Obituaries

FORSYTHE

Timothy W. “Tim” Forsythe, Jr, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of strength, faith, and endurance that will never be forgotten. He was born in Willoughby, Ohio to Timothy W. Forsythe, Sr. and Roseanna Earls Forsythe. For the last eight years, Tim had served as the Associate Pastor of Students and Families at Trinity Baptist Church in Manchester. He was a devoted husband, father, son, and friend, deeply cherished by those who knew him. Tim had a way of making people feel at ease-whether through his sense of humor, his steady presence, or simple kindness he showed in everyday moments. He valued his family and his church. Above all else, he loved Jesus with all his heart and lived in service to Him. Throughout his life, Tim faced challenges with courage and determination. Even in difficult times, he showed a remarkable ability to keep going, often putting others before himself. His strength was not just in how he endured, but in how he cared- for his family, his friends, and anyone who needed him. Tim was preceded in death by his precious sister, Melanie Forsythe. He is survived by his loving wife, Kelly; his five sons, William, Abe, Judd, Tucker, and Abel; his loving parents, Tim Sr. and Roseanna Forsythe; and his adored sister, Amanda. They will all carry forward his memory and the lessons he taught through his actions: patience, faith, and love. Tim will be deeply missed, but his impact will remain in the lives he touched. His memory will live on in shared stories, quiet moments of reflection, and the enduring love of those who knew him. Visitation was held on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Trinity Baptist Church in Manchester from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A service to honor and celebrate his life began at 1 p.m. with Jerry Pullum, Tim Forsythe, Sr. and Jim Patton officiating. Burial followed at Franklin Memorial Gardens in Winchester. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Trinity Baptist Church “Together We Grow” Building Fund.

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WOODLEE

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.

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GREEN

Dr. William “Eddie” Edward Green, Jr., age 78, of Normandy, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 16, 2026. A man of deep faith, dedicated service, and healing, Eddie was a beloved figure in every community he touched. Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Aug. 13, 1947, he was the son of the late William E. Green, Sr. and Mary Agnus Green. Eddie served his country with honor as a Captain in the United States Army. Following his military service, he pursued an extensive education, earning his MD from the University of South Carolina before attending Sherman College of Chiropractic. Dr. Green went on to own and operate his chiropractic practice in the Manchester community for over 26 years, where he was known as a compassionate healer and a trusted friend to his patients. Following his retirement from chiropractic medicine, Eddie continued his lifelong commitment to service as an Online Minister. He found great fulfillment in reaching others through his “Ask the Pastor” ministry on Hughes.net, providing spiritual guidance to an international online community. Eddie was a passionate sports fan who found great joy in watching college football and cheering for the Atlanta Braves; he rarely, if ever, missed a game. Above all, he loved spending quality time with his friends and family. He was a man of integrity and warmth whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his devoted wife of 21 years, Bonnie Green, whom he married in September of 2004. He leaves behind his children, William E. “Bill” Green III and wife Stephanie, Elizabeth “Beth” McIntosh and husband Chris, Kelly Huggins and husband Sammy, and Kim Logan and husband Danny. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Tonya Overcast, Rhonda Hathaway and husband Richie, Johnny Alford, and James Alford; his brother, James Kent of Fredericksburg, VA; and his cherished 102-year-old aunt, Nel MacMahon of South Carolina. His legacy further lives on through numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a large extended family.

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LIEROW

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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