Mr. James Daniel Rickett, age 61, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away Wednesday,
January 14, 2026. He was born in Panama City, FL to the late Skinner Rickett and
Joann Neely. James was a graduate of Oakland High School. He had an eclectic career
and was mostly known to work as a plumber.

James is survived by his wife, Sandra Rickett; step children, Coriann DeShazo and
Mandrianna Smith; and niece and nephew, Cassie Rickett and Charles Rickett.

Graveside services will be held Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:00am at Miller
Cemetery.

An online guestbook is available for the family at www.woodfinchapel.com. Woodfin
Memorial Chapel (615) 893-5151

Mr. Kenneth Dee Barrett, 66, of Woodbury passed away January 12, 2026. He was born in
Nashville, Tennessee on December 11, 1959. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan
Barrett, brother, Ricky Barrett, stepbrothers, Steven Ladd and Gary Ladd.
He is survived by his father, Lofton Dee Barrett, brothers, Jerry (Susan) Barrett and Steve
Barrett, sisters, Sherry Barrett and Gina (Dennie) Frazier, stepbrother, Danny (Rita) Ladd,
several aunts and uncles, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Being born into the Barrett family meant you had a lot of love and worked hard. He was the
oldest of his siblings and always exhibited a quiet and easy-going nature. He left school before
graduation and set out to make his way in the world. Starting out he landed a job milking cows
for Clyde Todd. He worked there for quite a while, until he got interested in plumbing by
working with his uncle Jimmy. Jimmy taught him the ropes, and it wasn’t long before he hired
on with W.W. Plumbing. He stayed with them for several years, then struck out on his own.
Whenever a family member or friend had a plumbing issue, Kenneth was the go to. He would
help get the problem solved and when he was done, there wasn’t a bill waiting. He would do it
from the kindness of his heart. He was always willing to help anyone. When someone did
something to help him, he would go on about how thankful and grateful he was for them and
their help.
Though he was quiet, he would often add something to the conversation, especially when the
subject of God or the Bible was being discussed. Dee and Joan made sure to raise their
children in the love and admonition of the Lord. Dee is and has been a member of the Sunny
Slope Church of Christ his whole life. The children were brought to church there as well. They
wanted the children to learn about God and to know their Lord Jesus Christ. Kenneth was
baptized by Clyde Todd at Sunny Slope. It goes without saying that fact greatly increased his
chances of landing the milking job.
Kenneth always had a fondness for classic cars. Back in the day he had a sharp ’63 Impala and
a Corvair. Once when his nephew, J.D., was staying over at Kenneth’s grandparents, J.D.
accidentally broke the windshield on the Corvair. He was scared that Kenneth was going to be
angry. When Kenneth got home, he took it like a champ. He didn’t get mad or excited, he told
J.D. not to worry about it. Those cars didn’t take precedence over his family. He liked going to
drag races, the Rod Run, or just the local cruise in to see those cars and reminisce about the
good old days.
Over the years he faced many trials and challenges. Some he won and some he lost.
Whenever he lost a battle, he picked himself up and tried again. His parents taught him right
from wrong. During the last few years his health began to fail. His family encouraged him to go
to church and stay focused on God. Recently his brother, Jerry, was preaching at Sugar Tree
Knob Church of Christ and convinced him to come. Kenneth came to church and asked for
forgiveness, to be sure he was right with the Lord. His family can thank God that Kenneth found
his way back to the path.
Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, January 19, 2026, from 12-2
pm. Funeral services will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. John Barker will
officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are
requested to Sugar Tree Knob Church of Christ. Share condolences and stories at

www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd.
Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.

Reverend William “W.D.” Thomason, age 88 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee died Monday, January 12,
2026, at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. He was a native of Ila, Georgia and a son of the late Joe and
Laura Thomason.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Jackie Thomason; sons, Bill Thomason and wife Vicki of
Robertsdale, AL, and Mark Thomason of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Jamie Ellison and husband
Mark, Dr. Loni Ponce and husband Ram, Christi Scarff and husband Evan, Nichole Burkhart and
husband Jerry, Nan Woulfe and husband Tyler, Tyler Thomason and wife Ali Hudson Thomason, and
Morgan Cook, her husband Bo, and their son, Cooper; grandchild by choice, Anaston Holt; several
additional grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a host of other loving family and friends.

