Billy Hooper, Jr.

November 3, 2023

Billy Hooper, Jr., 62, of Smithville, passed away on November 2, 2023, in Murfreesboro, TN at St. Thomas Rutherford.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Imojean Adcock Hooper Clendenon and aunt, Wanda Adcock.

He survived by his father, Billy Hooper, Sr. (Mary Jane); brother, Jeff Hooper; niece, Jessica Taylor (Pete); great-nephew and great-niece, Aiden Taylor and Adelann Jean Taylor; companion, Lorene McCann and her children and grandchildren; and uncle, Dean Adcock all of Smithville.

Billy’s wishes were to be cremated and will be buried with his mother. There will be a graveside service at DeKalb Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

November 3, 2023

Charles Edward “Charlie” Brown, age 72, passed away from an extended illness in Greenville, KY on November 1, 2023. A native of Smithville, TN, Charlie was born on November 3, 1950, in Lebanon, TN.

A natural showman, Charlie sang for and entertained family and friends from an early age which would continue throughout his life. He was always humming a tune, drumming the dashboard, or captivating the crowd with a story. Through encouragement from his uncle, LM Murphy, Charlie discovered his passion for showing horses, and upon graduating from DeKalb County High School in 1968, that passion became a lifetime calling that would lead him to stables in Arkansas and Alabama before he ultimately settled in Kentucky. After a career spanning over 50 years, where he earned countless blue ribbons and top honors from industry organizations, Charlie became a well-respected show judge due to his exceptional skills as a horse trainer. Described as an icon in the horse industry, his legacy will live on through the many riders and fellow trainers he mentored.

Charlie is survived by his uncle, L.M. Murphy of Mt Juliet, TN and Jerry Brown of Smithville, TN; stepmother, Jeanette Brown of The Woodlands, TX; brother, Jeff Brown of Gainesville, GA; stepsister, Marcy York-Oznick of The Woodlands, TX; son, Bryon Brown of Atlanta, GA; stepdaughter, Brandy Mathis (Patrick) of Greenville; stepsons, Shane Johnson of Boaz, AL and Cory Garrard (Kenna) of Lawton, OK; grandchildren, Dakota Bowlds (Paige), Kaelin McElvain (Christian Daugherty), Hunter Mathis, Kaedence Garrard, Kennady Garrard, Chandler Johnson (Damon Strawn), Conlee Johnson and Henlee Johnson; great-grandsons, Joseph, Greyson, and Jaxon.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Floyd Leon Brown, Jr. and Jean Murphy Brown of Smithville, TN; brother David Brown; stepsister Missy Klimas.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tucker Funeral Home, Central City. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with burial at Nebo Cemetery, immediately following the service.

Tucker Funeral Home, Central City, Kentucky is in charge of the arrangements.

November 3, 2023

Mr. Tommy Stockling, age 66 of Smithville, passed away Thursday night, November 2, 2023 at Tennova Hospital in Clarksville. He was a retired warehouse manager at Star Mfg. and worked 17 years for TWRA as a boating officer. He enjoyed the outdoors and hunting.

Mr. Stockling was born on April 21,1957 in Lebanon to his parents Levi and Opal Haynes Stockling who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Charles and Jaqueline Robinson and nephew, David Alexander

The family has honored Mr. Stockling’s final wishes to be cremated. There will be no visitation.

Survivors include his wife, Jackie Stockling, daughter, Amy (Tim) Tobitt, 4 grandchildren, Caroline, Maddie, Hannah and Sam Tobitt all of Smithville. Several other close family members survive.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

November 2, 2023

Judy Elaine Vandygriff Ramsey, 77, of Woodbury passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023. A native of Cannon Co., she was the daughter of the late Winfred and Mildred Hancock Vandygriff.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, James “Jimmy” Ramsey of Woodbury; 3 children, Donnie Ramsey (Ashley Witty) and Dennis (Heather) Ramsey both of Woodbury and Dana (Chris) Singleton of Auburntown; 7 grandchildren, Austin, Alex, Dalton, Cassie, Tara, Kennedi and Brett; 2 great grandchildren, John and Delilah. Also surviving is her sister, Winona (Steve) West of Murfreesboro and several nieces, nephews and special friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William Dwight Vandygriff.

