OBITUARIES
Bobby Joe Carpenter, 63, Chickamauga
Bobby Joe Carpenter age 63, of Chickamauga, Georgia passed away Friday, July 7, 2017.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Wesley Lee and Martha Elaine Davis Carpenter. He had resided in the Chickamauga area since childhood. He had worked in transportation most of his life. He was the owner/operator of Carpenter Courier with DHL. He was a member of the Tennessee Trucking Association – “Once a captain, always a captain.” He had attended First Baptist Church in Chickamauga and was a member of the Crawfish Springs Masonic Lodge F&AM #300. He enjoyed spending his days working in his yard, especially mowing and running errands around town with his dog – “Levi.”
He is survived by his former wife: Cynthia Denise Caldwell Carpenter and their children: Josh (Julie) Carpenter, Matthew (Colby) Carpenter all of Chickamauga, GA, wife: Vickie Lynne Parrett Carpenter of Chickamauga, GA, and daughter: Nichole Michelle Thomas of Fort Oglethorpe, GA, brother: John (Elaine) Carpenter of LaFayette, GA, eight grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Tuesday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at the funeral home.
Funeral services: 3:00 pm – Tuesday - July 11, 2017 graveside at Chickamauga Cemetery.
Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Homes – Chickamauga Chapel.
Online register book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.
Denise Rae (Wolfe) Williams
Denise Rae (Wolfe) Williams, who was born September 27, 1953, passed away in her sleep on July 3, 2017, after a long illness.
She was surrounded by those that she loved. It was her faith in God that sustained her through the trials of life and her long illness. She rests in the hope of the resurrection.
Denise was born in Detroit, Michigan to parents Raymond and June Wolfe. The family lived in several different Michigan cities and finally settled in Conklin, Michigan. Denise attended Coopersville High School and later earned her associate’s degree in Applied Science and also her Paralegal degree through Denver Community College. She developed a 20 year telecommunication and paralegal career. Denise loved to travel and her work allowed her to live in many different states throughout her years.
She lived in Ringgold for several years and has family in the Ringgold area.
Denise had a passion for sticking up for the underdog, loving fiercely, and a Harley Davidson always put a smile on her face. She was fondly known as “Grandma Ruby” to her grandchildren and found great pleasure in being around those she loved.
Denise was proceeded in death by her precious daughter Hope, her parents and step parents Raymond (Martha) Wolfe, June (Gary) Olson, her younger brother Daymond Wolfe, and her sisters Sherry Thompson and Kaye Grillette Reed.
Denise is survived by her twin sons Gavin Reinsma and Travis (Breck) Reinsma, thirteen precious grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way. Also surviving her is her brother Raymond Wolfe, sisters Danette (Tim) Umlor, Lisa (Steve) Wiersum, Diane Robinette, and Mitzi Thompson.
Memorial service: July 15, 2017 at 4 pm with food and fellowship to follow. Coopersville Seventh Day Adventist Church, 16429 40th Avenue, Coopersville, Michigan 49404.
Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Pickard, 75, LaFayette
Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Pickard, age 75, of LaFayette passed away at her home Monday, July 10, 2017 with her family by her side. Liz was born in LaFayette in 1941 to the late Clifford Barrett and Mary Ella Ray. She was a member of Emanuel Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hershel Larry Pickard; and daughter, Sheila Davis.
Survivors are daughter, Lisa Ritch of LaFayette; sons, Steve (Wendy) Pickard and Larry (Rita) Pickard all of LaFayette; grandchildren, Davina Ritch, Angel Ritch, Trina Roach, Brandy Davis, Jeremy Pickard, Joshua Pickard, and Joy Woolums; nine great grandchildren; sisters, Reva Corbin of LaFayette and Rebecca Pettit of Summerville; brother, Steve (Penny) Barrett of San Antonio, TX; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service: 2 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2017 in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with Pastor Mike Wallin officiating.
Burial: LaFayette City Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Steven Swanson, Chris Barrett, Richard Skinner, Joshua Pickard, Jacob Lawrence, and Jeremy Pickard. Honorary pallbearers: Mason Roach, Travis Roach, and Joe Woolums.
Visitation: At the funeral home Wednesday from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.
