Obituaries in June 29, 2023, edition
JOHN CORTNER
CORTNER, John David “Dave,” age 77, passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The youngest son of the late Clarence Cortner and Edna Prince Cortner, he was born on Nov. 15, 1945. He is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Yvette (Wade) McCallie of Tullahoma; sons, Alex Cortner of Roswell, Georgia, and John Cortner of Tumwater, Washington; brother, Bob (June) Cortner of Winchester; grandchildren, Maddie and Colin of Tullahoma; nephew, Jim (Holly) Cortner of Winchester, and Jeremy (Emily) Donaldson of Huntsville, Alabama; and brother-in-law, Murrel (Kim) Donaldson of Huntland. He was in the United States Navy for four years and his business career consisted of being a funeral director, banker and Nationwide Insurance agent. His true passion was flying, duck hunting, reading and RV’ing. He will truly be missed by family and friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.
JEANNE RIDGWAY BIGGER
BIGGER, Glenna Jeanne (Ridgway), was born 98 years ago on Sept. 6, 1924, in St. Clair County, Illinois, and departed this life on Flag Day, June 14, 2023, at Franklin Manor Assisted Living facility in Winchester, Tennessee. She lived most of her adult life in Tullahoma and Winchester, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grover Carlisle and Mary Myrtle (Greene) Ridgway and her older sister, Helen Greene (Ridgway) Shevlin. She had a loving, 60-year marriage with her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ogden Bigger, before he passed 13 years ago. She raised three wonderful sons during this union: Daniel Joseph Bigger, now deceased, Thomas Ridgway Bigger, residing in Hixson, Tennessee, with his wife Janice (Sons) Bigger, and their third son, Shevlin Brooks Bigger, also deceased. She had two grandchildren, Daniel Huffman Bigger and Natalie (Bigger) Davis. She is also survived by a dear brother, Joseph Thomas Ridgway and three special nieces, Suzanne (Shevlin) Young, Paula Jo (Ridgway) Elson and Cheri (Ridgway) Somraty. Jeanne also had several beloved great nieces and nephews. Jeanne was a certificated graduate of genealogy programs at the Institute of Historical and Genealogical Research in Washington D.C. and Samford University in Birmingham. She also completed an interior design course in Tullahoma, Tennessee. After attending modeling school in St. Louis, she later modeled in Indianapolis, New York City, St. Louis, Tullahoma, and had several events on Nashville television, along with other modeling assignments across Tennessee. She lectured with her extensive genealogical knowledge in Washington D.C., California, Indiana, Oklahoma, and all throughout the state of Tennessee. Jeanne taught genealogical continuing education courses at Motlow State Community College in Tullahoma for seven years. Jeanne had genealogical articles published throughout Tennessee as well as North Carolina, Virginia and California. She served on five editorial boards across the state of Tennessee. Her historical brief for Jack Daniels Distillery was used for their promotional literature and given to visitors for many years. Jeanne held memberships in the Tennessee Historical Society (VP for four years and first woman to ever preside over a meeting) and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR Vice Regent and Regent of the Tullahoma chapter). Her involvement with the DAR inspired her granddaughter, Natalie, to follow in her footsteps of service and she is currently the Regent in her Chattanooga chapter. Jeanne was also a devoted member of the Tullahoma First United Methodist Church and later the Winchester United Methodist Church for several decades until she was no longer able to attend. She was attendance chairman for the Genealogical and Historical Markers Organization. Her genealogy passions and contributions made an impressive impact on Franklin County Tennessee and the surrounding counties through her extensive decades of work at her beloved “Dig” restoring and preserving old county documents. Yet even with all her career commitments, her greatest joy and accomplishment was that of being a mom to each of her three boys, at which she succeeded wonderfully. In her last seven years, she resided comfortably and safely at Franklin Manor Assisted Living. The staff there took excellent care of her along with the assistance of Compassus Hospice for the last two years. Their seamless relationship made her last years very secure and peaceful and provided her family with great solace in knowing she was happy and secure. While in their care, she and several of her special friends spent many afternoons enjoying their Rummikub games. Many cherished memories were also created sharing precious time with family during their visits, gatherings, and meals together. Jeanne’s Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, with visitation at noon Central Time and a memorial service to follow at 1 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave. NW, Winchester, Tennessee 37398. The family looks forward to seeing you for the visitation starting at noon central time that Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to General James Winchester Chapter DAR, 4021 Keith Cove Road, Winchester, TN 37398. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.
