JOHNNY LEE ANGEL SR.
Johnny Angel Sr., 75, was born in Curry, on May 21, 1950, as the 3rd child to Lee and Ruth Angel and passed at his home on September 27, 2025. The family received friends on Oct. 2, 2025, at Munford Funeral Home – Munford Chapel. The interment was held Oct. 4, at Blackburn Cemetery in Pikeville.
KELLY BOYKIN
Kelly Boykin, 65, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025. The family received friends on Oct. 2, at Millington Chapel. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will remember her for the love she gave so freely and the memories she helped create.
THOMAS E. BRUNER SR.
MGYSGT. Thomas E. Bruner Sr., son of the late Charles David Bruner, Jr. and Rhoda Henrietta Elam was born on March 26,1938 in Owensboro, Ky. He graduated from Owensboro High School in 1956. MGYSGT. Bruner Sr. served in the United States Marine Corps for 27 and a half years. He was a Vietnam Veteran (served in Vietnam from August 1967 to August 1968). He garnered the National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal with Two Stars. He was a Combat Air Crew with 3 Stars. He received the Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Stars. He also received the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation Gallantry Cross. He died peacefully on September 25, 2025, at the Tennessee State Veterans Home, Humboldt, TN. He was married to the late JoAnn Runyon. He is survived by his three children, Thomas E. Bruner Jr., David Lee Bruner and Sandra Morton and his Half-brother Arch Hamilton. A memorial service will be held Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. at the Northridge Woodhaven Funeral Home, located at 6755 Highway 51 North in Millington.
ASHLEY NICOLE CAMPBELL
Ashley Nicole Campbell, 40, of Munford gained her angel wings at 1:11am on September 26, 2025 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis. Funeral services were held Oct. 6 at the Covington Funeral Home chapel with interment in Morrison’s Memorial Cemetery in Brighton. The family received friends prior to the service at the Covington Funeral Home.
EMMA STAGGS CASTLEBERRY
Emma Staggs Castleberry, 91, passed away on September 24, 2025, at Haywood Post Acute Facility of Alzheimer’s Disease. The family held a graveside service on Oct. 8, at Helen Crigger Cemetery.
SHELIA JEAN CHAMBERS
Shelia Jean Chambers, 67, of Millington, passed away on September 26, 2025 at Methodist Hospital North. There wwill be a viewing for Mrs. Chambers on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10-10:55 a.m. with funeral to begin at 11, at Life Church, 255 N. Highland Street, in Memphis. Interment will take place at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13 at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis Jefferson Mortuary, Inc has charge.
WILLIAM CURLIN
William Curlin, 59, went to be in the arms of Jesus on September 25, 2025. Service was held Sept. 29 at Munford Funeral Home-Munford Chapel in Munford. Interment was held in Helen Crigger Cemetery in Munford.
WAYNE ALFRED EWING
Wayne Alfred Ewing, 90, of Millington, passed away peacefully at home on September 27, 2025, just one day after his 90th birthday. Born on September 26, 1935, in Lucy, Wayne was the beloved son of Alfred Albert Ewing and Nellie Mae Owen. Wayne spent his early years in Lucy, attending Lucy Elementary and later attended Millington Central High School. As a young man, he worked alongside his father and brother, helping to manage the family’s Ewing farm. These formative years instilled in Wayne a deep appreciation for hard work and family values. Wayne started a family with his loving wife and children. He served with pride in the Army National Guard for four years. Wayne went on to work for 26 years and retired with Shelby County Road Department and later went back to work and retired a second time after 12 years of service as a bus driver with Shelby County Schools. His dedication and work ethic were evident in every role he took. Wayne’s love for family extended beyond the home. He cherished time spent at the family vacation home in FairField Bay, Arkansas, where he loved the mountains and Greer’s Ferry Lake, which brought him endless joy. He was always eager to include friends and family in these adventures, whether it meant a boat ride, a day of fishing, or showing them the beautiful sites. Growing up, Wayne found happiness in simple pleasures—entertaining family and his kid’s friends, tending to the yard, and keeping the pool sparkling clean. Sometimes quiet and a man of few words, Wayne’s softer side showed through to those who knew him well. When he was happy, he was known to hum a tune, and every now and then surprise us with a quick dance or a burst of his signature dry humor, leaving everyone laughing until their sides hurt. Wayne was known for making everyone feel welcomed and valued no matter what they were going through. Wayne loved to give friends of the family special nicknames with a unique twist. That made them feel a part of the family. He always had his candy bar stash ready for the friends after school and some would race dad to see who could get to them first. Wayne’s reliability and compassion touched many lives. He was the first to visit when someone was ill and made a point to attend every family or friend’s funeral, offering comfort and support to those in need. His presence was a testament to how deeply he cared for those around him. All of his grandchildren and great grandchildren were a wide age range, but they all knew he was always there for them and to some their father figure. They absolutely loved and adored their Poppy/Pops and cherished the fun memories they had together. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Nellie Ewing; two brothers, Ray Ewing and Gene Ewing; two sisters, Annette Ewing and Joy Hendren; his daughter, Pam Ewing, and his granddaughter Destiny Ewing. He is survived by his son Jerry Ewing (Barbara); daughter Angel Collins (Duane); grandchildren, Jaimie Flynn (Dustin), Josh Ewing (Samantha), the late Destiny Ewing, and Bella Walker; and six great-grandchildren, Alysson, Jace, Isaiah, Easton, Elise, and Elijah. A visitation was held on Oct. 3, followed by the celebration of life service at Covington Funeral Home. Interment with military honors followed at Big Creek Cemetery in Millington.
