CHS Class of 1956

The CHS Class of 1956 graduated 48 students.

Mary Lou Abbott, Charmian Arnold, Samuel Bailey, Monte Bayless, Jimmy Blankenship - President, Travis Elhu Bridges, Winfred Ray Capilinger, Danny Cole, Ruth Cole, Margurite J. Crawford, Charles Cunningham, Billy Edwards, Christine Elkins, Raybourne Forrest, Nina Grooms, Virginia Grooms, Joe Harris, Peggy Holder, Maurice House, Billy Howe, Brooxie Jordan, Martha Kee, Wanza King, Bette Lankford, Buddy McMackins, Cora Helen McMackins, Billy Mebane, Maurice Myers, Carolyn Neal, Eugene Noles, Johnny Oxford, Steve Parker, Jean Phipps, Hazel Rogers, Patsy Simmons, Patsy Smith, Pete Smith, Sherry Smith - Secretary/Treasurer, Larry Spencer, Jo Ann Tucker, Elbern Turner, Hillman Walker, Peggy Watson (Transfer Student), Elizabeth Webb - Reporter, Bobby White, Mary Sue White, Byron Wilson - Vice-President, Norma Wright

Mary Lou Abbott

Charmian Arnold
February 6, 1938 - April 19, 2010

BRUCETON: Charmian Arnold Wright, 72, died Monday, April 19, 2010 at Jackson Madison County General Hospital. Funeral services are Thursday, April 22, 1 p.m. at Bruceton First United Methodist Church with Bro. Steve Whitworth officiating. Burial will follow in New Prospect Cemetery near Hollow Rock.

Mrs. Wright was born February 6, 1938 in Plant, Tennessee to the late John Price Arnold and Lucille Cantrell Arnold. She was a bookkeeper for S&A Air of Camden, member of Bruceton First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and Bruceton Order of Eastern Star Adah Chapter #314. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Lewis Wright, Jr.

Survivors include: one daughter, Debbie W. Taylor of Bruceton; one sister, Sandra Shaw of Tupelo, Mississippi; one brother, Joel (Katie) Arnold of Bruceton; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Samuel Bailey
April 19, 1938 - November 13, 2019

Mr. Sam Bailey, 81, of Huntingdon, Tennessee passed away Wednesday November 13, 2019 at Vanderbilt Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00AM Tuesday November 19, 2019 in the Chapel of Dilday-Carter Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Carroll Memorial Gardens. Brother Dan Winkler and Brother Tim Parish officiating.

Mr. Bailey was born April 19, 1938 to the late Fred Bailey and Eva Estelle Spoon Bailey. He was a retired Maintenance Supervisor at DuPont; member of the Huntingdon Church of Christ; National Guard for 25 plus years; preceded in death by his son Jerry Bailey and sister Betty Cole.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Sue Bailey of Huntingdon, Tennessee; daughter Melissa (Matt) Swinea of McKenzie, Tennessee; sister Shirley Ragsdale of Raleigh, North Carolina; three grandchildren Evan Bailey, Alex Bailey and Ashlyn Swinea.

The family will receive friends at Dilday-Carter Funeral Home on Monday from 5:00PM until 8:00PM and on Tuesday from 10:00AM until time of services.

Dilday-Carter Funeral Home in charge of arrangements 731-986-8281. [Source: Dilday-Carter Funeral Home]

Monte Bayless

Jimmy Blankenship
President

Travis Bridges
October 25 - 1938 - December 28, 1999

TRAVIS ELIHU BRIDGES 1938 - 1999 Travis Elihu Bridges, 61, of Bruceton, died Tuesday, December, 28, at Baptist Memorial Hospital Huntingdon. Services were held at 2 p.m.,Thursday, December 30, at Bruceton Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. James Daniel officiated. Burial followed in Spellings Cemetery in Buena Vista. Pallbearers who served were Clarence Noles, Donald Noles, James Ray Sanders, Hillard Collins, Gaylon Lowe and Tom Pekarchick.

