Moore-Cortner Funeral Home

02/22/2026

02/21/2026

William Arnold Nelson, age 71 of Bryant, Alabama formerly of Franklin County, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at his residence. He was born on April 16, 1954, in Whitwell, Tennessee to Betty Jo (Kilgore) Nelson and the late Jerry William Nelson. Arnold retired after many years as a truck driver. He enjoyed being in the mountains with his german shepherds, playing guitar, and watching Gunsmoke or cheering on the Tennessee Vols. In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his wife, Angie Nelson; brother, Darrel Nelson; and brother-in-law, Drexal T. Holt. Arnold is survived by his mother, Betty Nelson; children, Heath (Misty) Nelson, Heather (Joe) Derryberry; grandchildren, Courtney (Jamie) Hill, Forrest (Ali) Derryberry, Asher Derryberry, Keegan Nelson, Keelie Nelson, P.J. (Satori) Hayes, and Angela Hayes; great-grandchildren, Aiden Ezra Hill and Addison Hayes; brother, Dennis (Susan) Nelson; sisters, Debbie (Jeff) Matthews, and Angela Holt; sister-in-law, Tina Nelson; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 12:00pm – 2:00pm at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with funeral service following at 2:00pm from the chapel with Bro. David Sudhoff and Bro. Eddy Braddy officiating. Interment will follow in Cowan Montgomery Cemetery with Keegan Nelson, Forrest Derryberry, Jonah Holt, P.J. Hayes, Stephen Matthews, and Jeffrey Matthews all serving as pallbearers. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Wi******er, TN 37398, (931)967-2222, www.moorecortner.com

02/20/2026

Today we recognize National Caregivers Day — honoring those who quietly show up, day after day, with patience, love, and strength. To everyone caring for a loved one right now or remembering someone you once cared for, we see you and we thank you.

02/18/2026

Theresa Darlene Watson Patton, age 57 of Decherd, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at her residence. A native of Franklin County, she was born on August 23, 1968. A devoted homemaker, she enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, as well as cooking and canning vegetables. In her leisure time, Theresa enjoyed making crafts and watching movies. But most of all Mas, as affectionately nicknamed by her grandchildren, cherished spending time with her beloved family, especially babysitting her grandchildren and loving on her four-legged fur baby redbone hound, Whiskey. She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Watson. Theresa is survived by her loving husband of thirty-three years, Dennis W. Patton Jr of Decherd; children, Emily (Bill) Mitchell of Decherd, James Thomas Patton of Decherd, Samuel Carson Patton (Heather Clark) of Decherd, and Leslie Patton of Decherd; mother, Peggy Watson of Wi******er; siblings, David (Denise) Watson of Belvidere, Melissa (Larry) Stephens of Decherd, Becky Watson of Wi******er, and Timmy (Jennifer Stafford) Watson of Wi******er; and grandchildren, Meyrek (Grace) Patton, Connor Mitchell, and Taylor Mitchell; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 2-4pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Wi******er, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.

02/18/2026

For many in our community today is a day of reflection, humility, and remembering what truly matters. Whether you observe it or simply pause for a quiet moment, may today offer peace and perspective.

02/17/2026

Betty Jo Branch, age 74 of Estill Springs, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Vanderbilt-Tullahoma-Harton Hospital. She was born in Manchester on April 15, 1951, to the late Joseph Carl and Mary (Sanders) Hice. Her professional work career consisted of being employed as an x-ray technician at Harton Hospital, as well as working at Wilson Sporting Goods and Hallmark Ambassador. She eventually retired from Fuji, where she worked in film development. A creative soul, Betty Jo enjoyed making arts and crafts, jewelry making, and crocheting, as well as photography and shopping. She was a movie buff and enjoyed watching Family Feud and Super Market Sweep. A dedicated Christian, she was a member of New Center Grove Church of Christ. She had an easy-going and kind-hearted nature and was always late…never on time. A wonderful mother, she will be missed by her beloved family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Branch; and daughter, April Branch. Betty Jo is survived by her loving son, Adam (Christie) Branch; grandchildren, Chennye Branch, Austyn Johnson, and Hailey Johnson; great-grandchildren, Danny Smith and Massey Smith; four-legged best friend, Peanut; sisters, Bobbie (James) Steverson and Bonnie (Jerry) Stafford several nieces and nephews; and life-long friend, Janice Bloodworths. Visitation will be from 11am-1pm on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 1:00pm in the Chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with Bro. Byrom Lawrence officiating. Interment will be at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Wi******er, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.

02/16/2026

Dr. Bill G. Hurd, age 92 of Wi******er, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 15, 2026. He was born on February 1, 1934, in Rochester, Texas to the late Herbert Newton and Stella (Pierson) Hurd. Bill served his country in the United States Army. He then pursued his education, earning a Doctorate in Business and Doctorate in Psychology. A certified hypnotherapist and private investigator, Bill, who was very intelligent and meticulous, worked professionally in insurance until his retirement. A devoted Christian, he was a member of the Church of Christ and enjoyed bible study. Bill adored his late wife, Edna Montez Hurd, and missed her dearly. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Herbert Hurd, Mary Barbieri, and Infant Hurd. Bill is survived by his children, Michael Hurd, Robert Hurd, Regina (Tony) Harrison, and Nathan DuVal; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Franklin Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Wi******er Church of Christ. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Wi******er, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.

02/16/2026

We pause to remember acclaimed actor Robert Duvall, whose decades-long career brought unforgettable characters to life across film and television. Audiences know him from iconic roles in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and the beloved miniseries Lonesome Dove, among many others that shaped American storytelling.
His performances captured strength, vulnerability, and humanity in ways that resonated across generations. He was 95 years old. Thank you for the stories, the characters, and the memories you gave the world.