March 26, 2025
Billy Jackson “BJ” Tubbs, 84, of Hermitage, Tennessee, passed away on March 22, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Born on July 13, 1940, in Smithville, Tennessee, BJ was the eldest child of the late William C. and Inez Johnson Tubbs. As the oldest of a large and close-knit family, he stepped into the role of protector and provider early on.
A graduate of Wilson County High School, BJ stepped into adulthood with determination, grit and a fearless spirit. The world may not have been ready for Billy Jackson Tubbs, but he was ready for it.
BJ left his mark through a life of hard work and leadership—building roads and bridges, working in federal contracting, and proudly running his Goodyear store. One of his accomplishments was serving on the board of the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville. His dedication to service extended into the community through his roles as President of the Smithville Jaycees and Vice President of the U.S. Jaycees.
BJ loved the open road and old cars, especially when he had the chance to restore them with his own two hands. He was just as comfortable under the hood as he was gathered around a table with family, enjoying some “lip-smacking, gum-bumping good” food.
BJ was a devoted husband to his wife of 10 years, Karen Tubbs, and a provider to his family. He is survived by his stepchildren, Nolan and Dana Baggett, and faithful dog, Peanut.
He leaves behind three children: Billie Ann “Bee” Tubbs-Trigueros (Gelber) of Smithville, Kristie Tubbs-Trapp (Mike) of Cookeville, and Richard Tubbs of Nashville– each carrying forward his resilience, sense of humor and love for family.
BJ was a proud “Pa” to eight grandchildren: Nicholas Tubbs, Kirstin Ramsey, Solomon Trapp, Silas Trapp, Ava Reese Tubbs, Alec Tubbs, Cason Paschell and Braylon Paschell. He was blessed with six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom brought him tremendous joy, laughter and pride.
He is also survived by his beloved siblings: William C. “Notty” Tubbs, Jr. of Cookeville, Walter (Joyce) Tubbs of Murfreesboro, Jo Ann (Larry) Williams of Smithville, Annette Tubbs Evans of Smithville, Connie (Glenn) Leftwich of Sparta, Shirley (Damien) Rutland of Smithville, Wanda Tubbs of Smithville and sister-in-law, Barbra Tubbs of Nashville.
In addition, BJ was preceded in death by his daughter, Janice Tubbs, brother, Bobby Lee Tubbs and his loyal dog, Little Man.
A memorial service to celebrate BJ’s life will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m. at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home in Smithville. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association in BJ’s memory. Donations can be made online at diabetes.org or mailed to P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements