Category: Obituaries

Clarence Michael Robison (Mike), age 71 of Tullahoma passed this life on
Thursday, May 19, 2022 at his residence.  No services are planned.

Mike was born on February 2, 1951 in Tullahoma to Clarence and Mavis
Robison.  He was preceded in death by his father in 2003 and his mother in
2021.  Survivors include his sister Brenda Robison of Tullahoma, niece
Kellie Felker (Eric) of Murfreesboro, TN and his precious pets, BeBo,
Blackie and Skinny Kitty.

Mike graduated from Coffee County Central High School in 1969 and MTSU in
1973, 76 and 79 where he received his bachelors, masters, and specialist
degrees in the field of education.  He was a long-time educator for the
Tullahoma City School System and served as a teacher and administrator from
1973-2003.  During most of his career he held the position of principal at
East Lincoln Elementary School.

As principal, Mike held a deep commitment to the children, families, and
school community of East Lincoln Elementary.  He was well known for his
honesty, fairness, consistency, and dedication.  He ran a tight ship; while
showing support, empathy, and compassion.  His students knew that he loved
them and his high expectations for their success.  Upon his retirement in
2003, the school playground was named the Clarence Michael Robison
playground in his honor.

Following his retirement, he served as a Supervisor of Student Teachers for
MTSU until 2014.  Through this position, his knowledge and experience
helped many new teachers as they began their careers in education.  During
this time from 2003 to 2014, he also worked at Lowes of Tullahoma, where he
dearly loved helping customers in the Garden Center.  He was a talented
landscaper and found much joy in sharing his love of plants and flowers, as
well as great conversations, with all who came into the store.

Mike loved people and never met a stranger.  He loved his family and
friends and spending time with them.  He loved animals and was known to
pick up injured or deceased animals to give them empathetic care and/or a
burial.  He loved Coffee Country and Vanderbilt sports.  He also loved
Florida and trips to Daytona Beach.  Mike was a long-time member of the
Grundy Street Church of Christ.  Mike also attended West Nashville Heights
Church of Christ in Nashville for many years where he taught class and
helped with youth events.  He had so many friends there who are saddened at
his passing.

In Mike’s memory, please make any donations in his name to the Tullahoma
Animal Shelter, 942 Maplewood Ave, Tullahoma, TN 37388.

Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Christine T. Salita of Tullahoma passed this life on Thursday, May 26, 2022
at NHC Tullahoma, at the age of 70. Memorial Service is scheduled for
Wednesday, June 1 at 6:30 P.M at Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home. The family
will accept friends from 5 P.M until service time.

Christine, a native of Farmingdale, New York, was the daughter of the late
Stefan and Evelyn Salita. She was an avid reader, loved to travel,
volunteering at her church and loved animals.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her brother, Stephen Salita of Tullahoma; nephew,
Christopher T. Salita (Hannah) of Nolensville, TN and great-niece, Mckenzie
Salita.

Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Mrs. Helen Lujoyce Vandergriff, age 85 of Manchester, will be conducted on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at 2 PM, in the Manchester Funeral Home chapel. Visitation with the family will begin at 11 AM until time of service on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Manchester City Cemetery. Mrs. Helen passed away on Wednesday, May 25, at Manchester Health and Rehab after an extended illness.

Mrs. Helen was born on April 7, 1937, to the late Frank Dyer and Julia Lee Ferrell Tennpenny in Stevenson, AL. She was employed for many years as a cafeteria worker, with her last employment at AEDC. Mrs. Helen was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed quilting, sewing, cooking, working in her flower beds, and traveling.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Helen is preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Vandergriff, and son-in-law, Charlie Rowlett. She is survived by her children, Jay Vandergriff (Charity) of Decherd, Melinda Shores (Jerry) of Manchester, Janie Blanton (Tim) of Woodbury, Amy Rigsby (“Mutton”) of Viola, and Anna Rowlett of Lavergne; grandchildren, Josh Anderson (Sarah), Chris Shores (Meagan), Matthew Shores (Nicole), Thomas Daniel (Keisha), Clint Blanton (Christy), Travis Rigsby (Tara), Andrew Bowen (Hannah); great grandchildren, Macy and Kylie Brown, Layla Shores, Miley Daniel, Carlie and Creek Blanton, Carter and Lauren Rigsby, Riley and Gracie Bowen; nephews, Glenn and Ronnie Randall; special friends, Viva Jernigan, Darby Davis, and Brady Burgess, and a host of friends.

The family of Mrs. Helen wants to thank the nurses and caregivers from Avalon Hospice and Manchester Health & Rehab for the care each one gave their loved one.

Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.manchesterfuneralhome.com

Mazie West of Tullahoma passed this life on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at her
residence at the age of 86. No services are scheduled at this time.

