Obituaries

Deanda Marie George age 63, of McMinnville passed away Tuesday morning April 15, 2025, at her residence. She was born July 13, 1961, to her father, the late Floyd George. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by sisters, Shelia Adamson, Carolyn Colegrove and Jackie Burton; nephew, B. J. Burton; aunt, Cindy Travis; uncle, Timmy George. Ms. George was a Baptist and worked as a cashier at convenient stores. She is survived by children, Charlotte Reeder (Tony Petty) of Smithville, Tina Reeder of McMinnville; soulmate, David Smith of McMinnville; grandchildren, Jennifer Barnes (Luis Vargas), Hunter Barnes, Austin and Justin Myers, Tiffany and Katie West, Megan King, Haley Rutledge (Jagger McCormick); great-grandchildren, Serenity Turner, Colson King, Faylynn King, Kaizyn McCormick; uncle Wayne (Lynn) George of Ashland City; sister Patricia Smith of Murfreesboro. Graveside service and internment will be held 4 PM Thursday April 17, 2025, at DeKalb Cemetery with Bro. Michael Hale officiating. No visitation or services will be held at the funeral home. Family and friends will meet at DeKalb Cemetery at 4 PM for graveside service. 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 George family

David Edward, (Dave) Darrah, 88, was born in Marietta, Ohio, on December 10, 1936, to
his parents, George William and Geneva Dye Darrah and died peacefully on April 1, 2025, at the Webb House in Smithville, Tennessee. He was a faithful member of the Smithville Church of Christ.

Dave graduated from Marietta High School in 1954, and in subsequent years attended
Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas, and Ohio State University. After changing majors several times and still being indecisive about a career choice, he dropped out and went to work as a lineman for Bell Telephone while he waited to be called for the draft. It was his three years in the Army that Dave attributed as finally giving his life direction. As a non-combatant, he was assigned to the medical corps–and found his calling. He was stationed at a military hospital at
Canal Zone, Panama. There, one of his assignments was Vaccinating the indigenous Cuna Indians in the San Blas Islands. The two years in Panama and an additional year at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., fixed his determination to pursue a career as a medical missionary. Church had always played a large part in his life and this seemed like a perfect fit.

In 1969 Dave fulfilled one of his dreams and graduated from the University of Tennessee
Medical School in Memphis. Another dream was soon to be fulfilled. As a kid, Dave had always been fascinated by planes and flying. He spent hours building model planes and even trying to assemble motorized models. He longed to be able to fly a real plane. After completing his medical internship in Memphis, Dave worked briefly for Planned Parenthood and serendipitously met a classmate who was also a flight instructor. Thus, he learned to fly and got his private pilot’s license, a hobby he enjoyed for many years.

After completing his residency in family practice at the University of Tennessee in
Knoxville, he joined a medical group in Gallatin and worked there until he opened his own
medical office in Alexandria in 1977. There he practiced for the next 25 years. He was a typical country doctor, delivering babies and making house calls. It was during the years in Alexandria that another of his goals came to fruition–the goal of doing medical missions.
Prophetically, his first mission was to Panama where he had started out as an army medic so many years before.
He influenced the first Church of Christ medical mission to the San Blas Islands. Through the years, Dave was sometimes accompanied on his mission trips by his entire family, including his grandchildren. For the next forty years he made multiple mission trips to more than 25 countries.

Although he was a zealous worker wherever he served, Hope for Haiti’s Children was the mission closest to his heart.

Dave was interested in civic affairs and served on the Smithville Airport Board as well as the Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital board. He was a past President of the Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians. He loved the Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree, going to the lake, and took up scuba diving after he retired. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in events from the Pinewood Derby to rodeo to basketball to soccer to family scuba diving trips.

