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cemetery. She was the daughter of the late Luther and Elmine Swinford Lakey. She
leaves her husband, William E. Vanzant; one son, William Earl Vanzant of Jackson,
Tennessee; two step-sons, Larry Eugene Vanzant and Billy Earl Vanzant, both of
Memphis; two sisters, Mrs. Bernice Braddock of Biggersville, Mississippi, and Mrs.
Ollie Faye Odom of Rienzi, Mississippi; two brothers, Alfred Lackey of Florida and
Murry Lackey of Ashland, Tennessee; and four grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY
INDEPENDENT
VARNELL, LARRY - Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice - Rocky Mountain News (CO) -
July 18, 2008, Varnell, 90, helped build local sports scene. Look at just about
every sports venue in Denver and you can see the influence of a longtime sports
activist for this town, Larry Varnell. Mr. Varnell, 90, who died Tuesday of
complications from Alzheimer's disease, took charge when things needed to be done
on the Denver professional sports scene. Though his vocation was serving as a
Central Bank executive, one of his passions was sports. The Broncos might be in
Birmingham, Ala., had he not chaired the Doers Committee, a volunteer group of
business people that raised $1.8 million to help keep the Broncos from moving. In
1967, after the NFL had told the Broncos to expand Bears Stadium from 34,000 to at
least 50,000 or the team would be moved, Denver voters turned down, by an almost
3-to-1 margin, a plan to build a stadium. Knowing NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle
favored Birmingham as a potential new home for the Broncos, Mr. Varnell's group
raised the money and purchased the stadium from Broncos owners Gerald and Allan
Phipps. The Doers Committee gave the stadium to the city of Denver, which then
issued revenue bonds that didn't require a vote. With that impetus, the stadium
was expanded and renamed Mile High Stadium. In addition, Coloradans donated Social
Security checks and schools made contributions from their fundraising profits.
"What started out as a well-planned strategic campaign turned into an emotional
crusade," Mr. Varnell explained a few years ago. But that was only one of Mr.
Varnell's contributions to the Denver sports scene. In 1990, the Colorado Baseball
Commission, led by Mr. Varnell, was successful in getting Denver voters to approve
a 0.1 percent sales tax to help finance the building of a stadium that became
Coors Field. He also was a member of the Denver and Colorado baseball commissions
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that helped Denver secure a National League team.
Mr. Varnell also was part of a group that purchased the American Basketball
Association franchise that would become known as the Denver Rockets and,
eventually, the Denver Nuggets. He was instrumental in getting the city council to
seek voter approval to build an arena, and soon, McNichols Sports Arena was
constructed. That arena, with Mr. Varnell's help, played host to the 1990 NCAA
men's basketball Final Four. Mr. Varnell served as head men's basketball coach at
Regis College from 1946 to 1951 and was a former Amateur Athletic Union coach and
player. He was president of the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame for 26 years and was
the first sports director for radio station KLZ and Channel 7. He is survived by
his wife, Jeanne; sons Jeffrey, Joel and Jon; and daughter, Julia Varnell-
Sargent.
VARNELL, LYLE PAGE - Lyle Page Varnell 80, retired postmaster after 44 years, died
Tuesday at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital after a stroke. Services will
be at 2:30 pm Friday at First United Methodist Church of Adamsville, where he was
a member for 50 years and a Sunday school teacher, with burial in Adamsville
Cemetery. He was past president of Tennessee Postmasters Association and
Adamsville Lions Club. He also was past president of Pickwick Electric Cooperative
Board and a board member for 31 years. He was a retired Southeastern Conference
basketball official after 10 years. He was a member of the board of directors of
Farmers and Merchants Bank in Adamsville and a 53 year member of Masonic Lodge
338. Mr. Varnell, the husband of Loudine Varnell, also leaves a daughter, Jan V.
McGee of Memphis; a sister, Gladys Varnell of Adamsville; a brother, Larry Lee
Varnell of Denver, Colorado; three half-sisters, Mary Tucker and Peggy Varnell,
both of Memphis, and Mattie Owen of Bolivar and two grandsons. Jan 10, 1916 - Dec
17, 1996
VARNELL, R. N. - McNairy County Independent - January 31, 1919 - R. N. Varnell
was born October 14, in Alabama. In 1875 he married Miss Alice Davis, of Alabama,
after which they moved to Adamsville, Tenn., then to Selmer, and later to Jackson,
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Tenn., where he died at his home on East Chester Street, Jan. 19, 1919. He leaves
a wife and eight children, Mrs. Ida White, and Mrs. Estella Butler of Jackson,
Tenn., Mrs. Maggie White, and Mrs. Bessie Vinson of Stantonville, Tenn., also four
sons, J. B., D. B. and Rev. J. N. Varnell of Jackson, Tenn. and Gavin D. Varnell
who is with the American Expeditionary Force in France. Three brothers, W. T.
Varnell of Adamsville, Tenn. and one sister Mrs. Mary E. Chambers of Alabama, and
a host of friends who mourn his death. He was a kind husband and a loving father,
to know him was to love him. Submitted by Fay Rogers.
VAUGHAN, LILLIAN – Lillian “Bea Bea” Vaughan, 79, of Dyersburg died Thursday, Nov.
13, 1986 at Methodist Hospital in Dyersburg. Services were held at 10 a.m.
Saturday at J.W. Curry & Son Funeral Home in Dyersburg with burial in New Haven
Cemetery in Ridgely. Dr. E.T. Shauf officiated. Mrs. Vaughan was a member of the
First United Methodist Church in Ridgely. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs.
Wanda George of Union, City, formerly of Selmer, Mrs. Joyce Anderson of Hickman,
Ky., and Mrs. Laura Allen of Dyersburg; two sisters, Mrs. Opal Jimerson and Mrs.
Kay Marchbanks, both of Dyersburg; a brother, Paul Jimerson of Murfreesboro; and
nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
JAMES LOYD VAUGHN, 86, of Pocahontas, died Sept. 3, 2000, at the Tri-County
Convalescent Home in Adamsville due to heart failure. He was a retired farmer.
He was also a McNairy County School Board member for 14 years. Mr. Vaughn obtained
his Pilot License at age 62. He is preceded in death by his wife., Martha
Russell Vaughn, one brother, Warren Vaughn, and one sister, Blanche Mullins. He is
survived by five daughters, Peggy Dixon of Corinth, Miss., Cheryl Ann Knight of
Pocahontas, Judy France Hopper of Pocahontas, Deborah Faye Moore of Selmer, and
Gloria Diane Moore of Middleton, five sons, James Robert Vaughn of Pocahontas,
Arnie Glenn Vaughn of Pocahontas, David Lynn Vaughn of Pocahontas, Mac Arthur
Vaughn of Middleton, and Loyd Reece Vaughn of Ramer, two sister, Lenerah White of
Bolivar and Ruby Deggendorf of Oceanside, CA, three brothers, Roy Curtis Vaughn of
Savannah, Wilmer "Bob" Vaughn of Pocahontas, and John M. Vaughn of Bailey, Co., 23
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grandchildren, and 17 g-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Shackelford
Funeral Home at 11 a.m. on Sept. 5, Burial followed at Eureka in Pocahontas.
VAUGHAN, LILLIAN – Lillian “Bea Bea” Vaughan, 79, of Dyersburg died Thursday, Nov.
13, 1986 at Methodist Hospital in Dyersburg. Services were held at 10 a.m.
Saturday at J.W. Curry & Son Funeral Home in Dyersburg with burial in New Haven
Cemetery in Ridgely. Dr. E.T. Shauf officiated. Mrs. Vaughan was a member of the
First United Methodist Church in Ridgely. She is survived by three daughters,
Mrs. Wanda George of Union, City, formerly of Selmer, Mrs. Joyce Anderson of
Hickman, Ky., and Mrs. Laura Allen of Dyersburg; two sisters, Mrs. Opal Jimerson
and Mrs. Kay Marchbanks, both of Dyersburg; a brother, Paul Jimerson of
Murfreesboro; and nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. McNAIRY
COUNTY INDEPENDENT
CYNTHIA IDELLA VICKERY - age 80, a lifelong resident of Finger, died Saturday
morning, Dec 28, 1968, en route to McNairy County General Hospital after a long
illness. Services were held at 1pm, on Sunday at Finger Baptist Church with
burial in Finger Cemetery. Shackelford was in charge. She leaves a nephew, Oren
L Kennedy of Memphis; four brothers, Alfred Kennedy of Henderson, Sanford Kennedy
of Bradford, Ark, Elihu Kennedy of Caruthersville Mo and William Kennedy of
Jackson.
AMANDA RENEE VICTORY, 13, died on Sun., Apr. 9, 2000, at her residence in
Adamsville of respiratory failure. She was a member of Love and Truth Church in
Adamsville. Services took place at 3 p.m. on Tue., Apr. 11, Love and Truth
Church in Adamsville. Burial was held at Shady Grove Cemetery in Saltillo.
Officiating the services were Ministers Eddie Cupples and Aaron Moss. Miss
Victory was preceded in death by her grandparents Curnice Whitten, and Irene and
J. J. Victory, Jr. She is survived by her mother and step-father, Bama Whitten
Conaway and Don Conaway of Adamsville, her father and step-mother, Jimmy Victory
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and Linda Victory of Elaine, Ark., one step-sister, Kelly Conaway of Adamsville,
her grandparents, Geneva Whitten of Adamsville, Herschel Conaway of Sardis, and
Thomas and Betty Duck of Morris Chapel
ALLIE HAYES VINSON, 88, died on Tues, Apr. 11, 2000, at Baptist memorial Hospital
East in Memphis of heart failure. She was retired from Brown Shoe Company in
Selmer and a member of Eastside Church of Christ. Services took place at 2
p.m. on Fri., Apr. 15, at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Selmer. Burial was
held at Lake Hill Memory Gardens in Bethel Springs. Mrs. Vinson is survived by
her husband, Fred Vinson, four daughter, Maurine Manley of New Albany, Miss.,
Bobbye Dabbs and Alice Knowles both of Memphis, and Jacqueline Inman of Selmer,
one son, Hayes Maxwell of St. Petersburg, FL, one sister, Erma Brooks of Memphis,
and a host of grandchildren and gr-grandchildren.
