Willie Henry Johnson

March 17, 2024

Willie Henry Johnson, age 68 of Smithville, passed away early Saturday morning at Signature Healthcare in Cookeville. He was a retired machine operator at Nashville Wire.

Mr. Johnson was born on November 8, 1955 in Smithville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Helen Pack Johnson. Two brothers, Willie James Johnson and Jewell Brown Johnson. Three sisters, Hattie Dickens, Helen Doris Adams, and JoDean Moore.

The family has chosen direct cremation and there will be no visitation.

He is survived by one son, Willie (Nikki) Johnson, Jr. of Gallatin. Two daughters, Teri (Robert) Gibson and Lisa Pack of Old Hickory. Four grandchildren, Trey Johnson, Colten Horstman, Destiny Lee and Michael Gibson. Two sisters, Ann Bickford of Spencer and Betty Bell of Smyrna.

Love Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

March 16, 2024

Carnell Roy Hyde, age 97 currently of Knoxville, TN passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law surrounded by her children and their spouses.

She was born September 21, 1926, to her parents, the late JF Roy and Betty Myrtle Keaton Roy of Smithville. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her 6 siblings, Grant (Nettie), Charlie (Kathleen) and Jay (Julia) Roy, Louise Smith, Ophelia (Pink Allen) Foutch and Mary (Tom) Dunn, her husband Vernon of 64 years and an infant daughter, Teresa Faye Hyde.

Survivors include her children, Paula (David) Crossley, Knoxville, Rita (Keith) White of Smyrna, Eddie (Mary) Hyde of Knoxville, her grandchildren, Carrie (Jeff) Stubblefield, Connie Crossley, Lindsay (Bil) Cadaret, Andrew (Rebekah) Crossley, Mollie (Matt) LoJacono, Abby Hyde, and Casey Hyde, and her great grandchildren, Tristan VanDette, Aiden Stubblefield, Joseph Cadaret, Garrett VanDette, Ben Cadaret, Hezekiah Crossley, Samuel Stubblefield, Malachi Crossley, Virginia LoJacono, Maryanne LoJacono, and Solomon Crossley. She is survived by a host of nieces and nephews who lovingly call her “Aunt Carnie”.

Affectionately nicknamed “Connie” by her late husband Vernon, she was a loving wife, mother, aunt, Granny and friend to all who knew her. She made many new friends at Trinity Hills Retirement Community and Sevier Heights Baptist Church of Knoxville, TN during the last 14 years.

Carnell was a member of First Baptist Church of Smithville as a child and again as adult when she and her family returned to Smithville in 1968. It was in this church she learned about Jesus and accepted Him as her Savior. She taught a ladies Sunday School class and was active in Baptist Women, the church choir and history committee. In the community she enjoyed the home demonstration club and gardening. Carnell’s career included secretarial and administrative assistant positions in Oak Ridge, Washington DC, Chattanooga, and Smithville Model City. She and her husband Vernon were realtors with Hyde Realty Company.

Funeral services for Carnell will be Thursday March 21, 2024, 12:30 pm at First Baptist Church Chapel, Smithville, TN. Visitation with the family will begin at 11AM until the service at 12:30PM at Smithville First Baptist Church located at 101 West Church Street, Smithville, TN 37166. Former Pastor, Dr. Mark Bass will officiate the service. Burial will follow the service in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the FBC of Smithville Building Fund and those donations may be made by calling or going by the funeral home.

Dekalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Hyde family.

March 16, 2024

James Keith Cannon, Jr., passed away peacefully on the 13th of March, 2024, in Cookeville, Tennessee. Born on August 30, 1971, in Atlanta, Georgia, Keith’s jovial spirit and generous nature touched the lives of many during his 52 years.

Keith is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Atkins Smith; and his mother, Louise Dyer. Keith’s legacy continues through his sons, Noah, Peyton and wife Michelle, and Devin Cannon, and his treasured grandchildren, Brayden and Addison Cannon, who will miss their grandfather’s humor and warmth.

