Obituaries Robert Perrin Burton IV
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2012 ▪ A6 www.covingtonleader.com Rev. William Roberts
Date of Death – July 31, 2012
May 29, 1929 – August 4, 2012
Robert Perrin Burton, IV, retired self-employed engineer, died Tuesday, July 31, 2012. Bob was a loving husband and father, a proud Marine, avid birdwatcher who loved the outdoors, and was fortunate to have travelled extensively throughout the world. He will be especially missed by his faithful companion, Zoe. He enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing other cultures. He was lucky to have met the love of his life, Kay, w h o shared these joys with him for the past 30 years. He also leaves daughters Elisabeth Cadell (Ian Fraser) of Vancouver, B. C., Cindy Hastings (Walid) Sakaan of Memphis, and Elizabeth Peden Lea of Memphis, sons Robert Perrin (Kathy) Burton V of Jasper, FL, and Robert Hastings of Memphis, grandchildren Robert Perrin Burton VI, Rebecca Burton, Elizabeth Burton, Sara Sakaan, Magda Margeret Sakaan, Omar Sakaan, Zachary Sakaan, and Chloe Grauer-Lea, great-grandchild Olivia Burton, and special friends Randy Hirsh and Shea and Ian Grauer. Visitation took place Saturday, August 4, from 1 p.m. until the service at 2:30, all at Salem Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Atoka, where he was a member. Interment followed in the church cemetery. The family asks that any memorials be made to Salem ARP Church, West Clinic, LeBonheur Children’s Research Hospital, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Rev. William Roberts, 83, of Dyersburg, passed away on Saturday, August 4. Funeral services were held on Monday, August 6 at the Covington Funeral Home chapel with interment in Indian Creek Cemetery in Brighton. He is survived by one son, Jimmy L. Roberts of the United Arab Emirates; two daughters, Deborah Curtis and Susan Gatlin, both of Brighton; one sister, Verlon Yager of Memphis; two brothers, Hurlis Roberts of Athens, AL and Lee Roberts of Byhalia, MS; two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Friends may sign an online guestbook at www.covingtonfuneralhome.com.
The Leader (Covington, Tenn.) August 9, 2012
Jimmy D. Gilbert Jr.
July 27, 1942 – August 1, 2012 Memorial services for Jimmy D. Gilbert, Jr., 70, were held on Saturday, August 4, 2012 in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors, with Rev. Bill Luther officiating. Mr. Gilbert died on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at his residence. A native of Memphis, Buddy was born on July 27, 1942, the son of the late Jimmy D. Gilbert, Sr. and Bonnie Sue McLemore Gilbert. He graduated from High School in Memphis and served in the United States Air Force. He was a longtime owner of Buddy Gilberts Body Shop in Memphis. He loved breeding, raising and showing Quarter horses. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jimmy Glenn Gilbert and a nephew Mark Johnson. He is survived by his sister, Shirley Gilbert Johnson and husband Dennis of Jackson, Tenn.; three nieces, Brenda Najjar of Memphis, Gina Hughes of Brownsville and Dara Holsinger of Jackson and five great nephews and two great nieces. Arrington Funeral Directors had charge of arrangements. The Leader (Covington, Tenn.) August 9, 2012
The Leader (Covington, Tenn.) August 9, 2012
Robert Lavon Tankersley
December 28, 1939 – August 4, 2012 Robert L. “Tank” Tankersley, 72, formerly of Covington went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on August 4th, 2012 at his home with his wife Carole of 26 years by his side. Born on December 28, 1939 in Burlison, TN, he was the son of the late Clarence and Audrey Tankersley. He served in the U.S. Army from May 1959 to July 1962. He had many accomplishments in life but the thing he was most proud of was becoming an officer of the Tipton Co. Sheriff’s Office. He was awarded officer of the month in March 2001 and officer of the year in December 2001. He leaves behind many friends and family, among them his wife Carole Tankersley. They were united in marriage on September 27, 1985. He leaves behind 3 sons, Levon Tankersley of Bullhead City, AZ; Steve Tankersley of Morris Chapel, TN; Richard Tankersley Strayhorn, MS; 1 daughter, Angie Taylor of Adamsville, TN; 2 step sons, Keith Childers and Rick Childers both of Eagle River, Alaska; 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers and 1 sister. He is preceded in death by 1 grandson, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters. He had such a zest for life. His sense of humor and easy going personality made him an absolute treasure to all who knew him. His strong faith made him a true example of a Christian man. He lived a life of dedication to his family, friends, and his community. His life can be summed up by scripture Matthew 25:21 “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” Services were held Tuesday afternoon at Maley-Yarbrough Funeral Home, Covington. Burial was in Covington Memorial Gardens. The family asks that any memorials be made to the American Cancer Society.
James Thomas “Bubba” Morris Jr.
Maurice “Bud” McClinton, 77, of Mason, passed away on Friday, August 3 at his home. Funeral services were held on Monday, August 6 at the Covington Funeral Home chapel with interment in Magnolia Gardens Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy McClinton; two daughters, Sharon (Bramlett) Campbell and Jean (Michael) Yarbro, both of Mason; two sisters, Dorothy Brumley and Katherine Carroll, both of Burlison; one brother, Naurice McClinton of Burlison; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Friends may sign an online guestbook at www.covingtonfuneralhome.com.