DR. HAROLD WALLACE VINSON, 73, of Adamsville, died Sun., May 28, 2000, at 234 Old
Shiloh Road in Adamsville of diabetes. Mr. Vinson was a retired Pharmacist and
Physician. He served in the Army Air Force, was a member of the Presbyterian
Church, and a pharmacist in Adamsville for many years. He obtained a M.D. degree
in 1956 and began medical practice in Adamsville in 1957. He retired Feb,. 1, 1994
in Selmer. He delivered over 6,000 babies in his career. Memorial contributions
may be sent to the America Diabetes Association, Memphis Affiliate. Services
were held Mon., May 29, at 2 p.m at Shackelford Chapel, in Adamsville, with
burial at Adamsville Cemetery. He is the son of the late Harold Pettigrew and
Wilma Wright Vinson. He is survived by his wife Dorothy Kaye Vinson, 1 daughter,
Dianne Vinson Stevens of Bolivar, 3 sons: Harold W. Vinson, Jr. of Cordova, Terry
B. Vinson of Jackson and Michael L. Vinson of Memphis, 1 brother, Billy Ray Vinson
of Crump, 6 grandchildren, and 2 gr-grandchildren.
JEAN VINSON, 64, died on Sun., Sept. 5, 1999, at Jackson Madison County General
Hospital of a stroke. She was a retired surgical technician, a member of Court
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Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Selmer, and a former Pink Lady Volunteer
for Methodist Healthcare McNairy County. Services took place at 2 p.m. on Tues.
Sept. 7, at Shackelford Funeral Home in Selmer. Burial was held at Adamsville
City Cemetery. Mrs. Vinson is survived by Dr. H. W. Vinson of Selmer, one son,
Donald Lee Jerrolds of Jackson, Miss., and three grandchildren, John and Jarred
(twin boys) and Alisha.
WILMA WRIGHT VINSON, 94, died on Thursday, Sept 2, 1999, at Methodist Healthcare
McNairy Hospital of heart failure. She was self-employed at Vinson Drug Store.
Services took place at 11 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 4, at Shackelford Chapel in
Adamsville. Burial was held at Adamsville City Cemetery. Officiating the
services were Ministers Clarence Hare and Steve Callicoat. Mrs. Vinson was
preceded in death by her husband, Harold Vinson and her parents, T.N. and Martha
Short Wright. She is survived by two sons, Dr. H.W. Vinson of Selmer and Billy
Vinson of Adamsville, one sister, Kathleen Wright of Selmer, ten grandchildren,
thirteen, g-grandchildren, and two g-g-grandchildren
VIRES, JOHN E. - McNairy County Independent - Friday - July 15, 1949 - John E.
Vires, Attorney, Dies of Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound. John E. Vires, an invalid
for the past several months, shot himself at his home here early Wednesday
morning, July 13, 1949. Mr. Vires suffered a cerebral hemorrhage several months
ago, and confined to his room most of the time since. Before being stricken, he
practiced law in Selmer and was County Attorney. Mr. Vires was born in this county
and had made his home in Selmer for the past 40 years. Services were held at 3:00
Thursday afternoon at the First Christian Church, where Mr Vires held his
membership. Bro Frank S. Perry, conducted the service, assisted by Bro H T Mabry,
his former pastor. Shackelford Funeral Directors were in charge of
arrangements. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Maudene S. Truder Vires;
four brothers, Jeel, Jess, Asa and George Vires, and one sister Mrs. Nancy Sipes.
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WADE, ANNA ROSE - Services for Mrs. Anna Rose Wade, 80, of Michie, were at 1 p.m.
Monday at Liberty Church of Christ with Marvin Rainey officiating. Burial was in
the church cemetery with Shackelford in charge. Mrs. Wade died Saturday, March 25,
1967, at St. Joseph’s Hospital after a long illness. She was a member of the
Church of Christ and a lifelong resident of the Michie community. Surviving are
her husband, Charles P. Wade of Michie; three sons, Terrell Wade of Tulsa, Okla.,
Robert Wade of Memphis, and Kendrick Wade of Anchorage, Alaska; three daughters,
Mrs. Lucille Pratt of Arlington, Mrs. Katherine Rebnborg of Burbank, Calif., and
Mrs. Vadeen Porter of Panorama City, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Wardlow of Michie;
seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
ELMER L. WADE, 85, died on Sept. 8, 2004 at Hardin County General Hospital in
Savannah. Mr. Wade was a member of Church of Jesus Christ of the Ladder Day Saints
and CCO Camp.He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kizzie Bell Nichols
Wade, one daughter, Jackie Beutow, one sister, and one brother. He is survived by
his wife Anna Arndell Wade of Savannah, one son, John D. Wade of Los Angeles, CA,
one daughter, Sharon Lesher of Savannah, one brother, Herman Wade of Sturgis, KY,
nine grandchildren, twelve gr-grandchildren, and five gr-gr-grandchildren. Funeral
services were held on Sept. 11th at 1 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in
Savannah with Bishop Ron Johnson, Clay Hunter, James White, Sister Nelwyne Bush,
and Joe Plunk officiating, Burial followed at the Adamsville Cemetery in
Adamsville, TN.
WADE, JOHN HENRY – John Henry Wade, 76, of Selmer, died on September 24, 1987 at
Jackson Madison County General Hospital. Funeral services were held on Sunday
afternoon at First Baptist Church with Rev. Bruce Rogers officiating. Burial was
in Mt. Zion Cemetery. He was a retired truck driver and a member of First Baptist
Church. Survivors include his wife, Minnie Wade; two sons, Henry Wade of Selmer,
and Eddie Wade of Corinth; four daughters, Mattie Wade and Vera Knight, both of
Selmer, Adelia Turner of Memphis, and Margie Russell of Mars Chapel; two sisters,
Annie Westbrooks of Selmer, and Lucille Vinson of Henderson; and 13
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grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WADE, LAZARUS - Mr. Lazarus Wade died at his home Monday, August 18, 1952. He was
a well-known Christian gentleman of Selmer and McNairy County. He will be greatly
missed by both his colored and white friends. Robertson and Lusk, Funeral
directors. Arrangements are incomplete at this writing. McNairy County
Independent
WADE, R. E. - McNairy County Independent June 21, 1918. - Killed By Falling Tree
- R. E. Wade was killed by a tree limb striking him, on his farm near Corinth. It
was a bee tree that he and five others were felling when it swerved and struck him
killing him instantly. Mr. Wade was well known by many of our people.
WAGONER, EDGAR - McNairy County Independent - Friday, November 18, 1949 - Mr Edgar
Wagoner, age 73, longtime resident of the Clear Creek community, died on Thursday,
Nov 17. He had long been a member of the Baptist church and was a deacon prior to
his death. Services conducted by Revs W P Littlefield and C W English, are being
held at the Clear Creek Baptist church this afternoon (Friday_ at 3:00 o’clock.
Burial will be in the Clear Creek cemetery. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife
Mrs rosa Bearden Wagoner, one daughter Miss Edna Wagoner and one son Enloe
Wagoner. Other survivors include four grandchildren, Carolyn, Nancy Martha and Joe
Wagoner.
WAGONER, EDNA MAE - Mrs Edna Mae Wagoner, 61, wife of E. B. Wagoner, died July 23,
1968 at the McNairy County General Hospital. Services were held at Mt Vinson
Methodist church and burial in the church cemetery. She also leaves two sons,
Wilbur Wagoner and Harold Wagoner, both of Stantonville; three daughters, Mrs
Gerita Crumby and Mrs Nona Jones both of Adamsville and Mrs Faydene Chambers of
Stantonville; a brother, Eston Denson of Savannah and a sister, Mrs Mary Phillips
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of Jonesboro, Ark.
WAGONER, EMMA LOU - Mrs. Emma Lou Wagoner died on Sunday, March 30th,
1952. Funeral services, conducted by Bro. R. M. Dickson, of Bethel Springs, were
held at the Bethesda Presbyterian Church on Monday, March 31. Burial was in the
Bethesda cemetery, with Shackelford Funeral Directors in charge. Survivors
include; one daughter, Violet Patterson; three sons, Roy Parham, Virgil Parham and
Irvin Pickle; and sixteen grandchildren. McNairy County Independent
Wagoner, Olahs Franklin – 85 – of Stantonville, died December 5, 1997 of heart
failure at Magnolia Regional Hospital in Corinth. He was a retired self employed
mechanic and farmer. Services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 6, at Mt.
Sharon Presbyterian Church in Gilchrist with Don Lawrence and Ted Houston
officiating. Burial was in Mt. Vinson Cemetery. Mr. Wagoner was preceded in death
by his parents, Lonie Pounds Wagoner and Cad James Wagoner. He is survived by his
wife, Clara Wagoner of Stantonville, one son, Billy W. Wagoner of Stantonville,
one brother, Delos Wagoner of Adamsville, two grandchildren and four great-
grandchildren. PDG
WAGONER, ROBERT - McNairy County Independent - July 11, 1930 - Another Veteran
Dies Robert Wagoner, more than four score years of age, died at his home near
old Purdy last week, July 3, 1930, and was buried at the old Bethesda graveyard.
Rev. Daniel, of Bethel Springs, conducted the funeral. Mr. Wagoner had spent his
long life in the community where he died, and was the son of Jacob Wagoner, a
pioneer citizen of that community. He is survived by his wife and one son, Walter
Wagoner. The deceased was well known in Selmer where he visited many times, and by
all who knew him, he was held in high esteem. Joe Wagoner, a prominent citizen of
Bethesda community is a brother. 1844-1930 Bethesda Cemetery.
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WAGONER, ROSA - McNairy County Independent - April 7, 1950 - Mrs Rosa Wagoner,
wife of Jack Wagoner, of Selmer died in the Community Hospital, Corinth, Miss on
March 28, 1950. She was 37 years, 8 months and 27 days of age. She was a member
of the Presbyterian Church at Bethesda. Funeral services were held at Bethesda on
Wednesday, March 29, with burial in the cemetery there. Besides her husband, she
is survived by her parents, Mr and Mrs J B Murray; two sisters, Mrs Lessie
Etheridge and Ernestine Murray, all of Selmer; three brothers, Claude of Selmer,
Eulis of Jackson and Everett of Bemis. She had been sick for a long time but bore
her suffering with patience and courage. All was done that loving hands could do,
but God called her to come. His will be done not ours. She can’t come back to us,
but we can go to her if we trust in the Savior that she trusted.
WAGONER, WALTER L - McNairy County Independent - Dec 22, 1950 - Mr Walter L
Wagoner, age 73, died at his home on Rt 2, Bethel Springs, on Saturday Dec 16,
1950. Funeral services, conducted by Bro Dixon of Bethel Springs, were held at the
Bethesda Church on Sunday, Dec 17 at 2:00 pm. Burial was in the cemetery there.
Mr Wagoner is survived by his wife, Mrs Martha Wagoner; three daughters, Mrs C S
Rogers, Mrs C H Brewer( third one not listed.) Four step daughters, Mrs Onie
Henson, Mrs Ollie Arp, Mrs Hattie Lawrence and Mrs Odel Montgomery. Three step
sons, Odell, Otis and L B Moore.
