Obituaries: Week of August 3, 2025, In Loving Memory

ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:

(Smokey Barn News)

*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.

Lou Iris Webb

May 15, 1942 — July 28, 2025

Lou Iris Webb, born on May 15, 1942, in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, passed away on July 28, 2025.

A woman of strong character, Lou was a strict and straightforward individual who embraced her role as a matriarch, guiding her children with firm but loving hands. She possessed a tough exterior, which often concealed her playful side as a jokester. Known for speaking her mind, Lou was proud of the wisdom she shared, earning the respect of all who knew her. She easily won everyone over with her exceptional culinary skills, particularly her talent for preparing amazing country meals. Among her favorites was peach cobbler, which she loved both to eat and to make.

In her leisure time, she found great pleasure in watching westerns and BBC dramas, relishing the thrill they provided. Music from the 1950s, especially from artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, filled her home, and the melodies of her youth often led her to dance with joy, a testament to the spirit she maintained throughout her life.

She dedicated an impressive 40 years of her life to her career at Holley Carburetor, where she was widely respected for her work ethic and commitment.

Lifelong beliefs guided Lou’s actions, as she was a devoted follower of Methodist Christianity.

Her love for family was evident in her life. Lou is survived by her partner, Larry Hyde, and her children: Deborah Lynn Stewart, Dwayne (Janet) Webb, and Derrick (Jennifer) Webb. She also cherished her time with her grandchildren: Chris Jones, Josh Jones, Charley McGee, Maegan Hagedorn, Haeley Tarpey, Jay Webb, Kendell Webb, Shelby Webb, and Kayla Caruthers, along with her 12 great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life. She is also survived by her loving siblings, Bobby Frank Phelan, Sammy Phelan, and Ervin Phelan.

Lou was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Charlie and Ruby Phelan, as well as her children, Daryl Webb and Shawn Webb. She was also preceded by her siblings: Helen Marie Phelan, Larry Phelan, CH Phelan, Doris Anderson, and Vera May Phelan who have all passed on.

Visitation for Lou Iris Webb will be held on August 1, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM, both occurring at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Goodlettsville, TN.

Lou Iris Webb’s legacy will continue to live on through her family and the many lives she touched.

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Aryya Donette Mack

d. July 31, 2025

Aryya Donette Mack, passed away on July 31, 2025. She is survived by her parents Breaonna Hargis and Abe Mack; siblings, Bre’niyah Hargis, Leilane Bush and Cartavious Collins; grandparents, Daphne Mack and Jeanette Flippen; aunts and uncles, Angel Hargis, Mikayla Hargis, and Justin Hargis, Komara Dixon, Jamille Lowe Camille Lowe, Reggie Mack; and her Great aunt, Hope Matthews.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Ray Matthews, Roda Matthews.

A celebration of life will be held at 2pm, Wednesday, August 6th in the chapel of Cole and Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville. Family will receive friends from 12-2pm prior to the service.

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Dartha “Dot” Brinkley Roaden

May 17, 1932 — August 1, 2025

White House, TN

Dartha “Dot” Brinkley Roaden, August 1, 2025, age 93. A lifelong resident of the White House area, Dot was born on May 17, 1932 to the late Henry and Eula Brinkley. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Charles A. Roaden, and her brothers, Wayne, Charlie, J.D., and Gerald Brinkley. She is survived by her daughters, Andrea (Bill) Denning, Leanne Neal (Randy Deason); grandchildren, Tony (Crystal) Denning, Jonathan (Brooke) Denning, Anne-Marie Sykes, Chase (Sarah) Neal, Chad (Christy) Neal; great-grandchildren, Elijah (Emmy), Lukas (Julie), Harley, Joie, Tre, Trent, Jack, and Vivian, and her special friend and companion Edmond Kerr.

Dot retired from the State of Tennessee Agricultural Department in 1996. She also worked for several years at Macy’s. in 2000, Dot began working along side Charles at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home in White House and served many families with her love and compassion until her recent retirement in 2022. She was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church in White House.

Dot was the heart of her family, a woman full of wisdom, warmth and unwavering love. She lived her life showing what it meant to live life with purpose. Her life advice was simple but powerful; live close to God, be honest, and work hard. She loved her family more than anything and poured her heart into all of them.

Visitation will be at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home, White House Wednesday, August 6, from 2-8 pm, and on Thursday, August 7, from 11 am until the time of service at 1 pm with Rev. H.D. Jones, officiating. Interment Hillcrest Cemetery. Active pallbearers: Tony Denning, Jonathan Denning, Chase Neal, Chad Neal, Elijah Denning, Lukas Denning, Tre Sykes and Trenton Sykes. Honorary pallbearers: Charlie Brinkley, Steve Brinkley, David Brinkley, and the current and former staff of Cole & Garrett Funeral Homes.

