Gary L. Vonckx
by: Dwayne PageMar 09, 2025
Gary L. Vonckx age 76, passed away on March 5, 2025, in Cookeville, Tn. Gary was born May 24, 1948, in Fort Pierce, FL. He graduated from University of Central Florida in Orlando. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy for 6 years and served aboard the USS California. He worked for Unisys, a computer corporation, and later retired from the City of Port St. Lucie, FL after 20 years. Gary was an avid surfer when he lived in Florida and later transferred that passion to golf. He moved to Smithville in 2006 and was a member of Allen’s Chapel Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, R. Lloyd and Elizabeth Shimoneck Vonckx. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kitty Vonckx of Smithville; 2 step-children, Julie Kenny of Smithville and Mike Sullivan of Lake Mary, Florida; 4 grandchildren, Christian Sullivan, in the US Air Force in New Mexico, Anilyse and Natalie Sullivan of Lake Mary, Florida, and Jonathan (Ashley) Morris; 3 great-grandsons, Colton, Owen and Mason Morris of Smithville. He was a devoted husband, stepfather and grandfather and made a tremendous impact on their lives. He lives on in our hearts with the many good memories we have. Funeral services will be Monday March 10, 2025, at 1:00PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Grant Goodwin officiating and interment to follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday March 9, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel at 2:00PM till 5:00PM and on Monday March 10, 2025, 11:00AM until the time of the service at 1:00PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Vonckx family.
Gail Webb
by: Dwayne PageMar 09, 2025
A mother of four, a mother to so many more, Gail Webb, 90, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, at her daughter Amanda Blair’s (Keith) home in Smithville, Tennessee. Born on November 1, 1934 to Robert and Margaret Hudgens in Sparta, TN, she is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Norval Finley Webb Jr., son-in-law Harry Greek (Annette), brother-in-law Carl Ballinger (Kay), and cherished loved ones and family members.
After graduating from White County High School, Gail served as a secretary to Tennessee Representative Joe L. Evins at his office in the nation’s capital. Introduced by the congressman, Gail and Norval and soon married in 1954. The Webbs spent the rest of their lives raising their family in Smithville, TN, where Norval, a third-generation pharmacist, owned and operated F.Z. Webb & Sons Pharmacy.
While being a stay-at-home mom, Gail’s motherly care extended well beyond her long-time home on South College Street, impacting the lives of so many in the local community and beyond.
For several years, she served as the local Girl Scouts Troop leader. She donated blood at every opportunity to help save lives, totaling more than 13 gallons. Even up until she was 85, Gail was a volunteer with the Smithville Meals on Wheels program, delivering food to those in need in the county.
For nearly two decades, Gail and Norval served as foster parents, opening their home to dozens of children with diverse needs and circumstances. One of those children, Heidi, would eventually become their own. Deaf and blind, Heidi was the cherished daughter they never expected but deeply loved. They raised her with unwavering care and compassion, encouraging her involvement in Girl Scouts and other organizations, and later enrolling her in the Tennessee School for the Blind. Though Heidi cannot speak many words, one she could always say was “Momma.”
Gail’s heart also extended well beyond the local community. She had sponsored countless children through World Vision and donated tirelessly to numerous charities.
Always humble, Gail never failed to put others first. Even in her final days, she continued to care for her daughter, Annette, who faced medical challenges of her own. She never sought recognition for her kindness, illustrating that actions speak louder than words. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, the congregation of the First United Methodist Church of Smithville, and all those whose lives were touched by her motherly love over the years.
Gail is survived by her sister, Kay Ballinger; her four children, Amanda Webb (Keith), Annette Greek (Harry), Alan Webb (Lori), and Heidi Webb; her grandchildren, Joseph Greek (Erin and their daughter Madeline), Kathryn Blair, Anna Rachel Blair, William Blair, Anderson Webb (Vivian), Martha Hooper (Justin), Emily Newell (Jared), and Thomas Webb; and several great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank her special caregiver Jimmie Kirby, Dr. Steven Cooper, his staff, and Adoration Home Health for the care and services they provided.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8th, at First United Methodist Church of Smithville. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, followed by a service at 3:00 PM. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Town Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to First United Methodist Church of Smithville.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Wilma J Staley
by: Dwayne PageMar 09, 2025
Wilma J Staley age 89 of Smithville passed away Monday night March 3, 2025, at N H C Healthcare of Smithville. She was born January 7,1936 to her parents the late Luther and Hauttie Roxanne Bond Ferrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Staley; 2 daughters, Janice Cade and Kathy Olds; grandson, Jamie Higdon; 4 sisters, Helen, Ruby, Shirley, Jodie; friend like a brother, Jimmy Bryson. Ms. Wilma was a member of Buckner’s Chapel Church and was a Homemaker. She is survived by son, Tim (Debbie) Staley of Dowelltown; grandchildren, Kesha (Chase) Bradford, Kiley Staley, Chynna Cade, Brittany Cade, Mindy (Mark) Versluis, Tish Burns, Joni Cade, Brandon Cade; great-grandchildren, Ivy Bradford, Ridge Bradford, Jamison Bustamante, Dylan Burns, Jade Sanders (Isaac), Hannah Durrance. Funeral services will be held Thursday March 6, 2025, at 11:00AM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating with interment to follow in Bonham Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday March 5, 2025, at 3:00PM till 7:00PM and on Thursday March 6, 2025, at 9:00AM until the time of the service at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bonham Cemetery Fund in memory of Ms. Wilma. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Staley family.