WILLIAM ENLOE WAGONER, 91, died on wed., Mar. 8, 2000, at Tri-County Convalescent
Home in Adamsville of heart failure. He was a retired farmer; farmed all his
life, and was a truck driver for McNairy County Highway Department. He was a
member of Clear Creek Baptist Church. Services took place at 1 p.m. on Fri.,
Mar. 10, at Clear Creek Baptist Church. Burial was held at Clear Creek Baptist
Cemetery in Selmer. Officiating the services was Minister Lamar Bell. Pallbearers
were grandsons, Steve Prather, Lynn Prather, Ryan Prather, Corey Prather, Teddy
Rodger, Jr., and Joseph Wagoner. Mr. Wagoner was preceded in death by his
parents, Edgar and Rosa Lee Bearden Wagoner. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy
Louise Wagoner, three daughters, Carolyn Grooms of Colllierville, Nancy Morris of
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Adamsville, and Martha Rodgers of Counce, one son, Joe Wagoner of Selmer, nine
grandchildren and eight g-grandchildren.
EDWIN LAWRENCE WAGSTER, 70, died on Friday, Feb. 18, 2000, at his home. He was
an installer for Western Electric Telephone Company, a Baptist, and a Veteran
of WWII. Services took place at 1 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 20, at Shackelford Chapel
in Selmer. Burial was held at Moore's Schoolhouse Cemetery in Selmer. Mr.
Wagster is survived by his wife, Helen Wagster, one daughter, Carol Ann Roberts
of Friendship, three step-daughters, Melanie Lipford of Humboldt, and Margie Link
and Mary Otain both of Peru, Ill., two sons, Gerald Wayne Wagster of Paris
and Edwin Larry Wagster of Buchanan, five step-sons, Barry Gene Autry and Bret
(Bubba) Autry of Huntingdon, and Sonny Kaszynaki, Tom Kaszynaki, and Mike
Kaszynaki all of Peru, Ill, two sisters, Inez Everett and Mildred Chandler
both of Newbern, two brothers, Troy Wagster of Newbern and Wilson Sawyer of
Paris, and four grandchildren.
Mr. Billy D. Walker of Selmer, 74, died September 5, 2001, at Jackson Madison
County General Hospital in Jackson of cancer. Mr. Walker was a retired route
salesman and a member of the Selmer First United Methodist Church. He had also
served in the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by his parents John F. and Ruby
Surratt Walker. He is survived by his wife Diane Walker; four daughters, Susan
Hendrix of Selmer, Mollya Likens of Memphis, Amanda Ingle of Bethel Springs, and
Polly Jordan of Selmer; one son, Jeff Walker of Ramer; and nine grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mr. Walker were held September 8 at 1 p.m. at Shackelford
Chapel in Selmer with Dr. Paul Mullikin officiating. Burial followed in the Lake
Hill Memory Gardens in Bethel.
Billy D Walker - Selmer Tn – Funeral services for Billy D. Walker, 74, will be
held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 8, 2001 at the Shackelford Chapel in Selmer.
Burial will follow in Lake Hill Memory Gardens. Mr. Walker died Wednesday
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September 5, 2001, at Jackson Madison County General Hospital. Survivors include
his wife, Diane Weaver Walker; daughters, Susan Hendrix and Polly Jordan both of
Selmer, Mollye Likens of Memphis, TN, Amanda Ingle of Bethel Springs, TN; son Jeff
Walker of Ramar, TN and nine Grandchildren.
WALKER, CLERISA - McNairy County Independent March 21, 1930 - We have just
learned of the death of Mrs. Clerisa Walker, who died at the home of her son,
Truman Walker, west of Adamsville on Tuesday night. She was buried at Adamsville
on the following afternoon. She was a member of an old and prominent family, a
daughter of the late Billie Mills, and was reared in the old Winding Ridge
community. We made mention of this good old woman in our last issue. (Maybe
Elizabeth Walker buried at Adamsville, died Mar 19, 1930. Funeral record says
March 18.)
Tragic Ending E. E. Walker, aged 50 years, took his life on the afternoon of
February 17, 1930, in a room in his home just south of Bethel Springs. He shot
himself through the heart with a pistol. Brooding over financial trouble and
litigation is said to have unbalanced him, reports being that he has been in a
farmer, and recently purchased the Hartman farm, moving there from his old farm
north of McNairy. Surviving him are his wife and several children and other
relatives, Esq. Walker, of the 16th is a brother.
WALKER, E. E.- E. E. Walker, aged 50 years, took his life on the afternoon of
February 17, 1930, in a room in his home just south of Bethel Springs. He shot
himself through the heart with a pistol. Brooding over financial trouble and
litigation is said to have unbalanced him, reports being that he has been into
farming, and recently purchased the Hartman farm, moving there from his old farm
north of McNairy. Surviving him are his wife and several children and others
relatives, Esq. Walker, of the 16th is a brother.
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WALKER, EVERETT C. – Everett C. Walker, 93, of Selmer died on December 19, 1987 at
McNairy County General Hospital. Funeral services were held at Shackelford Funeral
Home Chapel on Monday morning with Elmer Weaver officiating. Burial was in Clear
Creek Cemetery. He was the son of the late Tommy and Lucy Harris Walker and was
married to the late Mary B. Ward Walker. He was a retired farmer and a member of
the Primitive Baptist Church. Survivors include a son, Willard Walker of Selmer; a
daughter, Mrs. Dortha Browder of Selmer; five grandchildren and seven great-
grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WALKER, FLOYD P. FPC - McNairy County Independent - Friday, September 9, 1949 -
Private First Class, Floyd P. Walker, age 19, who list his life while in the
service of his country, Jan 8, 1945, was returned for burial on Sept 2. He is a
son of Mrs. Mason Walker of Adamsville. Funeral services were held in the
National Cemetery at Shiloh Park, with the National Guard assisting in the
services. Besides is mother, PFC Walker is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Roy
Raines and Mrs. Ray Jones, both of Stantonville.
WALKER, GUY - McNairy County Independent - July 25, 1930 - Guy Walker Instantly
Killed Guy Walker, a young man of perhaps twenty, was instantly killed on highway
No 5 about a mile north of Bethel Springs Monday night , in July 1930, about eight
o'clock when he was dashed to the pavement from a truck load of feed stuff. His
skull was severely crushed and he died before the driver of the truck and other
could reach him. The manner in which he was hurled from the truck was indeed
strange. He was holding a large sign, an advertisement of the same brand of feed
stuff upon which he had been riding, and the wind, taking hold of the sign, blew
both it and the youth to the pavement. Guy Walker lived at McNairy and is survived
by his mother and a brother and a sister. He was a son of the late Erwin Walker.
WALKER, JOHN VIRGIL – John Virgil Walker, 71, of Adamsville died on April 26, 1988
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at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. Services were held on Thursday
afternoon at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Mars Hill Cemetery.
He was the son of the late Luther and Mollie Harris Walker. He was employed as a
welder. Survivors include a son, Jimmy Dean Walker of Memphis; two daughters,
Annis Jane Ross of Senatobia, MS and Janice Word of Southhaven, MS; three
brothers, Verdell Walker and Rayburn Walker, both of Adamsville, and Adell Walker
of Medina; three sisters, Sletta Hudson of Martin, Lavonna Treece of Adamsville,
and Florence Watson of Valrico, FL; six grandchildren and two great-
grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNT INDEPENDENT
LORRIANE WALKER, 82, died on Wed., Sept. 1, 1999, at Jackson Madison County
General Hospital of heart failure. She was retired from Texas Bolt as an
inspector. Services took place at 1 p.m. on Sat., Sept 4, at Shackelford Chapel
in Adamsville. Burial was held at Mars hill Cemetery in Adamsville. Officiating
the services were Ministers James Flatt and Mack Dunlap. Pallbearers were Jimmy
Wright, Paul Wright, Jerry Wright, Bill Wright, Mike Wright, and Phillip Wright.
Mrs. Walker was preceded in death by her husband Luther W. Walker, her parents
Hubert and Sallie Pyron Wright, two brothers, Orphas W. Wright, Orval L. Wright,
Willard W. Wright and Wilford W. Wright. She is survived by one sister, Georgie
Couch of Adamsville and a host of nieces and nephews.
WALKER, LUCY ALMEDA - McNairy County Independent - October 20, 1950 - Mrs Lucy
Almeda Walker, age 82, died at her residence near Adamsville on Friday, October
13, 1950. Funeral services, conducted by Bro J O Dillon, were held at the Mt
Vinson Church on Saturday, Oct 14, with burial in the Mt Vinson Cemetery. The
deceased was a Primitive Baptist. She is survived by three sons: Rev G C Walker,
DR Walker and E C Walker; seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren; three
brothers, L G Harris, G F Harris and M A Harris and one sister, Mr R E Landreth.
WALKER, LUTHER ALBERT - McNairy County Independent - Sept 14, 1951 - Mr Luther
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Albert Walker, age 67, died at his residence in Bethel Springs, Aug 30, 1951. He
was a Missionary Baptist. Funeral Services were held at Mars Hill and burial was
in the cemetery there. He is survived by three daughters, Mrs Ecard Treece, Mrs
Russell Plunk and Mrs L G Watson and five sons, Vardell Walker, H A Walker, Luther
W Walker, J B Walker and Reyburn Walker
WALKER, MURRAY F - McNairy County Independent - April 7, 1950 - Services for
Murray Flankin Walker, retired mail carrier of Finger, Tenn was held a 2 pm
Tuesday afternoon at Finger church of Christ. Burial was in the Finger Cemetery
under the direction of Morgan Funeral Home. Mr Walker who was 83, died Monday
afternoon after a brief illness. He was the son of William C and Susie Long
Walker, pioneer McNairy County citizens. He served as president of Union Savings
Band and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Home Banking company at
Finger. Mr Walker had also served as a member of the McNairy County Equalization
Board. He was a member of Finger church of Christ, and was one of the first rural
mail carriers in McNairy County. He leaves his wife, Mrs Fannie Walker of
Finger; two sons, Frank Walker of Cairo, Ill and Edgar Walker of Chickasha, Okla;
four daughters, Mrs Eva Brooks of finger, Mrs C E Kiser of Morristown, Tenn, Mrs J
H Beck of Sheffield, Ala and Miss Ruby Walker of Finger; two sisters Mrs W S young
and Mrs G T Naylor, both of Finger.
