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survived by his wife, Thelma Williams, two daughters, Glenda Anne Woolley of West
Chester, Oh., and Donna M. Williams of Selmer, three sons, Bryant J. Williams III
of Redding, Ca., David G. Williams of Culver City, Ca., and Dennis R. Williams of
Selmer, one sister, Margaret O. Rickman of Selmer, one brother, Bobby G. Williams
of Selmer, and two grandchildren. Funeral services for Mr. Williams were held at
the Second Baptist Church of Selmer at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, with Frank
Whitman officiating. Burial followed in Falcon Cemetery. Bearers were Herbert
Kiser, Robert Beith, Bill Yancey, Dennis Ray Williams, Rev. Bryant J. Williams III
and David G. Williams. PDG
WILLIAMS, ELIZABETH - Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, age 75, died at her home in Milan,
Tenn., Monday, June 9, 1952. She was a former resident of Bethel Springs, but had
lived in Milan for the past 7 weeks. Services, conducted by Rev. Moore, were held
at Buena Vista church on Wednesday, June 11, at 3:00 p.m. Burial was in the
cemetery there. Survivors include; three sons, Arlie, Lloyd, and John Williams;
two daughters, Mrs. Hattie King, Mrs. Annie Drinkard; 17 grandchildren; two great-
grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Martha Surratt, Mrs. John Elliott; three
brothers, Robert, Thomas and Sam Gray. McNairy County Independent
WILLIAMS, EUNICE MOORE – Eunice Moore Williams, 78, of Bethel Springs, died on
November 29, 1987 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. Funeral services
were held on Tuesday afternoon at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel with Jim Shelby
officiating. Burial was in New Salem Cemetery. Pallbearers were elders and
deacons of the church. She was the daughter of the late May and Dona Robinson
Moore and the widow of Arthur Williams. She was a retired Civil Service employee
and a teacher. She was a member of Bethel Springs Church of Christ. Survivors
include a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Hill Dickinson of Texas; four grandchildren,
Renee, Michelle, Leah, and James; nine great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY
INDEPENDENT
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George A. Williams of Selmer, 91, died January 23, 2003 at McNairy Regional
Hospital. Mr. Williams was a retired laborer for Danley Tool & Die Company. He was
a member of the American Legion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph
Edward and Joe Ellen Maness Williams; one sister, Celeste Higginbottom; and two
brothers, Maness Williams and Ted R. Williams. He is survived by a sister, Mary W.
Walker of Memphis; an uncle, Waldemar Williams of Bethel Springs; and two cousins,
Beth Diffee of Jackson and Rachel Burkeen of Selmer. Services were held at 1:30
p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2003 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Zolon
Clayton officiating. Burial followed at Moore’s Schoolhouse Cemetery in Selmer
George A. Williams of Selmer, 91, died January 23, 2003 at McNairy Regional
Hospital. Mr. Williams was a retired laborer for Danley Tool & Die Company. He was
a member of the American Legion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph
Edward and Joe Ellen Maness Williams; one sister, Celeste Higginbottom; and two
brothers, Maness Williams and Ted R. Williams. He is survived by a sister, Mary W.
Walker of Memphis; an uncle, Waldemar Williams of Bethel Springs; and two cousins,
Beth Diffee of Jackson and Rachel Burkeen of Selmer. Services were held at 1:30
p.m.on Sunday, January 26, 2003 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Zolon
Clayton officiating. Burial followed at Moore’s Schoolhouse Cemetery in Selmer.
Harriet Williams - Mrs Jim Williams - Clay Tacker, of the 11th district was in
Selmer Monday and told us of the death of Mrs. Jim Williams, of near Leapwood. She
was sick about two weeks with the flu. (Probably Feb 18, 1930) The deceased was
about sixty years old, and was born and reared in this county, spending most of
her life in the Leapwood community. Her death has taken a good Christian wife and
mother from the community. She was a member of the Church of Christ, and loved by
all who knew her. She had a most cheerful disposition and was ever ready to lend a
helping hand. Surviving her are her husband, three children, two sisters and two
brothers.<b> </b>(I looked at the cemeteries and found the name Harriett - hope
that is right.)
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Williams, Henry Prince (Bill) – 69 – of Bethel Springs, died February 10, 1995 at
Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Specialty Unit. Services were held at 3:30
p.m. Sunday in Curtis Hill Church of God of Prophecy with Bro. Nelson Rayburn and
Bro. Aaron moss officiating. Burial was in Curtis Hill Cemetery. The son of the
late Grace Hornbuckle Williams and Pinkney Williams, he was a retired paper
carrier of the Commercial Appeal, a member of Bethel Springs Church of God of
Prophecy and V.F.W., and a veteran serving in the U.S. Navy. Survivors include
his wife, Blondell Nethery Williams, six sons, Harold P. Williams of Tokyo, Japan,
James Ronald Williams and Tom Williams of Knoxville, Mike Williams of Beech Bluff,
David Williams and Butch Williams of Bethel springs, one daughter, Judy Hodum of
Selmer, two brothers, J.D. Williams of Selmer, John l. Williams of Arlington, Tx.,
eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. PDG
Howard Hollis Williams: Services for Howard Hollis Williams, 80, will be at 3 pm
Thursday at Shackelford Funeral Home. Burial will be in Crump Cemetery. Mr.
Williams, a retired schoolteacher, died Tuesday, Aug 1, 1989, at Baptist Central
Hospital in Memphis. He was married to Ruby Scott Williams. They had three
children: Myra W. Kessel of Richmond, NC, Betty W. Dahn of Merritt Island, Fla.,
and Paul H. Williams of Fayetteville, NC.
Cemetery, Hardin County, Tennessee.
WILLIAMS, J. J. REV - The death of Rev. J. J. Williams, pastor of the Oak Street
Presbyterian church, took place last night at 8:15 o’clock, May 5, 1912, after an
acute attack of kidney trouble. Rev Williams had pastor of various churches in
Texas, including Vernon, Midlothian, Deport and Forney, from which place he came
to Mineral Wells last fall. He, himself, was the son of a Presbyterian minister
and was born in Tennessee some 58 years ago. The remains were shipped to
Midlothian today, Monday, by Beetham & Son for burial, which will be under the
auspices of the Masons of which order, Rev Williams was a member. He was also a
Woodman of the World. A wife and one daughter, Mrs Artie Newman (Newton) of
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Dallas, are left to mourn the loss of husband and father and for these their
friends will feel the deepest sympathy in this hour of early separation. (He was
the son of Rev. W. J. Williams).
WILLIAMS, JAMES HENRY - date and McKenzie, Tennessee paper - Dr J H Williams was
born April 8, 1882 in McNairy County, Tennessee, the son of Mr and Mrs J. T.
Williams. He attended the schools of McNairy County in preparation for his
medical career, which he decided early upon, entered the University of
Tennessee. His first practice was at Cades in Gibson County. He moved to
McKenzie in 1914 where he practiced for 27 years. He died Sunday, Feb 1, 1942, and
his loss was greatly felt in the county. In 1915, he married Miss Margaret
Phillips, daughter of the late Mr and Mrs J R Phillips of Lebanon, Tenn. In
addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter Mrs Eugene Joyce of Knoxville,
three sons, Jim, Phillip and Joe, all of McKenzie; a step-mother, Mrs J T Williams
of Stantonville, Tenn; and three sisters, Mrs Laura McHughes of Miss, Mrs E G
Sanders of Stantonville, and Mrs Lola Osborne of Arkansas
WILLIAMS, JIM MRS - McNairy County Independent March 7, 1930 - Clay Tacker, of
the 11th district was in Selmer Monday and told us of the death of Mrs. Jim
Williams, of near Leapwood. She was sick about two weeks with the flu. The
deceased was about sixty years old, and was born and reared in this county,
spending most of her life in the Leapwood community. Her death has taken a good
christian wife and mother from the community. She was a member of the Church of
Christ, and loved by all who knew her. She had a most cheerful disposition and was
ever ready to lend a helping hand. Surviving her are her husband, three children,
two sisters and two brothers.
WILLIAMS, JOHNNY - McNairy County Independent - October 13, 1950 - Johnny Williams
reported killed in action in Korea. In an interview with Mr Andrew Williams on
Tuesday of this week, we learned of the death of his grandson, Johnny B Williams,
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who was killed in action in Korea Sept 22, 1950. Prior to his enlistment in May,
Johnny was living with an uncle Mr Bryant Williams in Memphis. According to Mr
Andrew Williams, Johnny had made his home with him prior to his first enlistment
at the close of WWII. At the expiration of this enlistment, Johnny returned to
Memphis and was living with his uncle when he re-enlisted in May. He sailed for
the Korean front in August. It is thought his rank was Lieutenant, but wasn’t
sure. Johnny is the son of Mr and Mrs Buford Williams.
WILLIAMS, JOSEPH FRANKLIN - 1 - Ardmore, Oklahoma, Monday, May 22, 1933 - Services
for former mayor of Admore and resident of this city since 1889, were to be held
at 3:30 pm Monday from the home of his son, J Ernest Williams, 209 First Ave
SW. The rites will be conducted by Dr Charles C Weith of the first Presbyterian
Church, assisted by Rev George W Phillips. Bearers include Duncan Taliaferro,
Charles F (or P 0 Adams, Sam P Matthews, W R Burnitte, Robert Phillips and John H
Carlock. Born in Chickasaw County, Miss, July 17, 1850, Williams came west and
settled at Denton, Texas in 1884. Upon his arrival here five years later he
engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business. He was associated with the
late J R Pennington, wholesale grocery merchant. During his life he served as an
elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and at one time was moderator of the
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. In 1918, he was appointed mayor of
Admore and served until 1919. He was the father of four children, two sons and
two daughters.
Surviving are Mrs E M Fry, Oklahoma City; J E Williams, Ardmore City Attorney; and
Jo Frank Williams Jr of San Francisco, Cal, and six grandchildren. Other
relations are two brothers, Joe Williams of Stantonville, Tenn and Sidney Williams
of Corinth, Miss. Two sisters, Mrs Mattie Reid of Cooper, Texas and Mrs Artelia
Jones of Ross, Ga. His wife is the former Miss Louisa Jane Parks. The couple
celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Dec 26, 1928.
