ERIC BENJAMIN

 BENJAMIN, Eric, Honoring the life and legacy of Eric Vincent Benjamin (1951-2023): A Pillar of Love, Compassion, and Advocacy. We honor the life and legacy of Eric Vincent Benjamin, a beloved husband, father, brother and trailblazer at The University of the South. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 8, 1951, to Jacob and Phyllis Benjamin, Eric passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 18, 2023, at the age of 72. Eric’s steadfast devotion to his family knew no bounds. A loving father to Vincent, Keenan and Michael and a doting grandfather to Ava, Chloe and Ella, Eric’s love enveloped all those around him. His love story with his wife, Michelle, was a testament to their enduring partnership, inspiring all who witnessed it. Eric’s passion for nature, nurtured during childhood summers in Black Mountain, North Carolina, remained integral to his life. He was also an accomplished athlete, excelling in football, basketball and tennis. As a student at Sewanee, Eric made a lasting impact as the Jazz Society President and broke barriers as the first Black student to chair the Honor Council. After earning his degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law, he dedicated himself to aiding the underprivileged at the Georgia Legal Services Program. In 1981, Eric returned to Sewanee, committing almost four decades as the director of multicultural affairs. Following his retirement in July 2020, the University announced the formation of the Benjamin Network alumni group. As a symbol of his enduring legacy, students, alumni, and friends commissioned an oil portrait of Benjamin that now hangs in the University’s library. Eric Vincent Benjamin is survived by his loving wife, Michelle; sons, Vincent (Heather), Keenan and Michael; grandchildren Ava, Chloe and Ella; sister, Vickie (Alani) Ogunlade; brother, Chris (Crystal) Benjamin; and a host of cherished loved ones. For all who had the privilege of knowing him, his memory will be eternally treasured. His enduring legacy of love, compassion and steadfast advocacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations. Funeral services were conducted on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 2 p.m. at All Saints Chapel in Sewanee.  Interment followed at University Cemetery. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com. 

 JOSEPHINE BREWER

 BREWER, Josephine Marie, 63 of Huntland, died on April 24, 2023. Survivors: significant other, Mark Zimmer; children, Angel Mosley, Billy Hoback Jr., Preston Ladd; grandchildren, Mark Kirk, Paul Justice, Douglas Justice, Destiny Mosely, Anna Mosely, Stacy Mosley Jr. Services held April 27, 2023, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment, O’Dear Cemetery. 

 HENRIETTA STATEN

STATEN, Henrietta, age 93, of Winchester, passed on Friday, April 21, 2023, at her residence. She was born on April 6, 1930, in Mingo, Tennessee, to the late John Nelson and Clara Simmons. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Staten, Sr.; son, William (Andy) Staten; sisters, Mildred, Lyvonia and Alvider; and brothers, William, Ardell, John and Tillman. She earned her bachelor’s degree from A & I State College (now Tennessee State University) and began a lifelong career in education. She professed her love in Christ and was a member of Beans Creek Primitive Baptist Church. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Jennye Hill and Jeanelle Staten; sons, Arthur “Fuzzy” Staten, Jr., Henry “Squeaky” (Annette) Staten and Reginald “Reggie” (Lisa) Staten; sisters, Charoline, Ela (John), Mary Ann, Lena and Yvonne; brother, Edd (Valerie); eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; godson, Kenneth (Bossman) Staten; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The family received friends on Monday, April 24, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beans Creek Primitive Baptist Church with the funeral service following at 1 p.m. with Pastor Terry Grayson officiating and Servant Q’Obrien Wherry as eulogist. Interment followed at Simmons Cemetery in Mingo. Online condolences may be sent to www.weltonfuneralhome.com.  J.A. Welton & Son Funeral Home, 715 S. Jackson St., Tullahoma, TN 37388, 931-455-2723, in charge of arrangements.

