Love-Cantrell Funeral Home

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home Bringing you our obituaries to help keep you connected with the families we serve Todays precious moments are tomorrows precious memories.

Take this time to make memories with your loved ones to cherish for a lifetime. For over 60 years our family has served this community. Generation after generation, we have strived, and succeeded in giving our most sincere compassion and love to each and every family that we have served with a level of professionalism that is unmatched. We realize as the world changes, so must we, so we have entered the world of social media to help you keep up with our obituaries and families we are serving.

Martha Evelyn Cantrell England, age 87, of Sparta, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at her residence. Born on...
11/16/2025

Martha Evelyn Cantrell England, age 87, of Sparta, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at her residence. Born on August 17, 1938, to her parents, the late Johnny and Mary Lou Taylor Cantrell, Martha was a devoted homemaker and a faithful Christian. She was a cherished member of the Taylor-Providence Freewill Baptist Church and adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Richard England of Sparta, and her children: Ronald H. (Janice L.) Pittman of Sparta, John D. (Jan E.) Pittman of Cookeville, Mark O. Pittman of Sparta, and Thomas L. Pittman of Sparta. Martha is also survived by her brothers, Herman (Joann) Cantrell of California, Jerry Cantrell, and Kenneth Cantrell, both of Sparta. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Chad D. (Sarah) Pittman of Cookeville, Chadra S. (Jason) Driver of Sparta, Savanna Milton of Crossville, Kyle (Leah) Price of Soddy Daisy, and Jessica Campanelli of Cookeville, as well as her eleven great-grandchildren: Adda, Lucy, Posey, Finnly, Tyler, Ali, Abby, Grayson, Ava, Lillianna, and Tayten.

In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her sister, Priscilla Luna, her brother, Howard Cantrell, her daughter-in-law, Shelly Pittman, and her great-grandchild, Carter D. Pittman.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 18, at 1pm, with visitation prior from 10am until the time of service. Bro. Phillip Luna will officiate, and interment will follow in Taylor-Providence Cemetery.

The family extends a gracious thank you to Robin Serena, Casey Hart, and Gentiva Hospice for their support and care.

Martha Evelyn Cantrell England, age 87, of Sparta, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at her residence. Born on August 17, 1938, to her parents, the late Johnny and Mary Lou Taylor Cantrell, Martha was a devoted homemaker and a faithful Christian. She was a cherished member of the

Charles Owen Blanchfield, IV, age 73, of Dowelltown, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Born ...
11/13/2025

Charles Owen Blanchfield, IV, age 73, of Dowelltown, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Born on November 7, 1952, in Riverdale, Maryland, he was the son of the late Charles Owen III and Helena Elizabeth Blanchfield. Charles was a skilled woodworker and the owner of the Outpost. He proudly served as a veteran of the US Army and was a member of the Upper Helton Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Dimple Blanchfield of Dowelltown, and his two daughters, Kimberly Ann Blanchfield of Dowelltown and Heather Lee (Daniel) Meyer of Washington, DC. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Aidan Layne, Lillian Pedigo, Landon Pedigo, Raylan Pedigo, Able Blizzard, Sadie Meyer, Geoff Meyer, and Nick Meyer. Charles is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Frances (George) Fincher, Donna (Michael) Hewell, Darlene (David) Griffith, and Denise Redmon, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his son, Charles Michael Blanchfield.

The family has honored Charles' wishes of direct cremation.

Charles Owen Blanchfield, IV, age 73, of Dowelltown, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Born on November 7, 1952, in Riverdale, Maryland, he was the son of the late Charles Owen III and Helena Elizabeth Blanchfield. Charles was a skilled woodworker and the owner of the

Wanda Jean Blair, age 82, of Cookeville, TN, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at NHC in Smithville. Born in Smit...
11/03/2025

Wanda Jean Blair, age 82, of Cookeville, TN, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at NHC in Smithville. Born in Smithville, TN, she was the daughter of the late Alton Orvile Hibdon and Margaret Cecil Cantrell Williams. Wanda was a cherished member of the Colonial View Baptist Church in Cookeville and retired from Timers.

