James Arthur Butch Bess, age 66, of LaVergne, died Saturday, July 7, 2012 at his home. Mr. Bess is the son of the late William Oscar and Myrtle Nora Halpin Bess. He is also preceded in death by his brothers Leslie Eugene, Clarence Robert and William Larry Bess; and a grandson Douglas Eugene Smith, III. Mr. Bess is survived by his wife of 47 years Bertie Louise Gann Bess; son James Kevin (Kelly) Bess of Smyrna; daughter Teresa Diane (Doug) Smith of LaVergne; grandchildren Diane Nicole Rice, James Michael Smith, Diane Elizabeth Smith, Devan Elyse Smith, and Tiffany Lynn Bess; great-grandchildren Joshua Lavon Allen Ledford, Jr., Nicholes Kevin Douglas Ledford, Aiden Dwayne Rice, and Abigail Josephine Rice; brother Melvin Leroy Bess; and sisters Susie Jane Bess Williams of Arrington, and Shirley Ann Bess Rickert of Gallatin. Funeral service will be 3:00 PM Tuesday at Woodfin Funeral Chapel, Smyrna. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 3:00 until 10:00 PM Monday at Woodfin Funeral Chapel, Smyrna. Mr. Bess retired from Square D Company of Smyrna (now Schneider Electric USA). Online condolence can be made at www.woodfinchapel.com 615-459-3254.