LEON CLARK

 CLARK, Leon, age 83, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Southern Tennessee Regional Health System-Winchester.  He was born Nov. 27, 1939, in Huntland, Tennessee.  Before his retirement, he worked 43 years at BF Goodrich Aerospace in Tullahoma in maintenance and was an active member in the United States Steelworkers of America Local 6817.  He attended Maxwell Baptist Church. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing, hunting, spending time in the mountains and golfing with his friends. He was a lifelong fan of the University of Tennessee Vols and watching any game with him was always entertaining.  In his early days, he owned his own body shop where he painted and restored cars.  In his retirement, he enjoyed fixing up his old jeep and restoring it.  He farmed from childhood on his parents’ farm to his own farm harvesting crops and having cattle.  He is known for his work ethic, strong willpower, quick wit, sense of humor and ability to fix/rig whatever anyone brought to him.  He enjoyed precious time with family, friends and especially grandkids. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Lizzie Clark and sister, Hazel (Oscar Harold) Martin.  He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Kay Goff Clark of Huntland; daughter, Wendi (Scott) McGee; grandson, Collin Stewart; step-grandsons, Cade(Candi) McGee, Coleton (Jesse) McGee and Caleb McGee; and step-great-grandchildren, Raylin , Raegan, Everett, Mikaela and Cora. Visitation was held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home.  Graveside services were held at Moore Memorial Cemetery on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Animal Harbor of Winchester where his beloved pet, Tiki, was adopted or to the Huntland School scholarship funds.   Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com. 

CALVIN GEORGE

 GEORGE, Calvin, age 62, of Estillfork, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Tullahoma, at the NHC Regional Facility. He was born in Huntland, on July 30, 1960, to the late Daylon George and Vester McClure George. Calvin was a logger for many years, but when he was not working you could find him spending time outdoors. He loved fishing, hiking and spending time with his nieces and nephews. Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, Daylon and Vester McClure George and brother, Carl George. He is survived by his daughter, Maranda Thrasher of Belvidere; son, Calvin Daylon George of Belvidere; brothers, Steve (Tracy) George of and Allan George, both of Estillfork, Alabama; and several grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 3 p.m. at the George Family Cemetery. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com. 

FLOYD MATHIS

 MATHIS, Floyd Dale, age 64, of Winchester, passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023.  He was born in Tullahoma, on July 29, 1958, to the late Paul Eugene Mathis and Frances Leona (Riddle) Mathis Brinkley.  Before his retirement, he was employed digging graves for Doric Vault Company.  He enjoyed playing his guitar and singing, fishing and working in the garden.  But most of all, he cherished the time spent with his beloved family. His family will remember his gentle and non-judgmental nature.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Eddie Mathis, Ricky Mathis and Sharlotte Smith.  Floyd is survived by his loving wife, Penny Davis Mathis of Winchester; children, Amanda (Todd) Hall of Hillsboro, Misty Mathis of Manchester, Daniel Mathis of Manchester, Anthony “Tony” Coker of Winchester, and Nathan (Amanda) Coker of Winchester; sister, Wanda (Larry) Painter of Estill Springs; grandchildren, Alyssa Mathis, Gavin Brewer, Kenadi Hall, Madelynn Mathis and Kallie Coker; great-grandchildren, Daxden Sullivan and Oaklynn Sullivan; and many nieces and nephews.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 2-3 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home.  A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. in the Moore-Cortner Funeral Home Chapel.  Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com. 

STEVIE PATON

 PATON, Stevie Liam David, infant son of Jason Paton and Vallery Delaney of Tullahoma, earned his angel wings on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville.  He was born on Saturday, April 15, 2023.  Stevie was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Ella Paton and Steve Henley and great-uncles, Shawn Simms and Stevie Dudley.  In addition to his loving parents, Stevie is survived by his brother, Noah Roger Paton of Lewisburg; grandparents, Leanne Delaney of Manchester, and Joy Paton of Cowan; great-grandfather, Richard Paton of Cowan; aunts, Mary Teyen of Tullahoma, Laura Delaney of Lebanon, Daniel Delaney of Nashville, Angel Alexander of Tullahoma, Hannah Paton of Tullahoma, and Hevean Alexander of Tullahoma; uncle, Richard Paton of Tullahoma; and several cousins.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home with services following at 2 p.m. in the Roy B. Watson Chapel of Watson Funeral Home.  Interment will be at Bethlehem Cemetery. Watson Funeral Home, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2345, www.watsonfhtn.com.

