Category: Obituaries

Mama Lena’s favorite grandchild waved good-by on Sunday, April 22, 2012, surrounded by his family. Charles Phillip Copeland was born the third of six children to C. Ray and Ruby Copeland on July 6, 1952. Phil lived most of his 59 years in Tullahoma, Tennessee. He graduated from Tullahoma High School in 1970, and then attended UT Knoxville. He also graduated from the LSU School of Banking.

He began his banking career at Union Planters in Memphis, and then began working for Traders National Bank in 1975. He worked there for nearly 37 years until his retirement for his recent illness. He started as a Teller and ended as the Chief Financial Officer, as well as a member of the Board of Directors. Phil had a great fondness for his fellow employees and customers. He was well known for speaking in a verbal shorthand and giving his co-workers nicknames, like “Crazy”, “Chipper”, “Spot”, “Dirt”, and generally keeping everyone off guard with his quick, wry sense of humor.

For several years, Phil donned his fireproof coveralls and helped set off the Fourth of July fireworks. He was a long time member of the Highland Rim Kiwanis Club and a past President of the Lakewood Country Club. He was also lifelong President of the Tullahoma Telescope Club.

On a date arranged by her future sister-in-law, Kim, in 1997, Phil met his soul mate, Bettie Vaughan. They married on October 26, 2003. Together they built a beautiful home and enjoyed their shared passion for life, which included travel, cooking, wine, art, and family. Phil and Bettie also share several grandchildren who call them “Bill” and “Gobbie”.

In addition to his parents, Phil was predeceased by grandparents, James and Pearl (Waggoner) Copeland of Moore County, Charles and Lena Mae “Mama Lena” (Richards) Weddington of Tullahoma, special grandmother, Ann Lou Woodside Martin of Tullahoma, and a dear sister-in-law, Jennifer (Kyle) Copeland of Tullahoma.

He is survived by wife, Bettie, daughter Katy Copeland Harden (Tim), grandson and namesake Charlie, stepdaughter Rachel Pierce (Daryl McGee) of Tullahoma, and stepson Ted Pierce (Wendy) of Lynchburg, and step-grandchildren, Tony, Austin, Liza, Leyla, Isiah, McKenzie, Rayel and Colin.

Siblings who will miss their brother and cherish his memory are Claudia (Michael) Vaden of Franklin County, Tom (Karen) Copeland, Kyle Copeland, Kim (Clay) Uselton, and Scott Copeland, all of Tullahoma, Tennessee. He also leaves many dear nieces and nephews: Dylan, Annie, Rachel, Emma, Anna Claire, Stewart, Will, Jack, and Sam.

Phil’s sense of humor stayed with him to the very end. A few days ago one of the children made a video of him and he was waiving to the camera from his bed. Later on that night, everyone was gathered by his bedside, Phil was in good spirits, making everyone laugh, and Bettie mused: “What will we do without our “Bill”? Phil said: “Just rewind that camera and I’ll be waving at you”.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation.

Kilgore Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Clarence Alvin Jernigan, age 81 of Decherd, passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012 at his residence surrounded by his family.

A loving father and grandfather, he worked for L&N Railroad for 29 years and was of the Baptist faith.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, James Joseph Jernigan and Eva Mae Lewis Jernigan; first wife, Tina “Tiny” Faye Bryant Jernigan; brothers, Kelly Jernigan, Jim Jernigan, Alex Jernigan, L. Y. “Mood” Jernigan and Floyd Jernigan; and sisters, Bertha Lillian Jernigan, Earlene Cook and Geneva Jernigan.

He is survived by his wife, Mattie Jane Jernigan of Decherd; children, Doris (Larry) Baker of Decherd, Carolyn (Norman) Payne of South Pittsburg, Zella Ruth (Jerry) Sons and Eddie (Lynn) Jernigan of Winchester; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Visitation is 5-8 PM Monday at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Moore-Cortner Chapel with interment at Mt. Garner Cemetery.

Cody Jernigan, Clancy Baker, Kevin Payne, Tim Sons, Mark Sons and Jerry Sons will be serving as pallbearers and honorary pallbearer, Jim Jernigan.

Moore-Cortner Funeral Home of Winchester in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Daniel “Dan” J. Mears, age 90, of Estill Springs, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residence on Saturday, April 21, 2012 following an extended illness.  Mr. Mears was a patriotic, community-minded person who was involved in local politics.  He served as a Staff Sergeant in WWII in the 452^nd Bomb Group of the 8^th Air Force in England.  He worked for Corning Glass Works in Corning, NY for more than 35 years as an engineer and was a patent holder. He was also Chairman of the Elmira, NY Chapter of Society of Manufacturing Engineers.  After retiring and moving to Tenn., Dan served on the Franklin County Beautification Committee and helped set up convenience centers in the area.  He also was a VITA volunteer.

Mr. Mears had a warm heart and an off-beat sense of humor.  He worked with wood and could figure out how to fix everything.  He was also proud Captain of the Mears family’s mighty Yankee Rebel pontoon boat.  Throughout his life, he presided over a houseful of women from his wife and daughters to dogs and guinea pigs.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ruthe Mears. He is survived by daughters; Dana Mears, Kim Mears both of Estill Springs, Teri Mears of Huntsville, Ala., Mary Mears of Jersey City, N.J. a sister, Sandra Brooks of Pennsylvania.

The family will receive friends from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.  Wednesday in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services. 

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations to the Humane Society of the U.S.

Grant Funeral Services in charge of arrangements

Mrs. Mary Jane Green age 67 of Tracy City, Tennessee passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012, in Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. Born February 4, 1945 in Tracy City she was a daughter of the Late Lewis and Bessie Lee Johnson Yarworth and was preceded in death by a sister, Eleanor Rose McBee.

Survivors include her husband, Norman Wesley Green; children, Darrin Green, Tracy City, Debra Anderson, Tracy City, Cindy (Eric) Northcutt, Pelham, Kimberly Jane (Joe) Nunley, Tracy City, Rhonda Lee Campbell, Chattanooga; brothers, Stanley, Denver, Carl and Rick Yarworth all of Tracy City; sisters, Marie Turner, Tracy City, Maggie Mae Custer, Michigan, Doris Johnson, Dunlap, TN, Opal McBee and Brenda Dees both of Tracy City; grandchildren, Ryan, Chase, Summer, Jacob, Josh, Patience, Joe and Cindy; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday in the funeral home chapel. The Reverend John Potts and Reverend Ernest Lockhart will officiate.

Burial will be in Orange Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday 4-10 P.M. at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Foster & Lay Funeral Home, Tracy City, Tennessee.

Mr. Hershel Lee Brown age 70 of Decherd, Tennessee passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012, in Southern Tennessee Medical Center.

He was a truck driver and was retired from Bryant Oil in Tullahoma. Born on December 27, 1941 in Monteagle , he was a son of the late Ulysses Grant Brown and Miriam Lautzenheiser Brown and was preceded in death by his wife, Verna Mae Brown; a daughter, Tonya Minor; brother, Paul “Goob” Brown.

Survivors include his daughter and her husband, Lisa and Brent Ikard, Cartersville, GA; son, Rusty Morris of Decherd; brothers, Grant Brown of Pelham and Carl Brown of Hillsboro; sisters, Flona Lee Burnett, Pelham, Faye Woodall, Decherd, Lotus Douglas, Tullahoma; 5 grandchildren, Brittney, Lauren, Emma Grace, Katilyn and Kaydan, Kayleb; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with Minister Bob Winton officiating.

Burial will be in Sherrill Cemetery in Decherd.

The family will receive friends Monday 5-9 P.M. at the funeral home.

Cumberland Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Onetta Armour Parrish, age 93, passed from this life on April 20, 2012 at her home in Manchester, Tennessee with her family by her side.

She was born in Cash, Arkansas to her parents, the late Henry and Ann McAnnally Armour. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Virgil E. Parrish; brothers, George Armour, C.G. Armour and F.R. Armour; and sisters, Mildred Menser and Edoth Hall.

Mrs. Parrish enjoyed sewing and gardening in her younger days. She was a member of the Red Hill Church of Christ.

Mrs. Parrish is survived by her daughters, Georgia (Elliot) Bradley of Lakeland, FL and Anita (Ray) Westberry of Manchester, TN; grandsons, Ronnie (Suzanne) Pinder of Chelmsford, MA  and Larry (Kim) Westberry of Lehigh Acres, FL; granddaughters, Teresa (Joseph) Connor of Franklin, MA and Danita (Patrick) Thomas of Estill Springs, TN; great-grandchildren,Kati Pinder, Alan Clifford, Ashton Thomas, Amanda Clifford, Trey Westberry and Samantha Westberry; many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Visitation will be on Sunday evening, April 22, 2012 from 7:00 p.m.  until 9:00  p.m. at Central Funeral Home in Manchester, TN.     

A Graveside Service will be conducted on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at the Fort Denaud Cemetery in Labelle, FL.

Arrangements with CENTRAL FUNERAL HOME of Manchester.

Kenneth (Kenny) Tate was born October 29, 1959 in Huntland, TN to the late Ben and Tiny J. Sisk Tate. He departed this life on Friday, April 20, 2012 at Golden Living Skill Care Facility in Winchester.

He just recently turned his life over to Christ. He fought a good fight, but the Battle is over and the victory has been won.  

He attended Huntland School. He was a concrete finisher by trade and he truly loved his work. He was still taking about pouring concrete up until his health failed him.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kendra Greer; brother, Paul, B.W. and Billy Joe Tate; sisters, Ruby Lee Vanzant, Earline Hill and Odessa Wooten.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted daughter, April (Quan) Nard; granddaughters, Dashica and Alesis; grandson, DeAndre; devoted and faithful sister, Willie May Farris of Cowan, Addie Bell (Horace)Scott of Cowan; brothers, Richard Tate of Winchester, and Marshall Ray Tate of Nashville; host of nieces and nephews. Also to cherish his memory is his long time companion Leila Ann Palmer; adoptive grandkids Leah, Safari June Bug, Tina, and Tashirra Shortie and their mom, Tammie. Other family and friends David Tate, Howard Morrow, and Leon Hartsfield who were there for him to lead a helping hand or for whatever he needed them to do without asking. 

A special thanks to Elder Sandy Ray Kinslow who baptized him and always came whenever we needed him for prayer.

Funeral service for Kenny Tate will be Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 1pm from the chapel of Watson-North Funeral Home.

Interment will follow in Payne’s Chapel Cemetery in Huntland.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 24, 2012 from 12 until time of service.

Watson-North Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Jacqueline Wiseman, age 48, of Winchester, passed away April 19, 2012 at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.

Ms. Wiseman worked as a teller several years at Farmers Bank. In her past time she enjoyed spending summer days on the lake, playing on the computer and talking to her friends.

Ms. Wiseman is preceded in death by her mother, Charlotte Bean Hall.

She is survived by her son, Daniel (Susan) Wiseman of Winchester and her father, R.L. Hall also of Winchester.

Funeral service will be conducted Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 2pm from the chapel of Watson-North Funeral Home.

Interment will follow in Harmony Cemetery with friends and family serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 6-8pm at Watson-North Funeral Home.

Watson-North Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.