GAYLE GERON JR.

GERON, Gayle Preston, Jr., age 59, died peacefully at home in Cowan, Tennessee, on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, after a 25-year battle with myotonic muscular dystrophy, fought courageously and with faith and trust in God. Preston was born on Aug. 23, 1963 in Decatur, Alabama, to the late Marilyn Morrison Geron and the late Gayle P. Geron, Sr. He attended Decatur High School, and after graduating in 1982, he enrolled in Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama. In 1984 Preston graduated with an Associate of Arts from Marion and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He continued his education at Auburn University and graduated with a B.A. in 1987. Preston served for 10 years in the Army. He received infantry officer training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was also trained as a paratrooper. He became an intelligence officer and spent several years in Korea and in Panama as well as being stationed at bases in the U.S. Preston’s love of adventure showed itself early. While he was still in high school he obtained a pilot’s license. During his years in the Army he took every opportunity to travel and to explore new places and cultures. But the adventure that really captured his heart was scuba diving and underwater photography. He traveled all over the world, from the Dry Tortugas and Belize to Malaysia, and photographed an incredible array of sea creatures. When he could no longer go diving because of his advancing illness, he enrolled in the University of South Alabama in Mobile to study marine biology. When even that became impossible for him, he spent countless hours organizing his photographs online for others to enjoy. Preston’s website at http://www.pixelmar.com provides beautiful photography and commentary, a legacy of his love for the mysteries of the world beneath the ocean. The foundation of Preston’s life was his faith in God. He was raised at Trinity Chapel, later New Song Family Church, in Decatur, and also participated from childhood in the Alabama Camp Farthest Out. In 2013, he moved to Cowan, Tennessee and joined the Abundant Life Church. He was a faithful and active member and especially loved taking part in the church’s music ministry. Preston is survived by two sisters, Celeste Geron Shibata and her husband, John and Mary Elaine Geron Norman, all of Cowan; three nieces, Sarah Askew Brehm and her husband Stephen, Ashley Elaine Norman, and Meredith Norman Borodina; and a nephew, David Benjamin Askew and his wife, Tonya; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews, Sophia Celeste Brehm, Cecilia Ann Brehm, Jaxon Alexander Askew, Liam Henry Askew, Dakotah Elaine Rathel, Charlie Grace Dalton and Dylan Loretta Dalton. Oscar Lee Mack has been a kind companion and has given Meme invaluable help with Preston’s care over the past few months. The family would like to give special thanks to Sean, a nurse at Kindred Hospital, Rosie, the admissions coordinator at Amedisys Hospice, and Sherry, the indefatigable hospice nurse, who were so helpful in getting Preston back home and caring for him in his last few days. Visitation was held on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. A graveside service was held on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Preston’s memory to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com. 

WILBURN MANN

MANN, Wilburn Lee, “The Handy-Mann” passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, in Manchester, Tennessee, at the age 79. He was born in Huntland, Tennessee, on July 21, 1943 to the late Alex Steven Mann and Bessie Opal Holman Mann. Wilburn was a gifted handyman and owned and operated The Handy-Mann for many years. When he was not working, he enjoyed fishing, four-wheeling in the mountains, hunting and spending time with his family. Wilburn was preceded in death by his parents, Alex Steven Mann and Bessie Opal Holman Mann and brothers, Ray Mann, Alvin Ralph Mann, Wayne Mann and Ernest Bear Mann. He is survived by his daughter, Sabrina Mann of Manchester; son, Terrell Mann (Kim) of Winchester; grandson, Kyle Mann; great-grandson, Cody Mann; and grand-fur babies, Jackson and Pink. Visitation was held on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at Watson-North Funeral Home. Funeral services were conducted on Friday, Jan. 26, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Roy B. Watson chapel of Watson-North Funeral Home. Burial followed at Watson-North Memorial Park. Watson-North Funeral Home, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, Tennessee 37398, 931-967-2345, www.watsonfhtn.com.

CAROL ALFORD

 ALFORD, Carol Gayle, age 74, of Winchester, died on Jan. 26, 2023. Survivors: children, Brook (Jeff) Simcik, Douglas Dotson, Troy Baker, Randall Dotson; grandchildren, Clayton Ray (Blair) Peavy, Ashley Brook (Jay) Peskuski, Sloane, Kendal Simcik. Services were held Feb. 1, 2023, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment followed in Winchester Memorial Park. 

