DEMETRIUS MELTON

MELTON, Demetrius Quindell, age 41, of Chattanooga, formerly of Winchester, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, at Erlanger Health Systems.  He was born in Winchester on April 22, 1982.  Disabled, Demetrius had a wonderful personality and a likeable personality.  He enjoyed cheering for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, watching wrestling, playing pool and riding four-wheelers.  But most of all, Demetrius loved spending time with his beloved family.  He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Bobbie Jean Melton; brother, Timothy Waggoner; and grandfather, William Waggoner.  Demetrius is survived by his loving mother and step-father, Sharon (Michael) McKibben; father, Robert Waggoner; siblings, Quiosha Melton, O’Neal Wellington, Shawn (Stephanie) Waggoner, Tyquez Earsary, Hattie Simmons, Latoya Berry and Amanda Starks; grandmother, Gladys Estill; grandfather, Charles Burnette; nephews, Treyviaun and Trenzel; niece, Tevaeh; and many other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation was held on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, from 1-2 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home followed by funeral services at 2 p.m. in the Roy B. Watson Chapel of Watson Funeral Home with Minister Shiro Burnette officiating.  Interment followed at Watson Memorial Park with Trey Derek, Caleb Steele, Marianno Hendon, Joan West, Justin Mosley and Jeffery Wiggs serving as pallbearers.  Watson Funeral Home, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2345, www.watsonfhtn.com.

DORIS WAGGONER

 WAGGONER, Doris Blanche, age 92, of Kimmell, Indiana, passed away peacefully at the Gibson Hospice Center in Terre Haute, Indiana on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. She was born on Oct. 3, 1930, near Estill Springs, Tennessee, to Nellie and Percy Evans. She is survived by sister, Ginger Leatherwood (David) of Papillion, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Johnnie Insel of Tullahoma, Tennessee; daughter, Debra Nidlinger (Jimm) of Terre Haute, Indiana; grandchildren, Chris Waggoner (Jessica) of Huntington, Indiana, Jimm Jr. of Terre Haute, Indiana, Gina Ernst (Mark) of Denver, Colorado, and James and Jimmy Waggoner; and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Felix Howard Waggoner of 56 years and her three sons, Larry, Rick and Michael. She was a devoted wife and mother, taking care of her terminally-ill husband for over 10 years. Doris will be remembered for her great love of God, family and her fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Her daily routine EVERY morning was two cups of coffee, then an hour or so of reading scripture, then to the privacy of the bathroom to pray.  This was the only way to start the new day that God had blessed her with. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ for 80 years, having been baptized in the creek at age 13 with her first cousin and best friend, Jane Pitts. A private graveside service was held at Thorn Cemetery, Ormas, Indiana, on Sept. 13, 2023 at 2 p.m. with Bro. Joe Hughes officiating. A public celebration of Mama’s life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at 3 p.m. at the Lagrange Church of Christ, Lagrange, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Camp Indogan, 1128 So. 450 W., Angola, Indiana 46703 or to the Bible Institute of Missouri, Africa Work, 2540A No. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, Missouri 65803. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com. Yeager Funeral home, 1589 Lincolnway South Ligonier, IN 46767, 260-894-4900.

MARTHA PARKES

 PARKES, Martha Holly, age 93, of Fayetteville, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Lincoln County Medical Center. A native of Lincoln County, she was born on May 24, 1930, in Fayetteville, to the late Jim Bell and Lula (Anderson) Holly. She had previously worked for NASA at the arsenal in Huntsville, but had been a dedicated homemaker for many years. A devoted Christian, Martha loved the Lord. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and listening to music. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her beloved family and cherished the time spent with them, especially at family events and holiday gatherings. Her family will remember her beautiful soul, contagious smile and sassy nature. Known as “Nannaw,” she truly was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant son, James Phillip Parkes, Jr. Martha is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, James “Skippy” Phillip Parkes; daughter, Rebecca Parkes (Bill) Pyron of Christiana, and Sebring, Florida; granddaughters, Holly (Jim) Cortner of Winchester, and Erin (Heath) Patterson of Christiana; great-grandsons, Robert (Emily) Cortner of Winchester, and William Patterson of Christiana; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home in Fayetteville, with services following at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Charles Abernathy and Rev. Nolen Brunson officiating. Interment followed at Lynchburg Cemetery. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com. 

