Obituary – Sunny Sue Reece Bunch

Sunny Sue Reece Bunch was born January 24, 1952. Sunny passed away peacefully at home on February 3, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Bobbie Dalton Reece, and her daughter, Wendy Traci Gibson Posey.
Sunny lived for her family and loved them immensely. She had a kind and loving heart
She was a lifelong member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Association, where she treasured showing champion horses and had several championship wins. She attended countless Tennessee Walking Horse Celebrations, savoring her love for horses and friends. She loved all her pets across the years deeply, as she was an avid animal lover.
She was a lifelong member of New Tazewell First Baptist Church.
Sunny leaves behind the love of her life Dennis Bunch; sons Travis Gibson (Heather), Zachary Bunch (Whitney Whitaker); stepson David Bunch (Melanie); grandson Hunter Gibson; step grandsons Wes and Neil Bunch and 2 foster grandchildren. Survivors also include her brothers Mike Reece and Davis Reece (Rebecca); cherished friends Angie Carpenter Shockley, Wanda Dalton Coker, Shirley Bailey, Denise Evans Gibson and Judy Lester. She also leaves behind a host of family and friends.
The family received friends February 7th at New Tazewell First Baptist Church. Graveside services were held February 8th at Fairview Cemetery in New Tazewell.
Reverend Kim Collingsworth and Reverend Jeremy Buchanan officiated.
Pallbearers: Zachary Bunch, Winston Meyers, Tommy Givens, Gary Worley, Tim Fletcher and Aaron Reed
Honorary Pallbearers: David Ray, Wayne Lee, David Stanifer, Jeffery Williams, Bill Russell and David Jones.
Music was provided by Barbara Hatfield and David Painter.
In lieu of flowers the family requests you make a donation to:
Traci Gibson Posey Endowed Nursing Scholarship
Lincoln Memorial University
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway,
Harrogate, TN 37752
Special thank you from the family for the special care from Dr. Rickey Manning.

Obituary – Zada “Pete” Minter

Funeral services for Mrs. Zada “Pete” Minter of Shelbyville, Tennessee and formerly of Camp Hill, Alabama, were held Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Chapel of Langley Funeral Home. Dr. Josh Sammons officiated. Burial followed in the Camp Hill Cemetery. The family received friends on Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Langley Funeral Home.

Zada “Pete” Minter, was the mother of Walking Horse owner and exhibitor, Kathy Baker. Pete who was a beacon of joy and affection to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2024, at the age of 92, in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Born on December 29, 1931, in Sylacauga, Alabama to Albert Cohen Steed and Catherine Steed, Zada set out to shape a life marked by love, laughter, and the pursuit of her passions.

A proud graduate of Camp Hill High School, Zada’s life was a tapestry of close community ties and personal hobbies that brought her immense joy. She flourished in the simple pleasures of life, nurturing her African Violets with tender care, sharing laughter at horse and dairy cattle shows, and letting the pages of a good book transport her to other worlds. The beach held a special place in her heart, inviting her to bask in the warmth of the sun and the soothing rhythm of the waves.

Zada was the loving matriarch of a family that adored her, and she is survived by her daughter, Kathy Minter Baker; granddaughter Katie Baker, great-grandson Chevy Baker; great-granddaughters, Mariana and Monii Norwood; niece Paula Hearn Sims; and nephew Hugh Hefner. Her loving spirit will forever be missed by those who were privileged to feel its touch including special friends and other family.

Her journey preceded by her beloved husband Joe Marvin Minter, son Henry Albert Minter, parents, and sisters Jane E. De-Leo and Catherine Hefner, along with nephew Fred Hefner, Zada leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and friendliness that will not soon fade from the memories of her family and friends. Mrs. Minter’s life was a portrait of a soul well-lived and a heart well-loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741 or www.donate.cancer.org

Langley Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Zada “Pete” Minter.