TONY SYLER
SYLER, Tony Wayne, age 69, of Franklin, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Williamson Medical Center while surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Winchester, on Oct. 30, 1953, to the late George Wilburn Syler and Coy Francis Hargrave. Tony was a successful equestrian thoroughbred trainer for many years with famous wins at the Iroquois Steeplechase in Nashville and the English Grand National in England. When he was not training horses, Tony enjoyed music and NASCAR, always pulling for any driver in a Ford. He will always be remembered for his fun, outgoing personality. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, George and Coy Syler and siblings, John Edward, Dudley Ray, Marvin, G.W. Jr., Randy, Joe, Larry and Carolyn Syler. He is survived by his children, Brandy Syler (Pete Fitzgerald), Vicki (Nate) Tolene and Jessica Kimbrough; grandson, Dylan Kimbrough; siblings, Bettie Stratton, Bobby Syler, Dexter Syler, Linda Syler and Shelia Ashley; and several nieces and nephews and many friends on Music Row. Funeral services will be held at a later date. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.
JOSE RIVERO JR.
RIVERO, Dr. Jose Luis, Jr., M.D., age 57 of Cookeville, Tennessee, passed from this life on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at his home. Dr. Rivero was born Wednesday, May 11, 1966, in Newark, New Jersey, and he was the son of the late Jose Luis Rivero, Sr. and Mercy (Boy) Rivero. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 1986, Meharry Medical College in 1993, and the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1997. He was a wonderful and well-loved OBGYN for many years. Dr. Rivero was a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. He enjoyed hiking, golfing, music and being outdoors. Dr. Rivero is survived by, wife, Emily Rivero; five children, Erica Rivero, Emily Rivero, Abigail Rivero, Grant Walker and John Wesley Rivero; two brothers, Carlos Rivero and his wife, DeAnn and David Rivero; mother, Mercy Rivero; nieces, Vanessa and Sophia Rivero; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends. In addition to his father, Dr. Rivero was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents. A celebration of life memorial gathering was held on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 3-7 p.m. at Crest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America, www.curesarcoma.org. To sign the online guestbook and send the family a message please visit www.crestlawnmemorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to Crest Lawn Funeral Home – Cremation Center.
MARVIN TATE JR.
TATE, Marvin Kirby, Jr., age 72, of South Pittsburg, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the Southern Tennessee Regional Health System facility in Winchester. He was born on Feb. 5, 1951, in South Pittsburg, to Georgia Haggard Tate and the late Marvin Kirby Tate, Sr. Marvin served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps, earning “Expert Marksman” in boot camp and worked in construction after. He loved the outdoors, trout fishing, target-shooting and working on guns. He also loved his vacations to the St. Augustine area where he enjoyed the beach and seafood. Marvin was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Kirby Tate Sr. and sister, Mary Jane Tate. He is survived by his son, Daniel (Kelly) Tate of Ooltewah; mother, Georgia Haggard Tate; grandchildren, Carly Phillips of Ooltewah, Trey (Makalee) Hill of Jasper, and Brittany (Wade) Slatton; great-grandchildren, Maverick Slatton, Camille Slatton and Saylor Hill; and cousins, Grant Lappin, Phyliss Tate Goff of Kimball, and Clinton Tate of Kimball. Visitation was held on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 5-7 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.
JANICE MILLER
MILLER, Janice, age 79, of Huntland, Tennessee, departed this life on Monday, June 19, 2023, at the home of her daughter, Tina Limbaugh, in Belvidere, while surrounded by her loving family, following a brief battle with cancer. She was born on Aug. 23, 1943, to the late Herman Elvis Green and Eugenia E. Green in Francisco, Alabama. Ms. Miller was a member of the Beech Grove Methodist Church in Francisco, Alabama. Ms. Miller was employed for approximately 30 years with the now Zanini of Tennessee until her illness. She will be remembered as a hard-working, loving, caring and selfless person. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very dearly. When she wasn’t working, you could find her watching the game show network or women’s sports. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, John H. Miller; brothers, Mabry, Milford “Pete” and Elvin Green; and one sister, Charlotte Ray. She is survived by her sons, Doug and Travis Miller of Huntland; daughter; Tina Limbaugh of Belvidere; grandchildren, Ashley (Matthew) Fitch and Alicia (Chris) Fanning, all of Belvidere, Jessica (James) Riley of Elora, Allison Limbaugh and Kayla Miller, both of Huntland and Dakota Miller of Winchester; great-grandchildren, Eli, Addison and Amelia Fitch, Jentri and Hude Fanning, Carson and Layla Riley, Bransyn Limbaugh, Jaxson and Grayson Miller and Raelyn Stewart; brother, Elvis Green of Huntland; sister, Ethlene Devers of Boston, Maryland; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the chapel of Grant Funeral Services followed by services at 1 p.m. with Pastor Rodger Paradise officiating. Interment followed in the Beech Grove Cemetery in Francisco, Alabama. Serving as an honorary pallbearer was Huck Fanning. Active pallbearers were: Matthew Fitch, Chris Fanning, James Riley, Jacob Clark, Carson Riley and Eli Fitch.
