Russ Donivan Miller

December 1, 2023

Russ has left this life to be in the eternal presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after a long and heroic battle with Diabetes. He will forever be loved and missed by family and friends.

Russ Donivan Miller was born on May 3rd, 1960 in Smithville, Tennessee. His family moved to the Detroit area after a time. He attended elementary school in Michigan and later the family once again resettled in Dekalb County. After moving back, he attended DeKalb Middle School and was a proud Graduate of DeKalb County High School class of 1978, and a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville with a degree in Marketing.

While in High School, Russ won the State of Tennessee Geometry award and came in 3rd in the national compettion. After high school, he then began a series of adventures which eventually took him to all fifty states which was a bucket list item. He proudly became the face of “Combo” the Indian in the 1980’s Wendy’s commercials. The commercials opened the door to many modeling opportunities, and he became a familiar face in the Castner Knott and Dillards clothing advertisements. After that, he decided to pursue his acting and modeling career in San Diego, California. He jumped on the back of a motorcycle and headed West, to follow his dreams.

While in California, he became a certified scuba diver, and got the opportunity to work on a salmon fishing boat in Alaska for 6 months. After 2 years, Tennessee began to call to him and he headed home. He then began to study with David Deaton Karate, and obtained his black belt, and competed in the Battle of Atlanta tournament.

While living in Nashville, he was the owner of Miller Construction Company and a chimney sweeping business. After being slowed down by his illness, he then moved to Murfreesboro and became a realtor for Crye-Leike, and pursued more serene activities, like camping and fishing from his boat. Sometimes, he would spend his winters in Florida to escape the cold. Russ loved spending time with family and friends, enjoying a catfish dinner with those he loved at Miller’s Café in Christiana, reading and studying his Bible, and talking about Jesus to anyone who would listen. Russ was most proud of his faith in Jesus Christ, and finally got to travel to Israel and the Holy Land and be baptized in the Jordan River. Russ was an amazing, talented, and loving person, and he will be a beacon of love and perseverance for those left to go on without him.

He was preceded in death by his father Valter L. Miller, his mother Imojean (Pack) Miller Morris Cooper, his sister Deborah Lynn Miller, his brother Rudy V. Miller, and his grandmother Sally Mai Pack. He is survived by his sister Sherry (Mike) Holsted of Murfreesboro, his niece Kathy Miller of Murfreesboro, Valerie (Wade) Lewis of Scottsville, Ky., nephew Adam Holsted of Nashville, Great niece Lydia (Gary) Manley of Key West, Fl., Great niece Sophie Holsted, Great nephew Max Holsted, Great nephews Jackson, Parker, and Simon Lewis, and Great Great nephew Bentlee Saunders.

There will be visitation with the family on Saturday, December 9th from 12:00 to 2:00 at which time a celebration of life service will be held at Love -Cantrell Funeral Home in Smithville. Reverend Wade Lewis will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Russ Donivan Miller to the American Diabetes Association, or to Green House Ministries in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

November 30, 2023

Kenneth Ray age 61, of Smithville passed away Wednesday morning, November 29, 2023 at his residence. He was born July 17, 1962, to his parents the late Clayton and Hazel Sanders Ray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 infant sons, Cody, Sammy, and Mitchell Ray; sister, Doris Coley; nephew, B. J. Davis; niece, Cindy Armour; father and mother-in-law, Billy and Betty Malone; sister-in-law, Donna Willoughby. Mr. Ray was a Member and a Deacon of New Union The Baptist Church, a Mason, and was retired from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Ray of Smithville; 2 sons, Johnny and Joe Ray both of Smithville; grandson, Preston Ray; sister, Sandra (Doug) Davis of Smithville; brother-in-law, Wayne (Doris) Malone of Dowelltown; nephews, Jared (Kelli) Davis, Jacob (Dana) Davis, Jonathon (Rena) Willoughby, Jessie (Jennie) Willoughby, Andy (Heather) Malone, and John Armour; several great nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held 1:PM Friday, December 1, 2023, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Martin Bell and Keith Sims officiating and burial will follow in New Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday 11:AM till 8:PM and Friday 9:AM until the time of the service at 1:PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

November 28, 2023

Barbara Brown Croom Yeager, born Barbara Brown on November 20, 1937, peacefully passed away on November 18, 2023, in Smithville, Tennessee. She was surrounded by her loved ones in her final moments. Barbara, known for her warm heart and kind spirit, will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Barbara is survived by her loving son, John Croom Jr. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John H. Croom and second husband, Bobby Yeager, parents, Willee and Opal McNatt Brown. Barbara received her primary education in Alamo and later pursued higher education at Union University. She valued the importance of education and encouraged others to seek knowledge throughout their lives. In her free time, Barbara found solace and community at Sugar Creek Church, where she worshipped with her fellow congregants. Her faith was a source of strength and comfort to her, and she found great joy in sharing her spiritual journey with others. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at a later date, to be announced after the holidays. It will be a time for family and friends to come together, remembering the beautiful moments shared with Barbara and honoring her legacy. Barbara Brown Croom Yeager will forever be remembered for her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love for her family. May her soul rest in eternal peace. DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville is in charge of the arrangements.

