, Joseph Walker, Dylen McCloud, Dustin McCloud, Brett Boyd and Reece Boyd serving as pallbearers. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025 3-9PM and Monday, June 9, 2025 10AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
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Brenda Faye McMichael
March 7, 1946 – May 28, 2025
Brenda Faye McMichael, age 79, of White House went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at her home. She was born March 7, 1946 in Old Hickory, TN to Jessie & Thelma Denton Richardson. She worked in Administrative positions until her retirement and was a member of Zion’s Chapel Assembly of God. She served as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent.
She was a Girl’s Club Leader and Coordinator for two churches. She also served in the choir, in various plays at both churches, was a VBS Director, Board Member, Women’s Ministry Secretary and Treasurer. She was also a nursery worker at one of the churches. She was preceded in death by her parents Jessie & Thelma Richardson; daughter, Amanda McMichael; sister, Carol Hayes.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Gary McMichael, White House, ATN; sons, Matthew (Stephanie) McMichael, Goodlettsville, TN and Jeffrey (Rachael) McMichael,, Columbia, TN; brothers, Mike (Debbie) Richardson, Cottontown, TN, Phil Richardson, Portland, TN, Roger (Sandra) Richardson, White House, TN, Jesse (Loli) Richardson, Cottontown, TN ; sister, Jan (Scott) Musgrove, Portland, TN; 4 grandchildren, Grace, Elijah, Dakota and Shelby.
Funeral service is scheduled for 1PM, Monday, June 2, 2025 at 1pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in WHite House with Pastor Larry Marlar and Bro. Tery Bailey officiating. Interment will follow in White House Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Visitation is planned for Monday, June 2, 2025 11am until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion’s Chapel Assembly of God 2848 New Hall Road Greenbrier, TN 37073. Thank you for your support of the McMichael family at this difficult time. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
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Patricia Milling
July 13, 1943 – May 28, 2025
Patricia Earle Milling, age 81, of Ashland City, Tennessee, formerly of Phenix City, Alabama, died Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3 o’clock pm, Saturday, May 31st, at Harper Road Free Will Baptist Church in Joelton, Tennessee, with her son, Rev. David Milling and her, grandson, Rev. Caleb Milling officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday beginning at 1:00PM until the hour of service at 3:00PM.
There will also be a graveside service at 3 o’clock pm, Monday, June 2nd, in Lakeview Memory Gardens in Phenix City, Alabama, with Rev. Matt Honeycutt officiating. The family will receive friends at Brooks Vance Funeral Home in Phenix City on Monday prior to the graveside service from 12:30PM until 2:30PM.
Ms. Milling was born on July 13, 1943 in Washington, D.C. to the late Paul Monroe Statham, Sr. & Helen Morgan Gaynelle Statham Brown.
Patricia, a proud alumna of Central High School in Phenix City, AL, where she distinguished herself as a drum majorette, carried her dedication to excellence throughout her life. She graduated summa cum laude from Troy State University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science, a testament to her keen intellect and commitment to learning.
Music was a lifelong passion for Patricia. For an incredible 75 years, she graced countless lives with her piano melodies, serving as a cherished church pianist or organist for many years. Her musical gifts extended beyond the piano; she also played the clarinet and oboe in school and later as a valued member of the Bob Barr Community Band in Columbus, GA. Patricia generously shared her love of music, teaching piano lessons to others, including a touching exchange where she taught a blind friend to play piano in return for him teaching her the accordion.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Patricia found joy in simple pleasures. She delighted in tackling crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and enjoyed countless hours playing solitaire on her tablet. Her love for animals was profound and encompassing. She cherished her birds, dogs, and cats, and held a special affection for horses and donkeys. Her compassionate spirit even extended to an unlikely friendship with a large hog named “Bubba.”
Patricia’s faith was a cornerstone of her life, evident in her tireless dedication to her church communities. For over 50 years, she faithfully taught Sunday school, shaping generations with her wisdom and spiritual guidance. Her commitment to her faith extended to leadership roles, as she held various positions in both local churches and the East Alabama Free Will Baptist district conference for 25 years.
Patricia Milling will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her profound musical talent, her sharp mind, her boundless compassion for all creatures, and her unwavering devotion to her faith. She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are Rev. Frank Fagan, Jimmy Hodge, Millard Tilley “MillMoo”, John Baird, Timothy Baird, and Rev. Allan Griffith.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Rodger William Milling, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Robin Ball Milling; and sister-in-law, Juellene Statham.
She is survived by her sons, Rodger William Milling, Jr, Rev. Mark Stephen Milling, and Rev. David Luke (Sharon) Milling, both of Ashland City, Tn; daughter, Rebecca Joy (Michael) Baird of Galloway, Ohio; brother, Paul M. Statham, Jr of Dawsonville, Georgia.; grandchildren, Rodger William Thomas, David Andrew Perkins, Rev. Caleb Luke (Callie) Milling, Bethany Rose Milling (Mitchell) Moody; great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Anna, A’leeah, Jackson, Sadie, Tucker, Cooper, and Clara; 1 great-great-granddaughter; nephews, Paul Statham and Greg Statham; and step-brother, Kenneth Jackson (Angie) Brown of Alabama.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Patricia’s memory to: Harper Road Free Will Baptist Church Building Fund, 7130 Harper Road, Joelton, Tennessee, 37080
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com
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Jimmy Risdon Drake
July 27, 1942 – May 29, 2025
Jimmy Risdon Drake, age 82, of Springfield, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the TriStar Centennial Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted at 3pm Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Battle Creek Baptist Church with Bro. Danny Dixon, and Bro. Billy Ellis officiating. Burial will follow in Battle Creek Cemetery with Warren Drake, Sam Todd, Bailey Todd, Elijah Johnson, Tony Ellis, and John Drake serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 1pm until 3pm Sunday, at the church.
