Dekalb Funeral Chapel

09/04/2026

Bill Jones age 83 of Smithville, passed away at his residence Thursday, September 3, 2026. He was born August 13, 1943 to his parents the late Emerson and Jewell Adcock Jones. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Geneva Jones; sister Bettie Frantz. Mr. Jones attended Pomeroy Chapel Brethren In Christ Church, served in the Army National Guard for six years, worked as Quality Control for 31 years at General Motors, and was a member of Golden Silver Bowling Senior League and Thursday Night Fun League of McMinnville. He is survived by two children, Bryan (Michelle) Jones of Smithville and Brenda (Kevin) Bandy of Dowelltown; four grandchildren, Zachary (Brooke) Bandy, Dawson Bandy, Kaitlynn (Tyler) Kent, Trey Jones; four great-grandchildren, Addyson Gray Kent, Tanner Kate Kent, Morgan Jay Kent, Colsen Lee Bandy; sister, Beverly (Ray) Garrett of Battle Creek, MI. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Sunday, September 6, 2026 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Bryan Jones, Trey Jones and Bro. Michael Hale officiating with burial to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. Visitation will be held Saturday 4 PM until 7 PM and on Sunday 10 AM until the time of the service at 2 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Jones family.

09/04/2026

Bobbie Joe King age 72, of Dowelltown passed away Wednesday night September 2, 2026, at Willow Branch Rehab Center in McMinnville. She was born August 4, 1954 to her parents the late Maxie and Lee Commander Peele. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, James King; daughter, Tina Phillips. Ms. King was a homemaker. She is survived by two daughters, Patricia Butcher of Smithville and Peggy King of Carthage; five grandchildren, Joshua Crook, Haley Butcher, James King, Jordan Crook and E. J. Enlow; great-grandchildren, Paisley Crook, Noah Crook, Emma Crook, Addison King, Reanna King, Millie King, Emberlynn Crook, Malaki Crook, Micah Crook, Lilly King, Aidan Guess, Cain Buck, Shawna Buck, Junior Buck. The family has honored Ms. King's request to be cremated, and no services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers the family ask donations to be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses in memory of Ms. King. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the King family.

08/30/2026

Eric Brian Lawson, 60, passed away on August 27, 2026, from complications following a stroke. He was born on August 5, 1966, in Tacoma, Washington, to the former Sumner City mayor, Richard Lawson, and watercolor artist, Eunice Smith.

Eric was wildly creative, naturally curious, passionate, and extraordinarily devoted to the people and animals he loved and adored. He proudly served in the United States Navy, and after his honorable discharge, he continued to carry with him a strong sense of loyalty, commitment, and genuine care for others, always being a pillar of support.

He had a vivid imagination and loved the endless worlds he could create as a Dungeon Master. As an avid Dungeons & Dragons player, he spent countless hours immersed in stories, characters, building worlds, and adventures with friends. He also loved painting miniatures, carefully bringing each one to life with intricate details and personality, taking after his mother’s talent. He obtained a degree in photography from the Art Institute of Seattle, allowing for additional creative outlets to emerge.

Eric had an enormous heart for animals and loved them deeply. His compassion for them was one of the many ways his tenderness showed through.

Family, to Eric, was defined by active caring, love, and respect shown. He believed in consideration and showing support. Over the years, he built a large and deeply loved chosen family made up of friends who became brothers, sisters, and loved ones. He had a gift for creating connection - primarily through exquisitely dry humor - and for making people feel seen. The community of people who loved Eric reflects the kind of life he lived and the bonds he formed.

At the time of his passing, Eric was preparing to begin a special new chapter. He was engaged to Jessica Higgins, and the two were to be married the following month (September 2026). He looked forward to their wedding and the life they were building together… he and Jessica daydreamed about adventures still to be had.

Anyone who knew them knew they were truly best friends. Loving one another unconditionally.

Eric leaves behind a collection of rich memories: late-night games, painted (and those “in queue”) miniatures, photographs, laughter, lessons in acute sarcasm, deep conversations, animals he adored, friendships that became family, and a lot of moments left to be had.

His absence will be felt deeply by Jessica, by his chosen family, and by everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

Eric will be cremated, and a private memorial gathering will be held at a location separate from the funeral home, where family, friends, and loved ones may come together to remember him, share stories, and celebrate his life. Additional details regarding the memorial will be shared with those wishing to attend.