She is survived by her loving family, including her daughters, Tonnettee and Teddy Boyd of McMinnville, and Dawn and Marty Davis of Cookeville. Wanda was a proud grandmother to T.J. (Amber) Boyd, Kasey Boyd, Grace Davis, and Jessie (Nick) Pieper, and a great-grandmother to Kaleigh Boyd, Korey Ochoa, Kimber Pieper, and Dawson Pieper. She is also survived by her brother, Rayburn (Brenda) Hibdon of Woodbury, and her sisters, Patricia Beshearse of Smithville and Lestel (Jack) Cantrell of Lebanon.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents as well as her brother-in-law, Junior Beshearse.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 1pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, with interment to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday from 10am until the service at 1pm.

Wanda Jean Blair, age 82, of Cookeville, TN, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at NHC in Smithville. Born in Smithville, TN, she was the daughter of the late Alton Orvile Hibdon and Margaret Cecil Cantrell Williams. Wanda was a cherished member of the Colonial View Baptist Church in

Ceylon Eugene Taylor, Sr., age 78, of Smithville, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at his residence. Born on May...
11/03/2025

Ceylon Eugene Taylor, Sr., age 78, of Smithville, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at his residence. Born on May 7, 1947, in Elkhart, Indiana, to the late Marion Frances "Hap" and June Carroll Mitchell Taylor, Ceylon was a veteran of the United States Air Force and worked at Federal Mogul.

He is survived by his loving family, including three sons: Ceylon and Cynthia Taylor of Dowelltown, Bruce Gammons of Smithville, and Jonathan Armour (Terra Goad) of Smithville; one daughter, Mary Ann VanDyne (Bobby Harmon) of Smithville; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his sister, Carol South of Smithville. He is also remembered by the mothers of his children, Pauline Taylor and Brenda Gammons, stepdaughter, April Lewis, and special friend, Todd VanDyne.

In addition to his parents, Ceylon was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Taylor; the mother of his child, Samanda Armour Beecham; his brother, John Taylor; and his stepson, Chris Gammons.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 5, at 1pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, with interment to follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday from noon to 7pm and on Wednesday from 11am until the service at 1pm.

The family has requested that donations be made to Love-Cantrell Funeral Home in lieu of flowers to help with funeral expenses.

Ceylon Hap Eugene Taylor, Sr., age 78, of Smithville, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at his residence. Born on May 7, 1947, in Elkhart, Indiana, to the late Marion and June Carroll Mitchell, Ceylon was a veteran of the United States Air Force and worked at Federal Mogul.

Elsie Dornes Hale Miller, age 83, of Smithville, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at her residence. Born on Ap...
11/01/2025

Elsie Dornes Hale Miller, age 83, of Smithville, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at her residence. Born on April 5, 1942, in Smithville, TN, she was the daughter of the late Lemual Cecil and Lela Pearl Hale. Elsie retired as an Environmental Service Director of DeKalb Hospital and was a faithful member of Open Word Tabernacle.

She is survived by her son, Billy (Kate) Miller, and her daughters, Carolyn Miller, Lisa Andrews, Tabitha Wann, and Misty (Todd) Lassiter. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Miller; her daughter, Tammie Miller Geoghegan; her grandchildren, Jason Golden, Joshua Golden, and Jesse Golden; her sisters, Thelma Mooneyham and Lillian Hale; and her brothers, Cecil Robert Hale, Alvie Hale, Garland Hale, Arland Hale, Walter Brown Hale, Bratten Hale, Truitt Hale, Landon Hale, and Hubert Hale.

The funeral service for Ms. Miller will be on Monday, November 3 at 2pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home with interment to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be on Monday from noon until 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital Oncology Department in memory of Ms. Elsie

Elsie Dornes Miller, age 83, of Smithville, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at her residence. Born on April 5, 1942, in Smithville, TN, she was the daughter of the late Lemual Cecil and Lela Pearl Hale. Elsie retired as an Environmental Service Director of DeKalb Hospital and was

Aron Monroe Highsmith, aged 82, of Smithville, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, October 31, 2025. Born...
11/01/2025

Aron Monroe Highsmith, aged 82, of Smithville, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, October 31, 2025. Born in Jacksonville, FL, on October 20, 1943, to his late parents, James and Viola Highsmith, Aron was a skilled electrician before his retirement.