Mr. Bridges, the son of the late Graden and Genettie Holladay Bridges, was born on October 25, 1938, in Hollow Rock. He was a retired casthouse employee for Consolidated Aluminum and an Air Force Veteran. He is survived by is wife, Wilmuth B. Bridges; two daughters, Karen Lane of Bruceton and Benita Lee of Hollow Rock; a son, Michael Bond of Nashville; a sister, Gracie Allen of Hollow Rock; a brother, Charles Bridges of Tampa, Florida; and two grandchildren, Kathryn Lane and Ethan Lee

Winfred Caplinger
December 15, 1938 - September 7, 1998

WINFRED RAY CAPLINGER 1938 - 1998 Winfred Ray Caplinger, 59, formerly of Bruceton, died Monday, September 7, at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 9, at Bruceton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Liberty Cemetery near Camden. Pallbearers who served were Andy Baker, Barry Bennet, Johnny Arnold, Alfred Arnold, Howard Whyte and Bradley Whyte. Honorary pallbearers were Bernard Ray Arnold and Howard Wright.

Mr. Caplinger was born December 15, 1938, in Bruceton. He was the son of Estelle Pierce Caplinger of Bruceton, and the late James Calvin Caplinger. He was a retired personnel supervisor for Army Corps of Engineers, a member of Liberty United Methodist Church, and a Veteran. He was also preceded in death by a brother, James Terrell Caplinger. Besides his mother, he is also survived by a nephew, Michael Caplinger of Benton, Kentucky.

Danny Cole
November 10, 1937 - November 16, 1986

DANIEL RAYMOND "Danny" COLE

Services for Daniel Raymond "Danny" Cole, 49 of Bruceton, were at 3 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church with Rev. Hillman Walker and the REv. Leon Edwards officiating. Burial was in Prospect Cemetery in Hollow Rock.

Mr. Cole a retired clerk with Seaboard Railroad, died Sunday afternoon at Baptist Hospital in Memphis after a long illness.

A Carroll County native he served in the Air Force for four years. He was a Baptist.

Surviving are two sons, Joey Cole and Kenny Cole, both of Anchorage, Alaska; his mother and stepfather, Martha and William A. Grubbs of Bruceton; two sisters, Jo Ann Lusk and Carolyn Young, both of Bruceton; and four brothers, Sammie Cole of Bruceton, Jerry Cole of Camden, Ronald Cole of Coldwter, Miss., and Al Cole of Jerrell, Texas.

Bruceton Funeral Home was in charge.

Ruth Cole

Margurite J. Crawford

Charles Cunningham

Billy Joe Edwards
October 9, 1938 - August 19, 2011

Billy Joe Edwards, 72, of Hollow Rock, passed away on Friday, Aug. 19, at his home.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at Bruceton Funeral Home with Bra James S. Daniel officiating. Burial followed at Prospect Cemetery. Pallbearers who served were Monte Bayless, Steve Parker, Sam Bailey, Charles Cunningham, Joey Hedge, and Kevin Stepp. Honorary pallbearers were Billy Howe, Larry Spencer, Bobby John White, Byron Wilson, James Abbott, Kevin Abbott, and Daniel Abbott.

Mr. Edwards was born on Oct. 9, 1938, in Hollow Rock, to the late James Lester Edwards and Ennie Lee Holladay Edwards. He was a retired pot room employee for Consolidated Aluminum, a member of Prospect Baptist Church, and an Army Veteran with 82nd Airborne. He is survived by a very special friend and caregiver, Peggy Hedge, and her children, who were very special to him, Angelina and Joey Hedge; an aunt, Carmel Hawkins; and several cousins.

Christine Elkins

Raybourne Forrest

Nina Grooms

Virginia Grooms
May, 1937 - February 10, 2009

VIRGINIA (GINNY) PRUITT
1937 - 2009
CROWN POINT, INDIANA: Virginia N. (Ginny) Pruitt, 71, died Tuesday, February 10, at her home. Funeral services were Saturday, February 14, at 11:30 a.m. At Chase Funeral Home with Bro. Scott Pruitt officiating. Burial followed in Hebron Cemetery.

