http://www.gasmithandsonsfuneralhome.com/

George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1544 S Highland Avenue, Jackson, TN (2026)

01/11/2026

Bryan Michael Davis passed away unexpectedly on January 6, 2026, at the age of 48.

Bryan was born in Jackson, Tennessee, where he grew up in the West and North Jackson areas. He attended school at JCM, forming lifelong friendships and creating countless memories along the way.

At the age of 17, Bryan was baptized at Faith Tabernacle in Medon, Tennessee, where his spiritual foundation was firmly established. He later attended All Nations Church, where he remained a devoted and faithful member from his teens until the present.

Bryan was a hardworking man with a servant’s heart. In 2000, he started his own business, Davis Painting, followed by Davis Moving in 2009. Through his work, he was able to pursue his passion for helping others while spreading God’s word through his actions and example. One word that best describes Bryan is faithful.

He was preceded in death by his father, Terry Davis; his brothers, Chris Reid and Allen Sipes; his maternal grandparents, Sue Murray and Horace Peters; and his paternal grandparents, Sidney and Inez Davis.

Bryan is survived by his mother, Gladys Sipes; his stepfather, James Sipes; his sister, Brandy Rose (Curt) and their children; his sister, Crystal Paderfield and her children; his children, Naomi Davis (John), Kaitlyn Davis, Elisha Davis, and Joshua Davis; and his one and only grandchild, Ellie Davis. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and all who knew and loved him.

A service to celebrate the life of Bryan Davis will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 10:00 am in the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with burial following Highland Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Monday evening, January 12, 2026 from 4-8 pm at the funeral home.

Bryan will be remembered for his strong faith, generous heart, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and God.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/bryan-davis-12694959

01/11/2026

Joyce Laverne Collins, aged 90, passed away on January 7, 2026. Born on January 5, 1936, Joyce was a resident of Pinson, Tennessee.

Joyce will be buried privately at Highland Memorial Gardens.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/joyce-collins-12696470

01/08/2026

Dr. Sterling Ruffin Craig, Dermatologist, passed away on January 6, 2026 at his home in Jackson, TN. He was born on June 15, 1941 at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Ruffin grew up in Covington, TN, the son of J.T. and Carolyn Ruffin Craig. He graduated from Byars Hall High School and attended Southwestern College for one year then transferred to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville to complete his pre-medical course. He graduated from U.T. Center for the Health Sciences with a degree in General Medicine in December 1965.

He joined the U.S. Air Force to do his internship at Wilford Hall Hospital in San Antonio, TX. It was there that he discovered the practice of Dermatology. To quote him, "the skies opened up and the birds flew and I knew that was what I wanted to do." After serving his obligatory two years of military duty at Clark AFB, Philippines, he returned to Memphis to practice medicine for 17 months before entering his residency in Dermatology at UT. He loved it from the start and, by his last year, was moonlighting in practices in Memphis, Arkansas, and Jackson.

Ruffin's second love was golf, and he played it well, winning tournaments and playing courses around the country. Playing with his brother-in-law in the Jackson Country Club Invitational Tournament led him to want to live in Jackson. He joined the Jackson Clinic as a Board-Certified Dermatologist on June 1, 1973.

He practiced there for 25 years before starting a solo practice at Dermatology Associates in 1998. He retired in May 2007.

Ruffin was married to Virginia (Jenny) Pentecost of Lexington, TN. They had three children, Sterling Ruffin Craig (Heather), Ginny Lee Craig Allen (Frankie) and David Scott Craig (Jennifer). His grandchildren, Sterling Craig III, Elizabeth Luella, Olivia Ann, Madeline, and Hayden.

He is also survived by his brother, Dr. James Craig (Pat) and sister, Carolyn Morrison (Ron). His two older children and grandchildren and predeceased by David Craig.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Dr. Ruffin Craig will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church with a reception following the service in Memorial Hall. Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parker's Crossroads.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory may be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Jackson or your favorite charity.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/dr-sterling-ruffin-craig-12695781

01/06/2026

Elizabeth Gayle Ross Pirtle, 88, of Suwanee, GA, died on January 4, 2026.

