Author's posts
Birthdays- August 28
Emily Schuster- 17- Pizza Winner!
Adam Ruhl- 43
Justin Spry- 9
Clay Riddle- 8
William (Bill) Alec Work
William (Bill) Alec Work died peacefully at home on Sunday, August 29 th , 2021, in Tullahoma, Tennessee at the age of 69. Bill, the son of Alec and Mary DeSantis Work, began life in Brockway, Pennsylvania before settling in Tennessee. Later in life, Bill was able to travel to many places he had thought he would never see in person. As an accomplished visual artist, he often looked for the beauty in life, both obvious and hidden. This was often shown through his drawings, paintings, photographs, and crafted items. In addition to sharing his artistic talents, he had a great love for friends, food, and music. As Bill traveled both near and far with his loving wife, Connie, he intentionally invested in experiences above physical things. Many of his favorite memories became stories of capturing the perfect photograph or sharing an unforgettable meal. Over the years, many holidays and special events centered around food from his mother’s recipes (lasagna, stuffed shells, and beef soup) or his efforts to recreate a restaurant’s signature dish. Throughout Bill’s life, he was always proud of his family as well as the degrees he earned from Motlow State Community College and Middle Tennessee State University. He enjoyed being a Yankee in the South, proclaiming the greatness of Diet Sun Drop, and always making the best of the days he was given. Bill was someone who could connect with people from all walks of life and never thought of them as strangers. He looked for opportunities to quietly help others in need. The extent of his generosity might never be fully known, but many lives were changed by his kindness and giving over the years. For those he helped and others he antagonized (mostly his machine shop co-workers), everyone counted him as a valued friend. The soundtrack of his life featured a wide range of musical styles. The Moody Blues ignited a love of music that carried forward throughout his life, expanding over time to include everything from mainstream hits to the music of many different cultures. His collection of music provided him with great enjoyment and was often a way he connected with people from all walks of life. Bill is survived by his wife of nineteen years, Connie Work; his sons: Matthew Work and wife, Cheri, of Brentwood Tennessee; Benjamin Work and wife, Amber, of Round Rock, Texas; Seth Work of Tullahoma, Tennessee; Jonathan Work of New York, New York; grandchildren: Abby, Vivienne, Henry; brother Paul Work and wife, Donna, of DuBois, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law Lisa Work of Brockway, Pennsylvania; nieces and nephews; countless cousins; and Mia & Pete, his ever-faithful pets. He was preceded in death by his parents; Jeanine Boucher, sister; and Floyd Work, brother. A line from Jimmy Buffet’s song “He Went to Paris” illustrated his life: “Some of it’s magic, and some of it’s tragic, but I had a good life all the way.” Even in his final days of battling cancer, Bill would end many conversations with, “…but I can’t complain.” To the many who kept him in their thoughts and those who continued to lift him up in prayer, your support was deeply appreciated. As a follower of Christ, he was reassured in knowing where he was going and that he would see his friends and family members again. Bill Work will be greatly missed but always remembered for living a full life and encouraging others to explore the beauty along their journey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Wounded Warriors Project. Due to current public health and safety concerns, a memorial gathering will be scheduled at a later date. Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Charles Jeffrey “Jeff” Enis
Enis, Charles Jeffrey “Jeff,” passed away Thursday, August 26, 2021, after a heroic, life-long battle against depression. He was born November 20, 1968, to Charley and Joyce Enis of Manchester, who survive him. He was a 1987 graduate of Coffee County Central High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Maintenance from Middle Tennessee State University in 1991. He worked as an aircraft mechanic for five years. He then earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee-Memphis in 2002. He worked at Huntsville Hospita in Huntsville, AL, for two years and at Walgreens in Manchester for 13 years. He was currently employed at McMinnville Drug Center in McMinnville, TN.
Jeff was an intelligent man and had many certifications and accomplishments, but his greatest attributes were his generosity, servant’s heart, and love for his family and friends. He loved resolving his pharmacy patients’ medication and insurance problems for them. Jeff often paid for people’s prescriptions out of his own pocket when he knew they couldn’t afford it. Jesus is his Lord and Savior, and Jeff was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, where he attended with his family. He loved children and served in children’s ministry for several years, ministering to them with a sense of fun and a listening ear. He was a thoughtful and loving husband and a fun and doting dad to his children. He cherished time with his family, and loved watching his babies grow into teenagers. He was exceptionally proud of them. He was simply an exceptional man.
In addition to his parents, Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Donna Baskin Enis, and his children, Garrett and Lila of Manchester; sister, Jennifer and brother-in-law Bobby Todd, also of Manchester; sister, Angela and brother-in-law Rex Gilley of Virginia Beach, VA; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Bonny Baskin and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Buck and Ginelle Baskin, all of Manchester; maternal aunts and uncles, Brenda and Tommy Pennington of Tupelo, MS, and Elizabeth Umfress of Vestavia Hill, AL; paternal aunt and uncle Norma and Paul von Doehren of Elk Grove Village, IL; niece Jessica Gilley, and nephews Nathan and Jadon Todd and Owen and Luke Baskin; life-long friends Scott Swinney and Mike Martin, both of Manchester; and a host of friends and church family.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will be scheduled for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Jeff’s memory to The Gideons International or Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.
