William Clay Farler
by: Dwayne PageMar 16, 2025
William Clay Farler, age 77, passed from this life peacefully, with his beloved wife Sharon and family surrounding him, on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Born on August 14th, 1947 at home in Dale Ridge to Howard Clay Farler and Vergie Viola (Capilnger)Farler, Clay grew up helping on the family farm and together with many loving cousins, aunts and uncles in Caplinger Hollow. Married to the love of his life, Sharon (Malone) in 1967, they began their life together in Smithville, lived in Toledo, OH for several years, then returned to Tennessee where Clay received his bachelor’s degree from David Lipscomb University. He later received his Master’s and Ed.S. from Tennessee Technological University.
He retired from DeKalb County Board of Education after 39 years of service to the children and families of Smithville, first as a Special Education teacher at Smithville Elementary School, then as principal of SES, Special Education Supervisor, and Attendance Supervisor. During his time in education, he was recognized by colleagues and families for his genuine care for the students, as well as his fairness and calm demeanor.
He was known for his love of laughter and music. His real loves, however, were God and his family. He always valued being a part of his church family, contributing in any way needed, from leading singing often at Philippi Church of Christ, to his years as a deacon and then elder at the Smithville Church of Christ, then as an active member at Northside Church of Christ. Most recently he worshiped with the Hardin Valley Church of Christ with his daughter and family in Knoxville.
His legacy of unwavering love and faith in Christ is what he leaves most with his family. His daughters always knew they had his support, and he attended games and even helped teach them to play basketball and tennis, along with instilling in them his love of the land and gardening, especially when it came to homegrown tomatoes! He loved seeing his grandchildren as they grew up and loved to support them in all their various activities and even went as far as traveling to Tanzania in Africa, since his youngest daughter and family reside there and work as missionaries.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Clay Farler, mother Vergie Viola (Caplinger) Farler, brother Robert Staley Farler and sister Helen (Larance) Foster. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon (nee Malone) Farler of Smithville, daughters Amy (Ashley) Hayes of Lancaster, Julie (Michael) Vann of Farragut, and Emily (Jason) Miller of Mwanza, Tanzania, plus seven grandchildren – Malone Fletcher, Ethan, Isaac, and Audrey Vann, and Judah, Ezra, and Zoe Miller. He is also survived by brothers in law Gary (Kathy) Malone of Smithville and Phillip (Peggy) Malone of Sylvania, Ohio, and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and special cousin and friend Christine Jennings.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with visitation from 9:00 until the time of the service. Ministers Eddie Sanders and Dan Gulley officiating. The family would like to thank residents and staff of Park Place of West Knoxville for their kindness and assistance. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to African Christian Healthcare, (102 N. Locust St. Searcy AR72143, or https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2ZF2AY9WDPM52 to support the ongoing ministry in Mwanza, Tanzania.
Emma Jo Farmer
by: Dwayne PageMar 16, 2025
Emma Jo Farmer age 78 of Watertown, departed this world on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at her residence. Born March 4, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Homer and Alene Crook McMahan and was preceded in death by her nephew, Trevor McMahan. Jo was a graduate of Dekalb Co. High School and a former factory worker.
She was a beautiful and gentle soul, she was kind and selfless, sassy but loyal. She loved with her whole heart, there was nobody else I knew that could read the Bible more than 17 times yet still claimed that it wasn’t enough. She was a genuine woman, she loved Jesus with all of her heart. She made sure to always let me know how much he loved me and I will forever cherish her for helping me be close to him.
She is survived by her daughter, Donna Wapole and husband, Rick of Lebanon; granddaughters, Shanna (Robert) Neely of Watertown and Taylor Cheyenne Wapole of Lebanon; great grandchildren, Jaxton, Emmalyn and Rilynn Neely; her brother, Kenneth McMahan and wife Brenda of Watertown and niece, Teresa (Josh) King.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2025 at Hunter Funeral Home with Bro. Cody Hale officiating. Visitation will be from 1-5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. till service time on Monday. Pallbearers, Kenneth McMahan, Robert Neely, Josh King, Ricky Barrett, Marty Smith, John Lee Willoughby. Interment will follow at Hillview Cemetery in Alexandria. Hunter Funeral Home Watertown is in charge of the arrangements 615-237-9318
James Fredrick “Freddy” Summers
by: Dwayne PageMar 09, 2025
James Fredrick “Freddy” Summers age 46 of Smithville passed away Thursday March 6, 2025, at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital ER. He was born August 23, 1978, to his parents the late James David Summers and Regina Cantrell Summers Bates. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a stillborn niece, Olivia Grace Taylor. Freddy was a Christian, member of The Foundry in Alabama, and Forklift Operator for Topre America in Alabama. He is survived by son Devin (Alex) Summers of Cookeville; step-mother, Monica Summers of Murfreesboro; sister, Cindy (Ken) Taylor of Smithville; brother, Travis (Ashley) Summers of Murfreesboro; 3 nieces, Shauna (Marques) Turner of Murfreesboro, Abbi (Kelby) Melton of McMinnville and Kenlee Taylor of Smithville; nephew, Oliver Summers of Murfreesboro; great-nephew, Jaidyn Turner of Murfreesboro; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and special friends also survive. Funeral services will be 3:30PM Monday March 10, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Justin Cantrell and Travis Summers officiating and interment to follow in Whorton Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday 11:AM until the time of the service at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family ask donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Summers family.