Mr. James Morris Jr., 77, died on Sunday, August 5, 2012. He was a heavy equipment operator for Van Bringle and member of Charleston Baptist Church. He was also an 18-year employee of the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Morris leaves behind daughters Karen Morris of Covington and Sheila Brasfield of Brownsville; brother Harold Morris of Covington; Nita Beasley of McKenzie; grandson Bradley Walls and great-granddaughter Keeley Elizabeth Walls. Mr. Morris was preceded in death by his companion, Mary Morris, and brother Billy Morris. The visitation for Mr. Morris took place on Tuesday August 7 at the Maley-Yarbrough Chapel. Funeral services followed the visitation. Interment will be at the Covington Memorial Gardens.
The Leader (Covington, Tenn.) August 9, 2012
James R. “Jim” Coop
Date of Death – August 4, 2012 James R. “Jim” Coop, 70, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, early Saturday morning, August 4, 2012. He was loved and respected by people all over the world. As a young man, Jim served as a Jet Engine Mechanic in the Marine Corps. One of his favorite sayings was, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine!” Later he served as a Flight Engineer in the Tennessee Air National Guard. Jim loved to fly, and eventually earned his private pilot’s license. After retiring from Solar Gas Turbines, where he was Manager of the Middle East Region, Jim started his own contracting business, J.R. Coop Contracting Company. Realizing that young people needed to learn trade skills, he served, until retirement, as teacher of the Building and Trades class at Munford High School. Jim was a member of First Baptist Church, Millington, where he served as a deacon, and faithful prayer warrior. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, and the Republican Party of Tipton County. He was also cofounder of the Tipton County TEA Party. Visitation took place at Munford Funeral Home, 1136 Tipton Road, Munford on Wednesday, August 8, from 5 - 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m., also at the Munford Funeral Home. Interment will be in the West Tennessee Veteran’s Cemetery, 4000 Forrest Hill-Irene Rd., Memphis, at 1 p.m. Mr. Coop is survived by his wife of 45 years, Leah Rae; daughter, Vanessa Joy Coop of Columbus, OH; and sister, Pat (Richard) Swain; and brother, Charlie (Linda) Coop, both of Heber Springs, AR; brothers-in-law, Alan (Maureen) Vincent of CA and Farrel (Bonnie) Vincent of Munford; several beloved nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. Mr. Coop was the son of the late William and Sarah Coop of Memphis, TN. Remembrances will be thankfully received by Confidential Care for Women, a dedicate pro-life organization, at 126 W. Liberty, Ave., Covington, TN 38019. The Leader (Covington, Tenn.) August 9, 2012
Opal Beatrice Tindall Holcomb April 13, 1931 – August 4, 2012
Opal Beatrice Tindall Holcomb, 81, was born April 13, 1931 and died on August 4, 2012. She was a homemaker and member of the First Assembly of God Church in Covington. She is survived by her husband, J.R. Holcomb; sons, Robert Tindall, James Tindall (Patti), and Billy Tindall (Sherri) all of Covington; and daughters, Louise Jones (Harry), Linda Ward (James) and Cathy Norman (Roy) all of Covington. Mrs. Tindall was preceded in death by her first husband, William Thomas Tindall; son, William Thomas Tindall; and brothers, LeRoy and James Elzey. The funeral services for Mrs. Tindall will be held on Thursday, Aug. 9, at 3 p.m. at the First Assembly of God in Covington. Visitation for Mrs. Tindall was held on Wednesday, Aug. 8, from 4-8 p.m. at the Maley-Yarbrough Chapel. Interment will be at the R. H. Munford Cemetery.
Richard E. Mott, 74, of Atoka, a retired installer for Floyd Fire Extinguishers, died on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital Park. He was a member of First Baptist Church Atoka and served in the U.S. Navy during Viet Nam. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10 at Munford Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Louise Kelsey Buford Mott; daughters Freida (Robert) Paine and Donna Buford Barnett; sons Bob (Jonnie) Buford and Ed (Vickie) Buford; sisters Betty Raider, Virginia Kline and Thelma Trawek; brother Andy Mott; seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and three great-greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Anna English Mott. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. The Leader (Covington, Tenn.) August 9, 2012
OBITUARY POLICY The Leader publishes a brief obituary free of charge as a courtesy to the bereaved. To provide personalization of a loved one’s information, additional details may be published for an additional charge ($30-100, depending upon length of obituary). Please call or email for our pricing policies. Photographs also may be published. Obituaries are accepted from licensed funeral homes or from family members providing proof of death through a crematorium or medical research facility. For further information, call 901-476-7116 or email eday@ covingtonleader.com.