She was born in 1937 in a farmhouse in Big Rock, TN, to Gilbert and Hazel Bibb Ross. The family moved to Paris, TN, in 1946 where "Betty Gayle" and her sister Diane attended Grove High School (class of 1955) and the First Baptist Church. She graduated from Memphis State University and taught band before marrying James Riley Pirtle in 1962. She later returned to teaching in the Craigmont schools and retired from Colonial Middle school. Gayle taught Sunday school at Bellevue Baptist Church and was a longtime member of the choir. For many years the summer highlight for Mimi and Grandpa was hosting "Camp Mimi" for the grandchildren.

Gayle was preceded in death by her parents and sister Linda Diane Whipple (Dan); "brothers" (cousins) Vinson Cobb (and wife, Anita) and Bill Cobb; and many dear friends including Juanita Dormer and Carolyn Marshall.

She is survived by her husband Jim; son John Ross Pirtle (Erica); daughter Elizabeth (Beth) Ann Pirtle Hathorn (Brad); grandchildren and great grandchildren: Nicholas Ross Pirtle (wife Vashti, daughter Luxen Wren), Philip Ross Hathorn (wife Kelsey), Margaret Paige Pirtle Vaughn (husband Cody, son Jackson Grey, daughters Ella Joy and Marsali Belle), John Charles Hathorn, Hannah Elizabeth Hathorn, Meredith Grace Pirtle Rivers (husband Ethan, sons Temple Amos and Salem Earnest).

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, from noon to 1:00 at George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home (2812 N Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38305), followed by a 1:30 service at Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery (693 Wildersville Rd, Parkers Crossroads, TN 38388).

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Whispering Hope (supportwhisperinghope.org).

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/gayle-pirtle-12692733

01/06/2026

Charles Richard Smith, Jr. was born on October 2, 1948, in Jackson, Tennessee, to Lorena Evans Smith and Charles Richard Smith, Sr. He spent his childhood in Jackson growing up on Smith Lane and attending both St. Mary’s and North Side High School, from which he graduated in 1967.

Charles volunteered to join the United States Army and was enlisted on May 10, 1968. He underwent basic training at Fort Campbell, KY, and specialist training at Fort Lee, VA, before deployment to Vietnam on October 7, 1968. He was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division (“Big Red One”) and was stationed in Tay Ninh, where he transported supplies on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter until October 8, 1969. Following his deployment, Charles was assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, and was honorably discharged on May 7, 1971. He was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (quadruple), National Defense Service Medal w/two overseas bars, and the Purple Heart.

Upon returning home to Jackson, Charles met Diann Terry in August 1971, and they married soon after on November 6, 1971. He worked for Coca-Cola before joining the Jackson Fire Department. During his 30-year career at the JFD, he worked as a driver, in dispatch, and served as a brave firefighter. Charles took joy in spending his shifts grilling and cooking for his crew in an effort to avoid the dreaded task of doing dishes. He retired as a Captain in 2003 with the love and all of the friendships and practical jokes he shared with his fire brothers forever imprinted on his heart. The fire department will forever be his family. In 2010, he and Diann moved to Lexington, Kentucky, to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren.

Charles was well known for his love of baseball. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and as a small child, he could be counted on to be listening to games on both the radio and TV. Later, he enjoyed attending the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx baseball games with his friends in Section K, his wife, and his daughter.

Charles will be remembered most for being meticulous, for having a quick wit and contagious smile, and for making sure that everyone had everything they needed. He believed in helping others in any way he could, and that is reflected in his life of service and sacrifice. His love for friends and family, and his love for his wife of 54 years, was the only facet that eclipsed this.

He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, having confirmed his faith through baptism. He was a member of the North Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, Tennessee, and a member of North Lexington Church of Christ in Lexington, Kentucky, at the time of his death.

