Shelby County Today

09/08/2021

Wayne Terrell "Goatroper" Evans, of Logansport, Louisiana rode off into the sunset and sat at the feet of his Heavenly Father at the age of 79 on August 25, 2021, surrounded by his family after a short illness.

He worked in dairies, pipe yards, roofing, plumbing and as a “Big Rig” driver from his early teenage years until he retired 5 years ago. His son, Jimmy Evans took him for his last ride on the “Big Rig” from Mansfield, Louisiana to Logansport, Louisiana on Thursday, August 26th, 2021. His long-time driving partner, John “Lumberjack” Mathis and grandsons, J.R. Brown and Brandon Childress joined the last ride in their “Big Rigs” along with the rest of the family. 

Celebration of life service was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Logansport, Louisiana with visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, August 27, 2021. Rev. Dean Register and Bro. Frankie Mathis officiated the service. His grandson, Tommy Amox drove Wayne’s team pulling his covered wagon for Wayne last covered wagon ride to his final resting place next to the love of his life, Helen Evans at Bethel Cemetery in Logansport, Louisiana. All of Wayne’s grandsons, great-grandson’s and great-great grandsons served as the Pallbearers. The walked behind the covered wagon as they made their way to the final destination.

Born October 31, 1941, in Stanley, Louisiana, he is the son of Floyd Johnston Evans and Berta Estelle Thurman. His children always joked with him that the witches brought him. Wayne, better known as Pop or Goatroper, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Wayne never met a stranger and had many lifelong friends. His smile was contagious, and those baby blue eyes were so beautiful and heartwarming. Wayne had a passion for horses since his childhood. He continued with his for horses, spending numerous hours caring, riding and even teaching his children and grandchildren to ride. He is the proud owner of three horses, two of which pull his covered wagon.

In addition, Wayne loved working with cedar wood , building cedar chest, rocking chairs, double rockers, gun cabinets, swings, coolers, trash cans, etc. After a lifelong truck driving career, he retired about 5 years ago. Deciding he needed something to fill his time, he took up building things out of cedar wood. 

He also took lengthy rides on his covered wagon. He would load his grandchildren into the wagon and take them for a ride.

Predeceased by his father, Floyd Johnston Evans of Longstreet, Louisiana; his mother, Berta Estelle Thurman of Modesto, California; Sister, Charlotte Wash of Longstreet, Louisiana; brother, Robert “Bob” Evans of Mansfield, Louisiana; brother-in-law, James Albert Curry; two nephews, Scott Lynch of Grand Cane, Louisiana and Shane Evans of Modesto, California; and niece, Ginger Evans Cordova of Logansport, Louisiana.

He is survived by:

Son, Jimmy Evans and wife, Brenda of Grand Cane, Louisiana

Daughters:
Debbie Amox and husband, Michael of Logansport, Louisiana
Mary Brown and husband, Butch of Joaquin, Texas

11 grandchildren:
Jimmy R. Evans of Deadwood, Texas
Johnathon Amox, Sr. and wife, Tracie of Tenaha, Texas
Michael Amox II and wife, Stephanie of Logansport, Louisiana
Thomas Amox and wife, Melinda of Joaquin, Texas
Ashley Loftin and husband, Allen of Joaquin, Texas
Dustin Clark of Joaquin, Texas
Kristine Gulotta and husband, Dave of Springfield, Louisiana
Patricia “Nikki” Diaz of Carthage, Texas
April Childress and husband, Brandon of Joaquin, TX
Johnny “J.R.” Brown and wife, Katie of Joaquin, Texas
Steven Huskey and wife Linsey of Huxley, Texas

He is also survived by:

