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Obituaries

The Carthage Courier provides these Obituary listings as a public service FREE to all readers. Subscribers can also see the obituary listings with pictures (when available) in the online full edition of the Courier.
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Lifelong Turkey Creek community resident Mr. Billy Robert West died at the age of 76, Tuesday evening, August 23, 2016, at his Hugh West Lane home. He was pronounced dead at 11:17 p.m. that evening at the Riverview Regional Medical Center E.R. in Carthage.
Eld. Charles Allen Gentry officiated at the 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, August 26th, funeral services from the Carthage Chapel of Sanderson Funeral Home. Burial followed in the West family lot in section two at Ridgewood Cemetery.
The only son of the late Hugh Cordell West, who died June 1, 1982 also at the age of 76, and Ruby Athelyne Woodard West, who died February 8, 2011 at the age of 103, he was born at the former McFarland Hospital in Lebanon on January 30, 1940.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Helen West who died at birth on August 17, 1927 and a foster sister Mattie West Hurst.
On December 28, 1958 at the North Carthage Baptist Church he was married to the mother of his children, the former Linda Wilburn.
Mr. West was a 1958 graduate of Smith County High School where he was co-captain with his cousin Jimmy West and Billy Robert played the position of tackle while Jimmy played the position of center on the Owls football squad.
Billy Robert West was president of both the junior class and senior class, was president of the art club his senior year, was voted Jolliest Junior Boy and Most Popular Boy his senior year, was a member of the Beta Club and it was said of him in the 1958 yearbook, “Give me an argument, a group of boys, maybe a few girls and recess, then I’ll be happy”.
He attended both the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Cumberland University in Lebanon and concluded his studies at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin.
He was a member of the Smith County Historical and Genealogical Society and had an inherited interest from his parents in antiques and archaeology.
For thirty one years he was supervisor of the 32nd District for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, which included Smith, Macon, Trousdale, Wilson and Sumner Counties.
Following retirement, because of his love for hunting and fishing, collecting Indian artifacts and trading guns, knives and antiques, he opened the Overalls and More Store on the family farm on Turkey Creek Highway which he operated for twelve years.
He was saved at the age of 14 and on August 14, 1954 was baptized into the full fellowship of the Cornwells Chapel Missionary Baptist Church at Defeated Creek by the late Floyd Wilson “F. W.” Lambert.
In the past few years he had attended the North Carthage Baptist Church.
Mr. West had suffered from alcoholism and was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and had been able, with the support of his group, to be cured from the addiction for the past sixteen years.
Surviving are two children, Pam West Andrews and husband, Mark, of Riddleton, Robert Hugh (Bob) West and wife, Jenny, of Lebanon; four grandchildren, Scarlett Andrews Martin and husband, John, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Brent Andrews of Newnan, Georgia, Chelsea Andrews of Riddleton, Hailey West of Lebanon.
The West family requests memorials to the Fellowship House of Lebanon, a halfway home for recovering alcoholics. SANDERSON of CARTHAGE

Mr. Steve Wilkerson, age 63, of the Ballinger Road community was found deceased Thursday morning at his Ballinger Road home.
He was pronounced dead at 12:48 p.m. Thursday afternoon, August 25, 2016, at the Riverview Regional Medical Center E. R. from an apparent heart attack.
Funeral services from the Carthage Chapel of Sanderson Funeral Home were conducted Sunday afternoon, August 28th at 1 p.m. Eld. Charles Allen Gentry officiated and burial followed in the Garden of Gethsemane at Smith County Memorial Gardens.
Born Stevie Lee Wilkerson at the form Dr. Thayer S. Wilson Clinic in Carthage on May 1, 1953, he was the only child of Mrs. Robbie Lee Lynch Wilkerson and the late Luther Wilkerson, who died at the age of 81 on January 23, 2011.
Mr. Wilkerson was a shop foreman for the former Jersey Minere Company and was employed by the zinc mines for over twenty six years.
He was a 1971 graduate of Smith County High School.
He was saved at an early age at the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in South Carthage.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, is his son Jason Wilkerson and wife, Chasity, of Ballinger Road; two grandchildren, Casity and Emma Ruby Wilkerson, of the home; the mother of his children, Pea Ridge community native Wanda Glover Wilkerson of Franklin, who was married to Steve by Eld. Charles Gentry on November 15, 1974 at Eld. Gentry’s home.
The Wilkerson family requests memorials be made to the grandchildren’s college education fund. SANDERSON of CARTHAGE