We, the family, would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department and the pastoral staff at Trinity Baptist Church. You made extraordinary efforts and provided us support and kindness at a very difficult time.
May God bless you during this difficult time.
Coffee County Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Judith “Judy” Nell Brown Miller
Judith “Judy” Nell Brown Miller was born in McMinnville, Tennessee on July 17, 1954, to the late Helen and Harold Mead Brown. Judy grew up on her family’s centennial dairy farm in Hillsboro, Tennessee, riding horses and ponies with her brothers and many cousins, enjoyed performing in the color guard in high school, and met Sam, her husband of over 45 years, while she was pursuing her degree in elementary education at MTSU. After completing her degree, the two were married and had many adventures with their two daughters while stationed at various Marine Corps bases. Judy taught elementary school, substituted and was a room mother, and also taught piano lessons out of their home. She loved music, gardening, cooking, and cross stitching. Judy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1985 and was active in the National MS Society for decades, as both an advocate and a mentor to newly diagnosed MS patients. When Sam retired from the Marines, the family settled on land that was part of the original Brown farm, and Judy renewed her passions for teaching piano lessons and serving as her Church Historian. Judy was a born teacher and had a lifelong mutual adoration with every child she met. The children of her nieces and nephews and her own beloved grandchildren gave her so much joy.
In addition to her parents, Judy is preceded in death by her brother, Tom Brown. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Sam Miller; 2 wonderful daughters, Juli Miller, and Katie Visbal and her husband, Andy; 2 wonderful grandchildren, Ruthie and Mateo Visbal; brothers, George Brown and his wife, June, and Bobby Brown and his wife, Denise; sister-in-law, Becky Brown; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
Judy passed away on Saturday August 28, 2021, at the age of 67 at home across from her mountain, with her family.
Graveside services will be conducted on Monday, August 30, 2021, at 11 AM in the Hillsboro United Methodist Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National MS Society. https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/Donation2?df_id=55995&55995.donation=form1
Ronald Marcus “Ronnie” West
Mr. Ronald Marcus “Ronnie” West, age 74, passed
away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at TriStar Stone Crest Medical Center.
Mr. West was born September 22, 1946 to the late Garland O. West & Alta
Rogalle Taylor. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a
daughter, Penny West Lee. Ronnie enjoyed his work and had many different
occupations throughout his life including farmer, mechanic, heavy equipment
operator, with the most of his working years spent as a truck driver. His
farming led to a hobby in tractor pulling and he was known far and wide as
“Tractor Man” which he used as a CB handle. He later began training and
riding horses both for show and pleasure. He was one of the founders of the
National Spotted Saddle Horse Association, a breed registry that still
exists today. In his most recent years, he has enjoyed traveling to many
areas of the country in his camper. He was a friend to many. Ronnie was a
proud Daddy and a loving Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was a loving companion to Edna for many years and she enjoyed traveling
and camping with him. Mr. West is survived by his fiance, Edna Givens; son,
Mark West; daughters, Angela (David) Eldridge and Tracey (Glenn) Lannom;
sister, Gail West (Donny) Arnold; grandchildren, Alexis Howland, Brianna
(William) Stevens, Garrett (Bailey) Eldridge, Reagan Lannom, Jack Lannom,
Maddyx West and Mason West; great grandchildren, Emma Howland, Grantlee
Howland, Kohlsen Howland, Woodlen Howland, Hayden Stevens and Hanna
Stevens. Visitation with the family will be held Monday, August 30, 2021
from 3:00pm until 8:00pm at Central Funeral Home. Funeral service will be
held on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 2pm at Central Funeral Home with burial
to follow in Summitville Cemetery with Brother Foy Rigney officiating.
www.centralfuneralhome.com; 931-723-7774
Coffee County Schools closed this week
Coffee County School System is taking extra days off this week to help alleviate COVID-19 concerns circulating within the system.
The school system will now be closing on Monday, Aug 30 through Wednesday, Sept. 1. This combined with already scheduled days off on Sept. 2 and 3 (Bonnaroo) and Sept. 6 (Labor Day) and two weekends, will give the system 10 consecutive days off in hopes of curbing spread of the COVID-19 virus among students.
In-season extra curricular activities such as sports will continue to happen as scheduled.
Manchester City Schools plans to continue ahead with normal schedule but they would continue to monitor COVID numbers very closely.
Below is the full statement from the county school system.