WILLIAMS, JULIA - McNairy County Independent - 1943 - Mrs Julia Young Williams,
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age 91, died at the home of her daughter Mrs E G Sanders, Wednesday (Jan 6,
1943). She was buried at the family cemetery near Ramer. Rev J T Buck held the
funeral service at Mt Vernon (Church). Gooch Funeral Home in charge. The deceased
was a daughter of the late Giles and Elizabeth Young, prominent old settlers of
McNairy County. Sympathy is extended to members of this family
WILLIAMS, KENNETH DEAN – Kenneth Dean Williams, 25, died February 20, 1988 in
Inglewood, CA. Services were held at Centinela Ave Southern Church,burial in
Inglewood Park Cemetery. Pallbearers:Jeff Cartwright, Gary Cote, James Davis, Sam
Manalang, Randy Schweitzer, Ron Sword. He was born June 28, 1962 in Los Angeles
and attended Venice High School. He was employed at a local freight company. He
was a former member of the California State Cadet Corps and the Police Explorers
for the Venice Division of LAPD, a volunteer for the building of the Baptist
Temple in LA, an active member in the youth group. Survivors include his parents,
Bryant Jand Thelma J Williams; 2 sisters, Mrs Glenda Woolley of Westchester, CA,
Donna Williams of Culver City; 3 brothers, Bryant J. Williams III of Tacoma, WA,
David G. Williams & Dennis R. Williams of Culver City; niece Laura Jean Williams
of Tacoma; nephew Michael David Williams of Canoga Park, CA; grandmother, Alice
Barto of Memphis; relatives, Mr & Mrs Bill Rickman, Mr & Mrs Bob Williams of
Selmer, Mrs Mildred Yancey of Memphis, Mrs Lucille Bishop of Port Lavaca, TX.
McNairy Independent.
LOCKE MAE WILLIAMS, 91, died on Sept. 23, 2004 at McNairy Regional Hospital. Mrs.
Williams was a retired factory worker for Brown Shoe Company. Mrs. Williams was
preceded in death by her husband, James Alfred Williams, her parents, Dee Williams
and Alga Sweat Williams, sisters Vestie Dancer, and Laverne Knight, brothers
Raymond Kiser, R. A. Kiser and Wilford Kiser. She is survived by one daughter,
Artie Forsythe of Selmer, four sisters, Vallie Helton, Flaye Moore, Maylene Nold,
and Ruby Whitaker all of Selmer, three brothers, Alford Kiser, Dennie Kiser, and
L. D. Kiser all of Selmer, three grandchildren, eleven g-grandchildren, and seven
g-g-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 25th at
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Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Selmer. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memorial
Gardens in Bethel Springs, TN.
WILLIAMS, MARY HILL - Mrs Mary Williams, age 73, died Friday morning June 20,
1924, at the home of a sister, Mrs I A Berrier where she had been making her home
for the past several months. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon in the
Methodist church here and were conducted by Dr Baker, pastor of Exposition Ave
Presbyterian Church, Dallas, assisted by Dr Hogan, pastor of Presbyterian church
Waxahachie and Rev Bell, pastor of Maypearl Methodist Church. Interment was made
in Midlothian cemetery. Deceased had lived a long, useful christian life, having
become a member of the Presbyterian church at the early age of 12 years, making
her life as a christian worker number nearly 62 years. In 1874 she was married to
Mr J J Williams, a Presbyterian minister. To this union was born one daughter, Mrs
Newton, who died last July. Mr Williams’ death preceded that of his daughter’s
several years. Mrs Williams was a noble and true character and was loved by all
who knew her. She is survived by two sister, Mrs I A Berrier and Mrs Margaret
Ferguson and a number of nieces and nephews
WILLIAMS, MARY - McNairy County Independent - February 7, 1908 - After two or
three weeks suffering, Mrs. Mary Williams departed this life February 1, 1908 at
her home in the 1st district aged 78 years. She professed faith in Christ some
forty years ago and joined the M. E. Church South. She lived a consistent
Christian affectionate wife, a kind mother and was loved by all who knew her
labors and her work shall follow her. Though she be dead yet shall she live
again. She can never come back to you, but you can go to her. Oh! may we all live
as she lived and died as she died, in full triumph of a living faith. She was
buried in Sulphur Springs cemetery Feb. 3, 1908. J. H. F. 1927 - Feb 1, 1908
Sulphur Springs, markers says 1907.
Ruby Scott Williams age 87, died Friday, August 11, 2000 (?) at Cape Canaveral
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Hospital in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Born in McNairy County on May 18, 1913, she
was the daughter of the late Arthur and Roxy Weathers Scott. On July 5, 1932, she
was united in marriage to Howard H. Williams, who preceded his wife in death on
August 1, 1989. Mrs. Williams was a homemaker and operated Williams Department
Store for 17 years. She was a member of the Homemakers Club for 51 years. She was
a member of East End United Methodist Church in Savannah and Grace United
Methodist Church in Merritt Island Florida. Services were held Monday August 14 at
10 am in the Shackelford Chapel with Robert Sadler officiating. Burial was in
Crump Cemetery. She is survived by two daughters, Betty Dahn of Merrit Island,
Florida, Myra Kessel of Jacksonville, NC; one son, Paul Hollis Williams of Merritt
Island Florida; two sisters Virginia Moffett of Texas, Melanie Stanfill of
Savannah; 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and one great great grand-
child. Mrs. Williams was also preceded in death by one child, two sisters, and
four brothers.
WILLIAMS, SARAH - McNairy County Independent - date unknown. In her apartment in
the Wilson hotel in Selmer, last Friday night, Mrs W J Williams passed peacefully
from earth. She had been afflicted with dropsy for several months. Medical skill
could not check the disease and Friday night her heart's actions ceased. Mrs
Williams was the widow of the late Rev W J Williams, know to perhaps every family
in the county. She has resided in Selmer since the death of her husband about
four years ago. The deceased was a most devoted wife, kind neighbor and faithful
christian. She leaves four brothers, among them our former citizen, W E Tedford.
She was laid to rest in the Falcon cemetery Saturday beside her husband. Rev J H
Curry performed the last sad rites at the grave. She died ripe in years, leaving
sweet remembrances of kindness to others and pleasant memories of friendship from
her neighbors and associates. (Apparently unmarked grave. Died about 1911.)
Mr. Ted Williams, 82, of Tylertown, Miss., died Wednesday, March 21, 2001 at
Forrest General Hospital. A native of McNairy County, Mr. Williams was a World War
II combat glider pilot, having landed behind enemy lines in Normandy, Holland and
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Germany and worked with the Royal Commonwealth Intelligence. Mr. Williams was a
retired Senior Agent having worked with the U.S. Treasury Department, serving as a
Special Agent, Special Deputy, U.S. Marshall and O.S.I. Agent. Survivors include
Jeannette B. Williams of Hattiesburg, son, Joe D. Williams of Hattiesburg,
daughter, Sandra F. Williams of Hattiesburg, daughter and son-in-law, Linda W. and
James Parker of Tylertown, brother, George Albert Williams of Rose Creek, sister,
Mary Ellen Walker of Memphis, and uncle, Waldemar E. Williams of Bethel Springs.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 31 at Mount Pleasant
Cemetery.
Ted Williams, 82, of Tylertown, Miss., died Wednesday, March 21, 2001 at Forrest
General Hospital. A native of McNairy County, Mr. Williams was a World War II
combat glider pilot, having landed behind enemy lines in Normandy, Holland and
Germany and worked with the Royal Commonwealth Intelligence. Mr. Williams was a
retired Senior Agent having worked with the U.S. Treasury Department, serving as a
Special Agent, Special Deputy, U.S. Marshall and O.S.I. Agent. Survivors include
Jeannette B. Williams of Hattiesburg, son, Joe D. Williams of Hattiesburg,
daughter, Sandra F. Williams of Hattiesburg, daughter and son-in-law, Linda W. and
James Parker of Tylertown, brother, George Albert Williams of Rose Creek, sister,
Mary Ellen Walker of Memphis, and uncle, Waldemar E. Williams of Bethel Springs.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 31 at Mount Pleasant
Cemetery.
THOMAS V. WILLIAMS, age 68, died on Wed., Apr. 28, 1999, at Southern Ohio Medical
Center inn Portsmouth, Ohio, of heart failure. He was a retired factory laborer
and of the Baptist faith. Services took place at 1 p.m. on Sun., May 2, at
Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Mr. Zion Cemetery in McNairy,
Tenn. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Ruby Plunk
Williams. He is survived by his wife, Mae Justice Williams of Portsmouth, Ohio,
sister, Faye Sweat of Bethel Springs, daughter, Ann Williams of Selmer, three
step-daughters, Sherry Thacker, Wilma Bingam, and Della Abshire, all of Elkhom,
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KY, three sons, David Williams of Sciotoville, Ohio, Danny Williams and Robert
Williams, both of Illinois, three step-sons, Zenis Short, Virtus Short, and Robert
Short, all of Hillsboro, Ohio, and several grandchildren.
WILLIAMS, W J REV - Obituary Rev. W. J. Williams dated Feb 24, 1907, paper unknown:
Rev W J Williams died at his home Sunday morning, at 6 am, with two of his
children and several of his friends around his bedside. He had been afflicted, for
some six months with liver trouble, but had not taken his bed until December
last. While his demise had been hourly expected, the report of his death cast a
shadow of deepest gloom over the town. He was a minister of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, but went with the union of that church and the Presbyterian.
(A great movement to combine the Cumberland Presbyterian and the Presbyterian USA
was in 1906. Rev Williams went with the Presbyterian USA, as did the two known
churches was pastoring at the time, Mount Sharon Cumberland Presbyterian Church
and Court Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian Church.) But now that he has gone to his
reward, we will feel the loss of him very keenly in our town as a citizen; in our
church as a minister and in our Union prayer meeting as an able talker and
spiritual advisor. We know that he is now at rest, and we weep not as those who
have no hope, for we know that if we live as he, we will meet him in the great
beyond, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest. To the
bereaved wife and children we will say that he has fought a good fight, run well
his race in life, and there is henceforth a crown of righteousness laid up for
him. And while he can't come to us, all live so as to meet him in that bright
city, where we will part no more. His remains were carried to Selmer, Sunday and
interred in Falcon Cemetery, Monday. W J Williams was born March 23, 1830 in
Rutherford County, Tennessee. Married to Miss Ester Martin, December 15,
1847. Moved to Tishomingo County, September 1849. Moved from there to West
Tennessee, Madison County, September 1, 1854. Professed religion September 1859;
united with the Pleasant hill congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church;
joined the Hopewell Presbytery as a candidate for the ministry, October 3,
1862. Joined the Confederate army, December 1861, commanding Company B, in the
52nd Tennessee, commanded by Col. B. J. Lee. Was in the Shiloh battle, together
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with a number of other battles. Was discharged at Columbus Miss in May
1865. Reached home the 25th days of the same month. Was licensed to preach at
Yorkville, Gibson County, Tennessee by the Hopewell Presbytery September 29,
1865. Was ordained at Camden, Benton County, Tennessee by the same presbytery
October 6, 1867. Moved to McNairy County January 1873. Have engaged in the work
of the ministry to the exclusion of everything else. Am now 74 years old. This
life’s summary was written about 1904 by Mr. Williams himself. He died Feb 24,
1907. Taken from McNairy County Independent. March 23, 1830 - Feb 24, 1907 Falcon
Cemetery.
