In
MEMORIUM
The following individuals are DCCARC Club Members and Friends that are now “Silent Keys.” May their signals still echo in the eternal ionosphere. We honor and remember our dear friends and miss them “on the air!” SK de AB4ZB.
MARK ALLEN STEWART – KK4OEY
September 25, 2018
Mark Allen Stewart, age 63, a Rock Island, TN resident and Davidson County native was born November 1, 1954 and passed away September 25, 2018 at his residence following a short illness. He was a retired truck driver and technician with United Medical Systems, member of Friendship Baptist Church and son of the late Shelby and Mary Tibbs Stewart.
Mr. Stewart was married August 8, 2010 to Donna Rankhorn Stewart who survives. In addition to his wife, he is survived by children and spouses, Christopher and Toni Stewart of Nashville, Julie and Clay Myers of Rock Island, Wendy and Pat Connors of Smithville, Bekki and Greg Goats of Nashville and Wayne and Trina Young of Rock Island; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; special little girl, Ada Crouch of Rock Island; brother and sister-in-law, Chuck and Carole Stewart of Florida; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Jim North of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, September 28, 2018 in High’s Chapel with Jason Brown and Jamison Crouch to officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. View Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday and 9:00 a.m. Friday until the time of service at High’s.
Mark – KK4OEY lived at 1205 Warren County Park Drive, Rock Island, Tennessee adjacent to Rock Island State Park in Warren County. Mark joined the DCCARC not long after getting his amateur radio license and served as DCCARC Treasurer for a number of years. Mark was on the air many times on the 145.49 repeater and on the 146.97 McMinnville repeater. He enjoyed HF operations too from his home. He was active in club meetings and the weekly ARES net, and was very active in ARES in Warren and DeKalb Counties. Mark served as a constable, a first responder and was a valuable assistant in first responder training. His community suffered a great loss in this public servant, and he will be missed by members of the DCCARC. KK4OEY SK de AB4ZB
RUSSELL EVANS CANTRELL – W4OPJ
July 6, 2017
Marilynn Mitchell – W4OPJ (Formerly KM4PFY – Russell’s Granddaughter) and Russell E. Cantrell – The Original W4OPJ
95 year old Russell Evans Cantrell of Smithville passed away Thursday at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital. He was a World War II veteran, a member of the First Baptist Church, and a retired Supervisor for General Motors. He worked twelve years for Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief and Amateur Radio. The funeral will be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Mark Bass and Freddy Curtis will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 8 p.m. and Saturday from 1-2 p.m. Cantrell was preceded in death by his parents, Perry Green Cantrell and Elizabeth Evans Cantrell and brothers, Alfred and Gerald Cantrell. Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Billye Ferrell Cantrell of Smithville. A daughter, Vivian and Walt Stock of Smithville. Grandchildren, AmyBeth and Randy McBride of Maryville, Jennifer and Brian Ledbetter of Cookeville, Stephen and Jamie Stock of Franklin, and Marilynn and Michael Mitchell of Murfreesboro. Great grandchildren, Russell, Walter, and Margaret Thompson of Maryville, B.J., Vivian, and Emma Ledbetter of Cookeville, Eric and Ryan Mitchell of Murfreesboro, and Isaac, Colton, and Camryn Stock of Franklin. Brother, Wayne and Ann Cantrell of Mount Juliet. Several nieces and nephews survive. A sister-in-law, Nell Pedigo. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In addition to flowers, if you wish to make a donation in memory of Mr. Russell, you can make a contribution to Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief at 615-371-7926 or 1-800-558-2090 extension 7926.