Due to COVID concerns, Coffee County Schools will be closed Monday – Wednesday, August 30, 31, and September 1. Combined with a scheduled teacher inservice on September 2, Bonnaroo Day on September 3, and Labor Day on September 6, students will report back to school on September 7. This closure is being made to allow students to be out of the buildings for ten consecutive days, the length of a typical quarantine or isolation period. Extracurricular student activities are being allowed to continue based upon the status of COVID spread within that particular group of students. Students and families should communicate with coaches, teachers, or advisors to ascertain any potential schedule changes for extracurricular activities. This decision was made in an attempt to provide our students with the most complete school experience possible. The district will continue to monitor the situation and adjust accordingly. The parent/guardian of any student unable to return to school on September 7 due to COVID-related concerns should contact the school nurse.
BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Aug. 30-Sept4
Below is the weekly broadcast schedule for Thunder Radio. This is subject to change based on game changes and broadcaster availability. Stream links for each game will be posted each day.
DAY | DATE | TIME | SCHOOL | SPORT | OPPONENT | LOCATION | RADIO OR STREAM | ||
Monday | 8/30/21 | 5:00 PM | WMS | Soccer | Franklin County | Home | radio | ||
Tuesday | 8/31/21 | 6:30 PM | CMS | Football | South** | Home | stream | ||
Tuesday | 8/31/21 | 6:30 PM | CHS | Volleyball | Franklin County* | Away | stream | ||
Wednesday | 9/1/21 | 6:30 PM | CHS | volleyball | Tullahoma | Home | stream | ||
Wednesday | 9/1 | 7:00 PM | The Doug Greene Coaches Show | Praters | stream | ||||
Thursday | 9/2/21 | 6:30 PM | WMS | Football | Eagleville | Away | stream | ||
Friday | 9/3/21 | 7 p.m. | CHS | Football | Shelbyville** | Away | stream | ||
Saturday | 9/4 | 10:30 AM | CMS | Football | Tullahoma | Away | radio |
Raider, Wildcats fans team up to raise money for Waverly flood victims
While the Coffee County Red Raiders and the Tullahoma Wildcats were competing on the field Friday night in Manchester, there was another competition happening in the stands.
Fans from both sides were asked to make donations that would be sent to help flood victims in Humphreys County.
Coffee County fans were able to win that side battle – collecting $1,910 while Tullahoma fans contributed $1,410 for a total of $3,320.
This is just the latest gesture of giving to those affected by floods in Waverly earlier this month. Just last Wednesday, Aug. 25, Coffee County sent three tractor-trailer loads worth of supplies to Humphreys County thanks to overwhelming donations from area good Samaritans.
Remnants of Hurricane Ida could bring heavy rain, storms to Manchester by Tuesday

Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana early Sunday morning as a category 4 hurricane, and remnants of the storm are expected to impact Middle Tennessee as early as late Monday evening.
National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of Middle Tennessee that takes effect late Monday through early Wednesday. NWS added that slight shifts in the storm’s track could significantly change what areas receive the most rain and severe weather threats.
As of Sunday, National Weather Service predicts much of the midstate to receive between 2 and 4 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts. Between 3-4 inches of rain is forecast to fall on Coffee County.
SEVERE WEATHER THREAT
In addition to heavy rainfall, severe weather is possible.
“We cannot rule out a strong to severe thunderstorm Monday into Tuesday, with teh main concerns being damaging winds and isolated tornadoes,” said NWS Nashville office. “The main threat appears to be south of I-40.”
BONNAROO COMPLICATIONS
Remnants of Ida are expected to push through Middle Tennessee as a tropical depression. Timing of Tuesday into Wednesday coincides with gates opening for Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival.
Bonnaroo posted on its social media channels and informed fans to be prepared for very wet conditions and possibly slower traffic upon entry.

Thunder Radio transforms into Bonnaroo Radio at 6 am Tuesday
Your Community Radio Station – Thunder Radio – is partnering with Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival to become the official station of Radio Bonnaroo for the 2021 festival.
What does that mean?
At 6 a.m. Tuesday, Thunder Radio programming will transition to Bonnaroo Radio programming and will remain that way until noon on Monday, Sept. 6.
Radio Bonnaroo will feature Bonnaroo music, artist interviews, emergency announcements for festival goers, traffic information and more.
“This is a great way to connect Manchester’s locally owned radio station with the Bonnaroo festival,” said Thunder Radio co-owner Josh Peterson. “We are excited for this partnership.”
During this time, regular Thunder Radio programming will not be aired – such as Swap & Shop, The Morning Show, Rick & Bubba, Dan Bongino and others. Don’t worry – regular programming returns at noon Monday, Sept. 6.
“Of course our news coverage will continue at thunder1320.com and we will post any breaking news there and on the Thunder Radio Facebook page,” added Peterson. “And, of course, our coverage of ball games will continue through our many stream channels where folks can listen directly from our website. We will post links each day to where folks can hear their favorite local ball game!”
Thunder Radio personnel will remain at the studio – call anytime at 931-728-1320.