Mazie, a native of Kite, Kentucky, was the daughter of the late William
Smith and the late Ellen Thornberry Roberts. She enjoyed reading, sewing,
crossword puzzles, drawing, crocheting and knitting.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband,
Gaylor Hill; daughter, Gaylene Hill; brothers, Edgel Smith and Denver Smith
and sister, Mildred Smith.

She is survived by her son, Jody Hill of Tullahoma; daughters, Sharon
Brewer of Murfreesboro and Theresa Beeman (Bill) of LaVergne; sister, Elna
Carlson of Smyrna; brother, Edward Smith of Texas; eight grandchildren and
thirteen great-grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Chilcote, David Allen, “Chilly”, age 60, formerly of Tullahoma passed
away Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

David was a United States Coast Guard veteran, a former employee of NASA,
and in 1989 started his own business (Maverick Communications) in
fiberoptic telecommunications. David was born January 31st 1962 in Altoona,
Pennsylvania.  He moved at the age of 12 to Daly City, California where he
would marry and have one son.

David will be remembered most for his love of making people laugh, playing
baseball, and his family.  David spent the past 24 years playing baseball
in various leagues in the Bay Area of California before moving to Tullahoma
Tennessee to be closer to his son and grandson.  He made many friends along
the way and was known for “always being the life of a party”, and “a guy
who is always having too much fun!” David lived life to the fullest, he
loved fast cars, motorcycles, playing sports, dancing, and karaoke.

David was an incredible father.  He loved being a dad, he loved teaching
his son how to be a dad, and he was a father figure to more than just his
son.  He is survived by his son Matthew, grandson Rowan, brother Mike,
sister Rose, fiancée Julie and her children, and many nieces and nephews.
He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

On January 23, 1932, Dorothy Ann Morton was born to Bowlin and Frances Morton in Manchester Tennessee.  There she grew up enjoying the company of her sister, cousins, and friends.  She attended the Manchester City School for the first half of the year.  The family would winter in Mt. Dora, Florida where she completed the school year.  In high school, Dot was active in the band playing saxophone and serving as a majorette.  Some of her happiest times were spent playing basketball as a guard with the Manchester Lady Raiders.  She was named to the All District team.  The most exciting time during high school happened when her brother, George “G.B.” Bowlin Morton, Jr. was born.  

Dot attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri where she earned an associate’s degree.  After graduation she returned to Tennessee.  She lived in Nashville where she modeled and worked for Rule Construction Company.  When Rule got the contract to build Arnold Center, her office was located at William Northern Field.  It was during this period that she met her eventual life partner, Bob Couch, son of Laughlin and Anabel Couch.  They were married on June 15, 1953.  While remaining loyal to her Manchester roots, she quickly embraced married life.  She joined First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, was active in the Rebecca Thompson Circle, and served as Deacon. To get better acquainted with the women of Tullahoma, she was a member of the Tullahoma Junior Woman’s Club and later the Tullahoma Woman’s Club.  Bob was active in the American Legion and she joined the American Legion Auxiliary.  Bob was known for his love of the Tullahoma Rotary Club, and he made Dot a Paul Harris Fellow. They attended conventions associated with all these organizations and had many wonderful times. 

Daughters Fran and Candy joined the family.  Dot stayed at home during their earliest years.  When they were both in school, she went to work for ARO, Inc. at Arnold Center.  She worked in personnel and composing.  In 1967, Bob’s father died unexpectedly.  Dot joined Bob in the family business, Couch’s, and they worked side by side until Bob’s health failed in 2012.  They celebrated over 61 years of marriage.  During that time, they were honored to be the Grand Marshals of the Tullahoma Christmas Parade and to be featured on the Nashville Public Television show, “Tennessee Crossroads.”  In 1994, Dot was recognized as Outstanding Civic Woman by the Tullahoma Business and Professional Woman’s Club.  They enjoyed supporting the Historical Society of Tullahoma, the Bedford County Historical Society, the Coffee County Historical Society, the Tullahoma Camera Club, the Tullahoma Fine Arts Center, South Jackson Civic Center, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Hospice of the Highland Rim, Tullahoma High School, its music, theater, and athletic programs, and the Chamber of Commerce.  Additionally, they loved welcoming people to Tullahoma whether they were tourists or new residents. 

While they valued these organizations and related activities, the family was always their priority.  They were great role models in showing devotion to their parents and aging relatives.  They always supported their daughters, son-in-law, and grandson in their life journeys. 

Dot was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob Couch; his parents, Laughlin and Anabel Couch; her parents, Bowlin and Frances Morton; sister-in-law, Searcy Couch Hopkins; brothers-in-law, G. C. King, Diemer L. Smartt, Thomas A.A. Hopkins; niece, Searcy Dianne King.  She is survived by her daughters, Candy Couch and Fran Couch Gray; son-in-law, Jon Gray; grandson and wife, Jacob and Cindy Gray; sister, Martha Morton Smartt; brother and sister-in-law, G. B. and Ellen Morton; brother-and sister-in-law, Tom and Dot Couch Watson; nieces and spouses, Kenny and Nancy King Phillips; Bill and Marilyn Hopkins Phillips; Leo and Teresa Smartt Barrett; Dave and Mary Beth Gass; Matt and Andrea Morton Crompton; nieces, Kathryn Hopkins, Anabel Watson Hobbs; nephews and spouses, George and Tammy Smartt; Keith and Marlene Smartt; 27 great nephews and nieces; and special friend, Blanche McClure. 