Charles passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on January 4, 2026, at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Lexington, KY. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lorena (Bill) Barnett, and father, Charles Smith, Sr., aunt Leona Faye (James) Wolfe, and cousin James A Wolfe, Jr. He is survived by his wife Diann, stepmother Joann Smith, stepbrother Stevie Smith, cousins Leona (Doug) Teague, Eleanor (Bill) Dinger, and David (Rosalee) Wolfe, daughter Michelle (Matt) Hanson, and grandchildren Kharis, Jake, and Sadie Hanson.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service in his honor on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:30 at Clark Legacy Center - Nicholasville, Kentucky, followed by a celebration of life visitation from 12:30 to 2:30. Graveside service and burial will be held at Highland Memorial Gardens in Jackson, Tennessee, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 1:00 with George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home in charge

The family would like to express immense gratitude for the amazing care given by all VA employees and the wonderful caregivers of Amada Senior Care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the North Lexington Church of Christ, 2280 Hume Rd., Lexington, KY 40516.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/charles-smith-12692354

01/06/2026

Barbara Elizabeth Bowman, age 81, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at her home in Jackson, Tennessee, with her family at her side. She was born on October 24, 1944, in Selmer, Tennessee.

Barbara was a 1962 graduate of Selmer High School and retired from Bendix Corporation after many years of dedicated service. She was a longtime and faithful member of Gospel Light Baptist Church. Barbara found great joy in caring for her home, working in her yard, and growing flowers. She truly had a servant’s heart and a special gift of service, always placing the needs of others before her own.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arlie Dee Moore and Louivie Ingle Moore; her brother, Franklin Dee Moore; her sisters, Louise Isbell Hurst and Dottie Holt; and a stepdaughter, Karen Cooper.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Mearl Dean Bowman of Jackson; her daughter, Beth Bowman King (Michael) of Jackson; her grandchildren, Austin Wallace (Jaya) of Jackson, Madison Byler (Joshua) of Jackson, Corey Cooper (Ashley) of Union City, and Tyler King (Fabianna); five great-grandchildren; her brother, Charles Moore (Becky) of Adamsville, Tennessee; and her sisters, Mildred Foster of Jackson and Patricia Tabor (James) of Medina, Tennessee.

A service to celebrate the life of Barbara Elizabeth Bowman will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, with Bro. Wade Cash officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens, with Ken Bowman officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 noon, one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Austin Wallace, Nicholas Moore, Benji Isbell, Malcolm Richardson, Mike Foster, Mike King, and James Tabor.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her memory may be directed to Gospel Light Baptist Church or to Gideons International.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/barbara-bowman-12693141

01/05/2026

Kenneth Harrold Glenn, Sr., was born October 18, 1927, in Greenbrier, Arkansas, the son of Arthur A. Glenn and Pauline Hollis Glenn. He passed away on January 4, 2026, after a brief illness.

A resident of Jackson, Tennessee, Kenneth was the husband of Catherine Sue Glenn. Along with his parents, Kenneth was predeceased in death by his first wife, Edith Owen Glenn.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Sue Glenn, his sister Joy Herrington, Greenbrier, Arkansas, his daughter, Pamela Lemley (Charles) Conway Arkansas, his son, Kenneth Glenn, Jr., Stuart, Florida, stepsons, William Cowden (Charlene), Steven Cowden (Polly), Timothy Cowden, and stepdaugher Regina Bridger (Jackie), five grandchildren, Amy Glenn, Deanna Ott, Kristy Pulkrabek, Leah Richardson, and Nathan Lemley, step-grandchildren, Keith Cowden, Jason Cowden, Casey Richey, Tyler Cowden, Zachary Cowden, Amanda Bridger, Chris Bridger, Brandon Bridger, Cody Bridger, and Brent Cowden; great-grandchildren, Carter Lemley, Caleb Lemley, Caden Lemley (Lindsey), Brady Richardson, Meredith Ott, and Casey Ott, step great-grandchildren, Cayman Cowden, Zoe Cowden, Elizabeth Cowden, Lakyn Speights, Braxtyn Speights, Mackenzie Graham, Oakley Garner, Avery Bridger, Caroline Bridger, Paisley Bridger, Dixon Bridger, Cooper Richey, and Addison Richey.

