Obituaries

Tommy Lowe Curtis went to his heavenly home on Thursday, June 19, 2025 following a short illness. Born in 1939, Tommy was the son of Jozy Curtis and Nora T. Askew Curtis. He was preceded in death by brothers, Paul and Joe Richard. Tommy is survived by his wife of 68 years Virginia Reeder Curtis, his children, Kathy (Mike Seyman), Kandy and Kirk, 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

A graduate of Belmont College and Southwestern Baptist theological Seminary, Tommy pastored churches in Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania and New York; throughout his 40 years ministry, he preached in 15 states at 115 churches. He began his ministry at New Hope Baptist Church in Alexandria, TN in 1963 and preached his last sermon in that same pulpit in May 2024.

Visitation will be held at New Hope Baptist Church on Monday, June 23 from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. followed by the service at 1 p.m.  Bro. Dave Shelley, Bro. Ronnie Smith and Bro. Ricky Skaggs will officiate. Burial will be in the Old New Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the maintenance fund of the Old New Hope Cemetery. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Great Grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice, our neighbors and friends, especially Dr. Kevin Rhody, Daphne Hobbs and Chelsey Smith for their support and care through Tommy’s final days here on earth. HUNTER FUNERAL HOME 615-237-9318

Ricky Wayne Hood, 60, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and resident of Columbia, passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025 at his residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Charles Hardison officiating. The family will visit with friends on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM, and on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 10:00 AM till the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Ricky’s memories will live on through his loving wife of 40 years, Sherri Caldwell Hood; and their sons, Chris (Melissa) Hood of Mt Juliet, and Dustin Hood of Nashville. Ricky was a proud and loving grandfather to his two granddaughters, Kendria and Mallory Hood. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends he also called family.

Born January 29, 1965 in Nashville, TN, he was the son of the late Charlie Alfred Hood and the late Alice Theola Oakley Hood. Ricky was also blessed later in life to be reconnected with his birth mother, Diana (Roger) Flesner; sisters, Lynda (Mark) Algee, and Melissa Trippe; and brothers, Frank, John (Amy), and James Irvine.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Glenda Caldwell; and his birth father, Daniel Irvine.

He was a 1983 graduate of Santa Fe Unit School and attended David Lipscomb University where he met his wife Sherri. Mr. Hood was a member of the Church of Christ. Ricky was a former business owner of Dekalb Market in Smithville, TN and currently worked at the Kroger on Nashville Highway in Columbia. He was a community supporter wherever he called home. Ricky loved spending time with his granddaughters more than anything, was an avid fan of all things automotive, and took any chance to be on the sea.

Betty Jean Martin, age 92, of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Webb House in Smithville. Born on May 23, 1933, in Lancaster to her parents, the late Grady and Choncie Kelly Denny, Betty was a devoted homemaker and a cherished member of the Wolf Creek Baptist Church.

She is survived by her two sons, Gilbert Martin of Lancaster and Terry (Jennifer) Martin of Liberty, along with her three beloved grandchildren, Wyatt Martin, Lily Martin, and Madison Martin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Luther Lee Martin.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 22, at 2pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Leftwich officiating. Burial will follow in Braswell Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday from 4-8pm and on Sunday from 11am until the time of service at 2pm.

The family extends a gracious thank you to Gentiva Hospice, Dr. Hugh Don Cripps, and the wonderful staff of the Webb House for their love and care. 

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations please be made to Braswell Cemetery or Gideon bibles. 

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

Delores DeLong age 99 of McMinnville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at Willow Branch on Tuesday morning, June 17, 2025. Born in West Virginia on August 22, 1925, she lived a long and joyful life marked by deep family ties and a lively spirit.

Delores was preceded in death by her beloved husband of many years, Lloyd DeLong; her parents, Samuel Boyd and Katie Mae Meddings Rhodes; 2 brothers, Marvin and Melvin Rhodes; 2 sisters, Tressie Jepaway and Thelma Paxton.