Mrs. Patricia Tomlin, age 79, of LaVergne, passed away August 25, 2016. She was born in Nashville to the late Thomas and Mary Louise Roberson O’Donnell. Mrs. Tomlin was a homemaker to her family.
Mrs. Tomlin is survived by four children, Pamela Jean (Russell) Rogers of Deltona, FL, Susan (Bo) Jackson of Brush Creek, Marvin Lester Hensley, Jr. of LaVergne, and Gail (Frankie Smotherman) Cofer of Smyrna; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Tomlin, and son, Gil Hensley.
Visitation with the family will be Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 12:00noon until 2:00pm at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna. A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 2:00pm at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna. Burial will follow in Mapleview Cemetery, Smyrna.
An online guestbook is available for the family at www.woodfinchapel.com. Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna (615) 459-3254. Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Wanda Lee Swann Gifford Hillesheim, age 87, of Alexandria, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at her home.
Mrs. Hillesheim was born in Overton County on June 13, 1929, the daughter of the late George and Rosie Johnson Swann. Her husband, David George Hillesheim, preceded her in death on August 27, 2003. She is also preceded in death by her son, Howard Gifford Jr., 1 brother, Cordell Swann, & 5 sisters, Eunice Jones, Sarah Whitfield, Jewell Dailey, Pearl Swearingen & Tina Haney.
Mrs. Hillesheim attended Ward-Belmont College. She was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Lebanon.  She was vice-president of Goehner & Eaves Furniture Store in Belleville, Ill. for 30 years, prior to her retirement & moving to Alexandria in 1982. Mrs. Hillesheim was an active part of the Alexandria Senior Citizens for 20 years & serving 2 of those years as the executive director.
She is survived by 2 grandchildren, Garrett Davis & Adrienne Lee Gifford, a step-grandchild, Justin Jackson, and her daughter-in-law, Margaret Hawkins.  Mrs. Hillesheim is also survived by 1 brother and 1 sister, Frank Swann of Chicago, IL and Georgia Boles of Alexandria.
Funeral services for Mrs. Hillesheim were conducted on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 11am from the Chapel of Avant Funeral Home. Interment followed at Hillview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alexandria Senior Citizens Center in memory of Mrs. Hillesheim. AVANT FUNERAL HOME

Mrs. Ruby Virginia McClanahan, affectionately known as Granny Mac, age 89, of Gordonsville, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at her home.
Mrs. McClanahan was born September 8, 1926 in Hickman, the daughter of the late Robert Harvey Moore and Julia Bell Paris. She married Clyde William McClanahan on June 17, 1944 and he preceded her in death on January 26, 2006. Granny Mac graduated from GHS in 1944. She was a member of the Union Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church and recently attended Pleasant Grove Fellowship in the Gentry community of Putnam County. Granny Mac loved listening to gospel music, working in her flower gardens, and cooking.
Mrs. McClanahan is survived by daughter and son-in-law,Glenda and Bro. Bill Cowan of Gordonsville; grandchildren, Jason Hall and his wife, Sandy, of Hickman, Stephanie Griffin and her husband, Chris, of South Carthage, and Ryan Hall and fiancé, Martina Andersen, of Gordonsville; great-grandchildren, Bailey Hall, Brooke Hall, Caitlyn Griffin, Sydney Griffin, and Jaley Hall.
Funeral services for Mrs. McClanahan were conducted from the Gordonsville Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes on Friday, August 26, 2016 at 1PM with Bro. Bill Cowan officiating. Interment followed in the Union Hill Cemetery in the Sykes community.
In lieu of flowers, the McClanahan family requests donations in Mrs. Virginia’s memory be made to the Union Hill Cemetery mowing fund. BASS  of Gordonsville