In addition to his parents Dave was predeceased by his brother, Joseph William Darrah
of Smithville. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marsha Young Darrah and his daughters, Jane (Rob) Ramsey and Kate (Billy) Miller and grandchildren Jake and Darrah Ramsey and Bill and Cameron Miller all of Smithville. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Carol Darrah of Cookeville and by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family is grateful to Dr. Hugh Don Cripps and his staff and Lora Webb and staff of
the Webb House and the Gentiva Hospice staff for the wonderful care they gave Dave during his last year.

From the time he was a medical student, Dave determined that upon his death he wanted his body to be donated to the University of Tennessee Medical School for the use of
future medical students.
Interment in Smithville Town Cemetery will occur at a later date. A memorial service will take place at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home on Saturday, April 12th at 6pm.

The family will receive visitors from 4pm until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to Hope for Haiti’s Children, PO Box 62328 Cincinnati, OH 45262-0328 or the Smithville Town Cemetery Association, 300 East Main Street, Smithville TN 37166.

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

Glenda Ruth Turnbill, aged 80, of Smithville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at her daughter’s residence. Born on January 26, 1945, in Shamrock, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Isaac and Ethel Cummings. Glenda was self-employed and a member of the Smithville Church of Christ.

She is survived by her children, Valorie Kadowaki of Murfreesboro and Melvin Turnbill of Dowelltown, and granddaughter, Keira Kadowaki of Murfreesboro. She also leaves behind her siblings, Don (Betty) Cummings of Texas, Linda Sue (Jeff) Shattuck of South Carolina, and Charles Self of New Mexico, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Glenda was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Turnbill, and her siblings, Edward Cummings, Delwanda Tate, Stanley Cummings, Dorothy Taylor, Virginia Irving, Imma Kuala, Gloria Bruce, Paul Gordon Cummings, and Joey Phibrick.

A memorial service to honor Glenda’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 7, at 1pm at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, with Bro. Dan Gulley officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from noon until the time of the service at 1.

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

Mary Lou Lawson age 93 of Smithville passed away at Standing Stone Care & Rehab Center in Monterey, on Thursday April 3, 2025. She was born November 18, 1931, to her parents the late Clarence Thedford and Edna Pauline Cook Phillips. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husbands, Lawrence P. Cantrell and Cordell Lawson; son, Lawrence T. Cantrell. Ms. Mary Lou was a member of Bethel Methodist Church and was a Factory Worker. Funeral services will be held Monday April 7, 2025, at 11:AM at Bethel Methodist Church with Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial to follow in Bethel Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday April 6, 2025, 1 PM till 5 PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel and on Monday April 7, 2025, at 10:AM till the time of the service at 11:AM at Bethel Methodist Church. She is survived by children, Deborah (Lee) Smith of Cookeville, Vicky (Donald) Langston of FL, Catherine McKeown of Smithville, Edward (Roberta) Cantrell of Harriman, Bill Lawson of Texas, Teresa (Paul) Jones of Texas; grandchildren, Daniel, Stephen, Jessica, Stephanie, Elijah; great-grandchildren, Hudson, Emery, Clara, Grant, Thalan, Junalee, Anna, Layken, Sophie, Onyx, and Percie; several nieces and nephews also survive. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bethel Cemetery in memory of Ms. Lawson. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Lawson family.

Pam Bullard Pleasant age 70 of Rock Island, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, April 1, 2025 at Willow Branch Nursing Home in McMinnville. Pam was born August 18, 1954 to her parents, the late Leburn and Ira Phillips Bullard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Rigsby Cantrell;3 brothers, Riley Bullard, Tim Bullard and Dale Bullard and stepdaughter, Kelly Pleasant. She was a retired shirt factory worker and homemaker. Pam was a member of the Light of the World in Carthage. Pam is survived by her husband, William “Buster” Pleasant of Rock Island; 2 sons, Nathan (Holly) Hale of Alexandria and Bryan Hale of Rock Island; 5 step-children, Steve Pleasant, Michael (Alice) Pleasant, Randall Pleasant, Brandy Pinegar and Vanessa Pinegar; 2 grandchildren, Trevor Hale and Destiny Hale; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Marie (James) Bain of Smithville; special niece, Kim Patterson of Smithville and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2 PM Friday, April 4, 2025 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Billy Smith and Mike Christian officiating and burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel, to help with funeral expenses, in memory of Pam. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Pleasant family.

