Jeremy Guy Merrill, age 70, was born on January 24, 1953 to Charles and Juanita Merrill in Fine, NY and passed away on August 19, 2023 in Cookeville, TN.
Jeremy was a former Pastor and still an active member of New Life Church in Spencer, TN. He also worked maintenance and was a mechanic for Maranatha Trailer Park. He loved spending time with his family, playing guitar, and singing with family. And most of all, he loved the Lord and loved witnessing for Him in rehab after his stroke.
He is survived by his wife Carolyn (Rogers) Merrill; children Daniel (Donna) Merrill, Sandra (Tony) Parsons, Joseph (Jessica) Merrill, and Betsy (Jimmy) Brown; 13 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and siblings Connie Beerry, Tim (Ruth) Merrill, Bruce (Jan) Merrill, Elizabeth Reno, Joe (Kari) Merrill, Sarah (Steven) Martin, and Jennifer Mast.
Jeremy was preceded in death by his parents Charles Johnson Merrill and Juanita Ruth (Draper) Merrill; and brother Pat Merrill.
Travis Lloyd Houston, age 43, was born to Doyal and Edna Lane Houston on August 1, 1980 in Crossville, TN and passed away on August 17, 2023 in Cookeville, TN. He was an EMS provider for the VA Hospital in Murfreesboro, TN. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, hiking, and gardening, but hanging out with his daughter, Ashlyn, was what he loved doing most.
He is survived by his parents, girlfriend of 9 years- Jeanette Allen, daughter- Ashlyn Houston, and siblings Doyle Houston Jr. and Tony Lee Houston.
Travis was preceded in death by his grandparents- Dorthy and Floyd Houston, grandmother- Doris Blanton, grandfather and step-grandmother- Gerald and Sherrie Lane.
The family will receive friends on August 22, 2023 from 12 to 2 at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home with service to follow. Bro. Vic Davis will officiate and burial will be in the Crossville City Cemetery.
Joe was born on November 16, 1939 to Lucille and Joseph Donofrio in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a large, close family on the south west side of Chicago, graduating from St Symphorosa Catholic School in 1953 and Kelly High School in 1957. Joe enlisted in the Marines in 1957 and served till 1960. Joe worked in the furniture business for his entire career. He mentored many was well known as the President of Luxor Spring Corporation. He loved to travel, play racquet sports, entertain and enjoy life. He retired in 2012. After retirement he first became a member of the Marine Corps League Detachment #72, Burbank Il and then when he moved to Crossville in 2019 the Sargent Morgan Strater Detachment #1467. Joe has many friends here in Crossville, in Chicago, in Ixtapa Mexico and scattered around the world. He never met a stranger and most became his friend.
He was proceeded in death by both his parents, his brother Alex (Sonny) Donofrio, his second wife Marianne Donofrio, and his many aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his loving partner, Nancy Johnson, his sons Keith (Jill) and Paul (Kathleen), his step children Dana (Greg) Benda and Darryl (Janine) Witte, grandchildren Jayden and Alaire Donofrio, Reese, Abby and Brooke Benda, and Andrew and Jena Witte and many Donofrio cousins.
An Honor Guard service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12-2pm with the Honor Guard to follow at 2pm.
An additional memorial service will be held in the Chicago south suburbs this fall.
Janet Faye Houston of Crossville, born July 20, 1945, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2023 at the age of 78.
Janet is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Charles Clarence Houston; Children – Paula Reeves (Johnny) and Clarence Houston both of Crossville; Grandchildren – Kendra Reeves of Ypsilanti, MI and Kelli Reeves of Crossville; Siblings – Jolene Garrison and Bill Stephens (Lisa) both of Crossville; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her Parents – Lonzie and Maynie Stephens; Sisters – Betty Myers, Judy Gibson; Brothers – Roy Turner, Gene Stephens, Jimmy Stephens, Ronnie Stephens.
When Janet was able, she loved going to church and singing. She loved her family and was a wonderful Wife, Mother, and Ma.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 18, 2023 from 12-2 at Crossville First Free Will Baptist Church with service to follow. Bro. Mike McCoy, Bro. Grover McCoy, and Bro. Randy Maynard will officiate with burial in Linary Cemetery. Crossville Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
James E. Bryan, age 81, passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Born on August 23, 1941 in Mississippi. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children Janette (Mike), Tammy (Tim), Jennifer, Susan, and Matthew; 13 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild.
Jim was a retired Master Carpenter who loved working in his workshop, fishing, playing poker at Elk’s Lodge, traveling, and spending time with his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Visitation will be from 10a-12p with the service to follow at 12pm. There will be a luncheon in the Back Chapel immediately following the service.
In lieu of lowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Guiseppina Juliano “JoJo” was born on June 12, 1942 to Poalina Leonelli and Gaetano Macaro in Alife, Italy and passed away on August 12, 2023 in Crossville, TN at Life Care Center surrounded by her loved ones.