Mr. Paul Thompson Gilmer, Sr, age 89, of Nashville, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2016.
Paul was born May 13, 1927 in Centerville, the son of the late John Richard Gilmer and Ida Josephine Harlow. He was also preceded in death by a son, John Richard Gilmer, and nine siblings.
Paul and Annamaria were faithful members of the Church of the Holy Rosary in Donelson for over 50 years. He served his country in the U.S. Army for 20 years and then worked for the United States Postal Service for 20 years. Paul enjoyed gardening. Family was very important to Paul, and he was a wonderful husband and father.
Mr. Gilmer is survived by wife, Annamaria Gilmer of Nashville; five daughters, Stephanie (Jim) Johnson of Nashville, Julia (Gordon) Marsh of Mobile, AL, Paulette (Ron) Beaty of Frisco, TX, Susan (Robert) Harbaugh of Bedford, PA, and Barbara (Steve) Gilmer-Smith of Nolensville; two sons, Paul T. (Abby) Gilmer, Jr. of Nashville and Robert (Stacey) Gilmer of Nashville; sister, Hettie Thompson. Fifteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren also survive.
Funeral Mass for Mr. Gilmer was conducted from the Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Graylynn Drive in Donelson, on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at 10AM with Father Mark Hunt officiating. Interment followed in the Calvary Cemetery in Nashville. BASS  of Gordonsville

Mr. James William Prevec, age 73, of Gordonsville, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2016.
Mr. Prevec was born July 1, 1943 in Youngstown, OH, the son of the late Edward John Prevec and Caroline Lio. He married Donna May Burbey Prevec and she preceded him in death on August 26, 2001. James worked for Chrysler and American Motors and later for Polaris Industries, Inc. in Osceola, WI. He loved woodworking, but especially loved his grandchildren.
Mr. Prevec is survived by four daughters, Theresa (Scott) Comer of McDonald, OH, Tamara Hoover of Las Vegas, NV, Tara Prevec of South Carthage, and Nicole Smith of Gordonsville; son, James W. Prevec, II, of Milwaukee, WI; sister, Janet (Lou) Santangelo of Niles, OH; twelve grandchildren, Breana Comer, Dana Comer, Ashley Hoover, Craig Hoover, Brody Hoover, Tyler Prevec, Blake Hines, Christopher Henson, Brittany Smith, Jasmine Smith, Richard Harp, and Sabrana “Sabrina” Prevec; one great-granddaughter, Kaylee Davis.
Funeral services for Mr. Prevec were conducted from the Gordonsville Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at 5PM with Bro. Shane Smith officiating.
Mr. Prevec will be transported to Kenosha, WI, where graveside services and interment will be conducted later at the St. James Cemetery. BASS  of Gordonsville

Jean Talbot, age 85, of Hendersonville, was received into the merciful arms of the Lord on the morning of August 26, 2016.
She was preceded in death by her parents, H.M. and Beulah Cowan. Jean lost her first husband of eleven years, Glenn Blackburn; and then her second husband of ten years, John C. Talbot. Jean leaves behind her daughter, Amy Jean (Ted Bock) Dorris; sons, Andy Glenn (Sherry) Talbot, John Marvin Talbot; twelve grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; sisters, Juanita Weakley, Joyce Cowan, Carol Dupre; brother, Marvin Ray (Linda) Cowan; several nieces and nephews; and a host of treasured friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org “Team Isaac” or The Epilepsy Foundation at www.epilepsy.com “Team Willpower.” Please be sure to click on the respective “donate” tabs and select the respective honor/memorial gift option.
A celebration of Jean’s life followed visitation on Tuesday at noon. All was held at Hendersonville Funeral Home, 353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075 hendersonvillefh.com 615-824-3855. Interment followed the chapel service at Brush Creek Cemetery in Smith County.
This notice provided as a courtesy to the Blackburn and Talbot families. BASS  of Gordonsville