WILLIAMS, W J REV - McNairy County Independent March 1907- In the death of Rev W J
Williams at his home in Adamsville, on the morning of February 24, 1907, not only
the community and county of McNairy lost a strong minister and man but the entire
section of West Tennessee. He was a preacher that belonged to that class of
robust, rugged and fearless preachers who have established the Christian religion
in this country. For nearly one half century, he has engaged exclusively in
preaching the truths of the Bible. He was not only intellectually brilliant, but
by nature had been endowed with a strong mind and great physical powers. His
earnestness and every day Christian living made him an example for those who
desired to live right. He had preached at probably every church in the river
counties and those along the railroad. In many of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Churches in Madison Presbytery, he has been a pastor. He had held the pastorate
for a number of years of the Selmer and Adamsville congregations. Feeling that
his health was failing at his last appointment, the third Sunday in December last,
he notified the session at Selmer that he could not serve them regularly any
longer. A few days later he was taken down with a severe infection of the liver,
from which he never recovered. He was, at his own request, buried in the Falcon
cemetery beside his mother and other relatives. Monday at 1 o'clock religious
services were held at the home of his daughter, Mrs J H Alexander where his body
was brought previous to interment. Services were conducted by Rev. J. H. Curry,
in the presence of deceased relatives and friends and were very impressive. Rev. J
B Maxedon and J W Purviance added remarks in memory of the deceased.
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WILLIAMS, WARD RAYMOND – Ward Raymond Williams, 70, of Route 1, Finger, died
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 1986 at McNairy County General Hospital. Wednesday afternoon
services were held in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home in Selmer, with
burial in Finger Cemetery. A retired farmer, Mr. Williams was the son of the late
Robert Hatton and Euda Dell Naylor Williams and was a member of Finger Church of
Christ. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Bernice Williams; a son, Earl Ward
Williams of Finger; a daughter, Mrs. Mary Lou Fortune of Odessa, Texas; a brother,
Warren Williams of Bethel Springs; five sisters, Mrs. Armelia Smith, Mrs. Lueela
Joyner, and Mrs. Loraine Smith, all of Bethel Springs, Mrs. Leodie Planeta of
Orlando, Fla., and Mrs. Beulah Young of Jackson; seven grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WILLIAMS, WILLIAM LANCHRO died Jan 22, 1892, age 37 years, 22 days old. From a
Texas newspaper - Jan 29, 1892: Mr W L Williams, an honest farmer, living on H A
Pierce’s farm, died last Friday of pneumonia. He leaves a wife and large family of
children to battle with the hardships of life. Written by his brother Rev J J
Williams ‘of the sad message but alas with all my haste, death being more swift
than the steam engine had preceded me some four house and done its cruel work
before my arrival. Death waits for no one. The dear departed brother leaves a
wife and ten small children, a father, Rev W J Williams of McNairy County, Tenn,
four brothers and five sisters and many friends in Texas and Tennessee to mourn
his departure, but our morning is his eternal joy. He was a model husband,
father, Christian and neighbor. His life was truly devoted to his God, family and
friends. His short life was a hard one, but always pleasant, cheerful and bright
with the sunshine of righteousness. He never complained. He was head to say a few
days prior to his demise that he never had any trouble but was happy all the
time. His joy was in the service of his Lord and Master.’
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WILLIS, BABY - February 8, 1918 McNairy County Independent - The little 4 or 5
months old child of Mr. and Mrs. Levy Willis was buried at Gravel Hill last week.
Willis Dolph E. - 78 - of Ramer, died March 31, 1996 at McNairy County General
Hospital. Services were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday in Shackelford Funeral Home
Chapel with Johnny Burns officiating. Burial was in Ramer Cemetery. Pallbearers
were Morris Wilson, Will Gantt, Jimmy Ingle, Leon Whitney, Barry Shelton, Roy
Vandford and Dallas Gober. The son of the late Lou Brooks Willis and Walter
Willis, he was a retired farmer. Survivors include his wife, Lois Martin Willis,
and one brother, Roy Willis of Corinth, Ms. PDG
WILLIS, UNCLE JACK - McNairy County Independent, June 20, 1930 - ‘Uncle
Jack’ Willis aged 82 years, died at his home in the 13th district last week, June
11, 1930, and was buried in the old family cemetery in Weatherford community, J.
B. Maxedon conducing the funeral. The deceased was a familiar figure, and had
numerous friends. for many years he found it convenient to visit Selmer
frequently, and particularly upon Saturday afternoon. He is survived by many
relatives. Spring Hill Cemetery .
WILLIS, JOHN WILLIAM - McNairy County Independent - Dec 22, 1950 - Mr John William
Willis, age 76, died at Festus, Mo on Dec 6, 1950. His remains were brought back
to McNairy County for burial. Funeral services were held at Union Grove Church on
Dec 8, with burial in the Pleasant Site Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Directors
were in charge of local arrangements. The deceased is survived by one son, Eber
Willis; five daughters, Mrs Myrtle white, Miss Denish Willis, Mrs Winford Gillham,
Melissa Willis and Miss Hattie Willis, 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
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Lou Ella Willis - age 91 of Ramer - services were conducted on Sunday. She died
Saturday, Feb 14, 1970 at McNairy County General Hospital after a long illness.
She was a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors are sons, Troy Willis, Roy
Willis and Dolph Willis and a daughter Mrs Kay Robertson. Burial in Falcon
Cemetery.
WILLIS, MAGGIE LAVELLE – Mrs. Maggie Lavelle Willis, 81, of Counce, died Monday,
April 25, 1983, at McNairy County General Hospital. Funeral services were held
Wednesday morning, April 27, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer
with the Revs. Russell Clouse and D.F. Dickey officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion
Cemetery. She was the daughter of the late Joseph C. and Ina M. Hockaday Dickey,
and the widow of the late Lacy T. Willis. She was a Methodist. She leaves three
daughters, Mrs. Inez June Tippins of Ringgold, Georgia, Mrs. Mary Nell Lewis of
Kennesaw, Georgia, and Mrs. Charlotte Faye Reeder of Pickwick Dam; five sons,
Robert Aubrey Willis of Guys, Joe Glen Willis and Charlie T. Willis of Michie,
Bobby Wayne Willis and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Terry Gene Willis of Counce;
four brothers, Cecil Dickey of Adamsville, Rev. D.F. Dickey of Stantonville,
Marshall Dickey of Ramer, and Matthew Dickey of Henderson; eighteen grandchildren,
and seven great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WILMETH, LOGAN - McNairy County Independent - Sept 21, 1951 - Mr Rufus Logan
Wilmeth, age 66, well known in the south part of the county, died at his home on
Rt 2, Pocahontas Sept 15, 1951. Services were held at Antioch Church, conducted by
Rev Homer Moore. Burial was in White Oak Cemetery. The deceased is survived by
his wife, Mrs Mary Wilmeth and three sons: G F Wilmeth, R F Wilmeth and T W
Wilmeth. He was a member of the Antioch Church of Christ.
WILSON, A. C. - McNairy County Independent March 28, 1930 - A. C. Wilson, one
of the best liked colored boys in this community, died Saturday at his home in
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Selmer after a long and painful illness. For a long time he had worked at the
barber shop where he was popular with all the patrons, and was always missed by
his many friends in this county.
WILSON, BEULAH MARY - McNairy County Independent - November 3, 1950 - Mrs Beulah
Wilson, age 57, died at her home in Texas County, Missouri, October 28, 1950. Her
body was brought to McNairy County for burial. Services, conducted by Rev Lloyd
Ramer were held in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home on Wednesday, Nov 1 with
burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. The deceased is survived by her husband, Carl Wilson;
three daughters, Mrs Mary Ruth Schwartz, Toledo, Ohio; Mrs Frances Franks, Benton
Harbor, Michigan; Miss Lucille Wilson of Benton Harbor, Michigan. Two sons:
Richard H Wilson of Mt Grove, Missouri and James Wilson of Benton Harbor
Michigan. Her father: J H Richards of Selmer. Three sisters: Mrs Audrey Broadway
and Mrs Rosa Hurst of Selmer and Mrs Lena Vaughn of California.
Buelah Wilson - Services for Mrs Buelah P Wilson, who died Dec 11, 1963,
Wednesday, at Peoria, Ill, after a heart attack, will be Sunday at Curtis Hill
Church of God. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Shackelford Funeral
Home of Selmer in charge. Mrs Wilson, who was 63, was a life long McNairy
Countian and a member of the Church of God. She was the wife of Hughie Wilson of
Bethel Springs.
WILSON, DELLA - McNairy County Independent - Friday, April 15, 1949 - Mrs. Della
Wilson, age 71, died at her home, near Hornsby, Tenn on April 7, 1949. Services
conducted by Rev. R. L. Sanders were held at Refuge community . Interment at
Refuge cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. The
deceased is survived by two sons, Buster of Hornsby and Doss Wilson of East
Prairie, Mo., and two daughters, Mrs. Lillie Ferguson of finger and Mary Lou Genis
of Hornsby.
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WILSON, ED - McNairy County Independent - Feb 9, 1951 - Buena Vista Community News
- Our community was made sad when we learned of the death of Mr Ed Wilson of
Memphis on Jan 15, 1951. Mr Wilson was born and reared in this community and was
laid to rest in the New Salem cemetery. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife,
Lillain Wilson; three children, Marvin, Alma and Velma; one brother, Erwin Wilson
of Water Valley, Ky; three sisters, Mrs Maggie Cheshier, Mrs Pearl Wyatt and Mrs
Lessie Green.
Services for Hughie L. Wilson, age 102, will be held at 3:00 PM today at
Shackelford Chapel, Selmer, Tn. Burial is in Curtis Hill Cemetery. Mr. Wilson died
Tuesday, May 7, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur, McNairy. Surviving is daughters Amy
Tull and Charlene Wilson and son Douglas Wilson. For further information call
Shackelford Funeral Directors, 731-645-3481.