WALLACE, AMBROPUS P - McNairy County Independent - Friday, November 4, 1949 -
Mr A P Wallace, age 76, of the guys community died on Monday, October 31. He was a
Baptist. Funeral services, conducted by Bro Armour, were held at the Baptist
church at Chewalla on Tuesday, November 1 with interment in the Indian Creek
Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Home was in charge. The deceased is survived by
three sisters, Mrs Lyla Jones, Mrs C T Prince and Mrs M N Mullins and one brother
Crawford Wallace.
WALLACE, BETTY DAWN - McNairy County Independent - February 15, 1979 - Two Selmer
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residents were killed Saturday afternoon following a two vehicle collision five
miles east of Selmer, Tennessee on Highway 142. The victims were identified as
Robert Lynn Floyd, 26; and Dawn Wallace. Betty Dawn Wallace, a resident of
Selmer, died Saturday (February 10, 1979) at McNairy County General Hospital
following an automobile accident. (She was born April 26, 1960.) Funeral services
were held Monday in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home with Bro. Foy Huckabee
officiating. Burial was in the Falcon Cemetery. She was the daughter of the late
Ralph Wallace and a member of the Methodist Church. She is survived by her
mother, Mrs. Pauline Huckabee, her step-father, Delbert Huckabee, Selmer; one
sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Randall, South Haven, Miss; grandfather, Clifton A. Thorne,
Belleville, Ill; grandmother, Mrs. Artie Carmen, Selmer
WALLACE, MARGARET SCOTT – Mrs. Margaret Scott Wallace, 74, of Selmer, died May 24,
1983, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospita. She would have been 75
Friday. Funeral services will be Thursday afternoon, May 26, at Shackelford
Funeral Home, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. She was the daughter of the late
Chester A. and Cubie Scott, and widow of Herman G. Wallace, Sr. Mrs. Wallace was a
member of the Presbyterian Church, and had taught Sunday School class since she
was 16 years old. She had served as president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the
local church, and was also an officer of the West Tennessee Presbyterian Society.
She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star for more than 50 years,
was past president of the PTA, Selmer High School Alumni Association, past
president and charger member of the Junior Civic League. She was a charter member
of the Selmer Lioness Club, a member and past president of the Argonaut Book
Club. She leaves one son, Herman Gillis Wallace, Jr. of Selmer; one sister, Mrs.
Ethelyn Thomas of Clarksville; a brother, Alton B. Scott of Selmer; and several
nieces and nephews. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WALLACE, MAUDE - McNairy County Independent - April 6, 1951 - Mrs Maude Reeder
Wallace, age 72, passed away at Booneville, Miss hospital, March 25, 1951. She
was the daughter of Henry and Frankie Williams Reeder. She was married to W O
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Wallace, who survives, 53 years ago and they spent their lives in the Ramer
neighborhood. She was the mother of two sons and seven daughters, all of whom
survives: Jim and Henry Wallace of Ramer; Mrs Bryan Jones of Selmer; Mrs Roy
Branstetter of Memphis; Mrs Carl Patrick of Mark Tree, Ark; Mrs Mildred Selle, Mrs
Hugh Hamilton, Mrs Walter Ayers and Miss Lucy Mae Wallace off Ramer. She is
survived by several half-sisters and brothers residing in Texas and seven
grandchildren.
Mrs Wallace united with the Methodist Church when a child. She suffered a long
and painful illness. The funeral was held at the Ramer school auditorium. Elder J
D Holder, Primitive Baptist minister of Corinth and Rev M E Hines, pastor of the
Ramer Baptist Church conducted the service. Her grandsons were pall bearers and
grandchildren flower girls. Burial was in the Ramer Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral
Home in charge.
WALLACE, S K - McNairy County Independent - September 30, 1949 - Funeral services
for Samuel Kennell Wallace, 83, who died Thursday, Sept 15, 1949, at his home in
Washington, D C were held Saturday, Sept 17 in Hines Funeral Home by his pastor
Rev Orris G Robinson, of Calvary Methodist Church in Washington. Interment was in
Cedar Hill cemetery, where the Masonic service was held. He was born and lived in
Tennessee, except the last three years of his life were spent in Washington, DC.
He gave his heart to God early in life and was united with the M E Church,
remaining faithful all his life. He attended services regularly as long as his
health would permit. Surviving are his wife, Hulda McHughes; two daughters Mrs
Hazel W Brown and Mrs Lois W Mccullar, all of Washington, DC and one sister Mrs J
C Milstead of Selmer, also several nieces and nephews.
W. W. WALLACE - McNairy County Independent, July 3, 1903 - W. W. Wallace was
born in North Carolina on the 26th of August 1823. His parents brought him to
Tennessee when but a child. He was principally brought up in Tennessee, where he
had his Spiritual birth by faith in Christ, when but a child he joined the M. E.
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Church South, of which he made a consistent member until death. Soon after his
conversion he went to work in prayer meetings and other church work. His delight
was to give glory to God and peace on earth. He was married to Elizabeth Lockman
Feb. 25, 1847. They had 5 children born to them. After this the affectionate
companion and mother died a triumphant death in the Lord. Later he was married to
Cyrena Nethery, March 1, 1857. They had seven children born to them. In 1867 he
was licensed to preach in the M. E. Church South.
I never knew anything of him but an earnest Christian worker and a loyal citizen.
An aged brother in Christ rose up at the burial of the one of whom we write and
expressed himself as having known him from a young man and had never know anything
contrary to those Christian virtues. He was a Mason of the ancient type, made at
heart in truth and virtue, under the tongue of good report raised to the degree of
a Master Mason in Gravel Hill Lodge, McNairy Co., Tenn. He was a man of prayer. I
do not know when he erected his family alter but it was in operation about 47
years ago. He leaves a wife and eight children to mourn the loss of a good husband
and father. All have been converted to God but one. As the father can no longer
live to plead with the son, will all who read this offer a prayer for him? Father
died at his home in McNairy County, June 2, 1903. J. W. W. August 26, 1923 - June
2, 1903 Neathery Cemetery.
WALLS, BOY - McNairy County Independent June 21, 1918 - Willy Walls, of
Adamsville was in town this week. A fourteen year old son of Mr. Walls was drowned
in the Tennessee river last week. The boy had gone swimming and got into a
suckhole, and was drowned. The bereaved family have the sympathy of all of their
family.
WALLIS, MICHAEL CLIFTON - A Ramer teenager became McNairy County’s third summer
traffic fatality last week, August 13, 1986, when the car he was riding in struck
a utility pole and overturned. State Trooper Robert Harben identified the victim
as 18 year old Michael Clifton Wallis, passenger in a 1973 Olds Cutlass driven by
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another 18 year old Ramer man, Darren Kevin Stanfield. Stanfield was treated at
Elvis Presley Trauma Center and released over the weekend. A third 18 year old
Ramer man, Brian Null, was unhurt in the accident which occurred around 10 pm
August 13, one half mile north of Bethel Springs on US45. According to Harben,
Stanfield’s vehicle went out of control, left the road, struck a utility pole and
then overturned. No charges have been filed and the accident is still under
investigation, he said. Services for Wallis were held at 2 pm Friday at
Shackelford Funeral Home chapel with Reverends Wayburn Cooper and Steven Essary
officiating. Burial was in Mount Vernon Cemetery near Ramer. He was a member of
Butler’s Chapel Baptist church and lived in Ramer most of his life. He was
employed at Smith’s Cabinet Makers in Corinth, Miss. Survivors include his
parents, Mr and Mrs Bill Wallis of Ramer; a sister Teresa Wallis of Ramer; two
brothers, Anderson Harold Wallis of Corinth and Charles Allen Wallis of Ramer; his
grandparents, Mr and Mrs Mike Hensley of Ramer and Mrs Fannie McClister of
Corinth.
WILLIE MARIE LOFTON WALLS of Selmer, 72, died August 20, 2001 of cardiac arrest at
Methodist Healthcare-McNairy Hospital in Selmer. Ms. Walls was a retired waitress
and a member of New Salem Church. She was preceded in death by her mother,
Eassie Pearl Jenkins Stivers; her step-father, Thomas Hendrix Strivers; her
father, Alonzo Lofton; and her half-sister, Helen Louise Sullivan. She is
survived by one sister, Melva S. Coleman of Selmer; one brother, John C. Stivers
of Bethel Springs; two nieces, Rhonda Williams and Margaret Still; one nephew,
Robert Coleman; two great nephews and one great niece. Funeral services for Ms.
Walls were held Wed., Aug. 22 at 3 p.m. at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer with Aaron
Moss officiating. Burial followed at New Salem Cemetery in Bethel Springs. The
family requests memorials be made to the American lung Association.
CAROLYN OZELLA WALTERS, age 54, died on Mon. Feb. 8, 1999, at her home in
Savannah of probable heart attack. She was an operator for various garment
factories, worked in restaurants, and lived most of her life in Savannah.
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Services took place at 11 a.m. on Wed., Feb. 10, 1999, at Graham United
Methodist Church near Savannah. Burial was held at Graham Cemetery near Savannah.
Mrs. Walters is survived by her daughter, Teresa Robinson of Springfield, four
sons, Billy Pinson, Timmy Glenn Hill, Michael Hill, and David Allen Hill all of
Savannah, one brother, David Brown of Savannah, and six grandchildren.
WARD, CHARLIE TROY – Charlie Troy Ward, 80, of Selmer, died Wednesday, April 27,
1983, at McNairy County General Hospital. Funeral services were held Friday, April
29, at Clear Creek Baptist Church, with the Revs. Randy Wolfe, Rady Bynum, and
Lamar Ball officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with Shackelford
Funeral Home in charge of funeral arrangements. He was the son of the late John
and Catherine Sharp Ward. A retired farmer, Mr. Ward had served as a deacon of
Clear Creek Baptist Church for thirty years. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Ola Ward; a
daughter, Mrs. Fred Templeton of Adamsville; a brother, Roy Ward of Adamsville;
two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
DAN D. WARD, 68, died on Sat., Jan. 1, 2000, at his residence of heart
failure. He was owner and operator of Exkell Inc. dealing in garment
manufacturing machinery. He was a Korean War Army Veteran. Veterans of Foreign
Wars member, past president of first Lions Club in Morgantown, Ky., former
Commissioner and Mayor of Adamsville, Mason and Shriner, and member of
Adamsville First United Methodist Church. He was Plant Manager for Kellwood
Manufacturing for 10 years, then at Harwood Mfg. For 2 years. He then formed
his own company. He graduated from Livingston High School and attended
Tennessee Tech. Services took place at 3 p.m. on Tues., Jan. 4, 2000, at
Adamsville First United Methodist Church. Burial was held at Adamsville
Cemetery. Mr. Ward is survived by his wife, Sofia Wolfbeiss ward of
Adamsville, one daughter, Dede Ward Casteel, two sister, Malise Beerman of
Lakeland, Fla., and Juanita Webb of Nashville, two brother, A. R. Ward, Jr.,
of Bowie, Md., and Dr. James Ward of Rome, Ga., and three grandchildren.
