Linda McIllwain – Age 80 of Nashville, TN. June 18, 2025. Preceded in death by husband, Tommy McIllwain. Survived by sons, Ricky (Becky) McIllwain and James T. (Pam) McIllwain, Jr.; grandchildren, Jennifer (Travis) Strickland and Autumn (Brandon) Sessions; and 9 great-grandchildren.
Born to John and Evelyn Spence in Roane County, TN, Linda lived most of her life in TN. She had a short stay in Illinois but returned to Nashville, TN where she would live the rest of her life. While working with her parents, running cafeterias at Nashville Bridge Company and Baird Ward Printing, Linda met the love of her life, Tommy. After a 6 month courtship, they married and that’s where the adventure began.
In the next years, they would be blessed with 2 sons, Jim and Ricky. The family loved to spend summers camping, fishing and swimming at Hermitage Landing. Linda continued her work running cafeterias, but now with Kmart. During these years, she was a regular visitor at the Nashville Skate Center where she was ‘mom’ to not only Jim and Ricky but a group of about 20 other kids who skated there.
After 10 years with Kmart, she retired and came home to do what she enjoyed most, being a wife and mother. She dedicated her time to her family cooking, baking and traveling to see Ricky race throughout the Southeastern states. Now, she didn’t just attend the races, she was part of the pit crew, doing whatever was needed to help. She was regularly found mounting tires, getting parts and of course, cheering for Ricky.
Once Jim and Ricky left home to begin their own lives, Linda and Tommy took to the roads, traveling to Gatlinburg frequently to ride the Harley through the mountains. Oh the adventures they had!
In the final year of her life, Linda decided to teach herself how to do embroidery. She was a fast learner and created many beautiful pieces, many of which she gave to others.
Funeral services will be conducted by Raymond Rizzo on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearer will be Ralph Butler. Active Pallbearers will be Rick McIllwain, Sean Butler, Mark Lewis, Scott Sulfredge, John Ford and Tony Formosa.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 615-331-1952. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
This obituary was published by Woodbine Funeral Home – Hickory Chapel.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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