Hughie L. Wilson – Services for Hughie L.Wilson, age 102, will be held at 3:00 PM
today at Shackelford Chapel, Selmer, Tn. Burial is in Curtis Hill Cemetery. Mr.
Wilson died Tuesday, May 7, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur, McNairy. Surviving is
daughters Amy Tull and Charlene Wilson and son Douglas Wilson.
WILSON, J. G. - McNairy County Independent, June 6, 1930 - J. G. (Gib ) Wilson
died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. E. Hamilton, on May 29, 1930, and on
the following morning was buried beside his wife in Oak Hill cemetery. Rev. Jack
Pickens, an old friend, assisted by Rev. J. W. Wallace, conducted the
funeral. Mr. Wilson had been in falling health for several months and his death
was not unexpected. He was born west of Adamsville eight - three years ago, and
was the son of Robert Wilson, one pioneer settlers in what was called Wilsontown.
He lived there until about 25 years ago, when he moved to Selmer. His wife died
five years ago. Surviving him are three children, Mrs. J. E. Hamilton and Hubert
Wilson, of Selmer, and Artie Wilson of Jackson. Beside he leaves two brothers,
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Fillmore Wilson, of Texas, and Cornelius Wilson, of Adamsville, and three
sisters, Miss Neal Wilson, Mrs. Mag Sharp and Mrs. Bettie Farris of
Adamsville. Mr. Wilson was a good man.
JAMES EDWARD WILSON, 59, died on Sat., June 5, 1999, at Methodist LeBonheur
Healthcare in Jackson of heart failure. He was a truck driver and a member of the
Church of Christ. Graveside services took place at 4p.m. at Sun., June 6, at
Refuge Cemetery in Bethel Springs. Officiating the services was Minister James
Selbe. Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie James and Johnnie
C. Russell Wilson. He is survived by three daughters, Debbie, Bennett of
Murfreesboro, Tena Zemlo and Treena Wilson both of Waupun, Wis., two sons, James
Wilson, Jr., of Beaver Dam, Wis., and Dewayne Wilson of Waupun, Wis., three
sisters, Betty Lloyd Hill, Myrtle E. Hill, and Helen Vaughn all of Selmer, one
brother, David Wilson of New Madrid Bend, Ky., and seven grandchildren.
WILSON, JAMES HAROLD – James Harold Wilson, 48, of Bethel Springs, died early
Monday morning, May 2, 1983, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, after a
two-year illness. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, May 3, at
Woodville Baptist Church with Rev. Tobe Cox officiating. Burial was in Mt. Gilead
Cemetery with Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer in charge of funeral
arrangements. He was the son of Mrs. Jerolyne Wilson of Bethel Springs and the
late Ulyss E. Wilson. Mr. Wilson was a farmer and a member of the Baptist
Church. He leaves his mother; two sisters, Jessie Mae Murray and Mrs. Frances Ann
Murray, both of Bethel Springs; and two brothers, William Eugene Wilson of Bethel
Springs and Alvin Wilson of Selmer. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
Jeraline Wilson, 90, of Bethel Springs died October 22, 2000 at the Methodist
Healthcare McNairy Hospital due to heart failure. Mrs. Wilson was a homemaker and
a member of the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her
husband, Ulyss E. Wilson, one son, Harold Wilson, her parents, Samuel LaFayette
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and Lee Ann Johnson Ray. She is survived by two daughters, Frances Murray and
Jessie Murray of Bethel Springs, two sons, Alvin Wilson of Selmer and Eugene
Wilson of Bethel Springs, three brothers, Johnson Ray of Selmer, Douglas Ray of
Irving, Tx., and Parvin Ray of South Haven, Ms., six grandchildren, and thirteen
great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at
Shackelford Funeral Home and burial followed at Mt. Gilead Cemetery in Bethel
Springs.
WILSON, JOHN JR – John Wilson, Jr., 93, of South Rockwood, Mich., died Sunday,
Oct. 12, 1986 at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe, Mich. after a 10-day stay in
the hospital. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14 in the
Ford Chapel of the Allore-Sprow Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Clark officiating.
Burial was in Ferndale Cemetery. Born July 7, 1893 in Bethel Springs, he retired
in 1962 after working 30 years as a millwright at Great Lakes Steel Company. He
was the son of the late John Sr. and Frances Howell Wilson. He was preceded in
death by a daughter, two brothers and three sisters. Surviving are a daughter,
Mrs. Luella Whitaker; a sister, Mrs. Lela Allen of South Rockwood, Mich.; two
grandchildren and one great-grandchild. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WILSON, LEE VANNIE - Mr. Lee Vannie Wilson, age 70, a resident of the Bethel
Springs community, died at a hospital in Memphis on Sunday, January 20, 1952. He
was a Baptist. Funeral services were held at the Buena Vista church on Monday,
Jan. 21, at 1:00 p.m. and burial was in the cemetery there. The deceased is
survived by two brothers, R. F. and Amos Wilson, of Bethel Springs. McNairy
County Independent
WILSON, LULA - McNairy County Independent - March 17, 1950 - Mrs Lula Wilson, age
76, resident of Finger, Rt 1, died on Wednesday, March 8, 1950. Services conducted
by Rev Wayne Cox, were held at Refuge on March 9 with interment there. She is
survived by her husband, Wm G Wilson, three daughters, Mrs Fred Squire, Mrs Myers
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Flatt and Mrs Taft Walker; and three sons, Carl, Barney and Eulas Wilson.
WILSON, M. J. MRS. - McNairy County Independent May 15, 1908 - Mrs. M. J.
Wilson, aged 75 years, died at her home in Bethel Springs Saturday and buried
Sunday, Rev. A. H. Dulaney officiating. Mrs. Wilson was the relict of Col. W. C.
Wilson who died several years ago. The family was one of the pioneers of the
county and had always lived at or near Bethel. Mrs. Wilson was a woman much over
the ordinary in intellect and that which goes to make up a strong Christian
character. Since childhood she had been a prominent member of the Presbyterian
church. Her home, whose hospitality we have often enjoyed, was an ideal one. She
leaves two daughters and one son, O. C. Wilson, editor of the Adamsville
Enterprise, Mrs. Crump Wilson and Miss Lilly Wilson, daughters survive her. To the
children and relatives we extend our feeble condolence. Margaret J Wilson April 3,
1833 – May 8, 1908 Bethel Springs Cemetery.
WILSON, MARY EVELYN – Mary Evelyn Wilson, 47, of Bethel Springs, died October 6,
1987 at Harbert Hills Nursing Home in Savannah after a long illness. Funeral
services were held at Refuge Church of Christ on Wednesday afternoon, with Malcolm
George officiating. Burial was in Refuge Cemetery. She was the daughter of the
late Litt Wilson and Mrs. Mamie Kirk Wilson of Bethel Springs. She was a member of
the Church of Christ. In addition to her mother, survivors include two brothers,
Charles Wilson and Carlos Wilson, both of Bethel Springs
WILSON, MINNIE ALEXANDER – Mrs. Minnie Alexander Wilson, 94, of Memphis, died
Saturday, July 17, 1982, at Methodist Central Hospital in Memphis. Funeral
services were held Monday, July 19, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home in
Selmer with Dennis Neenan officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery. She was
the widow of the late H.F. Wilson. She leaves a nephew, Jim Finch of
Nashville. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
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WILSON, THERESSA LYNN – Theressa Lynn Wilson, 24, of Schofield Barrack, Hawaii
died on August 30, 1987 after a fatal auto accident. Funeral services were held at
Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday afternoon with Rev. J.D. Matlock
officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery. She was the daughter of George
Graham, Jr. and Terry Lynn Cardwell Graham of Selmer, and the wife of Duane Allen
Wilson. In addition to her parents and her husband, survivors include a son,
Michael Allen Wilson; a brother, George Thomas Graham III of Selmer; two sisters,
Sherry Adkins of Clarksville; Mrs. Michelle West of Hendersonville; grandparents,
Mr. and Mrs. George Graham, Sr. of Selmer and Mrs. Juanita Cardwell of
Clarksville. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
Wilson, Wayne Franklin – 56 – of Bethel Springs, died July 12, 1996 at his
residence. Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday in Shackelford Funeral Home
Chapel with Zolon Clayton officiating. Burial was in Buena Vista Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Eston Hurst ,Larry Godwin, Bill McClain, Wilford Mills, Gary
Robinson, David Tacker ,Gary Miller and Billy Frank Harris. The son of the late
Allie Jones Wilson and Richard Wilson, he was retired manager of Patrick Home
Center, a member of Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1321, 32 degree Mason Purdy
Lodge #0132, Free & Accepted Mason and Buena Vista Methodist Church. Survivors
include his wife, Gwen Gann Wilson, two sons, Frankie Wilson and Jamie Wilson of
Bethel Springs, two brothers, Preston Wilson of Memphis, Wilford Wilson of
Kenosha, Wi., one adopted brother, W.L. Dowty of Selmer, two sisters, Bertice
Spencer and Elizabeth Wyatt of Memphis, three grandchildren, one step-grandchild,
and three step-grandchildren. PDG
Winbush, Vessie Loraine – no age given - “Mama Wee” departed this earthly life to
be with herheavenly Savior on Thursday, July 16, 2015, surrounded by her family.
She was born in McNairy County, Tn., the daughter of the late Rev. Acie Vires and
the late Flora Plunk Vires. She was a spreader for the Bellview Apparel Company
and a homemaker. Ms. Winbush was married to the late John Leslie Winbush and was a
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member of Union Grove Baptist Church. Other than her parents and husband, she was
preceded in death by a daughter, Rachel Inez Winbush. She was also preceded in
death by her brothers, Clarence Vires, J.C. Vires and Robert Vires, sisters,Faye
Freeman, Barbara Davis and Evelyn Vires. Surviving are her daughters, Hilda Kay
Puckett and husband Billy, Marilyn Hill and husband Bob all of Jackson. Also
surviving are her grandchildren, Bob Hill, Jr. and wife Wanda, Selina Giles and
husband Wes, Chris Ross, Amanda Puckett Chilcutt and husband Tim. She has nine
great-grandchildren twelve great great-grandchildren, special niece, Teresa Nolin.
