James O’Dell “Dick” Teeple, 95, of Sparta, passed from this life, on May 11, 2024, at his home.
James was born Jan. 15, 1929, in Sparta, the son of James Porter Teeple and Nancy Hall Teeple. He was one of 13 children.
James served in Korea, 1950-1951, with the 51st Signal Battalion as a generator maintenance mechanic. He was a passionate cattle farmer and a founder of the White County Cattlemen’s Association. He was a longtime member of the Doyle Church of Christ. You could always find him out eating at local restaurants.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Lou Ella Horton Teeple; brothers Sherman, Carl “Cotten,” Ray Donald “Ducky,” and Lewis Teeple; sisters, Ruby Vinson, Maggie Cantrell, Ava Teeple, Edwina Bilbrey, and Mary Ruth Merritt; and a great-granddaughter, Madison Cheyenne Teeple.
James is survived by his sons, Scott Teeple, Dana Teeple and wife Margaret; three sisters, Leta Burns, Reba “Nell” Russow, Wilma “Jean” Bailey; sister-in-law, Kathy Spears Teeple; brother-in-law, Harold Merritt; eight grandchildren, P.J. Teeple and wife Holly, Kevin Teeple and wife
Samantha, Justin Teeple and wife Samara, Lindsey Lettera and husband Nick, Corey Teeple, MarLea Finch, Jameson Teeple, and Kristen Teeple; special family friend, Robert Horton and his family; and many great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friend.
Special thanks to the staff of Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital, in Sparta, Standing Stone Rehab, and Caris Healthcare.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m., May 18, 2024, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, with burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Dwight Fuqua will officiate. The family will receive friends 1-3 p.m., May 18, at the funeral home.
The grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as his pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers will be all members of the White County Cattlemen’s Association.
Memorial donations can be made to the American Legion Post 99, 5 W. Maple St. Sparta, Tennessee 38583.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
