Obituaries for September 26

Bonnie Lee Graham

We gather here to honor and celebrate the life of Bonnie Lee Graham, a woman who embodied love, compassion, and generosity in every facet of her existence. Born on November 1, 1939, in Burlington, Colorado. Bonnie was a beacon of warmth, illuminating the lives of those fortunate enough to cross her path. Her journey on earth may have ended on September 12, 2024, but her spirit will perpetually shine in the memories of her loved ones.

Bonnie's life was an exquisite tapestry interwoven with an enduring love for her family, a dedication to her work, and a heartfelt affection for animals. As a devoted wife to her late husband of more than 40 years and a loving mother to her children, Bonnie was the sturdy pillar that held her family together. She was a longtime supervisor at Millington Telephone Co. in Millington, Tennessee. Outside of her professional sphere, Bonnie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, a trait that highlighted her adventurous spirit. Bonnie's boundless love for animals was evident in her passion for dog rescue groups and the companionship she shared with her beloved pets, including dogs, horses, and even a fox at one point.

Bonnie's legacy is carried on by her son, Tim Graham and his wife, Deana; step-daughters, Karlin Young and Patty Nelson; grandchildren, Chelle Shepherd (Tyler); Leah Guffey (Bruce); William Graham (Anna), and Timothy Graham; and her great-grandchildren, Aspen Layne, River Shepherd, Oliver Guffey, Louise Guffey, and Ida Guffey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Violet Patterson; her husband, Earl Graham; step-son, Mike Graham; and her brother, Billy Patterson.

Cremation services are under the direction of Ronk Funeral Home. A memorial service to honor Bonnie's life will be held at a later date.

Margie E. Galloway

Margie E. Galloway, 92, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024, at The Bay in Dyersburg. Margie was born on May 13, 1932, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, to the late Jesse and Lettie Pritchard Patterson. She was the activity director at the Bay at Dyersburg and was a former employee of HECO Manufacturing and Sylvania. Margie was a member of Parr Avenue Church of Christ and was an avid reader.

Cremation services are under the direction of Dyersburg Funeral Home.

Survivors include her two daughters, Cindy Helwig of Florida and Joanne Parmenter of Dyersburg, Tennessee; a son, John Parmenter (Sue) of Poquoson, Virginia; a brother, Tom Patterson of Jackson, Tennessee; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Thomas "Tom" Parmenter and Joe Galloway; a son, David Parmenter; three brothers, Jerry Patterson, Jim Patterson and Ray Patterson; and two sisters, Betty Prater and Joyce McCorkle.

Dyersburg Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Margie Galloway. Online condolences can be made to the family at dyersburgfuneralhome.net

Edward D. White

Edward D. White, 81, of Obion, died Monday, September 23, 2024, at West Tennessee Healthcare Dyersburg.

Cremation services are under the direction of Curry Funeral Home. We are privileged and honored to serve the Gunnels family. You may share your condolences and your memories with the family at www.curryfuneral.com.

Albert Rankin Fowlkes

Albert Rankin Fowlkes, 93, of Dyersburg, died peacefully on Monday, September 23, 2024. Albert was born in Tiptonville, TN on October 14, 1930, to Doc and Eveleen Fowlkes. His mother died when he was 2 years old and he and his older brother, Doc Jr., were raised by loving aunts and uncles and his beloved, Dada.

He graduated from Dyersburg High School in 1948 and Co-Oped at the Cotton Mill (Dyersburg Fabrics) during his college years at Murray State and Georgia Tech, while earning a degree in textile engineering. After serving in the Navy during the Korean war, he returned to Dyersburg where he married Kay Keller in 1961. They raised 3 children and were married for 63 years. 

He spent his 47-year career at Dyersburg Fabrics and eventually became the VP of Operations. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and especially the people with whom he worked….all 1200 of them.

A life-long member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he served as an elder, choir member, Sunday School teacher and, for years, a volunteer on the annual youth choir trip. A faithful Gideon for 50 years, you could find him many Saturday mornings at the Holiday Inn praying with other Gideons. Delivering Bibles to hospitals and schools and sharing God’s Word was one of his greatest joys. At age 50, he helped found and lead the formation of Young Life in Dyersburg. His excitement for the Gospel was contagious and countless teenagers were impacted by this ministry.

He was a remarkable man of faith and his love for Jesus was felt by everyone he encountered. An active member of Kiwanis Club, where this year, the annual Pancake Day was named in his honor. He was a School Board member, Little League coach, Community Theater Actor, Scout Master, Key Club Sponsor, Salvation Army Volunteer, Red Coat Volunteer, Union Mission Board Member, Chamber of Commerce “Man of the Year” in 1995, founding member of the Dyersburg YMCA, and was inducted into the inaugural Dyersburg High School Hall of Fame. He was always mindful of the debt he owed to his community, which helped form him into the man he became.

Albert’s life of service was in response to his salvation in Christ and the joy of knowing Him. His passing will leave a tremendous void in the hearts of his family and friends and the community in which he loved and served.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kay Keller Fowlkes, of Dyersburg; daughter, Mary Latta Fowlkes Brown (Bob) of Brentwood, TN; son, Rankin Fowlkes (Elizabeth) of Memphis, TN; daughter, Anne Fowlkes Walker (Scott) of Memphis, TN; nine grandchildren, who’s greatest inheritance will be their Papa’s faith, Robert Brown (Carolyne), Mary Eveleen Brown, Anne Florence Brown, Will Walker (Allison), Margaret Walker Collins (Ben), Sally Walker, Sam Fowlkes, Tom Fowlkes, Katherine Keller; great-granddaughter, Ruthie Brown. Brother-in-law, Dayton Keller (Patricia)

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 27, 2024, in the sanctuary of Dyersburg Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The family will receive visitors from 5-7:30 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Dyersburg Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Walt Bradshaw, John Cloar, David Pierce, Milton Magee, Pierce White, Tim Ozment, John Ford, Frank Pierce, Hugh Todd and Baird Lewis will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will the Elders and Deacons of Dyersburg Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Gideons, Mike Gauldin, Jim Nevel and Rick Leo.

The family requests memorials be directed to Dyersburg Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 2280 Parr Avenue, Dyersburg, TN 38024; Dyersburg-Dyer County Union Mission, 213 West Cedar Street, Dyersburg, TN 38024; Dyersburg Salvation Army, 318 West Market Street, Dyersburg, TN 38024; Young Life Memphis in memory of Brad Baker, 658 Colonial Road, Memphis, TN 38117.

Funeral services are under the direction of Curry Funeral Home. We are privileged and honored to serve the Fowlkes family. You may share your condolences and your memories with the family at www.curryfuneral.com.

Jimmie Bush, Sr.

Jimmie Bush, Sr., 85, of Dyersburg, died Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Oakwood Community Living Center. Funeral services are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Curry Funeral Home.

We are privileged and honored to serve the Bush family. You may share your condolences and your memories with the family at www.curryfuneral.com

Ollie Lucille Hamm

Ollie Lucille Hamm Long, of Dyersburg, formerly of Miston, died Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at NHC Healthcare in Milan.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 PM, Monday, September 30, 2024 in the Chapel of Curry Funeral Home with interment to follow in Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 AM until service time on Monday at the funeral home.

We are privileged and honored to serve the Long family. You may share your condolences and your memories with the family at www.curryfuneral.com.

Angela Lewis

Angela Lewis, 56, died Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Jackson Madison County General Hospital Funeral services are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Curry Funeral Home.

We are privileged and honored to serve the Lewis family. You may share your condolences and your memories with the family at www.curryfuneral.com.