Billy Jackson “BJ” Tubbs
by: Dwayne PageMar 31, 2025
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
Fred William Brown
by: Dwayne PageMar 31, 2025
Fred William Brown age 72 of McMinnville passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at his residence. He was born July 7, 1952, to his parents the late Alvie and Florene Locke Brown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 7 siblings. Mr. Brown was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses since 1975 and served faithfully as a minister until his death. Mr. Brown served in the United States Air Force and was a self-employed garbage collector. He is survived by wife of 35 years, Joan Brown of McMinnville; son Stephen Brown of Wyoming; step-sons, Mark Holmes of England and Carl Holmes of Thailand; step-grandson, Benjamin Holmes; siblings, Pauline Cummings, Annie Brown, and Jesse Brown; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. The family has honored Mr. Brown’s request to be cremated, and a Memorial Service will be held 2:30PM April 6, 2025, with Bro. Brian Williams officiating and a slide-show presentation starting at 2:15PM, at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness, 1015 Harrison Ferry Rd, McMinnville, TN. The family ask in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McMinnville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness in memory of Mr. Brown. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Brown family.
James R.H. Hayes
by: Dwayne PageMar 31, 2025
James R.H. Hayes age 95 of Smithville passed from this life on Sunday, March 23 at NHC HealthCare in Smithville from an extended illness. He was born December 25,1929 to his parents, the late Floyd & Novella (Hutchins) Hayes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Aughinbaugh) Hayes; son, Ricky Hayes and sister, Elsie Braswell. He was a member of Whorton Springs Baptist Church. Mr. Hayes was a farmer and a US Army Veteran having served in the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his daughter, Vicky (Joe) Bogle of Smithville; 2 Grandchildren Michelle Trapp Cantrell and Tony (Amanda) Trapp all of Smithville; 2 step-grandchildren, Chris Bogle of Smithville and Eric (Tina) Bogle of Crossville; 5 great grandchildren, Brittany (Brennan) of Richmond, VA, Kylee (Austin) of Sterlington, LA, and Gage, Holden (Hannah) and Bryson all of Smithville; 6 step great-grandchildren, Kami, Kelsey, Chase, Dylan, Jacob, Piper; 3 great- great-grandchildren, Blakelyn, Briley and Karter; Brother, Johnny Hayes of Pegram, TN. Funeral services will be 2 PM Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. David Mahan officiating and interment to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens with Military Honors conducted by the Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be Tuesday 10:AM till 7 PM and Wednesday 9:AM until the time of the service at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whorton Springs Baptist Church in memory of Mr. Hayes. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Hayes Family.