KATRINA BLACKBURN

 BLACKBURN, Katrina Lynn, age 22, of Hillsboro, gained her angel wings on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.  A native of Coffee County, she was born on Jan. 4, 2001, in Tullahoma.  Katrina was currently employed by Amazon.  She was an avid craftsman and enjoyed arts and crafts projects as well as painting.  She also enjoyed sports, cooking and reading.  A wonderful mother, she cherished the time with her children. Katrina was preceded in death by her son, Malachi James Lyons and grandparents, Alfred Blackburn, Sr., Mary Blackburn Hegwood, Christine Ridner and Don Durham.  She is survived by her daughter, Izabella Jane Lyons of Hillsboro; mother, Barbara Durham of Jackson; father, Alfred (Stacie) Blackburn, Jr. of Tullahoma; sisters, Katie (Clint) Payne of Winchester, Virginia Kristine King (Sawyer Mason) of Manchester, and Katie (David) Contreras of Manchester; brother, Matthew (Brooklyn) Blackburn of Jackson; grandmother, Shirley Reed of Tullahoma; aunts, Angela Blackburn of Estill Springs, and Lillie Bush of Manchester; uncle, Michael Lynn Blackburn of Wartburg; and nieces and nephews, Harvey, Taya, Madalynn, Wesson, K-leb, Aden and Riley. Visitation was held on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home.  A celebration of life was held on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with Rev. Dusty Lawrence officiating.  Interment followed at Franklin Memorial Gardens. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com. 

PATRICIA WILLIS

WILLIS, Patricia Elaine, 67, Woodville, Alabama, died Sept. 13, 2023. Survivors: children, Patrick Willis, Steven Willis, Aaron Willis, Richard Willis, Ariel McCurley; grandchildren, Bradley Willis, Courtney Willis, Madison Willis, Brianna Willis, Caitlyn Willis, Issac Willis, Parker Willis, Savannah Willis, Braxton McCurley, Kinsley McCurley. Services held Sept. 18, 2023, Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment, Moore Memorial Cemetery. 

WILLIAM WARD JR.

 WARD, WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER, JR., age 18, of Huntland, Tennessee, departed this life suddenly on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, from injuries he sustained in an automobile accident on his way home from school in Shelbyville. Christopher was born in Winchester, Tennessee, on Feb. 28, 2005, to William Christopher Ward, Sr. and Lisa Horton. He graduated from Chestnut Ridge Academy, class of 2023.  He was a student at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Shelbyville, specializing in H-Vac. He was a Christian.  Christopher enjoyed “floating the river” on kayaks with his family and friends.  He also liked to fish and camp.  He was a huge fan of Gene Simmons and his band, Kiss.  Chris will be remembered for his mischievous, fun-loving personality his “soft heart” and his love for all animals.  More than anything, he loved spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jacob Ward; maternal grandfather, Greg Horton, Sr.; paternal grandparents, Homer and Mary Ward; and special grandfather, Dennis Towry. He is survived by his mother, Lisa Horton of Huntland; father and step-mother, Chris Ward, Sr. and wife, Stefanie of Huntland; sisters, Chasity Ward of Huntland and Kayci Hubbard and husband, Rory of Ft. Riley, Kansas; brother, Aiden Mantooth; maternal grandmother, Shirley Horton; special grandmother, “Granny Jean” Towry; step-grandparents, Bobby and Sandy Bruce, all of Huntland; two nieces,  Mabry and Murphy Hubbard; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Visitation was held on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. followed by services at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Grant Funeral Services with Pastor Quentin Horton officiating. Interment followed in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Huntland.