Guiseppina was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness that loved to spread God’s message and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her children Marie (Bob) Castellano, Toemina Carter, Paolo Juliani, Phil Juliano, and Paula (Charlie) Kavanaugh; grandchildren Ariel, Alex, Angela, Alfredo, Timothy, Alexis, Nicholas, Crystal, Paula, and Capri; great grandchildren Madisyn, Raelee, Bryce, Bella, Addison, Anthony, Makinna, Amaya, Lylah, Ezerlee, Khalees, Oakley, Zayden, Emmalen, William, and Lane.
Guiseppina was preceded in death by her great grandson Liam Hughes.
Her Celebration of Life will be a private ceremony with family members only.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bill Lawson. Bill’s journey came to a peaceful end on August 9th in the comfort of his home.
Bill’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to both his country and his family. He proudly served in the US Air Force, where he exemplified honor, courage, and commitment. His service was a reflection of his selflessness and his commitment to a greater cause.
Beyond his military service, Bill was a beacon of love and support for his family. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and his love for them was immeasurable. His warm smile and open arms created lasting memories that will be cherished by generations to come.
Bill’s passions were diverse and spoke volumes about his vibrant personality. An avid supporter of UK basketball, he cheered passionately for his team. His love for collecting coins and his enthusiasm for auctions were not just hobbies but reflections of his curious and adventurous spirit.
Bill’s love for his church family was unparalleled. His warm smile and open arms welcomed newcomers and old friends alike. He devoted countless hours to various church activities, always eager to lend a helping hand and create an environment where everyone felt valued and included.
As we remember Bill, let us reflect on the legacy of love, dedication, and enthusiasm he leaves behind. He touched countless lives, and his memory will continue to inspire us all. Bill’s life is a reminder to embrace our passions, cherish our loved ones, and serve with honor. He will forever remain in our hearts.
Bill is survived by his wife Pam (Martin) Lawson; sons Joe Lawson and wife Sabrina of Little Rock, Arkansas; Casey Lawson and wife Kim of Crestwood, KY; Bryan Moore and wife Kim of Winchester, Ky; daughter Beth Weber and husband Brett of Erlanger, Ky; 7 grandchildren Alivia, Mary, Shelbi, Aidan, Kaleb, Harper, Hadley; great granddaughter Sophia; brother Floyd Ballard and sister Jackie Smith.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Orville B and Mae Lawson and brother Rick Ballard.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Bill’s name to Central Baptist Church “Toy Store” 1346 South Main Street Crossville, TN – (931) 484-8426.
Hoy Garrett, age 79, was born on June 21, 1944 to Elbert and Lorina Garrett in Cincinnati, OH and passed away on August 9, 2023 in Crossville, TN.
He is survived by his children Monte (Joy) Garrett, Eric (Tonya) Garrett, Jeremy (Rachel) Garrett, and Natalie Garrett & fiancé Jamie; grandchildren Hunter & Gabe Garrett, Brandon & Kelsey Garrett, Learah & Lesley Garrett, and Case, Chase, Caleb, & Caigen Hill; 6 great grandchildren; brother Howard (Bertha) Garrett; sister Barbara Blackmon; sister-in-law Mary Garrett; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Hoy was preceded in death by his wife Ginger Garrett; parents Elbert Denton Garrett and Lorina Mae (Neal) Garrett; and brother James Holis Garrett.
Services will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11am to 1pm, with the service to follow at 1pm, Pastor Mike Kerley officiating. Burial will be in Neal Cemetery (Byrdstown, TN) immediately following the service.
Dale Reese Floyd was born on November 30, 1966 in Monterey, TN to Richard Charles Floyd and Alma Jean (Shelton) Floyd. He passed away on August 6, 2023 at home in Crossville, Tennessee.
He is survived by his wife, Susan (Beadle) Floyd and his daughter, Amanda Floyd (Brandon Godsey). He was the second of 5 siblings all of Crossville, TN: Randy Floyd, Debbie Daniels (Mark), Richard Floyd (Tanya), and Betty Burgess (Roger). He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He loved helping others and made friends everywhere he went. He worked for several years for Thompson TV. He then went to work for Cumberland County Sanitation at the Peavine convenience center.
He will be cremated and there will be a celebration of life at a later date.
Otis James Williams, age 45, was born on November 28, 1977 to the late Arvie Dean and Marla Jean (Cobb) Williams Sr. in Crossville, TN and passed away on August 5, 2023 in Crossville, TN.
He was a large equipment operator who enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and riding motorcycles.
He is survived by his siblings Arvie Dean Williams Jr., Marla Christine Williams, and Stephanie L Brown; nephews TJ Williams, Greg Williams, Adin Edwards, and Tony Presley; niece Zoie Edwards; and great nephew Phoenix Presley.
