05/14/2026
The Rutherford County Medical Examiner’s Office, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Service, and the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery invites all veterans and individuals who would like to attend a memorial service for three unclaimed veterans.
The service will be held on Friday May 22, 2026, at 1pm (CST) at The Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Lane, Nashville, TN 37221 on
Full Military Honors will be provided for:
Robert Hoover – Army - PV2 (Private Second Class) - Vietnam - 1973-1976
Owen Francis Thompson - Army - SP4 (Specialist 4) - Peace Time - 1978-1981
Jesse Lee Williams (AKA Jessie Lee Williamson) - Navy - F1C (Fireman First Class) - WWII - 1944-1946
Unfortunately, no living family members have been determined for either PV2 Hoover or SP4 Thompson.
F1C Williams (AKA Williamson) was found deceased in 1978 in LaVergne, TN, and was only recently identified, despite decades of searching and prior DNA analysis. Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) submitted forensic evidence to Othram, Inc. and, through advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy, produced a comprehensive profile. RCSO Detective Sergeant Richard Brinkley used this profile to locate an out-of-state family member who willingly assisted in the positive identification process.
Please join us in paying final respects and showing gratitude to all three of these veterans if you are able.
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
Rutherford County EMS
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services