A lifelong member of Sycamore Baptist church where she also joyfully played the piano for 60 plus years. Judy was also the Sycamore Cemetery Trustee. She was a retired secretary, wife, mother and grandmother. All of which she did exceptionally well. She enjoyed yard selling and watching her grandchildren play ball.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Sycamore Baptist church with Bro. Richard Williams, Bro. Russell Vickers and Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Sycamore Cemetery. Pallbearers include Austin Ramsey, Alex Ramsey, Dalton Ramsey, Chris Singleton, Eric Saddler and Rich McCoy. Honorary Pallbearers include Jim Jones, Larry Wise, Brett Clark, Jerry Mullinax and Joe Bryson.

Visitation with her family will be from 3:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Friday, November 3, 2023 and Saturday, November 4 from 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at Woodbury Funeral Home.

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Sycamore Cemetery Trust Fund.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

November 1, 2023

Donna Jean (Blades) Napier, age 84, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on October 31, 2023, at her residence. She was born December 11, 1938, in West Frankfort, Illinois, to her parents, the late Robert Willis Blades and Tressie Sybil (Burlison) Blades. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thurman Napier; devoted son, Thomas Napier; and three precious grandchildren, Stacey Bain Powell, Dusty Bain, and Amy Napier Miller; four sisters, Jean Mishler, Wilma Balser, Edith Shadwell, and Elaine Jenkins; one brother William Blades and several nieces and nephews.

Her infectious smile and witty sense of humor were loved by all who knew her. She was famous throughout the county for her mouthwatering pies and homemade chicken and dumplings. She was an avid reader and enjoyed a lifelong love of books, but her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and friends. She was a retired insurance agent, a Christian, and a member of the Smithville Business and Professional Women’s Club, as well as a volunteer for many DeKalb County organizations.

She is survived by four loving children, Carol (A.J.) Bain of Smithville, Jane (Rickey) Mathis of Liberty, Greg (Deborah) Napier of Smithville, and Nancy (Dimitrios) Vafeas of Sarasota, Florida; six grandchildren, Jennifer Reeves, Brandi McDonald, Mathew Napier, Samantha Herron, Alexander Vafeas, and Olivia Vafeas; 14 great-grandchildren and three great, great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Billie Friel and Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial to follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. The family was truly blessed to have such caring people looking after her and will always be grateful for the excellent health care that was given. In addition to flowers, donations may be made to Justin Potter Library in her memory. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

October 31, 2023

Beecher Ward Taylor age 79, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Father, October 30, 2023, at his residence. He was born May 14, 1944, to his parents the late John Mason and Lillie Lucille Pollard Taylor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death 3 brothers, Mason Jr., Donnie and Eddie; 1 sister, Margie. He was a member of Freewill Baptist Church and was a Construction Worker. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Taylor of Smithville; 3 children, Angie (Dwight) Moore, James (Tammy) Taylor and Charlene Hallum; 6 grandsons, Jacob (Megan) Moore, Caleb (Emily) Moore, Wesley Hallum, Peyton Hallum, Brandon (Kim) Ray, and Daniel (Kaytlin) Ray; 8 great-grandchildren, Carson, Charlotte, Emma, Ella, Jack, Evie, Analeigh, Deklan and baby boy Walker due in February; 1 sister, Delores Haggard of Baxter. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Steve Taylor officiating and burial to follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday 2 PM till 8 PM and Wednesday 10:AM until the time of service at 2 PM. The family would like to Thank Adoration Home Health, and a special “Thank You” to Brandi Cantrell Keith for the love and care shown to Beecher. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.