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Ward, Nelson – 82 – died on July 13, 1998 at Jackson -Madison County General
Hospital of heart failure. Services were held Wednesday, July 15, at 1:30 p.m. at
Clear Creek Baptist Church with Chuck Castles and Lamar Ball officiating. Burial
followed at Clear Creek Cemetery in Selmer, Tn. Pallbearers were Jimmy Templeton,
Tommy Prather, Bobby Browder, Joe David Pettigrew, Jimmy Thomas and T.L. Pickens.
Mr. Ward was preceded in death by his wife, Maedell Browder Ward, his parents,
Arita Miller Ward and Carl Ward, one son, James Ward, and two brothers, Sterling
Ward and Samuel Ward. He is survived by one son, Larry Wayne Ward of Stantonville,
Tn., one sister, Mildred Miller of Meridian, Ms., two brothers, Arnold Ward and
Carlos Ward, both of Selmer, Tn., two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. PDG
WARDLOW, AUBURN - Mr. Auburn Wardlow, age 38, died at the Veterans Hospital in
Memphis on Tuesday, August 26, 1952. Funeral services, conducted by Bro. Bill
Bailey, were held at the Gravel Hill Baptist Church on Aug. 27, at 2:00 p.m.
Burial was in the cemetery there, with Shackelford Funeral Directors in
charge. Survivors include: wife, Mrs. A. Wardlow; father, Henry K. Wardlow;
sisters, Mrs. Katherine Calhoun, Mrs. Nellie Mae Oliver, Mrs. Bertha Pippenger;
and three brothers, T. J., Alfred and David Wardlow. McNairy County Independent
WARDLOW, CREED H - Creed H Wardlow, 82, retired carpenter, died Wednesday, Sept
14, 1995, of cancer at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. Services will be
at 11 am at Shackelford Funeral Home in Selmer with burial in Gravel Hill Cemetery
near there. He was a member of Gravel Hill Baptist Church. Mr Wardlow, the husband
of Loraine Bolding Wardlow, also leaves two daughters, Betty McAlpin of Bartlett
and Nancy Kennedy of Selmer; two sons, Gary Wardlow of Berwyn, Ill and Phillip
Wardlow of Selmer; two sisters, Jo Barnes of Selmer and Martha Howell of Memphis;
11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Wardlow, D.C. - Funeral services for David Clifton Wardlow, 95, will be at 1
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p.m. Wednesday at Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer. Burial will be in New
Bethel Cemetery near Pocahontas. Mr. Wardlow died this morning at the Medicenter
in Jackson He was a retired Merchant and a member of the Church of Christ and a
Mason for 62 years. Surviving are four sons, M.L. Wardlow of Pocahontas, M.J.
Wardlow of Knoxville, L.C. Wardlow of Tucson, Ariz. And D.C. Wardlow of Arelta,
Calif.; one brother, Van Wardlow of Ramer ; six grandchildren and seven great-
grandchildren. Died before Dec 14, 1972.
WARDLOW, HENRY CAGE - Services for Henry Gage Wardlow, of 208 Childs, were held
this morning at Coleman Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Lathon Bray
officiating. Burial was in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Wardlow, a retired mail carrier
and teacher, died Saturday night, Feb. 10, 1968, at his home after a long
illness. He was 82. He was born in McNairy County, Tenn., and was a member of
Lebanon Methodist Church, and was a Mason. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Mary Reese
Wardlow; three sons, Alford Wardlow of Michie, Davis Wardlow of Memphis, and T.J.
Wardlow of Millington, Tenn.; three daughters, Mrs. Bertha Pippenger of Michie,
Mrs. Katherine Calhoun of Cadiz, Ky., and Mrs. Nettie Mae Oliver of Vermillion,
Ohio; a sister, Mrs. Mandy Teague of Ramer, Tenn.; 15 grandchildren, and 15 great-
grandchildren.
WARDLOW, HENRY S. - McNairy County Independent - Henry S. Wardlow died at the home
of his son, Henry Cage Wardlow, near Michie on the morning of August 29, 1930.
His remains were laid to rest in the old family burying grounds at New Hope. Rev.
Scruggs his pastor conducted the funeral, John Templeton, Rev. Isaac Young and W.
K. Abernathy made brief talks. R. B. Gooch was the undertaker in charge. Mr.
Wardlow was born in February, 1854 and was the son of James and Memphis Wardlow,
pioneer settlers in the south part of the county. He spent the greater part of his
life in the New Hope community and was widely and favorable known. For a long time
he had been suffering from a cancer and throughout his long confinement he was
patient and uncomplaining. The deceased had lived for a long time with his son and
beside this son, he is survived by one daughter, several grandchildren and many
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brothers and sisters. Mrs. Sarah Sweatt, of Selmer, is a sister. Feb 1854 - August
29, 1930 – New Hope Cemetery.
WARDLOW, JAMES K - James Kenneth Wardlow, 71, of Ramer, died December 7, 1994, at
McNairy County General Hospital after a long illness. Services were held at
Shackelford Funeral chapel with Dr Virgil Todd officiating. Burial was in Ramer
Cemetery. The son of the late Carrie Dora Haynes Wardlow and Van Buren Wardlow,
he was a retired farmer, a WWII veteran serving in the Navy, a member and deacon
of Ramer Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Inetha Smith
Wardlow; one son, Bobby Wardlow; two daughters, Kay Churchwell and Pat McMahan,
all of Ramer; one brother, Creed Wardlow of Ramer; two sisters, Nell Jo Barnes of
Selmer, Martha Howell of Memphis, and six grandchildren.
WARDLOW, JAMES TERRY - Little James Terry Wardlow, age 3, died at the Baptist
Hospital in Memphis on Thursday, May 1, 1952. He resided with his parents, Mr. and
Mrs. T. J. Wardlow, Memphis. Funeral services, conducted by Bro. Bill Bailey, of
Gravel Hill, were held at the Gravel Hill Baptist Church on Friday, May 2. Burial
was in the cemetery there, with Shackelford Funeral Directors in charge of
arrangements. Besides his parents, the deceased is survived by one sister,
Jorilla Wardlow; and grandfather, H. C. Wardlow. McNairy County Independent
Wardlow, Jessica Dawn – 12 – of Adamsville, died December 2, 1997 at her home. She
was a student at Adamsville Middle School, a member of 4-H and the AMS Chorus, and
a member of Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church. Services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday
at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer with Aaron Moss, Dale Watson and James Smith
officiating. Burial was in Beauty Hill Cemetery. She was the daughter of Teresa
Cummings Wardlow Turner (deceased) and John Wardlow of Ramer. She is survived by
one half-sister, Kelly Wardlow of Selmer, her maternal grandmother, Betty Ann
Smith of Bethel Springs, her paternal grandmother, Gladys Wardlow of Selmer, and
her maternal great-grandmother, Maudie Brown of Selmer. PDG
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Mr. Joe Ralph Wardlow departed this life on February 23, 2013 in Savannah,
Tennessee at the age of 91 Years, 8 Months, 19 Days. He is survived by a son,
Billie Slaughter and wife Diane of Shiloh, TN; six grandchildren, Duane
Sanders and wife Vickie of Shiloh, TN, Marilyn Cruz of Las Vegas , NV, Cheryl
Sanders of Valparaiso, IN, Pam Buttin and husband Jimmy of Corinth , MS, Wendy
Talley and husband Randy of Corinth, MS, Tera Mynatt of New Albany, MS; a brother,
James Wardlow of Pelham, AL; a sister, Verna (Wardlow) Curtis of Wynne, AR; eleven
great grandchildren, seven great great grandchildren; a very special friend Sue
Dodd; host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Wardlow was preceded in death by a son,
James Thomas Sanders and wife Glyna ; and four brothers, Elmer, Leonard, Lawrence,
and Murry Wardlow; two sisters, Dora Wardlow Parker and Sally Wardlow Yelverton.
WARDLOW, MITTIE LEE – Mittie Lee Wardlow, 90, of Michie died Tuesday, Nov. 11,
1986 at McNairy County General Hospital after a long illness. Funeral services
were held Wednesday afternoon at Michie Church of God of Prophecy with Rev. Billy
Benson officiating. Burial was in Center Hill Cemetery. The daughter of the late
Jim and Ann Marlar, she was the widow of John Walter Wardlow. She leaves a son,
W.G. Wardlow of Memphis; three daughters, Mrs. Loraine Gray of Michie, Mrs.
Verneal Griswell of Selmer, and Mrs. Kathelene Harvell of Memphis; seventeen
grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-
grandchildren. Pall bearers were Terry Baker, Tony Baker, Shawn Gray, Perry Price,
Lloyd Gray, and Zane Wardlow. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WARDLOW, ORIES KELCIE - McNairy County Independent - October 13, 1950 - Mr O K
Wardlow, age 57, died at his home in the Pebble Hill community on Monday, October
9, 1950. Funeral services were held at the Pebble Hill Church on Wednesday,
October 11 at 2:00 pm. Interment was in the Pebble Hill cemetery. Shackelford
Funeral Directors were in charge of arrangements. The deceased is survived by his
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wife, Mrs Cam Wardlow; one daughter Miss Mary Wardlow; five sons, Aubrey, L C,
Fred, Gerry and F G Wardlow; four sisters, Mrs George Brush, Mrs Bertha Huggins,
Mrs Vera Cole and Mrs Gilbert Jones and ten grandchildren.
McNairy County Independent July, 1938: About nine o'clock, Saturday night, July
16, 1938, Oscar Wardlow was suddenly killed when run over and mangled by a
southbound freight train on the Mobile & Ohio tracks one mile south of Guys, just
in McNairy county. It is reported th at he was sitting on the end of the ties
when struck. The Gooch Funeral Home took charge of the remains and prepared the
same for burial. The funeral was held at the old Holly Church, conducted by
Elder Forrest Bailey. The deceased is survived by his wife who was in Arkansas at
the time, and children and the following brothers: James W of Riley, Miss; Art of
Moscow; Cliff of Pocahontas; Con of Corinth Miss; Van of Ramer; Edgar of
Pocahontas and
John of Decatur, Ala. His two surviving sisters are Mrs Wil l Hooker of Guys and
Mrs S K Fowlkes of Ramer. He was one of twins, the other brother being Edgar of
Pocahontas. He was 55 years of age, and belonged to an old and prominent family of
the county. The pallbearers were his nephews: Lee Leatherwood, Cleo Leatherwood,
William Wardlow, George Wardlow, Suter (?) Norris and Robert Reeder. The flower
girls were his nieces, Bernice Wardlow, Mary L Lindsey, Claudie Murphree, Pearl
Oliver, Nell Jo Barnes, Carlie Smith, Louise Phillips, Martha Jo Phillips. We
extend sympathy to those who mourn the death of the deceased
WARDLOW, THOMAS ALFRED - March 17, 1973 - Michie Man Found Dead In Hit-Run - A 64
year old Michie man was killed late Saturday when struck by an automobile on
Highway 22 in Michie, according to McNairy County Sheriff Clifford Coleman.