Russell – W4OPJ lived at 485 Old Blue Springs Road just south of Smithville, Tennessee. Russ was a charter member of the DCCARC. He was considered the first member of the organization on the Club Roster and was active in the club during the founding and early years of the club. Russ was elmer and first friend in amateur radio to fellow DCCARC Charter Member, Wm. Freddy Curtis – W4WFC. He was the very first ARES Emergency Coordinator for DeKalb County and loved telling radio stories about his service in the US Navy in World War II stationed in Dutch Harbor, Alaska and his radio activities with the Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief organization. Russ donated much needed radio equipment for use at the DeKalb County Emergency Operations Center Communications Room. In his later years, he was semi-active on the 145.49 Repeater talking with various club members and his grandaughter, Marilynn Mitchell – KM4PFY who lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He will be greatly missed! W4OPJ SK de AB4ZB
JERRY EDWARD ELKINS – N4LZY
August 29, 2015
Jerry Edward Elkins, 73, who died Saturday, August 29, 2015 at St. Thomas Stones River E/R. He was a native of Nashville, Tn. He is survived by his wife, Mary Thomas Elkins of Woodbury; Children, Rhonda (Danny) Brown of Woodbury, Kathryn (Ken) Muraoka of Marietta, Ga., Pamela Leath of Woodbury and Jamie Barrett of Woodbury; 8 Grandchildren, Chris (Christy) Brown, Madelyn & Nicholas Muraoka, Kendra Leath, Caitlin Leath, Jordyn Barrett, Ashley Barrett & Justin Johnson; Brother, Mike (Debbie) Elkins of Antioch.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer Edward “Ed” Elkins and Maye Higgins Shirley Elkins.
Jerry received his Bachelor Degree from MTSU in Physics and studied in the Masters program for Geology at the University of Georgia. He was the owner of E & E Electric and over the years owned several other businesses. He was a ham radio operator N4LZY. Jerry was a member of the Woodbury Lions Club, the Short Mtn. Repeater Club and the DeKalb/Cannon County Amateur Radio Club. Most of all, he was a loving husband, father & grandfather.
Graveside Services will be 2 pm Wednesday, Sept. 02, 2015 in Riverside Gardens with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating. Per Jerry’s request, there will be no public visitation. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Woodbury Lions Club.
Jerry – N4LZY lived at 108 Bellehill Lane, just off of Highway 70S to the east of Woodbury, Tennessee. He was a Navy-Marine Corps MARS Member Callsign – NNN0HZS and had recently been approved to transfer to ARMY MARS with the callsign – AAR4IU upon the decommissioning of Navy-Marine Corps MARS on 30 September 2015. Jerry passed away on Saturday Evening, August 29th, 2015 doing what he loved in his radio room at his home preparing for a Navy-Marine Corps MARS net. He was an excellent amateur radio operator and loved CW (Morse Code). Jerry was the Volunteer Examination Manager for the DCCARC and started the monthly amateur radio exam sessions held in Smithville and Woodbury. He greatly enjoyed taking his valuable time to give amateur radio exams to new operators and those advancing to higher levels. He joined the DeKalb County Amateur Radio Club and helped with the re-naming of the club to include Cannon County Amateur Radio Operators. Jerry spearheaded many club endeavors including Special Event Stations at the Cannon County Good Ole Days, CW Operator at the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival, and was a member of the Short Mountain Repeater Club and participated in their activities including the Cedars of Lebanon Hamfest. To say he will be missed is a tremendous understatement. N4LZY SK de AB4ZB
DeKalb/Cannon County Amateur Radio Club conducted a MEMORIAL NET to pay our respects to N4LZY /NNN0HZS / AAR4IU – Jerry Edward Elkins on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND, 2015 – 1:30 PM – 2:05 & LATER. View a Video Tribute and Listen to the Net again at:
(If new browser does not open – paste url address in new browser)
Special thanks to Jason Oleham – KM4ACK and various club members for the photographs.
N4LZY Memorial Net Plaque done by Jason Oleham – KM4ACK
Thanks Jason!!
TRENA WILLANN BRASWELL CURTIS – KD4ESF
June 11, 2015
52 year old Trena Willann Braswell Curtis of Smithville died Thursday at her home. She was a DeKalb County native, a retired 2nd grade teacher with the DeKalb County Board of Education at Smithville Elementary School for 24 years. Trena was a 1987 graduate of Lee University, and a member of the Alexandria Church of God. She loved playing the piano and organ at the numerous churches that she and her husband had the privilege to pastor. She was an amateur radio operator, callsign – KD4ESF, a founding member alongside her husband of the DeKalb/Cannon County Amateur Radio Club, and loved to crochet.
The funeral will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Smithville Church of God. Jeff Armstrong, Clifford Spence, and Terry Hart will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. The body will then be moved to the church where visitation will resume until the time of the service at 2 p.m.
Trena was preceded in death by her parents, Truman Allen Braswell and Louise Redman Braswell. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, William Freddy Curtis – W4WFC ex: KC4GUG of Smithville and her four sons, Fredrick Matthew Curtis – KF4HAA of Smithville, Trent Braswell Curtis of Morrison, Casey Warren Curtis and Haley of Alexandria, and Evan Madison Curtis of Smithville. Grandchildren, Ella Mae Curtis and Elliott Witt Curtis of Morrison. A brother, Ricky A. Braswell of Knoxville. Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Fred Earl and Diana Curtis of Alexandria. Brother-in-law, John Curtis and Rachel of Mount Juliet. Two uncles, R.L. Redman and Earlene of Smithville and Charles Braswell of Tunnel Hill, Georgia; and numerous cousins, friends, former students and colleagues of Smithville Elementary School. Donations in Trena’s memory may be made to the Alexandria Church of God-World Missions Fund (209 Edgewood Street, Alexandria, TN 37012), Church of God World Missions (P.O. Box 8016 Cleveland, TN 37320), or a charity of one’s choice in her memory. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Trena – KD4ESF lived at 288 Dogwood Circle, Smithville, Tennessee. She was active on 2 meters especially the 145.49 Repeater chasing after her husband, Wm. Freddy Curtis – W4WFC ex: KC4GUG. She could be heard many times letting Freddy know about things over the air. Trena was a founding member of the DCCARC, and was very active behind the scenes, helping her husband with club activities. Her presence in the life of her husband and her sons will be sincerely missed. KD4ESF SK de AB4ZB
TERRY WALKER TRAPP – K4TWT
March 15, 2014
64 year old Terry Walker Trapp of Smithville died Friday at DeKalb Community Hospital. He was a 32nd Degree Mason (Past Master) and a member of the Smithville First Baptist Church. Trapp was also a retired Respiratory Therapist at Cookeville Regional Medical Center and a former police officer for the City of Smithville. The funeral will be Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Mark Bass and Bernard Houk will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. Trapp was preceded in death by his parents, James “Pig” and Ethel “Dean” Mae Stoots Trapp. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Trapp of Smithville. One daughter, Hayley and husband Jonathon Culwell of Smithville. Two grandchildren, Hannah and Noah Culwell of Smithville. Two step children, Tommy and wife JoErin Perkins and Jessica P. and husband Justin Elliott all of Louisiana. Three step grandchildren, Avalynn Perkins, Shelby, and Jett Elliott all of Louisiana. Mother of his daughter, Maxine Trapp of Smithville. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Justin Potter Library Genealogy Fund or a church or charity of your choice.
Terry – K4TWT ex: KA4EHK lived in the Holiday Haven Development just off Highway 56 North of Smithville. He was active on many HF bands and some on 2 meters. He was a member of the DCCARC and attended meetings prior to his illness. K4TWT SK de AB4ZB.
William “Bill” Clayton Burnett, Sr. – W4KOC
September 30, 2013
Bill Burnett age 81 of White House, TN passed away Sunday, September 29, 2013 at the White House Care and Rehabilitation. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House with Bro. Morris Watson and Son-in-Law Billy Duke officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville, Tennessee. The Fire Department will serve as pallbearers. A Masonic Service will be held Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Visitation Tuesday 4:00 – 8:00 and Wednesday 10:00 – 11:00.
Mr. Burnett was born October 5, 1931 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late John and Nellie Burnett. He worked as supervisor for western plastic. He was a faithful member of Concord Baptist church and he was awarded the honor of being Citizen of the Year of White House. He enjoyed fishing and Amateur Radio.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two sons, William Clayton “Bud” Burnett, Jr. and John Michael Burnett. He is survived by his wife Leola; son, Jamie Burnett of Madison; Step-Son, Ronnie (Ellen) of Nashville; Daughters, Dixie (Billy) of Greenbrier, Becky (Barney) of Greenbrier; Step-Daughter, Patsy of Nashville; Special Granddaughter, Crystal of Nashville; Cousin, Nancy of Chicago; ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 533 Hwy 76, White House, TN 615-672-5000 In Charge Of These Arrangements.
It is with a heavy heart that the DCCARC learned of Mr. Bill Burnett – W4KOC becoming a Silent Key. Bill was active on the 145.49 repeater until just the past few months of 2013. He was the founder of the 49er’s Breakfast Club and very much enjoyed the fellowship that this gathering was all about. Mr. Burnett was a very good friend to the DCCARC and personally donated a UHF Repeater, Antenna, and Coax to the club. This repeater was placed into operation atop the Smithville City Hall at the DeKalb County EOC, and was operational for several years. We will always remember Bill’s donation and helpfulness in club endeavors.
All DCCARC Members will miss him very much on the air, and are thankful he stopped by on the repeater to make our day “a bit brighter.” May we all have that humble, jovial, fun-loving spirit in each of us! The DCCARC believes he is enjoying a “honey bun” someplace in the beyond. More information can be found on the 49’ers W4KOC Memorial Breakfast Club Page. W4KOC SK de AB4ZB.
ALBERT CLEON “BERT” KELLY – KC4IS
September 21, 2012
82 year old Albert Cleon Kelly of Smithville died Friday at his residence. He was a Presbyterian, a member of the Kentucky Colonels and he served in the National Guard. Kelly was also a retired salesman with Proctor and Gamble. The family has chosen direct cremation. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Leland Kelly and a daughter, Karen G. Kelly. Survivors include his wife of 12 years, Judy Kelly of Smithville. Two sons, Scott Marlow of Mooresville, Indiana and Richard and Michelle Kelly of Mount Juliet. Three daughters, Julie and Todd Stofan of Jefferson, Ohio; Camille and Dennis Cowart of Nashville; and Sherry Gregory of Mount Juliet. Nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren survive. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The family requests that donations be made, in lieu of flowers, to the “In Memory of Albert Kelly Fund for continuing education for Hospice nurses at Caris Health Care”. Address: 2525 Highway 111 North Suite B. Algood 38506.
Bert – KC4IS lived for a number of years in the Black Berry Hill Road Development just off Highway 56 North of Smithville above Center Hill Lake. He operated mainly VHF & UHF Sideband. Later he moved to the Quail Pointe Subdivision east of Smithville and was not active in Amateur Radio very much after the move. KC4IS SK de AB4ZB.
GARY DALE GIBBS – KI4TGU
April 2, 2012
56 year old Gary Dale Gibbs died Monday at his residence. He lived in Dowelltown but he spent most of his life in Smith County where he was raised. He was an assembler at Shiroki North America and was a member of the HAM radio operators. The funeral will be Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Wilson Williams will officiate with burial in Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the service. He was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn Gibbs. He is survived by his wife Carol Cook Gibbs of Dowelltown; seven children, Robbie Strayn, Jennifer Bain, April Strayn Lee, all of Smithville; Shane, Dale and Tara Gibbs, all of Smith County, and Nathan Gibbs. Parents, Arlis and Louise Gibbs of Smith County. Two brothers, Farris and Roger Gibbs; three sisters, Teresa McMillian, Angie Henry, and Sandy Gibbs all of Smith County. Nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Gary – KI4TGU lived in Dowelltown and attended a few meetings of the DCCARC. He was active on 2 meters on very limited basis. KI4TGU SK de AB4ZB.
MONTE TRUETT HUTCHINS – KG4PSR
January 27, 2011
Monte Truett Hutchins, 53, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at his home following an extended illness. A resident of address Bradyville, TN, he was born in Montgomery, AL. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Pamela Duke Hutchins of Bradyville; his parents, Monte Joe and Ann Redmon Hutchins of Woodbury; three brothers, Mike (Jan) Hutchins, Greg and Carey Hutchins all of Woodbury; sister, Debbie (Wade) Hughes of Knoxville; mother-in-law, Betty Duke of Bradyville; sister-in-law, Sandra (Bruce) Lewis of Manchester; special friends, Ray and Nancy Trail. Several nieces and nephews also survive: Chris (Regina) Hughes and Nick Hughes of Knoxville, Callie (Dylan) Hughes of Murfreesboro, Cassie Hutchins of Murfreesboro, Blake and Brad Hutchins, Dustin Hutchins of all of Woodbury and Great Niece, Sophia Stephens. Truett loved life and his family. He loved to hunt, fish, and participate in Amateur Radio. He was a faithful member of the Lumley Stand Church of Christ and the Pocahontas Senior Center. He was also a machinist for Vought Industries in Nashville. Funeral services will be held in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011 with Bro. Jim Terry and Bro. Clarence McGee officiating. Burial will be in Midway Cemetery. Visitation is planned for Saturday, Jan. 29 from 3 to p.m.
Truett – KG4PSR lived south of Woodbury and was primarily a VHF/UHF Sideband Operator. He was on the 145.49 Repeater occasionally and regularly put Cannon County on the 6 meter, 2 meter, 70 cm, and 1.2 Ghz Sideband map. KG4PSR SK de AB4ZB.
JOHN W. MELTON – AE4JV
July 22, 2007
61 year old John W. Melton of Auburntown died Saturday at his home of an extended illness. He was a Cannon County native, a Baptist, a member of the National Guard, and an employee of the Tennessee Farmer’s Co-op at Lavergne. The funeral will be Monday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Jerry Osborne and Ricky Scott will officiate and burial will be in the Sycamore Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley Grey Melton and Leonia Bell Melton. Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Rachel Melton of Auburntown. Two daughters, Misty Melton of Auburntown and Melissa Melton of Smithville. A brother, Bobby Don and his wife Irma Melton of Woodbury. Three sisters, Patsy and her husband Billy Reeder of Watertown, Katherine and her husband Dwight Sadler of Auburntown,and Delores Morris of Auburntown. His mother-in-law, Mallie Taylor of Auburntown. Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Darlene and her husband Jack Knowles of Baxter and Wayne and his wife Kathy Taylor of Woodbury and Randal Taylor. Special friends, Blake, Tammy, Trent, and Breanna O’Neal and Ralph, Sandy, Dillon, and Jessica Jackson. Woodbury Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
John – AE4JV ex: KE4DLF lived in Auburntown and frequented the 145.49 Repeater. He was given his Novice Exam by Jerry Elkins – N4LZY and Freddy Curtis – KC4GUG. A great guy, John was always willing to help newcomers and others in the hobby. AE4JV SK de AB4ZB.
JAMES P. TURNER – AB4ZB
January 14, 1995
James – AB4ZB ex: N4VGG; KC4BSZ was a resident of McMinnville, TN and died suddenly on January 13, 1995. This was before the DCCARC was formed in 2000, however James was a friend to various club members and a frequent user of the 145.49 Repeater. He also had a packet Digipeater and BBS on Short Mountain in the same building and used the same tower as the 145.49 Repeater. Future DCCARC Members utilized the Digipeater and BBS and it had wide coverage and usage in the Middle Tennessee area. When the DCCARC was formed in 2000 and a callsign was later obtained in 2004 – KI4FSG; DCCARC President Wm. Freddy Curtis immediately applied for the vanity callsign AB4ZB – which had expired in 2000. The AB4ZB callsign continues to be used to honor and memorialize our friend and Amateur Radio Colleague – James P. Turner. AB4ZB/N4VGG/KC4BSZ SK de AB4ZB.
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