PAUL HUTCHENS
HUTCHENS, Paul Steven, age 70, of Winchester, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2023, while surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born on Oct. 24, 1952, in Blount County, Tennessee, to the late Charles Ellis and Joan Louise (Roberts) Hutchens. Paul was of the Baptist faith and was a member of the Tims Ford Bass Club. He was a 1970 class graduate of Franklin County High School and a 1972 class graduate of John A. Gupton College in Nashville. Paul worked for over 20 years with L&N, now known as CSX Railroad. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, talking with friends and spending quality time with his family. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his grandparents, Floyd Samuel and Lucy (Matlock) Roberts and Thomas Jefferson and Lillian Mae (Stevens) Hutchens. Paul is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Daniel) Webb; granddaughters, Sydney and Ruby Webb; brothers, C. Wayne (Sharon) Hutchens and Mark (Holly) Hutchens; sister, Jane (Larry) Timbs; companion of 27 years, Sandra (Sandy) Foster and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Maxwell Cemetery with a reception following at Maxwell Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931) 967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.
ARTHUR STATEN JR.
STATEN, Arthur “Fuzzy”, Jr., of Winchester, passed from this life on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Southern TN Regional Hospital in Winchester, at the age of 66. He was born on Oct. 5, 1956, in Winchester to the late Arthur and Henrietta Staten. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William “Andy” Staten. Fuzzy leaves to cherish his memory: a daughter, Tomeka Allgood; grandchildren, Tierra Allgood and Jadyn Allgood; sisters, Jennye Hill and Jeanelle Staten; brothers, Henry “Squeaky” (Annette) Staten and Reggie (Lisa) Staten; aunts, Charoline, Ela (John), Mary Ann, Lena and Yvonne; uncle, Edd (Valerie); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Elk River Tabernacle with a celebration of life service following at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be at Simmons Cemetery in Mingo, Tennessee. J.A. Welton & Son Funeral Home, 715 Jackson St., Tullahoma, TN 37388, 931-455-2723 in charge of arrangements.
BEVERLY CAMPBELL
CAMPBELL, Beverly Sue Boyer, age 70, of Normandy, passed away on June 23, 2023, at Vanderbilt Tullahoma Harton Hospital. She was born in Centralia, Illinois on March 19, 1953, to Doris Mae Sweet and the late Alvin Leroy Boyer. She worked with elementary school students as an aid and helped with reading and math, which was a passion of hers. Beverly cherished her time that she was able to talk and spend time with her friends and loved ones. Her love of Labradors has been a force in her life for twenty plus years. Puppies always put a smile on her face. Beverly was preceded in death by her father, Alvin Boyer, and Tony Boyer. She is survived by her husband, Joe Campbell; sister, Connie Phelps of Belgrade, Missouri; mother, Doris Boyer of Belgrade, Missouri; beloved nephew, Cody (Brittany) Phelps of Colorado. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, from 11:00am-1:00pm at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 1:00pm, also at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Pastor Kelly Cunningham will officiate. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931) 967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.
KEN MIZELL
MIZELL, Samuel Kenneth “Ken,” minister for churches of Christ in the area, died Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Southern Tennessee Regional Health System Hospital in Winchester, Tennessee. He was 88 years old. A native of Paris, Tennessee, he was born on Oct. 6, 1934, to the late Culbert Hulon and Ava Beatrice Cole Mizell. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Beatrice Parker, James Mizell, Lizzie Warmack, Charles Mizell, Evelyn Thompson and William Mizell; and his beloved wife of 58 years, Shelby Dean Lawson Mizell of South Fulton, Tennessee. Survivors include: Connie (Bill) Pickney of Winchester, Lisa (Craig) Edwards of Madison, and Tamathy (Richard) Garcia of Gainesboro; eight grandchildren, Laura (Bryan) Thompson, Brian (Lisa Marie) Pickney, Kimberly (Chris) Brady, Andrea (Keith) McFarlane, Caroline Edwards, Catherine Edwards, Dustin Page and Nathan Page; 10 great-grandchildren, Simon Pickney, Marcy Pickney, Bailey Gipson, Graham Thompson, Keira McFarlane, Garrett Thompson, Noah Brady, Anna Beth Thompson, Marshall Brady and Mason Brady; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Mizell was a veteran of the United States Airforce and previously taught electronics at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. He retired from AEDC, where he worked for nearly 30 years. At the time of his retirement, he was associate engineer in the G-Range. He was the former minister for the Gnat Hill Church of Christ in Manchester, Capitol Hill Church of Christ in Decherd, Prairie Plains Church of Christ in Hillsboro, and the Pelham Church of Christ in Pelham. He was a former member of the Moore Street Church of Christ (now known as Grundy Street Church of Christ) in Tullahoma, and elder of the Red Hill Church of Christ in Manchester, and was a member of the Cowan Church of Christ in Cowan. He was also well known for conducting numerous gospel meetings, tent meetings, religious radio broadcasts and home bible studies throughout Coffee and Franklin counties as well as other neighboring counties. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with services following at 2 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931) 967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.

