ELLEN ESTELL (SEATON) ALEXANDER – Funeral services for Ellen Estell Seaton
Alexander were Saturday May 10, 2008 at Shackelford Chapel, Savannah TN. Burial followed in Hollands Creek Cemetery,
Hardin County TN. Ms. Alexander, assembly work, age 84, died Wednesday May 7, 2008 at Baptist Memorial Hospital
in Memphis. She ws preceded by her husband, Hubert Leon Alexander; father, Elbert Leonard Seaton; mother, Clara
Elva Seaton; two sons, Loyd and Jerry Alexander, four brothers, Garmon, Elvis, Leonard and Billy Seaton; two sisters,
Myrtle Alexander, Louise Layton; two grandchildren, one great-grandchild. Survivors include five sons, Melvin,
James Gordon, Floyd, Larry and Tommy Alexander; three daughters, Patsy Harwell, Inez Yarbrough and Linda Rose;
one brother Dan Seaton of Savannah; one sister, Vera Lewis, Tupelo MS; and twenty three grandchildren.
The Lexington Progress, May 14, 2008 - Contributed by, Christine Walters
MARGARET "BOBBIE" ALEXANDER – Funeral service for Margaret "Bobbie"
Alexander were Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Sardis Baptist Church, Sardis TN. Burial followed in Lebanon Cemetery
Saltillo TN with Shakelford Funeral Directors of Savannah. Mrs. Alexander 57, died Wednesday Oct. 15, 2008 at heer
residence. Survivors include husband, Jerry Alexander, Sardis, her mother, Nada Ross Pitts of Sardis; one son David
of Scotts Hill, two daughters Dana SMith of Lexington and Melanie Davis Jackson TN; one brother Max Pitts, Atoka
TN; two sisters, Marilyn Jobe of Olive Branch MS and Teresa Beecham of Sardis; eight grandchildren.
The Lexington Progress, October 22, 2008 - Contributed by, Christine Walters
AUSTIN, ALFRED TAYLOR
“Alfred Taylor Austin was born July 23, 1892 in Hardin Co., Tenn., the son of the late Gus
and Rebecca Lard Austin. On November 11, 1911, he married the former Lillie Parker. Mr. Austin departed from this
life June 10, 1972 at the Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, the age of 80 years, 10 months, and 17 days. He leaves
other than his wife, two daughters Mrs. Rosie Scott, Waterloo, Mrs. Cynthia Mansel, Boaz, Alabama; one son A.T.
Austin, Killen, Ala.; 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.”
Information taken from Virgil Gean’s clergy records. - Contributed by, Mildred Gean Mason
AUSTIN, OTIS LEE
“Otis Lee Austin was born June 24, 1924, in Tennessee, the son of Kennie and Martha Benson
Austin. Mr. Austin was a farmer in the Ward community of Hardin Community of Hardin County. He was united in marriage
to Letha Cox March 28, 1946, Mrs. Austin survives. He was a veteran of World War II. Mr. Austin departed this life
July 14, 1967, at Hardin County General Hospital, Savannah, Tennessee, at the age of 43 years, no months and 20
days. Besides his wife he leaves one son, Paul David Austin, Ward’s Community; four daughters, Mrs. Ollie Mae White,
White’s Creek, Mrs. Mollie Fay Benson, Walnut Grove Community, and Misses Kathy Lee and Bessie Louise Austin both
of Ward’s Community; one step-daughter, Mrs. Jim Neill, South Bend, Ind.; 4 grandchildren; his parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Kennie Austin, Ward’s Community; two sisters, Mrs. Ida Hurt, Ward’s Community, and Mrs. Ada Austin, Holland’s
Creek.”
Information taken from the clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., prepared by Shackelford
Funeral Home of Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by, Mildred Gean Mason
J. T. BARBER – Services for J. T. Barber were Thursday at Saltillo Church
of Christ. Burial was in Lebanon Cemetery in Hardin County with Shackelford Funeral Home of Savannah in charge.
Mr. Barber, who was 63, died Tuesday at Hardin Home Nursing Home in Savannah. He was a logger and truck driver.
He leaves his wife, Mrs. Clyde Maners Barber of Sardis; a daughter, Odessa Barber of Savannah; two sons, James
Tommy Barber and Roger Eugene Barber, both of Sardis; a step-daughter, Lynn Johnson of Scotts Hill; his mother,
Kimmie Creasy Barber of Adamsville; two brothers, Thomas Barber of Saltillo and O’Neal Barber of Selmer, and two
grandchildren.
The Lexington Progress, April 15, 1992 – transcribed by Amanda Jowers
BARNES, MARTHA CORDELIA ALEXANDER
“Martha Cordelia Alexander Barnes was born August 22, 1881, in Hardin County; the daughter
of the late R.L.P. and Lucy Spencer Alexander. Most of her life was spent in this county near Morris Chapel, where
she lived with her husband, Jim Barnes, until his death in 1957. Many years ago she became a member of Morris Chapel
Methodist Church. Mrs. Barnes died April 22nd at the age of 85 years and 8 months; leaving 2 daughters; Mrs. Ocie
Miller and Mrs. Elsie Irons of Morris Chapel; 4 sons: Claude Barnes, Adamsville; Marvin Barnes, Sardis; Truman
Barnes, League City, Texas; and Richard Barnes of Morris Chapel; a brother, Dell Alexander of Arkansas; 18 grandchildren;
22 great-grand-children; and many other relatives and friends.”
Information taken from the clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., prepared by Shackelford
Funeral Home of Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by, Mildred Gean Mason
BARNES, SAMUEL VIRGIL
Samuel Virgil Barnes of Stantonville, Tennessee was born May 24, 1884 in Tennessee. He passed
away on March 20, 1978 at Harden County General Hospital at the age of 85. Mr. Barnes was married to Mrs. Rosie
Jones Barnes and was a member of Meeks Grove Freewill Baptist Church. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on
March 22, 1978 at the Meeks Grove Church. Interment will be at the church graveyard. Survivors include his wife,
Mrs. Rosie Barnes, four daughters; Mrs. Etta Smith, Mrs. Bell Hubanks, Mrs. Hellen Brown, and Mrs. Sue Stroisch;
five sons, Mr. Samuel Gilbert Barnes, Mr. Roy Barnes, Mr. Ray Barnes, Mr. Russell Barnes, and Mr. Billy Barnes;
one sister, Mrs. Clara Haynes; one brother, Mr. Henry Barnes; 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Information taken from Virgil Gean’s clergy records. - Contributed by, Mildred Gean Mason
BARRIER, BEN ERVIN
“Ben Ervin Barrier was born August 22, 1902, in Hardin County, Tennessee, the son of the
late Henry and Sarah Michael Barrier. He was married to the former Roxie Daniels. Mr. Barrier departed from this
life March 15th, at the age of 71 years, 6 months, and 23 days. He leaves other than his wife, three daughters
Mrs. Stella Haynes of Florence, Ala., Mrs. Eileen Balantine of Tuscumbia, Ala., and Miss Barbara Barrier of Walnut
Grove; three sons John and Grady Joe Barrier both of Walnut Grove, and Thomas Barrier of Florence, Ala.; 16 grandchildren
and 2 great grandchildren; a sister Mrs. Katie Shands of Walnut Grove.”
Information taken from Virgil Gean’s clergy records. - Contributed by, Mildred Gean Mason
BENSON, BESSIE JANE WHITE
“Bessie Jane White Benson was born November 11, 1902, in Hardin County Tennessee, the daughter
of Dave and Louisa Pollard White. She lived all her life in the Bumpus Creek and Holland’s Creek Communities of
Hardin County, Tennessee. Mrs. Benson was a Methodist. She was unitied in marriage to Levin Benson who survives,
Mrs. Benson departed this life April 3, 1967, at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, Florence, Alabama, at the age
of 64 years, 4 months and 22 days. Besides her husband she is survived by one son,, Mondel Benson, South Bend,
Ind., one daughter, Mrs. Magleen Ellis, Florence, Ala.; 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; four brothers,
Mr. Claude White, Florence, Ala. Mr. Oscar and Mr. James White, both of Savannah, Mr. Warren White, South Bend,
Ind.; her mother, Mrs. Dave White, Savannah, Tennessee; three sisters, Mrs. Cora Howard, Illinois, Mrs. Laura Milligan,
Florence, Ala., Mrs. L.B. Barrier, South Bend, Ind.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr. prepared by Shackelford
Funeral Home, Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by, Mildred Gean Mason
BENSON, GARLEN LEE
“Garlen Lee Benson was born March 13, 1934, in Hardin County, Tennessee, the son of Bedford
and Ruth Fox Benson. Mr. Benson was an employee of Garan, Incorperated. He was a native of Hardin County having
lived most of his life in the Walnut Grove Community. Mr. Benson departed this life November 4, 1975, at the age
of 41 years, 7 months and 21 days. He is survived by two sons - Gary Lee and Marty G. Benson, Savannah; three daughters,
Mrs. Betty Virginia Copeland, Miss Wanda Kay and Miss Carlene Diane Benson all of Savannah; his parents Mr. and
Mrs. Bedford Benson of the Walnut Grove Community; four brothers, Mr. Hurshel L. Benson, Mr. Harold W. Benson,
Mr. Edward R. Benson, and Mr. Troy W. Benson all of Walnut Grove; four sisters, Mrs. Onida Higgins, Russellville,
Ala., Mrs. Nadine Bailey, Union City, Tenn., Mrs. Hazel Wisdom and Mrs. Vernell Copeland both of Walnut Grove.”