Aron is survived by his loving wife, Judy Neal Highsmith, and his children, Melissa (Neal) Brown, Sherri Ostroski, Aaron Highsmith, and Anthony Highsmith. He also leaves behind his stepson, Jeff Neal, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Aron is fondly remembered by his brothers, David Highsmith and John Highsmith, as well as his sisters-in-law, Betty Neal, Becky Crank, and Sandra Neal, and brothers-in-law, Leon Neal and Jeff Neal. Special friends Deb Robinson and Jessie Cox, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins, also cherish his memory.

In addition to his parents, Aron was preceded in death by his sisters, Minnie Highsmith, Mary Best, Betty Rogers, and Patricia Hastings, his brothers, James Highsmith and Jerome Highsmith, and his sister-in-law, Norma Neal.

The family has respected Aron's wishes for direct cremation.

Aaron Monroe Highsmith, aged 82, of Smithville, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, October 31, 2025. Born in Jacksonville, FL, on October 20, 1943, to his late parents, James and Viola Highsmith, Aaron was a skilled electrician before his retirement. Aaron is survived by his loving w...

Mr. Danny Kenneth Conger, age 75, of the Hannah Branch community in Liberty, passed away early Wednesday morning, Octobe...
10/29/2025

Mr. Danny Kenneth Conger, age 75, of the Hannah Branch community in Liberty, passed away early Wednesday morning, October 29, 2025, at the Webb House in Smithville. Born on July 27, 1950, in Smithville, TN, Danny was a beloved member of the Pisgah Methodist Church and a retired realtor with The Real Estate Team. He was known for his avid support of DeKalb County sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Robert and Ruth Conger. Danny is survived by his nephew, John H. Sullivan of West TN, and three cousins, John Conger of Carthage, Mark Willoughby of Alexandria, and Pat (JC) Allen of Alexandria.

Visitation with the Conger family will be on Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 pm and on Friday from 10:00 am until the service at 1:00 pm. The service will be officiated by Bro. Gary Caplinger, and burial will follow in Salem Cemetery.

Mr. Danny Kenneth Conger, age 75, of the Hannah Branch community in Liberty, passed away early Wednesday morning, October 29, 2025, at the Webb House in Smithville. Born on July 27, 1950, in Smithville, TN, Danny was a beloved member of the Pisgah Methodist Church and a retired realtor with

James Robert Anderson Dale, beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, went to be with his Lord and Savior, ...
10/28/2025

James Robert Anderson Dale, beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, went to be with his Lord and Savior, at his home in Columbia, Kentucky. Born in Smithville, Tennessee, James proudly served his country for 36 years in the United States military from 1983 until he retired in 2019. He honorably served with the 1st Battalion 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) during Operation Enduring Freedom, 82D Airborne Division Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and 2nd Battalion, 117th Regiment (RTI). His courage, integrity, and steadfast devotion to his fellow soldiers earned him the deep respect and admiration of all who knew him.

After retiring from the military, James found peace and purpose on his farm in Columbia, Kentucky, where he poured his heart into homesteading, caring for the land, and writing his books. He loved the quiet rhythm of country life and the satisfaction of hard work done well, there he published three trilogies and a children’s book that reflected his thoughtful nature, life experiences, and his deep faith. His words continue to inspire and encourage those who were blessed to read them.

James was unashamed to profess his love for Jesus Christ, and he strived to pick up his cross, enduring his faith until the end. He touched countless lives through his love, his kindness, his humor, and his willingness to help anyone in need.

James — or “Jamie” was a beloved, truly amazing human being with the biggest heart and the most level head. He was a man who loved deeply, gave freely, and lived with a quiet strength.