For those desiring, memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the building fund at Temple Baptist Church in White House.

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Frank Monroe Swindell

April 24, 1943 ~ July 31, 2025

82 Years Old

Frank Monroe Swindell, 82, of Springfield, passed from this life on Thursday July 31, 2025, at the Stone Creek Memory Care Center in Hendersonville. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday August 7th at 1:00 p.m. in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home with Pastor James Rawls officiating. Interment will follow in Springfield Memorial Gardens with Military honors. The family will receive friends on Wednesday August 6th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday August 7th from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Mr. Swindell was born April 24, 1943, in Tallassee, FL to the late William Virgil “Willie” and Zelma Katherine Dorsett Swindell. He worked in the oil fields in Louisiana for many years, and then retired from Electrolux as a parts supplier. Mr. Swindell was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a member of Christ Community Apostolic Church, where he taught Sunday School and served as a trustee of the church. Mr. Swindell’s hearts desire was to always witness about the Lord to the people on his job and the people that he came into contact with.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife: Rosalee Delores Brown Swindell, and by his siblings: Carl Swindell, Anna Ruth McGill, and Dorothy Wenzel. He is survived by his wife: Wilma Diane Swindell of Springfield, by his sons: Eric (Kelly) Swindell of Austin, TX, and David (Ida) Swindell of Prairieville, LA, by his daughter: Rose Lynn Swindell Saucier of Boiling Springs, SC, by his two grandsons and three granddaughters, by his brothers: Mark Swindell of Goodlettsville, Fred Swindell of McMinnville, and Clyde (Evelyn) Swindell of Hawaii, and by his sister: Grace Swindell Horton of Nashville.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” Psalms 51:10

Services have been entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home

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Dale (Dean) Boyter

February 8, 1955 ~ August 3, 2025

70 Years Old

Dale Boyter Obituary

FULL OBITUARY TO BE POSTED.

IF SO DESIRED, MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE MADE TO THE GREAT DANE LOVE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESCUE. ALL DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT https://gdlcf.org/ OR MAY BE SENT C/O ROBERTSON COUNTY FUNERAL HOME

Services have been entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home

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Charlotte Dean (Cummings) Woodward

January 13, 1936 ~ August 5, 2025

89 Years Old

Charlotte Dean Cummings Woodward, 89, of Springfield, passed from this life on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at White House Healthcare Center. Graveside services will be conducted Friday August 8th at 2:00 p.m. in the Orlinda Cemetery with her grandsons: John David Woodward, Matthew Woodward, and the Deacons of Orlinda Baptist Church serving as pallbearers. There will be no visitation prior to the graveside service.

Mrs. Woodward was born January 13, 1936, in Orlinda, to the late James Charles and Vera Covington Cummings. She was a graduate of East Robertson High School Class of 1954, was a member of Orlinda Baptist Church, and was a homemaker. Mrs. Woodward loved bowling, playing cards, and working in her flowers. She was wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and a Christian lady.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: John Melvin Woodward, and by her sisters: Frances Wheeler, Mary Floyd Potts, Betty Price, and Sara Dunn. Mrs. Woodward is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: John Mark and Clara Woodward of Killen, AL, by her daughter and son-in-law: Sandy Woodward Bateman and Mike Bateman of Greenbrier, by her grandsons: John David (Rachel) Woodward and Matthew (Audrey) Woodward, and by her great grandchildren: Reeny Claire, Charla Jane, Johnsey Reed, and Hilly Ann.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Orlinda Baptist Church in Mrs. Woodward’s memory.

Services have been entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home

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Nathaniel Ward Jr.

April 24, 1952 – July 26, 2025

Nathaniel Brown “Buster” Ward, Jr., age 73, of Pleasant View, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025, at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.

A graveside service will be conducted at 1 o’clock pm, Wednesday, August 6th, at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Nashville.

Mr. Ward was born on April 24, 1952, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to the late Nathaniel Brown Sr. & Yvonne Alama Ward. He was retired after 30 years as a truckdriver and was a veteran of the United States Army having served in the Vietnam War. He was a jack of all trades and loved to cook. He was a Christian.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Diane Ward; infant daughter, Angel Ward; grandchild, Jessi Lee; brother, Bobby Alama; and sister, Verena Ward.