November 26, 2023

Billy Eugene “Ty” Tittsworth, Jr., age 57 of Smithville, passed away Friday afternoon at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital ER. He was born October 15, 1966 to his parents, the late Billy Eugene and Dorothy Coble Tittsworth, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Haskel and Maudell Tittsworth and Hartie and Georgia Coble and several aunts and uncles. He attended Smithville Christian Fellowship Church, was a U.S. Marine Corp Veteran and worked in Tool & Die. He is survived by 2 aunts, Lillian Tittsworth of Smithville and Betty Hale of Virginia; special cousin, Vivian (Gary) Johnson of Smithville, several cousins; friend and caregiver, Mary Elizabeth Puckett. Funeral services will be 2 PM Sunday, November 26, 2023 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. David Lunsford officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens with Military Honors conducted by the Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be Sunday 12 Noon until the time of the funeral at 2 PM. In addition to flowers, donations may be made to Smithville Christian Fellowship Church, in memory of Ty. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

November 25, 2023

Kay Shannon age 63, of Smithville formerly of Colorado, passed away at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital, Wednesday November 22, 2023. She was born September 27, 1960, to her parents the late Charles Lee and Leona Mae Miles Drumright. Ms. Shannon was of the Christian Faith and worked as a CNA. She is survived by her significant other, Bobby Colwell, Sr. of Smithville; children, Amber Basham of Smithville, Joseph (Nichole) Clark of Lebanon, Travis (Brianna) Doolittle of Brighton, CO, and Jamie Shannon of Lexington, KY.; grandchildren, Crimson Basham, Layla Basham, Grady Basham, Isaiah Clark, Hayden Clark, Jerrica Clark, Nevaeh Fults, Elliana Doolittle, Aubree Doolittle, Evelyn Doolittle, Roxas Allen, Axel Allen, and Phoenix Easterling; great grandchild, Vincent Thomas; sisters, Sherry Parker, Dianne Moore, and Janet Fulcher all of CO; brother, Chuck Drumright of CO. and extended family, Bobby Colwell, Jr., Jordan, Travis, Tyler and Isaiah Colwell. The family has honored Ms. Kay’s request to be cremated and services will be held at a later date. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

November 25, 2023

Shirley “Nanny” Martin age 82 went home to be with the Lord on Friday morning, November 24, 2023 at home. She was born August 18, 1941 to her parents, the late Arzie Logan and Ollie Lucille Pinegar Green. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband who has greeted her with a big hug, Tavous “Boppa” Martin; 2 children, Tamyra Taylor and Dennis Braun; 2 sisters, Helen Wright and Yvonne Green. Nanny was a member of the Smithville First Freewill Baptist Church, she and Boppa served and worshipped at several different churches throughout the years. She has cared for so many people in DeKalb County, cooking, cleaning and loving on them as a caregiver for years. In her free time, she had a passion and could have been called the “Yard Sale Queen.” She leaves so many memories with her daughter, Susan (Chuck) Gulick of McMinnville; grandchildren, Shana (Will) Key of Smithville, LaTroya (Phil) Key of Monterey, Sydney (Kevin) Alambatin of McMinnville, Tracey (Stacey) Rollings and Jessica (Travis) Gregg both of Indiana; great-grandchildren, Tavia, Liam, Aeriel, Greyson, Kyleigh, Holden, Leilani, Kainoa, Hailee, Warren, Jaycee, Joslyn, Ryder, Ty and Liza; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Braun of Indiana; sister, JoAnn Sparkman of Smithville; special great niece, Kate (Zach) Arnold; several nieces, nephews, special loved ones and friends. Funeral services celebrating her life will be 2:PM Monday, November 27, 2023 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Andy Patterson and Michael Hale officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday 1:PM until 7:PM and Monday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2:PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

« First ‹ Previous 1 32 40 41 4243 44 52 142 338 Next › Last »