36 great-grandchildren:
Nina Stevenson and husband, LaDarius of Mansfield, Louisiana
Emily Hubier and husband, Cole of Mansfield, Louisiana
Johnathon Amox, Jr. and wife Cayla of Logansport, Louisiana
Trent Amox of Marshall, Texas
Zachary Amox of Teneha, Texas
Jason Urbina of Joaquin, Texas
Dakotah Carroll of Center, Texas
Gabriella and Lilly Amox of Logansport, Louisiana
Daniel Stillwell of Coushatta, Louisiana
Bradley and Destany Amox of Jonesboro, Louisiana
Levi, Emma and Henry Hatcher of Joaquin, Texas
Layla, Allayna, Isabella and Nelly Loftin of Joaquin, Texas
Dustyn Brown and wife, Haley of Joaquin, Texas
Charles Carroll of Joaquin, Texas
Hunter Carroll of Center, Texas
Lane and Emerald Glaze of Joaquin, Texas
Levi Childress of Joaquin, Texas
Jaycee, Kylie and Macie Metcalf of Joaquin, Texas
Justyn, Jaylyn, Jaydyn, Sadie and Benson Brown of Joaquin, Texas
Dawson, Annie and Buster Gulotta of Springfield, Louisiana

3 great-great-grandchildren:
LaDarius and Mia Stevenson of Mansfield, Louisiana
Johnathon Amox III of Logansport, Louisiana

Wayne is also survived by:

Sister, Maxine Lynch and husband, Steve of Grand Cane, Louisiana

Brother, Curtis Evans and wife, Beverly of Keatchi, Louisiana

Sister-in-law, Sarah Alford and husband, Johnny Alford of Logansport, Louisiana

Brother-in-law, Blanchard “B.L.” Curry and wife, Susie of Boerne, Texas

Along with a host of nieces, nephews and special friends.

Wayne was a lifelong member of the Longstreet Baptist Church.  He used to joke with his kids and tell them “unless they kicked me out and didn’t tell me.” Donations may be made in memory of Wayne to the Bethel Cemetery fund.

Services entrusted to Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Logansport, Louisisana.

09/07/2021

Willard Michael “Mike” Pledger, 74, of Timpson, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2021 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on March 4, 1947 in Timpson, Texas, to the late Milton and Grace (Ramsey) Pledger.

Funeral service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Timpson, Texas officiated by Bro. Fred Wilcox and Bro. Eric Pledger. Internment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery in Timpson, Texas.

A visitation will be held from 10am to 11am on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Timpson, Texas.

Mike was born and raised in Timpson, Texas. He joined the Army straight out of high school and served his country for 3 years. Mike met Wanda when they were set up on a blind date by Mike’s brother, Joe, and his girlfriend, Sherry. The young men came to pick the girls up and took them to a drive-in theatre. Wanda says they didn’t even get popcorn, but there was definitely a spark. They were married on July 28, 1972. Mike and Wanda celebrated their 49th anniversary this past July. Mike truly enjoyed family time. He especially loved those family vacations to the diamond mine in Arkansas. He was always hoping to find a huge diamond. The family also took many camping trips and loved to fish.

Mike worked for Nix Forestry for over 30 years. When he turned 65, he retired and bought himself a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Mike enjoyed riding with the wind blowing through his beard. He also liked to spend time on his computers. He had many friends that he kept in contact with through Facebook.

Mike and Wanda are members of Mt. Olive Baptist Church where he was known as the “candy man.” All the kids knew just were to find the candy on Sunday mornings. Mike was a Godly man and often witnessed to others and would ask people if they knew Jesus. Mike was loved by many and will be missed greatly.    

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net.

Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.

09/07/2021

Brealon Allen “Buddy” Sanford, Jr. (68) passed away on September 2nd, 2021 in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Services will be held at New Life Church in Center, TX., under the direction of Senior Pastor Steve Noble. Visitation will be from 1-2 pm on Friday September 10th, with funeral service immediately following. Burial will be at Borders Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Mangum Funeral Home.

Brealon Allen “Buddy” Sanford, Jr. was born in Houston, Texas on June 19th, 1953 to Brealon and Betty (Moore) Sanford. Buddy spent more than 40 years in the oil business in one fashion or another. While he loved the oil business, he loved to tell people that he used to work in Major League Baseball. He would then explain that his “Major League” career was from a brief stint with the Houston Astros front office, “and by that, I sold peanuts, popcorn and cokes.” Buddy also spent some time trying his hand as a professional bowler. After numerous perfect games, many “750’s” and at least two “800’s” to his name, he said, “That’s about the best I can be, there’s no sense in watching my career go down from here!” Buddy was also an avid hunter, whose life revolved around deer season.