A special thanks to her caregivers, Debbie Myers and Becci Fuller. Pallbearers are
as follows: Jonathon Robinson, Edward Robinson, Charlie Giles, Mason Weaver,
Stevie Puckett, Ricky Davis. Honorary: Cody Hill. Funeral services for Ms. Vessie
Loraine Winbush will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2015 in the chapel of Lawrence-
Sorensen Funeral Home with Rev. J.D. Nolin officiating. Burial will follow at
Highland Memorial Gardens. PDG
NOLAN TRAVIS WINGFIELD, 6, died on Sat., Nov. 20, 1999, DOA at Methodist
Healthcare McNairy County of an auto accident. He was a student of Selmer
Elementary School. Services took place at 1 p.m. on Fri., Nov., 26, at
Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Lake Hill Memory Garden in Bethel
Springs. Minister was Roy Sharp. Nolan is survived by his mother, Stacy Ray
Wingfield of Ramer, and father Brent Wingfield of Sherman, Texas, one brother
Dustin Ray of Ramer, his grandparents, Sondra Ray of Bethalto, Ill., Linda Poelma
and Tom Poelma both of Sherman, Texas, Carol Ray and Jim Ray both of Sugar Tree,
gr- grandparents, Margie Beckwith of Bethalto, Texas and Maureen Thomas of Waco,
Texas, and aunts and uncles.
ALTON WINNINGHAM of Memphis, 73, died Aug. 13, 2001 of a stroke at St. Francis
Hospital in Memphis. Mr. Winningham was a veteran of the Korean War in which he
served in the Navy. He retired from the Navy after 21 years. He was also a brick
mason, a member of Shrine and Al Chymia. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Roy and Josie Brown Winningham. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Winningham;
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one daughter, Renee McAdams of Savannah; two sons, Johnny Winningham of Tyler, TX
and Ricky Winningham of Adamsville; two sisters, Francis Kelley of St. Petersburg,
FL and Mary Florence Plunk of Anderson, IN; along with eight grandchildren and one
gr-grandchild. Funeral services for Mr. Winningham were held at 11 a.m.
Wed., Aug. 15 at Shackelford Chapel in Adamsville with Bobby Tillman officiating.
Burial followed at Old Shiloh Cemetery in Shiloh.
WISDOM, MOORE REV - Oct27, 1834 Jackson Tenn Newspaper - Sept 5, 1834. An
atrocious murder was committed in Purdy, in the neighboring county of McNairy on
Saturday evening last- upon the body of the Rev. Moore Wisdom, by a man by the
name of Ward. The circumstances attending this horrid transaction, we learn from a
letter to a gentleman in this place were as follows- Ward is a gambler and had
been arrested a short distance from town for an offence against the laws. Mr.
Wisdom was constable of the county and had Ward in his custody. On arriving in
town, and alighting from the horse which both had been riding, Ward by some means
procured a knife, and it being dark- inflicted six or seven wounds upon Wisdom
before his murderous design could be frustrated by the bystanders. The deceased
died in about fifteen minutes after he had been stabbed. He was a minister in the
Presbyterian Church, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him.
ALBERT GENTRY WOLFE, JR., age 54, died on Saturday, Feb. 6, 1999 at his home. He
was a self-employed car salesman and a sports broadcaster forMcNairy Central High
School. He was a member of New Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was an Air
Force veteran, a McNairy Central High School booster and a member of the Selmer
Golf & Country Club. Services took place at 330 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, 1999 at
Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held in Falcon Cemetery in Selmer.
Officiating the services were Ministers Mike Nolen and Paul Millikin. Honorary
Pallbearers were Weiss Davis, Joey Maness, Don Morris, Wayne Maxedon, John Keith
Gray, Doug Jones, Mike Graham, Ab Chambers, Phillip McClain, William Foote, Frank
Hall, Shawn Hamm and Rickey Joe Suggs. Pallbearers were Carroll Graham, Billy
Frank Harris, Clark Hively, Robert Chambers, Jeff Schults, Jerry Wright, Todd
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Wright, and Farris Holmes. Mr. Wolfe is survived by his wife, Glenda
Glover Wolfe; two daughters-in-law, Ericka and Stacy Wolfe, four sons, Jamie Wolfe
of Old Hickory, Scotty Wolfe, of Selmer, Micky Wolfe and Timmy Wolfe both of
Jackson, parents Albert and Nellie Kiser Wolfe, Sr., of Selmer, one brother
Ricky Wolfe of Selmer, and two grandchildren, Brett and Peyton Wofe.
WOLFE, EDWARD CLAYTON – Martin, Tenn. – A one-car accident at 2:20 a.m. Saturday,
June 1989, on Mt. Pelia Road, just east of the city limits, killed two people,
Martin police said. April Dawn Osborne, 19, of Martin, the driver, and Edward
Clayton Wolfe, 23, of Michie, a passenger, were killed in the accident. Both were
students at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Miss Osborne was a employee at
CineTheater. Services will be at 2 p.m. today at Murphy Funeral Home with burial
in East Side Cemetery. She was a member of Central Baptist Church. Miss Osborne
leaves her mother, Mrs. Jan Osborne of Nashville; her father, Larry Osborne of
Memphis; two sisters, Miss Tiffany Osborne of Nashville and Miss Kari Lynn Osborne
of Memphis; her grandparents, Mrs. Betty Forsythe of Union City, Bill Osborne of
Fulton, Ky., and Mrs. Jean Dotson of Martin; and her great-grandmother, Mrs. Alma
Pitts of Martin. Services for Wolfe will be at 2 p.m. today at First Baptist
Church, where he was a member, with burial in Michie Cemetery. Shackelford Funeral
Home of Selmer has charge. THE COMMERICAL APPEAL, Memphis, Tennessee
Wolfe, Irene (Teague) – As Irene lay sick in her last days, she was more concerned
about her family's comfort than her own, continually asking if everyone was
rested. Even in her subconscious state, she would mumble things like “Bless his
little pea-picking heart”, and “I love you with all my heart”, evidence that even
subconsciously she put others before herself. At the end, she told her family she
“was ready to fly away” and she entered her next life August 4, 1999. Irene Swain
(Teague) Wolfe was born Sept. 1, 1912, in McNairy County to Jesse and Charlotte
Peak Swain. She was a member of Ramer Baptist Church. She retired as a nursing
assistant 14 years ago from the Baptist Hospital in Memphis. Then she returned to
her home in McNairy County in 1995. She loved cats, flowers, word puzzles, the
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color red and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was
predeceased in death by her first husband John Alton Teague and her second husband
Prentis Wolfe. Also preceding her in death were her parents, brother Jesse Lloyd
Swain, and sisters, Verlee Smith, Opal Whitaker and Ilene Taylor. She is survived
by one sister, Jewell Ellis of Bethel Springs, and nine children: daughters and
sons-in-law, Louise and Joe Fullwood of Ramer, Lenora “Polly” Higginbottom of
Selmer, Judy and Eddie Armstrong of Gallatin, Nancy Childress of Ramer, and Sara
and Roger Howell of Columbus, Miss.; sons and daughters-in-law, Andrew and Annette
Teague of Memphis, Joe and Mary Teague of Fort Worth, Texas, Larry and Ruth Teague
of Guys, and Danny Teague of Guys. Mrs. Wolfe was known as “Granny” to 21
grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; and
she is known as a generous and loving friend to many. Funeral arrangements were in
care of Shackelford Funeral Home and burial took place in Oak Hill Cemetery. Great
grandson Jeremiah Johnson preached her funeral. Her grandsons, Steve and Richard
Fullwood, Johnny Childress, Danny Teague II, Gary Higginbottom and Jacky
McCullough acted as pallbearers. PDG
Leland John T. Wolfe, 60, retired railroad employee, died yesterday at McNairy
County General Hospital. Services will be at 2 pm today at Shackelford Funeral
Home in Selmer with burial in Adamsville Cemetery. He leaves a brother, Leo Wolfe
of Selmer; a half-brother, W.J. Freshour of Selmer; a sister, Mrs. Sue Stanfill of
Adamsville; and a half-sister, Mrs. Wilma Mae Bales of Memphis. (No date, except
1972)
Willie Hoover Wolfe, age 75, passed peacefully at his home after a long illness on
August 24, 2005. He was retired from Reynolds Metal of McCook, Illinois, with 32
years of service, and has lived his retirement years in his hometown of Selmer,
Tennessee. He was a decorated veteran of Korea, having served two tours and
awarded a silver star. Funeral services were held on Friday, August 26, at the
Shackelford Chapel in Selmer at 1 p.m. with burial in Lake Hill Memory Gardens in
Bethel Springs. Serving as pallbearers were his grandsons, Fred and Ed Mahr, Sr.,
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and Christopher and Adam Cholewiak. He is survived by his wife of 52 years,
Loraine Borden Wolfe of Selmer; three children, Karel Mahr and husband Ed of
Downer’s Grove, Illinois, Venita Cholewiak of Homer Glen, Illinois, William Wolfe
of Selmer, Tennessee; two granddaughters, Tammie Mahr of Downer’s Grove, Illinois,
and Brittany Pow of Bolingbrook, Illinois; four great-grandchildren; two brothers
Curry Wolfe of Arkansas and Bobby Wolfe of Georgia; and his loving caretaker,
Tammy Tucker of Selmer, Tennessee. Mr. Wolfe was preceded in death by his mother,
Doll Watson Wolfe.
Willie Hoover Wolfe, age 75, passed peacefully at his home after a long illness on
August 24, 2005. He was retired from Reynolds Metal of McCook, Illinois, with 32
years of service, and has lived his retirement years in his hometown of Selmer,
Tennessee. He was a decorated veteran of Korea, having served two tours and
awarded a silver star.Funeral services were held on Friday, August 26, at the
Shackelford Chapel in Selmer at 1 p.m. with burial in Lake Hill Memory Gardens in
Bethel Springs. Serving as pallbearers were his grandsons, Fred and Ed Mahr, Sr.,
and Christopher and Adam Cholewiak. He is survived by his wife of 52 years,
Loraine Borden Wolfe of Selmer; three children, Karel Mahr and husband Ed of
Downer’s Grove, Illinois,Venita Cholewiak of Homer Glen, Illinois, William Wolfe
of Selmer, Tennessee;two granddaughters, Tammie Mahr of Downer’s Grove, Illinois,
and Brittany Powof Bolingbrook, Illinois; four great-grandchildren; two brothers
Curry Wolfe of Arkansas and Bobby Wolfe of Georgia; and his loving caretaker,
Tammy Tucker of Selmer, Tennessee. Mr. Wolfe was preceded in death by his mother,
Doll Watson Wolfe.
