Willie Andrew Underwood

July 6, 2024

Mr. Willie Andrew Underwood age 68 of Smithville, passed away Friday, July 5, 2024 at NHC Healthcare in Smithville. He was born in Cannon County on April 16, 1956 to his parents, the late Nolon and Dorothy May Estes Underwood. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Calvin Underwood. Willie was a member of the House of Prayer in Smithville. To have known Willie, was to know a man that loved the Lord, his family and everyone he came in contact with. He leaves to cherish his memory, 5 sisters, Mary (Roger) Smith and Rebecca (Jimmy) Farris both of McMinnville, Brenda (EL) Anderson of Liberty, Joyce Farless of Lebanon and Wanda (Terry) Beshearse of Smithville; 1 brother, Greg (Tonya) Johnson of Rock Island and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2 PM Monday, July 8, 2024 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Curtis Young and Michael Hale officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday 1 PM until 5 PM and Monday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Underwood family.

July 5, 2024

Mr. Glenn Delmar Byford, age 82 of McMinnville, passed away Thursday morning at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro. He was a retired heavy equipment operator with Hurst Construction and a farmer. He truly enjoyed his gardening in his later years.

Mr. Byford was born on May 14, 1942 in Smithville. He was preceded in death by his parents; Marlin and Hattie Bogle Byford and one sister; Sybil Gunter.

There will be a graveside service held Sunday at 2:00 pm at DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Danny Evans and Phillip Close will officiate. There will be no visitation held at the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years; Betty Ruth Neal Byford, 2 daughters; Glenda (Bryan) Taylor of Quebeck and Cheryl (Chris) Sneed of McMinnville, 2 grandchildren; McKenzie (Brett) Mullican of Colorado and Madi Taylor (Preston Way) of Chattanooga, 5 siblings; Donald (Alfreda) Byford of McMinnville, Wilma Foster of Woodbury, Carl Byford  and Faye Byford of McMinnville and Sue (Phillip) Close of Smithville, brother-in-law; David Gunter of McMinnville, several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, Gentiva Hospice in McMinnville, Special caregivers; Cora Beth Rhody Taylor, Layla Hasten and Renee Wren. Also Ascension River Park Hospital ER and ICU staff. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

July 4, 2024

Graveside Services for Mr. Sam Bates Neely, age 88, of Livingston will be conducted 10 a.m. Saturday, July 6, 2024, from the Concord Cemetery, with Military Honors provided at graveside by the Overton County Veterans Honor Guard.  The family will welcome friends at the graveside.

Mr. Neely passed from this life on Wednesday morning, July 3, 2024, from the Overton County Health & Rehab.  He was born at home in Clay County, Tennessee on October 2, 1935, to the late Dallas and Ella Kendall Neely.  Sam was a block and brick mason for many years and enjoyed his work all over the community.  He loved all animals and had several of his own throughout his lifetime.  He was honored to serve his country as a United States Marine.  Sam enjoyed life, having fun and going to square dances.

Sam leaves behind his loving and devoted friend for over 30 years, Mrs. Peggy Johnson of Smithville and Livingston; daughter, Robin Spencer of Phoenix, AZ; grandson, Justin Spencer and wife Jordan of Phoenix, AZ; great grandchildren, Miles, Berkeley, Jackson, and Lincoln Spencer; granddaughter-in-law, Greta Spencer Neelsen of Phoenix, AZ; special extended family, Teresa and Larry Caldwell of Smithville.

In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by his grandson, Douglas Spencer; brother, Glen Neely; sisters, Eula Smith, Odell Bolton, Lucy Likens, Claudia Ogletree, and Lou Rich.

Speck Funeral Home in Livingston is in charge of the arrangements and this information is provided as a courtesy of DeKalb Funeral Chapel.

July 4, 2024

Mrs. Vera Fay Cantrell, age 86 of Smithville, passed away peacefully at her residence early Thursday morning. She attended First Free Will Baptist Church in McMinnville and was a homemaker.

She was born on January 1, 1938 in McMinnville to her parents,  the late Christopher Columbus and Cleo Eugena Luna Young. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Cantrell;  siblings, Leonard Ray Young,  Lynburg Young, Junior Young, Christine Clemmons, and Minibell Medley; 2 grandchildren; Johnny Earl Cantrell and Christie Mullican.

Visitation with the Cantrell family will be on Friday from 4:00 – 8:00pm and on Saturday from 10:00am until the service time at 1:00pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Kenneth Kirby will officiate and burial will follow in Young Cemetery in Keltonburg.

Survivors include 7 children, Johnny Alton Cantrell, Charlotte (Lee) Bandy, Melba Vinca, Pat (Mark) Milam, Fran (Tim) Ervin, Mark (Regina) Cantrell, and Donna (Mark) Pedigo; grandchildren, Johnathan Cantrell, Brian Roberts, Greg Roberts, Tasha Bandy, Sandy Spurlin, Amanda Parsley, Heather Caldwell, Vanessa Lance, Leslie Bounds, Bradley Mullican, Jenny Menix, Crystal Hale, Austin Hale, Johnny Barber, Gage Ervin, Eric Barber, Miranda Cantrell, Buddy Cantrell, Mark Pedigo Jr., Tiffany Pedigo, Morgan Bragg, Makenzie Bly, Bailey Bly, Jayson Knowles and Morgan Pedigo; 1 brother, Earl Young; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; special nieces, Linda Richardson and Barbara Madewell; special caretaker, Nicki Bass.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

July 3, 2024

Sharon Rae Greer age 60, of Smithville passed away Saturday June 29, 2024, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She was born September 18, 1963 to her parents, her late father, Charles Taulbee, and late mother, Essie Casey Taulbee Patterson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles L. Taulbee; step-father, Curtis Patterson. Ms. Greer attended New Life United Pentecostal Church and was a Factory worker. She is survived by siblings, twin sister, Karen Stanfill of Smithville, Lisa Taulbee of Maine, Bonnie Drake, Connie Byrd and Danny Taulbee all of Kentucky.; several nieces and nephews also survive. The family has honored Ms. Sharon’s request to be cremated. No services are planned at this time. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Greer family.

July 2, 2024

Stevie Keith age 68, of Morrison passed away at his residence Tuesday, June 25, 2024. He was born January 16, 1956, to his parents the late Claude and Carnell Taylor Keith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Carl, Phillip, Vernon, and Bobby; sister, Brenda. Mr. Keith served in United States Army and was a Truck Driver. He is survived by brother, Paul Keith of Troy, Tn; daughter, Stephanie; son Little John; companion, Carolyn Milvae. The family has honored Mr. Keith’s request to be cremated and no services are planned at this time. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Keith family.