Coleman said that the body of Thomas Alfred Wardlow, of Rt 1, Michie, was found
along the edge of the highway about 6:45 pm, Saturday afternoon by Gerald Sanders
and Ronnie Knight as they were passing by. The county corner estimated that
Wardlow had been dead approximately 30 minutes when found, according to the
sheriff. Coleman said that Wardlow had left a store, about 150 yards from the
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accident scene, about 6:15 pm, apparently walking home. He lived about 1 miles
from where he was killed, authorities noted. Although there were no leads, an
intensive search was launched late Saturday and Sunday in Alcorn County, Miss and
McNairy, Hardin and Hardeman counties in Tennessee. Coleman said this morning
that the search has been to ‘no avail,’ so far. Funeral services for Wardlow are
scheduled today at the Michie Missionary Baptist Church with interment in the
Michie Cemetery. Rev. Lathon Bray will officiate. Wardlow was a member of the
Methodist church and a retired farmer. (NK Note: Wardlow was a Methodist, the
funeral was held in at the Missionary Baptist Church and burial at the Michie
Primitive Baptist Cemetery.) He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Athalee Wardlow of
Michie, 2 sons, Billy Wayne Wardlow of Corinth, and Bobby Dean Wardlow of Michie;
one daughter, Mrs. Janice Dixon of Michie; one brother T. J. Wardlow of
Millington, Tenn; 2 sisters, Mrs. Kathrine Calhoun of Kentucky and Mrs. Nettie
Oliver of Ohio.
Willard O. Wardlow of Selmer, 76, died Thursday, November 14, 2002 at his
residence in Montgomery, Texas. Mr. Wardlow was retired from I.T.T. in Selmer. He
was an Army Veteran of World War II, a VFW Member, and a Selmer Moose Lodge
Member. He was preceded in death by his parents, Casey and Ethel Hunt Wardlow; and
his wife, Doris Lindemann Wardlow. He is survived by two daughters, Rhonda Dix of
Ramer and Brenda Jarvis of Montgomery, Texas; a son, Mike Wardlow of Montgomery,
Texas; and two sisters, Voneda Howard of Michie and Archie Thompson of Grand
Junction. He had six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services were held
at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2002 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with
Minister Malcom George officiating. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memory Garden in
Bethel Springs.
Willard O. Wardlow of Selmer, 76, died Thursday, November 14, 2002 at his
residence in Montgomery, Texas. Mr. Wardlow was retired from I.T.T. in Selmer. He
was an Army Veteran of World War II, a VFW Member, and a Selmer Moose Lodge
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Member. He was preceded in death by his parents, Casey and Ethel Hunt Wardlow; and
his wife, Doris Lindemann Wardlow. He is survived by two daughters, Rhonda Dix of
Ramer and Brenda Jarvis of Montgomery, Texas; a son,Mike Wardlow of Montgomery,
Texas; and two sisters, Voneda Howard of Michie and Archie Thompson of Grand
Junction. He had six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services were held
at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 17,2002 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with
Minister Malcom George officiating. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memory Garden in
Bethel Springs
WARDLOW, JAMES W Jr - McNairy County Independent - November 17, 1950 - James
William Wardlow, age 89, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs Joe Norris,
Shreveport, La, Nov 6, 1950 at 2:10 am. Mr Wardlow was born July 25, 1861 in
Alcorn County (raised in McNairy County.) In young manhood he married a Miss Cook
of Alcorn County. This union was blessed with three daughters, Lillian, Mrs Joe
Norris; Myrtle, Mrs J O Kendrick, Harlington, Texas; Mrs W O Baird, Henderson,
Tenn. Mrs Wardlow preceded Mr Wardlow in death over 30 years ago. Mr Wardlow was
in business at Essary Springs and Pocahontas (Hardeman County, Tenn) before going
to Ripley, Miss where he was successful in the lumber and ginning business. Mr
Wardlow built the Church of Christ at Ripley and was carried there Wednesday
morning for a memorial service. Numerous floral pieces and eulogies attested to
the esteem held for this man by members of both races. He was attended by one
colored man for 40 years. Mr Wardlow suffered a broken leg July 1, and was never
able to be up again. Mr Wardlow’s body was brought from Ripley to McPeters Funeral
Home for the funeral and was buried in Henry Cemetery in Corinth with Masonic
Rites. He was 21nd degree Mason. Survivors include his three daughters, a sister
Mrs will Hooker of Guys, a brother and sister of Ramer and five other brothers.
WARDLOW, MILTON - Mr. Milton (Mit) Wardlow, age 82, died at his home in Michie,
Tenn., on Monday, September 1st, 1952. Funeral services were held at the Pebble
Hill Methodist Church the following day, at 3:00 p.m., with Rev. Lindsey Allen
officiating. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Burial was in the Pebble
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Hill cemetery, with Shackelford Funeral Directors in charge. Survivors include:
two daughters, Mrs. Ruby Mills and Mrs. Lola Rickman, of Michie; two sons, C. W.
Wardlow, and Kennie Wardlow, of Michie; sixteen grandchildren, and twelve great-
grandchildren. McNairy County Independent
WARREN, EDSEL B. - 72, of Clifton, died Sept. 29, 2000, at his residence. He was a
U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War, and a heavy equipment operator in
construction. He is preceded in death by his wife Edna Earl Adams Warren. He is
survived by three daughters, Nancy Dicus, of Clifton Sheila Warren of Savannah,
and Sherry Warren of Selmer, one son, Michael Warren of Clifton, one stepson,
Daryl "Roy" Adams of Adamsville, one sister Audrey Sanders of Madisonville, KY,
one brother Guy Warren of Clifton, and four grandchildren. Funeral services were
held at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at Mount Carmel Methodist Church, with burial at Mount
Carmel Cemetery.
J. D. Warren, well known in the south part of the county, and a good citizen, died
suddenly at the home of his son, Thomas, a mile and a half west of here, last
Saturday, Mar 1, 1930. He was 72 years old, and had been in feeble health for
several months. His remains were laid to rest here Sunday by the side of his wife
who died several years ago. Rev. Elbert Bolding conducted the funeral and R. B.
Gooch was the undertaker in charge
WARREN, J D. - McNairy County Independent March 7, 1930 - J. D. Warren, well
known in the south part of the county, and a good citizen, died suddenly at the
home of his son, Thomas a mile and a half west of here, last Saturday. He was 72
years old, and had been in feeble health for several months. His remains were
laid to rest here Sunday by the side of his wife, who died several years ago. Rev.
Elbert Bolding conducted the funeral and R. B. Gooch was the undertaker in charge.
Died Mar 1, 1930. Buried at Gravel Hill.
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WARREN, MARY RUTH - Mrs. Mary Ruth Warren, age 52, a resident of Greenwood, Miss.,
died on Wednesday, February 27, 1952. Her body was brought to McNairy County for
funeral services and burial, which were held at Gravel Hill on Feb. 28. J. D.
Holder and Bro. Dillon were the ministers in charge. She is survived by her
husband, S. B. Warren; two sons, S. B., Jr., and T. J. Warren; one sister, Mrs.
Burton Jones, and one brother, Mr. W. N. Hamm. McNairy County Independent
WARREN, UNA E - Friday, February 13, 1920 Mountain View Times, Mountain View,
Oklahoma - Mrs. Una E. Warren, daughter of J. R. and U. V. Hamm, died February 5,
1920. She was born in McNairy County, Tennessee, on July 14, 1873. She was 46
years, 6 mo and 21 days old. She was married to James A. Warren September 12,
1890, and came to Mountain View in January 1901. Mrs. Warren professed religion
when eleven years of age, uniting with the Cumberland Presbyterian church and had
since lived a consistent Christian life, There being no church here of her faith
she took a very active part in Methodist church affairs. A large number of
sorrowing friends and neighbors bore the evidence of the high esteem in which the
deceased was held. She leaves to mourn her death a husband, father, mother and a
brother, besides a host of relatives and friends. A beautiful floral offering was
sent by the Rogers Lumber Company, but which failed to arrive in time for the
funeral.
Washam, Buford H. – 86 – of Bethel Springs, died January 31, 1998 of heart
failure at Bolivar Community Hospital. He was a farmer and a member of Mt. Gilead
Baptist Church. Services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Shackelford Chapel.
Burial was in Lake Hill Memory Garden. He is survived by his wife, Flossie Brooks
Washam. PDG
Mr. C.G. Washburn, 82 of Selmer, died of heart failure on March 2, 2001 at Tri
County Convalescent Home. Mr. Washburn was a retired Brown Shoe Company and GM&C
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employee. He was a member and Deacon of Falcon Baptist Church and a member of
Selmer Mason Lodge. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Hubert and Mazie
Lutrell Washburn. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee Walker Washburn, two
daughters, Ann Ellis of Selmer and Billie Teague of Selmer, one son, Donnie
Washburn of Selmer, one sister, Edith Tacker of Adamsville, five grandchildren,
Wanda Aristorenas, Kevin Teague, Leann Melton, Samantha Washburn, and Clint
Washburn, three great-grandchildren, Ashley Wilbur, Brittany Wilbur, and Alex
Melton. Services were held at 1 p.m.on Sunday, March 4 at Shackelford Chapel in
Selmer with Minister Jetta Forsythe officiating. Burial was in Falcon Cemetery.
ARBIE PEARSON WASHBURN, age 87, died Mon., Apr. 12, 1999 at her home of cancer.
She was retired from Brown Shoe Company and was also a homemaker. She was a member
of Gravel Hill Baptist Church. Services took place at 11 a.m. Thurs., Apr. 15 at
Gravel Hill Baptist Church. Services were held by Jimmy Garrett, Dual Corbitt and
Maurice Pinkston. Burial was held at Gravel Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were
Terry Pearson, Benny Pearson, Tim Pearson, Ricky Pearson, roger Pearson, Keith
Nichols, and Herby Key. She is survived by her husband, Sam Washburn. She is
also survived by one daughter and one son, Ann Lambert of Ramer, and Rev. Sammy
Washburn of Smithville, Miss. She is also survived by a sister, Lucille McCormack
of Ramer, and two half-brothers, Billy Pearson of Chicago, Ill. and Lynn Pearson
of Selmer. She is preceded in death by one sister, Alma Washburn, one brother,
Lowell Pearson, two nieces, Virginia Nichols and Meat Key. She had five
grandchildren, John Lambert of Memphis, Mark Lambert of Ramer, Missy Sligh of
Fulton, Miss., Joel Washburn of Smithville, Miss., and Luke Washburn also of
Smithville, Miss.
