Obituaries – August 14th Issue
RONNIE KENNEDY
Ronnie Earl Kennedy, 67, of Whiteside, Tenn., passed away Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.
He was born March 3, 1957, in Marion County, Tenn., to the late Edward Kennedy, Jr. and Mildred Kennedy. He was retired from Sherman and Reilly as a machinist and was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Tim Kennedy and Floyd Kennedy.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years Cendy Kennedy; son, Edward (Melinda) Kennedy; granddaughter, Taylor Kennedy- Chisenall (Jacob); stepchildren, Angela Raines, Denise (David) Yarbrough, and Robbie (Miranda) Gibson; step-grandchildren, Zack, Preston, and Delores; sisters, Connie Bice, Kathy Karr, Teresa Allan-Rhoden, and Edith Sherriell Cole; brothers, Robert Kennedy and Wayne Kennedy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hooker Cemetery.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Aug. 13, in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Donnie Moreland officiating. Interment was in Hooker Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net
Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.
SAM ROGERS
George William “Sam” Rogers, 70, of Birmingham, Ala., passed away Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.
A native of Trenton, Sam was a lifelong member of Trenton United Methodist Church. He graduated from Dade County High School in 1971 and served his country in the United States Navy. Sam was employed in various capacities by CSX Railroad for over 30 years until his retirement as yardmaster. He truly valued his many friendships and was appreciative of the cards, calls, and visits over the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents James Milton and Betty Jean Cureton Rogers.
Survivors include his daughter, Leah Litwiniec (John) of Vestavia Hills, Ala.; sister, Sharon (Steve) Morris of Trenton; brother, Robin (Darlene) Rogers of Chattanooga, Tenn.; sister, Mary Beth (Terry) Botts of Cleveland, Tenn.; grandson, Trip Litwiniec; special aunt, Betty Cureton; nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Graveside services were Sunday, Aug. 11, at Payne Cemetery, Trenton, with Rev. Reece Fauscett officiating.
Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.
JO ANN WOODYARD
Jo Ann Steele Woodyard, 88, of Rising Fawn, passed away Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.
Mrs. Woodyard was a member of Rising Fawn Baptist Church for more than 75 years and loved praising and serving her Savior through singing. She had a deep love for children and the crown jewels of her life were her grandchildren. Having a love for animals, she always kept food and water in her car to feed animals that were lost or abandoned along the way. As a founding member of the South Dade Community Center in Rising Fawn, she dedicated countless hours of service for over 30 years as a volunteer. Jo Ann retired from the Department of Family and Children’s Services following 20 years of service.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Owen Woodyard, Jr.; parents, Carl V. and Dalpha Riddle Steele; siblings, Nioma McMahan, Ronald, Carl, and David Steele, and Nancy Sisk.
Survivors include her children, Roger (Gloria) Woodyard and Judy (Steve) Woodyard Paynter; grandchildren, Laura (Andrew) Paynter Hill, Jordan (Emma) Paynter, and Emily Paynter; great-grandchildren, Judson and Harrison Hill, Luke, Graham, Henry, and Eloise Paynter.
A special thank you is extended to the staff of Dade Health and Rehab for the wonderful care given for the past four years. You may share online condolences at ryanfuneralhome.net.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 17, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Tommy Crider officiating. Interment will be at Hanna Cemetery in Rising Fawn.
The family will receive friends on Friday, Aug. 16, from 3–8 p.m., and on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. until the funeral hour at Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.
Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.