She is survived by her special niece, Linda (Delmas) Moore; great-niece and nephew, Melissa Moore and Douglas Moore, whom she considered her grandchildren; and great-great-nieces and nephew, Erin Perry, Jaksyn Moore and Matthew Perry, whom she cherished as her great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind sisters-in-law, Freda (David) Frazier and Evelyn (Norval) Young, along with many other nieces and nephews.

Known for her love of Christmas and all things festive, Delores brought warmth and laughter to every room she entered. Her passion for crafting was only matched by the size of her personality – big, bold and full of heart.

Funeral services will be 1 PM Thursday, June 19, 2025 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Garry McBride officiating and burial will follow in Jefferson Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday 11:AM util the time of the service at 1 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the DeLong family.

Harlon Lee Bates, Jr., of Smithville, age 75 passed away Monday June 16, 2025, at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. He was born August 12, 1949, to his parents the late Harlon Lee and Maudie Rene Bates, Sr., In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Bates; 2 children, Chris and Jason Bates, half-brothers, Allen Myrtle Bates and Homer Bates; half-sister, Thelma Jean Brazier. Mr. Bates was a member of Pomeroy Chapel Church and worked at Carrier Corporation for 37 years. Funeral services will be Friday June 20, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel at 12:Noon, with Bro. Donnie Kelly and Bro. Bryan Jones officiating with burial to follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday June 19, 2025, 2 PM till 7 PM and on Friday June 20, 2025, 10:AM until the time of the service at 12:Noon. He is survived by children, Jeffery Lee Bates of Smithville, and Carol (Curt) Morse of Sparta and 3 stepchildren; grandchildren, Brian (Samantha) Bates, Kalene Farley, Megan and Curt Morse, Jr.; great-grandchild, Kayden Bates; numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive; sisters, Ann Pinegar, Cathy Edge, Lou (Eddie) Stanley. In lieu to flowers the family ask donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Memory of Mr. Bates. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Bates Family.

Caleb Lee Minnear, age 34, of Arizona, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Born on May 16, 1991, in Smithville, TN, he was the beloved son of Eugene Minnear and Mary Street Minnear. Caleb was a lead mechanic at Pep Boys.

He is survived by his parents, Eugene and Mary Minnear (Donny); his son, Keegan Reese; his cherished Granny, Peggy Minnear; his uncle, Joey Minnear; his aunt, Tammy (Bill) Quistgaard and Tracy Street; uncle, Dan Street; brothers, Clinton Cope and Jonathon Conaster; and his special cousins, Rebecca Hodges, Kelly Little, and Aurora Jean. Caleb also leaves behind several other cousins and many friends who will miss him dearly.

Caleb was preceded in death by his sister, Felicia Ann; grandmother, W.T. Taylor; grandfather, Paw Donald Minnear; uncle, Woody Minnear; and his brother, Micheal Minnear.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 18, at 2pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Minnear Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Wednesday from 10 until the time of service at 2.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lighthouse Christian Camp in memory of Caleb.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Tommy Wayne Alexander, age 73, of Smithville, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at NHC in Smithville. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Tommy was a retired schoolteacher, football coach, and TWRA officer. He was also a member of the Smithville Church of Christ, an avid University of Tennessee fan, and a passionate golfer.

Born on October 20, 1951, in Woodbury, Tennessee, Tommy was the son of the late Robert Edward and Jean Northcutt Alexander. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, David Wayne Alexander; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Jacqueline Robinson; and his brother-in-law, Wayne Robinson.

Tommy’s legacy lives on through his loving wife of 48 years, Joyce Robinson Alexander, and their son, Rob Alexander, both of Smithville. He was a proud grandfather to Brandtley and Camden Alexander of Sparta. He is also survived by his brother, Jimmy Alexander of Smithville; sisters-in-law Wanda Russell, Debra Robinson, Jackie Stockling, and Gloria Robinson; brothers-in-law Terry (Sara) Robinson and David (Linda) Robinson, all of Smithville; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

Visitation with the family will be held on Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, with Bro. Larry Green officiating. Burial will follow at DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lighthouse Christian Camp.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Linda Kay Bailiff, aged 79, of Dowelltown, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025. Born on November 1, 1945, in Smithville, TN, she was the beloved daughter of the late John Lee and Vera Pedigo Summers. She was a talented seamstress, a profession she cherished both as a career and a hobby and a member of the Dowelltown Baptist Church.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter-in-law Gail Bailiff, and her brothers Gordon Summers, Roger Summers, Albert Lee Summers, and Aaron Pedigo.