Dale Lee Ridley, 67, LaFayette
Dale Lee Ridley, age 67, of LaFayette passed away Saturday, July 8, 2017 with his loving wife, Judy Walker Ridley by his side. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Allen Ridley and Matelene Dunwoody Ridley; and niece, Dana Stiles.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Nathena (Calvin) Blaylock and children, Lindsay Ridley and Austin Blaylock all of LaFayette; son, Brian (fiancé Jenny Borden) Ridley and children, Brittany, Cadyn, and Tyler (fiancé Daylin) and his children, Jackson and Cambree all of Dalton; sisters, Judy (Dale) Stiles and Jackie (Don) Duncan all of LaFayette; brother, Allen (Betty) Ridley of LaFayette; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service: 6 p.m. Monday, July 10, 2017 in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jimmy Weaver and Pastor Marshall Kellett officiating.
Burial: Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation: At the funeral home Monday from 4 p.m. until time of service.
Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.
David Tinker, 48, Ringgold
David Tinker, 48, of Ringgold, GA went home to be with the Lord Thursday, July 13, 2017.
He was a lifelong resident of Ringgold, and of the Church of God faith. He was employed with NGEMC as a foreman, and loved hunting, fishing, and racing.
David was preceded in death by his son Jonathan Tinker, and mother Bettye Tinker.
Survivors include his father Carl Tinker (Elaine), daughter Emily Tinker, brothers Mike (Jody) Tinker and Chuck Tinker, sisters Arlene (Bryan) Hayworth and Delinda (Barry) Wallace, grandchildren Lilly Tinker and Zoie Tinker, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services: 2 PM Saturday in the funeral home chapel.
Burial: Woodstation Cemetery.
Visit www. heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family and view memorial tribute.
Visitation: Friday 5-8 PM and Saturday 10-2 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.
Wayne J. Burke, 80, Flintstone
Wayne J. Burke, 80, of Flintstone, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 in a local hospital.
A native of Trion, Georgia, Mr. Burke had lived the past 15 years in Flintstone and attended the Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church. He was employed as an electrical lineman with Union 613 and retired as a selfemployed carpenter. Wayne served his country in the United States Air Force, enjoyed gardening, fishing, guns, old cars and woodworking. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul & Orlean Burke, daughter, Cynthia Burke Canoy, sister, Wanda Burke, and brother, James Burke.
Survivors include his wife, Claudine Burke; children, Richard “Ricky” Burke, Penny Burke, Dawn Burke (Brian) Moyer, Bobby Wayne Burke, Paul Douglas (Joy) Burke, Carrie Elizabeth Burke, & Norman Everette (Jennifer) Burke; mother to his children, Faye Roper; sister, Linda (Jim) Bryant; step-children, Donnie (Valerie) Thomason, Michael (Cheri) Thomason, & Debbie (Tony) Harrison; seventeen grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
Funeral services: Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the South Crest Chapel with Pastor Dan Gilchrist officiating.
Burial: Lakewood Memory Gardens, South.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared at lanesouthcrestchapel.com.
Visitation: Friday from 4 – 8 p.m. at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.
Mary Kate Braden, 91, East Ridge, Tenn.
Mary Kate Braden, 91, of East Ridge, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2017 in a local healthcare facility.
Mary was a native of Rainsville, AL and was born on October 3, 1925 to the late John Luther and Jennie Bolden Richey. She has lived most of her life in the Chattanooga area. She retired from Buster Brown where she worked in the knitting department. She loved her family and enjoyed shopping. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband, Carl Wesley Braden, brother, Hugh Richey and sister, Audrey Gunter.
Survivors include her daughters, Linda Borden and Kathy Braden, grandson, Hunter Borden, sisters, Birch McCurdy and Vivian Smith, brothers, Kenneth and Bobby Richey.
Graveside service: 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Lakewood Memory Gardens South with Pastor Karl Abernathy officiating.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lanesouthcrestchapel.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37416 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 7625 Hamilton Park Dr # 22, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Visitation: From 4-8 PM on Friday, July 14, 2017 in the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, located at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.
Robert Charles Brocksmith, 81, Ringgold
Robert Charles Brocksmith, 81 of Ringgold, went home to be with the Lord Monday, July 10, 2017. He was a native of Everglade City, FL, and a son of the late Louis Charles and Mary Anita Liller Brocksmith. He has been a resident of north Georgia since 1972 and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Brocksmith was a member of the Moose Lodge in Okeechobee, FL, and loved to fish and garden. He was retired from Flav-O-Rich Dairy after 33 years where he served as district manager.
Survivors include his loving wife Barbara Brocksmith, sons, Donnie Peppers, East Ridge, Robin Brocksmith, Benton, TN, and Robert C. Brocksmith, Benton, TN; daughter, Connie Melton, Ringgold; brothers, Gary Louis Brocksmith, Okeechobee, FL, David Alan Brocksmith, Greenville, NH; sisters, Ethel Kay Gwaltney, Kitty Hawk, NC, Sarah Lee Jacobs, Richmond, VA; half-sister, Mary Alice Thornton, Kitty Hawk, NC; 5 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service: A private memorial service.