RONALD SCOTT

 SCOTT, Ronald Wayne, age 71, of Winchester, passed away on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at his residence while surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Harvey, Illinois, on Oct. 23, 1951, to the late Paul Vernon and Jonnie Faye (Williams) Scott.  Ronald retired after 20 years of service in the United States Navy.  Following retirement, he obtained his bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He loved traveling to New York City to watch Broadway plays prior to moving there.  After moving to New York City, he earned a duel Master’s Degree in General Education and Special Education from Touro University and became an accomplished special education teacher.  Musically inclined, he was talented at playing all string instruments and enjoyed playing bluegrass, blues and folk music.  Ronald will be remembered for his witty sense of humor and sharp intellect.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Greg Scott.  Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Rebecca Scott; son, Patrick Scott; daughter, Rachael Scott; step-children, Joey (Crystal) Goodman, Jennifer Lynn (Paul) Alley and Jaysa Lee (James) Hill; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including the youngest grandson, Ethan Alley aka Jack; brothers, Glen (Sheila) Scott and Tommy (Donna) Scott; nieces, Jennifer Scott and Lanna McGowan; and nephew, Donald Scott.  Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, from 1-4 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with services following at 4 p.m. in the Moore-Cortner Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tim Parsons officiating. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com. 

LELAND DENMAN

 DENMAN, Leland Cox, lovingly known as Lee, age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Huntsville, Alabama, while surrounded by his loving wife and daughter. Lee was born in Oliver Springs, Tennessee, on Feb. 4, 1932, to Reverend Elmer Hoyle Denman, Sr. and Lela Cox Denman.  He was the fourth oldest of nine children who blessed the lives of his parents.  As a child of a minister, he lived in several towns and states while growing up.  He attended college and enlisted in the Navy, serving aboard the U.S.S. Rochester as a radio controller during the Korean War, before marrying his loving wife of 65 years, Jeannette Breitler Denman, on May 31, 1958. In 1962, Lee, with his wife and two young children, settled in Winchester, Tennessee, after beginning a career in the electrical engineering field at Arnold Engineering Development Center in Tullahoma, Tennessee.  He continued working as an electrical engineer until he retired in 1994. Lee was a member of the Winchester Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served in various roles including serving as an elder of the church and a member of the Men’s Ministry.  He was also a member of the choir and had a beautiful voice. Lee loved his family and doted on his granddaughters.  He loved singing, especially singing in the choir or with his brothers.  He loved camping and joined the National Campers and Hikers Association where he and his family made many camping friends all over the nation.  He loved his hobbies and dabbled in various hobbies ranging from rock collecting and tumbling to creating with stained glass.  He enjoyed traveling and also reading, especially reading about historical events. Lee was preceded in death by his son, Ernest Hoyle Denman; his granddaughter, Hannah Lea Fisher; his daughter-in-law Angie Denman; his parents, Reverend Elmer Hoyle Denman, Sr. and Lela Cox Denman; his brother, Reverend Elmer Hoyle Denman, Jr.; and three of his sisters, Carolyn Elizabeth Denman Leonard, Mary Ruth Denman Hankins and Rachel Anne Denman. Lee is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeannette Breitler Denman; his daughter, Leah Leanette Denman Fisher; his granddaughter, Rachel Jean Fisher; his son-in-law, David Eugene Fisher; two brothers, James Robert Denman and David Samuel Denman; two sisters, Martha Roselyn Denman Witherspoon and Sarah Kay Denman Payne; and many extended family members including brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.Visitation was held on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, with funeral services following in the chapel with Reverend Doctor Michael Clark officiating. Interment followed at Franklin Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pall bearers.  Memorial Donations may be made to Cumberland Youth and Family Services, 909 Greenlee St., Denton, TX 76201, 940-382-5112.  Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.