Obituaries in Nov. 16, 2023, edition
MAX HOLDER
HOLDER, Max Vernon, age 93, of Winchester, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Elk River Nursing Center. A native of Franklin County, he was born on May 10, 1930, in Winchester to the late Davis Champion and Nancy (Carlton) Holder. He served his country in the United States Air Force before working at AEDC in the printing department until his retirement. Max enjoyed mowing his yard and building remote-controlled airplanes. An avid University of Tennessee fan, he also enjoyed watching the Tennessee Volunteers play football, basketball, softball and baseball. But most of all, Max cherished the time spent with his beloved family. He was a long-time member of Winchester First Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Morgan Holder, Mary Lancaster, Pete Holder, Jack Holder, Maggie Isbell and Kenneth Holder. Max is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Joyce Prince Holder of Winchester; son, Steve (Brenda) Holder of Bremen, Georgia; daughter, Nancy Holder (Mike) Panter of Winchester; sister, Ruth Sons; brother, Parker Holder; grandchildren, Megan (Dan), Jordan (Amanda), Tara (Terry), Ericka (Adrian) and Vanessa (Jed); and 16 great-grandchildren. Visitation was held on Monday, Nov. 13, 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 with Bro. Alan Roggli and Bro. Jason Heath officiating. Interment followed at Franklin Memorial Gardens with Jordan Panter, Dan Chiriboga, Quinn Lowry, Terry Lowry, Davis Sons and Andrew Sons serving as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Joseph Holder Sr. Family Historical Cemetery, c/o Nancy Holder Panter, 94 Lakewood Dr., Winchester, TN 37398. Watson Funeral Home, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2345, www.watsonfhtn.com.
ROBERT SIMMS
SIMMS, Robert Lewis, age 78, of Tullahoma, passed away on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Fayetteville on Sept. 5, 1945, to the late Grant and Winnie (Honea) Simms. Before his retirement he had been employed as a draftsman engineer at Cubic Precision. Robert was passionate about antique cars and particularly enjoyed restoring them and going to car shows. He loved his family and cherished the time spent with them. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Simms. Robert is survived by his loving children, Cindy Garcia, Donna (Wade) Mattox and Bill Moore; grandchildren, Bradley Finney and Dianna Garcia (Kaitlyn); great-grandson, Brayden Finney; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. Visitation was held on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, from 9:30-11 a.m. at Watson Funeral Home with services following at 11 a.m. in the Roy B. Watson Chapel of Watson Funeral Home. Interment was at Watson Memorial Park. Watson Funeral Home, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2345, www.watsonfhtn.com.
JOHN CROCKETT
CROCKETT, John Franklin, age 73, of Bradyville, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, at St. Thomas Rutherford in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was born in Huntingdon, Tennessee on May 7, 1950, to the late William Franklin Crockett and Virginia (Hess) Crockett. Before his retirement, he had been a tow lift driver. John was passionate about computers and learning how to do various things. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Crockett. He is survived by his wife, Genie Crockett of Bradyville, Tennessee; son, Christopher Crockett of Nashville, Tennessee; brother, Jack (Cheri) Crockett of St. Charles, Missouri; sister-in-law, Cinthia Stetson of Beechgrove, Tennessee; nieces and nephews, Jenny (William) Hanger of Cowan, Tennessee, Lee Ann Crockett of Cookville, Tennessee, Audrey Crockett (Matthew Scaperoth) of St. Louis, Missouri, Angelica Stetson-Fuller (Erik) of Tullahoma, Tennessee, Jacob Stetson of Beechgrove, Tennessee and Everett Stetson III of Manchester, Tennessee; fur baby, Kitty; and several other great-nieces, nephews and extended family. Graveside services were held on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Mt. Garner Cemetery in Decherd, Tennessee. Watson Funeral Home, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2345, www.watsonfhtn.com.
MARTHA ANDERSON
ANDERSON, Martha Jean Edde, age 95, of Shelbyville, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at Bailey Manor in Manchester. She was born in Moore County on Aug. 4, 1928, to the late James Edward and Mattie (Durham) Edde Sr. Before her retirement, she had been employed by Jack Daniel’s Distillery. In her spare time, she enjoyed quilting, needlepoint and reading and had quite the “green thumb” growing her flowers. She also enjoyed watching basketball as well as classics such as “Oklahoma” and “Gone with the Wind.” Martha Jean was a wonderful cook and enjoyed making meals for her beloved family. All who knew her will remember her loving and caring personality and beautiful soul. She was a member of the Church of Christ. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by nine siblings; infant son, David; and son, Billy Wayne Anderson. Martha Jean is survived by her children, Jimmy (Marlene) Anderson, Regina (Tony) Brown, Judy (Terry) Patterson and Danny (Rachel) Anderson; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Tiny Conley; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. followed by funeral services at 2 p.m. at Jennings-Moore-Cortner Funeral Home in Lynchburg with Bro. Mike Awalt officiating. Interment followed at Lynchburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Tennessee, 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Jennings-Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 181 Majors Blvd., Lynchburg, TN 37352, www.jenningsmoorecortner.com.