WOLVERTON, HORACE M - McNairy County Independent Appeal - Friday, Dec 2, 1949 -
Letter to the Editor from Maude W Cole of Stantonville - I lost my only living
brother - Mr Horace M Wolverton, of Okmulgee, Aola, the 20th of September,
1949. Out of the family of five of Jas. T Wolverton, only two are living; my
sister, Georgia Daniel of Corinth, Miss and myself Maude W Cole.
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Wood, Addie Mildred Plunk – 93 – of Henderson died July 2,2006 at Jackson-Madison
County General Hospital. Funeral services were heldJuly 5 at Maggie Jones United
Methodist Church with the Rev. Keith Brown andDr. Rob Sylvester officiating.
Burial followed in Maggie Jones Cemetery underthe direction of Casey Funeral Home.
She was born March 13, 1913 and reared atFinger, the daughter of the late Lewis O.
and Minnie Lenora Lofton Wharton. Shewent to school at Finger. She married Jesse
B. Plunk in 1929. He died in 1947.She later married Robert Brancy Wood, Sr., in
1954. He died in 1973. She madeher home on East Main in Henderson. She worked as a
dietitian for the ChesterCounty School System for approximately 40 years. She was
a member of MaggieJones United Methodist Church. She is survived by a son, Harold
Plunk (Dorothy) of Henderson; a stepdaughter, Eloise Wood Parker of Henderson,
sixgrandchildren, two step-grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, five stepgreat
grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and on step -great-greatgrandchild.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Lila Imogene Milford, in2005, and two
stepsons, Hiram Wood and Brancy Wood, Jr., who died in prisoncamp during WWII. PDG
WOOD, ANNA F - McNairy County Independent -Dec 7, 1951 - Miss Anna F Wood, age 96,
died Nov 30, 1951. Services were held in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home
and burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Earl Scott, Allen Wooten, Lanie
Moore, Bill Garrett, W W Thompson, Slater Robinson. Miss Wood was born Aug 3, 1855
on Tontogany, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late Emelius Wood, a doctor, who
was the first male child born in the State of Ohio. He organized the first Masonic
Lodge in that state and Wood County is named for him. Miss Wood was a Methodist,
and a member of the O E S of Bowling Green Ohio, and also a member of the D A
R. She was quite active up until her last illness. Miss Wood has made her home in
Selmer the past 12 years, with her niece Mrs J House Moore. When Mrs Moore moved
with her family to Fulton, Miss, last summer, Mrs W T Garrett looked after Miss
Wood, because she did not want to move to Mississippi. In addition to Mrs Moore,
Miss Wood is survived by another niece, Mrs Clyde Hurst, and a nephew Paul McCoun.
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WOOD, DORIS LEONA - McNairy County Independent - Sept 21, 1951 - Miss Doris Leona
Wood, 19 of Jackson, was killed when a transfer truck hit the car in which she was
riding on her way home from Memphis where she was in nurse’s training. Burial was
in Hollywood Cemetery. Miss Wood was born in McNairy Co and moved to Jackson
several years ago with her family. She was the daughter of Willie and Zillar
Robison Wood, a granddaughter of Mr and Mrs Jim Wood of Bethel Springs and of the
late Mr and Mrs Hollie Robison of Finger. Besides her parents she is survived by
one brother Travis Wood and one sister Carol Wood.
WOOD, JOHN ROBERT - McNairy County Independent - Nov 30, 1951 - Mr John Robert
wood, age 74, who resided at Henderson, died Nov 24, 1951. He was a member of the
Mt Gilead Baptist Church. Funeral services were held at mt Gilead Church and
burial in the cemetery there with Shackelford Directors in charge. He us survived
by one sister, Mrs Etta Cox; and two brothers B M Wood and A H Wood.
WOOD, LUKE – Luke Wood, 90, of Shiloh, died March 31, 1990 at Hardin County
General Hospital following a sudden illness. Services were held at Shackelford
Funeral Home Chapel on Monday morning with Malcolm George and Tim Carothers
officiating. Burial was in Shady Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers were Arnold Wood
Rickman, Hughie Smith, Fred Rickman, Jr., Joe Carroll, Robert Lee, and Tony
McAfee. He was the son of the late W.M. and Ruthie Voyles Wood, and was married to
Christine Farris Wood. He was a retired teacher and had taught in the McNairy
County School System, and a member of the Shiloh Church of Christ. He was a member
of the Tennessee Retired Teacher Association. In addition to his wife, he is
survived by two sons, Richard Wood of Walls, Miss., and Herbert Wood of Bolivar; a
sister, Pearl Rickman of Shiloh; and two grandchildren.
WOOD, LYMAN H. “PETE” – Lyman H. “Pete” Wood, 65, of Corinth, Mississippi, died
Friday, March 3, 1983, at Magnolia Hospital in Corinth. Funeral services were held
Sunday, March 6, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer, with burial
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in Carter Cemetery. He was the son of the late John V. and Willie Ann Jones
Wood. He was self-employed as an auto mechanic, and was a veteran of World War
II. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Carole Carter of Corinth; two sons, John W. Wood
and Kenneth Wood , both of Atlanta, Georgia; three sisters, Mrs. Josie Emmons of
Sheffield, Alabama, Mrs. Hazel Childers of Corinth, and Mrs. Lois Deen of Corinth;
and seven grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WOOD, MARY ETTA - McNairy County Independent - Friday, July 29, 1949 - Mrs. Mary
Etta Wood, 70, died at her residence in Memphis, Tennessee on July 19, 1949. Her
body was returned to McNairy County for the funeral service and burial at Moore’s
School House. Bro. Perry was in charge. She was a Baptist. Shackelford Funeral
Directors were in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were Hugh Wood, Russell
Green, Kirby Green, Joe Kirby, Hall Kirby and Johnny Garnnal. The deceased is
survived by three sons, Reeder, Clarence and Durrel Wood; and Five daughters, Mrs.
Arlin Cook, Mrs. Vallie McClure, Mrs. Lockie Lovejoy, Mrs. Loy Welch and Mrs.
Whitten.
WOOD, RUTHIE - McNairy County Independent - December 1, 1950 - Mrs Ruthie Wood,
age 79, of the Pittsburg Landing community died at her home on Nov 28, 1950. She
was a Missionary Baptist. Funeral services, conducted by Rev Prince E Claybrook,
were held at the home on Nov 29 at 1:30 pm. Burial was in Shady Grove
Cemetery. The deceased is survived by two sons, W H and Luke Wood; two sisters,
Mrs Ethel Lee and Mrs Pearl Rickman, all of Pittsburg Landing. 26 grandchildren
and 15 great grand children.
Eunice Lee Walker Woods of Selmer, 86, died December 22, 2003 at North Brook
Healthcare Center in Jackson. Mrs. Woods was a homemaker. She worked at ITT for
ten years and Brown Shoe Company for twenty years. She was a member of Falcon
Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Joshua Lincoln King; her
mother, Anna Roberta Davidson King; and her husband, Norman Pete Woods. She is
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survived by several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, including a
very special great-nephew, Christopher Moore, and a very special great-niece,
Ashley Moore. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at
Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Phillip Moore officiating. Burial
followed in Falcon Cemetery.
Eunice Lee Walker Woods of Selmer, 86, died December 22, 2003 at North Brook
Healthcare Center in Jackson. Mrs. Woods was a homemaker. She worked at ITT for
ten years and Brown Shoe Company for twenty years. She was a member of Falcon
Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Joshua Lincoln King; her
mother, Anna Roberta Davidson King; and her husband, Norman Pete Woods. She is
survived by several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, including a
very special great-nephew, Christopher Moore, and a very special great-niece,
Ashley Moore. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at
Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Phillip Moore officiating. Burial
followed in Falcon Cemetery.
Woods, Mrs. Mattie Funeral services for Mrs. Mattie woods 88, will be at 3:30 pm,
today at the Refuge Church of Christ with the Rev. James Wells officiating.
Burial will be in Refuge Cemetery with Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer was in
charge. Mrs. woods fdied Friday at McNairy County General Hospital after a long
illness. Surviving are a son, William T. Woods of Jackson; five daughters, Miss
Lucille Woods of Selmer, Mrs. Lanile Archer of Bethel Springs, Mrs. Narcissus
Douglas of Memphis, Mrs. Kathleen Lambery of Selmer and Mrs. Vonnie Dallas of
Memphis; a sister, Mrs. Pearl Majors of Memphis; 12 grandchildren, 14 g-
grandchildren and 2 gg-grandchildren. Mar 23, 1973
Nobia Woods - age 84, were held last Thursday at Shackelford Funeral Home. Burial
was in Oak Hill Cemetery. Mrs Woods, died Wednesday, July 31, 1968, at McNairy
County General Hospital. She was a Methodist. Surviving are three stepsons, Oval
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Woods and J L Woods of Selmer and Lain Woods of Memphis; and a sister Mrs Ora
Grant of Memphis.
Woods, Oval – 92- died on Tuesday, July 6, 1999 at Tri-County Convalescent Home of
heart failure. He was retired from the McNairy County Highway Department and was a
U.S. Army Veteran serving during WWII. Services took place at 1:00 p.m. on
Thursday, July 8, 1999 at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer, Officiating the services
was Minister Frank Whitman. Mr. Woods was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice
Whitaker Woods, one step-son, Thomas Earl Hawkins, one sister, Mary Ruth O'Neill,
and one brother, J.L. Woods. He is survived by one daughter, Carolyn Wiles of
Selmer, Johnny Hawkins of Memphis, Clarence Hawkins, Jr. of Selmer, and Forrest
Neil Hawkins of Santa Clara, Calif., one brother, Lain Woods of Germantown, two
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. PDG
WOOTEN, A.O. – A O Wooten, 88, retired mail carrier, died Wednesday, Nov 24, 1965
at McNairy County General Hospital. Services were Thursday at Shackelford Funeral
Home with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. He leaves two sons, A.G. Wooten of Memphis
and Alan Wooten of Selmer; and a daughter, Mrs. Sac Lewis of Selmer.
WOOTEN, CALVIN - Calvin Wooten, aged 81 years, died at the home in the 18th
district on December 20, 1929, a victim of a stroke of paralysis which he suffered
only a few days before his death. The deceased was born and reared only a short
distance from where he died, being a son of Ezekiel Wooten, who settled in the
community in the early part of the last century. For several years he was a
member of the county court from his district, and took an active part in all
matters pertaining to his section. He was very active for one of his age, and
from his home nearly twenty - five miles away, he was accustomed to ride horseback
from there to Selmer.
