Ricky Wayne Hood
by: Dwayne PageJun 20, 2025
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
by: Dwayne PageJun 20, 2025
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
by: Dwayne PageJun 18, 2025
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.