Robert J. Snyder, Sr.

March 11, 2025

In Loving Memory

Celebrating the Life of Our Dad – Robert J. Snyder, Sr. Age 99 of Alexandria.

It is with heavy and loving hearts that we announce the passing of our dad while in VA hospice, in Murfreesboro, TN. He passed away quietly, as the day dawned on January 25, 2025.

Loved by family near and far, he was well cared for from when he stayed with his kids during the summer and with extra care for his last years, living with his children, Sue, in Michigan, and Bob and Denise, in Tennessee. He was gifted at cultivating friendships wherever he roamed and will be missed dearly.
He was baptized on his 98th birthday and attended St. Francis Cabrini Church in Lebanon, TN.

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Chester Snyder and Ruth Owen. As a young boy, he explored the Comstock area with his brother Owen “Bud” and sister, Carol. Bob survived his parents and siblings, his wife, Marion “Sam” Sweet, and his daughter, Judy.

He is survived by: Sue Snyder (Jim Faist), Bob Snyder, Jr. (Denise), Mary Jo Snyder Brown, Scott Coburn (Judy), and stepson, Kim Neeb (Sheri). Grandchildren include Michelle, Ron, Christine, Mikkel, Renee, Bryan, Sarah Joy, Dylan, Daniel, Rob, Joey, Haley, Ross, Carson, and Ian. He has 31 grands, 57 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grands, living to see 5 generations of Snyder men. He outlived his life-long, best friends, Frank Bell and Frank Sanders.

A 1943, Comstock High School graduate, he and his classmates continued to meet monthly until a few years ago. A veteran of the United States Navy, he served in World War II, off the coast of Florida. After returning to Michigan, he married and started work at Bell Telephone Company. He divorced at a time that was difficult for men, working two and three jobs to take care of his family. He went on to enjoy his job at the Upjohn Company, retiring in 1987. He was an avid reader, sharing his books with all, completed crosswords daily, fierce cribbage player, and enjoyed listening to music. He loved sitting on the deck overlooking Lake Michigan, the view of the Tennessee mountains, and the shores of the Atlantic in Cape Canaveral.

Born in the Silent Generation, he saw and experienced unprecedented change and world events including the great depression and technological advances.

How did he meet so many wonderful people? Friday happy hour at the Silver Bullet, a place to gather, eventually, known as the Wild and Crazy Bullet gang. Many parties and celebrations were hosted there. Bob enjoyed his Gold Wing motorcycle, traveling cross country, and considered himself a protector, enjoying female friendships in the most kind and honorable way. Sue, Judy, Bob, and MJ’s friends became his, and his became theirs. His hugs were legendary, embodying the warmth and love he shared. His kindness, wisdom, and generous spirit were a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration to those around him. His love will continue on, a legacy in the hearts of family and friends.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a private graveside service. He will also be taking a ride to Pikes Peak in honor of his memory, with his grandson, Ross.

Two life celebration services will be held:

Tennessee (March 23, 1:30 pm, Funeral Mass, Carmelite Center, Liberty, a celebration of life at the Snyder farm following.)

Michigan (May 30, 5:00 pm, military service, American Legion Post 49, South Haven, a celebration of life following.)

A member of the American Legion Post 49, he was given exceptional care by the staff at the VA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name, to the Alvin C. York Veteran’s Administration Medical Center or Tennessee Fisher House Foundation, Inc.

March 11, 2025

William Clay Farler, age 77, passed from this life peacefully, with his beloved wife Sharon and family surrounding him, on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Born on August 14th, 1947 at home in Dale Ridge to Howard Clay Farler and Vergie Viola (Capilnger)Farler, Clay grew up helping on the family farm and together with many loving cousins, aunts and uncles in Caplinger Hollow. Married to the love of his life, Sharon (Malone) in 1967, they began their life together in Smithville, lived in Toledo, OH for several years, then returned to Tennessee where Clay received his bachelor’s degree from David Lipscomb University. He later received his Master’s and Ed.S. from Tennessee Technological University.

He retired from DeKalb County Board of Education after 39 years of service to the children and families of Smithville, first as a Special Education teacher at Smithville Elementary School, then as principal of SES, Special Education Supervisor, and Attendance Supervisor. During his time in education, he was recognized by colleagues and families for his genuine care for the students, as well as his fairness and calm demeanor.

He was known for his love of laughter and music. His real loves, however, were God and his family. He always valued being a part of his church family, contributing in any way needed, from leading singing often at Philippi Church of Christ, to his years as a deacon and then elder at the Smithville Church of Christ, then as an active member at Northside Church of Christ. Most recently he worshiped with the Hardin Valley Church of Christ with his daughter and family in Knoxville.

His legacy of unwavering love and faith in Christ is what he leaves most with his family. His daughters always knew they had his support, and he attended games and even helped teach them to play basketball and tennis, along with instilling in them his love of the land and gardening, especially when it came to homegrown tomatoes! He loved seeing his grandchildren as they grew up and loved to support them in all their various activities and even went as far as traveling to Tanzania in Africa, since his youngest daughter and family reside there and work as missionaries.

He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Clay Farler, mother Vergie Viola (Caplinger) Farler, brother Robert Staley Farler and sister Helen (Larance) Foster. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon (nee Malone) Farler of Smithville, daughters Amy (Ashley) Hayes of Lancaster, Julie (Michael) Vann of Farragut, and Emily (Jason) Miller of Mwanza, Tanzania, plus seven grandchildren – Malone Fletcher, Ethan, Isaac, and Audrey Vann, and Judah, Ezra, and Zoe Miller. He is also survived by brothers in law Gary (Kathy) Malone of Smithville and Phillip (Peggy) Malone of Sylvania, Ohio, and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and special cousin and friend Christine Jennings.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with visitation from 9:00 until the time of the service. Ministers Eddie Sanders and Dan Gulley officiating. The family would like to thank residents and staff of Park Place of West Knoxville for their kindness and assistance. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to African Christian Healthcare, (102 N. Locust St. Searcy AR72143, or https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2ZF2AY9WDPM52 to support the ongoing ministry in Mwanza, Tanzania.