The Leader (Covington, Tenn.) August 9, 2012
Maurice “Bud” McClinton July 15, 1935 – August 3, 2012
Richard E. Mott
Date of Death – August 7, 2012
March 3, 1935 – August 5, 2012
The Leader (Covington, Tenn.) August 9, 2012
Eugene F. Roden
December 3, 1922 – August 5, 2012 Eugene F. Roden of Covington died on Sunday, August 5, 2012. He was born December 3, 1922 at Pulaski, Giles County, Tennessee to Jerome Abernathy and Vada Bass Roden. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in Mechanical Engineering and began his career working at the Y-12 atomic plant in the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge, TN in 1944 as the project was getting under way. He later worked for the Memphis District Corps of Engineers and was a 39-year employee of the Naval Air Station in Millington, TN, where he was Director of Engineering for 18 years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Covington and was a 40-plus year member of the University Club of Memphis. He leaves his wife of 68 years, Maurine McCalla Roden, a daughter, Linda Roden Tolley (Rusty) of Millington and two granddaughters, Charlotte Tolley of Knoxville, TN and Mary Tolley Martin (Kevin) of Ashville, NC. Visitation was held on Wednesday, August 8 at the Covington Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be held at a later time at the Maplewood Cemetery in Pulaski, TN. Memorials may be sent to the Tipton County Public Library or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Friends may sign an online guestbook at www.covingtonfuneralhome.com. The Leader (Covington, Tenn.) August 9, 2012
Mel Barton
Date of Death – August 6, 2012 Mel Barton, 81, of Munford, a retired clinical supervisor for Northeast Community Mental Health Center, died on Monday, August 6, 2012. He served in the U.S. Army during Viet Nam, was a former chief of police in Cotton Plant, Ark., a former disc jockey in Dyersburg and was actively involved in the community with sports, scouts and the band boosters. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 12 at Munford Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 13 at the funeral home. He will be buried at Memorial Park Southwood Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Barton; sons Troy Barton and Ryan Barton; sisters Jeannine, Maddie and Judy; and brothers Lowell, Ricky and Tommy. Memorial contributions may be made to the humane society.
The Community Calendar is a free service offered by The Leader. We make every effort to include all submissions for this section, however these items are printed as space becomes available. To guarantee your event to be in the paper would require paid advertising. A complete list appears in the Community Events section on our web site, www. covingtonleader.com August 9 The Tipton County UT Extension office will offer a Canning Safely class on Thursday, Aug. 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the First united Methodist Church in Covington, 145 West Church Ave. The fee is $20 per person and includes a canning and freezing booklet and canned foods. Deadline to register is Aug. 3. Call Priscilla Eddins, Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent at (901) 476-0231 to sign up. August 13 There will be a FREE GIS Internet Mapping Website Workshop on Monday, Aug. 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Dyersburg State CC. If you would like to attend please RSVP by Aug. 9 to Pat Hibdon at 476-0255 or by email to phibdon@ tiptonco.com August 14 Booker T. Leigh of the UT-Extension Office and Tipton County Master Gardeners are hosting a diagnostic clinic from 3-5:30 p.m., at Munford Park and Recreation Center at 63 College St. For more information, call Leigh at 476-0231. August 18 Boy Scout Troop 66 is hosting a pancake breakfast and yard sale at Munford First United Methodist Church, 57 Tipton St., beginning at 7 a.m. Children under 12 - $3, 12 & up - $5. August 21 & 22 An AARP Driver Safety Program class will be held on August 21 and 22 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the TN Technology Center, 1600 Hwy 51 South, Covington. Hosted by Brighton Bank, please contact Vicki Smith at 476-5353 to sign up. Instructor is Jim Novotny, 476-0477. August 25 Tipton County Veterans Council Pancake Breakfast will be on Aug. 25, at Restoration Church, 60 E Main St in Munford from 7-10 a.m. For more information visit www.tiptonco.com/ docs/2012_Pancake_Breakfast_Veterans.pdf
The family of Louise Vandergrift would like to thank you for all acts of kindness shown to us during the sickness and death of our beloved mother. Jimmy Vandergrift, Vannice Crocker and Bryan Vandergrift
The Leader (Covington, Tenn.) August 9, 2012
Mary Frances Morris
October 9, 1929 – August 4, 2012 Mary Frances Morris, 82, died on Saturday, August 4, 2012. Mrs. Morris was a retired day-care worker at Childrens Village and a member of the Charleston Baptist Church. Mrs. Morris is survived by her son, Larry Warf of Henry; daughters, Karen Morris and Donna Cochran of Covington; brothers, Leslie Cranford of Covington, and Danny Joe Cranford of Houston, TX; six grandchildren, Tammy Freeman, Jennifer Hayes, Todd Cochran, Jason Cochran, Winfred Warf and Justin Warf; 12 greatgrandchildren. Her companion, James Morris, died the following day. Mrs. Morris was preceded in death by her first husband, Mark Warf; sons, Mack Warf Jr. and Keith Warf; and grandchild, Mandy Warf. Visitation was Sunday, August 5, from 2-4 p.m. at the Maley-Yarbrough Chapel. The funeral for Mrs. Morris was held on Monday, August 6, at 11 a.m.. Interment was at the Covington Memorial Gardens. The Leader (Covington, Tenn.) August 9, 2012
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