W.D. was a graduate of Belmont University and Southwestern Baptist Seminary and was a member of
Mt. Hermon Baptist Church. He faithfully answered the call to minister in many places during his
career including First Baptist of Millwood, GA, Scottsboro Baptist, Central Baptist in Crockett, TX,
First Baptist Joelton, First Baptist Smyrna, Green Hills Baptist of Mt. Juliet, Calvary Baptist of
Columbia, Immanuel Baptist of Lebanon, and Hillview Baptist Murfreesboro until his retirement.
Always faithful, he continued his ministry as an interim pastor for First Baptist Woodbury, Stones
River Baptist, and the Baptist Churches at New Hope, Rover, Holley Grove, Dry Creek and Jackson
Ridge. He also served on the boards of the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, and Baptist Hospital,
Nashville.

Visitation with the Thomason family will be Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 2:00 until 5:00 pm at
Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Monday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel
with Reverends Bill Thomason and Abram Edwards officiating. Burial will follow in the Republican
Grove Cemetery with Tommy Carter, Ron Martin, Morris Fann, Eddie Speck, Eddie Jernigan, Jimmy
Todd, Eric Weathersby Phillip Pervis, and Greg Thomas serving as pallbearers.

Memorials in memory of W.D. may be made to The Gideons International and an online guestbook is
available for the Thomason family at www.woodfinchapel.com.

Sandra Kaye “Sandy” Field Amacher, age 62 of Lascassas, TN, passed away, Saturday, January 10, 2026. A native of Hohenwald, TN, she was the daughter of the late David Ray Field and Bonnie Elizabeth Durham Field.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Ronnie Lee Amacher of Lascassas, TN; son, Kyle Ray Amacher; daughters, Kristen Lucas and her husband Nathan, and Kayla Bowling and her husband Seth; grandchildren, Abigaile and Wesley Lucas, and Aiden and Micah Bowling all of Murfreesboro, TN; and one brother, Barry Field of Crossville, TN.

Visitation with the family will be from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. The funeral service will be held on Sunday at 2:00 pm following the visitation at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. The burial will follow in the Bradley Creek Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

An online guestbook for the Amacher family is available at www.woodfinchapel.com.

Woodfin Memorial Chapel. (615) 893-5151.

Larry Dale James, age 81, passed away January 12, 2026 at Select Specialty Hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Rutherford County and taught in the Rutherford County Schools. He was an artist, sculptor, car enthusiast and a member of the Stones River Woodworking Club.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Smoot James and Addie Pearl Haithcock James. He is survived by his wife, Linda Lilley James; son, Brian James; daughter, Lillie Rebecca James; and grandchildren, Nicholas Kaegan (Alyssa) James and Talura Rainey.

Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 PM, Friday, January 16, 2026 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home.

Chapel service will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Jennings and Ayers with Tom Brantley officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Please leave online condolences for the family at www.jenningsandayers.com  Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home, 820 South Church Street, Murfreesboro, TN. 37130.  615-893-2422.