Nola Mae Scott of Smithville passed away Friday, March 28, 2025, at Ascension St. Thomas DeKalb. She was born September 10, 1946, to parents Henry and Viola Martens in Melrose Park, Illinois. She was a member of Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church. She worked at DeKalb General Hospital for 26 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister,
Elizabeth Bruder and brother-in-law, Ralph Bruder.

Funeral services will be held 1PM Wednesday April 2, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Don Rigsby officiating and burial to follow in Mt. Holly Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be held Tuesday 5PM until 7PM and Wednesday 11:AM until the time of the service at 1PM.

Survivors include her husband of 43 years John Scott, daughter Denise & son-in-law Thomas Reed, and son Eric and daughter-in-law Christy Brandt, Brenda Scott, Chuck Scott and John (Lisa) Scott.

Grandchildren Mason (Carlie) Brandt, Amanda (Drake) Vaughn, Daniel Brandt, Ashley (Matt) Shuttleworth,
Laura (Blake) Dickenson, Aaron Vinson, Leslie Vinson,
Zach Scott, TJ Scott, Kylie Scott, Winter (Eric) Thibeault, Mersed Zuniga and Mateo Zuniga.

Great grandchildren Amelia and Landon Vaughn, Daniel, Carson, & Loralei Brandt, Thomas Shuttleworth and Laileigh Scott.

Brother Henry “Bud” (Annette) Martens and sister Mary (General) Oaks. Several nieces and nephews.

Special friends Randy & Sue Litteral, Bob & Talley Green, Robbie & Marie Warren, Billie Ann & Gelber Trigueros, Pauline Green, Larry & Debra Hancock, and Gage & Taylor Brown; as well as her hospital co-workers.  DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Scott Family.

Charles D. Atnip, age 79, of Smithville, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at his residence. Born on April 8, 1945, in Smithville, TN, to his parents, the late Dale and Bessie Atnip. Charles was the proud owner of Charles D. Atnip Realty & Auction. He was a Baptist and a member of the TN Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association.

In addition to his parent, he was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Jo Atnip, and his sister, Gail King.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Ricky and Lisa Atnip of Smithville; his brother, John and Betty Jean Atnip of Smithville; his sisters, Phyllis and Ronnie Tramel of Smithville, and Linda Dale and Adam Patton of McMinnville. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Ruth and Ronnie Hobbs, and Lois and Jimmy Davis, all of Smithville, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A special thank you is extended to Johnny Ball and the caring staff of Gentiva Hospice.

Visitation with the family will be held on Monday from 4-8pm and on Tuesday from 10am until the time of service at 1pm. The service will be officiated by Bro. Andy Patterson and Larry Womack, with interment to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Smithville First Freewill Baptist video ministry or Lighthouse Christian Camp.

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

Thomas Norman Theiss, Sr. was born May 24, 1947 and went home to be with Jesus on Friday afternoon, March 28, 2025. He was born and lived in Michigan for 45 years and then moved to McMinnville, Tennessee for the last 32 years. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Donald and Caroline Filipowski Theiss; brother, Donald Theiss and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Eula Presley. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 51 years, Glenda Marie Presley Theiss; children, Susan (Mark) Long, Brandy Perez, Cindy Hale, Gwendolyn (Richard) Holt, Tammy Norma Theiss, and Tommy Norman Theiss, Jr.; grandchildren, Sean, Gabriel, Jaylen, Gavin, Tommy Ray, Hannah, and Diane; great-granddaughters, Lea and Luci; sisters, Cheryl (Butch) Galyon, Lorry Cantrell, Debra Prokoff; brother, Larry (Carolyn) Theiss; many sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-laws, nieces and nephews. Mr. Tom enjoyed fishing, hunting, serving the Lord as well as playing games with the children, cooking and eating wild meat. He really enjoyed his church family at Peoples Pentecostal Church, where he faithfully attended. Funeral Services will be 1 PM Tuesday at Peoples Pentecostal Church with his pastor, Michael Hewell and Jay Young officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday 2 PM until 7 PM, Monday 1 PM until 7 PM and Tuesday 10:AM until the time of the service at 1 PM al visitation at Peoples Pentecostal Church. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Theiss family.

