Obituaries in June 18, 2026, edition

PEGGY WATSON
WATSON, Peggy May, age 82 of Winchester, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A native of Franklin County, she was born on February 20, 1944, to the late Ernest and Mary Lucille (Campbell) Mahaffey. Peggy had a great work ethic which was evident as she worked two jobs for several years, eventually retiring from R and W Apparel. A Christian, she was a member of Southside Baptist Church. She enjoyed watching shows on television, especially game shows, westerns and soap operas. Known by many as “Nanny Peggy,” she cherished the time spent with her beloved family. She was a fighter, beating cancer twice and surviving being electrocuted at work. She never complained and was always there for anyone who needed her. Peggy will be missed by all who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Watson; daughter, Theresa Patton; grandson, Brad Whitmire; daughter-in-law, Sheila Watson; and sisters, Betty Wiggs, Ernestine Holiday, Lucy Wiseman and Dorothy Kelley. Peggy is survived by her loving children, David (Denise) Watson, Melissa (Larry) Stephens, Becky Watson and Timmy (Jennifer) Watson; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Debra Majors, Ernest (Dinah) Mahaffey and Barbara Everett. Visitation was held from 12-2 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral services followed at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment was at Mt. Garner Cemetery with Hunter Watson, Jermey Watson, Jay Patton, Sam Patton, Dylan Whitmire and Jarad Shetters serving as pallbearers. A special thanks from the family to Adoration Hospice for the love and care shown to Peggy during this time. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave. N.W., Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com

LOWELL ADAMSON
ADAMSON, Lowell Ray, age 81 of Estill Springs, Tenn., departed this life on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital following an extended illness. Mr. Adamson was born in Oneonta, Ala., on August 5, 1944, to the late William Howard Adamson and Gladys Phillips Adamson. He was employed for well over 25 years as the maintenance supervisor over an apartment complex in Homewood, Ala. After retiring from his maintenance supervisor job in 2012, he was a self-employed carpenter for many years. Mr. Adamson was a member of the Christ Community Church in Tullahoma. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and frog gigging. He loved horses and all animals. Most of all Mr. Adamson was an avid Nascar and Football fan, especially for his favorite team, Alabama. Mr. Adamson will be remembered for his love for his family and football. In addition to his parents, Mr. Adamson was preceded in death by his brother, Rev. Doyal Adamson. He is survived by his daughter, LaRay (Rob) Seier of Estill Springs, Tenn.; son, Shane (Kelly) Adamson of Hueytown, Ala.; brother, Randall (Kim) Adamson of Oneonta, Ala.; and two grandchildren, Leah Seier of Tullahoma, Tenn., and Eric Seier of Estill Springs, Tenn. Services were conducted at noon on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in the chapel of Grant Funeral Services with Pastor Donald Walker officiating. Visitation with the family was held starting at 11 a.m. Thursday until service time at noon. Interment followed in the Highland Ridge Cemetery. ARRANGEMENTS WERE PLACED IN THE CARE OF GRANT FUNERAL SERVICES.

JAMES COWAN
COWAN, James Wilson “Bill”, age 81 of Winchester, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at St Thomas Hospital West in Nashville. A native of Franklin County, he was born in the Williams Cove community on March 7, 1945, to the late John Thomas Chauncey and Nettie Aline (Money) Cowan. A proud veteran, Bill served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard. He was employed for 30 years at Bellsouth. After retirement, he went back to work for Cumberland Springs Land Company before retiring again as the executive director of the Winchester Downtown Organization. Community driven, he enjoyed his time in public service and had been a member of the Franklin County Jaycees in his younger years. A historian, Bill was a talented writer, an avid storyteller and never met a stranger. A devoted Christian, he was a member of Winchester First Baptist Church. He will be remembered for his amazing and loving nature, putting God and others first as he truly cared for his fellow man. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Norma Sloan, Jonell Farris and Tom Cowan. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sharon Sears Cowan; sons, Wade Cowan and Jason (Marlene) Cowan; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Sandra Syler; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, in the chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment followed at Franklin Memorial Gardens. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave. N.W., Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com

