William Dexter Mabe, 74, of McMinnville died Thursday at River Park Hospital after an extended illness.
He worked as a factory worker for 11 years at Century Electric, and 26 years for Batesville Casket Factory. He was a member of Shellsford Baptist Church. He also served in the U.S. Air Force.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron L. and Lola (Pollard) Mabe; daughter, Donna Tedrow; brother, Jewell Mabe; sister, Pauline Billings; and one son-in-law, Richard Tedrow.
He is survived by his wife, Marie Mabe of McMinnville; daughter, Deborah S. and husband Ricky Arnold of Smithville; one son, Don L. and wife Tara Mabe of Manchester; two sisters, Louise Cantrell of Smithville, and Linda and husband Gene Jones of Sparta; brother, Carlon and wife Jeannette Mabe of Smithville; sisters-in-law, Anna Martha Walker, Ruth Walker, Linda Whitlock, Mary Lou Woodlee, and Helen Gillentine; brothers-in-law, Tommy Womack, James Womack, and Joe David Womack; grandchildren, Joseph and wife Christy Arnold, Lisa Porter and husband B.J., Cassie Tedrow, Kellie Tedrow, Glenna Tedrow, and Christopher and Christin Mabe; two great-grandchildren, Lealon Arnold and Yasmin Arnold.
 A graveside service will be held today at 2 p.m. at New Bildad Cemetery in Smithville. Ricky Arnold and Joseph Arnold will officiate. The family will receive friends today from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Gardens of Memory Funeral Home.
Gardens of Memory Funeral Home in McMinnville is in charge of arrangements.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) March 20, 2011