On the day following his remains were laid to rest in the old family graveyard on
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the eminence just across from where he died, and within which graveyard repose the
ashes of many of the early settlers of that section. Men and women, who lived
there one hundred years and more ago. It is said that in this same burying
grounds are the remains of Indians, so old is this place and so many were the
Indians that roamed that section a century ago. Esq. Robert Merrell and the Messrs
Depoysters, father and son, paid appropriate tribute to this venerable citizens,
their old friends and neighbor. Surviving him are his wife and two sons,
Dolphus and A. O. Wooten, the latter a citizen of Selmer. Nov 5, 1848 – Dec 23,
1929 Wooten Cemetery.
Calvin Wooten, aged 81 years, died at the home in the 18th district on December
20, 1929, a victim of a stroke of paralysis which he suffered only a few days
before his death. The deceased was born and reared only a short distance from
where he died, being a son of Ezekiel Wooten, who settled in the community in the
early part of the last century. For several years he was a member of the county
court from his district, and took an active part in all matters pertaining to his
section. He was very active for one of his age, and from his home nearly twenty -
five miles away, he was accustomed to ride horseback from there to Selmer. On the
day following his remains were laid to rest in the old family graveyard on the
eminence just across from where he died, and within which graveyard repose the
ashes of many of the early settlers of that section. Men and women, who lived
there one hundred years and more ago. It is said that in this same burying grounds
are the remains of Indians, so old is this place and so many were the Indians that
roamed that section a century ago. Esq. Robert Merrell and the Messrs Depoyster,
father and son, paid appropriate tribute to these venerable citizens, their old
friends and neighbor. Surviving him are his wife and two sons, Dolphus and A. O.
Wooten, the latter a citizen of Selmer.
WOOTEN, DOLPHUS A. - Mr. Dolphus A. Wooten, who had been a semi-invalid for some
time, died Saturday morning, Feb. 16, 1952 following a stroke at his home in the
Walnut Grove community, east of Bolivar. He was reared in McNairy County, a
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brother of our townsman, A. O. Wooten. The deceased was eighty years of age, and
for many years had been a resident of Hardeman County. The funeral service was
held at 2:00 o'clock Sunday afternoon, with Rev. Wayne T. Branson, Baptist
minister, officiating. The deceased was a member of the Baptist Church. Burial
was in Walnut Grove cemetery, with Shackelford Funeral Directors in charge. He
leaves his wife, Mrs. Mamie Ervin Wooten; three sons, O. S. Wooten, of Camden, S.
C., Otis Wooten, of Pocahontas, and Harland Wooten, of Bolivar; four daughters,
Mrs. J. E. King, of Pocahontas; and Mesdames Clarence Cooksey, C. O. Wiggins and
Carnell Breeden, all of Bolivar; one brother, A. O. Wooten, of Selmer. The
Independent joins friends in Selmer in extending sympathy to the family.
McNairy County Independent
WOOTEN, E. - McNairy County Independent, October 17, 1902 - E. Wooten died at
his home on the 10th of October, 1902. He was born August 6, 1821. Mr.. Wooten
was a man of sterling character, living for a great many years in the extreme
south west corner of the county. In days past he from that district frequently
served as a juror, and was never set aside by attorneys for reasons objectionable
to them. He was a true gentleman of the old school. For thirty years we have
known him and can pay the tribute of respect to his memory that is due an old,
true and tried friend. Rest to his bones and peace to his memory, with our
condolence to his friends is the humble tribute. 1821 – 1902 Wooten Cemetery.
Laura Jane Wooten - one of Selmer’s well loved pioneer citizens, died Feb 10,
1970, at McNairy County General Hospital. Funeral services conducted by Bro Frank
Bulle and Will Terry Abernathy, were held at Shackelford Funeral Home. Had she
lived until April 3, Mrs Wooten would have been 91 years old. Laura Mullens was
born in Mississippi, where she lived until her marriage to A O Wooten. Soon after
their marriage, they moved Selmer in the early 1900's and spent the remainder of
their lives here. Mrs Wooten was a faithful member of the Christian Church and
was known far and wide as one who always helped take care of the sick in the
community. She always seemed to know just what to do. She was always happy to
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help anyone at any time. She is survived by two sons, A G Wooten of Memphis and
Allen Wooten of Selmer; by a daughter Mrs Sac Lewis of Selmer; and by three
grandchildren; and a brother Hugh Mullin of Pocahontas.
WRAY, MINNIE MAE - Mrs. Minnie Mae Wray, wife of the late M. C. Wray, died at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Avery Keeman, in Humboldt, January 16, 1952. Funeral
services were held at the Hunt Funeral Home, January 17, at 2:30, by Bro. William
Hute. Burial was in the Rose Hill cemetery, with Hunt Funeral Home in charge. Mrs.
Wray was 75. She was the daughter of the late Tom Claunch and Sarah Greer Claunch,
and a sister of the late Edgar Claunch of Selmer. Mr. Wray was born in McNairy
County. She moved to Humboldt about 50 years ago. She was a member of the Central
Avenue Christian Church of Humboldt. She leaves her daughter, Mrs. Keeman; a
half-brother, Sidney J. Claunch, of Dayton, Ohio; one half-sister, Mrs. Tressie
Cooper, of Black Mountain, N. C.; two step-daughters, Mrs. Lillie Patterson, of
Humboldt, and Mrs. Eva Pool, of Memphis; two step-sons, Lyman P. Wray and Dossie
Wray, of Humboldt. McNairy County Independent
WREN, CLAUDIE - Services for Claudie Wren, 85 of Ramer, were held Sept 25th at
Chewalla Baptist Church with the Rev John Coleman and the Rev Doyle Petty
officiating. Burial was in the Wren Family Cemetery, near Chewalla. Mrs. Wren,
widow of Olgie L. Wren, died Sept 23,1986 at the home of her daughter Geneva
Gilbert, near Chewalla after a long illness. Besides her daughter, she leaves a
son, Odell Wren of Corinth, Miss, a sister Vera Derryberry of Chewalla. Eight
grandchildren and 1- great -grandchildren. Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer was
in charge.
WREN, TERESA JOYCE – Miss Teresa Joyce Wren, 27, of Ramer, passed away Wednesday,
August 18, 1982, at Magnolia Hospital in Corinth after a long illness. Funeral
services were held Friday, August 20, at Gravel Hill Baptist Church with Rev.
Duail Corbit and Rev. Gary Crowell officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery
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with Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer in charge of funeral arrangements.
Serving as pallbearers were Harold Strachan, Willard Strachan, G.A. Bell, Wayne
Castile, Travis Armstrong, and Frank Martin. She was a member of the Baptist
Church, and had been employed as an office clerk at Tyron Hydraulics in
Corinth. She leaves her mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Lee S. Wren of Ramer; and
her grandmother, Mrs. Lessie Mae Suggs of Ramer. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
WRIGHT, CLARA PRATHER - McNairy County Shopper - Clara Prather Wright, 86, of
Selmer died on December 18, 1987, at McNairy County General Hospital. Funeral
services were held at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday afternoon with Rev
David Comperry officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were
James Alton Scott, Edward Shelby, Bill Webb, Billy Joe Glover, Bert Maxedton and
Loren Smith. She was the daughter of Edgar H and Hattie Carter Prather and the
widow of Albert Vernon Wright. She was a Mehtodist and retired teacher with the
Memphis city schools where she taught for 40 years. Survivors include four
sisters, Enda P Wilkes, Mary Nell Scott, and Lois Prather , all of Selmer and
Frances Prather Combs of Houston.
WRIGHT, CHARLES RICHARD - McNairy County Independent - Sept 8, 1950 - Charles
Richard Wright, age 5, son of Mrs Dorothy Farrell Wright, of Leapwood, died on
Wednesday, Sept 6, 1950. Services will be at 2:00 pm this afternoon (Friday) at
Mars Hill church. Interment will be in the cemetery there. Besides his mother, the
deceased is survived by two brothers, Cecil Ray and James Edward Wright; five
sisters, Mrs Nola Mae Henry, Miss Joan, Mary Ella and Della Sue Wright.
WRIGHT, JEWELL - McNairy County Independent , January 1989 - Jewel Wright, 85,
of Adamsville, died January 25, 1989, at McNairy County General Hospital after a
long illness. Services were held at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Adamsville
on Friday morning with Billy Joe Stewart officiating. Burial was in Mud Creek
Cemetery. She was the daughter of the late Jess and Maggie Snyder Irons and was
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married to Orpheus Wright. She was a housewife and a Methodist. In addition to
her husband, she is survived by two sons, Jimmy Wright of Memphis and Paul Wright
of Millington; four sisters, Georgia Wilkins and Mae Moore, both of Adamsville,
Nola Moore of Memphis and Billie Okonski of Houston; four grandchildren and two
great grand children.
WRIGHT, JOHN V - McNairy County Independent - June 19, 1908 - Judge John V.
Wright It will bring sadness to many McNairians to learn of the death of Judge
John V. Wright ON June 12, 1908, at his home in Washington. As all know, he was
born and reared to manhood, in Purdy. He made the race for representative in 1854
against a man know as " Hogback " Brown, and was defeated by only one vote. It was
always understood Brown voted for himself, contrary to custom for opposing
candidates to vote for each other. He was then taken up by the party and
nominated for congress, and for two terms before the war and leading up to the
time of the state seceding he held that position. His service during the war was
mostly in the Confederate congress. In 1858 he built a magnificent mansion in
Purdy and brought his young bride from Alabama. The opening of this establishment
was the social event of the day. It remained intact until after the war and then
passed into other hands. Its beauty gave way to the ravages of time, and only a
few years ago fire swept it from the beautiful grounds. The war and its result
financially wrecked Judge Wright. His wife inherited a large estate in slaves and
Alabama plantations which both went with the war. His race for governor is well
remembered. He, Wilson and Hawkins held a joint discussion at the fair grounds at
Purdy during that canvass. About twenty - five years ago he was appointed at the
head of a bureau in the land office at Washington which he held until his death.
He was the authority on all questions concerning public lands, and his loss will
be severely felt in the Interior Department. During his whole life spent elsewhere
than in the county of his birth and early manhood, he never lost interest in
McNairy county and her people. While his body will rest in Washington, we wish his
preference would be on the old hill near Purdy, where lie the bones of his
illustrious parents. The Angel of Death that had hovered for many weeks over one
of Washington's happiest homes descended and bore away to the great here after the
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husband and father June 12, 1908. The grief - stricken wife and children sit in
the gloom of bereavement because the light of his presence has been removed from
their heart's throne where he sat as king. His devoted brother, the General, has
received a heavy blow. In life they were inseparable friends as well as loving
brothers. During their long residence in Washington's capitol they made it a
point to be together every Sunday if health permitted. On Sunday, June 14th, Gen.