She is survived by her four loving children: June (Robert) Keith of Smithville, Gerald Bailiff of Smithville, Ricky (Christina) Bailiff of Liberty, and Tiwanda (Wesley) Hall of Watertown. Her legacy continues through her nine grandchildren: Bryan (Brandi) Keith, Britni (Will) Judkins, Kalah (Brandon) Donnell, John Bailiff (Emily Hendrixson), Myranda (Trinity) Gibson, Austin (Tiffany) Willmore, Jordan Bailiff, Carl (Cara) George, and Olivia Hall, as well as three grandchildren-by-heart: Tyler Hicks, Allison Keith, and Sandra Vasquez. She was also blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren, her siblings: Bobby Summers, Jeanette Farris, and Doug (Cathy) Summers, along with special neighbors, nieces, nephews, and cousins who will all miss her dearly.

Funeral services will be on Friday, June 13 at 1pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Summers-Pedigo Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Wednesday from 5-8, Thursday from 10-8, and on Friday from 10 until the time of service at 1pm.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Jackie Ralph Rigsby age 90, of Smithville passed away at his residence Monday night June 9, 2025. He was born July 12, 1934, to his parents the late Martin Luther and Sallie Ann Pack Rigsby. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Rigsby; daughter, Lori Ann Nokes; sister, Ruby Cook; 4 brothers, Elijah Rigsby, Willie Rigsby, Grady Rigsby, and Elzie Rigsby. Mr. Rigsby was a faithful member of the Indian Creek Baptist Church and retired from AVCO. Funeral services will be 4 PM Thursday June 12, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Rick Lee officiating and burial to follow in Jefferson Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday 2 PM till 7 PM and on Thursday 11:AM until the time of the service at 4: PM. He is survived by son, Jackie Darrell Rigsby of Smithville; 3 grandchildren, Joe (Brandy) Rigsby of Lebanon, Calab Rigsby of Clarksville and Emma (Brad) Alverson of Smithville; great-grandchildren, Alice Alverson, Alexis Barnes, Ethan Barnes, Bodhi Rigsby, Easton Rigsby, Towa Rigsby, Rukia Rigsby, and Sora Rigsby. In addition to flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation or Lighthouse Christian Camp in memory of Mr. Jackie. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Rigsby family.

Toby Cantrell age 76 of Smithville, passed away at his residence on Monday night June 9, 2025. He was born March 17, 1949, to his parents the late John Curtis and Elma Louise Womack Cantrell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Nina Moore. Mr. Cantrell was a member of the New Bildad Primitive Baptist Church and worked as a Run Test Tech for more than 30 years at Carrier Air Conditioning. Funeral services will be 1 PM Thursday June 12, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Elder Joseph Arnold and Elder Jeff Winfree officiating and burial in New Bildad Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday 1 PM till 7 PM and Thursday 10:AM until the time of the service at 1 PM. He is survived by wife, Carolyn Cantrell of Smithville; children, Jamie (Andrew) Cantrell, Lisa (Dustin) Prater, and Teresa Cantrell Atnip all of Smithville; grandchildren, Sarah (Ricardo) Torres, Hannah (Nathan) Moore, Isaac Cantrell, Lauren (Kyle) Thompson, Maddie Prater, Zachary Atnip, Peyton Atnip. great-grandchildren, R. J. Torres, Javi Torres, Toby Moore, Henry Moore, Tobin Thompson; brother, Stanley (Sharon) Cantrell; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends also survive. The family ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Cantrell family.