His brothers, Tracy (Leslie) Cannon of Smithville, and Brandon and Mandee Dyer of Smithville, remember Keith as not just a sibling but a true friend. His stepsister, Shannon Chapman, stepmother, Charlene Cannon, and stepchildren, Tyler and Kaitlyn Smith, also mourn the loss of a man who brought joy and kindness into their lives.

Before his passing, Keith was preceded in death by his father, James Keith Cannon, Sr., his stillborn daughter, McKinsey Grace Cannon; his stepfather, Lloyd Dyer, along with his stepsisters, Lisa Hieatt and Denise Dyal.

A proud graduate of Dekalb County High School, Keith went on to build a respected career in the HVAC industry, where his charismatic personality shone as a salesman at Williams Wholesale Supply in Cookeville. He was well-known and well-liked within the industry, making not just clients but lifelong friends along the way.

Keith’s life was one filled with passion and hobbies. His love for vintage cars was more than just a pastime; attending car shows became a way for him to connect with others who shared his interests. He was a devoted fan of Tennessee Vols football, and his presence at games and gatherings was always a highlight for those around him.

His circle of friends, including Danny Davis, Brent Hollows, Richard Helms, Jason Webb, Rob Kulpa, Mike Rose, Reynold Valenzuela, Mark Walker, Donnie Adams and Steve Smith will sorely miss his ability to always have a joke at the ready and to get the last word in any conversation. Keith’s humor was a gift that he generously shared, making every moment with him memorable and full of laughter.

Keith’s life was a testament to the power of humor, generosity, and love. He was a man who cherished his family, made friends easily, and always left a lasting impression with his great sense of humor. The words that best describe Keith are indeed “funny” and “generous,” but they only scratch the surface of a man whose heart was as big as his smile.

As we bid farewell to Keith, we celebrate a life well-lived-a life that brought happiness, camaraderie, and love to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. His stories, jokes, and the echoes of his laughter will continue to fill the rooms of those he’s left behind, ensuring that his spirit endures.

A memorial service will be held Monday, March 18, 2024 at 6:00 pm in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Keith’s beloved sister-in-law, Rev. Denna Hornby, will officiate. His family will receive friends Monday from 4:00 pm until service time at the funeral home.

Keith’s family wishes to express special thanks to Williams Wholesale Supply, Inc, Gentiva Hospice and Cumberland Wellness as their support was a blessing to them. They also wish to express a special thank you to Dr. James Peyton and Dr. Jason Aston and their staff for their expertise, professionalism, compassion and friendship guided them through a difficult journey.

Memorial contributions are suggested to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.

March 15, 2024

Mrs. Linda Lee Brown, age 76 of Smithville, passed away Friday morning, March 15, 2024 at her residence in Smithville. She was a retired business owner. She was a member of the Smithville Church of God.

Mrs. Brown was born on January 18, 1948 in Nashville, TN to her parents, the late Walter Butler and Maude Louise White. She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Alexis Johnson, a brother, Bobby White and a sister, Susan Henderson.

Visitation with the family will be in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home on Sunday from noon until 6:00 pm and on Monday from 10:00 am until the service time at noon. Burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Bro. Chris Moore will officiate.

Survivors include 5 children, Amanda (Anthony) Fuller, Kelly (Michael) Agee, Bobby (Sydney) Johnson and Jody Johnson all of Smithville, and Heidi (Mikey) Church of Murfreesboro; 10 grandchildren, Presley Agee, Stetson Agee, Ally Fuller, Miah Johnson, Madison Johnson, Cameron Church, Channing Church, Huck Johnson, and Reign Johnson; and 1 brother, Jimmy (Carol) White of Nashville.

In addition to flowers donations can be made to Upper Helton Baptist Church, Mt. Herman Baptist Church, the Smithville Church of God, Fraternal Order of Police or the TN State Trooper Organization.

