Obituaries: Week of September 28, 2025, In Loving Memory
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:
(Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Betty (Old) Randolph
February 14, 1929 ~ September 23, 2025
96 Years Old
Betty Frances Old Randolph was born on Valentine’s Day in 1929 in Watertown, Tennessee. She died on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the age of 96 in Bluffton, South Carolina. She grew up on a farm in Wilson County, the daughter of Louise Neal Old, with support from her grandmother, “Mammy” (Frances Caroline Hawthorne Neal) and with her beloved brother, Ralph Neal Old, who predeceased her.
She met the love of her life, Winston Durrett Randolph, at the University of Tennessee-Martin. They married on August 31, 1947, and were inseparable for 75 years, affectionately known as Pops and Gran for much of their adult lives to their children and grandchildren. Winston would often share the story of the day he fell in love with Betty at first sight on the steps of the church in Watertown, saying that from that day on he “never told her no and didn’t intend to.” She was one of the original entrepreneurs, though that term wasn’t used much at the time. She moved to Springfield with Winston and joined the family hardware business, launching her own business, Randolph’s Gifts and Interiors, inside the hardware store.
Wedding registries, baby showers, and special occasions were dotted with beautifully wrapped boxes from the gift shop. Many Robertson County residents still have stamped boxes with the horse and carriage in their attics. Betty and Winston retired from the hardware and gift businesses in 1990 and moved to Florida, where they lived for 22 years. Betty was a Southern lady and socialite with many friends who somehow managed to run a business, have a Jell-O salad in the refrigerator, and a cake ready to go at all times. She prepped meals on Sunday, long before this was a fad on social media. She knew plants and decorating but was also frugal and loved a deal. She was an active member of the Garden Club. After retiring, she couldn’t leave her entrepreneurial tendencies behind and collected antiques, reselling them at antique shows and in booths across Tampa, Middle Tennessee, south central Kentucky, and North Carolina.
In 2002, Betty and Winston moved back to Tennessee to be near their family, where they built a new home and remained active, traveling, and keeping up with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family and friends will always remember Betty for her indefatigable spirit, strong will, and commitment to friends and family. She never let her grandchildren win at Rummy Cube or any other game (or anyone else for that matter). She was known in her independent living center as fiercely competitive, accumulating more (as she called it) “funny money” than any other resident. She loved whipping cream and anything laripin, and a special treat was eating a freshly whipped bowl “before Pops got home.” She had impeccable taste and collected beautiful things, was a loyal friend, and had high expectations for those around her. She was fiercely independent, a woman of strong faith, and an exceedingly generous spirit.
She is survived by her son Trent Randolph (Constance), and daughter Patricia Rogers (Conrad), as well as five grandchildren: Keri Randolph (Chattanooga), Caroline Randolph (Cross Plains) and Laurel Randolph (Los Angeles); Jarod Rogers (Hastings, Nebraska) and Jessica Rogers Smith (Greeley, Colorado), six great-grandchildren, many extended family, and friends, and her almost constant companion and dog, Molly. The family expresses their gratitude to the caregivers who allowed her to live her life on her own terms in her last months.
Graveside services will be conducted Friday, September 26th at 11:00 a.m. in the Elmwood Cemetery in Springfield with Tim Harris officiating. There will be no visitation prior to the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider carrying on Gran’s love of feeding those she loved by donating in her memory to Second Harvest Food Bank, Samaritan’s Purse, or a charity of your choosing.
Services have been entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home
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Elsie (Gardner) Barbee
December 5, 1932 ~ September 29, 2025
92 Years Old
Elsie Gardner Barbee, 92, of Springfield, passed from this life on Monday September 29, 2025, at her home. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday October 2nd at 2:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Brother Joe Rushing and Brother Barry Throneberry officiating. Interment will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery with C.W. Robertson , Justin Robertson, Todd Barbee, Brandt Trinkler, Gunner Barbee, and Liam Robertson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Dave White. The family will receive friends on Thursday October 2nd from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Ms. Elsie was born December 5, 1932, in Nashville, to the late Harry Amos and Nora Bell Clark Gardner. She was a graduate of Adairville High School, where she enjoyed being a cheerleader. Ms. Elsie was a longtime member of the Main Street Church of Christ in Springfield and was a self-employed Artist. She enjoyed art, music, acting, and modeling. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Gene Barbee, by her grandson: Trey Barbee, by her great grandchild: Hailyn Sanford, by her brothers: Fred and Dewayne Gardner, and by her sister: Lois Herndon.
Ms. Elsie is survived by her children: G.G. Barbee and wife Wynne Ann of Springfield, Ava Thompson of Springfield, and Andrew Barbee and wife Jeannie of Greenbrier, by her grandchildren: Angel Barbee, C.W. Robertson, Justin Robertson, and Todd Barbee, by her step grandchild: Caroline Paterson, by her six great grandchildren, and by her brother: Bobby Gardner and wife Shirley of Greenville, KY.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Agape or to Herald of Truth and may be sent c/o the Robertson County Funeral Home.