Information taken from clergy records of Virgil Gean. - Contributed by, Mildred Gean Mason
BENSON, LEVIN
“Levin Benson was born July 25, 1895, in Hardin County Tennessee, the son of Newt and Easter
Austin Benson. Mr. Benson was a farmer in Hardin County Tennessee. He was a veteran of World War I and a member
of the American Legion. He was united in marriage to Bessie Jane White who preceded him in death April 3, 1967.
Mr. Benson departed this life October 20, 1969, at Rolling acres Nursing Home, Florence, Alabama, at the age of
74 years, 2 months and 25 days. He is survived by one son, Mondel Benson, South Bend, Ind.; one daughter, Mrs.
Magleen Ellis, Florence, Ala.; 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; one brother, Mr. John Benson, Waterloo,
Ala.; one half brother, Mr. Arthur Haynes, Waterloo, Ala.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., compiled by Shackelford
Funeral Home of Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by, Mildred Gean Mason
WILLIAM HARMON BENSON – Services for William Harmon Benson were Tuesday
at Hurricane Primitive Baptist Church near Sardis with burial in Hurricane Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Home of
Savannah had charge.
Mr. Benson, who was 89, died Sunday at Douglas Nursing Home in Milan. He was a retired farmer.
He leaves his wife, Mrs. Dorothy Bridges Benson; a sister, Mrs. Inez Hughes of Milan.
The Lexington Progress, June 15, 1988 - transcribed by AJ
ALMA COLLIUS BAKER BISHOP – Services for Mrs. Alma Collius Baker Bishop
were Monday, July 12 at Shackelford Funeral Home, Savannah, with burial in Lebanon Cemetery near Sardis.
Mrs. Bishop, who was 69, died Saturday, July 10 at Hardin County General Hospital. She was a homemaker.
She leaves a daughter, Malinda Patterson of Saltillo; a son, Jackie L. Bishop of Sardis; a sister, Mary Edith Hays
of Bath Springs.
The Lexington Progress, July 14, 1999 - transcribed by AJ
PEGGY ANN BIVENS – Services for Mrs. Peggy Ann Bivens were Sunday,
August 18 in the chapel of Pafford Funeral Home in Scotts Hill. Burial was in Lebanon Cemetery.
Mrs. Bivens, age 67, died Friday, August 16 at Briarwood Manor. She was a retired factory worker.
She leaves five sisters; Nancy Martin of Savannah, Mary Jo Hughes of Milledgeville, Maxine Dickson of Milledgeville,
Carolyn Doster, and Sherry Holland of Sardis, two brothers; Gerald Bivens of Sardis and Thomas Bivens of Savannah.
Pafford Funeral Home was in charge of the service.
The Lexington Progress, August 21, 2002 - transcribed by AJ
RUBY POWELL BIVENS – Services for Mrs. Ruby Powell Bivens were Sunday
at Lebanon United Methodist Church with the Rev. Glenn Ruth officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with
Shackleford Funeral Home in charge.
Mrs. Bivens, who was 72, died Friday at Jackson General Hospital. She was the widow of Ruie Bivens and a Baptist.
She leaves six daughters, Mrs. Peggy Ann Bivens, Mrs. Sherry Holland, both of Sardis, Mrs. Maxine Dixon, Mrs. Jo
Hughes, both of Milledgeville; Mrs. Faye Doster of Memphis and Mrs. Nancy Kay Martin of Savannahl two sons, Gerald
Bivens of Sardis and Thomas Bivens of Camden; a sister, Mrs. Kate Hanna of Sardis; 19 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
The Lexington Progress, March 6, 1985 - transcribed by AJ
SYLVIA ANN (SMITH) BLACKSTOCK – Services for Mrs. Sylvia Ann Smith
Blackstock were Friday at Shackelford Funeral Home in Savannah with James Covington officiating. Burial was in
Milledgeville Cemetery.
Mrs. Blackstock, who was 47, died Wednesday at Hardin County General Hospital. She was formerly of Henderson County
and was a member of the Church of God.
She leaves her husband, Joe Blackstock of Savannah; a son, Scottie Blackstock of Savannah and a brother, Joe Smith
of Savannah.
The Lexington Progress, February 7, 1990 - transcribed by AJ
HATTIE (WRIGHT) RUTH LEWIS BLANKENSHIP – Services for Mrs. Hattie Wright-Blankenship
were Sunday at Shackelford Funeral Home with Rev. Lloyd Blankenship officiating. Burial was in Lebanon Cemetery
near Saltillo. Mrs. Blankenship was 96, died Saturday at Tri-County Cnovalescent Home in Adamsville. She was a
homemaker the widow of Clyde Ruth, Kim Lewis and Jim Blankenship. She leaves two sons, Lee Ward Ruth and Brodie
Lewis both of Sardis; a daughter Mrs. Theo Alexander of Morris Chapel and seven grandchidren.
The Lexington Progress, March 1, 1989 - Contributed by, Christine Walters
NELLIE BLEVINS – Sardis - Services for Miss Nellie Blevins, 75, were
held Sunday at Sardis United Methodist Church with the Rev. Wayne Burton officiating and the Rev. Elton Baker assisting.
Burial was in Newman Cemetery with Shackelford Funeral Home of Savannah in charge.
Miss Blevins died Friday at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. She was a member of Sardis United Methodist
Church and the Woman's Society of Christian Service, the Eastern Star and was a school librarian and teacher for
40 years in Alabama and the Scotts Hill area.She was a member of the honorary society of Delta Kappa Gamma and
the National Retired Teachers Association.
She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Mary Powers of Lexington and Mrs. Bill Harris of Winfield, Ala.
Unknown Newspaper, March 4, 1981 - transcribed by AJ
ERNEST NEIL BLURTON – Services for Ernest Neil Blurton were Sunday
at Shackelford Funeral Home with Tommy Jack Worley officiating. Burial was in Johnson Cemetery.
Mr. Blurton, who was 63, died Saturday at his home. He was a retired employee of Brown Shoe Company, a veteran
of the Air Force and a Methodist.
He leaves his wife, Mrs. Marilyn Johnson Blurton; a daughter, Mrs. Deborah Roberts of Lexington; a son, Tommy Blurton
of Florence, Ala.; his mother, Mrs. Aubrey Boals Blurton of Gasden; two sisters, Mrs. Mildred Droke of Gadsden
and Mrs. Doris Swindler of West Memphis, Ark. and a grandson.
The Lexington Progress, March 7, 1990 - transcribed by AJ
TOMMY NEIL BLURTON – Services for Tommy Neil Blurton are today, July
7, at Shackelford Funeral Home, Savannah, with burial in Johnson Cemetery, Hardin County.
Mr. Blurton, who was 44, died Monday, July 5, at his home. He was a supervisor for Oakland Metal Buildings in Florence,
Ala.
He leaves his wife, Kathy May Blurton of Savannah; a son, Jacky Blurton of Nashville; his mother, Marilyn Johnson
Blurton, Savannah; a sister, Deborah Roberts of Lexington.
The Lexington Progress, July 7, 1999 - transcribed by AJ
BARBARA LOIS CONNOR – Services for Barbara Lois Connor were held Friday,
August 15 at Reeds Chapel, Scotts Hill with burial following at Shady Grove Cemetery in Saltillo. Ms. Connor age
61, of Saltillo, died Wednesday August 13, 2008 at Hardin Co. Medical Center. She was a homemaker. Survivors include
her mother, Birtie Connor of Saltillo; Jo Bailey of Milledgeville and Diane McMurry of Milledgeville.
The Lexington Progress, August 20, 2008 - Contributed by, Christine Walters
DANIEL, JOHN ROBERT
“Mr. John Robert Daniel age 78, Savannah, Tenn., passed away Nov. 24th, 1966, at Hardin County
Hospital, Savannah, Tenn. He was a native of Wayne County, Tennessee and was the son of John and Eliza Whitaker
Daniel. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Warrington Daniel, Savannah, Tenn.; 4 sons, William of South
Bend, Ind., Earl, Madison and Richard all of Lutts, Tenn.; 4 daughters, Mrs. Gladys Patterson, Guild, Tenn., Mrs.
Juanita Combs, Mrs. Bessie Smith both of Savannah, Tenn. And Mrs. Mary Franks, Kress, Texas; 21 grandchildren and
11 great-grandchildren.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., prepared by Middle Tennessee
Funeral Home, Waynesboro, Tennessee. - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
DANIELS, JAMES SOL
“James Sol Daniels was born February 1, 1911 in Collinwood, Tennessee, the son of Clay Daniels
and Camilla Shands Daniels. Mr. Daniels was a farmer. He lived his life in Wayne and Hardin Counties. He died November
30, 1963, at his home in the Walnut Grove Community of Hardin County at the age of 52 years, 9 months and 29 days.
