Billie Rigsby Gannon

Billie Rigsby Gannon, 80, of Woodbury, TN, died on August 17, 2013 surrounded by family. She was a member of Elkins Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Carmon Brown Gannon and five children:  Barry and wife, Gayla (Parker) Gannon; Tim and wife, Kathy (Thomas) Gannon; Debbie and husband, Mack Melton; Mark and wife, Kathy (Coleman) Gannon; and Connie and husband, Ronnie Foster. She is survived by her grandchildren, Jeremy and wife, Jana Gannon, Jamie and husband, Jonathan Oliver, Jordan Gannon, Carly Gannon, Jesse and wife, April Melton, Mandy and husband, Kyle Gay, Michael Kimbro, Marcus Gannon, Jacob and wife, Michelle Smithson, Emily and husband, Charles Haynes, and Anna Foster Rowland, and great-grandchildren, Makenzi Oliver, Zoe Oliver, Jack Oliver, Amelia Gay, Riley Melton, and Madden Haynes. She is survived by one brother, Jimmy and wife, Virginia Rigsby, and two sister-in-laws, Jean Rigsby and Geraldine Rigsby.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Geraldine Rigsby and Clarence Rigsby, brothers, Jack Rigsby, Edwin Rigsby, TJ and wife, Betty Rigsby, and Junior Rigsby and sisters, Jean and husband, Thurman Gannon, and Georgie Rigsby, and one grandchild, Amelia Grace Gannon.

Billie worked at National Life and Accident Insurance Agency prior to leaving the workforce during her children’s preschool years. She worked for the Department of Human Services prior to her retirement. Billie was well known for her cooking, including such specialties as jam cake, homemade doughnuts, and potato salad. Over the years, she enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, sewing, game shows, taking long walks, and helping raise her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was addressed as “Grandma” or “granny” not only by her family, but by the many children outside the family unit who loved and respected her. Billie’s heart was filled with love and devotion for her family and friends.

Funeral services will be 2 pm Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at Elkins Church of Christ.  Burial will follow in the Elkins Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Monday  and Tuesday from 12 noon until 1 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cannon Reads or Lincoln’s Place Playground Fund.  Joey Ferrell, Earl Sutton and Jim Blankenship will be officiating.