However, even with so many fun hobbies, Buddy’s favorite thing was being “GrandBuddy / Gubby” to his grandbabies. Always the jokester, he was a kid at heart and loved to spend time making his grandkids laugh.

Buddy had committed himself to Christ early in life. However, he would quickly tell you, it wasn’t until he was in his 50’s that he learned what it was like to have a real relationship with Jesus. His spiritual life took a positive turn from that point forward. He talked often of what he was learning from the Bible, as well as how he felt the Lord was guiding his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Lou (Moore) Sanford and Brealon A. Sanford, Sr.; and his sister, Susan J. Sanford.

Leaving behind to cherish his memory are his children:
Brealon Allen “Sandy” Sanford, III (Kasie) of El Dorado, Arkansas
Aidron Joseph Sanford of Lufkin, Texas
Brandie Lou Benedetti of Center, Texas
Jason David Vaughn of Austin, Texas

Grandchildren:
Micah Sanford
Steven Woodland (Katie)
Ian Vaughn
Ciara Goldsmith
Jasper Sanford
Camden Sanford
Collin Brady
Peyton Tolbert
Deuce Benedetti
Aubrey Sanford
Brealon Allen “Nolan” Sanford, IV
Aryana Simon

Great-Grandchildren:
MacKenzie Woodland
Spencer Woodland
Gauge Adams

Sister, Edith Mae LeBlanc (Maison) of Center, Texas

Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and friends he made throughout his life.

Special Friends:
Rick and Kathryn Morley of Houston, Texas
Bonnye Green of Houston, Texas

Pallbearers are John C. LeBlanc, Louis Underbrink, Barrett Underbrink, John Sancton, Jasper Sanford, and Camden Sanford.

The family wishes to thank the caring and amazing staff at Nacogdoches Medical Center for their compassionate and superior care for Buddy during his stay there.

A tribute wall is available at https://www.mangumfh.net/obituary/Brealon-Sanford

09/06/2021

Doyle Carter, 81, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, September 5, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Graveside services will be planned at a later date.  

Born December 8, 1939, in Shelby County, Doyle is the son of Jim Arthur Carter and Audrey Johnson Carter. He taught as an Ag teacher at just about every school in Shelby County, and retired after teaching over 45 years in total from Center ISD. During his spare time, he enjoyed farming.  

He is survived by:

Children:
Matt Arthur Carter of Shelbyville
Jay Pickens Carter and wife Courtney of Nacogdoches

Nephews:
Ronnie Wilkins
Dan Wilkins
Bob Wilkins

Sister and brother-in-law, Sandra Sherman and Ben Kiker.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Harriet Sue Kiker Carter; parents, Jim Arthur Carter and Audrey Johnson Carter; and sister, Johnnie Wilkins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to als.org

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.

09/05/2021

Darlene Denby Reed, 54, of DeBerry, Texas, passed this life September 2, 2021 in Shreveport, LA. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at the Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel with MaRinda Cuff officiating. Burial will follow in Corinth Cemetery in Timpson under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home.

Darlene Denby Reed was born October 12, 1966 in Kountze, Texas. She was born to the marriage of Jack and Bobby Jean Jackson Denby. She was raised and schooled in Silsbee and graduated from Tenaha High School.

Darlene loved her family, kids and grandkids, playing bingo and her dog Bella, who was her baby.

She is preceded in death by her parents, step mother, Shirely Denby; sister, Marcy Johnson and brothers, Jackie Wayne Denby and Steven Wallace Denby.

She is survived by:

Son, Scott White and fiancé Kate Beltane of Boise, ID and their baby on the way

Daughter, Staci White of Beaumont and her children, Zachariah Wiler, Jesse Cole, and Kayden Cole

Stepchildren, Nina Reed and Christopher Reed

Special niece and caregiver, Audra Pierce and husband Danny of DeBerry and their children, LogEn, Gracelynn, Sabrina, Ashton, Slayton, and Dawton

Uncle, Bruce Denby and wife Carolyn

Niece, Ashley Wolfe and husband Ruben and their children Dillan, Abi, Bryson, Ethan and Conner

Nephew, Joseph Johnson and his children, Brantley, Brakstin and Brightan

Brother, David Carl Denby of Hooks

Step-brothers, Cregg Johnson of Tenaha and Quin Johnson of Crosby

Numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Services are under the direction of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Carthage, Texas.