He is survived by his sons, Richard (Angie) Ward, Kyle Ward, Nathan (Molly) Ward, III, and John Stevens; daughters, Christina Daugherty, Jacquelyn Ward, and Ladye (Zachary) Petties; brother, Braddah Brian Reynolds; sisters, Kapulani (Chief) Fields, Kehaulani Ututuvanu, and Sista Zerna “Nalani” Reynolds; grandchildren, Charles (Danielle) Daugherty, Joey (Hailey) Daugherty, Caleb Ward, Courtney Bingham, Brendan Wall, Chris Wall, Dusty Rose, Dakota Steven, Aryan Joyce Ann, Saphire Anela Rose, William Dean, Dezarae Bilbrey, Tristalyhn Sorg, Bryson Ward, Logan Ward, Kyria Ward, Koa Ward, Salem Osborne, Sage Osborne, Lucien Osborne and Chelsey Kennedy; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

If so desired, contributions may be made to help with funeral expenses sent to Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 6316 Hwy 41A, Pleasant View, TN 37146 by mail or credit card or come in the office.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com

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Hunter Merrill

June 3, 2000 – July 26, 2025

Joseph “Hunter” Merrill, age 25, of Russellville, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025.

A memorial service will be conducted at 3 o’clock pm, Saturday, August 2nd, at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View, Tennessee.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, beginning at 1:00 PM until the hour of service at 3:00 PM.

“Bubba”, as Hunter was affectionately known, was born on June 3, 2000, in Nashville, Tennessee. He loved music and was a Grateful Dead fan. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a family man, a good friend, and was stubborn in the most loving way.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Laurie “Codi” Merrill; maternal grandparents, Lois and Donald Edwards; and paternal grandparent, James Merrill, Sr.

He is survived by his father, Jim (Debra) Merrill; paternal grandmother, Ann “MawMaw” Merrill; siblings, Katie (Chad) Trespalacios, Travis (Erin) Merrill, Heather Merrill, Fern Merrill, Macie Merrill, and Kyran Williams; adopted mom, April Wilson; several nieces & nephews; loving aunts, uncles & cousins; and the tribe he had built.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com

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Sally Dunn Bell

April 6, 1932 – July 28, 2025

Sally Murphey Bell, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, at Skyline Medical Center, in Nashville, Tennessee. Family and friends are invited to Mt. Denson Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 4558 TN-161, Springfield, TN, from 10:00-1:00 on August 2, 2025, to reminisce and honor the life of Sally. The service will follow at 1:00 with Dr. Jason Wilkerson and Bro. Nathan Barnes officiating.

Mrs. Bell was born on April 6, 1932, in Springfield, Tennessee, to the late Jack and Louise Murphey. She was a resident of Springfield and a 1950 graduate of Springfield High School. Sally married Phil Bell in 1950, in Springfield, Tennessee. She spent her life selflessly serving the needs of others. In this way, she glorified and honored the Kingdom of God and her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. One of her favorite bible verses was, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) And that, is how she lived each day.

In addition to her parents Mrs. Bell was preceded in death by her husband, Phil Bell, Jr., her daughter, Patti Bell, grandson Brock Buckwalter, and brother, Tommy Murphey.

She is survived by her daughter, Brooks (Jeff) Buckwalter, and son, Grant (Jennifer) Bell; and six grandchildren; Meghan, Adam, and Brenna Buckwalter; and Jackson, Chandler, and Raegan Bell; and a great grandson, David Buckwalter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome to Mt. Denson Church.

Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com

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JW Ragland

December 2, 1938 – July 29, 2025

JW Ragland, age 86 of Goodlettsville passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at The Residence of Alive Hospice. He was born December 2, 1938 in Cottontown, TN to Charles and Mayzell Dudney Ragland. He married Jeanne Marquardt on October 20, 2007 in Kuai, Hawaii.

He was retired with 40+ years of service with AVCO/Textron/Triumph and was a member of White House Church of Christ. He had a very passionate work ethic. Working gave him a great sense of pride. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing and raising cows were just a few of his interests.

He loved spending time with his family and traveling. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jonathan Wesley Ragland; brother, David Ragland; brother-in-law, Jimmy Pace. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Jeanne Ragland, Goodlettsville, TN; sons, Christopher Ragland, Durham, NC, Jerome (Tosha) Marquardt, Beauford, NC; daughter, Jenine Pace, Cottontown, TN; brother, Rayburn (Judy) Ragland, Bethpage, TN; sister, Sherry (Steve) Goins, Portland, TN; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren..

Funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 1pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House with Pastor Harold Klinker officiating. Interment will follow in White House Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Visitation is planned for Saturday, August 2, 2025 11am until the time of the service at the funeral home. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com

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Mildred Delores Sanford

January 12, 1935 – July 30, 2025

Mildred Delores Sanford, age 90, of Springfield, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at her home. Funeral services will be conducted at 4pm Sunday, August 3rd at Cross Roads Baptist Church with Bro. Rick Edwards and Bro. Danny Eads officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in White House with Briley Price, Jonathan Price, Andrew Giles, Brandon Slappy, Mike Price, George Pendleton, Larry Eden, and David Lee serving as pallbearers and Mel Carr serving as honorary pallbearer. Honorary pallbearer will be Mel Carr.

The family will receive friends from 1pm until time of the service at 4pm Sunday at the church.

Mrs. Sanford was born January 12, 1935, in Springfield, to the late William Frank Eidson and the late Laura Leftwich Eidson. She was an accomplished church musician and a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Sanford was preceded in death by her husband, John Ray Sanford; daughters, Sheila Dawn Sanford and Gayla Shaun Sanford; and a sister, Jeanette Holt.

She is survived by her son, Scott (Beverly) Sanford; daughter, Sharon (Terry) Price; 4 grandchildren, Briley Price, Jonathan Price, Olivia Giles and Lela Sanford; and 5 great grandchildren, Jude Price, Rosamund Price, James Price, Madison Price, and Baby Giles on the way.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cross Roads Baptist Church, 2649 New Cut Road, Greenbrier, TN 37073.Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com

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Linda Sue Lang

July 28, 1950 – July 30, 2025

Linda Sue Ayersman Lang, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in Springfield, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones on July 30, 2025.

Born July 28, 1950, Linda was adopted and raised by Albert and Mona Lowe Ayersman in Charleston, West Virginia. She graduated from Dunbar High School in 1968 and soon after moved to Maryland, where she worked for NASA on the historic Apollo moon landing missions. While there, she met her husband, Andrew Lang. The two were married in 1969 and recently celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Linda and Andy made their home in Knoxville, Tennessee, while Andy attended law school at the University of Tennessee. Their daughter, Sandy, was born on an October game day, fittingly so, given their lifelong love for the Tennessee Volunteers. Linda spent nearly 30 years in Cincinnati raising her two children, Sandy and Jason, managing a title agency for various law firms, and actively engaging in her community. She was a longtime member of Anderson Hills United Methodist Church, Anderson Hills Junior Women’s Club, and served as a Girl Scout leader.

In 2000, Linda and Andy retired to White Salmon, Washington, where they enjoyed exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and welcoming friends and family to their picturesque home. They were active members of the White Salmon First United Methodist Church and spent their retirement traveling and building lasting memories.

In 2010, they began dividing their time between White Salmon and Springfield, Tennessee, eventually moving full-time to Springfield in 2021. Linda quickly became a vibrant part of the local community, attending Springfield First United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Frances Rosson Circle (mission recognition pin recipient), Grand Sweep Sunday School Class, and kitchen committee. She was a proud member of the Springfield Federation of Woman’s Clubs including the Century Club and Wednesday Study Club. She was most recently the Chairwoman of the Christmas Sampler. She also volunteered weekly at the C.O.P.E. store.

Linda’s warmth and generosity touched everyone who knew her. She found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren, baking her famous cookies, and playing bridge and dominoes with her dear friends. Her legacy of love, kindness, and service will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her husband, Andrew Lang; her children, Sandra (James) Long and Jason (Amy Beville) Lang; and her grandchildren, Libby and Ainsley Long.

A Celebration of Linda’s life will be held at Springfield First United Methodist Church on August 9th at 1pm led by Reverend Jason Jones.. Family will receive friends from 11am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Springfield First United Methodist Church 511 S. Oak Street, Springfield, TN 37172 and C.O.P.E 810 S. Main Street, Springfield, TN 37172,

Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com

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Matthew Mortimer

February 10, 1988 – August 1, 2025

Matthew Riley Mortimer, age 37 of Chapmansboro, Tennessee passed away, Friday, August 1, 2025, at his home.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00pm until 6:00pm, on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View, Tn. There will not be a service to follow and his remains will be cremated.

Matthew was born on February 10, 1988 in Clearwater, Florida. He was a concrete fabricator and had attended Austin Peay State University where he was working towards a chemical engineering degree. His family located to Tennessee from Florida at the age of 13 and at an early age in life he developed a love of being on the water and camping. He attended Sycamore High School. Matthew was the LEGO master and was currently working on a thousand-piece art. He loved his children dearly.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Joann Mortimer; maternal grandparents, Charles Parker and Ann Schabot.

