Funeral services for B.L. Raymond, 89, of Smithville were held Dec. 30 at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Dwight Knowles and Bro. Garry McBride  officiated, with burial following at  DeKalb Memorial Gardens with military honors.
He passed away Dec. 28 at his residence. Mr. Raymond was owner of Raymond and Sons Nursery, a member for 60-plus years at Mt. Hope The Baptist Church, Army 101st Airborne, 907 Glider Field Artillery Battalion, WWII Veteran and fought in the Battle of The Bulge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Watson and Letha Cleo Young Raymond; sister, Judy Raymond,; daughter-in-law, Nell Raymond.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen West Raymond; one son, Earl Raymond of Smithville; two grandchildren, Brian and Kristin Raymond of Lexington, KY, and Adam and Amy Raymond of Smithville; seven great grandchildren, Thomas and Brianna of Lexington, Ky., Aniston and Alexis Raymond, Anna Bullard and Julia Little all of Smithville, Allison and Brent Collier of Cookeville; one great-great grandchild, Sebastian Bullard of Smithville; special family members, Kristy, Ty and Nate Wakefield and Ogden Melton; sister-in-law, JoAnn and Clyde Smithson of McMinnville; brother-in-law, Freddie Pirtle of Woodbury; a host of family, church family and neighbors also survive.
Pallbearers included; Phillip West, Donnie Redmon, Jason Walker, Timmy Adcock, Jewel Martin, Keith Redmon, Thomas Chandler, Dennis Roller and Ricky Young.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, Smithville, was in charge of arrangements.
SMITHVILLE REVIEW
Smithville, TN
January 8, 2014