March 15, 2024

Mr. William Jerrell Hall, age 77, of Alexandria, TN, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

Mr. Hall was born May 13, 1946 in Alexandria, TN, a son of the late Joe Don Hall and Bonnie Athelene Judkins Hall. He was also preceded in death by Brother; James Tommy Hall and Sisters; Betty Jean Malone and Roberta Hall.

Mr. Hall graduated from DeKalb County High School in 1964 as part of the first graduating class. Mr. Hall was the first senior voted Mr. DCHS. After school, Mr. Hall began his career with Dekalb Telephone Cooperative, working on the line crew and setting poles. Over time he worked his way higher into the telephone company and helped form the Advantage Cellular division of DTC. He worked for 41 years total at DTC and was serving in management at the time of his retirement.

He was a longtime member of Upper Helton Baptist Church. He married Sherry Hale on January 25, 1964.

Mr. Hall is survived by Wife of 60 years; Sherry Hale Hall of Alexandria, TN. Three Sons; William “Mickey” (Kristy) Hall of Lebanon, TN, David Christopher (Lori) Hall of Rutherfordton, NC, and Brian (Trish) Hall of Smithville, TN. Grandchildren; Heather (Camden) Griffin, Matthew (Shelby) Hall, Caleb (Lousia) Hall, Wesley (Anna) Hall, Alayna Hall, Lydia Hall, Brayden Howard, Jaycee Barrett, Callie Beth Hall, Brian Reid Hall, Andrew (Kayla) Groce, Abby Puckett, Tanner Puckett, and Austin Groce. Great-grandchildren; Avery Griffin, Lynlee Hall, Stella Groce, Makenna Hall, and Kaitlyn Hall. Brothers,Bobby (Faye) Hall of Alexandria and Joe Don “JD” (Becky Hall) of Lebanon. Special friends and neighbors; Dewayne Cantrell, Tony Nixon, Patrick Crook, and his DTC Family.

Funeral Services for Mr. Hall are scheduled to be conducted from Avant Funeral Home on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 2PM with Bro. Thurman Seber and Bro. Jimmy Arms officiating. Interment will follow in the Brush Creek Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be at Avant Funeral Home on Friday from 2PM until 8PM and on Saturday after 10AM until the service time at 2PM.

March 15, 2024

Wilma Jean “Ma” Cantrell age 76, passed away Thursday morning March 14, 2024, at NHC Healthcare in Smithville.  She was born July 28, 1947, to her parents, the late Willie Allen and Martha Myrie Hale Atnip, Jr.  Wilma retired from NHC Healthcare in Smithville and was a member of Temple Missionary Baptist church.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Prentice Cantrell; Sister: Darlene Stanley.  Funeral Services will be held 2:PM Sunday March 17, 2024, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. B. J. Thomason officiating and burial to follow in DeKalb Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be Saturday 2:PM until 7:PM and Sunday 10:AM until the time of service at 2:pm.  Survivors include her children: Anthony (Penny) Cantrell, Angela (Bobby) Johnson, Shannon (Tonya) Cantrell all of Smithville; Grandchildren: Jacob Cantrell, Elicia Cantrell, Ian Johnson (Alexis), Kaylee (Kyle) Allen, Isabella Johnson, Garrett (MaKayla) Johnson, Levi Cantrell, Stephen (Vickey) Barrett, Bradley (Katie) Barrett; Great-Grandchildren: Jordan Cantrell, Wyatt Carter Frazier, Waylon Johnson, Sydney Barrett, Blakelee Allen; Sisters: Janice (Bobby) Moore of Smithville, Janie (P.I.) Hale of Liberty, Darnell (Wayne) Crook of Smithville; Brother: Jimmy (Jenny) Atnip of Baxter: Sister-in-Law: Hilda (Floyd) Corley of Tullahoma, Gladys Cantrell of Smithville, Joan Harrelson of Lebanon, Nell Cantrell of McMinnville; Brother-in-law: McClure Cantrell of Smithville; Host of nieces and nephews also survive.  In addition to flowers donations can be made to Temple Missionary Baptist Church in memory of Ma Wilma.  DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Cantrell family.