He is survived by five brothers, Walter Daniels, Chicago, Ill., Melvin and Bannie Daniels of Savannah, Tenn., Leonard
Daniels, Tyronza, Ark., Millard Daniels, Jonesboro, Ark.; one half brother, Mr. Doug Daniels, Savannah, Tenn.;
three sisters, Mrs. Roxie Barrier, Savannah, Tenn., Mrs. Willodean Lewis, Somerville, Tenn., Mrs. Gertie Wilhite,
Earle, Ark.; two half sisters, Mrs. Minnie Staggs, Collinwood, Tenn., Mrs. Ella Lakey, Artesia, N. M.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr. - Contributed by Mildred
Gean Mason
DAVIS, MR. DOUGLE McKINLEY
“Mr. Dougle McKinley Davis, age 49, Rt. 5, Florence, Ala. Passed away October 2, 1971, at
his residence. He was a native of Hardin County, Tennessee and the son of Mr. N.A. and Mary Stricklin Davis, of
Rt. 5, Florence, Alabama. Mr. Davis was a member of the Baptist church. Funeral services will be today at 3 p.m.
from Community Baptist Church, the Rev. Virgil H. Gean officiating, Middle Tennessee Funeral Home of Waynesboro,
Tennessee in charge. Survivors are a son, Daniel Davis, Rt. 2 Waterloo, Alabama; a daughter, Mrs. Glenda DeRascure,
Chicago, Ill.; a brother, Ellis Davis, Florence, Alabama; 10 sisters, Mrs. Bertha Littleton, Mrs. Hester Horton,
Mrs. Delia Watkins, Mrs. Willodean Atkinson, Mrs. Geneva Cantrell and Mrs. Myrtle McMullon, Florence, Alabama;
Mrs. Lettie Gray, Savannah, Tenn., Mrs. Carol Bordelon, New Orleans, La., Mrs. Elvia Drapa, Schiller Park, Ill.,
Mrs. Elizabeth Collins, Chicago, Ill.”
Information taken from the clergy records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr and Times Daily News, Florence.
- Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
DAVIS, MRS. MARY CATHERINE
“Mrs. Mary Catherine Davis, age 84, of Rt. 5, Florence, Ala., passed away Aug. 30, 1972 at
ECM Hospital. She was a native of Hardin Co., Tenn., and the daughter of J.F. and Patricia Perry Stricklin. Mrs.
Davis was a member of the Free Will Baptist church. Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 2 p.m. at the
Community Free Will Baptist Church, Lauderdale County, by Virgil Geans. Burial will be in the church cemetery,
Middle Tennessee Funeral Home, Waynesboro, Tennessee directing. Survivors are her husband Mr. N.A. Davis; a son,
Ellis Davis, Florence, Ala.; 10 daughters, Mrs. Lettie Gray, Savannah, Tenn., Mrs. Elizabeth Collins, Chicago,
Ill., Mrs. Carol Bordelon, New Orleans, La., Mrs. Geneva Cantrell, Russellville, Ala., Mrs. Willodean Atkinson,
Mrs. Delia Watkins, Mrs. Bertha Littleton, Mrs. Marie Rich, Mrs. Hester Horton, Mrs. Elvia Drapa, and one step-daughter,
Mrs. Myrtle McMullon all of Florence, Ala.; one brother, Mr. Bud Stricklin, Savannah, Tenn.; two sisters, Mrs.
Lizzie West and Mrs. Nora Campbell, Florence, Ala.; 41 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, 11 step-grandchildren
and 3 step-great-grandchildren.”
Information taken from the clergy records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr and Times Daily News, Florence.
- Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
DAVIS, NEAL ANDREW
Mr. Neal Andrew Davis passed away July 13, 1973, at the Coffee Memorial Hospital, Florence,
Ala. Mr. Davis was 88 years old. He was a native of Hardin County, Tennessee and the son of James & Viana Franks
Davis . Services will be conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. from Community Baptist Church by Virgil Gean. Burial will be
in the church cemetery, Middle Tennessee Funeral Home of Waynesboro directing. Survivors are a son Ellis Davis,
Florence, Ala., Rt. 3; 1 daughters, Mrs. Myrtle McMullon, Mrs. Bertha Littleton, Mrs. Hester Horton, Mrs. Delia
Watkins, Mrs. Willodean Atkinson, all of Florence, Ala., Mrs. Lettie Gray, Savannah, Tenn., Mrs. Marie Rich, Cloverdale,
Ala., Mrs. Elvia Drapa, Waterloo, Ala., Mrs. Elizabeth Collins, Chicago, Ill., Mrs. Vivian Bordelon, New Orleans,
La., and Mrs. Geneva Cantrell, Russellville, Ala.; 57 grandchildren, and a number of great-grandchildren.
Information taken from the clergy records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr and Times Daily News, Florence.
- Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
FIELDER, WILLIAM ANDREW
“William Andrew Fielder was born July 25, 1894 in Hardin County; the son of Frank and Frances
Fielder. He married Tera Vandiver who preceded him in death in 1952. On April 23, 1957 he married Willie Blanche
Howard. Mrs. Fielder was a retired farmer, a veteran of World War I and a member of the American Legion. He departed
from this life May 16, 1971 at the Hardin County General Hospital at the age of 76 years, 9 months and 21 days;
leaving his wife; one son, Ray Fielder of Central, New Mexico; 2 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; two sisters,
Mrs. Eddie Michael and Mrs. Callie Michael, both of Waterloo, Alabama.”
Note: Information taken from clergy records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr. - Contributed by Mildred
Gean Mason
FORD, ETTA MAE GEAN
“Etta Mae Gean Ford was born August 29, 1902, in Hardin County Tennessee, the daughter of
George and Abbie Bratton Gean. Mrs. Ford was united in marriage to John F. Ford November 27, 1927, he survives.
She departed this life August 1, 1966, at her home near Savannah, having lived all her life in Hardin County. Besides
her husband, she leaves two daughters, Miss Johnnie Mae Ford, Savannah and Mrs. Ralph Curtis, Nashville, Tenn.;
two sons, Mr. Barney Ford, Savannah, Tenn., and Mr. Arnie Ray Ford, Huntsville, Ala.; 2 grandchildren; her parents,
Mr. and Mrs. George Gean, Florence, Ala.; three sisters, Mrs. John D. White, Savannah, Mrs. Marvin and Mrs. Doyle
Michael both of Florence, Ala.; a number of nieces and nephews.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., prepared by Shackelford
Funeral Home, Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
FOWLER, ETHEL GEAN
“Ethel Gean Fowler of Savannah died Monday, Feb. 9, 1998, at Hardin County General Hospital
at the age of 90. She was born in Lauderdale County, Ala., on Jan. 18, 1908, the daughter of the George W. and
Florence Perkins Gean. On Oct. 7, 1923, Mrs. Fowler married John Dewey Fowler who preceded her in death on Jan.
25, 1984. She was a homemaker and a member of New Life Pentecostal Church. Mrs. Fowler was known as a good seamstress,
cook and yard worker. Services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the Shackelford Chapel with burial in
Memory Gardens, Gearld Davis officiated. Mrs. Fowler is survived by one daughter, Noma Lee Tyler of Savannah; two
grandchildren; two sisters, Mabel Keele of Iuka, Miss., and Ruth Williams of Martin; and a brother, Virgil Gean
of Florence, Ala.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
FRANKS, ELBERT WARREN
“Elbert Warren Franks was born on March 7, 1921 in Hardin County, Tenn., the son of the late
Henry and Minnie Petty Franks. Mr. Franks was a retired laborer of the T.V.A., an Army Veteran of World War II,
and attended the White’s Creek Freewill Baptist Church, and also a member of the T.V.A. Union. On April 13, 1945
he was united in marriage to Elsie Bevis who survives. Mr. Franks departed this life on September 3, 1991 at his
residence at the age of 70 years, 5 months, and 26 days. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Elsie Bevis Franks of
Savannah, Tennessee; 3 daughters, Mrs., Patricia McGee of Savannah, Tenn. ,Mrs. Deanna Reynolds of Florence, Alabama,
Mrs. Lisa Price of Savannah, Tennessee; 3 sons, Irron Franks, Ricky Franks and Bruce Franks all of Savannah, Tenn.;
10 grandchildren; 2 brothers, Carl Franks of Nashville, Tennessee and Herbie Franks of Savannah, Tennessee.”
Information taken from clergy records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr. - Contributed by Mildred Gean
Mason
FRESHOUR, LORENE
“Miss Lorene Freshour, 52, Savannah, Tenn., died Friday, Apr. 2, 1976, at her home after
a long illness. Service will be 1 p.m. today at Shackelford Funeral Home, Savannah, Rev. Virgil Gean and Rev. L.L.
Wilson will officiate. Burial will be in Memory Gardens at Savannah. Surviving are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.A.
