James Russell Poppy Widener

James Russell "Poppy" Widener, age 83, of 714 Greer Branch Road, Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee went home to be with the Lord October 08, 2003 following an extended illness. He was born December 05, 1919 to the late Bishop and Lela Leffman Widener of Laurel Bloomery. James was a member and Deacon of State Line Baptist Church and a World War II Veteran having served in the United States Army. James was preceded in death by his daughter Margaret 'Peggy' Widener and one brother Estel Widener. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marie Kilby Widener, two daughters; Jean Gentry and husband Derrell and Donna Hawkins and husband Steve, two sons; Larry Widener and Wife Cindy and Micky Widener and Wife Kim, all of Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee, one sister; Ruby Johnson and Husband Noah of Johnson City, Tennessee, one brother; Herbert Widener and Wife Judy of Staunton, Virginia, ten Grandchildren, four Great Grandchildren and several Nieces and Nephews. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2003 at the State Line Baptist Church with Rev.Derl McCloud and Pastor Steve Spratlin to officiate. Military Graveside Services will be conducted by the Johnson County Honor Guard at the State Line Cemetery following service. Pallbearers will be David Pennington, Gene Crowder, Clay Wilson, Joe Ray Gentry, Mike Morefield and Jeff Fritts. Honorary Pallbearers are Lt. Colonel Chris Cross, Bruce Ray, Sam Morefield, Dr. James Shine and Marvin Raush. Family will receive friends at the Hux-Lipford Funeral Home Chapel Friday, October 10, 2003 from 6-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First District Fire Department and/or the State Line Baptist Church Building Fund. Hux-Lipford Funeral Home is serving the Widener Family. On-line Condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.hux-lipford.com.