Joseph George Field, 88, passed away peacefully Monday, August 22, 2016, at the Riverview Regional Medical Center in Carthage.
Joe was born August 15, 1928, in Youngstown, the son of John and Katie (Leshak) Field. He graduated from South High School in 1947 and courageously served his country in the U.S. Navy. He then went on to a career as a sheet metal worker for Union Local #33 before retiring in 1988 after 32 years of service. His wife, the former Elizabeth Stanovcak, whom he married September 6, 1952, passed away May 14, 2011. Joe loved to golf, bowl, fish, and dance, especially polka dancing. He belonged to many golf leagues such as TLNR, Visas, and St. Michael. He was a member of St. Michael Church and a past member of its Civic Men’s Club. He also enjoyed doing the jumbles and suduko puzzles.
Joe will always be remembered lovingly by his four children, Joann James of Carthage, Nancy (Joe) O’Neill of New Middletown, Ohio, Joseph Jr. of Struthers, Ohio, and John (Ruth) Field of Struthers, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Leslie (Scott) Pope, Lisa (John) Flemmons, April (Jonathan) Bush of Tennessee, Shaun and Megan O’Neill of New Middletown, Ohio, Ashley Field of Michigan, and Jimmy Field of Struthers Ohio; five great-grandchildren, Aiden and Addison Pope, Avery and William Oliver Flemmons, and Isaac and Eli Bush of Tennessee; two great-great-grandchildren expected in August and December; and sister, Josephine (Bebe) Nicora of Spring Hills, Florida.
Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Mike Fields; four sisters, Winnie Barbato, Sophie Fields, Mary Montmore, and Millie Dedo; and son-in-law, William Randall James.
Funeral service was Friday, August 26, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman. BASS  of Gordonsville

Mr. Jacky Boyd, age 68, of Buffalo Valley, passed away Monday, August 29, 2016.
Mr. Boyd was born August 18, 1948 in Buffalo Valley, the son of the late Ernest Boyd and Sarah Geneva Whitehead. He was also preceded in death by twin brother, Jerry Boyd, and two sisters,  Mildred Christian and Robbie Taylor. Jacky worked at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and then as a driver for US Holland until his retirement. Jacky loved woodworking. He attended the Abundant Harvest Worship Center.
Mr. Boyd is survived by two sons, Scott Boyd and wife, April, of Lancaster and Keith “Keebler” Boyd and wife, Milissa, of Temperance Hall; grandchildren, Brittany Boyd, Justin Boyd, Austin Boyd, Breanna Boyd, Evan Boyd, and Trinity Taylor; one great-grandchild, Ella Riley; two step-grandchildren, Sara Beth Carver and Jerad Carver; siblings, Bonnell (Chloe) Boyd of Johnson City, Leon (Edwina) Boyd of Buffalo Valley, Ruby (Kenneth) Craighead of Carthage, Taylor (Brenda) Boyd of Buffalo Valley, Billy (Nancy) Boyd of Buffalo Valley, and Martha (James) Sanders of South Carthage; special friend, Linda Carr of Baxter; his companions, Tash and Squirley, his dogs, and Posey, his cat. A host of nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services for Mr. Boyd are scheduled to be conducted from the Carthage Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 1PM with Randy Teat and Tony Crowe officiating. Interment will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery.
Visitation with the Boyd family will be held at the Carthage Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes on Wednesday from 2PM until 8PM and again on Thursday after 10AM until the time of the service at 1PM.
In lieu of flowers, the Boyd family requests memorials be made to assist with the funeral expenses. BASS  of CARTHAGE
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