Freshour, Savannah; brothers, Lincoln Freshour, Cassopolis, Mich.; Leonard Freshour, Morris Chapel, Tenn.; L.L.
Freshour, Mishawaka, Mich.; Lonnie Freshour, Michigan; Lester Freshour, Florence; sisters, Mrs. Laverne Taylor,
Florence; Mrs. Lizzie Jones, Gas City, Ind.; Mrs. Joyce Peach, Mrs. Lois Gulley, Mrs. Laura Mae Good, all of Marion,
Ind.”
Daily, Florence, Alabama - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
GEAN, CLIFFORD DALTON
“SAVANNAH, Tenn. -- The funeral for Clifford Dalton Gean, 81, will be at 3 p.m. today at
Shackelford Funeral Home chapel, Savannah, with Vance Hutton and Fred Dillion officiating. Burial will be in Memory
Garden, Hardin County. He died Monday, Aug. 12, 1991, at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, Florence, Ala. He was
a farmer and a member of Second Creek Church of Christ and worked in the timber business. Survivors include his
wife, Mrs. Glydia Steely Gean, Savannah; sons, Gloyd Gean, George W. Gean, both of Savannah, Edwin Gean, Florence;
daughter, Robbie Fisher, Florence; brother, Virgil Gean, Cloverdale, Ala.; sisters, Mrs. Ethel Fowler, Savannah,
Mrs. Mable Keel, Mississippi, Mrs. Ruth Williams, Martin; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren.”
Times/Daily, Florence, AL - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
GEAN, FLORENCE MABEL PERKINS
“Funeral Services Held For Former Lauderdale Woman.” “Funeral services were held Thursday
for Mrs. George Geans, former Lauderdale County resident, 67, in Savannah, Tennessee. Mrs. Geans died Wednesday
after a lengthy illness. Survivors include: the husband, three sons, Homer, Clifford and Virgil of Waterloo, Route
one; three daughters, Mrs. Ethel Fowler, Savannah, Tenn., Mrs. Mable Keel, Corinth, Miss., and Mrs. Ruth Williams
of Savannah; four sisters, Mrs. Pearl Haynes, Arkansas; Mrs. Lizzie Lutts, Carthage, Miss., Mrs. Lillie Higgins
and Mrs. Emma Pickens of Florence.”
Family records for Mrs. Gean show that she was born on 15 Nov 1885, in Waterloo, Alabama
to James Wesley and Rebecca Gray Perkins. She died on 5 May 1954 at her home in Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed
by Mildred Gean Mason
GEANS, GEORGIA CROTTS
Georgia Crotts Geans was born December 31, 1894 in Tennessee, the daughter of the late George
and Belle Franks Crotts. On September 3, 1914 she was united in marriage to Charlie Turner Geans, who preceded
her in death on October 26, 1966. Mrs. Geans departed from this life November 20, 1971 at the Hardin County General
Hospital, at the age of 77 years, 10 months and 19 days. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Beatrice Stricklin, Whites
Creek Community and Mrs. Norma White, Walnut Grove; two sons, Aaron Geans, Florence, Ala. And Eureka Geans, Chicago,
Ill.; 18 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; a half sister, Mrs. Virgie Mullens, Keeler, California.
Information taken from clergy records of Virgil Gean, Sr. and was complied by Shackelford
Funeral Directors. - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
GEAN, JAMES GLOYD
“James Gloyd Gean, 69, died Tuesday, March 9, 1999, of cancer. The funeral will be today
at 3 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Home chapel, Savannah, with burial in Memory Gardens of Hardin County. He is the
father of Thomas Gean, Florence Ala., and brother of Robbie Nell Fisher and Edwin Gean, both of Florence, Ala.”
Times Daily/Thursday, March 11, 1999 - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
GEAN, MARGARET LOUISE DAILEY
“Margaret Louise Dailey Gean, 62, Savannah, Tenn., died Tuesday, Nov. 28, 1995, of a stroke.
The funeral will be at 3 p.m. today at Shackelford Funeral Home chapel, Savannah, with Burial in Memory Gardens.
Officiating at the funeral will be Danny Pettus, Fred Dillon and Daniel Rushlow. She was a native of Lauderdale
County, Alabama. She is survived by her husband, James Gloyd Gean, Savannah; sons, Rickey Gean, Dannie Gean, Donnie
Gean, Dale Gean, Mackie Gean, all of Savannah, Thomas Gean, Florence, Ala.; sisters, Josephine Sharp, Florence,
Mary Ann Cox, Tuscumbia, Ala.; brothers, Turner Dailey Jr., Florence, Jerry Lynn Dailey, Killen, Ala.; 15 grandchildren.
Pallbearers will include Marion Holt, R.L. Qualls, Danny Benson, Donnie Qualls, David Holcombe, Bryan Earwood,
Jerry White and Gene Landrum. She was employed as a presser for Clifton Contracting, and was a member of Second
Creek Church of Christ, Wayne County.”
Times Daily/Thursday, November 30, 1995 - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
GEAN, TABITHA LYNN
“Tabitha Lynn Gean, 17 Savannah, Tenn., died Thursday, Sept. 23, 1999, from an auto accident.
Visitation will be Saturday, Sept. 25, 1999, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Shackelford Funeral Home, Savannah. The funeral
will be Sunday, Sept. 26, 1999, at 1:30 p.m. at the Savannah, Church of Christ, with burial in Memory Gardens of
Hardin County. Officiating at the funeral will be Danny Morris and David Rushlow. She was a native of Savannah,
Tenn. She is survived by her mother, Linda Sue Watkins Gean; father, Mackie Alan Gean; brother, Ben Gean, Savannah,
Tenn.; grandmother, Helen Watkins, Florence, Ala. She was a student at Hardin County High School and a member of
Second Creek Church of Christ. She was secretary of HCHS Student Council for two years, a member of the Honor Society,
4 H Club, Just Say No Club, English Honorarium, Tiger Broadcasting System Announcer, and North Elementary Library
assistant this year. Memorial donations may be made to Freed-Hardeman University or Hardin County High School Student
Council.”
Times Daily, Florence, AL - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
GEAN, TIMOTHY DANIEL
“Timothy Daniel Gean, 16, Savannah, Tenn., died Sunday, Sept. 29, 1996, from injuries sustained
in an automobile accident. The funeral was 3 p.m. Tuesday at Shackelford Funeral Home, Savannah, with burial in
Memory Gardens of Hardin County. Officiating at the funeral were Daniel Sparks and David Rushlow. He was a native
of Lauderdale County, Ala. He is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Ward Gean, Savannah; father, Dannie Gean, Savannah;
sister, Dana Suzanne Gean, Savannah; brother, Jamie Lee Gean, Savannah; paternal grandfather, James Gloyd Gean,
Savannah; maternal grandparents, Ross and Maxine McCluskey Ward, Waterloo, Ala.; maternal great-grandmother, Mae
Ward, Harrisburg. Ariz. He was a junior at Hardin County High School, Savannah. He was a member of Second Creek
Church of Christ, near Savannah, Archery Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.”
Times Daily/Thursday, October 3, 1996 - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
GOBER, VICTOR HUGO
“Victor Hugo Gober was born August 30, 1888 in Georgia; the son of the late H.M. and Marcena
Bearden Gober. Mr. Gober departed from this life December 26, 1971, at the Hardin County General Hospital, at the
age of 83 years, 3 months, and 16 days; leaving his wife Mrs. Naomi Owen Gober, of the Mud Creek Community; a son
Vernon Gober, Adamsville; two daughters, Mrs. Harrell Thomas, Humboldt, and Mrs. Dorothy Cunningham, Morris Chapel;
7 grandchildren; a brother Marcus Gober, Nauvoo, Ala. And a half sister, Mrs. Maudie Curtis, of Nauvoo, Ala.”
Information taken from the clergy records of Virgil Gean, Sr. - Contributed by Mildred Gean
Mason
HAIRRELL, CHESTER TURNER
“Chester Turner Hairrell was born April 7, 1885, in Waterloo, Alabama, the son of Bras and
Mary Lucas Hairrell. He farmed in the Waterloo area having retired to Florence, Alabama, where he lived for the
past four years. He was united in marriage to Wilma Parker, January 17, 1932, Mrs. Hairrell survives. He was a
member of the Baptist Church. He departed this life September 1, 1966, at Flint, Alabama, at the age of 81 years,
4 months and 24 days. He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Bertha Newboles, Lake City, Ark.; one brother, Mr.
Arthur Hairrell, Cherokee, Ala.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., compiled by Shackelford
Funeral Home, Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
VERA BINGHAM HARRISON – Services for Mrs. Vera Bingham Harrison were Friday
at Shackelford Funeral Home in Savannah with the Rev. Warren Roberts officiating. Burial was in Neill Cemetery.
Mrs. Harrison, 79, died Wednesday at Hardin County Hospital. She was a Baptist. She leaves two daughters, Mrs.
Betty McFall and Mrs. Myrtle Hitchcock, both of Savannah; a son, William Thomas Harrison of Savannah; four brothers,
W. C. Bingham, Homer Bingham, Edward Bingham, all of Saltillo and W. M. Bingham of Sardis; three sisters, Mrs.
Kate Bingham of Sardis, Mrs. Oma Lowe of Lexington and Mrs. Bessie Barnes of Morris Chapel and a grandchild.