FRANCIS WILLIAMS
WILLIAMS, Francis Paul “Pat,” age 98, of Winchester, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Southern Tennessee Regional Health System following a brief illness. A native of Franklin County, he was born in Decherd on Aug. 18, 1925, to the late Frank and Dovie (Champion) Williams. He served his country in the United States Army. Before his retirement, he had been employed for over 30 years at Cleveland Pneumatic in Tullahoma. Pat was a devoted member for over 49 years at Elk River Baptist Church where he loved his church family and served as Sunday school superintendent for 36 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 50 years and was also a Shriner. An avid University of Tennessee sports fan, he cheered the Vols on in every sport. Pat enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, fishing and playing his mandolin, but most of all cherished the time spent with his beloved family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Virginia Mantooth Williams; brothers, Grady Williams, Neal Williams, Kelly Williams and Alan Williams; and sister, Theona Bright. Pat is survived by his loving daughter, Paulette (Randy) Bradford; grandson, Jason (Karen) Bradford; granddaughter, Allison (George) Dyer; great-grandsons, Austin Bradford, Jacob Dyer and Cameron Dyer; great-granddaughter, Abbie (T.J.) Kelsey; special family friend, Marilee Crabtree; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with services following at 2 p.m. in the Moore-Cortner Chapel with Bro. Keith Sims, Bro. Leon Williams and Bro. Donald Gregory officiating and Masonic rites bestowed. Interment followed at Franklin Memorial Gardens with Jason Bradford, Austin Bradford, T.J. Kelsey, George Dyer, Jacob Dyer and Cameron Dyer serving as pallbearers. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, online condolences may be sent to www.moorecortner.com.
JEAN TIGUE
TIGUE, Jean, age 85, of Winchester, passed away on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at Southern Tennessee Regional Health System. A native of Franklin County, she was born in Winchester on April 17, 1938, to the late Arthur and Dona Mae (Bass) Finchum. Jean loved God with all her heart and never hesitated to share His word with others. As matriarch of the family, Jean was a godly role model for her daughters and grandchildren by instilling in them Christian values and her love for Jesus. Serving the Lord was always a priority even during her last days on earth. She was a devoted member of Winchester First Baptist Church for 60 years, where she served as church secretary for over 25 years. She was an excellent seamstress, enjoyed flower gardening, listening to gospel music and watching television. But most of all, she cherished time with her beloved family, which included being a homemaker, caretaker for her late husband and treasured moments with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Ray Tigue and siblings, Maxine Finchum, Wayne Finchum and Wilodean King. Jean is survived by her loving daughters, Kathy (Larry) Judge and Misti (Chris) Smith; grandchildren, Katie (Drew) Copeland, Kaley (Shea) Lea, Holly (Tony) Layne, Shane Smith and Leah Smith; and great-grandchildren, Jayda Solomon, Connor Solomon, Mac Copeland, Meredith Copeland and Sage Lea. Visitation was held on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, from 11 a.m. 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 Bro. Darrel Williams officiating. Interment followed at Winchester Memorial Park with Larry Judge, Chris Smith, Shane Smith, Drew Copeland and Shea Lea serving as pallbearers. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, online condolences may be sent to www.moorecortner.com.
ERNEST DAMRON
DAMRON, Ernest Giles, age 93, of Elora, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. A native of Lincoln County, he was born on April 30, 1930, in Elora to the late Phon Alwayne and Retha Mae (England) Damron. A life-long farmer, Giles raised hogs and row crops. He enjoyed working in his yard and riding on his side-by-side as well as sitting on the porch watching the deer and turkeys. He had a strong dedication to family and friends as well as his energetic personality. Giles was a member of Elora Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gracie Fraley Damron; siblings, Lera Short and Nina Countess; and son-in-law, Jesse Hutto, Jr. Giles is survived by his loving children, Ray (Billie Jo) Damron, Brenda Hutto, Barbara (James) Stovall, Carol (Ron) Reese and Anna Damron; grandchildren, Corey Damron, Casey Damron, Ivan Hutto, Stephanie Seivers, Tiffany Jones, Nicole Green and Katie Robertson; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with funeral services following at 2 p.m. in the Moore-Cortner Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was at Damron Cemetery with Casey Damron, Corey Damron, Ivan Hutto, Tiffany Jones, Lucas Green and Gary Damron serving as pallbearers. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Jackson Jones, Nathan Jones and Samuel Jones. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Damron Cemetery Fund. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, online condolences may be sent to www.moorecortner.com.