James is survived by his mother, Maryellen Dale; his sons Lucas Donovan Robert Dale (Leigh) and James Davis Webb III (Chloe); and his treasured grandchildren Eleanor Dale, Thomas Dale, and Dylan Dale. He is also survived by his brothers David Dale and Josh Dale, nephew Jonah Dale, his aunt Nell Beshearse, and his cousin James Beshearse. He was preceded in death by his father James Robert “Bobby” Dale, his sister Patricia Dale Collier, and his brother Scott Dale.

The funeral service for Jamie will be on Saturday, November 1 at 2pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service on Saturday from 11am-2pm.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his legacy of faith, love, service, and words will continue to live on

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” - Matthew 25:23

James Robert Anderson Dale, beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, went to be with his Lord and Savior, at his home in Columbia, Kentucky. Born in Smithville, Tennessee, James proudly served his country for 36 years in the United States military from 1983 until he retired in 2019. He

Eugene Carter, age 83, of Smithville, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro. Born on...
10/21/2025

Eugene Carter, age 83, of Smithville, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro. Born on November 30, 1941, in Smithville, TN, Eugene was the beloved son of the late Clydie Burnice and Mary Amy Sandlin Carter. He was dedicated farmer and a member of New Life Church.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Joye Fay Carter of Smithville. Eugene was a proud father to his sons, Jeff (Lorianna) Carter and Stephen (Lindi) Carter, both of Smithville, and his daughter, Serita (Anthony) Bratcher of Morrison. His legacy continues through his nine grandchildren: Jennifer (Brian) Dunn, Jeffery (Amanda) Carter, Jason Bratcher, Daniel (Becky) Bratcher, Benjamin (Deanna) Bratcher, Chance Carter, Jessamyn (James) Nowlin, Perri (Brad) Hahn, and Kaleb Anderson, as well as his ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his niece, Sharon (Ricky) Yocum of Sparta.

In addition to his parents, Eugene was preceded in death by his sisters, Margie Carter and Frances Whitefield.

The funeral service will be on Wednesday at noon in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, with Bro. David Sylar and Bro. Brian Crowe officiating. Interment will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1-7pm and on Wednesday from 10am until the time of the service at noon.

In addition to flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Mr. Carter's memory. You can give online by clicking this link: www.stjude.org/donate/
https://www.lovecantrell.com/obituary/clydie-euguen-carter

Eugene Carter, age 83, of Smithville, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro. Born on November 30, 1941, in Smithville, TN, Eugene was the beloved son of the late Clydie Burnice and Mary Amy Sandlin Carter. He was dedicated farmer and a member of New

Bettye Jane Pollard, age 85, of Smithville, TN, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Webb House in Smithville...
10/12/2025

Bettye Jane Pollard, age 85, of Smithville, TN, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Webb House in Smithville, TN. Born on June 15, 1940, in DeKalb County, TN, she was the daughter of the late James and Josie Staley Puckett. Bettye was the factory owner of BeeJay Apparel and a devoted Christian.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, JW Pollard; two sisters, Marie Webb and Hilda Garrett; one brother, Morris Puckett, and a nephew, Jeff Garrett. She is survived by her sisters, Carolyn (Jerry) Tramel and Gail Kirksey, both of Smithville; and her brother-in-law, Keith Garrett. Her legacy continues through her nieces and nephews,Todd (Sharon) Webb, Scott (Kelly) Garrett, Nena (Dan) Dailey, Tina (Lamar) Seek, Chris (Bethany) Tramel, Josh (Leslie) Tramel, Granden (Sabrina) Kirksey, and Martha (Bobby) Melching, along with several great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 1pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home with Bro. Granden Kirksey officiating. Interment will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be on Sunday from noon to 8pm and on Monday from 10am until the time of service at 1pm.

Bettye Jane Pollard, age 85, of Smithville, TN, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Webb House in Smithville, TN. Born on June 15, 1940, in DeKalb County, TN, she was the daughter of the late James and Josie Staley Puckett. Bettye was the factory owner of BeeJay

Goldie Amonelle Taylor Pollard, age 93, of Smithville, Tennessee, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 11...
10/11/2025

Goldie Amonelle Taylor Pollard, age 93, of Smithville, Tennessee, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 11, 2025. She was born on March 1, 1932, in Smithville, Tennessee, to the late Benjamin Franklin Taylor and Nancy Elizabeth Taylor.