Carl Wayne Davenport, age 95, went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at
Woodland Terrace Assisted Living Facility in Saint Joseph, Michigan.
Born May 6, 1930, in Nashville, Tennessee, Carl was the son of the late Walter and Corbia (Todd) Davenport.
He married Myra Jane Agee on March 6, 1972, and together they made their home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
until moving to Michigan in 2019 to be closer to their daughter and her family.
Carl grew up in Warren County, Tennessee and attended Oak Grove School through the eighth grade.
Committed to helping his father on the family farm, he completed high school by correspondence. After serving
in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1954, Carl earned his GED and went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from
Union University in 1957. A lifelong learner, he later received a Master’s Degree from George Peabody College
of Teachers, and a Bachelor of Divinity and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Vanderbilt University.
Throughout his professional life Carl served in many roles, but his most cherished position was as chaplain at
the Alvin C. York Veterans’ Administration Medical Center in Murfreesboro where he ministered for 18 years
before retiring in 1998. His dedication continued as a volunteer chaplain on the hospice ward for an additional
14 years. Carl also gave generously of his time to Meals on Wheels, construction and disaster relief efforts, and
as a routine blood donor.
Carl always maintained a large garden from which many benefited. Other hobbies included traveling, camping,
solving jigsaw puzzles, and genealogy research. He published several genealogy books and made many friends
along the way who shared his passion for research. Carl was an active member of First Baptist Church in
Murfreesboro and continued to faithfully watch their services online after moving to Michigan. Even as he
aged, his servant heart remained evident as he faithfully provided care for his beloved wife, Myra.
Carl is survived by his wife, Myra; daughter, Carla (Kenley) Penner of St. Joseph, Michigan; and three
grandchildren: Erin Penner (Kenosha, WI), Alex Penner (Chicago, IL), and Ashley Penner (St. Joseph, MI). He
is also survived by his sister, Nova Todd Gray of Nashville, TN, and many nieces and nephews. He was
preceded in death by his brothers, David “Jack” Davenport and Walter “Chad” Davenport.
Visitation with the Davenport family will be at Woodfin Memorial Chapel on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from
10:00 am until the time of funeral services beginning at 11:00 am with Reverend Pam Pilote officiating. Burial
will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery near Morrison, Tennessee with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Murfreesboro or Union University in Jackson,
Tennessee and an online guestbook for the Davenport family is available at www.woodfinchapel.com.

Mrs. Beulah Frances Hale, age 97, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away peacefully Friday, January 9, 2026 with her family by her side. She was born in Smith County, TN to the late William Turner and Laura Ellen Barrett Enoch. While Mrs. Hale was a homemaker to her family, she also owned and operated Hale’s Mobile Home Park and numerous other properties. She was known for making the best chicken and dumplings and banana pudding. Mrs. Hale attended Middle Tennessee Baptist Church.

Mrs. Hale is survived by her children, Linda White, James Hale and his wife Pamela, Carolyn Ann Yost, and Johnny Hale and his wife Debbie; grandchildren, Donnie White, Lichelle Leonard, Dwayne White, Daniel White, Lisa Kermode, Lizabeth Cruz, Lydia Nobles, Jerika Lloyd, Jamyson Hale, Jack Yost III, Jason Yost, Joey Yost, Jaime Blaylock, Jennifer Rogerson, and Joshua Hale; great grandchildren, Dyllan White, Haley Griffin, Hayden White, Cameron Leonard, Lauren Goad, Peyton White, Ethan White, Zachary Cruz, Nicholas Cruz, J.J. Cruz, Calum Nobles, Ollie Nobles, Jentzen Lloyd, Janae Lloyd, Canaan Blaylock, Connor Blaylock, Charlotte Blaylock, Caroline Blaylock, Emery Yost, Gentry Yost, Deacon Yost, Braxton Yost, Keira Yost, Jacob Rogerson, Lucas Rogerson, Jordan Hale, and Parker Jane Hale; and great great grandchildren, Mia White, Haven Griffin, and Luke Griffin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Walter Hale.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 12:00noon until 1:00pm at Middle Tennessee Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00pm at Middle Tennessee Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Ronald Walter Edwards, age 79, passed from this life to the next on December 22, 2025, after an extended illness. Ron was a dedicated husband, Dad, Papa, Uncle Ronnie, and friend to all. He lived his life with adventure and fun and pulled those around him into his orbit.

Ron is survived by his wife, Linda, and children, Regan Edwards (Roger) Smith and Kyle (Lara) Edwards. He has 7 grandchildren, Ben, Zach, Abbie, and Drew Smith and Ruby, Amon, and Dawson Edwards. He is also survived by cousins Jerry Hayes and Sandra (Rich) Huntley, a host of beloved nieces and nephews, and so many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Renee and Larry Adamson, and cousin Estella Hayes, as well his beloved Golden Retrievers Bob and Andy.