Mr. C.G. Washburn, 82 of Selmer, died of heart failure on March 2, 2001 at Tri
County Convalescent Home. Mr. Washburn was a retired Brown Shoe Company and GM&C
employee. He was a member and Deacon of Falcon Baptist Church and a member of
Selmer Mason Lodge. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Hubert and Mazie
Lutrell Washburn. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee Walker Washburn, two
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daughters, Ann Ellis of Selmer and Billie Teague of Selmer, one son, Donnie
Washburn of Selmer, one sister, Edith Tacker of Adamsville, five grandchildren,
Wanda Aristorenas, Kevin Teague, Leann Melton, Samantha Washburn, and Clint
Washburn, three great-grandchildren, Ashley Wilbur, Brittany Wilbur, and Alex
Melton. Services were held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 4 at Shackelford Chapel in
Selmer with Minister Jetta Forsythe officiating. Burial was in Falcon Cemetery.
Mary Lee Washburn of Selmer, 83, died December 25, 2002 at Methodist Le Bonheur
McNairy Hospital. Mrs. Washburn was retired from Brown Shoe Company. She was a
charter member of Falcon Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents,
John Walker and Willie Reed Walker; her husband, C.G. “Bill” Washburn; three
brothers and four sisters. She is survived by a son, Donnie Washburn of Selmer;
two daughters, Ann Ellis and Billie Teague, both of Selmer; five grandchildren,
Wanda Aristorenas, Kevin Teague, Leanne Teague, Samantha Washburn and Clint
Washburn; and three great-grandchildren, Ashley Wilbur, Brittany Wilbur and Alex
Melton. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2002 at Shackelford
Funeral Directors of Selmer, Inc., with Mark Hoover officiating. Burial followed
at Falcon Cemetery in Selmer.
Mary Lee Washburn of Selmer, 83, died December 25, 2002 at Methodist Le Bonheur
McNairy Hospital. Mrs. Washburn was retired from Brown Shoe Company. She was a
charter member of Falcon Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents,
John Walker and Willie Reed Walker; her husband, C.G. “Bill” Washburn; three
brothers and four sisters. She is survived by a son, Donnie Washburn of Selmer;
two daughters, Ann Ellis and Billie Teague, both of Selmer; five grandchildren,
Wanda Aristorenas, Kevin Teague, Leanne Teague, Samantha Washburn and Clint
Washburn; and three great-grandchildren,Ashley Wilbur, Brittany Wilbur and Alex
Melton. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2002 at Shackelford
Funeral Directors of Selmer, Inc.,with Mark Hoover officiating. Burial followed at
Falcon Cemetery in Selmer.
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Amber Watkins, age 25 of Selmer and formerly of Springfield, died Sunday, June 29,
2003 at her home. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2003
in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home, with the Reverend
J.J. Wheelbarger officiating. Interment followed in memorial Gardens in
Springfield. She was born on July 1, 1977 in Davidson County. She was a United
Methodist and a homemaker. Mrs. Watkins is survived by her husband, Randy Watkins
of Selmer; three sons, Jeffery, Tyler and Jacob Barnhart, all of Cedar Hill; two
stepsons, Jay Weatherford and Colt Watkins, both of Selmer; her father, James
(Sandy) Wilson of Owens Chapel; her mother, Rita Minnis Warren of Corinth, MS;
grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Minnis and Sally Wilson, all of Springfield;
a great-grandmother, Pauline Heatherly of Springfield; a step-sister, Kristin Long
of Lavergne; a step-grandchild, Taylor Holland; and a great-uncle, Marshall Horn
of Selmer. Robertson County Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.
Audrey Nell Watson of Selmer, 74, died October 20 of cancer at her home. Mrs.
Watson was a homemaker and a member of Falcon Baptist Church. Mrs. Watson was
preceded in death by one daughter, Jackie Nell Watson and her parents, Claude Lee
and Bertie Lee Sweat Matlock. She is survived by her husband, Johnny Watson of
Selmer; two daughters, Johnnie King of Selmer and Mary Tucker of Sardis; one son,
Larry Watson of Stantonville; two sisters, Doyce Sue DeHart of Gland Blanc, Mich.
and Farrell Jean Alms of Glenny, Mich.; along with six grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Watson were held at 11 a.m. on
Monday, October 22 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Billy Joe Stewart
officiating. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memory Garden in Bethel Springs.
WATSON, DALTON D - McNairy County Independent - October 13, 1950 - Mr Dalton D
Watson, age 42, was accidently killed on highway 45 North in Selmer on the night
of Saturday, October 7, 1950; According to reports, he stepped in front of a
passing automobile and sustained injuries which caused his death. Funeral
services were held at Pebble Hill on October 9 with burial in the Pebble Hill
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cemetery. Survivors include: his wife, Mrs Bulah Watson; four daughters, Mrs
Varsille Moore, Mrs G Watson, Evlin Watson and Gwen Watson; three sons, James,
Willie Joe and John Dalton Watson; three brothers, Luther, Orland and Frank
Watson; three sisters, Mrs Abbie Ellsworth, Mrs Luelia Henry, Mrs Doll Wolfe;
mother Mrs Nancy Jane Watson and another sister, Mrs McClain.
Henry Lee Watson, 92, of Michie, passed away on February 12, 2005, at McNairy
Regional Hospital. He was a retired farmer. Mr. Watson was preceded in death by
his wife, Ruby Brown Watson; one sister, Persilor Hockaday; and one brother,
Johnnie Watson. He is survived by five daughters, Mary Howell of Bolivar, Dorothy
Lee Watson of Michie, Martha Rippie of Adamsville, Rachel English of Michie, and
Kathy Oliver of Bethel Springs; one son, Henry Watson of Pickwick Dam; one sister,
Alean Whitaker of Selmer; one brother, Floyd Watson of Michie; nine grandchildren
and nine great-grandchildren. Services were Monday, February 14, 2005, at 3:30 PM
in the Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Pebble Hill Cemetery in
Michie. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer were in charge of the
arrangements.
JOHNNY FRANK WATSON, 82, of Selmer TN, died on Sept. 17, 2004 at McNairy County
Health Care Center. He was a retired self-employed carpenter and member of
Pleasant Site Baptist Church. Mr. Watson was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey
Nell Watson, his parents, Henry Frank and Cora George Watson, and one daughter,
Jackie Nell Watson. He is survived by two daughters, Johnnie Marie King of Selmer,
and Mary Frances Tucker of Lexington, TN; one son, Larry Neal Watson of
Stantonville, TN; two sisters, Alene Whitaker and Priscilla Hockaday both of
Selmer; two brothers, Henry and Floyd Watson both of Michie; six grandchildren and
5 g-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 18th at the
Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Selmer with Ministers Billy Joe Stewart
officiating. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memorial Gardens in Bethel Springs.
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WATSON, NANCY JANE - McNairy County Independent - August 17, 1951 - Mrs Nancy Jane
Watson, was born Nov 18, 1873 and died Aug 4, 1951. She professed faith in Christ
when she was young. She was a Baptist. She was a loving mother and grandmother.
Surviving her are seven children: Frank Watson, Luther Watson and Orlan Watson,
Mrs Abbie Elsworth, Mrs Lou Ella Henry, Mrs Emma McClain, Mrs Doll Wolfe, 38
grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
RUBLE WATSON, 78, died on Friday, Dec. 17, 1999, at Methodist healthcare McNairy
Hospital in Selmer of heart failure. She was retied from ITT Automotive Company
and was a Methodist. Services took place at 2 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 19, at
Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Selmer.
Officiating the services was Minister Zolon Clayton. Mrs. Watson is survived by
her step-mother, Lee Whitten of Selmer, one daughter, Patsy Fuller of Selmer, two
sons, Ray Watson and Bobby Watson both Selmer, one sister, Grapel Simpson of
Selmer and one grandchild, Clay Fuller.
Ruby Brown Watson of Michie, 76, died July 30, 2003 at Hardin County General
Hospital. Mrs. Watson was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents,
Oscar and Maudie ?uchannan Brown; three sisters; two brothers and a grandson. She
is survived by her husband, Henry Watson; a son, Henry Junior Watson of Pickwick
Dam; five daughters, Dorothy Watson and Rachel English, both of Michie, Martha
Rippie of Adamsville, Mary Howell of Bolivar and Kathy Oliver of Bethel Springs;
and two sisters, Gertie Hopkins and Lemmie King, both of Selmer. She had eight
grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Services were held at 1 p.m. on
Friday, August 1, 2003 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Selmer. Burial
followed at Pebble Hill Cemetery.
Ruby Brown Watson of Michie, 76, died July 30, 2003 at Hardin County General
Hospital. Mrs. Watson was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents,
Oscar and Maudie Buchannan Brown; three sisters; two brothers and a grandson. She
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is survived by her husband, Henry Watson; a son, Henry Junior Watson of Pickwick
Dam; five daughters, Dorothy Watson and Rachel English, both of Michie, Martha
Rippie of Adamsville, Mary Howell of Bolivar and Kathy Oliver of Bethel Springs;
and two sisters, Gertie Hopkins and Lemmie King, both of Selmer. She had eight
grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Services were held at 1 p.m. on
Friday, August 1, 2003 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Selmer. Burial
followed at Pebble Hill Cemetery.
WEATHERFORD, CHARLIE L - McNairy County Independent - April 7, 1950 - Mr Charlie L
Weatherford, age 27, died in a Memphis hospital on Monday, April 3,
1950. According to reports, leukemia, termed ‘cancer of the blood’ by doctors, was
the cause of his death. Charlie was well liked by all who knew him. Friendship was
displayed in the great profusion of flowers at the funeral service. Charlie was a
member of the Selmer Baptist Church. Funeral services, conducted by Rev Howard S
Kolb, his pastor were held at the local Baptist church on Wednesday, April 5, with
interment in Oak Hill cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Directors were in charge of
arrangements. The deceased is survived by his mother, Mrs Effie Weatherford, wife
Mrs C L Weatherford; three sisters, Mrs Foy Huckabee, Mrs Alvis Huggins and Mrs E
M Baker;
WEATHERFORD, J A - McNairy County Independent - May 1924 - In the death of J A
Weatherford, which occurred at his home in the 13th district, the morning of May
2, 1924, the county lost a good man and useful citizen. He was forty years of age,
and by preserving effort, courage and native ability had made a success in a
business way. He was a big merchant, a large land owner and was interest in many
enterprises. Besides he found time to devote to the schools, churches, roads, and
other improvements that make for the betterment of the county. He was a public
spirited citizen and was in the forefront in all movements to make the county’s
conditions better.
