Ronald Wayne Draper, better known as “Ronnie” was born in Macon County, Tennessee on August 20, 1949 to the late Curtis Draper and Meredith “Curley” Sewell Draper. He was one of three siblings born to this union. Besides Ronnie’s parents; sister, Geraldine Coker also preceded him in death. On July 28, 1973, Ronnie married the former Rebecca Law, sharing thirty-nine years together. He has two daughters, Andrea and April. Ronnie was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather, whose life revolved around family. He was a self-employed builder and electrician serving many customers in the surrounding counties. Ronnie was a hard worker but always saved time out to play with the grandchildren and his cat, Max. Although he wasn’t one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, that’s what he believed. On November 7, 2012, Ronnie passed away. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. Funeral services for Ronald W. Draper were conducted on Saturday, November 10, at 2 p.m. from the Chapel of Alexander Funeral Home with Brother Greg Pearson officiating.  Interment followed in the Pirtle Cemetery. Ronnie is survived by; Wife, Rebecca Draper of Lafayette, TN, Daughters, Andrea Carver of Red Boiling Springs, TN, and April (Brett) Zachary of Westmoreland, TN, Grandchildren, Travis Carver, Dustin Carver, and Wesley Carver, Brother and sister-in-law, Johnnie (Betty) Draper of Lafayette, TN., several nieces and nephews, and his cat, Max, also survive.  

Linda Grey Goodman, of Lafayette, passed away on Tuesday morning, November 13, 2012 at Macon County General Hospital at the age of 65 years and 20 days. Funeral services for Linda Goodman were conducted from the Anderson & Son Funeral Home in Lafayette at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th with Elder Charlie Patterson officiating. Interment followed in the Anderson & Son Memorial Park.  Honorary pallbearers were David Goodman, Steve Belton, Jackie Yokley, Butch Barton, Ted Barton, Toby Barton, Mike Russell and Danny Russell.  Pallbearers were Johnny Woosley, Dewey Swindle, Billy Wilmore, David White, Kenny Flippin and Barry Payne. Linda was born on October 24, 1947, one of four children born to the late Howard Mitchell and Mable Mae Bandy Bransford. She was married to Hazel E. Goodman on March 12, 1971. Together they raised two children Kelly and Amanda. Linda had worked as a Payroll Clerk with the City of Lafayette for 20 years. She was of the Missionary Baptist faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Jennifer Lynn Robinson; a brother, Douglas Bransford; and a brother-in-law, Ray Flippin. Along with Hazel, her husband of 41 years, she is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Kelly and Regina Robinson; a daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Pete Groesbeck; grandchildren, Evan Scott Groesbeck and Mia Beth Groesbeck, all of Lafayette; sisters, Peggy Flippin of Lafayette, and Marie Blankenship, of Hendersonville.

Bobby Gene Jenkins was born in Lafayette, Tennessee on January 8, 1946 to the late Jessie Thomas Jenkins and Mona Estelle Huffines Jenkins.  Bobby was one of five siblings born to this union. He was previously married and has three children, Darrell, Corey, and Casey. Besides Bobby’s parents; brother, Carline Jenkins, sisters, Mary Dee Williams, Pauline Morgan, and Arvia Lee Jenkins Davenport, and son-in-law, Paul Ray Petree also preceded him in death. Bobby was a contractor working in construction for over forty-years. He also farmed and raised tobacco plants. Spending time on his houseboat was what Bobby enjoyed most as relaxation. He loved the outdoors, the water, and everything that went with it. Beyond everything else, family was his true love. The grandchildren were his pride and joy. Bobby was saved at Pleasant Hill General Baptist Church, as a young man. On Saturday, November 10, 2012 the Lord called Bobby home. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. Funeral services for Bobby G. Jenkins were conducted on Tuesday, November 13th. at 1p.m. from the Chapel of Alexander Funeral Home with Brother Jerry Wix officiating. Rex Swindle, Ronald Jones, Ferrell Gammons, Doyle Brawner, and Mark Roark served as Honorary Pallbearers. Randall Polston, Moody Gregory, Gary Wayne Jenkins, David Shrum, Jackie Gross, “Cabbage” Larry Stevens, Vin Cline, and Jerry Driver served as Active Pallbearers. Interment followed in the Haysville Cemetery.
Bobby is survived by; Sons, Darrell Jenkins, Corey (Chrissy) Jenkins, Daughter, Casey Jenkins, Brother, Jessie Jenkins, Jr., Grandchildren, Brooklyn Fitzgerald, Jersey and Caitlyn Petree, Caydra and Coltin Jenkins, Lifelong Companion, Cathy Jean Jenkins all of Lafayette, Tennessee.

Elder Eugene E. Porter was born on July 24, 1924 to the late Carsey Eugene Porter and Nannie Bridgewater Gregory Porter in Dixon Springs, Tennessee. As a young man he loved hunting and fishing. On February 15, 1945, he married the former Gaibelle Shoulders. They lived a wonderful life together, sharing 55 years together and raising three children. Gaibelle preceded him in death on July 22, 2000. Besides his wife and parents, one brother, William Lee Porter also preceded him in death. Elder Eugene lived in Hendersonville, Tennessee and was a truck driver, but after retiring he moved back to Macon County. Duck hunting and training bird dogs was his favorite past time; he was an avid sportsman. Elder Eugene loved to golf and was a member of the Macon County Country Club. He was also a self-taught historian. Elder Eugene was the editor of the “Macedonian Call” from 1995- 2009 and a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. On Monday, November 12, 2012, at the age of 88, the Lord called Elder Eugene home. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends, but our loss is Heaven’s Gain. Funeral services for Elder Eugene were conducted Thursday at 11 am from the Chapel of Alexander Funeral Home with Elder Dean Sircy and Elder Walter Andrews officiating. Nathan Dean, Sam Dean, Thomas Mark Dean, Paul McCann, Harris Porter, and Jack Renfro served as Pallbearers. Interment followed in the Dixon Springs Cemetery. He is survived by; Children, Larry (Jessie) Porter of Gallatin, Jeanie (Thomas) Dean of Hendersonville, Bonita (Kevin) Steele of Lafayette, Grandchildren, Heather Weldon, Paul McCann, Rachael Renfro, Sam Dean, Nathan Dean, Thomas (Topper) Dean, Great- grandchildren, Mackenzie Weldon, Payton McCann, and Thea Renfro, Brothers, Raymond (JoAnn) Porter, John Porter, Sister, Mary Frances (Ken) Taylor, Brothers, Raymond (JoAnn) Porter, and John Porter, and Sister, Mary Frances (Ken) Taylor

Willa Dean Pruitt Smith was born in Macon County, TN, on November 30, 1941 to Della Valeer Cook Pruitt Bowlin and the late Roy Carl Pruitt. Besides Willa Dean’s father, one grandson, Nathan Smith also preceded her in death. She was previously married and has one daughter Juanita. Willa Dean was employed as an assembly line worker by Carters Automotive in Lafayette until it closed. She did a lot of gardening in the summertime, quilting and sewing in the winter months. Willa Dean loved cooking for her family and playing with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time oil painting. Willa Dean was a caring and loving person with an infectious smile. On November 12, 2012, Willa Dean saw the most beautiful canvas painting of all, Heaven.  She will be greatly missed by family and friends, but our loss is Heaven’s Gain.        
Funeral services for Willie Dean were conducted Wednesday at 1 pm from the Chapel of Alexander Funeral Home with Elder Glen Brawner officiating.  Barry Ray, Willie Ray, Adam Ray, Michael Clark, Cody Clark, Novis Lancaster, Jerry Wooten, and Timmy Hagan served as Pallbearers.  Interment followed in the Macon County Memorial Gardens. Willa Dean is survived by; Daughter, Juanita (Tony) Hale, Grandson, T.J. Hale, Mother, Della (Will) Bowlin, Granddaughter at Heart, Tisha Sadler, Caregivers, Billy Meador and Penny Clark, Former Husband, Earl (Joyce) Smith, Special Friend, Mary Ann Hale, Brother-in-law, Jackie (Lillie) Smith, Sisters-in-law, Judy (Willie) Ray, Joyce Thompson all of Lafayette, TN, several Nieces and Nephews, also survive.