Smokey Barn News did a story on her husband Gene (pictured below) a few years ago. Gene was granted his wish of flying one last time. Gene passed back in 2017. His obituary can be seen here. Smokey Barn News interviewed both Gene and Elsie in this special report. CLICK HERE
Services have been entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home
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Dr. Kirk Oren Wells
January 7, 1958 – September 20, 2025
Dr. Kirk Oren Wells, 67, of Springfield, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly at his home on September 20, 2025.
Kirk was born on January 7, 1958, in Jackson, Tennessee, to Dr. Van Henry and Ruth (Streeter) Wells. He was the second of six children. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Mark Streeter Wells and Chris Alan Wells, and is survived by his siblings Kevin Lee Wells, David Keith Wells, and Ruth Lyn Wells.
In addition to his siblings, Kirk is also survived by his wife, Danielle, and three children, Chelsea Elise (26), Kieran Daniel (22), and Rylee Grace (21), who were the joy of his life.
Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Kirk graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1976. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1980, followed by his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences in 1984. A gifted student, Kirk was recognized with honors at every stage of his education.
Dr. Wells began his dental career in Springfield before establishing his longtime practice in Portland, Tennessee. What began as a small office grew into a trusted place of care, where patients traveled from across the country—some from as far as Maine—to see him. More than a dentist, Kirk used his work as a mission to serve others. He gave of himself endlessly, often setting aside his own needs to meet those of his patients, friends, and community. His faith guided his hands and his heart, and those who knew him saw both his skill as a dentist and his compassion as a Christian neighbor.
Kirk’s greatest sacrifices, however, were made quietly and daily for his family. He poured his life into giving them stability, security, and love—never hesitating to put them before himself. His children will always carry the memory of a father who gave his all so they could thrive.
Beyond his work and family, Kirk found his peace and joy in the outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish most of all, passions that kept him close to God’s creation and gave him some of his happiest moments. Whether on the water with a rod in hand or in the woods with a rifle, Kirk treasured those times as gifts to be shared with those he loved. He also enjoyed skiing, softball, and golf, but the outdoors was always where he felt most alive.
A graveside service to celebrate the life of Dr. Kirk Wells will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Liberty Church Cemetery in McNairy County. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, September 24, 2025, at Austin and Bell Funeral Home, 509 Walnut St, Springfield, TN, from 4–7 pm, and again on Thursday evening, September 25, 2025, at George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 2812 North Highland Ave, Jackson, TN, from 4–7 pm.
Kirk will be remembered for his deep sacrifice, his love of family, his joy in the outdoors, and his unwavering commitment to helping those who needed him most.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com
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Jim Greene
September 27, 1944 – September 21, 2025
James Mathew Greene “Jim”, age 80, of Ashland City, Tennessee, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Hillcrest Care Center in Ashland City.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12 o’clock noon, Saturday, September 27, at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View with his nephew, Richard Garza officiating. Burial will follow in EverRest of Cheatham.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, September 26th, from 4:00PM-7:00pm, and again on Saturday beginning at 10:00AM until the hour of service at 12:00 noon.
Jim was born on September 27, 1944, in Clarksville, Tennessee. He was retired from Nashville Ford Tractor as a parts manager and was a veteran of the United States Navy having served in the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member of the Bearwallow church of Christ. Jim was a gifted mechanic and also enjoyed raising cows. He was passionate about girls softball, having coached his daughters and many girls in the community.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Judy Greene; his infant daughter, Kathy; daughter, Jamie Hopkins; father, Harold Greene; his mother & step-father, Margaret Lipscomb & Bob Milburn; and sister, Patsy Garza.
He is survived by his daughter, Kelly (Jeff) Cody; son-in-law, Andy (Denice) Hopkins; brothers, Richard (Lucie) Greene, Harold (Theresa) Greene, and Mike (Mary) Greene; grandsons, Patrick & Caleb Hopkins and Benjamin Cody; and a large, loving family.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt “thank you” for the loving and compassionate care provided by Dr. Byron Haitas & Dr. Kevin McKechnie, and the staff at Hillcrest Care Center in Ashland City.
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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Bob Niebel, Sr.
July 2, 1938 – September 25, 2025
Robert “Bob” Niebel, Sr., age 87 of Ashland City, Tennessee passed away, Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Tri Star Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 o’clock am, Monday, September 29th, at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View with Bro. Johnny Trail & Bro. Jackson Erwin officiating.
Burial will follow at 1:00PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville with family and friends serving as pallbearers. His grandchildren are honorary pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, September 28th from 1:00-5:00PM, and again on Monday beginning at 10:00AM until the hour of service at 11:00AM.