Marcus J. Wright looked for the last time on earth on the features of his
brother. Born in Purdy he grew up there to a splendid young manhood and early
began a marvelous career that continued through a larger portion of his
life. Judge John V. Wright was born in " flowery June", almost four score ago, and
after a long active life lay down to sleep amidst its roses. He has awakened to
the light of another day. " Requiescat in peace".
WRIGHT, OLIGE - McNairy County Independent - Friday - July 22, 1949- Old 16th
Community: This community was saddened Saturday morning to learn of the passing of
Mr. Olige Wright. Mr. Wright had been in failing health for some time, but
confined to his bed about two weeks before his death. He was 96 years old. His
body was laid to rest the following day in Sweet Lips Cemetery. Mr. Wright may
have lived in Chester County.
WRIGHT, WILLIAM R - McNairy County Independent - June 23, 1950 - Mr William R
Wright, age 66 years, passed away on Monday, June 19, 1950. He was a resident of
Finger and a member of the Methodist church. Services were held at New Church on
Tuesday, June 20, with burial in the cemetery there. The deceased is survived by
four daughters, Mrs Kent smith, Mrs Carl Nash, Mrs Howard Plunk, and Mrs Ward
Moore and one son, Manley Wright.
WYATT, AMANDA W - McNairy County Independent - February 10, 1950 Mrs Amanda Wood
Wyatt, age 80, died at her residence in Woodville, Tenn on Jan 31, 1950. Services
were conducted by Rev Wayne Cox, were held at the Mt Gilead Baptist church on Feb
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2, with burial in the cemetery there. Pallbearers were: James Wyatt, J C Wyatt,
Kay Wyatt, Billy Owen, Buford Bishop, and Houston Hurst. The deceased is survived
by three sons, J W, C M and J L Wyatt; and two daughters, Mrs J P Tull and Mrs W H
Owens.
WYATT, EBB – Ebb Wyatt, 82, of Stantonville, died Sunday, July 25, 1982, at
McNairy County General Hospital after a sudden illness. Funeral services were
held Tuesday, July 27, in the Chapel of Shackelford Funeral Home in Selmer with
the Revs. Lynn Eagan and Zolon Clayton officiating. Burial was in the Stantonville
Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Ricky Wyatt, Tommy Wyatt, Joe Lee Wyatt,
Lendon Martin, Greg Martin, and Ronnie Coast. He was the son of the late Ephraim
and Sally Perkins Wyatt. Mr. Wyatt was married to the late Lillian Florence Wyatt,
and was a retired service station owner. He leaves two sons, Joe Ebb Wyatt of
Selmer and Charles Edward Wyatt of Stantonville; two sisters, Mrs. Mae Burks of
Selmer and Mrs. Nell Luncheford of Memphis; one brother, Walter Wyatt of Shiloh;
six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
Mary Wyatt - Mrs. Warner Wyatt died at her home on Main Street at 7 o' clock
Sunday night. Feb 2, 1930. She had been sick for a long time and her death was
not unexpected. While an invalid for a long time, she bore her suffering patiently
and without complaint. She was 73 years of age, and leaves a surviving husband and
many other relatives. She has a brother, J. S. Simmons, of New York, who was
unable to attend the funeral. Rev. J. B. Maxedon and A. L. Dickerson conducted the
funeral at the Methodist church on Monday afternoon and burial was held in Oakhill
cemetery
WYATT, OSCAR D. – Services for Oscar D. Wyatt were held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at
Shackelford Funeral Home here with the Rev. Warren Phillips, pastor of First
Methodist Church, officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery. Mr. Wyatt died
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early Saturday morning, Feb. 4, 1967, at McNairy County General Hospital. He was
81. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Freda Wyatt; two daughters, Mrs. Coleman Smith of
Adamsville and Mrs. Frank Bass of Selmer; three brothers, Walter Wyatt of Shiloh,
James S. Wyatt of Selmer, and Ebb Wyatt of Stantonville; three sisters, Mrs.
Hester Littlefield of Anson, Texas, Mrs. Mae Burks of Selmer, and Mrs. Nell
Lunceford of Memphis; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Virginia Lee Wyatt, 67, of Selmer, died Dec 11, 2000, at Baptist East in Memphis.
Services were held Dec. 13<sup>th</sup> at First United Methodist Church in Selmer
with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery. She leaves a son, Joe Lee Wyatt of
Germantown; her parents, William “Bill” and Ardys Walsh Carter of Memphis; 2
sisters, Joanne Taube of Kankakee, Ill. and Darlene Brasfield of Memphis.
VIRGINIA MORENE WYATT, 80, died on Fri., Apr. 21, 2000, at Methodist Healthcare
McNairy Hospital in Selmer of heart failure. She was retired from Aqua Glass Corp.
In Adamsville, and was a member of Stantonville United Methodist Church and
Auxiliary Lady at McNairy Hospital. Services took place at 3 p.m. on Sun., Apr.
23, at Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Stantonville Cemetery in
Stantonville. Officiating the services were Ministers Earl Phelps and Danny
Adkisson. Pallbearers were her grandsons. Mrs. Wyatt was preceded in death by his
husband, Charles E. Wyatt, her parents, Thomas Montgomery and Tennie Hardin
Tacker, and three brothers, Brady, Ezra and Joe Tacker. She is survived by three
daughters, Judy Martin Hendrix and Debbie Coats both of Selmer, and Peggy Mathis
of Adamsville, two sons, Rickey Wyatt and Tommy Wyatt both of Adamsville, four
sister, Maggie Jackson of Senath, MO, Georgia Horton and Mable Foster both of
Selmer, and Aberdeen Essary of Adamsville, one brother, Paul K. Tacker of
Millersburgh, Ind., twelve grandchildren and four gr- grandchildren.
WYKE, FREDERICK W. – Frederick W. Wyke, 18, of Eastview, died July 5, 1987 at
McNairy County General Hospital. Services were held on July 9 at McNairy Central
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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
High School with S.B. Moore Funeral Home in charge. Rev. Henry Welch officiated
and burial was in Adams Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Wyke was an employee at Big Star in
Selmer and a member of Adams Chapel C.M.E. Church. Honorary pallbearers were
Prof. W.E. Ledbetter, Kirk Stewart, Travis McCormick, Jim Glover, Ronnie Teague,
Glen Stewart, and David Hurst. He leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wyke,
Jr., Ramer; two brothers, Kevin Wyke and Quincy Wyke; one sister, Sonya Wyke; and
grandparents, Mrs. Ida Mae Miller, Ramer, Mrs. Velma Wyke, Guys, and Arthur Wyke,
Sr., Columbus, Ohio. McNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT
FREDRICK GORDON YARBROUGH, 63, of Eastview, TN, died Thurs., Sept. 2, 2004 at
McNairy County Regional Hospital. Mr. Yarbrough is survived by his wife Pam
Yarbrough, his mother Georgia Yarbrough, and two stepsons. He was a retied
employee of the McNairy County Courthouse. As was his request, there was no
visitation or funeral. Anyone wishing to honor his memory, he requested donations
be made to the American Cancer Society
DREW SYLER YORK, 79, died on Sun., Jan. 9, 2000, at Magnolia Medical Center in
Corinth, Miss., of heart failure. She was a homemaker and a member of Butlers
Chapel Baptist Church. Services took place at 1 p.m. on Tues., Jan. 11, at
Shackelford Chapel in Selmer. Burial was held at Oak Grove Cemetery in
Pocahontas. Officiating the services was Ministers John Coleman and Richard
Doyle. Mrs. York was preceded in death by parents, Ambus and Ellen Leatherwood
Reed, one son, Travis York, one grandson, Paul York, and one g-
granddaughter, Allison Gafford. She is survived by her husband, T. L. York,
three daughters, Peggy Baldwin and Sue Fiveash both of Ramer and Cathy Beck of
Oklahoma City, Okla., four sons, Martin York of Chewalla, Bruce York of
Nashville, J. T. York and George York both of Ramer, three sisters, Izola Foust
of Selmer, and Jewell Carper and Bernese Butler both of Ramer, one brother,
Malcolm Reed of Southhaven, Miss., nineteen grandchildren, and nineteen g-
grandchildren.
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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
YORK, PAUL B - Shopper - An 18 year old Ramer man was killed early Wednesday
morning in a one vehicle accident just north of Eastview. Paul B York, Rt 1,
Ramer, was killed at approximately 1 am, Wednesday, Oct 21, 1987, when the 1986
Ford pickup he was driving left the road striking a tree. According to Trooper
David Killingsworth, York’s vehicle traveled approximately 500 after leaving the
road and before striking several trees. York was alone at the time of the accident
and there were no other vehicles involved, according to Killingsworth. Funeral
arrangements for York were incomplete at press time. Burial at Indian Creek
Cemetery.
RAMER, TN - Travis Olen York, 53, born May 5 1946, retired bridge and building
foreman for Norfolk Southern Railway, died Saturday Nov 27 1999 at Methodist
Health care-McNairy Hospital in Selmer of an apparent suicide. Services will be at
1 p.m. Tuesday at Shackelford Funeral Home of Selmer with burial in Indian Creek
Cemetery. He was a member of Chewella Bapt...ist Church. Mr. York, the husband of
Shelia York, also leaves two daughters, Angie York Haynes and Jodie York, both of
Dyersburg; a son, Tommy York of Pinson; his parents, T. L. and Syler Reed York of
Ramer; three sisters, Peggy Baldwin and Sue Fiveash, both of Ramer, and Cathy Beck
of Oklahoma City; four brothers, Marvin York of Chewella, Bruce York of Nashville
and J. T. York and George York, both of Ramer, and two grandchildren. Travis was a
hard worker and a friend to everyone
YOUNG, ACIE EDGAR - McNairy County Independent -October 5, 1951 - Mr Acie Edgar
young, age 79, a retired McNairy County farmers died Sept 29, 1951. Services were
held at Sweet Lips Church and burial in the cemetery there. Mr Young leaves three
sons: Dwight Young and Guy Young of Pinson, and A J Young of Finger; two
daughters, Mrs Vivan Patterson of Bethel Springs and Mrs Bernice Smith of Finger;
two brothers, Rube Young and Sherman Young and 22 grandchildren.
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