The freshly decorated grave of Hal Wantland one of Maury Countys' finest
citizens is shown here.
Mr. Howell Wantland, 89, a long time resident of Fourth Avenue in Columbia passed away Sunday January 8, 2006 at Maury Regional Hospital.Funeral services for Mr. Wantland will be conducted Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Williams Funeral Home in Columbia with Reverend Elmer Crosby officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Monday from 4:00 until 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Mr Wantland was born in Maury County, he was the son of the late Howell Columbus and Effie Smith Wantland and the widower of Grace Lee Turner Wantland. Mr. & Mrs. Wantland were happily married for sixty years. He retired from L & N Railroad as a Fireman & Engineer where he spent 37 years. After his retirement, he worked part time for Akins Grocery and for Piggly Wiggly Grocery in the Northway Shopping Center until he was 85 years of age.
He was a graduate of Columbia Central High School where he was a captain of the football team. He was a sports enthusiast and greatly enjoyed his children and grandchildren.
He was a long time member of First Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon and he was a charter member of West End Baptist Church. He held several offices (local & state) in the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, including State Councilor.
He is survived by his children Donna W. (Willis) Jones of Williamsport, TN, Betty Ann (Dr. John) Dixon of Murfreesboro, TN, Debra W. (Steve) Harris of Columbia, TN, Howell Smith (Joan) Wantland of Knoxville, TN, William Newton (Mary) Wantland of Columbia, TN; grandchildren, Willis Edgar (Kim) Jones of Brentwood, TN, Madeline W. Long of Nashville, TN, Tracyann (Steve) Benefield and Forrest Lee Wantland (Dr. Dana) Jones both of Murfreesboro, TN, Katherine Carolyn Dixon and John Trent Dixon both of New York City, Rachel W. (Patrick) Thornton of Nashville, TN, Matthew Howell Wantland of Knoxville, TN, Nathan Lee Wantland Harris of Columbia, TN, Bradley Alexander Wantland of Knoxville, TN, Samuel Newton Wantland and Abraham Anderson Wantland both of Columbia, TN, Amanda Lea Wantland of Knoxville, TN; great grandchildren Willis Edgar Jones IV and Jackson Austin Jones both of Brentwood, TN, Blake Warren Benefield, Hunter Lee Jones, Andrew Jones Benefield, Alexander Forrest Jones, Davis Addison Jones all of Murfreesboro, TN; several cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by a son, James Edward Wantland, a brother, Hugh Smith (Mildred) Wantland and an infant sister, Lucille Wantland.
He will be greatly missed by all his children.
Pallbearers will be Ronald Wantland, Thomas Wantland and grandsons.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Senior Mens Sunday School Class of West End Baptist Church, Dr. Gaylon Harris, long time neighbors and friends of Poplar Estates.
Information & photos by Linda (Sharp) Yates, Feb 06