The efforts of his and those of W E McLeod, also deceased, had a great deal to do
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in the development of those sections of the county in which they lived. Mr
Weatherford occupied positions of honor and trust, having been elected by the
people to fill various positions, at the time of his death being one of the
justices of the peace in his district. He leaves surviving him his wife, and
twelve children, besides an aged mother. He remains were laid to rest in the old
burying ground at Gravel Hill Saturday afternoon and his funeral was preached in
the old church by Rev. Hardwick. A crowd that taxed the capacity of the church
attended. W K and Terry Abernathy, by request of members of the family, spoke
briefly of the deceased as a citizen.
WEATHERFORD, J. A. - McNairy County Independent - May 9, 1924 - As we go to press,
we hear with much sorrow of the death of J. A. Weatherford. He was one of the most
prominent and useful men in his section, and his taking away will be keenly felt
by many people whom he had comforted and helped. At all times he stood for a
better order of things, was for churches, schools and all public improvements. By
strict attention to business, he had accumulated considerable property, and was a
big merchant and landowner in the county. He is survived by his wife and several
children and other relatives.
GRAVEL HILL - In the death of J. A. Weatherford, which occurred at his home in the
13th district, May 2, 1924, the county lost a good man and useful citizen. He was
forty years of age, and by preserving effort, courage, and native ability had made
a success in a business way. He was a big merchant, a large land owner, and was
interested in many enterprises. Beside he found time to devote to the schools,
church, roads and other improvements that made for the betterment of the county.
He was a public - spirited citizen and was in the forefront in all movements to
make the county's condition better.
The efforts of his, and those of W. E. McLeod, also deceased had a great deal to
do in the development of those sections of the county in which they lived. Mr.
Weatherford occupied positions of honor and trust, having been elected by the
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people to fill various positions, at the time of his death being one of the
justices of the peace in his district. He leaves surviving him his wife and twelve
children, besides an aged mother. His remains were laid to rest in the old burying
grounds at Gravel Hill Saturday afternoon, and his funeral was preached in the old
church (Gravel Hill Primitive Baptist Church) by Rev. Hardwick. A crowd that
taxed the capacity of the church attended, W. K. and Terry Abernathy, by request
of members of the family, spoke briefly of the deceased as a citizen. June 2,
1881 - May 2, 1924 Gravel Hill Cemetery.
Services for James Thomas Weatherford, 71, will be at 1 p.m. today at Shackelford
Funeral Home in Selmer. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Selmer. Mr.
Weatherford, an industrial engineer, died Tuesday, May 6, 2001, at Methodist Le
Bonheur Healthcare in Jackson of heart failure. He was a deputy sheriff dispatcher
and constable for the McNairy County Sheriff’s Department. He is survived by his
wife, Zelma Grubbs Weatherford; five daughters and a son, Linda King of Union
City, Janice Miller of Jackson, Libby Jo Richard of Ramer, Penny Yarbrough of
Selmer, Sunshine Gant of Corinth, Miss., and James Fortner of Baldwyn, Miss.
James Weatherford - Selmer – Services for James Thomas Weatherford, 71, will be at
1 p.m. today at Shackelford Funeral Home in Selmer. Burial will be in the Oak Hill
Cemetery in Selmer. Mr. Weatherford, an industrial engineer, died Tuesday at
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Jackson of heart failure. He was a deputy
sheriff dispatcher and constable for the McNairy County Sheriff’s Department. He
is survived by his wife, Zelma Grubbs Weatherford; five daughters and a son, Linda
King of Union City, Janice Miller of Jackson, Libby Jo Richard of Ramer, Penny
Yarbrough of Selmer, Sunshine Gant of Corinth, Miss., and James Fortner of
Baldwyn, Miss.
WEATHERFORD, LONNIE – Lonnie L. Weatherford, 75, a retired restaurant owner and
building contractor of rural Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Wednesday, January 12,
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1983. He retired in 1979, and had been ill since March. Mr. Weatherford, who had
lived in Butler County, Missouri, since 1948, formerly operated Lonnie’s
Restaurant in Poplar Bluff and earlier ran a café there. He was born in Selmer on
March 21, 1907, and was a member of the Baptist faith. He leaves his wife, Mrs.
Geneva Weatherford of Poplar Bluff; two sons, James Weatherford and Kenneth
Weatherford, both of Poplar Bluff; three step-daughters, Barbara Allen of Clinton,
Kentucky, Pat Campbell of Cayce, Kentucky, and Charlene Alexander of Paducah,
Kentucky; two sisters, Mrs. Foy Huckabee and Mrs. Arnie Huggins, both of Selmer;
one brother, Glacel Weatherford of Selmer; fifteen grandchildren and seven great-
grandchildren. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 15, at Cotrell
Funeral Home Chapel in Poplar Bluff, with the Rev. Foy Huckabee officiating, and
burial was in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WEATHERFORD, LUTHER – THIS APPEAL TO ME, by Leslie Houston Luther Weatherford
died last Saturday evening after a long illness, and with his passing an era in
this county’s history also ended. Luther was a longtime merchant, operating in
the manner that all merchants did in the earlier years of this county. He owned
and operated the Selmer Hardware Company for a period of more than fifty years. He
purchased this business from its founder, the late J.L. (Fate) Alexander, and
continued for the next half century on the same steady course which had been set
by his predecessor – that was to carry honest merchandise, honestly priced, and
sold without undue pressure. In other words, the business was conducted low key
all the way. His eye was on the long range, long haul situation, rather than the
get in quick, get out quick, fast buck type of operating. Luther was at home with
that kind of business. He was not spectacular himself.
Over the years he kept pretty well in the background, but people were always
conscious of the fact he was there. He could be stubborn at times, and had been
accused of being non-progressive when in fact he never subscribed to the popular
idea that all change was good, and that anything new was always better. He liked
to be shown. One thing about Luther that many people never fully appreciated was
that he was essentially helpful. He was willing to do a person a favor but did a
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McNairy County, Tennessee
Obituaries
T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z
by McNairy Country Archives
many thanks to for their contributions
Peggy Gould
Nova Lemons
Patsy Rich
pretty good job of keeping those favors pretty well in the background. He didn’t
do them for publicity. He did them because they needed to be done. Luther’s store
was closed when he was stricken by ill health more than a year ago, but I never
pass the building on the corner of Third and Court without mentally tipping my hat
to the memory of both a famous local business institution and to a good personal
friend. A lot of us will miss him. INDEPENDENT APPEAL, Thursday, July 22, 1982
WEATHERFORD, LUTHER R - July 29, 1900 - July 17, 1982 - Luther R. Weatherford, 81,
of Selmer, died Saturday, July 17, 1982, at McNairy County General Hospital.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 19, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral
Home, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. He was the son of the late John and
Charity Wood Weatherford. Owner of Selmer Hardware, Mr. Weatherford was in the
hardware business here for 54 years. He was a member of the first Baptist Church
and was a charter member of the Lions Club. He was married to the late Jessie Kerr
Weatherford. He leaves one sister, Mrs. Eather M. Browder of Selmer, nieces and
nephews.
WEATHERFORD, MARGIE SMITH - Mrs. Margie Smith Weatherford died at her home here
Monday, Dec. 5, 1960. She was 56. Services will be held at the First Methodist
Church at 2 Tuesday afternoon. The Rev. Robert Bryant will officiate, assisted by
the Rev. John W. Hulme. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery with Shackelford
Funeral Directors in charge. Mrs. Weatherford was a lifelong resident of
Selmer. She taught in the public school system of McNairy County and had been
associated with the McNairy County Welfare Department for a number of years. She
was a Methodist and member of the Women's Socie
WEATHERFORD, VERNICE DAMRON FINLEY –Bernice Damon Finley Weatherford, 76, of
Selmer, died suddenly Sunday, Oct. 12, 1986 at the home of her son in
Morristown. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon in the chapel of
Shackelford Funeral Home in Selmer with E.M. Pinckley officiating. Burial was in
79
McNairy County, Tennessee
Obituaries
T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z
by McNairy Country Archives
many thanks to for their contributions
Peggy Gould
Nova Lemons
Patsy Rich
Lake Hill Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Wayne Martin, Bradley Huckabee, James
Thomas Weatherford, George Eldon Weatherford, Keith Davis, and John R. Tackett.
The daughter of the late Jim and Ada Owen Finley, she was the widow of J.E.
Weatherford and was a member of the First Baptist Church. She leaves a son, J.D.
Weatherford of Morristown; three sisters, Mrs. Lathela Hardin of Selmer, Mrs. Erin
Shaw of New Orleans, La., and Mrs. Lois Frederick of Savannah; a grandchild, Mrs.
Stacy Wilds of Morristown; and a great grandchild. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
Alvin Richard Weatherly - age 65 of Selmer died Sunday, June 20, 1982 at McNairy
County General Hospital after a long illness. Funeral services were held Tuesday
at Bethel Springs United Pentecostal Church with Revs. Roy Bolings, Orville
Nichols, James Hopper and Randy Woods officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Site
Cemtery with Shackelford Funeral Home in charge. The was the son of the late
Jerry and Ad Ball Weatherly and was a retired farmer. He leaves his wife Mrs Lois
Marie Weatherly; six daughters, Willia Dean Bright, Frances McMahan, Betty Jane
Miller, Lois Brown all of Selmer, Helen McKibbon of Oklahoma City, Ok and Linda
Shea of Ramer; five sons, Junior Weatherly of Bethel Springs, David Weatherly of
Milledgeville, Charles, Delbert and Jimmy Weatherly, all of Selmer; six sisters,
Lois Emmons McFairlin and Birdie Willis, both of Des Ar, Ark, Bertha Stone of
Jacksonville, Ark, Joy William of Arizona, Ethel Riding of Searcy Ark and Polly
Clark of White Swan, Washington; one brother, Elie Weatherly of Valona, Ark;
sixteen grandchildren and two g-grandchildren
WEATHERLY, PEARL BRINT - In the evening of July 3, 1920, the death angel visited
the home of R M Weatherly and took from him his precious wife. She was ill for
several days, but bore her sickness very patiently and was prepared the summons
came. Mrs Pearle Brint Weatherly was 32 years of age. She was born and reared in
Hardeman County, the daughter of W B and Martha Brint. The funeral services were
conducted by Rev Job Maxedon. The remains were laid to rest in Mt Pleasant
cemetery to await the resurrection of saint. From one who knew and loved her.
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