85 year old Kenzie Leighton Wright of Smithville died Saturday of an extended illness at DeKalb Hospital. He was a Baptist, a farmer, and a member of the New Union The Baptist Church. The funeral will be Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Anthony Pelham will officiate and burial will be in the New Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 3:00 p.m. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Hattie Pullman Wright; and two sisters, Childus Wright Johnson and Kelvie Wright Redmon. Survivors include a brother-in-law, Johnny Johnson of Smithville. Nieces, Edith McReynolds of Auburntown, Andrea Redmon of Smithville, and Jaque Hale of Smithville. Nephews, Johnny Johnson, Jr. of Spring Hill and Nathan Johnson of Murfreesboro. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Author Archive: Dwayne Page
State-Shared Taxes Fully Restored
State Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) stated today that she is pleased that the Governor had kept his commitment to restore all the state-shared taxes to local governments. The General Assembly passed a bill to make the restoration permanent.
We are very glad to see that all of the state-shared taxes taken to balance Governor Bredesen’s budget in 2003 have now been fully restored,? stated Senator Beavers. The Governor made a commitment to us last year to restore half of those funds then and the other half this year. We are pleased that he has honored that commitment to us and to local governments.
Last year, members of the General Assembly were concerned that the state-shared taxes had not started to be returned in 2004 as many had expected. Public Chapter 503, Acts of 2005, restored half last year in the Fiscal Year 2005-2006 budget. That amount was projected then to be $20 million.
This year, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 3970 to restore the other half of the state-shared taxes and to make the restoration permanent. Based on increased revenue projections, that figure is now budgeted at $24 million for Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
Senator Beavers represents Senate District 17 which includes Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Macon, Smith, Trousdale, and Wilson counties, and part of Sumner County.
Frank Burton Ervin
72 year old Frank Burton Ervin of Smithville died Friday at DeKalb Hospital. He was retired from Avco and was a member of the Pentecostal faith. The funeral will be Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. David Latam will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 3:00 p.m. He was preceded in death by parents, Wilson and Maggie Pedigo Ervin. He is survived by his wife, Anna “Jeannette” Ervin. One daughter, Dorothy and her husband Steve Knipfer of Knoxville. Three sons, Thomas and his wife Marie Ervin of Smithville, Robert and his wife Patty Ervin, and David Randall and his wife Bobbie Ervin. Ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren. Two brothers, James and his wife Bobbie Ervin of Smithville and Glen and his wife Dorothy Ervin of McMinnville. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Harold Ford, Jr. Speaks at DeKalb Rally
With a beautiful spring rain as a backdrop, the Democratic party faithful gathered under shelter number one at Greenbrook Park on Thursday evening to call for renewed efforts in the upcoming elections. Initially, over 200 people entered the area immediately surrounding the band shell at Smithville’s most beautiful park to the sounds of the TCB Band and the Smithville Community Chorus.
The tales of a tranquil evening soon turned breezy and threatening weather briefly disrupted local elected officials serving fresh, hot barbeque with all the trimmings. County Executive Mike Foster, General Sessions Judge Batten Cook, Register of Deeds Jeff McMillan, Assessor of Property Timothy “Fud” Banks, County Court Clerk Mike Clayborn, and Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack broke down the tables as quickly as possible and moved the food under a shelter while the remainder of the crowd and local candidates took cover from the arriving rain. Even though the inclement weather was a brief distraction, the spirits ran high and everyone settled in for what turned out to be a wonderful evening, reminisce of a by gone era. One filled with laughter and singing; cozy seating and good ole time feeling of togetherness. No public address system, no stage ? just a podium and the voices of those seeking office. The most fundamental elements of politics permeated this crowd as they listened to their candidates speak. Party Chair Faye Fuqua called the meeting to order and Katherine Pack led the pledge of allegiance while Jackie Smith gave a stirring rendition of our national anthem. Sheriff candidate Myron Rhody spoke first, and then Russell Ambrose introduced Trustee candidate Anthony “Doc” Green. Next, Criminal Court Judge Lillie Ann Sells spoke to the crowd.
Bert Driver then came to the podium and introduced Congressman Harold Ford, JR. Ford, candidate for the US Senate called for those in attendance to remember that Democrats have always led the way in new and innovative ideas, and that he believes in a balanced budget, something the current administration and Republican led Congress has forgotten. Ford, 36, hails from Memphis and spoke passionately about the importance of the upcoming election. His spirit and zeal energized the crowd at Greenbrook Park as he thundered away about what it means to care about your fellow man; in fact, lightning and thunder provided a dramatic backdrop for the evenings’ key note speaker. The revved up crowd gave Harold Ford, Jr. a standing ovation as he mounted up in his black ford pickup and headed to his next campaign stop.
Other candidates and officials who spoke were: Mike Foster, Second District County Commission Candidate Shane Cook, Sixth District County Commissioner Marshall Ferrell, Judge Bratten Cook, II, Katherine Pack, Mayoral Candidate Jerry Hutchins, Sr. Mike Clayborn, State Representative Frank Buck, Timothy “Fud” Banks, Jeff McMillan, District Public Defender in the 13th District David N. Brady, Two State Senate candidates from the 17th District were represented: Bob Rochelle of Lebanon was represented by his son Bruce Rochelle while Aubrey T. Givens also of Lebanon was represented by his fianc?e.
Faye Fuqua closed the program by reminding everyone that there was still work to be done and that nothing is to be taken for granted. She thanked all the candidates and especially recognized all the members of the DeKalb County Democratic Executive Committee for all their hard work and for making the event possible.
Smithville Police Make Two Arrests In Recent Burglary & Theft Investigation
The Smithville Police Department has made two arrests in a recent burglary.
18 year old Gary Christopher Ponder of Old Mill Road, Dowelltown and 18 year old Brittney Danielle Barnes of Belk Road, Smithville are each charged with aggravated burglary and theft under $500.
Officer Mike Billings, in his report, states that “I was conducting an investigation of a burglary that took place at the home of Paul Robinson at 7176 Cill Street, Smithville on May 21st. Barnes did admit to entering the home of Robinson by using a hammer and screwdriver to gain entry to the back door of the residence. Once inside the house, she and her boyfriend, Gary Ponder, took a bottle of prescription morphine (15mg) and a bottle containing 4-5 percocets (5mg). Miss Barnes did make a statement admitting her involvement in the break-in and theft. Barnes said she sold the drugs for money.”
Billings, in his report, further stated that ” Ponder admitted his involvement in the break-in.”
Bond for both is set at $15,000 each and they will appear in General Sessions Court on the charges June 15th.
Evelyn Marie Redmon Bratcher Wolf
78 year old Evelyn Marie Redmon Bratcher Wolf of the Green Hill Community of Warren County died Wednesday at her residence of an extended illness. She was a Baptist and a homemaker. The funeral will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Ken Kirby will officiate and burial will be in the Webb Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.; and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donnie Edward and Samantha Emili Mitchell Redmon; two sisters, Lucretta Redmon and Pauline McCormick; a brother, J.B. Redmon; and a son-in-law, Dorris Vaughn. Survivors include daughters, Louise and her husband James Wrisner of Manchester, Jo Evelyn Vaughn and Darlene and her husband Roger Vaughn all of McMinnville. A son, Donnie and his wife Patricia Bratcher of Smithville. Grandchildren, James Thomas and his wife Trish Wrisner, Christie Hopkins, Angie McMahan, Josh Wrisner, Penny and her husband Nick Abraham, Olivia Pinegar, Jennifer Pinegar, Tina and her husband Dale Pack, Sabrina and her husband Keith Farler, and Karen and her husband Jared Knowles. Eighteen great grandchildren. Two sisters, Lula Mae McCormick and Joy Stembridge. Several nieces and nephews, and friends also survive. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Beverly Carol Rogers
65 year old Beverly Carol Rogers of Smithville died Wednesday at Baptist Hospital in Nashville. She was a secretary at Geno’s and a member of the Laurel Hill Baptist Church. The funeral will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Goldie Bardmess Barr and a son, Michael Zimmerman. She is survived by her husband, Donald Rogers of Smithville. Two children, Robert and Shirley Zimmerman and Pamela Zimmerman and her fiance, Ronald Wayne Roller all of Smithville. Eight grandchildren, Alexandra, Jaymie, Nikol, Bobbie, and Rachel Zimmerman, Brooke Roller, Christopher Sorrell, and Kylie Sorrell all of Smithville. Two sisters, Shirley and her husband, Marvin Beckham, and Norma Jean Leadlove all of Smithville. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Ricky Lynn Grisham
47 year old Ricky Lynn Grisham of Alexandria died Monday at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. He was an employee of Bays Bread. A graveside service will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Baxter. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Hunter Funeral Home in Watertown. He was preceded in death by a brother, Radford Grisham and sisters, Faye Mullins and Donna K. Jackson. His parents are Dean Grisham and Gladys Hargis Grisham. His wife is Barbara Grisham of Alexandria. Other survivors include a daughter, Crystal and her husband Danny Caldwell Watson of Alexandria. Grandchildren, Bryanna and Hannah Watson and Hunter Lynn Caldwell. A sister, Ruth Hodge of Smyrna. Three brothers, Stanley Grisham and Larry Manier both of Cookeville, and James Grisham of Monterey. Hunter Funeral Home in Watertown is in charge of the arrangements.
Beverly Rogers
65 year old Beverly Rogers of Smithville died Wednesday at Baptist Hospital in Nashville. The body is at Love-Cantrell Funeral. Arrangements are incomplete but will be announced later.
Milns Thoburn Puckett
97 year old Milns Thoburn “M.T.” Puckett of Smithville died Wednesday at his residence. He was a retired businessman and a member of the Smithville First United Methodist Church.
Mr. Puckett carved his name in state and county politics and area businesses for many years. He was a man of varied business interests. He established one of the first restaurants and lodging facilities on Center Hill Lake known as “Puckett’s Camp”.
He was one of the principle organizers of the Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District and was the principle organizer of Citizens Bank, which is now AmSouth Bank of Smithville.
Mr. Puckett was a well known residential and commercial general contractor for twenty five years.
He served six years in the Tennessee House of Representatives in the General Assembly. During those years, he was the primary sponsor of the Tennessee Water and Safety Act, which controls and regulates boats on the public waters of Tennessee.
He was very active in and a long time member of the First United Methodist Church, having served thirty years on the Board of Trustees of which he was chairman for twenty six years.
The funeral will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Carlton Thaxton will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Etta Reeves Puckett; his first wife, Alvilda Shanks Puckett; and a son, Dr. Jerry E. Puckett.
Puckett is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Puckett of Smithville. A daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Walter Whitson Carlen of Cookeville. Daughter-in-law, Katherine Smith Puckett of Naples, Florida. A step-daughter, Merle Sandlin of Smithville. Eight grandchildren, Henry Puckett, Stephanie Eby, Mary Puckett, Jerri Brown, Poly Billiu, Malinda Carlen Little, Whit Carlen, and step granddaughter, Jenny Saul and six great grandchildren.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The family requests that donations be made to the Smithville First United Methodist Church in lieu of flowers. The family also requests that no food be brought.