Kenneth was proud to be a World War II Veteran, serving in the Navy on the USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign. Kenneth loved fishing and duck hunting.

Kenneth was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana where he served as deacon for many years before moving to Jackson, Tennessee in 2019, where became a member of Englewood Baptist Church.

Services will be held at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, 1200 Lamy Lane, Monroe, Louisiana on Saturday, January 10, 2026, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with service starting at 12. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to The Gideons.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/kenneth-glenn-12691076

01/03/2026

Annie Ruth McDonald, age 81, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, in Jackson, Tennessee. She was born on September 2, 1944, in Jackson, Tennessee.

Annie Ruth was a faithful member of Malesus Baptist Church and found great joy in gospel music. She cherished time spent with friends, especially their visits to the Old Country Store, and she was happiest when cooking for others or tending to her garden. Above all else, Annie Ruth loved her family deeply, and her home was a place of warmth, care, and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Evelyn Yarbro Fortune; her beloved husband, Roy Elvis McDonald; her sister, Patricia Costello; and her brothers, Johnny, Paul, and Donald Fortune.

She is survived by her son, Brandon McDonald (Amber); her daughter, Susan Kitchen; her sisters, Joyce Dudley (Bobby), Faye Overton (David), Gloria Collins, and Mary Reeves (Billy); her brother, Howard Fortune (Nancy); her grandchildren, Dylan McDonald, Breanna McDonald, Adam Kitchen, Morgan Kitchen, and Meagan Kitchen; and her cherished great-grandchild, Cash Barnett.

Funeral services will be held at George A. Smith and Sons South Chapel on Tuesday, January 6th, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until service time. Committal will immediately follow at Ebenezer Cemetery.

Annie Ruth will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her servant’s heart, and the love she shared so freely with all who knew her.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/annie-mcdonald-12688636

01/01/2026

Myrtle Irene Sides Todd, 86, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away on January 1, 2026, in Jackson. She was born on March 4, 1939, in Belleville, Arkansas.

Myrtle was Pentecostal by faith and lived her life devoted to her husband and family. A loving homemaker, she found her greatest purpose and joy in caring for those she loved, always placing family at the center of her life. Her faith guided her daily walk and was a steady source of strength throughout her years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Maurice Todd; her daughter, Janice Marie Blake; her parents, George Lester and Clarice Irene Brand Sides; and her siblings, Peggy Ann Sides, Ellen Ieda Sides, George Arthur Sides, and William Allen Sides.

Myrtle is survived by her son, Joseph Allen Todd of East Peoria, Illinois; her daughter, Julie Todd Gregory of Jackson; her three grandchildren, Jonathan Lee Gregory of Jackson, Rebekah Ann Gregory of Milan, and Bethany LeeAnn Gregory of Milan; and her two sisters, Beatrice Sides and Alta Johnson.

A service to celebrate the life of Myrtle Todd will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Cedar Grove Holiness Church in Sardis, Tennessee, with Pastor Ricky Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 a.m., two hours prior to the service, at the church.

Myrtle will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and deep love for her family.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/myrtle-todd-12687957

12/28/2025

William Wendell Broadway, of Beech Bluff, Tennessee, was born on January 17, 1958, in Jackson, Tennessee, and passed away at 12:25 p.m. on December 25, 2025, in Bradenton, Florida.

Wendell was a devoted family man who found his greatest joy in time spent with those he loved. He especially cherished his dachshunds, Lexi and Brody. He enjoyed watching football and baseball, loved westerns, and had a deep appreciation for country music. Wendell was a graduate of North Side High School, Class of 1976, and was a faithful member of Cotton Grove Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alma and Rogers Broadway; his brothers, Royce Broadway, Randall Broadway, and Johnny Broadway; and his great-grandson, Dexter Edelstein.

Wendell is survived by his daughter, Samantha Edelstein (Gary); his granddaughter, Anna Edelstein; his grandson, Tommy Edelstein (Savannah); his great-grandson, Jasper Edelstein; his sisters, Maureen Miller and Gail Johnson; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A service to celebrate the life of Wendell Broadway will be held Saturday, January 10, 2025 at 12 pm at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 am, two hours prior to the service.

Wendell will be remembered for his love of family, his gentle spirit, and the simple joys that brought him happiness throughout his life

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/william-broadway-12679117

12/28/2025

Helen Louise Canada Bridges passed away on December 27, 2025, in Jackson, Tennessee, at the remarkable age of 100. She was born on April 1, 1925, in Gibson County, Tennessee.

A woman of unwavering faith and a tireless spirit, Helen was known by many for her years of dedicated service at the Brown Shoe Company. She lived a life of purpose and profound kindness, whether in the workplace or the classroom, where she shared her love for God as a Sunday School teacher. Her century of life was a true testament to grace and devotion.

She was the undisputed glue of her family, possessing a rare gift for making everyone feel at home. She lived out her faith by serving others, notably cooking for church camps and providing meals for disaster relief efforts. Her century of life was a testament to grace, hard work, and a servant’s heart that sought to nourish both the bodies and souls of those around her.

Her house was the gathering place where she brought her loved ones together, creating a foundation of love and connection that reached across generations. Always ready to help however she could, Helen’s legacy is one of generosity, hard work, and a heart that knew no bounds. She made a lasting impact on her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

While we mourn her absence, we celebrate her promotion to Heaven after 100 years of earthly blessing and find peace knowing she is resting in the arms of her Savior. We hold her memory close and live with the joyful hope of meeting her there one day for a grand reunion at the Lord’s table.

Family Legacy

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd J. Bridges; her parents, R.L. "Pete" Canada and Cordie Ann Webber Canada; and her siblings, Cecil Canada, LH Canada, Jessie Canada, Hazel Thornton, Addie Browning, and Sue Canada.

She is survived by her brother, Johnny Ray Canada of Trenton, TN. Her memory will be cherished by her children: Teresa Williams (JR) of Jackson, TN; Mike Wallace (Lorrie) of Jeffersonville, IN; Terry Bridges of Beech Bluff, TN; David Paschall (Tammy) of Dyer, TN; and Anita Lenart (Aaron) of Geneva, OH.

She also leaves behind a legacy through her grandchildren: Amanda Buckley (Russ), Jeff Wilson, Michelle Wallace, Heather Luke (Rob), James Wallace, and Zachary Lenert, as well as six great-grandchildren.

A service to celebrate the life of Helen Bridges will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the White Hall Baptist Church Cemetery in Trenton, Tennessee. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 a.m., two hours prior to the service.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/helen-bridges-12681121

12/27/2025

Georgia Faye Patrick Yarbrough, lovingly known as Faye, passed away on December 26, 2025, in Jackson, Tennessee. She was born on October 14, 1941, in the Bemis Community.

Faye was a longtime and faithful member of North Jackson Church of Christ. She spent many years serving others as a cook at Nova Elementary School, where her dedication and warm spirit were felt by students and staff alike. Faye was known for her kindness, her strong faith, and the love she had for her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Ray Yarbrough; her son, Ronnie Yarbrough; her parents, Roy and Louise Byrd Patrick; and her siblings, Flossie Allbert, Betty Landers, Margie Robinson, Linda Hanley, Charles Patrick, Bobby Patrick, Willard Patrick, and Larry Patrick.

Faye is survived by her son, Randy Yarbrough (Betty Anne Stegall); her grandchildren, Clay Wimberley (Leigha) and Alexandria Weaver (Johnathan); her great-grandchild, Jax Weaver; and her siblings, Dorothy Cavender and Harold Patrick. She is also survived by her very close friends, Keith and Tina Jackson, and their daughter, Megan Jackson, who were a special part of her life.

A graveside service to celebrate the life of Faye Yarbrough will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Oakfield Cemetery. Burial will follow the service.

Faye will be remembered for her gentle heart, her devotion to family, and the quiet but lasting impact she made on those who knew and loved her.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/faye-yarbrough-12680724

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