The Lexington Progress, June 12, 1969
HAYNES, DUEWARD CLYDE
“Dueward Clyde Haynes was born November 11, 1914 in Hardin County, Tennessee, son of Lella
Howard Haynes and the late Olen Haynes. For several years, he has made his home in Savannah, where he operated
a Car Salvage Lot. Mr. Haynes died July 15, 1966 at the age of 51 years, 8 months and 4 days. He leaves his wife,
Wilma Barrier Haynes, 2 sons, Gary and Paul Haynes all of Savannah; 3 daughters, Frankie and Claudie Haynes both
of Granger, Ind. And Laura Haynes of Savannah; his mother, Mrs. Lella Haynes also of Savannah; 1 brother, Elvin
Haynes and 2 sisters, Mrs. Earline Williams and Mrs. Modene Clausel all of Savannah. He is also survived by many
other relatives and friends.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr. - Contributed by Mildred
Gean Mason
HAYNES, SUSIE BURNES
“Susie Burnes Haynes was born August 18, 1885, in Tishomingo County, Mississippi, the daughter
of H. J. Burnes and Charlotte Parker Burnes. She lived most of her life in and around Savannah, Tennessee. She
was a Freewill Baptist. She married Wylie Haynes who preceded her in death July 20, 1955. She died May 4, 1964,
at the Hardin County General Hospital at the age of 78 years, 8 months and 16 days. She is survived by two daughters,
Mrs. Lillian Milam and Mrs. Lettie Gammill of Savannah, Tenn.; three sons, Mr. Lee Haynes, Athens, Ala., Mr. Dick
Haynes, Florence, Ala., and Mr. Arch W. Haynes, Huntsville, Ala.; 27 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; four
brothers, Mr. Tom Burnes, Tyronza, Ark., Mr. Emmett Burnes, Mr. Will Burnes, both of Marked Tree, Ark., and Mr.
Perry Burnes of Rogersville, Ala.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr. - Contributed by Mildred
Gean Mason
HENSON, MARY ELIZABETH
“COLLINWOOD, Tenn. -- The funeral for Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Henson, 94, Route 2, will be at
11 a.m. today at Shackelford Funeral Home chapel, Collinwood. Burial will be in Centenary Cemetery in Lutts. She
died Thursday, Feb. 25, 1988, at the Hardin Home in Savannah. She was a native of Tennessee, a housewife, and a
member of the Freewill Baptist Church. Survivors include daughters, Gladys Black, Counts; Ester Melson, Collinwood,
Edith McFall, Lutts; Etta Jennings and Willie Ellen Franks both of Savannah, Hazel Hardison, Florence, Ala.; son,
Eloy Henson, Muscle Shoals, Ala.,; 33 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son,
W. L. Henson.
Times Daily News, Florence, AL - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
HIGGINS, MRS. ANNIE PARKER
“Mrs. Annie Parker Higgins, 78, died Saturday in Hardin County General Hospital, Tennessee.
Services will be Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, near Waterloo, with Rev. Virgil Gean officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Shackelford Funeral Home, Savannah, Tennessee, directing. Survivors
include the husband, Gyle Higgins, Savannah; and a brother, Odell Parker, Waterloo.”
Florence, Alabama newspaper - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason Obituary
read at the funeral by Virgil Gean is given here, because there is more information in it.
“Annie Parker Higgins was born March 6, 1899 -- died Dec. 31, 1977 at Hardin Co. General Hospital at the age of
78. She was a member of the Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband, Gyle B. Higgins, Rt. 1, Savannah,
TN, a brother, Odell Parker, Watrloo, AL and a large number of neices, nephews, and cousins, who thought of her
as an extra mother, and many many friends. At this time the family would all like to take the opportunity to thank
everyone for every word of encouragement, every prayer spoken, and every good deed of help during her long extended
illness and death.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
HIGGINS, GYLE BEDFORD
“SAVANNAH, Tenn. -- Gyle Bedford Higgins, 81, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 1987, at Hardin County
General Hospital in Savannah, Tenn., after an extended illness. He was a retired farmer and logger and a member
of the Freewill Baptist Church. The funeral will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church with
Virgil Gean and Melvin Mansell officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Shackelford Funeral Home, Savannah,
Tenn., directing. Visitation will be today from 6:30-9 p.m. at the funeral home. The body will be placed in the
church one hour before the service. Survivors include foster son, Charles Parker, Waterloo, Ala., a brother, Willie
Higgins, sisters, Myrtle Lard, Houston, Miss., Beulah Hairell, Florence, Ala., Lillie Jones, Savannah, Bertha Mangum,
Mishawaka, Ind.; half-sister, Maggie Swinford, Tallahassee, Fla.; nieces and nephews. “
Times Daily News, Florence, AL - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
HIGGINS, JOSEPH (Duce)
“Joseph (Duce) Higgins, 72, died Friday at Jackson-Madison County Hospital in Tennessee.
He was a retired farmer. Born in Lauderdale County, he was a member of New Pleasant Grove Freewill Baptist Church.
Services will be conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. from Shackelford Chapel in Savannah, Tenn., by Virgil Gean and Elton
Cotner. Burial will be in Emory Gardens, Shackelford directing. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Martha Scott Higgins,
Savannah; two daughters, Mrs. Lula Hatcher, Mrs. Pauline Rich, both of Savannah; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren;
a sister, Mrs. Rosie Humphrey, Jonesboro, Ark.; four half-sisters: Mrs. Myrtle Lard, Houston, Miss.; Mrs. Beulah
Harrell, Mishawaka, In.; Mrs. Lillie Jones, Mrs. Bertha Mangum, both of South Bend, In.; two half-brothers, Gyle
Higgins, Willie Higgins, both of Savannah.”
Times Daily, Florence, AL Note: death was on Sept. 28, 1969. - Contributed by Mildred Gean
Mason
HIGGINS, MRS. MARTHA SCOTT
“SAVANNAH, Tenn. -- Funeral services for Mrs. Martha Scott Higgins, 68, were today at 1 p.m.
in Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel here. Burial was in Hardin County Memory Gardens. She died Sunday at Hardin
County General Hospital. She was a member of Barnhill Methodist Church, and a native of Alabama. Survivors include
two daughters, Mrs. Lola Hatcher, Savannah, and Mrs. Pauline Rich, Savannah; two brothers, Henry Scott, Savannah,
and Clarence Scott, Jonesboro, Ark.; two half brothers, Wesley Scott, Harrisburg, Ark., and Marvin Scott, Savannah;
two half sisters, Mrs. Estelle Estes, Baton Rouge, La., and Mrs. Ollie Whitlow, Memphis; two grandchildren and
five great-grandchildren.”
Times Daily News, Florence, AL Note: Mrs. Higgins died June 9, 1974 and was buried on June
11, 1978. - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
JOHNSON, ANNIE CORRENE
“Mrs. Annie Correne Michael Johnson, 46, Savannah, Tenn. died Tuesday at her residence. The
service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, Savannah. Burial will be in Balentine Cemetery,
Wayne County. She was a nurse’s aide at Hardin County Nursing Homes and a member of the Free Holiness Church. She
was a former resident of Lauderdale County and Wayne County and had moved to Hardin County 11 years ago. Surviving
are her husband, Bradford D. Johnson; her father, Floyd Michael, Savannah; her mother, Mrs. Lura Michael, Savannah;
stepdaughters, Mrs. Cleo Henson, Lakeville, Ind., Mrs. Ima Doris Howard, Florence, Mrs. Shelba Peak, Maryville,
Tenn., Miss Maggie Johnson, Mrs. Wylodean Cagle, both of Knoxville, Tenn., Miss Barbara Johnson, Tampa, Fla.; stepsons,
Granville Johnson, Alfred Johnson, both of Florence, Paul Johnson, South Bend, Ind.; brothers, Albert Michael,
Waymon Michael, both of Savannah, Willis Michael, Atlanta, Ga., Norman Michael, Corinth, Miss.; half brother, Rayford
Word, Walnut Grove, Tenn.”
Times Daily, Florence, AL - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
JOHNSTON, OTHA RALPH
“Otha Ralph Johnston, 83, Cherokee, died Monday at Shoals Hospital. He was a native of Hardin
County, Tenn., a retired security guard at Reynolds Metals Co. and a member of the Methodist Church. The funeral
will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church, Cherokee. The Rev. Larry Harbin and the Rev. Bob
Gunn will officiate. Burial will be in Riverton Cemetery, Morrison-Elkins Funeral Home of Tuscumbia directing.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Gladys J. Akers, Sheffield; sisters, Mrs. Virgie Douthit, Spruce Pine; Mrs. Dot
Tanner, Tuscumbia; brothers, Alton Johnston, Jacksonville, Fla.; Tommy Johnston, Tuscumbia; three grandchildren;
five great-grandchildren. Bearers will be Cecil Edwards, Rex Keeton, Tommy Tanner, Harold Maples, Bill Shoemaker,
Lewis McGill. The body will be at Morrison-Elkins Funeral Home, Tuscumbia, until being placed in the church one
hour before the funeral.”