KENNETH CATES
CATES, Kenneth Wesley, age 87, of Cowan, passed away on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, at Southern Tennessee Regional Health System. He was born in Franklin County on May 20, 1936, to the late John Martin and Odessa (Pittman) Cates, Sr. and grew up in Sherwood. Before his retirement, he was employed as a local and long-haul truck driver spanning over 50 years and was a member of the Truck Driver Million Mile Club. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, off-roading in his Jeep, and motorcycle riding as well as watching NASCAR racing. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He had a contagious sense of humor that will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Charles Cates, Sr., John Cates, Jr., Irene Miller and Barbara Wattenbarger and son, Joe Ross. Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Edens Cates; daughter, Pruda (Mo) May; and several beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home followed by funeral services at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with Chuck Stines officiating. Interment followed at Cowan Montgomery Cemetery. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, online condolences may be sent to www.moorecortner.com.
ALICE SHOLEY
SHOLEY, Alice Louise, age 83, of Sewanee, passed away on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, at Villages of Murfreesboro. A native of Franklin County, she was born in Sewanee on Sept. 17, 1940, to the late Dwight and Willie (Guyear) Sholey, Sr. Alice had been employed at the Marquette Cemetery Plant until its closing in 1981. She loved animals and enjoyed taking care of donkeys, horses and helping at the University of the South Farm when young animals didn’t have parents. An avid outdoorsman, Alice loved being outdoors as well as spending time with her friends, especially at the Blue Chair. She had a wonderful sense of humor that made everyone laugh and her loving nature and big heart always made sure others were taken care of. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her lifelong companion, Pat Harrison; best friend, Louise Irwin; and sister-in-law, Vickie Sholey. Alice is survived by her brother, Dwight Sholey, Jr.; nephews, Mark (Nell) Sholey, William (Kathy) Sholey and Jeff (Tammy) Sholey; and several great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. A graveside service was be held on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Franklin Memorial Gardens. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, online condolences may be sent to www.moorecortner.com.
CHRISTOPHER TATE
TATE, Christopher Stephen, 54, died Nov. 9, 2023. Survivors: significant other, Cassandra King; mother, Shirley Tate; sister, Dana (Bubba) Ingleburger; brother-in-law, Michael Parman; children, Chelcey (Sean) Rayome, Courtney (Austin) Caroll, Layne Tate, Carly Tate. Visitation, Nov. 17, 2023, 2-3 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home followed by memorial service at 3 p.m.
MARION JOHNSON III
JOHNSON, Marion “Hub” III, age 77, of Winchester, gained his angel wings on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at home while surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Feb. 20, 1946, to the late Marion and Lucille Johnson Jr. Hub was a Vietnam veteran who served in the Army from 1967-1969. He enjoyed golfing, watching NASCAR, dirt track races and University of Tennessee football. He was well known for driving a wrecker for over 50 years, most recently for Russell Barnett. He loved working for Mr. Barnett, as the whole crew treated him like family, even after his retirement. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Joyce, Ruby, Pete, Lolly, Franklin, Winston, Joe, Larry, Glenda and Kendall. Hub is survived by his beautiful wife, the love of his life, Betty; son, Greg Johnson; daughters, Tammy Watts (Granville) and Tabitha Johnson; grandchildren, Keeley Farris, Isaiah Lee, Andrew Watts (Destiny) and Jesse Watts; great-grandchildren, Samantha, Bailey, Kenslie, Dallas, Grace, Bailey, Matilyn and Bentley; sister, Charlotte Sims (Ray); and many nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral services were conducted on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at 2 p.m. in the Moore-Cortner Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ray Gardner officiating. Interment followed at Franklin Memorial Gardens with military honors bestowed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Tennessee, 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 or to any veteran’s organization. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, online condolences may be sent to www.moorecortner.com.
WANDA ELAM
ELAM, Wanda Gean, age 82, of Winchester, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at her home. She was born in Highsplit, Kentucky on Feb. 25, 1941, to the late Bradford and Dorothy (Taylor) Powell. She was dedicated to her beloved family. She especially cherished spending time with her grandchildren. Wanda was an avid gardener, crafter and baker. Wanda was very passionate about animals and was involved in many charities. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Franklin Elam; children, Frank (Lisa) Elam and Roy Elam; sisters, Janice Metzger, Betty McGrath, Glenda (Russell) Helton and Anna (Terry) Seals; grandchildren, Shane Elam, Elizabeth Elam, Nathan Elam, John Elam and Timothy (Brittney) Beardsley; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hart Funeral Home in Corbin, Kentucky with services following at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. Interment will be at Pine Hill Cemetery. Hart Funeral Home, 1011 Master Street, Corbin, Kentucky, (606)-528-5311, www.harfhcorbin.com. Local arrangements by Moore-Cortner Funeral Home.