Goldie was preceded in death by her first husband, Monroe Driver; her beloved husband, Verble Eugene Pollard; her cherished granddaughter, Rebecca “Becky” Pollard Womack; and her siblings Emmie Rebecca Taylor Knowles, William Barney Taylor, Jimmie Greston Taylor, Wilma Catherine Taylor Poss, John Mason Taylor, Lillie Mai Taylor Young, Edward Taylor, and Dorothy Lee Taylor Luna.

Though Goldie was not able to have children of her own, God blessed her with a loving family through marriage. After the passing of her first husband, she later married Verble Pollard and lovingly embraced the role of stepmother to his eight children: Robert Pollard, Cynthia Pollard, Ronnie (Darlene) Pollard, Oleta Bratcher, Kelly Pollard, Doris (Steve) Cantrell, Curtis (Ellen) Pollard, and Kathy Ashford.

She was a proud and devoted grandmother to 22 grandchildren:

Ronica (Brad) Evans, Jason Pollard, Jamie Pollard, Kim (Cory) Crabtree, Shannon Pollard, Jessica (Robbie) Black, Eric Pollard, Twain (Cheara) Bratcher, Retta Lackey, Tawaina (Kevin) Keel, Nathane Bratcher, Kasha (Jonathan) Davis, Carl Bratcher, Natonda (Shane) Mims, Crissy Pollard, Donald (Tera) Pollard, Missy (Kevin) Vanatta, Tricia Pollard Brown, Eddie (Kaylen) Ashford, John Ashford, Amy (Jason) Hotchkiss, and Emily Knowles; along with 28 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

Goldie’s life was a beautiful testimony of grace, strength, and unwavering faith. She was a longtime member of Mt. View The Baptist Church of Christ in Young Bend and found daily comfort in reading her Bible. She also enjoyed crocheting, creating countless blankets that became treasured gifts among her family. But most of all, she found joy in caring for her loved ones—especially her grandchildren, in whom she delighted.

Funeral services will be held at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home on October 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM, with burial to follow at Young Bend Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on October 13, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM until the time of the service on Tuesday.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Goldie Amonelle Taylor Pollard, age 93, of Smithville, Tennessee, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 11, 2025. She was born on March 1, 1932, in Smithville, Tennessee, to the late Benjamin Franklin Taylor and Nancy Elizabeth Taylor. Goldie was preceded in death by her first

Lucy Shehane Russell, age 77, of Smithville, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025. Born on September 11, 1948, in DeK...
10/10/2025

Lucy Shehane Russell, age 77, of Smithville, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025. Born on September 11, 1948, in DeKalb County, she was the daughter of the late Robert Lee and Louise Pedigo Shehane. Lucy was a homemaker as well as a Christian.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip Russell, and her sister, Vanessa Greer. Lucy is survived by her three sons, Russell (Becky) Shehane of Pea Ridge, Tommy (Nichole) Plunkett of Sparta, and Keith (Sandra) Russell of McMinnville. She also leaves behind two cherished grandchildren, TJ (Adriane) Plunkett and Nick Plunkett, all of Sparta. Her memory will be carried on by her three brothers, Wayne (Jean) Shehane, Tommy (Rita) Shehane, and Miles (Tabby) Shehane, as well as her special friends, Nadene Winfree, Janice Reynolds, Kathy Winfree, Claudia Caldwell, and Joanna Lorance. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive her.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 12, at 2pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, with Mike Lorance officiating and interment to follow in Whorton Springs Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday from 5-8pm and on Sunday from noon until the service at 2pm.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice for their care.

Lucy Russell, age 77, of Smithville, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025. Born on September 11, 1948, in DeKalb County, she was the daughter of the late Robert Lee and Louise Pedigo Shehane. Lucy was a homemaker as well as a Christian. She was preceded in death by her

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100 E Church Street
Smithville, TN
37166

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Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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