Mrs. Pruitt was born May 1, 1937 in Carroll County to the late Winford George Grooms and Era Mai (Noles) Grooms. She retired from Cardinal Health Care and was a member of Lake Hills Baptist Church and a former member of Crossroads Baptist Church. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Joe Neil Grooms; and one sister, Diane Lowe.

Survivors include: her husband, Landis Pruitt; two sons, Scott (Denise) Pruitt and Glenn Pruitt; three brothers: Bill (Janet) Grooms, Bob (Wilma) Grooms, and Donald (Vivian) Grooms; three sisters: Linda Hutcherson, Becky (Gary) Hedge, and Lori (Davis) Rash; six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Warren Joe Harris
Died October 18, 2015 in Granada Hills, CA
Body was cremated.
Information provided by his brother Robert G. Harris, CHS class of 1958.

Peggy Holder

Maurice House

Billy Howe

Brooxie Jordan

Martha Kee

Wanza King

Betty Lankford

Helen McMackin

Buddy McMackins
June 21, 1939 - December 3, 2001

Buddy Franklin McMackins, HOLLOW ROCK Funeral services for Buddy Franklin McMackins, 62, will be held at 2:00 PM Today at Prospect Church in Hollow Rock with Rev. James Daniel & Rev. Jimmy Allison officiating. Burial will follow in Prospect Cemetery in Hollow Rock, TN. Mr. McMackins, a retired coach and superintendent of Hollow Rock-Bruceton Special School District died December 3, 2001 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon of heart disease.

He was born on June 21, 1939 in Carroll County to the late Russell and Jurrah McMackins. He was a member of Prospect Baptist Church and Bruceton Lions Club.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Jean McMackins of Hollow Rock, TN; a daughter, Debbie Bryant of Hollow Rock, TN; three sons, Mike McMackins of Buena Vista, TN, Bob McMackins of Seynour, Indiana and Mark McMackins of Hollow Rock, TN; a sister, Ina Belle Williams of Buena Vista, TN; a brother, Gene Robert McMackins of Bruceton, TN and six grandchildren, Nick Bryant, Jacob McMackins, Micah McMackins, Clay McMackins, Cole McMackins and Steven McMackins.

Bruceton Funeral Home 731-586-2512 As reported in The Jackson Sun: 12/05/2001

Billy Mebane
May 19, 1938 - June 26, 1976

The body of a 38-year-old Buena Vista man was found Saturday lying beside his car on a gravel road near here, the Carroll County sheriff's office said. A spokesman said Billy Mebane, an agent operator for the L & N Railroad, had apparently been dead for several days. He said there was no evidence of foul play, and the body was sent to Memphis for an autopsy.

Services were Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Bruceton Baptist Church in Bruceton with burial in Prospect Cemetery in Hollow Rock. Bruceton Funeral Home has charge. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Phyllis Mebane; two sons, Jeff Mebane and Brett Mebane; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Mebane, and a brother, Dwayne Mebane, all of Buena Vista.

Maurice Myers

Carolyn Neal

James Eugene Noles
February 22, 1937 - February 2, 2019

Mr. James E. Noles, age 81, of Pegram went to be with his heavenly father Saturday, February 2, 2019. He was born February 22, 1937 in Buena Vista, TN to the late James and Gertie Noles. James is also preceded in death by his siblings, Edward Noles, Danny Noles and Wilma Kilmon.

James never met a stranger and is remembered as a fun loving, all out, good guy. He loved the Lord with all his might and is sitting, safely at the feet of Jesus. James enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time on the water. He loved working in the garden and his family remembers him as being a huge Tennessee Vols fan. James was drafted into the US Army as a young man and served his country with honor. He worked for over 38 years at the Ford Glass Plant. Starting in maintenance and working his way up to a supervisor position. He was proud to be a Mason at the West Nashville/Bellevue Lodge 716 and was also a Shriner.