DERRICK WAGGONER

 WAGGONER, Derrick Maxwell, 57 of Gruetli-Laager, died on April 25, 2023. He was born on Nov. 17, 1965, to the late Charles and Polly (Maxwell) Waggoner. Survivors: wife, Michelle Waggoner; brother, Rick Waggoner; sister, Joy Scott; mother-in-law, Darlene Preikschat. Graveside services were held May 1, 2023, at Walnut Grove Cemetery.  

ANNA BRADFORD

 BRADFORD, Anna Ruth, age 84 of Winchester, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at her residence while surrounded by her loving family.  A native of Franklin County, she was born on Aug. 28, 1938, to the late Foster Davis and Pauline (Stewart) Kemp.  A dedicated homemaker, she enjoyed working in her flower garden, but most cherished the time spent with her beloved family.  She also enjoyed listening to music and attending sporting events for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Anna Ruth attended Keith Springs Baptist Church when she was able.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Junior Bradford and brothers, Bill Davis and Foster Davis Jr.  Anna Ruth is survived by her loving son, Ricky (Melanie) Bradford; grandsons, Cody (Tiffany) Bradford and Chance (Rachel) Bradford; great-grandchildren, Keagan Dugas, Braden Adams, Brantley Adams, Sadie Bradford and Remi Bradford; siblings, Betty (Jack) Frost, Mary Pratt, Sue (Tommy) Knight, Wayne Davis and Dorothy Davis; and several nieces and nephews.  Visitation was held on Sunday, April 30, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with services following at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with Rev. Todd Coutta officiating.  Interment was at Mt. Garner Cemetery. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com. 

BILLY WISEMAN

 WISEMAN, Billy “Ray,” age 74, of Belvidere, passed away from this life on Saturday, April 29, 2023, while surrounded by his loving family at his residence.  A native of Franklin County, he was born on Sept. 30, 1948, in Winchester, to the late Thad and Lethia Wiseman. Throughout his life, he once was a member of Keith Springs Volunteer Fire Department. Ray worked on numerous nurseries for many years before entering factory work.  He worked for E and B Armstrong then Shaw Industries for 30 years before retiring.  Ray had a very strong faith in God.  He was a faithful member of Lighthouse Church of Jesus, where you could find him sitting on the pew ready for a handshake with a smile on his face.  Ray enjoyed the singing of his favorite gospel song, “The Old Rugged Cross,” and occasionally would join in.  His hobbies included hunting, fishing and watching Tennessee Volunteer football.  But most of all, Ray loved spending time with his family at their reunions and other gatherings as well as spending time with his church family.  Friendship came easy for Ray; he always had a kind word for others. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Cleveland, Howard, Ross Dudley, Thad Jr., Everett Cleveland (Dink) and John Lee; and sisters, Helen Burks and Bessie Steele.  Ray is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jane Wiseman; sons, Stacy (Allison) Wiseman of Winchester, and Tony (Victoria) Wiseman of Murfreesboro; daughter, Angela (John Bryant) Wiseman of Decherd; grandchildren, Kayla (Chris) Nee, James Thomas Wiseman, Caiden Wiseman and Nick (Tara) Brown; great-grandchildren, Adler and Wyatt Nee and Ethan and Journey Brown; siblings, Danny, Troy and Tim Wiseman, Linda McConnell, Crystal Wiseman, Lisa Tart, Tammy Barnett and Darlene Garner; and many nieces and nephews.  Visitation was held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home.  Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with Bro. Howard Riddle officiating.  Interment was at Franklin Memorial Gardens. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.