 WILLIAM KEITH

 KEITH, William R. “Bill,” age 90, of Winchester, passed away at Vanderbilt-Harton on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. A native of Franklin County, he was born on Dec. 25, 1932, to the late Henry and Bettie (Matthews) Keith. Bill was a devoted member of the Cowan Church of Christ for many years. He enjoyed putting together model airplanes and spending time with his family. Bill also enjoyed farming with his son, Hank. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Woosley; son, Stephen A. Keith; sons-in-law, Ron Woosley and Neal Henderson; daughter-in-law, Kathy Keith; brother, James Keith; and sister, Shirley Keith Bryant. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Nina Ruth Keith; children, Beverly Henderson and Hank (Doris) Keith; eight grandchildren, Ben Keith, Josh (Jessie) Keith, Karen (Tray) Norwood, Will (Misty) Keith, Andy (Hannah) Keith, Rebecca Henderson, Adam (Tessie) Henderson and Daniel (Lauren) Henderson; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other family. Visitation was held on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Cowan Church of Christ with funeral services immediately following at 2 p.m. at the church. Interment followed at Cowan-Montgomery Cemetery. Watson-North Funeral Home 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398 931-967-2345 www.watsonfhtn.com.

JOHN DE LONG

 DE LONG, John Calvin, age 74, of Estill Springs, Tennessee, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family at his home on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, due to complications of cancer.  He was born on May 11, 1948, the eldest of twin boys to Harold and Sylvia De Long.  He grew up in Mather, Wisconsin and graduated from Tomah High School, class of 1966.  He worked on his family’s cranberry marsh, both during high school and after.  He entered into military service in 1969 when he joined the Air Force.  He married the love of his life, Gloria Kozlowski (City Point, WI), in 1970. John was a devoted husband and father.  He and Gloria had two children, Douglas and Dawn.  John was a highly-respected servant leader in his profession and in his community.  He retired from the Air Force after 24.5 years, which included active duty in the Vietnam War.  He then spent another 20 years as the assistant manager of the Arnold Air Force Base golf course.  He was a volunteer fire fighter for Estill Springs for over 10 years.  He was considered a founding member/coach of youth soccer in Franklin County.  He was both an athlete and coach.  He played volley ball, softball and golf.  He coached youth teams in basketball, soccer and softball.  He was also an avid reader and sportsman.  He loved fishing and hunting as well as breeding and training beagles.  He loved watching sports of all kinds, but loved the MN Vikings the most.  John was to both family and friends someone you could always count on for a helping hand and advice.  He had a playful nature and always enjoyed life! Most important to him was his family! John is survived by his wife, Gloria of 52 years and his two children, Douglas De Long and Dawn Spry, and her husband Cory Spry with their two children Isabella and Jensen Spry.  John is also survived by his siblings and their children/grandchildren: Florence De Long (sister), Harry De Long (twin brother) and Sylvia Medinger (sister).  John was preceded in death by his parents, Harold S. De Long and Sylvia L. De Long (Griffin).  Come join the family for a celebration of John’s life on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Estill Springs Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Hall, 6200 AEDC Road, Estill Springs, TN 37330.  The family respectfully requests that rather than flowers, please send contributions in John’s name to the Sarah Cannon Fund at the American Cancer Society, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit this website: https://donate3.cancer.org/?campaign=sarahcannonfundcy17.

JERRY WALLS

 WALLS, Jerry Allen, age 68, of Decherd, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at Erlanger Health Systems in Chattanooga.  Jerry was born on June 28, 1954 to the late Polk and Bobbie Jean (Finney) Walls.  Jerry spent much of his life managing/running convenient stores, doing farm work and hauling produce.  He loved eating sweets and watching westerns.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila (Hill) Walls.  Jerry is survived by his loving daughters, Beverly Holmes and Demetria (Tyler) Stephens; grandsons, Baden Holmes and Brayton Stephens; brother, Ken Walls; sisters, Gail Tucker, Deb (Troy) Taylor and Deta Watts; and niece, Tia Watts.  A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at 2 p.m. at White Oak Grove Church of God. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.