B.L. Raymond

89 year old B.L. Raymond of Smithville died Saturday at his residence. He was a member of the Mount Hope The Baptist Church for more than 60 years. He was a member of the Army 101st Airborne, 907 Glider Field Artillery Battalion, World World II Veteran, and he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was also owner of Raymond and Sons Nursery. The funeral will be Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Dwight Knowles and Garry McBride will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens with military honors. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Watson and Letha Cleo Young Raymond; a sister, Judy Raymond; and a daughter-in-law, Nell Raymond. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen West Raymond. One son, Earl Raymond of Smithville. Two grandchildren, Brian and wife Kristin Raymond of Lexington, Kentucky and Adam and wife Amy Raymond of Smithville. Seven great grandchildren, Thomas and Brianna Raymond of Kentucky, Aniston and Alexis Raymond, Anna Bullard, and Julia Little all of Smithville and Allison and Brent Collier of Cookeville. One great great grandchild, Sebastian Bullard of Smithville. A sister, Janie Love of Smithville. Special family members, Kristy, Ty, and Nate Wakefield and Ogden Melton. Sister-in-law, JoAnn and Clyde Smithson of McMinnville. Brother-in-law, Freddie Pirtle of Woodbury. A host of other family, church family, and neighbors also survive. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.