Mr. Bob was born on July, 2, 1938, in Canton, Ohio, to Jack & Winifred Havener Niebel. He loved God, His Son, and the church. He also loved his entire family. Together, they enjoyed the great outdoors on their Cheatham County family farm.
A 1956 graduate of Timken High School in Canton, and 1960 graduate of David Lipscomb College in Nashville with his degree in Accounting, minors in Bible and Economics; received the NAA Award as top Accounting student. Returned to Canton, worked for Ernst & Ernst for 3 years. Back to Nashville, passed the CPA exam on the first attempt. Nashville employers were: Avco, as Auditor and Cost Mgr.; IKG Industries Divistion of Harsco as CFO; Thomas Nelson, starting as Controller, promoted upward over time, ultimately to Executive VP. He was on the Board of Directors for 32 years, the last decade thereof, on the Audit Comm. Subsequently, he was employed for 15 years at 21st Century Christian serving as Senior VP, overlapping the last Nelson Board years.
A member of the church of Christ. Served as deacon, taught multiple regular Bible classes and preached (as needed) for 4 congregations: 9th Street in Canton, OH; and Bordeaux, Parkwood and Sycamore Chapel in middle TN. At age 20 he began to teach Bible classes at Jordonia Reform School (boys up to 18), and at some personal risk, he checked out inmates. He was President of the Lipscomb Alumni Association, 1986-87.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, James Allen Niebel; and great-grandson, Charles Robert McCullough.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joyce Niebel; children Debbie Brown, Bob (Sheila) Niebel, Jr., and John (Donna) Niebel; grandchildren, Shelly (Chuck) Eisman, Katrina (T. J.) Bolin, Robby (Jewelia) Niebel, III, Rebecca (Taylor) McCullough, Wesley (Kelsey) Brown, Jerry Niebel, Erica (Josh) Vasquez and Tyler Niebel; great-grandchildren, Sarah Grona, Tommy, James & Steven Bolin, Weslynn Brown, Peyton Niebel, Joseph McCullough, Theo Vasquez, and Kyler Niebel; and sister-in-law, Sylvia Lanius.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Niebel’s memory to Sycamore church of Christ Orphan & Widow ministry in India, 2699 Old Clarksville Pike, Ashland City, Tn 37015 or American Diabetes Assoc., 220 Great Circle Rd, Ste 134, Nashville, Tn 37228.
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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Karen Lynn Hall
November 16, 1959 – September 28, 2025
Karen Lynn Hall, age 65 of Goodlettsville, passed away Sunday, September 28, 2025, at her residence. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Karen was born in Nashville, TN on November 16, 1959 to the late Thomas Martin Perry and Ruby Ann Hartley Perry.
She was employed as a CNA. Karen is survived by children, Buddy, Eva, Stevie, Rickey and Angel; grandson, William Bradley Clark-Skelton; siblings, Melissa Ann Perry, Eva J. Martin, Joann Hunnicutt and Nita Kay Duckett.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home 2619 Highway 41 S., Greenbrier, TN (615) 643-4000 www.austinandbell.com
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Nina Clay Thomas Curtis
August 3, 1937 – September 28, 2025
Nina Clay Thomas Curtis, age 88 of White House passed away Sunday, September 28, 2025 at The Residence of Alive Hospice. She was born August 3, 1937 in Flippin, KY to James Basil & Jessie Mae Turner Thomas. She was retired as a cosmetics manager for Kroger. She enjoyed shopping, flower and vegetable gardening, cooking, baking, feeding and watching the birds and the squirrels, especially the red birds. She was an avid Atlanta Braves and Kentucky Wildcats fan.
However, she loved spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren more than anything else. She is preceded in death by her parents; Father of her children and lifelong friend, Ed Curtis; son, Jackie Boyd Curis; daughter, Renee Priest; brothers, Rondold,and Raymond Thomas and an infant brother; sisters, Netta Emberton and Nelda Pardue. She is survived by her son, Tommy (Vera) Curtis, Orlinda, TN; 7 grandchildren, Chrissy Shanks, Ashley Thompson, Paige Bryant, Caity Yokely, Matt Priest, Chelsea Kirk and Ryker Curtis; 10 great-grandchildren, Jackson, Emily, Megan, Henry, Bentley, Briar, Hayden, Paxton, Sarah and Asa.
Funeral service is planned for Thursday, October 2 2025 at 10am in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House. Entombment will follow at 12:30pm at Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum with Mark Garrett, Terence Kirk, Bentley Kirk, Paul Bryant, Matt Priest and Hayden Bryant serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Ryker Curtis and Briar Kirk. Visitation is planned for Wednesday, October 1, 2025 5-7pm and Thursday, October 2, 2025 9-10am.
ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
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