James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Noles; son, James “Jimmy” Noles; daughter, Kimberly Noles, grandchildren, Logan, Ryan, Lainey and Katie Noles; and sister, Judy and John Czachowski.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 8 pm Wednesday, February 6th and from 10:30 – 11:30 am Thursday, February 7th at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home. A life celebration service will be held at 11:30 am Thursday at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home with Brother Leon Edwards and Brother Adam Pace officiating. Interment will follow in the garden of Sermon on the Mount at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens. [Source: Harpeth Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Center]

Johnny Oxford

John David Oxford
September 29, 1938 - July 7, 2016

Mr. John David Oxford, age 77 of Camden, TN passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at his residence. Mr. Oxford was born on September 29, 1938 in Benton County to the late Sam Oxford and Iva Smothers Oxford. He was also preceded in death by a sister-in-law; JoAnn Parker Oxford.

Mr. Oxford was a retired Major in the 109th National Guard Armory, and retired from DuPont. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and member of the Magic Valley Golf Club.

Survived by:
Wife: Peggy Watson Oxford of Camden, TN
Daughters: Bethany Curtis of Jackson, TN
Jennifer (Bart) Skelton of Fairview, TN
Brother: Ed Oxford of Brentwood, TN
Grandchildren: Marley Cade Skelton, Elijah John Kirk Skelton, Savannah Grace Skelton, Rylan Bart Skelton of Fairview, TN [Source: Plunk Funeral Home]

Johnny Oxford

John David Oxford
September 29, 1938 - July 7, 2016

Mr. John David Oxford, age 77 of Camden, TN passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at his residence. Mr. Oxford was born on September 29, 1938 in Benton County to the late Sam Oxford and Iva Smothers Oxford. He was also preceded in death by a sister-in-law; JoAnn Parker Oxford.

Mr. Oxford was a retired Major in the 109th National Guard Armory, and retired from DuPont. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and member of the Magic Valley Golf Club.

Survived by:
Wife: Peggy Watson Oxford of Camden, TN
Daughters: Bethany Curtis of Jackson, TN
Jennifer (Bart) Skelton of Fairview, TN
Brother: Ed Oxford of Brentwood, TN
Grandchildren: Marley Cade Skelton, Elijah John Kirk Skelton, Savannah Grace Skelton, Rylan Bart Skelton of Fairview, TN [Source: Plunk Funeral Home]

Steve Parker

Jean Phipps

Hazel Rogers

Patsy Simmons

Patsy Smith

Pete Smith

Sherry Smith
Secretary/Treasurer

Larry Spencer

Jo Ann Tucker

Henry E. Turner
1937-2020

Henry Elbern Turner, 82, of Carroll County, passed away Sunday, June 21, at his home in Sevierville. A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date at New Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church in Huntingdon. Dilday-Carter Funeral Home of Huntingdon is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Turner was born August 3, 1937, in Carroll County, to the late Henry L. Turner and Gladys M. Edwards Turner. He graduated from Central High School in Bruceton, where he played the bass horn as a member of the marching band. He also served his country from 1954-1956, with the Tennessee Army National Guard.

Henry went to radio technology school in Atlanta, Ga., but later went to work at Ford Motor Company where he worked for 30 years until his retirement in 1986. Henry moved to Florida to enjoy one of his favorite pastimes of being on the beach. In 2009, Henry’s love of the Smoky Mountains called him back to Tennessee and he moved to Sevierville.

He enjoyed breakfast at McDonalds, the senior center and working out at the local gym. Henry looked forward to his monthly luncheon with his high school classmates in Camden, whenever possible. He worshiped at athways Church in Sevierville.

He always had a fascination for Harley Davidson Motorcycles and owned one for many years. He actually raced in competitions in the Atlanta area during the 60’s and 70’s and won several trophies. He also did some trick riding exhibitions.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son from his marriage to Patsy Bates Turner, who died Oct. 13, 1999, and a grandson, Austin C. Turner, who died of a motorcycle accident in 2013.

