William F. Jenne’, 92, of Shelbyville, TN went to be with his Lord on December 23, 2023. Bill was born December 7, 1931 in Memphis, TN to Clayborn and Lillian Jenne’ of Memphis. He leaves his wife of 49 years, Joni, of the home address, children Justin (Hope), Rodney, Charles, William, and Lynn, and the pride and joy of his life, grandchildren Jagger, Juke Rein, and Judge.
31-684-5011Bill spent his life as an industrial contractor building hospitals, military installations, and multi-million dollar private sector structures. His favorite project, the Airborne Museum in Fayetteville, NC, was named the North Carolina Project of the Year in 2000. Bill spent his last years working on projects for his church, family and friends.
In addition to woodworking, Bill loved the Tennessee Walking Horse. He participated in the industry for more than 60 years and enjoyed watching his wife, Joni, and son, Justin, show horses. He was always behind the scenes helping them when they showed and assisting with putting on many, many horse shows.
At the deceased’s request there will be no funeral. Monetary donations may be made in Bill’s honor to Bedford Cancer Foundation, P. O. Box 1523, Shelbyville, TN 37162.
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.
www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com

Charlie Ramsey Bullington

May 26, 1942 – Nov 8, 2023

Charlie Ramsey “Bull” Bullington, 81, of 4609 Covered Bridge Road, Gladys died Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at his home.

He was born May 26, 1942 in Gretna, a son of the late Charlie Patrick Bullington and Susan Hogan Bullington. Bull was a walking horse trainer. In 2021, he received the Walking Horse Trainer’s Association Lifetime Achievement Award where they summarized his lifetime accomplishments. His name is followed by a long list of fruitful achievements as follows; in 1983, he was the Trainers’ Show Champion (Pride’s Jubilee Star) and Trainer of the Year; in 1985, he was inducted in the Celebration Hall of Fame and rode Pride’s Final Edition to the World Grand Championships; in 1986, he was the Trainers’ Show Champion (Pride’s Jubilee Star) and rode Pride’s Jubilee Star to the World Grand Championships; in 1990, he was Trainer of the Year; in 1991, he was the Trainers’ Show Champion (Wired); and in 1992, he was the Trainers’ Show Champion (Jubilee’s Rising Star). Bull was described as a “true legend” in his field, a quiet man with a gruff voice that garnered attention wherever he was. He didn’t smile much but was liked by all.

He is survived by one daughter, Lisa Crawford of Gladys; two brothers, Willie Bullington of Blairs, and Cordell Bullington of Gretna; two sisters, Jewell Leazer of Madison Heights and Geraldine Stone of Myrtle Beach, SC; one grandson, Clinton Crawford (Chyanna Hinkle); best little buddy, Dallas; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Robyn Faye Bullington; two sisters, Doris Moon and Virginia Dalton.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 13, 2023 at Finch & Finch Chapel, Altavista by the Rev. Mitch Etheridge with interment to follow in Altavista Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider the Walking Horse Trainer’s Association, 1302 N Main St., Ste. 6, Shelbyville, TN 37160.

James Thomas ‘Tommy’ Milligan, age 89, of Vernon, Florida, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at his home of natural causes, surrounded by friends and family.

Tommy was born on November 2, 1934 in Columbus, Georgia, a graduate of Jordan Vocational High School.  Tommy was a supportive and loving husband, father, and successful businessman.  As a young meatcutter, Tommy quickly rose through the ranks of area supermarkets until 1966, when with the support of family and friends, he bought a struggling Piggly Wiggly in Baker Village, South Columbus.  He quickly transformed the store into a popular and profitable location, and grew his grocery company (JTM Corporation) into what would eventually become one of the largest and longest family held Piggly Wiggly franchise groups in the nation, concentrating his efforts in East Alabama and West Georgia.

As Tommy’s grocery company continued to grow, he diversified his supermarket portfolio to include South Star Foods, U-Bag-It, and Warehouse Foods branded stores. Tommy’s entrepreneurial drive wasn’t limited to just supermarkets, as he expanded into other industries. Tommy owned and developed shopping centers in Alabama and Georgia, often anchored by his supermarkets.  In residential real estate, Tommy spearheaded Phenix City’s first ever condominium development, Bridgestone. Tommy also created Phenix City’s Dixie Dog Showtime, a popular family/teen restaurant destination in the early 1980s.

Civically, Tommy was a member of the Columbus Jaycees. Through Piggly Wiggly, Tommy was a longtime supporter of The Salvation Army, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, March of Dimes, and Muscular Dystrophy Association. Tommy also was a supporter of the Columbus Soap Box Derby, Pop Warner Football, and American Little League baseball.  Tommy was a charter member of Green Island Country Club and belonged to the informal group affectionately known as ‘The Hackers’.  Tommy was a contributor to the construction of Bibb City’s Godwin Creek par three golf course, designed to introduce kids, seniors and beginners of all backgrounds to the game of golf. Tommy also enjoyed being a silent partner in bringing many concert events to Columbus in the early 1980s.

Tommy semi-retired at 49 years of age in 1983, and after meeting his wife, Martha ‘Sister’ Blackmon (originally from Eufaula, AL) moved to Panama City Beach, Florida. Tommy continued to oversee the growth of his grocery company through his sons in the Columbus, Phenix City, Eufaula, Lanett, Opelika, LaGrange and Thomaston markets. Tommy also enjoyed being involved in other business ventures.  In broadcast radio, Tommy’s holdings included stations in the Columbus, Panama City Beach, Dothan, and Los Angeles markets.  In 1996, Tommy partnered with several friends to help create Panama City Beach’s Emerald Coast Bank (now part of Trustmark).

As a husband to his loving wife of 36 years, attorney Martha ‘Sister’ Blackmon Milligan, Tommy (who often referred to himself as ‘Mr. Sister’) was a supportive and devoted partner, and enjoyed their life together in Panama City, Panama City Beach and Vernon Florida’s Hilltop Farm, and traveled the world together.

Tommy was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Milligan, of New Orleans, LA, mother Mollie Pearl Williamson Cyree, of Phenix City, AL, brother Douglas ‘Don’ Cyree, of West Point, GA, and son David Milligan, of Jupiter, FL.

Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Martha ‘Sister’ Blackmon Milligan, of Vernon, FL, sister Betty Holley (Charles) of Senoia, GA, sons Keith Milligan of Columbus, GA, Jimmy Milligan of Eufaula, AL, Gil Milligan (Claire) of Smiths, AL and Michael Milligan (Sherry) of Panama City Beach, FL, daughter Rhonda Chambley (Terry) of Columbus, GA, grandsons Justin Milligan of Phenix City, AL, Drew Milligan (Jamie) of Smiths, AL, Devon Milligan (Stephanie) of Campbellton, FL, Tommy Milligan (Heather) of Columbus, GA, James Christensen (Ashley) of Atlanta, GA, Terry Chambley Jr. (Hope) of Fortson, GA, Bryan Milligan (Candace) of Phenix City, AL, granddaughters Elizabeth Chambley of Columbus, GA, Lauren Mobley (Jeff) of Phenix City, AL and 18 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 PM Central Time, Sunday, November 12, at First United Methodist Church, 101 East Barbour Street, Eufaula, AL.  Funeral services will immediately follow at 2pm CT at the church. Pallbearers are Justin Milligan, Drew Milligan, Devon Milligan, Tommy Milligan, Bryan Milligan and Leaon Ward.  Tommy will be laid to rest alongside Martha and Fred Blackmon, and other Blackmon family members in Fairfield Cemetery Addition, in Eufaula.

Obituary – Betty Jo Sapp
Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Selmer “Peanut” Taylor, age 85, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023 at his residence. He was a native and lifelong resident of Rutherford County. He served in the United States Air Force.

Peanut was preceded in death by his parents; Selmer and Mary Magdalene Victory Taylor, brothers; Elmore Taylor and Cecil Taylor and sister, Julie Blythe. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce Morris Taylor, son, Mark Taylor, daughter, Tammy Davis Short, grandson, Jeremy Short, great grandchildren, Franklin, Noelle and Alexander and nieces; Edna June Taylor Major and Joyce Gail Blythe Vaughn.

Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home; 820 South Church St. Murfreesboro, TN 37130 (615)893-2422. Please leave your condolences at www.jenningsandayers.com.

On September 16th, our great friend Milly Player  transitioned from this life into eternal peace.

Known for her larger than life persona, if you’d ever met Milly you’d never forget her. Milly was known for her love of competition which included everything from Tennessee Walking Horses of all divisions to classic show cars, winning world titles in both.

Milly possessed a personality that exuded class, elegance, hilarity, ambition, and success in every facet of  life. In her professional life, Milly was formally educated at Wingate University and her beloved Clemson University. Milly spent her life building TG Tile and was known throughout the country for her perfection at every job, no matter how big or small.

Her dedication to the trade made a way for Milly to excel  in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. Most commonly remembered for her contribution to the Amateur Owned and Trained and Model classes, Milly shared many successes throughout her over 40 year show career.

From her Tintern Abbey Farms in Lancaster, South Carolina, Milly trained many horses, and some of those greats include Walking Pony Little Big Man, Call Me Collect, The Big Bopper, Yankee Threat, Dark Spirit’s Shaker,  Ultimate Warrior, Private Terms, Milly Vanilly, No Sin To Win, Alter Ego, JRB’s Tribute, Dark Storm Warning, Pride’s Glory B, Ben Dover, It’s San Jose, The Lottery, Rhythm & Rain, Grandee Ann, The Kings Way, Ten Times Your Money, The Empire,  and How Dare You.

Milly held many offices within the TWH industry, including past President of the SCWHA. She loved every division of the TWH and supported it greatly in her life.

At a later date, there will be a Celebration of Life held in South Carolina and Middle Tennessee, two places that always held a special place in her heart.

On behalf of Darlene and the Player family, thank you for the endless calls, food, flowers and love shown during this time.

Obituary – Marvin North

The family of the late Marvin North would like to thank you for this special honor for our son, brother, dad and friend!

Marvin Ellis North was born on May 1, 1961, and departed this life on August 29, 2023. He was the second of eight children to the late Joe Ellis North (2011) and Shellie North.

As a youngster, Marvin began to show interest in horses when he got his first horse, a spotted pony he named Bill, who he showed and won numerous ribbons at 4-H shows and county fairs. His love for horses continued when he worked alongside his Dad at the family’s “Little 11 Stables”, where he learned the “North Lick” by mimicking his Dad’s style of riding. Little did we know it would turn into his lifetime passion for riding and training Tennessee Walking horses.

Over the course of his career, Marvin worked with some of the greats at several stables such as Sammy Day at Continental Farms, Billy Gray at Sand Creek Farm, Ramsey Bullington, David Landrum at Ravenswood Farm, Joel and Joe Weaver at Rising Star Ranch and Dick Peebles, just to name a few.

During his career, he was named Assistant Trainer of the Year in 1999. His most notable horse was The Lottery at Ravenswood Farm where he won five first place finishes himself. After he stopped showing The Lottery, he enjoyed training him and was his trainer when he was crowned World Grand Champion with Joe Cotton.

Even with his failing health, Marvin wanted to visit the “Big Oval” one more time and his good friend, Michael Scott made it happen last year when he rode Miss Bad And Bossy into the ring.

The say, “when you do something you love, it isn’t work,” and this was true for Marvin. He lived and breathed for the Tennessee Walking Horses. There are few things in life that calm you, bring you pure joy and making everything all right; for Marvin, it was being next to or on a Tennessee Walking Horse.

The Family of Marvin North

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