BARBARA BALL
BALL, Barbara Jones, August 14, 1937 – June 13, 2026. Barbara was born and raised in Estill Springs TN, to Jesse and Edna Jones. At age 20, Barbara made a career as a skilled draftsman for BellSouth, staying with them until retirement. She was a devoted mother to her son, Gregory. He was her pride and joy throughout her entire life, always bringing a smile and comfort to her. She loved her two granddaughters and great-grandchildren. Family was important to her. Barbara was a Christian who attended Estill Springs United Methodist Church and loved the Lord. She enjoyed gardening and working around her home. Barbara is proceeded in death by her parents, Jessie and Edna Jones; brother, Oscar Jones; and sister, Elizabeth Rust. She is survived by devoted son, Gregory (daughter-in-law Jeanne) Ball; granddaughters, Sandra Renee (Joel) Lindsey and Nikki (Garrett) Booth; great-grandson, Alex Hall; and great-granddaughter, Alana Hall. We would like to express gratitude and appreciation to the Morning Point Lantern Memory care personnel, who became like family to Barbara. They took wonderful care of her and she loved them all like family. Visitation will be held on Thursday June 18, 2026, from 10-11 a.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with the funeral service immediately following 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. N.W., Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com

STEPHEN BEACHY
BEACHY, Stephen R., age 66 years, 11 months, of Huntland, TN, died on June 12, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. Stephen was born on July 13, 1959, in Dover, OH, to Roman S. and Ada (Mullet) Beachy. Stephen will be keenly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Susan Gail (Yoder) Beachy, whom he married on August 22, 1981. The Lord blessed them with four children, Shirley and Alan Overholt of Torrington, WY, Sheldon and Jamie (Wittmer) Beachy of Belvidere, TN, Sherilyn and Philip Miller of Paint Lick, KY, and Sharhonda and Joseph Wise of Olive Hill, TN (currently serving in San Juan, TX); and 15 grandchildren. Stephen is survived by siblings, David (Miriam) Beachy, James (MaryAnn) Beachy, Merle (fiancée LaRetta) Beachy, Gabriel (Sheila) Beachy and Tryphena Beachy; sister-in-law, Elsie Mae Beachy; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Beachy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Ada Beachy; and brother, Ivan Beachy. Stephen served at Sunnyhaven Children’s Home in Plain City, OH as a single. This is where he met his wife, Susan. His occupation through the years involved woodworking in various forms … construction, remodeling, mini barns and cabinetry. His talent in woodworking shone in the many specialty items he built in the 25 years he worked at GlenRose Cabinets. He was ordained to the ministry in January 1991, and ordained bishop in December 2000. He retired in 2023. He loved the church and sought to serve faithfully where God called him. He enjoyed his involvement with Area Wide Bible Schools as a teacher and board member. The last several years, he also enjoyed serving as chaplain or house parents for Christian Aid Ministries’ Rapid Response Services when his health allowed him to do so. He enjoyed music and directed the church youth chorus in earlier years and was happy to participate in the various choirs in recent years. He was always willing to listen and lend a hand to anyone in need. His hobbies included reading, gardening and bird-watching. He loved when the martins came back in the spring. The last three years were challenging in many ways as he faced cancer and other disappointments. His favorite song was “I Love You, Lord Jesus.” He loved God, his family and the church and left us a legacy of faithfulness. Visitation was held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 5-8 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home then again on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. at Goodspring Mennonite Church, 3727 Fall River Road, Pulaski, TN 38478. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Goodspring Mennonite Church. Interment followed in Goodspring Mennonite Church Cemetery with Alan Overholt, Sheldon Beachy, Philip Miller, Joseph Wise, Kendrick Overholt and Adrian Overholt all serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were David Beachy, James Beachy, Merle Beachy, Gabriel Beachy, Lee Troyer and Rodney Beachy. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave. N.W., Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com