The family will receive guests on Wednesday from 5 PM until 8 PM in the chapel of Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home, 401 North Jackson Street, Tullahoma.  The funeral service will be held at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), corner of Jackson and Grundy Streets at 6 PM on Thursday with interment to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. 

If desired, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Tennessee, P.O. Box 1373, Tullahoma, TN 37388; First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), P.O. Box 606, Tullahoma, TN 37388; or a charity of choice. 

A celebration of life for Mr. John “Buck” Dyer Hannah, age 95 of Manchester, will be conducted at 2:00PM on Friday, May 27, 2022, at Coffee County Funeral Chapel.  Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends from 12:00PM until the time of services at the funeral home.  Mr. Hannah passed from this life on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at St. Thomas – Rutherford in Murfreesboro, TN. 

Buck was born in Franklin County, TN on February 15, 1927, the son of the late Amos and Callie Hannah.  He was a United States Army veteran, and a business owner of 41 Drive-In.  Buck enjoyed fishing, cooking, and especially dancing.  He was an amazing storyteller and would tell stories to anyone who would listen.  Buck lived his life to the fullest, and he was loved by many.  But the most important thing to Buck was his family. 

In addition to his parents, Buck is also preceded in death by his three brothers, Cap, Howard, and Wayne Hannah; four sisters, Bunny Hammers, Doodle Luttrell, Jean Alexander, and Gail Hannah.  He is survived by his beloved partner, Janie Taylor; four daughters, Brenda Bryan (Dennis), Jan Hammonds (Steve), Mindy Acklen (Darren), and Amanda Lilius (Chris); four grandchildren, Jon Bryan (Cristie), Justin Bryan (Ashley Harden), Christian Lilius, and Taylor Lilius; great-granddaughter, Cate Bryan. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org 

Coffee County Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Hannah family.  

Mrs. Cecilia Julia Kelly, age 85 years, 6 months, and 2 days, was born on November 18, 1936, to the late Leo and Anna Katz Kent, in Cleveland, OH. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and collecting books and magazines. Mrs. Cecilia earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Ohio State University, later sharing her knowledge of chemistry at the University of the South in the chemistry lab. She was a member of the St. Paul catholic church in Tullahoma.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Cecilia is preceded in death by her loving husband of 30+ years, Francis Joseph Kelly. She is survived by her children, Nathan Kelly, Eva Marie Kelly, and Brendan Kelly and his wife, Marisa.

A Celebration of Life in memory of Mrs. Cecilia will be held at a later date.

Manchester Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kelly family.

Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.manchesterfuneralhome.com 

Funeral services for Ms. Roxanna Bryan, age 60 of Manchester, will be conducted on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 12 Noon in the Tullahoma Funeral Home chapel. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will begin at 11 AM until time of service at the funeral home on Saturday. Ms. Bryan passed away at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital on Monday, May 16 after an extended illness.

Roxanna was born on September 26, 1961, to the late Charles Stanley and Bertha Estelle Strawn Bryan in Manchester, TN. She attended the Faith Freewill Baptist Church in Manchester until her declining health. Roxanna enjoyed attending church and singing in the choir and keeping in touch with family members. She was a babysitter to many children over the years in Manchester.

Roxanna is survived by her brother, Joe Bryan and his wife, Theresa, and their children, Alex Kyle Bryan, Ashley Brooke Murphy and her husband, Walter, and their children, Neveah Hope and Jaylei Faith, and Jeffery Glenn Riddle, Jr., and his daughter, Rye Eden; special friends, Karen Willis and Thomas Alford; several extended family members and a host of friends.

Online condolences and memories can be made at

www.tullahomafuneralhome.com 

Tullahoma Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bryan family.

Memorial services for Mr. Butch Ribar, age 68 of Manchester, will be conducted on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 10 AM in the Manchester Funeral Home chapel. Butch passed away unexpectedly at his home.

Butch was born on December 12, 1953, in Niles, MI to the late Myron and Goldia Harpo Ribar. He served his country in the United States National Guard, and he enjoyed working on cars and watching Nascar.

Butch is survived by his family friends, Bobby Nelson and his wife, Cindy, Jonpaul Nelson and his wife, Amanda, Bobby Nelson and his wife, Cindy, Robert Nelson and his daughter, Avery, and Daniel Nelson and his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Ellis; and a host of friends.

Online condolences and memories can be shared at 

www.manchesterfuneralhome.com

Manchester Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ribar family.