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Tullahoma girls basketball coach McMurtry quits midseason; Alsup named interim
Tullahoma head girls basketball coach Cody McMurtry resigned his position on Friday – right in the middle of the season and just days after his team returned from a tournament in Florida.
In his resignation letter, McMurtry shares a re-evaluation of his personal priorities. He conveyed his family
needs to be focused on, and as a result, he will be relinquishing his duties as head coach.
“I feel it is time I sacrifice for my own family and give my family the undivided attention that they so deserve. I thank you all for allowing me the opportunity to be involved. I have enjoyed getting to work with a fantastic group of young ladies, outstanding parents, and wonderful fans and I will cherish the bonds I have formed for many years to come with all those involved in the Lady Wildcat Program,” McMurtry said.
“This decision does not come easily or without much consideration, for I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching young athletes about life and the simple game of basketball. However, I feel that it is in my best interest not to continue coaching for the upcoming school year.”
McMurtry took over the Lady Wildcats’ basketball program in 2018. Tullahoma stayed near the top of the District 8-AAA standings but remained a mainstay behind Coffee County. McMurtry was career 1-9 against Coffee County with one tournament championship.
A parent meeting was called for late Friday afternoon to discuss the situation. Since news of McMurtry’s resignation leaked, the Tullahoma Lady Cats twitter page (ttownladycat) appears to have been deactivated.
The Lady Wildcats currently have an 8-4 record on the season. Tullahoma is coming off of a first-place
performance in the Gulf Breeze Classic in Pensacola, Florida this week.
“I want to thank Coach McMurtry for his strong commitment and dedication to the THS Girls Basketball program and all the energy he has invested into our young ladies over the past three years,” said THS Principal Jason Quick. “His passion for the game of basketball and seeking to impact the lives of his players allowed for success to be realized both on and off the court. The THS program is set up for success for the future because of Coach McMurtry’s impact.”
Dale Alsup will be the interim Head Coach for the Lady Wildcats for the remainder of the 2021-2022 campaign. Alsup previously coached the THS girls program from 2011 until 2013 before returning to the bench for one season in September 2017. He is a former athletic director at Coffee County Central.
“I am pleased that Coach Alsup has agreed to serve as the interim head coach for our program for the
remainder of the season,” Quick said. “Coach Alsup has enjoyed a stellar coaching career and holds a strong
reputation throughout the state for his coaching knowledge and experience in creating outstanding young
ladies both on and off the court. Our current players on the team all know Coach Alsup, which will definitely prove valuable as our season progresses. I am looking forward to an outstanding remainder of the 2021-22 season for our Lady Wildcats.”
Hazel Geneva Willford
Funeral services for Mrs. Hazel Geneva Willford, age 84 of Morrison, will be conducted on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at 1 PM in the Manchester Funeral Home chapel. Burial will follow in Ragsdale cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday from 11 AM until time of service, at the funeral home.
Mrs. Hazel was born on June 2, 1937, to the late Raymond and Effie Pendergrass Callahan, in Arkansas. She married Robert Daniel Willford on May 8th, 1951. They were blessed with 9 children Danny Willford (Cheryl) of LaPorte, IN, the late Rosie (survived by Larry) of LaPorte, IN, Pat (Rick) Bryant, LaPorte IN, Malinda (Duane) Kniola Holiday, FL, Jackie (Joe) Briseno, Morrison, TN. Robin (Rich) Pletcher, LaPorte, IN, Robert Willford (Sadie) of Orange Park, FL, David Willford (Kim) of Inman, SC, James Willford (Amber) of Eclectic, AL. She was of the Church of God faith and was one of the founding members of the Church of God in New Buffalo, MI, where she was a Sunday school teacher, song leader, and a youth counselor. Mrs. Hazel was very active in the local senior citizen center, where she played guitar, sang, and served in the kitchen. She loved camping, fishing, gardening, especially her flowers, quilting, and embroidering. Mrs. Hazel enjoyed cooking, her children’s favorites were her biscuits and fried pies. She was her husband’s caregiver for many years before his passing in 2009.
In addition to her parents, husband and daughter, Mrs. Hazel is preceded in death by her brother Jerrell ( Shirley) Callahan. She is survived by her 30 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren. Her 2 brothers Earl (Carol) Callahan, Eugene (Patti) Callahan and 1 sister Alma Jean (Gary) Ferrell.
Manchester Funeral Home is honored to serve the Willford
Arthur Joseph Mantone
Mr. Arthur Joseph Mantone, age 104, of Manchester,
TN, passed this life on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at his residence. Mr.
Mantone was born June 28, 1917 in Manhattan, NY to his late parents
Giuseppe and Dominica Mantone of Liveri, Italy.
Mr. Mantone was raised in Ellenville, NY where he remained until the later
years of his retirement. He was a member of the United States Army Air
Corps during WWII. After his service to our country he continued to serve
his country and community as an FBI Agent, Financial Accountant/Advisor,
and a New York police officer until his retirement. Mr. Mantone was a
family man and a world traveler. He lived through our country’s richest
history from the First World War to the current pandemic. He offered so
much knowledge and wisdom, but his favorite thing to share were the stories
and memories of his late wife of 77 years Lillian. Mr. Mantone is preceded
in death by his parents Giuseppe and Dominica Mantone. His loving wife
Lillian Mantone. 1 son Art Mantone II. His granddaughter-in-Law Beth
Mantone and his great granddaughter Ashley Mantone. He is survived by his
Daughter-in-law Pamela Mantone of Athens, AL. 2 sons, Joe (Carol) Mantone
of Venice, Fl and Walt (Candy) Mantone of Maui, HI. Grand Daughter and
Caregiver Anjanette (David) West (Manchester, TN). 7 other beloved
grandchildren,18 great grandchildren, 13 great great grand grandchildren,
and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Fred McClaran
Fred McClaran, age 85, passed into eternal rest at St. Thomas Rutherford on
Wednesday, December 29, 2021. Fred was born in Williamson County and spent
most of his childhood growing up in Cookeville and then moved to Warren
County where he married the love of his life, Diane Fields on June 20, 1964
and started a wonderful journey together. Fred and Diane had a beautiful
daughter and two special daughters and many other foster children. He was
known for nicknaming those of which he was especially was fond.
Fred was a longtime member of Grace Baptist Church and enjoyed singing with
the men of Grace. He retired from Powermatic after almost 40 years and was
a member of the United States Army, serving his country with the National
Guard for 9 years. Fred loved nature, beautiful flowers, and to hunt and
trap animals. He also loved raising chickens and listening to the rooster
crow. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lottie McClaran;
four brothers, Ewen, Bill, Alvie and Quentin McClaran; two sisters, Imogene
Welch and Bobbie Atkins.
He is survived by his wife of 57 and a half years, Diane; daughter, Sherry
(David ) Cathey, whom he adored; grandchildren and great grandchildren,
whom he always had to get hugs from when they arrived and that he loved
dearly, Bethany (Marc) Wilson, Kyler and Mason, Amy Busic, Keeli, Zoey and
Presley, Michael Breeding, Laiken and Raiden; brothers, Mart McClaran, Joe
(Sue) McClaran; sisters, Maxine Hill, Sally (Walt) Syes; sisters-in-law,
Holly McClaran, Shirley McClaran; special daughters, Rachel Ferguson,
Dianna Turner; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at 1:00pm
at Grace Baptist Church in Manchester, TN. Burial will follow at Mt. View
Cemetery in McMinnville, TN. Due to the Covid-19 health crisis, there will
be no public visitation to be held. The family appreciates all of your
thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Central Funeral Home is serving the family, 931-723-7774,
centralfuneralhome.com
Birthdays- December 30
Calyssa Lowe- 16
Dana Brown- Pizza Winner!
CHAMPS: defense leads Lady Raiders to Carolina Invitational Championship
An early tip-off in the championship of the Carolina Invitational Ashley River Division led to an unsurprisingly sluggish offense for the CHS Lady Raiders Thursday morning.
But the defensive effort for the Lady Raiders was awake and well in the 8 a.m. (eastern) game and locked down on Cabell Midland, WV to take a 38-31 win and the tournament championship.
“That was a good team we just beat,” said CHS head coach Joe Pat Cope.
Coffee County struggled to find its offensive identity early – trailing 6-5 after the first quarter and down 16-15 at the half. It was the first time the Lady Raiders trailed after a quarter or at half of the Carolina Invitational.
But Coffee County woke up in the second half behind a strong two periods from junior guard Alivia Reel, who had a couple of steals and big rebounds in the fourth quarter. She went 4-of-4 at the free throw line in the fourth quarter and knocked down a big 3-pointer. She scored 9 of her team-high 11 in the second half.
Post Chloe Gannon scored all 8 of her points in the second half. Kiya Ferrell pitched in 7 points, Elli Chumley 4, Jalie Ruehling and Olivia Vinson 3 apiece and Channah Gannon 2.
Reel was named Thunder Radio Stone Fort Mortgage Player of the Game. Elli Chumley was named Carolina Invitational MVP.
The win marks 10 in a row for the Lady Raiders, who improve to 13-3 overall. They will have a few days off before their first district game of the season – Friday, Jan. 7 at Shelbyville. Tip is set for 6 p.m. (boys to follow) and you can hear all the action on Thunder Radio – 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go app and thunder1320.com. The Lady Raiders return home on Jan. 11 to host Franklin County – which can also can be heard live on Thunder Radio network.
Lady Raiders advance to championship of Carolina Invitational
Three different Lady Raiders reached double figures and Coffee County played lock-down team defense to beat Worthington, Ohio 60-29 Wednesday afternoon in the semi-finals of the Carolina Invitational in Charleston, S.C.
Senior Elli Chumley had an 11-point first half to set the tone for the Lady Raiders, who led 35-14 at the halftime break. Chumley finished with a game-high 13 points.
Joining Chumley in double-figures were senior Kiya Ferrell and junior Jalie Ruehling with 10 apiece – all coming from the field.
Also scoring for the Lady Raiders were Chloe Gannon with 8, Channah Gannon 6, Olivia Vinson 5, Alivia Reel 4, Ava McIntosh 3 and Remi Benjamin 1.
The win marks 9 in a row for the Lady Raiders, who improve to 12-3 overall.
The win puts Coffee County in the championship game on Thursday. Game time is set for a very early tip-off: 8am eastern, 7am central. Just like the first two games of the tournament, the championship game will be cell-phone video streamed by Thunder Radio sports parent partners on our Facebook page.
Birthdays- December 29
Jenslee Nogodula- 11- Pizza Winner!
Charlie Brown III- 21
Kim Keiss
Frederick Keith Stacy
Frederick Keith Stacy, 71, of Manchester, Tennessee, died December 23,
2021. Born February 26, 1950, Fred graduated from Manchester Central High
School in 1969. He was involved in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry for
many years and worked as a salesman. He is survived by his sister, Barbara
Stacy of Phoenix, AZ, sons, Brian Stacy (Alison) of Manchester, TN, and
Brent Stacy of Huntsville, AL, a granddaughter, Savannah Kramer of
Indianapolis, IN, and a grandson, Byron Bass, of Murfreesboro, TN, along
with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara
Worley Stacy, parents, Morgan Stacy and Erma Howland Stacy, brothers Ralph
Stacy, Earl Stacy, Marvin Stacy, and sister Geraldine Stacy Vanhees. A
graveside service will be held at the Gilley Hill Cemetery in Bradyville,
TN, on January 2, 2022 at 2:00pm. If you wish to make a donation in memory
of Fred, the family asks that you please contact the Coffee County
Children’s Advocacy Center, 104 N. Spring St. Manchester, TN 37355, (931)
728-8888, the Sportsmen & Businessmen’s Charitable Organization, P.O.
Box 521 Manchester, TN 37349, (931) 728-5048, or the First United Methodist
Church, (931) 728-4624.
Coffee County to honor top volunteers of 2021
Ed Reader 
Andrew Hetrick
Coffee County citizens will have the opportunity to recognize the efforts of volunteers who strive to improve their community during the Coffee County Commission Meeting on January 11th; and an awards celebration on February 14th.
After soliciting public nominations for volunteers, citizens from various walks of life were asked to serve on a committee to review submissions.
In conjunction with the Fourteenth Annual Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards, Tennessee’s statewide volunteer recognition program, Coffee County will recognize honoree Ed Reader, Sr. and Youth honoree Andrew Hetrick. These volunteers have displayed exemplary dedication to serving the people of Coffee County.
Ed Reader, Sr. was a World War II Prisoner of War after his B-17 bomber was shot out from under him over Germany. After the war, he enjoyed a career as a banker. Reader is now an active volunteer with VFW Post 10904, present at every meeting and event: including his service as cashier at the monthly VFW fundraising breakfasts. His tireless participation includes parades and community events like Old Timers Day, where he awards Patriot Citizen certificates to children who can correctly recite the Pledge of Allegiance. His friendly presence in the community serves to increase public awareness and appreciation of the many contributions military veterans continue to make in Coffee County. For his dependable commitment to Coffee County and its veterans community, Mr. Reader was selected as the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award recipient.
Eagle Scout Andrew Hetrick served as a volunteer with Horse Play, an organization that helps mentally challenged children ride horses. He also served with Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy at his school: a Christmas program that gave candy canes, with positive notes attached, to fellow students. His Eagle Scout project was to build a new fire pit at the Coffee County Veterans Building, where formal Flag Retirement Ceremonies are held. The previous fire pit was old and unsafe for further use. Hetrick also built benches around the fire pit to make it multi-purpose. He designed it himself: after approval from the Coffee County Veterans Association, he obtained full funding for the project and enlisted other Scouts to help him with construction. It was completed within budget and ahead of schedule. For his many achievements, Andrew Hetrick was selected as the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Youth Award recipient.
Coffee County coordinator G. Lamar Wilkie notes: “One of our greatest expressions of love for the place we live is by giving back as a volunteer. Imagine the kind of community we would have if everyone in Coffee County gave just a few hours each month to making it a better place for everyone.”
These exceptional award recipients will not only be honored at the Coffee County Commission meeting on January 11th and the VFW Post 10904 Awards Ceremony on February 14th; they will also be honored at the state Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards ceremony in Franklin, TN on February 13th.
Volunteer Tennessee is coordinating the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards at the State level. Volunteer Tennessee is the 25-member bipartisan citizen board appointed by Governor Lee to oversee AmeriCorps and service-learning programs and to advance volunteerism and citizen service to solve community problems in the Volunteer State. For more information about Volunteer Tennessee and the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards, please visit www.volunteertennessee.net.