In honor of Eric’s lifelong love and compassion for animals, the family asks that, instead of flowers, memorial donations be made to the DeKalb Animal Shelter in the name of “The Eric Lawson.”

Eric will be remembered not simply for the things he enjoyed or accomplished, but for the life he created around himself—a life full of imagination, loyalty, friendship, love, and belonging. The people who loved Eric will carry pieces of him with them always.

“I am going to live forever.. I am immortal.” A pinky promise he is keeping to his fiancée, Jessica Higgins.

Eric specifically would want to say a special thanks to the following people who stayed with him all the way to the end, keeping him surrounded in his humor and love, as he fought and WON his own Balrog battle and cared for Jessica. Amelia Atnip & Stetson Agee, Karleigh Atnip & Dakota Hale, Eleonore Atnip & Jordan Atnip, Andy Frasier, Presley Agee, Ava Nokes, Skyler Young, Memphis Young & Violet “Canadian Baby”, Chandler Johnson, Kerstian Kelsey (Curtis), Tony Pedro, Lilianna, Chelsey, Rachael, Chris Sneed, Marla Tramel, Chevelle Lockwood, Teresa & David Folsom, Bert Mitchum (Shain), Thomas Smith (Ninth), Jacob Jenkins (Tilly, Tully..), Walter Langford (Baylor), Carly, Olivia, & Bonne - ICU nurses at CRMC, Mike & Jaley - DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Stella, Naomi (Beana; Pickle), Lily, Hazel, Cooper, Pippin, Guinivere, Morgana, and Freddie.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Lawson family.

08/29/2026

Hazel Mullican age 84, of the Crossroads community, went peacefully to her heavenly home on Saturday, August 29, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of those who were blessed to know her. Hazel married the love of her life, Buford Mullican, on February 27, 1959, and after 64 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on April 22, 2023. Together, they built a life rooted in love, family, faith, and countless cherished memories. She was of the Baptist faith. For many years, Hazel owned and operated The Sewing Nook, where her remarkable talent as a seamstress touched the lives of families throughout DeKalb County. Her gift with a needle and thread was only one reflection of the care and love she poured into everything she did. She took great pride in her work and found joy in creating beautiful things with her own hands. Hazel enjoyed the simple blessings of life—fishing, tending to her flower garden, and spending time with the people she loved most. But above all, Hazel loved God, her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and her love for her family was evident in all that she did. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, hard work, and devotion that will continue through the generations. The memories she created, the lives she touched, and the love she shared will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, there is comfort in knowing that Hazel has finished her earthly journey and is now at home with her Lord, where there is no more pain or sorrow—only peace. Her family finds comfort in knowing that this is not goodbye, but “until we meet again.” In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Hobert and Elsie Mae Neal; brother, Hobert Neal; sisters, Dortha Barnes and Lorene Burchfield; granddaughter, Kayla Hurst and son-in-law, Brett Bishop. She leaves to cherish her memory, four children: Melissa Bishop, Teresa (Don) Bryant, Tony (Terri) Mullican, Christy (Jimmy) Barrett; grandchildren, Rusty McCloud, Tara (Matt) Colwell, and Chase Bryant; great grandchildren, Nimue Grace McCloud, Lucy Hurst, Layla Colwell and Beau Colwell; brother, Paul Neal and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2 PM Monday, August 31, 2026, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday 11 AM until the time of the service at 2 PM. The family would like to express a special "Thank You" to Gentiva Hospice for the love and care shown to Mrs. Hazel. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Mullican family.

08/28/2026

Gail Slager age 79 of Dowelltown, passed away Wednesday night, August 26, 2026, at her residence. She was born December 19, 1946, to her parents, the late Clyde and Irene Webb. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Tate Howard; son-in-law, Scottie Howard; two brothers, WH Webb and Ray Donald Webb; sister, Sue Dexter Beshearse; two brothers-in-law, Eddie Malone and AW Beshearse. Gail was a homemaker and member of the Webb's Chapel United Methodist Church. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Doyle Slager of Dowelltown; three children, Tanya Howard, Ryan Slager and Shaun (Suzanne) Slager all of Smithville; grandchildren, Tyler Howard, Shelby (Mason) Hall, Grant Slager and Lydia Slager; sister, Patty Malone of Smithville; sister-in-law, Betty Webb of Smithville; special niece, Tina Boston and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2 PM Saturday, August 29, 2026, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Ricky Nixon, Shelby Hall and Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens with Bro. Bill Robertson officiating. Visitation will be Friday 1 PM until 8 PM and Saturday 10 AM until the time of the service at 2 PM. In addition to flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, in memory of Gail. The family would like to express a special Thank You to Adoration Home Health and Gentiva Hospice, for the love and care shown to Gail. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Slager family.