He is survived by his parents, Scott (Erin) Mortimer and Christine (David) Dudley; children, Henry, Nathaniel, Luna Mortimer and their mother, Candace Monk; brother, Butch (Wendy) Dudley; sister, Buffy (Jason) Harris; aunts, Jean Parker and Kelly (Rich) Hendricks; and cousins, Marrisa, Braelynn, Everly, and Brody.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Matthew’s memory to Herron Project.org or American Diabetes Association, 220 Great Circle Rd, Ste.134, Nashville, Tn 37228

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com

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Judge Robert Lynn Echols Sr.

January 13, 1941 – August 2, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Robert Lynn Echols, Sr. on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, after a courageous battle with dementia. Robert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose legacy of integrity, service, and kindness will live on in the many lives he touched.

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Robert’s early years were marked by a vibrant spirit and a drive to excel. He attended South Side High School and Southwestern (now Rhodes College), where he distinguished himself as both a scholar and an athlete. His exceptional talent in baseball and football earned him a place in the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame and he was president of the SAE fraternity. Robert continued his academic journey at the University of Tennessee School of Law, graduating in 1964.

Robert’s commitment to service extended beyond the classroom. In 1966, he joined the US Army Tennessee National Guard, embarking on a military career that spanned nearly four decades. Rising to the rank of Brigadier General, Robert served with honor and dedication, cherishing the camaraderie and purpose that military life brought him.

After a brief time in Washington, D.C., Robert settled in Nashville to begin a distinguished legal career. As a founding member of the Dearborn & Ewing law firm, he quickly established himself as a trusted advisor and advocate. His expertise and integrity led to his nomination by President George H. W. Bush to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in 1991. After his confirmation, Robert served with distinction, including as Chief Judge from 1998 to 2005. He continued to serve the court as Senior Judge until his retirement in 2010, and later practiced law with Bass, Berry & Sims and the Aubrey Harwell Law Firm until his final retirement in 2019.

Robert’s professional achievements were matched only by his devotion to his family. He shared a loving and enduring partnership with his late wife, Marcia Austin Echols. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support. Robert was a proud and nurturing father to Susan Marie Echols, Robert Lynn Echols Jr., and John Austin Echols, guiding them with wisdom and love. His grandchildren, Robert III (Bert), Anna, and Mayme were a constant source of joy and pride.

A man of deep faith, Robert was a founding member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, where he served as both Deacon and Elder. He was a pillar of his church community and gave generously of his time and talents to numerous charitable organizations and boards, always striving to make a positive difference.

Robert is survived by his children, Susan Marie Echols, Robert Lynn Echols Jr. (Christy), and John Austin Echols; his cherished grandchildren, Robert Lynn Echols III, Anna Catherine Echols, and Mayme Austin Echols; and his sister Anne Echols Murphy (David) and nieces and nephews.

He is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Marcia Austin Echols; his parents, Jim and Carrie Abernathy Echols; his brother and sister-in-law, James and Evelyn Echols and brother-in-law Thomas Ewing Austin Jr.

Robert’s life was a testament to the power of integrity, service, and unconditional love. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.

The family will hold a private service and burial In Springfield, TN and a public celebration of Life/Gathering of Friends on Wednesday, August 6th, from 4-6 pm at Belle Meade Country Club, 815 Belle Meade Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37205.

In remembrance of Robert’s remarkable life, memorial contributions may be made to Abe’s Garden Community, 115 Woodmont Boulevard, Nashville, Tennessee 37205.

With gratitude, we remember and celebrate a life well-lived, and a man deeply loved.

Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000  www.austinandbell.com

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Pablo Trujillo Martinez

January 13, 1978 – August 5, 2025

Pablo Trujillo Martinez, age 47, of Springfield, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. A Mass of Resurrection will be conducted at 10am Saturday, August 9th, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Springfield with Father Anthony Lopez officiating. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2-6:30pm Friday at the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield. A Catholic Rosary service will be conducted at 6:30pm Friday, at the funeral home.

Pablo was born January 13, 1978, in Mexico, to the late Leon Trujillo and to Ubalda Martinez. He was a welder by trade.

Pablo is survived by his wife, Floriberta Diaz Santos; sons, Christian Trujillo and David Trujillo; daughters, Sophia Trujillo and Hannah Trujillo; mother, Ubalda Martinez; brother, Leonel Trujillo; and a sister, Lorena Trujillo.

Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.

AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 www.austinandbell.com

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