Visit www. heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family.
Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
Ernest Spence Branam, 72, Ringgold
Mr. Ernest Spence Branam, age 72, of Ringgold passed away on Friday, July 14, 2017 at his residence.
Ernest was a man of strong faith and character who cherished his family. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War and worked as a programmer for the Tennessee Valley Authority in Chattanooga for 31 years. Ernest was an avid follower of many sports, but he personally excelled in tennis and bowling. He captained several USTA league and tournament teams in the Chattanooga area and bowled for many years in the TVA league at Holiday Bowl.
Ernest was preceded in death by his father, John Henry Branam; mother, Lou Dunn Branam Truelove; stepfather, W. A. Truelove; brothers, J. R., Roy, and Spence Branam; sister, Ruby Carver; brothers-in-law, Ernie Carver and Leon Pritchett; and sistersin-law, Praise Branam Caldwell and Gladys Branam.
Survivors include his wife, Brenda Whaley Branam; son and daughter-in-law, Brian & Shannon Branam of Chatsworth; granddaughters, Morgan and Kiley Branam of Chatsworth; brother and sister-inlaw, Winston & Mildred Branam of Ringgold; sisters and brothers-inlaw, Dorothy & James Cronan of Covington, GA, Birdell Pritchett of Chatsworth, Ruth & Richard Hammontree of Chatsworth, and Jo Ann & Norman McCullough of Conyers, GA; sister-inlaw, Geneva Branam of Crossville, TN; Brenda’s siblings and their spouses, Larry & Judy Whaley of Beaverdale, Paul Edward “Eddie” & Tanna Whaley of Cleveland, TN, and Sandra & Glenn Shults of Dalton; and several dear extended family members.
Funeral services: 1:00 pm on Monday, July 17, 2017 in the chapel of Peeples Funeral Home with Rev. Chris Altman officiating. Interment will follow at Murray Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 167 of Chatsworth.
Visitation: At the funeral home on Sunday from 4:00 until 9:00 pm.
Flowers or memorial gifts to the National Parkinson Foundation at www. parkinson.org will be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements: Peeples Funeral Home of Chatsworth, Ga.
Ricky “Rick” Chapman, 69, Rossville
Ricky “Rick” Chapman, 69, of Rossville passed away Friday, July 14, 2017 at his residence. He was a lifelong resident of Walker County and a 1968 graduate of Rossville High School. Mr. Chapman was a United States Army veteran and he attended the Covenant Life Worship Center in Chickamauga. Mr. Chapman retired from Gordon Lee Schools Maintenance in 2009 with fourteen years of service. His passions in life were his family, spending time with his children and
grandchildren, and his dog, Chico.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Chapman and Mildred Chapman; and brother, Jimmy Chapman.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Doris Chapman; two children, Kevin (Jessica) Chapman of East Brainerd and Kelly O’Shields of Rossville; brother, Dan (Patty) Chapman of Hendersonville, NC; sister, Margaret Chapman of Plant City, FL; four grandchildren, Kasey O’Shields, Kennedy Chapman, Kayleigh Chapman, and Kambrey Chapman; and several nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be sent to www.lanesouthcrestchapel.com.
Funeral services: Monday at 11:00 a.m. in the South Crest Chapel with Pastor Bob Cheli and Pastor Joe Brown officiating.
Burial” Lakewood South Memory Gardens.
Visitation: Sunday from 2-6 p.m. at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, located at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.
Rickey “Peabody” Lamar Patterson, 60, Chickamauga
Rickey “Peabody” Lamar Patterson, age 60, of Chickamauga passed away at his home Wednesday, July 12, 2017.
Born in Henagar, Alabama in 1956, Peabody had a passion for over-the-road truck driving. He acquired the CB radio handle “Last Rebel on the Road”, which his family has now added “forever now a freebird”. He adored his dog Chester and referred to him as his canine guardian angel.
He was preceded in death by his father, Noland Patterson.
Survived by his daughter, Rosa McGill of Rock Spring; son, Cecil Patterson of Rossville; grandchildren, Keirstan McGill and Drew McGill; mother, Mary Smothers Patterson of Chickamauga; sister, Sue Maxwell of Alabama; brother, Jimmy Patterson of Chickamauga; and niece, Becky Marler.
In accordance with his wishes, no visitation or funeral service.
Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.