Ron would love for you to celebrate his life by petting a dog, raising a Guiness, or drinking a glass of good wine – always in the company of someone you love.

Visitation will be held at Woodfin Memorial Chapel on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 4 to 7pm concluding with a Rosary at 6:30pm. A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 11:00am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with burial at Evergreen Cemetery immediately following Mass.

Kevin Allen Kipping, age 42, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, following a tragic car accident in Rutherford County. He was born on August 9, 1983, in Murfreesboro. 

Kevin was, first and foremost, a devoted father. His sons, Jaxton and Heath, were the center of his world, and everything Kevin did was guided by his desire to provide for them, protect them, and set an example of strength, discipline, and integrity. He took immense pride in being their father.

Kevin built a stable and respected career in manufacturing with Nissan, working for the same company through various ownership transitions for more than 20 years. For the past 11 years, he worked for AESC in battery production. His career was a natural extension of his lifelong passion for cars. Kevin was endlessly curious about how things worked and took great pleasure in perfectly maintaining, upgrading, and improving every vehicle he owned including his prized Audi R8. 

Kevin found deep peace at the family farm in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, a place that connected him to his father and grandfather. Like them, he cared for the land with hope, pride, and dedication. He visited the farm regularly, kept it in immaculate condition, and found comfort in its serenity.

Kevin was known for his beautiful blue eyes and his melt-your-heart smile but more importantly his loyalty, quiet strength, and willingness to show up for the people he loved. He was a cherished son to his mother, Linda Anne Allen, and he was fiercely loved by his adoring sister, Ashley Kipping Smith. He shared a devoted partnership with Karen Mata, who deeply cared for and loved him. Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Paul “Kip” Kipping III; his beloved paternal grandparents, Paul Kipping Jr. and Finnie Kipping; and his aunt, Ruth Kipping Thomas.

Kevin is survived by his sons, Jaxton Kipping of McMinnville, Tennessee, and Heath Kipping of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; his mother, Linda Anne Allen of Murfreesboro; his sister, Ashley Kipping Smith, and her husband, Curtis Smith, of Saint Augustine, Florida; his devoted partner, Karen Mata of Murfreesboro; his maternal grandparents, Bill and Idalee Allen of Murfreesboro; and his beloved niece and nephews, Calaway, Chloe, and Griffin Smith. He is also survived by his aunt and uncle, Patti and Glen Hutchinson, cousins Emily Hutchinson and Robin and Will Hutchinson along with several extended family members and friends who will miss him profoundly.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., both at Woodfin Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro. The service will be officiated by Danny Tomlinson. A private interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Rutherford County.

Pallbearers will be Jaxton Kipping, Jose Mata, Curtis Smith, Dan McHugh, Will Hutchinson, Glen Hutchinson, Jeremy Hix, and Matt Turner.

Kevin’s life was defined by discipline, loyalty, and love—love for the Lord, his sons, his family, his work, his cars, and the farm land that connected him to those who came before him. Though his life was far too short, his legacy will endure through the people and places he cared for so deeply. 

An online guestbook for the Kipping family is available at www.woodfinchapel.com.

Mrs. Martha “Mott” Ann McCormick Farrar, age 83, of Lynnville, TN passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026. She was born in Lynnville to the late Granville and Edna Shaw McCormick. Mott spent most of her adult life in LaVergne, TN. She enjoyed growing flowers in her flower garden and watching NASCAR. She worked for the City of LaVergne in various roles and retired from the LaVergne Public Library.

Mrs. Farrar is survived by her daughter, Traci Lovell; grandsons, Cole Carbonaro and John Carbonaro; and nephew, Timothy Hamlett and his wife Lorie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard “Bully” Farrar, and sisters, Sue Jennings and Faye Hamlett.

Visitation with the family will be Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna. Graveside services will take place Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10:00am at Lynnwood Cemetery, Lynnville, TN.