Obituaries
Death of Terry L. Simpson
Terry L. Simpson, 61 of Gillespie, passed away on May 28, 2023, in Montgomery, Alabama, while on vacation with his wife, Denise. He and his twin brother were gifted in birth on September 23, 1961, in Waverly, Tennessee to Truman and Frances Lampley Simpson and was preceded in death by them as well as their biological mother, Imogene Thomas Etheridge.
Terry attended grade school at Glenview Elementary School in Nashville, Tennessee until age 10, then moved to McEwen, Tennessee and attended McEwen Grade School, and graduated from McEwen High School. After high school, Terry attended Nashville Technical Institute where he received his Associate’s Degree in Chemical Engineering and attended Auburn University for a year and a half before joining the Air Force.
Terry was a proud veteran of the Air Force having served our country for 10 years. After his military service, he went on to work as a Land Surveyor with Coleman and Associates in Lexington, Tennessee, as well as at Walmart in Lexington, Tennessee and Carlinville. Terry was a member of the Church of Christ of McEwen, Tennessee, First Baptist Church, and Sand Ridge Baptist Church of Lexington, Tennessee.
He was an avid Auburn fan and enjoyed attending Gillespie Miners’ sporting events. He also enjoyed golfing, playing Xbox, and fishing with his children. He was a huge Star Trek fan, and he was interested in researching his genealogy, paranormal investigations, antiquing, and going to flea markets with his wife.
Terry is survived by his wife of 34 years, Denise; his children, Opal (Chris) Azbill and Matthew (Amber Kreitzer) Simpson of Lexington, Tennessee, Nick (Miranda) Simpson of Parsons, Tennessee, and Erik (Shae) Simpson of Gillespie; 12 grandchildren, Daniel Rey, Jordan Lee, Ryan James, Skyler Brenda, Alayna Star, Alice Nicole, October Lilith, Caston James, Cambria Alice, Coheed Alexander, Darren Liam, and Madison Grace; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roger and Ona Agee; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jeremy Agee and Marissa Hair. He is also survived by his three brothers, Jeff (Joyce) Thomas, James (LaDonna) Thomas, and his twin Jerry Simpson; four sisters, Donna Martin, Gina Peck, Melissa (Bo) Herbison, and Debbie Lane; several nieces and nephews; as well as his best friends, Dale and Debbie Lockhart, Lisa Lovejoy and Angel Batista.
A private ceremony was held on June 4th at the home of his son Nicholas (Miranda) Simpson in Parsons, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family or the Gillespie Football Boosters. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Comments
Dustin Carl Hickey, 40 of Staunton, died at St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 3:33 pm. He was born on April 6, 1984, in Litchfield to Patrick H. Hickey and Linda S. (Deck) Bellm.
He was an auto body repairman.
He is survived by his grandmother, Betty Deck; father, Patrick Hickey; mother, Linda Deck Bellm; sons, Calen Reiffer and Hudson Smith; and brothers, Ross Bellm and Carl Bellm.
Dustin was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Carl Deck and Jack Hickey, and grandmother, Eleanor Massey.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Trinity Baptist Church, Gillespie from 4:00 to 6:00 pm with a memorial service to follow at the church at 6:00 pm. Memorials are suggested to wishes of the family.
Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
Comments
Mark McGhee, 38 of Mt. Olive, passed away on September 16 at his home. He was the son of Marcia and Curt McGhee.
He was a graduate of Ranken Tech and the owner of McGhee Heating & Cooling for the last 15 years. He was the best friend of a hot house in summer and cold house in winter. He was a brilliant problem solver. The best days of his life were spent spending time with his sons and close friend, Robert France.
He is survived by his fiancé, Chelsea File and two sons, Owen and Hudson McGhee of Mt. Olive; son, Zack Fox, and his mother, Kristen Fox, of Troy; father and stepmother, Curt and Connie; brother and stepsister, Chris and Crystal McGhee of Monroe, LA; and loving pet, Scooter.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Methodist Church of Mt. Olive from 9:00 am until 10:00 am with a memorial service following at the church at 10:00 am. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Comments
Orville E. Smith, 89 of Carlinville, passed away Tuesday morning, September 17, 2024, at Hillsboro Rehabilitation and Health Care in Hillsboro. Orville was born on December 16, 1934, in Carlinville a son of Leonard and Helen Parnell Smith.
He married Shirley Ann Little on June 13, 1954, in Carlinville. Orville was a welder at Laclede Steel in Alton for 35 years retiring in 1981. He was also an active member in the local union. In his spare time, you could find Orville either playing his guitar around the house or working on gas engines and lawnmowers in his garage which he really enjoyed.
Orville is survived by his son, Randy Smith of Virden; son, Curtis Smith of Carlinville; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Orville was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley Ann Smith; brother, Frankie Smith; and sister, Mary Dingus.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Prairie Lawn Cemetery. He will be laid to rest next to his wife, Shirley. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
