Eric Lynn Blaylock

June 15, 2024

Eric Lynn Blaylock age 40 of Smithville, passed away Thursday June 13, 2024, at his residence. He was born August 5, 1983, to his father, Billy Blaylock and his late mother Donna Johnson Blaylock. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cleveland Blaylock, and Ruby and L.J. Johnson. Eric attended Mt. Hope The Baptist Chruch and worked as Sales Manager at Landmark Trucks. He is survived by his wife, Kortny Blaylock of Smithville; children, Brooklynn Blaylock and Brody Blaylock of Smithville; father, Billy Blaylock of Sparta; brother, Isaac Blaylock of Sparta; grandmother, Cecil Warren of Sparta; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Tuesday June 18, 2024, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Luke Judkins officiating and burial to follow in Melton Cemetery with Bro. Michael Hale officiating. Visitation will be held Monday 4 PM until 8 PM and Tuesday 10:AM until the time of the service at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Blaylock family.

June 12, 2024

In loving memory of Donald “Don” Paul Venske, known affectionately to his grandchildren as Grandpa or Poppy Don, who passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024, at NHC Place Sumner in Gallatin, TN at the age of 94.

Don was born at home May 12, 1930, in Svea, Minnesota to the late, Paul William and Alice Grace Venske. He was united in marriage to Beverly Jean Pulda on April 28, 1958. He joined the Air Force and proudly served in Korea. After retiring from the Air Force, he pursued various interests, staying active and young.

Don was a Christian and life-long Lutheran. He supported many worthy causes, St. Jude Hospital in particular. He was a man of many passions and a heart full of love. His enthusiasm for antique cars, music, singing, and dancing brought joy to all who knew him. His optimism and good sense of humor brightened the lives of those around him, and his love for Waffle House always brought smiles. Never one to pass up a good time, he thoroughly enjoyed joining his children and grandchildren at water parks, amusement parks, hikes, and exploring new places. Family was of the utmost importance to him. He was deeply involved in his grandkids’ activities, sharing in their laughter and accomplishments. His caring nature was evident in every step he took, such as when he walked half a mile in snow and ice to bring milk to his baby granddaughter. Always concerned for the safety of his loved ones, he never failed to ask his adult daughters to let him know they made it home safely. His love for history, geography, and travel enriched his life, and his storytelling endeared him to all who listened. He thought well of everyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Don leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Michelle (Mark) Elliott and Jeanine (Shannon) Cantrell, and sons Bill (Angie) Bailey and Mike Robinson. Grandchildren: Bri (Nick) Cole, Alyssa (Nick) Blanton, Keith (Haley) Elliott, and Stephen (Megan) Elliott; Chase (Micaela) Cantrell and Macey Cantrell. Great-grandchildren: Caraline Cole, Isabelle Cole, Eliza Elliott, and Rhone Blanton; Aila Odom, Ashtyn Odom, and Zakary Howard. Also surviving are sister Eleanor Klint and special nieces Marcia (Jim) Peller and Theresa (Fred) Torreano. Preceding him in death were his wife Beverly and his grandson, Andrew Elliott. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at NHC Place Sumner in Gallatin for the excellent care and love shown to him.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Monday, June 17, 2024 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Monday 12 Noon until the time of the service at 2 PM. In addition to flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory. Don will be deeply missed and remembered with love, laughter, and smiles. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Venske family.

June 12, 2024

Mr. William Leffel Redmon, age 91 of Smithville, passed away early Wednesday morning at his residence. He was retired after employment for 12 years at Genesco and 24 years at Carrier Corporation. He was a member of The Baptist Tabernacle.

He was born in Smithville on July 19, 1932. He was preceded in death by his parents; Christopher Lee and Eliza Jane Martin Redmon, 1 brother; Jackson Lee Redmon and 1 sister; Lucille Beshearse.

Visitation with family will be on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 12:00 noon until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home and burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Brother Martin Bell will officiate.

Survivors include his wife of 73 years; Ophylnn France Redmon, 1 daughter; Sonia (Kenneth) Vinson of Cloverport, TN and 1 sister; Gail (Paul) Blair of Smithville.

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

June 11, 2024

Mr. Alvin Anthony Armour, age 69 of Smithville, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024. He was a nurseryman for more than 46 years, and a sanitation worker for the DeKalb County Landfill for the last 7 years. He was a member of New Home Baptist Church.

He was born on October 29, 1954 in Nashville, TN to his parents, the late Jessie and Clara Mai Bratcher Armour. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Linda Kilgore Armour; and 2 brothers, Jessie Armour, Jr. and Kenneth Armour.

Visitation with the Armour family will be on Thursday from 3-8pm and on Friday from 10am until 1pm. The funeral service will be held on Friday at 1pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Hale officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Armour is survived by 2 daughter, Peggy (Mike) Redmon and Brenda (Wayne) Adcock; 2 sons, David (Terrie) Kilgore and John (Ginda) Kilgore; 8 grandchildren, Connor Hullett, Lauren (Cole) Parsley, Byron (Paige) Adcock, Colby (Taylor) Kilgore, Clay (Mariah) Kilgore, Colby Barnes, Kolter Kilgore, and Kora Kilgore; and 9 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Home Baptist Church or St. Jude Children Hospital.

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

June 9, 2024

Randall “Pappy” Taylor age 69 of the Short Mountain Community, passed away Saturday morning, June 8, 2024, at his residence. He was born July 12, 1954, in Smithville, to his parents, the late George Emery and Minnie Louise Estes Taylor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Taylor and sister, Tammy Davenport. Pappy worked with the Cannon County Highway Department. He is survived by 2 sisters, Brenda Barrett and Georgene (Jeffrey) Grisham both of Liberty; brother, Russell Taylor of Woodbury; niece, Brenda (Wayne) Lattimore; great-nieces, Miranda, Serenity and Brandi; great-nephew, Joshua Grisham; honorary sister, Glenda Hale; honorary brother, Mark Pryor and 2 special friends, Charles Taylor and Steven Hobbs. Graveside services and interment will be 1 PM Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Melton Cemetery at Short Mountain with Gary Hancock officiating. There will not be any visitation at the funeral home, family and friends will meet at the cemetery for the graveside service at 1 PM Tuesday. The family asks that in addition to flowers, donations be made to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Taylor family.

June 8, 2024

Mrs. Jo Evelyn Bratcher Vaughn, age 71 of Smithville, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at St. Thomas West in Nashville. She worked at Stones River Hospital for over 30 years as a certified dietary manager. She was of the Baptist faith.

She was born on March 31, 1953 in McMinnville, TN to her parents, the late Joseph and Evelyn Marie Redmon Brathcher. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Doris Vaughn; 3 sisters, Darlene Vaughn, Anita Smith and Delores Clouse; and 1 brother, Terry Dean Bratcher.

Visitation with the Vaughn family will be on Sunday from 9:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Webb Cemetery.

She is survived by 1 daughter, Penny (Eric) Pearson of Smyrna; 2 grandchildren, Samantha York and Andrew Abraham; 3 great-grandchildren, Brantley York, Camden York and Coleson Moffitt; 3 brothers, Donnie (Patricia) Bratcher of Smithville, Bruce Bratcher of Ohio and Jospeh Bratcher of McMinnville; 2 sisters, Louise Wrisner of Manchester and Debbie Allendar of Ohio.

Love Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements