Frank passed away on April 27, 2024.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948, served in the Korean War between 1950 to 1952, and continued on Active Duty until he retired in 1969.  While in Korea, Platoon Sergeant Frank Abercrombie served with the 32nd Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.   Historically, the 7th ID was one of the first units in action in 1950, taking part in the Inchon Landings and fighting in the Battle of Old Baldy in 1952 (when he was wounded in combat) and the Battle of  Pork Chop Hill in 1953.

Wilson County Oldest Veteran turns 100 Years Old, Celebrated on Memorial Day

Memorial Day (2023) in Wilson County will be like no other in the past.  This year we celebrate Max Anderson’s birthday, a WW II veteran and the oldest veteran in Wilson County, as he makes the Century mark.    

Max was a Navy pilot trainer during World War II.  Following the war he continued his military service to our country for a total of seven years.   He then became a pilot for Nashville Flying Service. He logged over 20,000 flight hours as a pilot with Nashville Flying Service and other agencies his long career.  Max and his wife Flossie, who have been married 75 years this June, are residents at the Rutland Center, here in Mt. Juliet.

American Legion Post 281 of Mt. Juliet is proud to claim Max as their member.  Max’s birthday celebration has been planned along with a special closing ceremony for the Honoring our American Flag display with the Exchange Club and American Legion.  The event is scheduled for 2:00 pm, at the open field near the train station on East Division here at Mt. Juliet.   Mayor Hagerty of Mt. Juliet, Mayor Ash of Lebanon, and Mayor Hutto of Wilson County are planning to be present to recognize this special veteran.  Together the Mayors will award Max a variety of proclamations, to include the proclamation that May 27^th is Max Anderson Recognition Day. 

Edward Warfield Binkley, age 85, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023 from congestive heart failure.

Ed was born in Nashville, TN and was the son of the late Melvin Binkley and Mary Napier Binkley.

Ed attended Tarbox Elementary and Richland Elementary School. He quit high school to work full time at a supermarket chain. In 1955, he joined the Navy and served on the carriers, USS Bennington in the Pacific, USS Lake Champlain in the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Caribbean and the USS Independence in the North Atlantic. By the time he left active duty status in 1959, Ed had earned his GED and was qualified to run the entire electrical system on the ship.

Returning home, he used his talents to acquire a job working for Executone Speaker Systems. After working for several electronic companies, he opened his own electronic sales company, D&H Electronic Systems, named after his daughters, Dora and Heather. Along with operating a successful business, Ed found time to serve on the Mt. Juliet and Wilson County Planning Commission, serve as the Commissioner over the Mt. Juliet Police and Fire Department and serve as a Judicial Magistrate.

Ed was elected Mayor of Mt. Juliet in 1989 and became the first Mayor of the City of Mt. Juliet to serve two complete terms. Among his accomplishments under his administration was the widening of Mt. Juliet Road, expansion of City Sewers, the addition of many policemen and police cars, institution of the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the adoption of the City Flag.

Ed also worked hard with developers to bring new restaurants, apartments, subdivisions and several other commercial businesses to Mt. Juliet and Wilson County. Ed has served as National Director of the Tennessee Jaycees, President of the Mt. Juliet and Goodlettsville Chambers of Commerce, a Charter member of the Sherriff’s Youth Ranch, a Charter member of the Mt. Juliet Lion’s Club, a Trustee on the Vol State College Foundation and a supporter of many non-profit and civic organizations.

He has been awarded the Mt. Juliet Kiwanian of the Year, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce, the first City Pioneer Award and the Chronicle of Mt. Juliet’s Person of the Year. With all of his accomplishments and awards, he was most proud of being a husband, father and Poppa.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his siblings, Willie Binkley, Al Binkley, Louise Worrell, Dixie Zerbe, Bessie Holton, Ruth Turner, Daisy Worrell and Ann Miles.

He is survived by:
Wife- Glenda Carver Binkley
Daughters – Dora (Mike) Posey and Heather (Patrick) Kingcaid
Grandchildren – Chloe Kingcaid, Jackson Martin, Chase Kingcaid and Hannah Kingcaid

The family wishes to thank Ed’s caregivers, Kim Thompson, Maggie Thompson, Lana Lohman and the team at Alive Hospice, especially Olivia and Sandra.

Raymond D. Forester  May 12, 1941 – August 14, 2024

Raymond D. Forester, Jr., 83, Gardner, Kansas passed away at home Wednesday, August 14 , 2024 surrounded by his family. Ray was born in Philadelphia, PA and lived all over the United States with his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth “Jayne” Cramp. A brother to 7 siblings, father to Elizabeth “Liz” Carlton (Rob) & Raymond (Sandy) Forester, Grandfather to six, Great Grandfather to four with one on the way and Uncle and Friend to too many to count, Ray was well loved and respected. He served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp. Ray was one of the founding members of the General Electric Southwest Region and was known for his skill and expertise in sales and marketing. Up until his death, he was a mentor to many; fielding phone calls and providing consultation. Ray was an active member of the American Legion, providing leadership and support to Tyler Cates Post 281. He lived a full life, traveling with Jayne, riding his motorcycles and honing his carpentry skills in his shop.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 26, 2024 at Divine Mercy Catholic Church.  Burial with military honors to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnels to Towers www.t2t.org or Fisher House fisherhouse.org. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.brucefuneralhome.com and/or on the Veterans Legacy Memorial for RAYMOND FORESTER

Ray never said goodbye, always “Watch your back” – telling us to take care. We will miss his strength but know that his memory will drive us forward every day – to do better and be better always.

Mr. Bobby G. Gammons, age 91 of Mount Juliet passed away on October 18, 2023, at Summit Medical Center.

Born March 2, 1932, in Wilson County, he is the son of the late Bart and Media Davenport Dalton.

He served in the United States Air Force, and was a member of Madison Church of Christ. He retired from Dupont with over thirty six years’ service.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of sixty two years, Mae Frances Ingram Gammons on August 27, 2014, and three sisters, Ruby Crowley, Judy Bomar, and Virginia Freeman.

He is survived by three children: Patricia Diane Gammons (Rick Rowell), Michael Gammons (Millie), and Donald Gammons; grandchildren: Nicole Gammons Starkey (Jared), Travis Dedmon (Lynnsey), and Henry Crawford; great-grandchildren: Camilla & Marshall Dedmon, Kimmie Crawford, and Blake Stephens.

Ronald Lewis “Ron” Head, age 80, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.  Ron was born on July 20, 1942, to John Lyman Head and Verna Sanders Covington Head in Springfield, Tennessee.  Ron attended Issac Litton High School where he excelled in basketball and baseball.  He graduated with a degree in finance from Middle Tennessee State University and worked as Manager of Finance at Textron Aerostructures for 35 years before his much deserved retirement.

Ron married the love of his life, Diane (Holt) Head on June 26, 1965.  He was an avid and devoted University of Tennessee fan and loved his Vols.  He also enjoyed working in his yard, boating on the lake and playing golf.  He was a longtime member of Hendersonville Church of Christ, where he served as a Deacon.  In true Christian form, Ron was a humble servant always helping family, friends neighbors and even strangers in need.  Above all else, though, Ron loved his family and was a wonderful Husband, Dad and Poppy.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents John and Verna Head.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diane, daughters; Renee (Ed) Morgan, Jennifer (Jeff) Lancaster and Shanna (Jeremy Weigel) Smith.  Ron was “Poppy” to seven precious grandchildren; Makenzie Morgan, Alec Lancaster, Zack Morgan, Addyson Morgan, Ella Lancaster, Jake Weigel and Brody Weigel.  In addition, he is survived by his brother, Gerald (Betsy) Head and many close friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 10 am – 1pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home.  A funeral service will begin at 1 pm in the Chapel officiated by David Swanger.  Burial will follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.

LEEDY, Richard “Dick” Eugene, age 80 of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, passed away on February 6, 2023.

 He served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea for a year where he entertained both officers and enlisted men with his beautiful tenor voice as part of the General’s Chorus.  He was a very proud Veteran and a founding member of American Legion Post 281 in Mt. Juliet where he served as Adjutant during their first two to three years.  Being a life member with 35 years of service to the Legion, he also served as Adjutant for many years at Post 88 in Donelson, Tennessee.

He was a blessing to everyone he met, a compassionate and kindhearted man who never met a stranger.

He was loved by all and enjoyed life to the fullest with a great passion for singing.  He was a member of the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center Choir, enjoyed singing Karaoke and had his own Karaoke business for many years.  He also performed locally with a friend, Bill Feathers, in a singing duo called “Two Men and a Guitar” for many years.  He loved Gospel music and the Golden Oldies.

He was born in Lebanon, PA on July 6, 1942, where he completed high school and joined the Army soon after.  He loved his family and friends immensely and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Hess Leedy and Eugene Leedy and son, Dwayne Carl Leedy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Kathleen “Kathy” Ball Harter Leedy; children, James Richard Leedy (Carolyn), Curt (Cindy) Harter, Bobby (Beth) Harter, Katrina Roberts and Melissa Castro; siblings, Judy Heagy, Merrilyn Dundore, Kathy (Tony) James and Brian (Chairie) Leedy.  He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 15^th at Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet, 2229 North Mount Juliet Road, Mount Juliet, Tennessee at 12:00pm.  The Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, February 15^th from 9:00am until service time at 12:00pm.   Interment will take place at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery at 2:00pm.

Edwin Bennett (Ben) Rector passed away September 10, 2023, at the age of 87. He was a resident of Mount Juliet, Tennessee for the past 55 years and was a devoted husband, a loving father and a faithful friend.

Ben was born in Martin City, Missouri, to the late Lester Bennett and Kathryn Pedigo Rector and was blessed with two siblings, older brother, Vernon Paul and a beloved sister, Kathleen Marie. After high school, he attended the University of Missouri in Columbia on a Naval ROTC Scholarship, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Geology. Upon graduation, he accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps. During training in Quantico, Virginia, he met the love of his life, a Tennessee girl, Clara Blevins. They wed in 1960, and shortly thereafter started their family with first son, Edwin B. Rector II. After training, they were assigned to the Marine Corps Air Station at Kaneohe Bay in Honolulu, Hawaii. Here they welcomed daughter Deborah. Ben was in the 3rd Marine Division, Shore Party Battalion and served in the USMC for a total of seven years during the Viet Nam War. While Ben was deployed, third child, Leilani, was born.

After his tours in Viet Nam, the Rectors settled in Tennessee. Ben advanced to Deputy Chief of the Vanderbilt University Police Department until he retired in 2000, where his strength, compassion and humor made him respected and beloved by his VUPD family.

Ben was active in many local civic clubs including the Kiwanis Club, Exchange Club, and he was 50+ year member of the Mt. Juliet Lodge #642 F&AM, serving as Chaplain Emeritus and Past Master. He was also a member of Harvey Freeman Chapter #181 OES. He was a 40+ year member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church where he was active in teaching, administration and leadership. He also enjoyed singing in the choir while his wife played piano and organ.

The Rectors were dedicated child advocates and fostered many children over the years, officially adopting Robert Blevins and Samuel Rector. He also remained proudly active in Veteran’s Groups including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Marine Corps League, and the Young Marines.

Ben was a blessing to all who knew him. He loved God and showed it in all that he did.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Blevins Rector, his brother Vernon Rector, and his niece Lou Ann Rector. He is survived by children, Edwin B. (Diane) Rector, II, Deborah L. (Steve) Phelps, Leilani Rector, Robert Blevins, Samuel Rector; sister, Kathleen Marie Smith; several grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.

MICHAEL L. SCOVILLE, age 75, born October 14, 1948, of Talbott, TN and formerly of Glen Falls, NY, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rita and Louis Scoville; sister, Sharon; and his first wife, Victoria. He is survived by his wife, Georgia Scoville; sister, Deborah Hayes; brother Shawn Scoville; two step-sons; four step granddaughters; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Michael was a member of Community Chapel Freewill Baptist Church in Talbott, TN. He spent 35 years in law enforcement in New York, and served in the U. S. Navy during the Vietnam era.

Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday December 4, 2023 at the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with military honors.

Mike Scoville was an original charter member of Post 281 when a bunch of Dell Webb vets decided they wanted to create a Post in Mt. Juliet.  Mike was an great advocate in creating the Honor Guard and was a very active member for the time he lived in Mt. Juliet.  A love interest drew him to East Tennessee and so he moved there to be with her.  He died recently,  like Jan of 2024,  so his family donated this Honor Guard electronic bugle to the post 281 Honor Guard in his memory.   Steven Wren (the HG Commander) wanted to commemorate the Bugle to Michael Scoville’s memory so that Michael would be ever for ever remembered, and purchased the plaque to be secured to the bugle forever more.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of William C. “Bill” Thompson, age 91, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee he graduated from Isaac Litton High School. He spent two years in the United States Air Force and another twenty-three years in the United States Coast Guard Reserve retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer.

He earned his B.S. from George Peabody College and his Masters in Criminal Justice from Aquinas College. He began teaching and coaching at his high school Alma Mater until he joined the Department of Safety in 1969. He transitioned as one of the original agents of the newly formed Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in 1980, and retired in 1992 as a Special Agent in Charge for Middle and East Tennessee.

He enjoyed being on the water, coaching youth sports, mission trips, and his Tennessee Vols. He touched the lives of countless individuals, and there was no corner of the State of Tennessee that he did not run into someone he knew.

Bill, is proceeded in death by wife Geraldine Thompson, sisters Rose Marie Jones and Frances Still, and brother Wallace Thompson.

He is survived by daughter Maria Eckhardt, sons Greg (Leigh Ann) Thompson and Chuck (Linda) Thompson, grandchildren Gregory Goodman and Will Thompson, and great grandchild Lynn Goodman.

Craig passed away 8/23/2022 with his family at his side from complications due to cancer which he bravely fought for 4 years.

Craig was born and raised in Lockport and spent 21 years on the Lockport Police Dept. retiring from duty in 1995.

He enjoyed the outdoors and loved to golf, especially at the “County” with his longtime friends.

Everywhere he went he met friends and never met anyone twice…even at Disneyland.

In 1999 He and Pamela moved to sunny Las Vegas NV where they stayed for 18 years until moving to Nashville TN in 2017 to be with the family.

Craig was preceded in death by his Mother Marie Widrig and In Laws Frank and Jennie La Rocca.

And is survived by His Wife Pamela(LaRocca), Son Michael , Brother and Sister in law Richard and Francis(LaRocca) D’Angelo, Nephew Joseph and His Wife Andrea D’Angelo, and his beloved “Grandchildren” Sophia , Frank , and Stanlee Craig D’Angelo.