John Puckett to replace Newton Parks at North Carolina Championship
Puckett to replace Parks at North Carolina Championship
Monday, October 2, 2023
Obituary – Lee Williams
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Beloved husband, father, brother, and friend Lee Clement Williams died on September 25, 2023 following a recent illness. Lee is now free from the pain that has dominated his life for the past weeks. A fighter until the end, he was determined to beat his cancer and gave the dreaded disease a battle like it had never seen. In the end, he won on his terms and has gone to be among the family and friends in the land that knows no pain, no grief, no sorrow – only joy and love.
Lee was born in Bermuda on February 18, 1954 and was the son of the late Dr. John O. Williams, Jr. and the late Anne Kellam Nicks Williams Rochelle. He was a graduate of Columbia Military Academy (1972) and attended Memphis State University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Lee is survived by his wife of 18 years, Pam Williams of Brentwood, Tennessee, his sons John Ireland Williams, Benjamin Fox Williams and Luke Christian Williams, all of Brentwood, Tennessee. He is also survived by his brothers, John Orlando (Kay Kay) Williams, III, David Walton (Theresa) Williams and Thomas Allyn Williams, his sister-in-law Elizabeth Davis Williams, his sister-in-law Becky Ann Curd, his brother-in-law Mark Andrew (Anita) Doss, and his mother-in-law S. Juanita Doss. He loved his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, C. Nicks Williams.
Lee grew up in Mt. Pleasant, TN and loved playing sports with his brothers. He was a child prodigy golfer and won numerous schoolboy type tournaments before leading the Columbia Military Academy golf during his high school years and went to play golf at Memphis State University.
Lee started his real estate career in 1977 with C & S Builders, one of the largest homebuilders in Middle Tennessee at that time. Sales skyrocketed under the leadership of Lee and his sales team. When C & S Builders closed, it later re-emerged as Fox Ridge homes and became the preeminent builder in the state. Later with years of construction experience behind him, Lee opened Williams and Company where he began building homes and continued to sell real estate. Most recently, he has concentrated on residential and commercial sales. During his career, he trained hundreds who have trained hundreds. No house was too small, nor was any buyer shunned due to lack of financial resources.
Lee was passionate about his work with Alcoholics Anonymous . In the late 1990’s, he was a regular volunteer at Dismas House. He came monthly to the house on Music Row with a few friends in recovery to share meals. Lee befriended people just out of prison trying to get back on their feet. Lee gave generously – with time, wisdom, love and laughter – to people who badly needed it. He changed many people’s lives. Lee gave to those who needed it, expecting nothing in return. He has sponsored and mentored many over the years. Many have said “I’m a better person because Lee was in my life.”
He led by example and gave 100 percent in everything he did, and he expected no less from those around him. The best times for him were the times spent with his boys watching sporting events, working in the garden, cooking meals, or watching them play sports. He loved all his family deeply.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9100 Crockett Road, Brentwood, TN 37027. Visitation will be from 9:00 am – Noon.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Gibson and the staff at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center for their care over the past few months, the staff at Alive Hospice for their dedicated care over his last days, and his special nurses, Annie and Charlotte. We’d also like to thank the hundreds of prayer warriors who have been with us throughout Lee’s journey.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the charity of your choice or to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203 or Friendship House, 202 23rd Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37203 in the loving memory of Lee C. Williams
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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.
Thank you for taking the time to create a comment in againist the USDA over reach. Your input is important!
Once you have filled in the required fields by using the link… you can preview and/or submit your comment to the Agriculture Department for review. All comments are considered public and will be posted online once the Agriculture Department has reviewed them.
You can view alternative ways to comment or you may also comment via Regulations.gov at https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/APHIS-2022-0004-0001.
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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Celebration seeks extension of comment period
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration sent a letter seeking a 60-day extension to the comment period on the USDA’s proposed rule published at 88 FR 56924. The letter, sent from Patrick F. Philbin, counsel for The Celebration, points out two major reasons the extension should be granted.
The first highlights the enormous impact the rule would have and how many horses would be affected by the elimination of pads and action devices. This rule would effectively eliminate the entire performance division of horses.
In addition, the letter points out that the USDA published the proposed rule seeking comment just days before the 85th Annual Celebration. The Celebration, and its SHOW HIO, has limited resources to devote to comment on the rule and those resources will be dedicated to The Celebration and the ensuing required reporting by USDA until mid-September. This timeline would exhaust half the comment period and only leave 30 days for The Celebration to comment.
The data collected by the SHOW HIO will be critical in the response and it will take time for that data over the last six years to be accumulated and analyzed to help support the comment from The Celebration. In addition, data from this year’s Celebration will also be critical as the rule eliminates all HIOs and changes the inspection process.
The USDA has not yet replied to The Celebration’s request seeking additional time. The original comment period will end on October 21, 2023 if no extension is granted.
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Windol Tate, 80, of Woodbury passed away peacefully Monday, September 11, 2023 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro. A native of Cannon Co., TN., the was the son of the late Malcolm and Loni Mai Bogle Tate.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joann Jones Tate of Woodbury; daughter, Angela (David) Mullinax of Woodbury; granddaughter, Laney Mullinax of Woodbury; siblings, Jimmy (Brenda) Tate, Gayle (Karen) Tate, Jeanne (Mike) Melton all of Woodbury and Joel (Marilyn) Tate of Irving College and sisters-in-law, Kathryn Vandygrift and Hazel Jones. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A member of the Baptist church, Windol retired from Standex International as a quality control manager. He and his wife, Joann, were the owners of Jennings Jewelers. After he retired, he worked at Woodbury Funeral Home for over 20 years.
Windol was an owner and had a love for TN Walking Horses. He attended The Celebration for over 50 years. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed watching high school basketball and he played football for Woodbury Central. He was also known for his big smile, his hugs, going to car shows and his cooking abilities.
Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday, September 14, 2023 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Dean Anderson and Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Odom cemetery.
Pallbearers include David Mullinax, Spencer Benedict, Ricky Jones, James Stembridge, Adam Hayes, Cliff Wilson and Kenny Gilley. Honorary Pallbearers include Jackie Gannon, Tony Vandygrift, Greg Vandygrift, Mike Melton, Jim Jones, Stuart Williams, Harold Duggin and Harold Bogle.
Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the TN Walking Horse Trainers Association Scholarship Fund.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311. To leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.
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WalkingHorse.Chat, is the ultimate web blog for Tennessee Walking Horse owners, trainers, and fans! Join our community and stay updated on the latest news, tips, and discussions about these magnificent horses. Connect with fellow enthusiasts and share your love for the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.
What is the amount you typically tip your grooms during The Celebration?