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Ronald “Big Ron” Stewart
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Published: Jan 3, 2025, 2:47 AM

On Jan. 1, 2025, Ronald “Big Ron” Stewart passed after a short illness surrounded by his family. Ronald was born in McMinnville, on June 7, 1944. He was a member of Gath Baptist Church. He dedicated many years serving the youth of Warren County by umpiring baseball and softball.  He retired from the United States Air Force after serving our country for 20 years and again with the Department of Transportation for the State of Tennessee.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, George Martin and Monteen Stewart and brother Donald Stewart. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sukie Stewart; daughters, Gwen Stewart of McMinnville, Monica (Jeff) Lindquist, of Murfreesboro; son Hobie (Monica) Stewart of McMinnville; six grandchildren, Dustin (Crystal) Lee, Bubba (Bre) Lee, Hagen Stewart, Kalia Stewart, all of McMinnville, Collin Lindquist, and Parker Lindquist, of Murfreesboro, and seven great grandchildren.  He was also survived by niece, Natalie Stewart of McMinnville; extended family, Wayne, Carolyn and Juanita Mitchell and many cousins.

His family wants to say a special thank you to the employees of the Alvin C. York Veteran Affairs in Murfreesboro and the staff of Gentiva Hospice, for taking such wonderful care of him during this time. Ronald spent many hours volunteering at the VA as an ambassador upon his retirement from the state of Tennessee.

Funeral service for Mr. Ronald Stewart is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 in the McMinnville Funeral Home Chapel. Bro. Ray Gilder will officiate. Interment will follow at Gath Cemetery. Military grave rites will be administered by V.F.W. Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173. Visitation with the Stewart family will be held on Friday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m.

McMinnville Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Southern Standard

(McMinnville, Tenn.) Jan. 3, 2025
Martha Raye Watson, 71
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Published: Apr 7, 2025, 1:49 AM

McMinnville resident and Coffee County native Martha Raye Watson, age 71, was born Jan. 17, 1954 and died April 2, 2025 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro following an extended illness.

A retired caregiver and member of the Church of Christ, she was the daughter of the late Willie and Ethel St. John Crouch. Mrs. Watson was married December 29, 1970 to Fred B. Watson, Jr. who preceded her in death. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, Donna McCormick, Richard Crouch and Ruth Rogers.

She is survived by sons, Fred B. Watson, III and David A. Watson (Sydney Brown) both of McMinnville; daughter, Tonia L. (Carlos) Copley of McMinnville; seventeen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; sister, Ann McCormick of the Smartt Station community and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service and interment will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Warren County with Wayne Cantrell to officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at High’s.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.