Times Daily, Florence, AL - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
LARD, MAGGIE DALEY
“Maggie Daley Lard was born May7 14, 1901 in Hardin County; the daughter of John and Nannie
Franks Daley. She married Wesley Lard, who preceded her in death in 1948. Mrs. Lard departed from this life July
18, 1971 at the age of 70 years, 2 months, and 4 days; leaving three daughters: Mrs. Betty Tilley, Mrs. Lucille
Highland, and Mrs. Pauline Jones, all of Waterloo, Alabama; seven sons, James Lard, Ollie Lard, and John D. Lard,
all of Waterloo, Ala.; Charles Lard, Milford Lard, and Hollis Lard, all of Savannah, Tennessee; and Howard Lard
of Portage, Indiana; twelve grandchildren and one brother, Harold Daley, Lake City, Arkansas.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., that was compiled by Shackelford
Funeral Home, Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
RAYMOND HOWARD LEWIS – Services for Raymond Howard Lewis Sunday at Shackelford
Funeral Home with the Rev. Lamar Ball officiating. Burial was in Crump Cemetery. Mr. Lewis who was 42, was killed
in a factory accident at Anchor Swan Corp. Thursday night where he worked as a pinner and puller. He was a former
employee of Savannah Locker Co., and worked as a meat cutter in Corinth MS. He was a native of Hardin County. He
leaves his wife, Rebecca Stewart Lewis of Reagan; two daughters Redonna Lewis and Krista Lewis both of Reagan;
two sons, Randall of Lexington and Kevin of Booneville MS; his mother, Mrs. Blanche Davis Lewis of Savannah; seven
sisters, Mrs. Brenda BUrris, Mrs. Judy Matlock, Deborah House, Geneva lewis all of Savannah, Doris Riley of Clifton,
Linda Williams of Corinth adn Karen Scheele of Crump; and five brothers, Burnis, Gene, James Marshall, all of Savannah,
Charles of Corinth and Bobby of Lexington.
The Lexington Progress, December 16, 1987 - Contributed by, Christine Walters
MCKINNEY, GEORGE A.
“George A. McKinney was born on October 245, 1901 in Hardin County, the son of the late Bill
and Betty Stout McKinney. He was united in marriage to Louise Fields, who preceded him in death in 1937. In 1942
he was united in marriage to Grace McMasters, who preceded him in death on April 2, 1980. He was a member of the
Freewill Baptist Church, was an army veteran of WWII, worked as a farmer and was employed by TVA. Mr. McKinney
departed this life on June 9, 1991, at the Hardin County General Hospital, at the age of 89 years, 7 months, and
14 days. He leaves 2 daughters, Mary V. McKinney of Paducah, KY and Sonny Sanders of Tupelo, Miss.; a son, Robert
Hugh McKinney of Corinth, Miss.; 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., who conducted the funeral.
- Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
LIBURN V. McMURRAY - Services for Liburn V. McMurray, Lexington cab driver,
were Saturday at Pafford Funeral Homes with Charles Thomasson officiating. Burial was in Lebanon Cemetery in Hardin
County. Mr. McMurray, the county's last Spanish-American War veteran, died early Thursday at Lexington Hospital
shortly after a collision between his car and a Meadors Motor Lines truck at the intersection of Highway 22S and
the alternate route. A passenger in Mr. McMurray's cab, Max Ray Bowman, was carried to Jackson General Hospital.
The truck driver, Austin Avent of Bolivar, was not injured. No charges were filed. Mr. McMurray was returning toward
Lexington and the truck was headed south toward Highway 100. Born in Alabama, Mr. McMurray had been a cab driver
here many years. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He was 82. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Velta McMurray of
Brooklyn, two brothers, Lonnie McMurray and L. C. McMurray, both of Sardis; four sisters, Mrs. Della Hanna of Memphis,
Mrs. Mattie Hamilton of Kingsland, Ark., Mrs. Mary Phillips of Big Sandy and Mrs. Ethel Hooper of Sweeney, Texas.
The Lexington Progress, March 8, 1962
MICHAEL, NANNIE JEWEL
“Nannie Jewel Gean Michael, 87, Florence, died Friday, April 21, 1995 of pneumonia. Visitation
will be today at 12:30 p.m. at Spry Funeral Home, Florence. The funeral will be today at 1:30 p.m. at Grace Freewill
Baptist Church, Florence, with burial in Bumpas Creek Cemetery. Officiating at the funeral will be Ernie Emmons.
She was born in Hardin County, Tenn., and was a resident of Florence. She is survived by her sons, Aaron Michael
and Ancil Michael, both of Florence; daughters, Nora Michael and Brenda Michael, both of Florence; sisters, Vinnah
Michael, Florence, Tishe White, Savannah, Tenn.; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and
nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Michael, and her parents, George W. and Abbie Bratton
Gean. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Freewill Baptist Church.”
Times Daily/Sunday, April 23, 1995 - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
MICHAEL, ROBERT NEWTON
“Robert Newton Michael was born September 9. 1883, in Tennessee, the son of Newton and Katherine
Qualls Michael. Mr. Michael ,a farmer, had lived for the past 53 years in Lauderdale County, Alabama. He was a
member of the Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. Michael married Josie Scott December 25, 1909, who preceded
him in death in 1917. He later married Callie Fielder, Mrs. Michael survives. He departed this life April 4, 1966,
at his home Rt. 1, Waterloo, Alabama, at the age of 82 years, 6 months and 25 days. Besides his wife, Mrs. Callie
Fielder Michael, Rt. 1, Waterloo, he is survived by one daughter, Miss Bertha Michael, Waterloo; two brothers,
Mr. Wilson Michael and Mr. Gilford Michael both of Savannah; two sisters, Mrs. Ada Brown and Mrs. Etta Lard, both
of Savannah, Tenn.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., prepared by Shackelford
Funeral Home, Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
MILLIGAN, INA GUSTELLE EVANS
“Ina Gustelle Evans Milligan was born September 3, 1929, in Lauderdale County, Alabama, the
daughter of Rosie James Evans and the late W. H. Evans. On November 24, 1946 she was united in marriage to Waymon
Milligan. Mrs. Milligan departed from this life February 21, 1972, at the age of 43 years, 5 months, and 18 days.
She leaves other than her husband, six daughters, Mrs. Jane A. Franks, Mrs. Alice Clement, Misses Myra, Beverly,
Sondra and Laura Milligan, all of Savannah; three sons Anthony, Marion, and Dwight Milligan, all of Savannah; two
grandchildren; her mother of Waterloo, Ala.; four brothers, Jim Evans, Iuka, Miss., Al, Evans, Oregon, O. B. Evans
and Elder Evans, both of Waterloo, Ala.; two sisters, Mrs. Maude Austin, and Mrs. Estelle Austin, both of Savannah.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., who conducted the funeral.
The information was compiled by Shackelford Funeral Home of Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by Mildred Gean
Mason
MORRIS, JOHNNY LUTHER
“Johnny Luther Morris was born April 13, 1913, in Hardin County Tennessee, the son of Walter
and Effie Steeley Morris. He was a sawmill worker. He was united in marriage to Myrtle White February 19, 1938,
Mrs. Morris survives. He departed this life August 24, 1969, at Hardin County General Hospital, Savannah, Tennessee,
at the age of 56 years, 4 months and 11 days. Besides his wife, he is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Shirley
Franks, Memphis, Mrs. Mackie Fielder, Lutts, Mrs. Kathy McFall, South Bend, Ind., Mrs. Barbara White, and Mrs.
Tera Daniels, both of Savannah; two sons, Mr. Johnny Ray Morris and Mr. Ralph David Morr both of South Bend, Ind.;
5 grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Effie Steeley Morris, Savannah; three sisters, Mrs. Okla Western, Pocahontas,
Ark., Mrs. Willodean Sharpe, South Bend, Ind. And Mrs. Etoile Smith, Savannah.; six brothers, Mr. Ancil Morris,
Mr. Coy Morris, Mr. Earl Morris, and Mr. Boyd Morris, Savannah and Mr. Floyd Morris and Mr. Roy Morris both of
South Bend.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., who conducted the funeral.
The information was compiled by Shackelford Funeral Home of Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by Mildred Gean
Mason
PARRISH, EARLINE WHITE
“Earline White Parrish was born January 6, 1935, at Waterloo, Alabama; the daughter of Wess
and Ina Higgins White. Her life was spent in this community. November 19th just passed she was united in marriage
with James Roy Parrish. Mrs. Parrish passed suddenly from this life December 10th at the age of 31 years, 11 months,
and 4 days; leaving her husband, her parents; 3 sisters: Mrs. Vylone Jones and Miss Fleety White of Waterloo; Mrs.
Irene Williams of Florence; 2 brothers, James White of Waterloo and Jay Lynn White of South Bend, Ind.; and many
other relatives and friends.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., who conducted the funeral.