08/23/2026

08/23/2026

Larry Estil "Crack" Lattimore age 65 of Smithville, passed away Friday afternoon August 21, 2026, at his residence. He was born January 17, 1961, to his parents, the late James Estil and Mary Ella Shehane Lattimore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren. Crack was a construction worker, mechanic and a Baptist. He is survived by five children, Sebrina Lattimore (Bobby), Sara Brown (J.W.) and Mark Lattimore (Kathy) all of Smithville, Serena Carbin (Sammy) of McMinnville and Silvia Hawkins of Indiana; eight grandchildren; two brothers, Ronnie (Joyce) Lattimore of Smithville and Carl (Renea) Lattimore of Liberty; one sister, Trish Lattimore of Smithville; several niece, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral services will be 1 PM Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday 4 PM until 7 PM and Tuesday 10 AM until the time of the service at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in honored to care for the Lattimore family.

08/20/2026

Linda Kay Floyd age 53 passed away August 18, 2026, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. She was born September 25, 1972, to her parents, Billy Ray Lawson and Kathy Kay Mathis Wray. She was preceded in death by siblings, Jeana Lawson, Tommy Ray Lawson, Penny Lawson; and her grandparents. Ms. Linda was a Christian and worked at the Shirt Factory. She is survived by children, Alisha (Corey) Turner of Cookeville, Jesse (Andrea) Floyd of NC; four grandchildren, Ashlynn, Samuel, Gavin, Tobias Turner; mother, Kathy Wray of Murfreesboro; father, Billy (Linda) Lawson of Woodbury; significant other, Gary A. Watts of McMinnville; sister, Britney Alexander (Chris) of Woodbury; nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles also survive. Funeral services will be held 3:30 PM Friday August 21, 2026, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Charlie Lawson officiating and burial to follow in Center Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday August 21, 2026, 10AM until the time of the service at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers the family ask donations may be made to the Animal Shelter in memory of Ms. Linda. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Floyd family.

08/20/2026

Walter Lynn Ferrell age 83 of Smithville passed away Monday August 17, 2026, at his residence. He was born February 12, 1943, to his parents the late Willie and Daisy Lee Terrell Ferrell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Lisa Ferrell; grandchild, Zack Ferrell; father-and mother-in-law, Carmon and Louise Hendrixson. Mr. Walter was a member and minister at Church of God; he did mapping for TDOT and worked at the School Bus Garage. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Faye Ferrell of Smithville; son, Davey (Jessica) Ferrell of Smithville; grandchildren, Krysta Ferrell of Smithville, Keith (Devan) Ferrell of Smithville, Shaun Ferrell, David (Kayla) Ferrell, Hannah Ferrell, Rachel Ferrell, Emilee (Matthew) Stubblefield, Collin (Kayleigh) Ferrell; great-grandchildren, Teagan Pedigo, Oaklyn Ferrell, Owen Ferrell, Tucker Pedigo, and several other great-grandchildren; aunt, Betty Moss of Lebanon; several cousins also survive. Funeral services will be held 2PM Thursday August 20, 2026, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial to follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday August 19, 2026, 4PM till 7PM and on Thursday August 20, 2026, 11AM until the time of the service at 2PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Ferrell family.

08/20/2026

Sandra Gail Farless age 57 of Smithville passed away Tuesday morning August 18, 2026, at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. She was born July 4,1969 to her mother, Nancy Carollyn Marshall Hensley and her late father Henry Eldon Hensley. Ms. Sandra was a member of Indian Creek Baptist Church and worked as a CNA at NHC Healthcare of Smithville for several years. She is survived by daughter, Hope Farless of Smithville; mother, Carolyn Hensley of Smithville; sisters, Maggie (Reece) Tramel of Smithville, Loretta (Tim) Hendrixson of Smithville; brother, Joe Wayne Marshall of Sparta; nieces and nephews, James (Stephanie) Tramel, Amanda Tramel, Breanna (Jacob) Campbell, Tiffany (Garrett) Hoke; several great nephews also survive. Funeral services will be 1 PM Friday August 21, 2026, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Bernard Houk officiating with burial to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday 4 PM until 7 PM and Friday 10 AM until the time of the service at 1 PM. The family ask in lieu of flowers donations may be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Farless family.