David Burton Dillard
by: Dwayne PageMay 12, 2025
David Burton Dillard, 65, of Smithville, TN, a master craftsman and beloved comedian at heart, passed away peacefully at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro, TN after more than 20 years battling cancer and related health issues.
Born on May 23, 1959, in Ferndale, Michigan, David grew up with a passion for craftsmanship. After graduating from Lamphere High School, David built a career in construction and later specialized in cabinetry, delighting in teaching his trade and sharing his humor. Known for his quick wit and sayings like ‘Bub, one stipulation!’ David brought laughter to every room.
David is survived by his children, Edward (Shannon) Dillard and Jolene (Matt Short) Dillard, both of Murfreesboro, who inherited his love for creating and laughing; his brother, Kerry (Diane) Dillard, of Troy, MI; and three grandchildren, Elliot Dillard, Lillian Dillard, and Jude Short. David also leaves behind cherished extended family, including his niece Tamara Dillard and nephew Kerry (Tracy) Dillard of Royal Oak, MI, niece Tia (Jesse) Adcock of Smithville, and niece Kylie Dildine of Sparta, along with their families.
David was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Jo Dean Dillard, of Troy, MI, and his siblings, Duane Dillard and Sandra Dildine, both of Smithville.
David’s loyal dogs, Izzy and Baby, were his constant companions, and he was grateful for the unwavering support of dear friends Jerry Taylor and Jeremy Mauldin in his final years.
David’s requests were to be an organ donor and for his body to be donated to medical/cancer research. There will be no public service at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in David’s name to Cancer Research Institute at cancerresearch.org
If David ever called you ‘Bub’ or shared one of his renowned stipulations, you knew you were a true friend.
Roger Dale Summers
by: Dwayne PageMay 11, 2025
Roger Dale Summers, age 75, of Smithville, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Willow Branch in McMinnville. Born on March 24, 1950, in Smithville, TN, he was the son of the late John Lee and Vera Pedigo Summers. Roger was previously employed by O’Reilly Auto Parts and DeKalb County Sanitation Services as a truck driver. He was a member of the Brethren in Christ Church.
Roger is survived by his son, Kenneth Robin (Leighann) Summers of Dowelltown; three grandchildren, Victoria (Bryan) Cordell of Sale Creek, JT Summers, and Eric Summers both of Dowelltown; and one great-grandchild, Harper Cordell of Sale Creek. He is also survived by his siblings, Bobby Summers of Smithville, Kay Bailiff of Dowelltown, Jeanette Paris of McMinnville, and Doug (Kathy) Summers of Liberty. Special family members Carlos Lopez Stiff and John Curtis, both of Smithville, and Martha Parker of Woodbury, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins, also mourn his passing.
In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Miriam Summers, and his brothers, Albert Lee Summers and Gordon Summers.
Visitation with the family will be held on Monday from 2-7pm and on Tuesday from 11am until the time of service at 2pm followed by burial in Pedigo-Summers Cemetery.
The family has requested that donations be made to Love-Cantrell Funeral Home to help with burial expenses.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Marvin Lindell Beckham
by: Dwayne PageMay 10, 2025
Marvin Lindell Beckham age 93 of Dowelltown, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 8, 2025. He was born in Doniphan, MO to his parents, the late Wardie Auther and Ruby Ward Beckham. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Beckham; 2 sons, Kenneth Beckham and Jerry Beckham; and brother, Thomas Beckham. He was the owner of Gino’s Bar-B-Que for almost 48 years. He was a member of Center Hill Lodge 77 and a Shriner. Marvin served in the United States Air Force for over 21 years. He is survived by 7 grandchildren, Jennifer Chapman and Nikki Beckham both of Smithville, JJ Beckham and Chase Beckham both of Cookeville, Chesney (Blake) Ayers, Danny (Callie) Crews and Matthew Exum; 5 great-grandchildren, Brady (Allison) Hughes, Carleigh Beckham, Whitleigh Chapman, Lily Beckham and Emma Beckham; 2 great-great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Presley Hughes; adopted daughter, Vickey (Dan) Crews. There will be a Masonic Service on 6 PM Monday evening, May 12, 2025 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be 1 PM Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens with Military Honors conducted by the Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation with the family will be on Monday 3 PM until 7 PM and Tuesday 10:AM until the time of the service at 1 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Beckham family.