March 9, 2025

Emma Jo Farmer age 78 of Watertown, departed this world on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at her residence. Born March 4, 1947, she was the daughter  of the late Homer and Alene Crook McMahan and was preceded in death by her nephew, Trevor McMahan.  Jo was a graduate of Dekalb Co. High School and a former factory worker.

She was a beautiful and gentle soul, she was kind and selfless, sassy but loyal. She loved with her whole heart, there was nobody else I knew that could read the Bible more than 17 times yet still claimed that it wasn’t enough. She was a genuine woman, she loved Jesus with all of her heart. She made sure to always let me know how much he loved me and I will forever cherish her for helping me be close to him.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna Wapole and husband, Rick of Lebanon; granddaughters, Shanna (Robert) Neely of Watertown and Taylor Cheyenne Wapole of Lebanon; great grandchildren, Jaxton, Emmalyn and Rilynn Neely; her brother, Kenneth McMahan and wife Brenda of Watertown and niece, Teresa (Josh) King.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2025 at Hunter Funeral Home with Bro. Cody Hale officiating. Visitation will be from 1-5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. till service time on Monday. Pallbearers, Kenneth McMahan, Robert Neely, Josh King, Ricky Barrett, Marty Smith, John Lee Willoughby. Interment will follow at Hillview Cemetery in Alexandria. Hunter Funeral Home Watertown is in charge of the arrangements 615-237-9318

March 8, 2025

James Fredrick “Freddy” Summers age 46 of Smithville passed away Thursday March 6, 2025, at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital ER. He was born August 23, 1978, to his parents the late James David Summers and Regina Cantrell Summers Bates. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a stillborn niece, Olivia Grace Taylor. Freddy was a Christian, member of The Foundry in Alabama, and Forklift Operator for Topre America in Alabama. He is survived by son Devin (Alex) Summers of Cookeville; step-mother, Monica Summers of Murfreesboro; sister, Cindy (Ken) Taylor of Smithville; brother, Travis (Ashley) Summers of Murfreesboro; 3 nieces, Shauna (Marques) Turner of Murfreesboro, Abbi (Kelby) Melton of McMinnville and Kenlee Taylor of Smithville; nephew, Oliver Summers of Murfreesboro; great-nephew, Jaidyn Turner of Murfreesboro; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and special friends also survive. Funeral services will be 3:30PM Monday March 10, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Justin Cantrell and Travis Summers officiating and interment to follow in Whorton Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday 11:AM until the time of the service at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family ask donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Summers family.

March 8, 2025

Judith Champion age 76 of Smithville, passed away Wednesday March 6, 2025, at her residence. She was born July 22, 1948, in Norfolk, Virginia to her parents the late Alvin and Kathrine Virginia Mansfield Privott. She was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, Thomas, Alvin and Henry Privott. Ms. Champion was a Baptist and a Homemaker. Judy is survived by husband, William Champion of Smithville; children, Tammy Lynn Coker of FL., and Kimberly Kaye Champion of Smithville; grandchildren, Jason Christopher Coker of FL., Lauren Emily Newman of FL, and Thomas Christopher Lex of VA.; siblings, Katherine Watson of IN., Mary Snere of IL, Richard Privott of VA., and William Privott of NC.; several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be 4 PM Sunday March 9, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday 2 PM until the time of the service at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Autism Organization in memory of Mrs. Judy. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Champion family.

March 8, 2025

Polly Marie Gambrell-Wilkins age 80, passed away peacefully Thursday March 6, 2025, at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. She was born in Cookeville, TN July 2, 1944, to her parents the late, Arvil and Noralee Herron Gambrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Wilkins; sons, Frankie Wilkins and Eugene Wilkins; grandsons, BJ (Bryan Jesse) and Steven Lack; 2 great-grandchildren Jordan and Kaydence Goines; and her siblings. Ms. Polly was a member of Taylor’s Providence Freewill Baptist Church. After retiring from Redcap Industries in 2002, “Granny” Polly devoted her life to being the backbone of her loving family. She was always there to lend an ear or a helping hand to those who knew and loved her. She was always willing to stop what she was doing and pray for those in need. As a pillar of the community, she was there to ensure that she showed families support in their hours of need; always willing to cook a meal or deliver a dish during times of bereavement or times of celebration. Polly was also known for her famous banana pudding! She gathered her strength to raise her children even when times were tough. Going through the obstacles that gave her strength allowed her to share that strength to help raise and care for other children as well as her grandchildren. Her most famous sayings were, “God is in control and take one day at a time.” She is survived by her daughters Luann Wilkins, Lisa (Richard) Lack, and Donna Landers; son, Matthew (Jennifer) WIlkins; grandchildren, Joey (Rachel) Sheets, Brittney (Bruce) Young, Whittney (Randy) Goines, Camdyn and Coltyn Wilkins and several great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 11:AM Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Sam Davis officiating and interment to follow in Peeled Chestnut Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday 4 PM till 7 PM and on Wednesday 9:AM the time of the service at 11:AM. In addition to flowers, donations may be made to a Charity of your choice in memory of Ms. Polly. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Wilkins family.

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