Jose Adelaido Lomas age 77 of Smithville passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, March 25, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.  He was born December 16,1947 to his parents, the late Alfonso Lomas and Eustacia Moreno.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Monica Lomas; granddaughter, Selena Torres; 2 brothers, Luis Lomas and Beninyo Lomas.  He was a Catholic and worked as a farmer at Herndon Farms for over 30 years.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sara Lomas of Smithville; 6 children, Amada (Alberto) Torres, Adelaido (Veronica) Lomas, Jose Lomas (Misty Dedmon), Jorge Lomas, Sarah (Steven) Laxton all of Smithville and Luisana Robinson of Nashville; 21 grandchildren, and a host of great- grandchildren; 2 sisters, Juana Acuna of Smithville and Geronima Lomas Rodriguez of Mexico.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Friday, March 28, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Ruben Vasaldua and Steven Laxton officiating and interment to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be Thursday 3 PM till 7 PM and Friday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Lomas family.

Billy Jackson “BJ” Tubbs, 84, of Hermitage, Tennessee, passed away on March 22, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Born on July 13, 1940, in Smithville, Tennessee, BJ was the eldest child of the late William C. and Inez Johnson Tubbs. As the oldest of a large and close-knit family, he stepped into the role of protector and provider early on.

A graduate of Wilson County High School, BJ stepped into adulthood with determination, grit and a fearless spirit. The world may not have been ready for Billy Jackson Tubbs, but he was ready for it.

BJ left his mark through a life of hard work and leadership—building roads and bridges, working in federal contracting, and proudly running his Goodyear store. One of his accomplishments was serving on the board of the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville. His dedication to service extended into the community through his roles as President of the Smithville Jaycees and Vice President of the U.S. Jaycees.

BJ loved the open road and old cars, especially when he had the chance to restore them with his own two hands. He was just as comfortable under the hood as he was gathered around a table with family, enjoying some “lip-smacking, gum-bumping good” food.

BJ was a devoted husband to his wife of 10 years, Karen Tubbs, and a provider to his family. He is survived by his stepchildren, Nolan and Dana Baggett, and faithful dog, Peanut.

He leaves behind three children: Billie Ann “Bee” Tubbs-Trigueros (Gelber) of Smithville, Kristie Tubbs-Trapp (Mike) of Cookeville, and Richard Tubbs of Nashville– each carrying forward his resilience, sense of humor and love for family.

BJ was a proud “Pa” to eight grandchildren: Nicholas Tubbs, Kirstin Ramsey, Solomon Trapp, Silas Trapp, Ava Reese Tubbs, Alec Tubbs, Cason Paschell and Braylon Paschell. He was blessed with six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom brought him tremendous joy, laughter and pride.

He is also survived by his beloved siblings: William C. “Notty” Tubbs, Jr. of Cookeville, Walter (Joyce) Tubbs of Murfreesboro, Jo Ann (Larry) Williams of Smithville, Annette Tubbs Evans of Smithville, Connie (Glenn) Leftwich of Sparta, Shirley (Damien) Rutland of Smithville, Wanda Tubbs of Smithville and sister-in-law, Barbra Tubbs of Nashville.

In addition, BJ was preceded in death by his daughter, Janice Tubbs, brother, Bobby Lee Tubbs and his loyal dog, Little Man.

A memorial service to celebrate BJ’s life will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m. at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home in Smithville. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association in BJ’s memory. Donations can be made online at diabetes.org or mailed to P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements