Edgar Wilson “Eddie” Evins, age 77, passed away quietly Thursday, January 14, 2010 at Baptist Hospital in Nashville. He spent his last days on earth exactly as he wished; surrounded by the people he loved – devoted wife, adoring family and a few close friends sharing memories and stories.
A self-described “country banker” for the better part of his life, Eddie packed a whale of a lot into his 77 years, living fully, loving deeply and laughing often.
He was blessed to come from a large family and considered both Lebanon and Smithville as childhood homes. He attended Columbia Military Academy, Lebanon High School, David Lipscomb College and the U.S. Naval Academy before serving in the U.S. Navy as ship photographer for the USS Hornet and the USS Leyte. After his overseas tour, he returned to Tennessee to study business at UT Knoxville, where his blood turned deep orange and his passion for the Vols became his permanent trademark.
Eddie grew up in a prominent DeKalb County political family as the grandson of James Edgar Evins and nephew of Congressman Joe L. Evins. Eddie served with his good friend and fishing buddy Hudley Crockett on Buford Ellington’s first gubernatorial campaign. Governor Ellington later appointed him to the Tennessee Boating Board and to the Tennessee Game and Fish Commission (predecessor of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) where he rose to the position of Chairman. When Hudley decided to run for political office in 1970 taking on long-time US Senator Albert Gore, Sr., he turned to his friend Eddie to manage his race. Eddie also served as Treasurer for Crockett’s 1974 gubernatorial race against Ray Blanton.
A native DeKalb Countian, Eddie was the President of the DeKalb County Bank for 30 years and served as a County Commissioner. He operated Sligo boat dock on Center Hill Lake, co-owned the Wilson County Fair in Lebanon, TN, (a position he proudly inherited from his Great-Uncle A.W. McCartney) and was a partner with his best friend Charlie Doak in a small service station in Lebanon. When his brother, Dan (a Shell Oil distributor at the time) came up with the notion of tying a country restaurant in with a handful of interstate-based gas stations, Eddie was instrumental in the creation of one of the greatest stories ever told: Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores® and served for 30 years on the board of director until he retired as a Founding Director. More important than his business acumen, Eddie was a servant at heart. He was a Co-founder and original Board Member of Friendship Christian School and a Sunday school teacher at College Street/College Hills and Alexandria Churches of Christ. Eddie spent his last 23 years at his true passion; helping those battling addictions find the path to God and recovery. He was instrumental in the establishment and daily operation of the College Street Fellowship House.
A Christian by faith and a gentle soul Eddie is best remembered for his caring heart and his passion for giving. To say he found his greatest joy by helping those in need would be an understatement.
In addition to passages from the Bible and the Big Book, one of his favorite quotes which remains on his wall today reads:
“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, totally used up, worn out and screaming Wow what a ride!”
If anyone lived life in this way, it was Eddie Evins.
He is survived by wife, Gloria Jean Evins, son Edgar Wilson Evins, Jr. and wife Kim Grayson Evins, a daughter Karlen Rose Evins and stepsons, Chadwick Jackson Hayes and Ashley Barrington Hayes. He also leaves behind two loving granddaughters: Tiffany Taylor Evins and Shannon McCartney Evins; and two step-grandchildren, Grayson and Jack Propst.
He is further survived by his three siblings William Jackson Evins, Jr., Myrtie Ann Evins Doak and Danny Wood Evins. His nieces and nephews are: Betty, Judy, Kathy, Dub, Cindy and Missy; Charlie, Bill, Ronnie and Andy; Daina, Meacham, Kate, Betsy and Joe; as well as sister in law Mrs. D. W. (Margarita) Evins. Additionally he leaves behind former wife and mother of his children, Nancy Alley Evins and former daughter-in-law, Pam Gattis Farmer.
The family will greet visitors from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 19th and again from 10:00 – 11:00 am. on Wednesday January 20th at the College Hills Church of Christ at 1401 Leeville Pike in Lebanon. A memorial service will be held on January 20 at the Church at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Friendship Christian School (Pete Merriman Scholarship Fund), the College Hills Church of Christ (children’s program) or the College Street Fellowship House.
PARTLOW FUNERAL CHAPEL IN CHARGE OF LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS. (615) 444-7007 OBITUARY (615) 444-7700. OBITUARY. www.partlowchapel.com
This information provided as a courtesy of DeKalb Funeral Chapel.

97 year old Elbert Hudson Grandstaff of Alexandria died Wednesday at the Quality Care Health Care Center in Lebanon. The funeral will be Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Avant Funeral Home in Alexandria. Ronnie Smith will officiate and burial will be in New Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 1:00 p.m. Grandstaff was born in Alexandria, the son of the late Ida Mae Hunt and Charlie Hudson Grandstaff. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Jane Hall, Willie Mae Hearn, and Edith Reasonover Mathis; his first wife, Ruth Green Grandstaff and his second wife, Mary Gladys Reynolds Grandstaff; two sons, Jerry Hudson Grandstaff and Jack Hudson Granstaff; and a grandson, Jackie Wilson Grandstaff. He was a farmer and worked for many years and retired from the Kraft Company in Alexandria. He was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church in Alexandria. Grandstaff is survived by seven grandchildren, Debbie and her husband Gary Jones of Lebanon, Angela Grandstaff of Texas, Jan and husband Mike Sykes of Lebanon, Kim Saddler of Lebanon, Don and wife Bonnie Grandstaff of Brush Creek, Dale Grandstaff of Clarksville, and Chris Grandstaff of Lebanon. Nine great grandchildren and ten great great grandchildren. A daughter-in-law, Marie Grandstaff Johnson of Gulf Shores, Alabama. A step-daughter, Betty and husband Larry Boss of Alexandria. Step grandchildren, Katrina and husband Ben Barrett of Murfreesboro and Joey and wife Kim Boss of Alexandria. Four step great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews survive. Avant Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of the arrangements.

81 year old James Thomas “J.T.” Young of Smithville died Wednesday at his residence. He was a member of the New Union Baptist Church, a member of Operating Engineers, the Cumberland Valley Trio, and a heavy duty equipment operator. The funeral will be Friday at 1:00 p.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Junior Hibdon and Anthony Pelham will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. Young was preceded in death by his parents, William A. and Dossie Lee Adcock Young; brothers, Greg Young, George Young, Orvin Young, and Bill Young; and sisters, Rosha Henderson, Ola Haley, and Sirtie Orrick. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Mabel Glenn Young of Smithville. Three children, Shirley and her husband Bill Sandlin of Smithville, Tony Young of Liberty, and Sherri Young of Smithville. Five grandchildren, Tony Young, Charles Burrage, Wesley Burrage, Mark Mason, and Chrystal Mason. Seven great grandchildren, D.J. Mason, Renny Mason, Michelle Mason, Natasha Burrage, Tiffanie Burrage, Morgan Burrage, and Cody Burrage. Three sisters, Birchie Jefferies of Dowelltown, Emma Smith of Franklin, and Onie Orrick of California. Special nephew, Billy Orrick. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins survive. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

55 year old Capitola Hensley of Smithville died Monday at DeKalb Community Hospital. He was a press operator at Federal Mogul. The funeral will be Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. David Frazier will officiate and burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Sparta. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 1:00 p.m. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zollie Ray Hensley and Fannie Jewell Terry; one sister, Lizzie Martin; and two brothers, Charlie and Ray Hensley, Jr. Survivors include two sisters, Carolyn Young of Cookeville and Barbara Griffin of Florida. Seven brothers, Tommy Hensley of Sparta, Johnny Hensley of North Carolina, Henry Hensley of Smithville, Gaines Hensley of Florida, Jerry Hensley of Manchester, David Hensley of Crossville, and Danny Hensley of Smithville. Several nieces and nephews survive. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

84 year old Joe A. Kennedy of Smithville died Saturday at NHC of McMinnville. He was retired from TVA and a Baptist. The funeral will be Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Virgil Hibdon, Jr. will officiate and burial will be in Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra West. Survivors include his wife, Jewell Fish Kennedy of Smithville. Two sons, Ricky Kennedy of Georgia and Randy Kennedy of Smithville. Six grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and a nephew Tim and his wife Brenda Fish of Watertown. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The family has requested that donations be made, in lieu of flowers to the funeral home for burial expenses.

86 year old Nettie Jim Pack of Pleasant View, Tennessee died Friday at her residence. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. A graveside service will be held at Bonham Cemetery on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Members of the family will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday at 10:00 a.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Mary Stevens Jones Pack; a niece, Mary West; and brothers and sisters. She is survived by a special niece and guardian, Florence and Johnny Crook of Pleasant View. Two nephews, John Dillard and James Dillard both of Woodbury. Three nieces, Elizabeth Sue Biggs of Ashland City, Shirley Hollis of Mount Juliet, and Deborah and Calvin Allison of White House. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

76 year old Oleda “Tincy” Cook Stone of Smithville died Friday at DeKalb Community Hospital. She was a homemaker and a member of the Smithville First Baptist Church. The funeral will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Leonard Herman will officiate and burial will be in Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral at 2:00 p.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, Shelah Steven and Martha Ann Hale Cook; two brothers, Bratten and Shirley Cook; and a sister, Alma Lee Matin. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Joe Stone of Smithville. Four daughters, Lisa Stone of Smithville, Shelia and husband David Davis of Alabama, Joanna and husband Ricky Webb of Smyrna, and Laura Stone of Smithville. Three grandsons, Bryan Webb of Manchester, Corey Webb of Smyrna, and Lee Davis of Alabama. One sister, Janie Knowles of Smithville and two sisters-in-law, JoBill Cook and Jeanine Cook Caldwell both of Smithville. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The family requests that donations be made to the DeKalb County Angel Tree and Habitat for Humanity, in lieu of flowers.

45 year old Peggy Sue Roller of McMinnville died Tuesday at her residence. She was an RN at White County Hospital and a member of the Gospel Lighthouse Baptist Church. The funeral will be Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Tommy Taylor will officiate and burial will be in the Peeled Chestnut Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the service at 1:00 p.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie and Rebecca Smith Wilkins. Survivors include her husband, Michael Roller of McMinnville. Two daughters, Jennifer Kirby of Crossville and Beth Roller of McMinnville. Three sons, Justin Parker of Woodbury, Jacob Roller of McMinnville, and Michael and wife Amy Roller of LaVergne. Three grandchildren, Logan Kirby and Alex Miller both of Crossville and Austin Roller of LaVergne. One brother, Allen and his wife Jan Wilkins of Smithville. One nephew, Jordan Wilkins of Smithville. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

85 year old Lauria Mai George of Smithville died Monday at DeKalb Community Hospital. She was a homemaker and a Free Will Baptist. The funeral will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Royce Moore will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Carrie Myrtle Bates Waggoner; her husband, Floyd George; brothers, Lynelle and Roscoe Waggoner; and a sister, Nettie Waggoner. Survivors include a son, Marvin Waggoner of Smithville. Friend, Charlotte Henry of Smithville. Two grandchildren, Thomas Waggoner of Nashville and Rebecca Waggoner of Smithville. Two great grandchildren, Payton Waggoner of Nashville and Jakayta Odom of Smithville. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

70 year old Jessie Brannon Chapman of Smithville died Monday at NHC. The funeral will be Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Sycamore Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from noon until 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Susie Vanatta Chapman; his wife, Deborah Chapman; a daughter, Kathy Chapman; a granddaughter, Kayla Malone; and a brother, William Chapman. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Washer Chapman of Smithville. Four daughters, Wanda and husband Don Davis of Oklahoma, Teresa and husband Frank Underwood of Baxter, Tina and husband Tony Bess of Smithville, and Maudie Bass of Dowelltown. Three sons, Roger and wife Charlotte Chapman of Oklahoma, Anthony and wife April Chapman of Smithville, and James and wife Debbie Chapman of Smithville. One step-daughter, Tracy Schunke of Smithville. Two step-sons, Richard and wife Rose Nokes of Smithville and Camron and wife Sandy Dunn of Smithville. Eighteen grandchildren. Several great grandchildren. Three brothers, Buster Chapman and Cordell Chapman both of Smithville, and Toy B. Chapman of Woodbury. A sister, Maudie Thomason of Smithville. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The family asks that donations be made to the funeral home, in lieu of flowers, to help with funeral expenses.