 

FAST Spring Showcase Announces Judges

Organizers of this year’s FAST Spring Showcase are pleased to announce Dean Byard, Renee Carlton and Jamie Lawrence will serve as judges. The show will take place March 28-30 at Cooper Steel Arena in Shelbyville. For more information, contact Margo Urad at 214-763-7379.

Obituary- Jack Lee Wilson

Jack Lee Wilson of Englewood, Tennessee passed away at the age 78 on February 14, 2024. He was surrounded by his loved ones and passed of natural causes.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children; Warren and daughter in-law, Laurie Wilson, Gwain and daughter in-law, Shelby Wilson; grandchildren, Madison, Skylan and Jansen; sister, Joyce Robinson, Gayle Davis and brother in-law Tommy Davis and of course his favorite dog, Snip.
He will also be dearly missed by the Walking Horse Community.
The funeral was a private ceremony with only close family members present.
Memorial contributions may be addressed to 801 County Road 422, Englewood, TN 37329.

 

2024 International Grand Championships

The 2024 International Grand Championships looks to be bigger than ever!
This year the format will start with the rail classes, July 18-24th, 2024. The International Grand Championship Versatility classes will be held on July 25th. Followed by the World Versatility Show on 26 July. International and World Versatility Western Dressage classes will be held on July 27th and Traditional Dressage on the 28th, concluding the International! Full class lists, stall and camper reservation, and information will be out in the next few weeks.

Derby Classic

Make plans for the 2024 Derby Classic!
The Derby Classic will once again be a two night show. Mark your calendars to be in Harrodsburg, Ky for Derby Weekend- May 3-4, 2024!

Announcement from ETWHA Ladies Auxiliary

The ETWHA Ladies Auxiliary is excited to announce they will be starting a Youth Auxiliary. Anyone age 17 & under is encouraged to join.
The juveniles will be having fundraising events at horse shows. Please follow the kids facebook page, East Tennessee Youth Auxiliary, for up-to-date information.
The goal is to keep these kids interested in horses. The name will be East Tennessee Youth Auxiliary. There will be a $5 membership fee for kids to join.
The ladies auxiliary will also give a high point award to a child. If you have children that would be interested in joining this new group, please contact a Ladies Auxiliary member. They will have the first Youth Auxiliary (Performance) class at the Walking in the Smokies Horse Show.

 

Obituary – Mark Parker

Mark Anthony Parker of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away February 22nd at Woodbury Health and Rehab, surrounded by his family. He was 61 years old. Born in Cannon Co., he is the son of, Charlene Farless Parker of Woodbury and the late Ike Parker, Jr.
Besides his mother, survivors also include his son, Andy (Ashley) Parker of Woodbury; grandson, Carter Parker of Woodbury; siblings, Debbie (Mickey) Fricks and Roger (Danna) Parker all of Woodbury; brother-in-law, Larry Campbell of Woodbury; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Vicky Campbell.
A member of the New Hope Church of Christ, he was a tool and dye maker. Mark enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding horses and going to horse shows. He especially loved playing and spending time with his grandson.
Memorial visitation with his family was Sunday, March 3rd. Memorial services followed in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell and Bro. Mark Barker officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his family to help with funeral expenses or to Cannon Co. Walking Horse Association.

7th ANNUAL UT FIELD DAY

UT Institute of Agriculture 7th Annual Horse Management Field Day
The 2024 Field Day topics will cover a vast array of equine specific topics. There will be time to ask questions with instructors and hot topics in the equine industry will also be presented.The event is open to adults and youth of all ages. Participants do not have to be residents of Tennessee. Pre-registration is requested for meal planning purposes. For questions, contact Sawyer Main at smain@tennessee.edu or (865) 974-7294.

National Trainers’ Show

The Walking Horse Trainers Association will host their 56th Annual National Trainers’ Show on March 13-16 at Cooper Steel Arena. Online entries will begin March 9 at www.entermywalkinghorse.com.  Throughout the four days, there will be 30 Riders’ Cup classes during the 80-class event. Dean Byard, Brent Grider and Chris Zahnd will make up the judging panel.