BEVERLY JEAN MATLOCK
Beverly Jean Matlock, 77, of Munford, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of her lifelong friend, Paulette Caldwell. Munford Funeral Home had charge.
DeWITT ‘POPS’ O’BRIEN
DeWitt “Pops” O’Brien, born July 14th 1941 passed from this life on September 26 2025 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Henry and Mary Louisa (Bryant) O’Brien, brother, George Wesley Howard, sister, Betty Lou O’Brien, granddaughters, Savannah Grace & Katherine Mae Palmer.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Sharon O’Brien; son, Daniel (Sara) O’Brien, daughter, Daphne (Justin) Palmer; grandchildren Haleigh O’Brien, Wesley, O’Brien, Blaine Palmer, Elizabeth Tate Palmer, & Charlotte Palmer; sister, Mary Jo (Mike) George, and an abundance of nieces and nephews. A graduate from Humes High School class of ’61, DeWitt enlisted in the Navy in 1961. He went on to serve during the Vietnam War. DeWitt and Sharon married in 1974, and he instantly inherited a large family that he adored visiting and grew very close to. He retired from Memphis Plywood in 2002. Pops was adored by all that met him and never passed up a chance to give a pretty lady a hug. He was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church and loved his church family. They were all used to seeing Pops in his signature hat and blazer. While he was healthy, he enjoyed riding a motorcycle, loved camping & waterskiing, and working in the yard with Sharon. He and Sharon traveled as often as they could, especially to visit family. His family would tell you that once Pops met someone, they became family. If you had the opportunity to meet Pops you left feeling better about yourself. Funeral service was held Oct. 2 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Memphis.
RUTH ANN OLSON
Ruth Ann Olson, 91, of Millington, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025. A retired pastry cook for Shelby County Schools, Ruth Ann was known for her love of baking and her generous spirit, often preparing meals for family gatherings and church events. Services were held Oct. 1 at Munford Funeral Home-Millington Chapel in Millington. Interment was held in Northridge Woodhaven in Millington. Her legacy of kindness, culinary talent, and community service will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew her.
ROBERT EUGENE PAINE
Robert Eugene Paine, affectionately known as “Cracker”, died peacefully at the age of 79 surrounded by his family and loved ones on September 26, 2025. Born on October 30th, 1945 in Tipton County to Robert Bruce and Mary Drucilla Paine. Robert’s life was one of work and dedication. He proudly served our country in the US Marine Corps for four years acquiring the Vietnam Service Medal and earning the rank of Corporal. After a honorable discharge he served more than three decades for the railroad starting out as a brakeman and retiring as a conductor. Growing up with a love for hunting and fishing, he finally caught his trophy when he married his love, Freida. All of his medals and achievements didn’t compare to the pride he had for his two sons, Jody and Gene Paine and the lives they built with their loved ones, Lisa and Judy. He spent his time chasing the two of them from rodeo circuits to the ball fields. Together his sons blessed him with five granddaughters, with whom he shared his love of fishing at Enid Lake. Robert and Freida spent their time on the lake or at the lanes until Freida passed away in December of 2022. Robert is preceded in death by his loving wife Freida Paine. Siblings Joan Paine, Gordon Paine, Emmet Paine, Ricky Paine, and Mary Jane Haley. He is succeeded by his children Jody (Lisa) and Gene (Judy) Paine; and his granddaughters, Katie (Connor) Osterloh, Malorie Paine, Carlie Paine, Hallie Paine, and Lexie Paine. He is also survived by his siblings Elsie Clay, Emily Sue Paine-Gibbons, Lee Meeks. Visitation was held at Munford Funeral Home, on Sept. 30. The funeral service followed. May Robert forever bowl on the golden lanes and reel in his prized fish on the holy lakes with Jesus, Amen. In Lieu of flowers, you may donate to Youthvillages.org in memory to Robert E. Paine or any charity of your choice.
ANGELA SCHUMPERT
Angela Schumpert, 62, of Millington, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025. A dedicated bookkeeper for Daitaas, Family and friends were invited to gather in remembrance on Oct. 6, at Millington Chapel, followed by a memorial service. In honor of Angela’s life and legacy, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, under her name.
