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ruta

  • Joined: February 25, 2026
  • Articles: 245

Man killed in fall at Old Stone Fort

A Nashville man hiking with his girlfriend at Old Stone Fort Park fell to his death this past Thursday, losing his balance as he swatted at an insect before plummeting over 20 feet over a cliff.

COX

Pastor Donnie Lynn Cox, 77, of Shelbyville, passed away at his home on April 10, 2026. A faithful servant of the Lord for 57 years, he most recently served as pastor of Whittaker Church of God in Shelbyville and was known for his compassionate pastor’s heart and dedication to others. Born March 16, 1949, in McMinnville, Tennessee, he was the son of the late William Nathan Cox and Georgia Pearl Stewart Cox. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Leona Faye Cox, and his brothers Frank, Morris, Tommy, and Jimmy. He is survived by his sister, Martha Simmons; his children, John (Cynthia) Cox, William J. Cox, Donitta Dunlap, and Verronica (Jay) Pelky; his grandchildren, Joshua Cox (Autumn Loper), Landon Cox (Whitney), Jeffery Dunlap, and Emily Pelkey (Wyatt Booth); and his great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Kynlee Cox and Bernadine Galloway. He is also survived by his cherished dog, Haven; extended family members Jerry Pelkey and Michaela Galloway; and many dear friends, including his church families at Whittaker Church of God and Tullahoma Church of God of Prophecy. Pastor Cox was a Bishop in the Church of God and studied theology at Bible Training Institute, Lee College, and Tomlinson College. His ministry extended beyond the pulpit to jail, prison, hospital, and nursing home outreach in both Tennessee and Florida, as well as mission work internationally. He was instrumental in helping build churches in Florida and overseas. A talented musician and songwriter, he recorded two CDs and was affiliated with the Gospel Music Association, the International Singer and Songwriter Association, BMI, and the Dove Awards. He received recognition and awards for his songwriting and took great pride in sharing his musical gifts with others, including having his grandson play guitar on one of his recordings. In addition to his ministry, Pastor Cox worked as a professional upholsterer for 49 years, contributing his craftsmanship to projects involving NASA, military aircraft, boats, and custom and classic vehicles, many of which were featured in automotive publications. He enjoyed reading his Bible, playing golf with his son and grandson, tending his rose bushes, fishing with friends, and watching football—especially the Florida Gators and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also cherished simple daily traditions, like sharing Twinkies with his dog Haven while watching the evening news, and enjoying western omelets with his friend Brother Randy. Pastor Cox never regretted a mile he traveled in service to the Lord. He will be deeply loved and greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, in the chapel of Layne Funeral Home in Palmer, Tenn., with Ministers Ronnie Holloway, William Pritchett, and Dwight Henderson officiating. Burial followed at Palmer Cemetery. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.

WISER

Andrew “Bud” Wiser, age 35, of Altamont, passed from this life Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his residence. Bud was born in Manchester, to his surviving parents Terry and Carmaleta Baxter Hill. He worked with Baxter Construction for most of his life and also enjoyed working for a local logging company as well. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and piddling with cars. He was a loving son and grandson and loved his one and only nephew dearly. Bud was preceded in death by grandmother, Gayle Baxter. Bud is survived by his parents, Terry Wiser and Carmaleta Wiser; brother, Joshua (Danielle) Hill; nephew, Maverick Hill; grandparents, Jim Baxter (Jennifer) and Jerry (Shirley) Wiser; aunt, Sherry Wiser George (Shane); cousins, Lola and Abram George; great aunt and uncle, James and Karen Harris. Visitation was held Wednesday, April 8, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Central Funeral Home. Funeral services were held Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Central Funeral Home with Al Bugg officiating. Burial will follow at Fredonia Cemetery in Coffee County.

RUSH

John Thomas Rush, Jr. of Murfreesboro, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at McArthur Manor in Manchester. He was 94 years of age. He was the son of the late John Thomas Rush and Hattie Rush of Murfreesboro, TN. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Helen Joyce Hill Rush, as well as two sisters, Christine Barker and Wilma Arnette. John is survived by his son, Victor Rush (Darlene) of Cross Plains, Tenn.; daughter, Vivian Rush (Riley) of Manchester; stepdaughter, Debbie Whaley (Jeff) of Wartrace; and stepson, Wallace Robertson (Sarah) of Manchester; as well as several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. John was born in Guntersville, Alabama on November 1, 1931. After high school, John joined the Navy, then attended and graduated from the University of Alabama. He worked as an electrical engineer for Texaco Oil Company in Port Arthur, Texas and later in Lockport, Illinois. John moved to Manchester, TN in 1962 and worked at AEDC in Tullahoma, as an electrical engineer supervisor for 37 years before retiring. John loved gardening, yard beautification, ostrich egg carving, his wife, and his family. Visitation with the family was Wednesday, April 15, from 1-2 p.m. at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. The funeral service was at 2 p.m. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Tips to tend a garden in late summer

As summer winds down, long stretches of sunlight are dwindling and cooler temperatures are on the horizon. Gardening enthusiasts may wonder how they can manage their backyard gardens as the peak growing season comes to a close.

A little guitar goes a long way

The Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Stone Fort Music located at 109 E. Main St. off of the Historic Manchester Square. Owners Joey Gipson and Michael Klug thanked the crowd for coming and explained the business was something they always wanted to do. A surprise to the crowd, Chamber President and CEO Katy Riddle revealed that she plays a little guitar before brandishing the miniscule instrument and briefly accompanying Gipson and Klug.