Mr. Drake was born July 27, 1942 in Robertson County, to the late William Harvey Drake and the late Clara Watts Drake. He was a heavy equipment operator for the Rogers Group for 30 plus years, worked in construction for 60 plus years, and helped build a lot of roads throughout the state of Tennessee and other states. Mr. Drake was a member of Battle Creek Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Drake was preceded in death by a daughter, Theresa Drake; son, Anthony Scott Drake; great grandson, Dayton Johnson; sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Hughes Ellis; and a special best friend, Leroy Mayes.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kay Drake; son, Warren (Megan) Drake; daughter, Tanya (Sam) Todd; 2 grandchildren, Emma (Elijah) Johnson, and Samuel Bailey Todd and his fiancé Jordan Gibson; 3 great grandchildren, Stella Johnson, Walker Johnson, and Penny Gibson; brother, Johnny Drake; and sisters, Loretta (Gene) Morehead, and Linda Coakley; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins; and a special best friend, Dennis Coakley.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. www.austinandbell.com
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000
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Gwendolyn Pfeffer
June 17, 1944 – May 29, 2025
Gwendolyn Joy Pfeffer, age 80, of Ashland City, Tennessee, died Thursday, May 29, 2025, at her home.
Her wishes were to be cremated, and a private memorial service will be held.
Mrs. Pfeffer was born on June 17, 1944, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Hubert Wells and Wilhelmena Sears Day. She was a homemaker who dedicated her life to her family. She was her grandkids biggest cheerleader and never missed one of their events. Known as everyone’s “Mutter”, she was a constant source of joy. She was an avid sports fan and especially loved the Tennessee Vols. Mrs. Pfeffer was a devout evangelist and had been a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church since her childhood.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Shirley Taylor and Mary “Babe” Knight; brother, Luther “Buzzy” Lutterll; and son, Greg Pfeffer.
She is survived by her husband, Dennis Pfeffer; sons, Brannon (Julie) Pfeffer and Hans (Marley) Pfeffer; honorary daughter, Shenia (Langdon) Altom; daughter-in-law, Tammy Pfeffer; grandchildren, Gunner Pfeffer, McKenna Marcum, Torrin Pfeffer, Ansley Pfeffer, Caison Pfeffer, Hagan Pfeffer, Lindsey Jacoway, Natalie Pfeffer, Hunter Alsup, Mikayla Yates, Jay Rowe, Dustin Kindred, Alexandria Rowe and kids; and great-grandchildren, J.B. Jacoway, Resse Farrar, Aiden Yates, Sadie June Yates, and Paislee Yates.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com
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Sonia Eloise Andrews
July 21, 1934 – May 30, 2025
Visitation Friday, June 6, 2025 10AM-2PM at Austin & Bell White House. Funeral service Friday, June 6, 2025 at 2PM in the chapel. Burial Warren Brinkley Cemetery Highway 31W White House, TN. A full obit to follow. www.austinandbell.com
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Dianne Lynn Boileau
June 7, 1972 – May 30, 2025
Dianne Lynn Boileau, age 52 of White House Passed away May 30, 2025 at her home. She was born June 7, 1972 in Lackawanna, NY to Bernard Leon & Geraldine Ballinger Bochenski. She worked as a bank teller until becoming disabled. She was an avid Elvis fan. She loved music and musical facts, fishing and dancing (even though she had two left feet).
She was not a materialistic person and she had a very sharp wit. She loved being a mother more than anything else and was of the Catholic faith. She is survived by her parents, Bernie and Geri Bocheski, Dryden, NY; sons, Zachary “ZJ” (Noah) Daniel, Chickamauga, GA and Jordan (Carlos Arias-Mafus) Boileau, South Bend, IN; father of her children, Derik Boileau, Nashville, TN ;brother, Jason, Dryden, NY; sister, Patricia, Ocala, FL.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025 10:00 AM-1PM at Austin & Bell in White House. Memorial contributions are requested to The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard Memphis, TN 38116 ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
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Johnny Rediker
July 25, 1963 – May 31, 2025
John Bartlett Rediker “Johnny”, age 62 of Cedar Hill, Tennessee, died Saturday, May 31, 2025 at TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center in Springfield.
A graveside service will be conducted at the Webb Cemetery (Joelton) at 1:00PM Tuesday, June 3rd with family & friends serving as pallbearers.
There will be no visitation prior to the graveside service.
Johnny was bon on July 25, 1963 in Nashville, Tennessee to Louise Rediker & the late John A. Rediker. He had previously been employed as a computer repairman (information technology). Johnny loved using his tractor to make and keep his property in good condition; he also enjoyed gardening, hunting & fishing, and car racing (Dale Earnhart, Jr. was his favorite driver #88)
In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by a grandson.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife Brenda Rediker; son, Darryl Rediker; daughters, Shenia Pellum & Heather Brice; brothers, Richard (Vicki), Burford, & Phillip (Jeana) Rediker; sisters, Rita Rediker & Annette Berry; step-son, Chris Turner; step-daughter, Michelle Turner; numerous grandchildren & one great-grandchild.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com
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