The information was compiled by Shackelford Funeral Home of Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by Mildred Gean
Mason
PICKENS, WILLIAM DALTON
“William Dalton Pickens was born February 10, 1921, in Alabama, the son of Neil and Nancy
Geans Pickens. Mr. Pickens worked mostly as a sawmiller. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church. He was united
in marriage to Nellie Harville, in 1954, she survives. He departed this life December 7, 1966, at his home at the
age of 45 years, 9 months and 27 days. Besides his wife, Mrs. Nellie Harville Pickens, Savannah, he leaves two
daughters, Miss Frankie and Joyce Ann Pickens, Savannah; his father, Mr. Neal Pickens, South Bend, Ind.; two sisters,
Mrs. Zelma Crowe, Tishomingo, Miss., and Mrs. Orene Benson, South Bend.; Four brothers, Mr. Willard Pickens, Mishawaka,
Ind., Mr. Arbie Pickens, South Bend, Ind., and Mr. Andrew Pickens, Cassopolis, Michigan.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., who conducted the funeral.
The information was compiled by Shackelford Funeral Home of Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by Mildred Gean
Mason
QUALLS, ELMER RICHARD
“Elmer Richard Qualls was born in Hardin County Tennessee, the son of W.H. and Edith Austin
Qualls. He was a farmer and blacksmith and had lived in Osceola, Indiana for some time. He was united in marriage
to Mary Hopper who survives. He departed this life November 30, 1966, at the age of 58 years, 5 months and 10 days.
Besides his wife he leaves seven sons, Grady E. Qualls, Savannah, McKinley Qualls, Earl L., Melvin L., Billy W.,
Charles R. all of Osceola, Ind., and Jamie L. Montezuma, Ga.; Three Daughters, Mrs. Hubert Ford, Mrs. Annie F.
Benson and Miss Patsy Qualls all of Osceola, Ind.; 27 grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Edith Austin Qualls, Savannah;
one sister, Mrs. William Tilley, Savannah; one brother, Mr. William H. Qualls, Savannah, Tenn.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., who conducted the funeral.
The information was compiled by Shackelford Funeral Home of Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by Mildred Gean
Mason
QUALLS, JIM THOMAS
“Jim Thomas Qualls was born October 17, 1906, in Hardin County Tennessee, the son of William
H. Qualls and Edie Austin Qualls. He lived all his life in the Walnut Grove Community. He was a farmer. He died
March 20, 1964, at his home at the age of 57 years, 5 months and 3 days. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Mary
J. Tilley, Walnut Grove; two brothers, Mr. Elmer R. Qualls and Mr. Buddy (W.H.) Qualls both of Walnut Grove; his
mother, Mrs. Edie Austin Qualls, Walnut Grove.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr. - Contributed by Mildred
Gean Mason
QUALLS, JOHNNY MARION
“Johnny Marion Qualls was born on August 17, 1905, in Hardin County, the son of the late
John M. and Mary Elizabeth Tune Qualls. On June 29, 1930 he was united in marriage to Ruby Austin. He was of the
Methodist belief, worked as a farmer and a carpenter, and was a life-long resident of Hardin County. Mr. Qualls
departed this life on December 26, 1990, at the Hardin County general Hospital, at the age of 85 years, 4 months,
and 9 days. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Ruby Qualls of Savannah; two daughters, Mrs. Melvinia B. Reed of Thompsons
Station, TN and Mrs. Jo Anne Lutrell of Savannah; two sons, James Robert Qualls of Fomble, PA and Benny Loyd Qualls
of Savannah; 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Ollie Baskins of Florence, AL. The service
was conducted by Virgil H. Gean Sr. Mr. Qualls was buried at Hollings Creek Cemetery.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., who conducted the funeral.
- Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
QUALLS, MARY HOPPER
“Mary Hopper Qualls was born July 3, 1911 in Mississippi, the daughter of the late Tran and
Florence Sprayberry Hopper. On August 28, 1928 she was united in marriage to Elmer Qualls who preceded her in death
on November 30, 1966. Mrs. Qualls departed from this life April 4th at the age of 65 years, 9 months and 1 day.
She leaves seven sons, Grady Qualls, Savannah, McKinley and Melvin Qualls both of Osceola, Ind., Charles, Billy,
and Earl Qualls, all of Elkhart, Ind. And Jamie Qualls Seaville, Ga.; three daughters Mr. Harold Benson, Savannah,
Mr. Hubert Ford and Mrs. Greg Reeves, both of Osceola, Ind.; one sister, Mrs. Dona Jones, Savannah, TN; also a
brother, William Hopper, Haytie, Mo.; 35 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; a half brother, Edgar Hopper,
Tuscumbia; three half sisters, Mrs. Leora Patterson, Tuscumbia, Mrs. Mirgie Hoover, Corinth, Ms. And Mrs. Hettie
Miller Biloxi, MS.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., who conducted the funeral.
- Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
QUALLS, MILDRED AUSTIN
“Mildred Austin Qualls was born April 21, 1881, in Hardin County Tennessee, the daughter
of Isaac and Mary Johnson Qualls. She was untied in marriage to William Henry Qualls on March 15, 1900. He preceded
her in death June 24, 1946. Mrs. Qualls was a member of Holland’s Creek Methodist Church. She departed this life
February 9, 1967, at her home in the Walnut Grove Community at the age of 85 years, 9 months and 18 days. She is
survived by one son, Buddy William Henry Qualls, and one daughter, Mrs. Mary Jeanette Tilley, both of Walnut Grove;
10 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., who conducted the funeral.
The information was compiled by Shackelford Funeral Home of Savannah, Tennessee. - Contributed by Mildred Gean
Mason
RAST, MARY ETHEL RICHARDSON
“SAVANNAH, Tenn. -- Mrs. Mary Ethel Richardson Rast, 83, Route 1, died Wednesday, July 13,
1988, at Humana Hospital, Florence, Ala. She was a Baptist and a native of Hardin County, but had resided in Lauderdale
County, Ala., most of her life. The funeral will be 11:30 a.m., Friday at Elkins Funeral Home Chapel, Florence,
with the Rev. V.H. Gean officiating. Burial will be in Rogers Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. today
at the funeral home. Survivors include a son, H.C. Richardson, Savannah; daughter-in-law, Mae Rose Richardson,
brothers, Bradley Richardson, Lexington, Ala., Frank Richardson, Florence; sisters, Clara Rast, Florence; four
grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.”
Times Daily, Florence, AL - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
SCOTT, GLEN “TANK”
“Glen “Tank” Scott, 71, of Savannah, Tenn., died Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999 after a brief illness.
Visitation will be Tuesday, 6-9 p.m. at Greenview. The funeral will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Greenview Funeral
Home chapel with burial in Greenview Memorial Park. Officiating at the funeral will be David Rushlowe. Mr. Scott
had lived in this area most of his life. He is survived by his son, David Scott and wife, Jennifer, Opelika, Ala.,
daughters, Donna Vickery and husband, J.T., Florence, Ala., Cynthia Prater and husband, Sam, Florence, Ala., Pamela
Todd and husband, Scott, Tuscumbia, Ala.; sister, Elizabeth Hill, Florence, Ala.; brothers, Gene Scott, Florence,
Ala., Paul Scott, Florence, Ala.; six grandchildren, Tonya Beckwith, Ashley Gooch, Ryan Reeves, Heather Vickery,
Travis Vickery, Mauri Scott; two step-great-grandchildren, Kearva and K.J. Beckwith. Mr. Scott was preceded in
death by his wife, Marjorie Scott; his parents, Ellie Dexter Scott and Ollie Mae Steely Scott; a sister, Naomi
Vickery; and a brother, Gerneith Scott. Pallbearers will include Ricky Gean, Donnie Gean, Tommy Gean, Danny Gean,
Mackey Gean, Dale Gean, Jamie Gean, Wade Gean. Mr. Scott was retired from Harcos Chemical Co. for more than 20
years. Mr. Scott was a member of the Second Creek Church of Christ, Walnut Grove, Tenn. He was a past member of
the Underwood-Petersville Volunteer Fire Department and was active in the Walnut Grove Fire Department and community
center. Mr. Scott was retired from the U.S. Navy after 21 years of service. Greenview Funeral Home of Florence
directing.”
Time Daily/Tuesday, December 7, 1999 - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
SEGO, DOROTHY WOOD
“In Loving Memory of Dorothy Wood Sego Date of birth, Monday, December 1, 1924 Date of death,
Tuesday, August 26, 1997 Age 72 years 8 months 25 days Services Friday, August 29, 1997 1:00 p.m. Shackelford Chapel
Officiating, Virgil Gean Interment, Pisgah Cemetery, Hardin County, Tennessee.” Note: Mrs. Sego was the wife of
Fred Lee Sego, Savannah, Tennessee, who survives.
Information taken from the remembrance pamphlet at Shackelford Funeral Home, Savannah, Tennessee.
- Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
SEGO, EFFIE JEWEL
“FLORENCE -- Mrs. Effie Jewel Sego, 83, 2175 McBurney Drive, died Monday, July 25, 1988,
at Humana Hospital, Florence, after an extended illness. She was a native of Nixon, Tenn., and lived most of her
life in Lauderdale County. She was a member of Waterloo Methodist Church and was active in church work. She was
a retired post mistress at Waterloo after nine years of service. She was the wife of the late Willie Sego. The
funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Elkins Funeral Home chapel, Florence, with Rowe Wren officiating. Burial
will be in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Survivors include
her son, Willie Arnold Sego, Atlanta; daughters, Virginia Kathereen Carroll, Betty Ruth Brooks, both of Florence;
brother, Ezra L. Culver, Florence; four grandchildren. Bearers will be J.L. Culver, Steve Carroll, George Carroll
Jr., David Carroll, James Sego and Donnie Lee Culver. Honorary bearer will be Dr. C.F. Luckey.”
Times Daily, Florence, AL - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
SEGO, FRED LEE
“Fred Lee Sego, 88 of Savannah, died Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at Savannah Health Care Center.
He was born in Waterloo, Ala., the son of the late Samual Turner and Millie Frances Williams Sego. He was united
in marriage to the former Dorothy Bell, who preceded him in death. Mr. Sego was a machinist for Henco in Niles,
Mich. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church. He was a former employee of Savannah Machine Shop. He was a
United States Army Veteran of World War II. Services were held Thursday, April 12, in the Shacklelford chapel with
Benny Taylor officiating. Burial was in Pisgah Cemetery. In addition to his wife, Edith Sego of Savannah, he is
survived by one daughter, Donna Maria Hunt of Savannah; two sons, Fred Allen of Jackson, Tenn. And John Wayne Sego
of South Bend, Ind.; seven grandchildren; one sister, Wilma Hart of Florence, Ala.; and one brother, Loyal Sego
of Florence, Ala. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Madaline Parker, May Scott and Cora Murphy; and
one brother, Frank Sego.”
Courier News, Savannah, TN - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
SEGO, WILLIE
“Willie Sego, 63, Succumbs Today; Services Tuesday Willie Sego, 63, Waterloo, died at 5:00
a.m. today, at ECM Hospital. He had been ill four years. A native of Hardin County, Tenn., he had lived in Waterloo
most of his life, and was a member of the Waterloo Methodist Church. He was a Veteran of World War I and a member
of American Legion Post No. 11. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Morrison-Elkins chapel with Rev.
J.E. Stewart officiating. Burial will be in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens with Morrison-Elkins directing. He is survived
by his wife, Mrs. Effie Culver Sego; a son, W. Arnold Sego, Atlanta, Ga.; two daughters, Mrs. George Carroll, and
Mrs. Cliff Brooks, Jr., both of Florence; three grandchildren, Steve, Judy and George Carroll; a brother, E.L.
Sego, Cloverdale; a niece and a nephew. Bearers will be Kennon Shook, John Benson, James L. Sullivan, Emmett Jones,
Arthur Bugg, Brice Rhodes. The body will be at the funeral home. He died on Aug. 14, 1961.”
Florence newspaper - Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
SHANDS, SARAH MADELINE
“Miss Sarah Madeline Shands was born on September 14, 1927, in Hardin County, the daughter
of the late William H. and Nancy Barrier Shands. Miss Shands departed this life on September 15, 1988, at the Hardin
County General Hospital, at the age of 61 years, and 1 day. She leaves two brothers, Hershel Shands and Henry Shands,
both of Savannah. She also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Beulah Fox and Mrs. Ethel Reed, both of Savannah.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., who conducted the funeral.
- Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
HILDRED SMALL - Services for Mrs. Hildred Small were Friday at Lewis Chapel
Church with the Rev. Verline Crothers officiating. Burial was in Saltilo Cemetery with Parham Mortuary in charge.
Mrs. Small, who was 66, died Monday at John Gaston Hospital in Memphis after a short illness. She was a retired
Tennessee State University employee and a Methodist. She leaves her husband, George Small of Lexington; a daughter,
Miss Linda Small of Lexington; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Perry of Almo, Ky and Mrs. Dorothy Davis of Daisy, Tenn.;
a brother, Albert Cooper of Florence, Ala.
The Lexington Progress, September 17, 1975
MAJOR-GENERAL CHARLES F. SMITH - Sinking slowly for some weeks, without
any apparent signs of decay. About the middle of April, 1862, his symptoms became dangerous, and at four o'clock
on the afternoon of April 25, he died of dysentery. His remains were taken to St. Louis, and interred with military
honors, and especial orders from the Secretary of War and military commanders were issued to his memory. Major-General
Charles Ferguson Smith, who died at Savannah, Tennessee, was born in Philadelphia about the year 1804. His father
was the celebrated medical doctor of the State of Pennsylvania, Dr. Samuel B. Smith.
Portrait Monthly, New York Illustrated News, 10-1-1863 - Contributed by, C. H.
SMITH, WILLIE DEE
“Willie Dee Smith was born
November 2, 1941, in Hardin County, Tennessee, the son of Asley Lee Smith and Jewell Howard Smith. He had
lived all his life in the Holland Creek Community of Hardin County. He was employed by the Box Factory of
Hassell’s Lumber Company. He died January 31, 1965, at his home at the age of 23 years, 2 months and 29 days.
He is survived by his father, Mr. Asley L. Smith, Holland’s Creek; five sisters, Mrs. Ivagene Moore, Mrs. Peggy
Brown, Mrs. Kathleen Melson, and Miss Claudia Smith all of the Holland’s Creek Community, Rt. 1, Savannah, Tenn.,
and Mrs. Bernice Melson, Rt. 6, Florence, Ala.; his grandfather, Mr. John Smith, Savannah, Tenn.”
Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr. - Contributed by Mildred
Gean Mason
MARILYN (THOMPSON) WHITE – Services for Marilyn Thompson White were Monday
March 3, 2003 at Shackelford Chapel in Savannah TN. Burial took place at Oakland Cemetery. Mrs. White died on March
1, 2003 at Lexington Hospital. She was a former nurse for Jackson Hospital for 15 years and Hardin County for 10
years. She is deceased by her husband Murray White. Survivors are daughters Geralding Houston of Lexington, Bonita
Hillhouse of Jackson, Mary Lucille Aaron of Scotts Hill TN; son Lawrence E. White of Only TN; sisters Lucille Delaney
of Saltillo, Diane Rickman of Adamsville, Margueritte WIlkerson of Memphis, Billie Thompson of Arkansas; brother
Keeton Thompson fo Memphis and 9 grandchildren.
The Lexington Progress, March 5, 2003 - Contributed by, Christine Walters
AUBREY ALLEN WILLIS – Services for Aubrey Allen Willis will be THursday
Jan. 20, 2000 at Saltillo Church of Christ. Burial will be in Shady Grove Cemetery, Hardin County with Shakleford
Funeral Home, Savannah in charge. Mr. Willis who was 66, died Monday Jan. 17, at Methodist Hospital of Lexington
with cancer. He was a truck driver, a Navy veteran of Korean Conflict and a Mason. He leaves his wife, Jane Martin
Willis of Saltillo; a son, Gary WIllis of Lexington; his mother, Mrs. Clyde Morris Willis of Savannah; two brothers,
Gene Willis of Saltillo and Tommy Willis of Reagan.
The Lexington Progress, January 19, 2000 - Contributed by, Christine Walters
L. M. WILLIS – Services for L.M. Willis were Sunday at Hurricane Primitive
Baptist Church in Counce with Rev. Cecil Woodruff officiating. Burial was in Shady Grove Cemetery in Hardin Co.
Mr. Willis, 74, died Saturday at Methodist Hsp. Lexington. He leaves his wife, Helen Brown WIllis of Sardis; a
daughter, Mrs. Shirley Scott of Sardis; two sons, Gerald of St. Croix Virgin Islands and Larry Willis of Sardis;
two sisters, Mrs. Mabel Johnson of Sardis and Mrs. Opal Shands of Jefferson City TN; a brother Linnie of Saltillo
and five grandchildren.
The Lexington Progress, July 28, 1993 - Contributed by, Christine Walters
WILLIAM REFFUS WOODRUFF – Services for Mr. William Reffus Woodruff were
Friday, Feb. 28, 2003 held at Shackelford Chapel in Savannah. Burial followed at Lebanon Cemetery in Saltillo.
Mr. Woodruff, age 79, died on Wednesday Feb. 26, 2003 at Veterans Hospital in Memphis. He was a truck driver, a
member of Sardis Baptist Church, Veteran of US Army and US Navy. He is preceded in death by his wife Johnnie Mae
Ruth Woodruff. He is survived by two daughers Sandra A. Scott and Kathy Redding both of Lexington, one son William
T. Woodruff of Byhalia MS, one stepson Ronald Edward Gant of Collierville, one sister ALma hardin of Red Bay AL.,
two half sisters, Jean High of High Point NC, Sible Spilane of NC; two half brothers Milton Woodruff of Of Mobile
AL, Billy WOodruff of Saltillo and nine grandchildren. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Savannah TN was in charge.
The Lexington Progress, March 5, 2003 - Contributed by, Christine Walters
