ruta

Bernd “Bernie” Lierow passed away on April 18, 2026, days before his 67th birthday. Born in Wuppertal, West Germany on April 22, 1959, Bernie immigrated to the United States as a young child with his parents, John and Ingrid Lierow, settling in sunny Southern California where he began building the colorful life he would become known for. Bernie’s journey took him from Germany to California, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia and finally back to Tennessee, where he spent the majority of his life and created countless cherished memories. A master craftsman with an artist’s eye, Bernie had a profound appreciation for architecture and could often be found studying buildings with the same passion he brought to his work, when he wasn’t crafting with his hands. He also had a love of ocean fishing.

Elmer Gordan Woodlee Jr. departed this life April 23, 2026, at his daughter’s home surrounded by many loved ones. EG was born on Oct. 27, 1932, to his late parents, Elmer Gordan Woodlee Sr. and Elva Ruby Hawk Woodlee, on his family farm. He had a lot of stories that he liked to tell including one about riding his cow over the Elk River and doing some fishing. Later when he was grown and old enough, he enlisted in 1952 into the United States Air Force and remained there until his time was over. He found work in Cleveland, OH, where he later met the love of his life, Polly Ann Adkins, to whom he was married for 58 years until her passing in 2009. In his spare time, he liked to watch chickens fight, racoon and squirrel hunt, farm, and many other things, but most of all he loved spending time with family unless there was a baseball game on. Daddy lived to be 93 years old and I was so blessed to have shared him. I miss you already but I know you’re at peace now. I love you bigger than the sky, Daddy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Willian Barlow; son, Mark Woodlee; wife and the love of his life, Polly. Mr. Woodlee is survived by son, Steve Woodlee; daughters, Felicia (Travis) Black, Danielle (Jason) Vanzant; many grandchildren, Kortney, Ian, Hannah, Zoey, Bailee, Holden, and Natalie; great grandchildren, Vada Live, Zepplin, Kaleb, Knox, Scottlyn, Addy and Daisy, Psalms, Braxton, and Natalie. Visitation was held Saturday, April 25, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Central Funeral Home in Manchester. Funeral services were conducted Sunday, April 26, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Central Funeral Home. Burial followed at Bethel Cemetery in Pelham.