He is survived by his son Maury L. (Stephanie) Turner, and grandchildren, Aubrey T. (Jonathan) Franks and Andrew and Aaron Turner, all of Fayetteville, N.C. [Source: Carroll County News-Leader]
County News-Leader]

Hillman Walker
December 16, 1937 - September 3, 2003

Rev. Hillman E. Walker 1938-2003
HOLLOW ROCK: Services for Rev. Hillman E. Walker, 65, were at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 6 at Stockdale-Malin Chapel in Camden with burial in the Crossroads Cemetery. Rev. Walker died on Wednesday in Germantown. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a minister and an entrepreneur.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Webb Walker; two daughters, Tina Walker and Kimberly Walker Crain; four sisters, Faye Holladay, JoAnn Blow, Mozell Jones and Jean Foster and two grandchildren.
[Source: McKenzie Banner]

Peggy Watson

Elizabeth Webb
Reporter

Bobby White

Mr. Robert “Bob” John White Age: 80 Of: New Johnsonville, TN Died: Monday, May 13, 2019 at Baptist Memorial in Huntingdon, TN. Graveside Services: for Mr. White will be held at the First United Methodist Church Cemetery in New Johnsonville on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 11:00 AM with Bro. William Brown officiating. Interment: will follow.

Survivors: Son: Jeff White, Stepson: Donald Hyatt, Brother: Hugh David “Buddy” White, Grandchildren: Brian White, and Jeane Hyatt, 5 Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by: Parents: Hugh Robert, and Pauline (Rowland) White, Wife: Alice Hamlin White, Brother: Charles White, Sister: Becky White Clairday. Arrangements by the Humphreys County Funeral Home

Mary Sue White

Byron Wilson
Vice-President

Norma Wright

The CHS class of 1956 reunion was June 25, 2011. The story was published in the Camden Chronicle on August 4, 2011

Hollow Rock-Bruceton holds 1956 class reunion
The Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central High School Class of 1956 held their 55th reunion on June 25 at Paris Landing State Park Inn. There were 13 classmates and six spouses in attendance. This was the 11th class reunion that we have had. We had a table set up for school day pictures, other snapshots and group pictures of our previous reunions and get-togethers. Maurice Myers, who was unable to attend, sent pictures of him and his wife.

Another table was set up to honor the memory of our de-ceased classmates. Our class has lost eight classmates since graduation. We displayed their graduation picture and had a list with their name, date of birth and date of their death. A vase of beautiful red roses (class flower) was the centerpiece for the table and a large candle was lit to honor their memory. Our deceased members are Billy Mebane(1976), Danny Cole (1986), Winfred Caplinger (1998), Travis Bridges (1999), Buddy McMackins (2001), Hillman Walker (2003), Virginia (Grooms) Pruitt (2009), and Charmian (Arnold) Wright (2010). There is a void at our reunions without these classmates.

After a delicious buffet meal provided by Paris Landing Inn, we returned to our Conference Room to continue the evening’s activities. Bette (Lankford) McKelvy had a game for us to play that was a hit with everyone. There was a lot of laughter going on while playing the game. She had written a story using the words left and right. Every time either word right or left was used, you had to pass a gag gift in that direction. You would be surprised how many people were confused about going right or left. A few people ended up with more than one gift. This was a great game. Sandra Wilson won the door prize, which was a dozen red roses that was used as a center-piece.

Those attending were: Sam Bailey (Sue), Huntingdon; Mary Sue (White) Boulton, Greenfield; Charles and Sheny (Smith) Cunningham, Camden; Raybourne Forrest (Betty), Springville; Billy Howe (Betsy), Bruceton; Bette (Lankford) McKelvy, Buena Vis-ta; Martha (Kee) Miller( Jimmy), Huntingdon; Eugene and Carolyn (Neal) Noles, Pegram; Wade (Pete) Smith (Virginia), Hunting-don; Nina (Grooms) Smiths of Old Hickory; and Byron Wilson (Sandra), Bruceton.

Five classmates that had planned to attend were unable to do so for various reasons. They were Ruth (Cole) Gamblin, Peggy (Holder) Love, Jo Ann (Tucker) Kirby, Henry Turner, and Bobby John White

Classmates, remember that we meet the fourth Saturday of the month at noon at Country and Western in Camden.

Standing: Billy Howe, Byron Wilson, Sam Bailey, Eugene Noles, Wate (Pete) Smith, Charles Cunningham, and Raybourne Forrest

Sitting: Nina (Grooms) Smithson, Martha (Kee) Miller, Carolyn (Neal) Noles, Bette (Lankford) McKelvy, Sherry (Smith) Cunningham, and Mary Sue (White) Boulton