W J Poss

Mr. W J Poss age 83 of Smithville, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday morning, April 18, 2026, at his residence.  He was born September 5, 1942, to his parents, the late James Elmer and Mary Pauline Hendrixson Poss.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Mildred “Bill” Poss and son, Jerry.  A man of few words, he was devoted to God and was a faithful member of the Bright Hill Church.  Since early childhood, he has been attending and supporting his home church.  He served faithfully as a true church leader, serving as Adult Sunday School teacher, Trustee, Lay Leader, Pastor Parrish Committee.  He was a pillar in Bright Hill Church.  From keeping the maintenance up on the facilities or arranging someone to complete whatever needed to be done, he oversaw the building of the fellowship hall.  WJ was a man who would do for anyone and did for so many.  He loved his family and friends with loyalty, generosity and kindness.  He was in the clothing business for over 40 years.  While he was a businessman, manager and partner, he also worked hands on with everyone he employed.  After the closure and sale of the Sutton building in Sparta, he continued being partners with longtime friends Harold Evans and George Savage, owning and leasing warehouses in a number of locations before eventually selling them.  While managing the operations and overseeing leases on warehouses, he developed a business in sales and rental of concrete designs and supplies for residential and commercial properties.  After his primary work was done, he looked forward to the ability to farm and garden toward the end of his workdays.  He started out with minimal acreage on Bright Hill, building a new home for his family; he began raising feeder pigs and tobacco.  Later he purchased adjoining small tracts of land to build pasture grounds and a cattle herd along with gardening was what he most enjoyed.  WJ served for many years on the Whorton Springs Cemetery board and volunteered his time to help with the cemetery fundraising and maintenance.  He is survived by three children, Jimmy (JJ) Poss, John (Lori) Poss both of Smithville, Dana (Travis) Franklin of Murfreesboro; five grandchildren, Corey (Erin) Poss, Bethany (Joey) Moon, Whitney (Cameron) Lester, Lane (Madison) Poss and Tanner (Lexi) Poss; two step-grandchildren, Trapper and Marion Franklin; four great-grandchildren, Laney and Sutton Poss, Oakleigh Lester and Huntlee Poss; sister, Geraldine Fuson of Smithville; two brothers, Jimmy (Joyce) Poss and Bobby (Judy) Poss both of Smithville; sisters-in-law, Sue Banker and Dean Johnson; several nieces and nephews that he loved greatly.  Funeral services honoring his life will be held 4 PM Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Mark Savage and Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial will follow in Whorton Springs Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, 11 AM until the time of the service at 4 PM.  In addition to flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Whorton Springs Cemetery or the Bright Hill Church.  The family would like to express their gratitude to the caregivers, Dean Johnson, Janet Greer, Janice Fish, Tanna Harris and Kevin Aguirre; Suncrest Home Health and Gentiva Hospice for the love, care and support shown to WJ during his sickness.  The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way, Psalm 37:23.  DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Poss family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of W J Poss, please visit our floral store.