09/03/2021

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 3, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 4, 2021, at Mt. Calvary Full Gospel Church in Shelbyville. Bro. Don Windham and Bro. Glenn Molsbee will officiate. Interment will follow at Shelbyville Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Born December 3, 1931, in Norphlet, Arkansas, Dorothy is the daughter of Clarance Burton and Cora Mae Banfield Burton. She was a member of Calvary Full Gospel Church in Shelbyville.

She is survived by:

Son, Gary W. Johnson and wife Jeanne of North Little Rock, Arkansas

Daughter, Deborah S. Staples of Bossier City, Louisiana

6 grandchildren

9 great-grandchildren

3 great-great-grandchildren

Also, numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by husband, Josh Roebuck; son, Steven L. Staples; parents, Clarance Burton and Cora Mae Banfield Burton; brothers, Carrell Burton and wife May, Wendell Burton and wife Ruby, and Raymond Burton and wife Mary; and sisters, Bessie Orr and husband James, Billie Molsbee and husband Bob; Kathryn Payne and husband Dick; and Evelyn Delk.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

09/01/2021

Jayme Lynn Jackson, 55, of Center, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2021, in Center.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation an hour prior. Bro. Richard Goodwin will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born September 7, 1965, in Center, Jayme is the daughter of James Thomas Wright and Maxie Lynn Samford Wright. She attended First Baptist Church in Center.

She is survived by:

Husband, Rocky Jackson of Center

Father, James Thomas Wright of Center

Brother, Jody Wright and wife Angie of Center

Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law:
Randy Alford of Center
Terica Jackson of Center
Rodney Jackson of Center
Kathy Anthony of Center

Preceded in death by her daughter, Jayce Lane Jackson; and mother, Maxie Samford Wright.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

08/31/2021

Thelma Pearl Ashton, 73 of Center, passed away Saturday, August 28, 2021 at her residence.

Viewing is 10am until 3pm on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center.

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Carla Ashton of Tenaha
Regina Harris Chambers of Columbus, Ohio

Son, Christopher Ashton of Mansfield, LA

7 Grandchildren, 8 Great-grandchildren

Special friend, Charles Chumbley

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

08/31/2021

Ricky Wayne Davis, 63, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, August 29, 2021, in Shelbyville.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 2, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 3, 2021, at Watson and Sons Chapel with Bro. Kerry Green, Bro. Mark Green, and Bro. Joseph Palacios officiating. Interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born April 17, 1958, Ricky is the son of Farrel Dean Davis Jr. and Erma Ilene Owens Davis. He worked as a master mechanic. Hobbies included water sports, anything to do with motorcycles, woodworking, and hunting. Ricky became a private pilot and also built and raced custom pulling sleds. He was a member of Spirit of Life United Pentecostal Church in Garrison, where he enjoyed serving Jesus by playing his harmonica, studying the Bible, and even sometimes preaching. Ricky was also known as a big comedian, loving to bring laughter to those around him.

He is survived by:

Wife, Peggy Davis of Shelbyville

Children:
Jaime Davis of Nacogdoches
Jeremy Davis of Nacogdoches
Zachery Hass of Houston
Dakota Hass of Henderson

Stepsons:
Tommy Hass of Shelbyville
Jonathon Hass of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:
Jacob Henson
Mia Cartwright
Kaden Davis
Keagan Davis
Kami Davis
Chevy Hass
Casey Hass

Mother, Erma Ilene Owens

Sister, Regina Lea Davis of Garrison

Many extended family members in Missouri

Preceded in death by his dad, Farrel Dean Davis Jr.; and brother, Randall Dean Davis.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Hass, Dustan Green, Jonathon Hass, Trenton Bartley, Zachery Hass, Chris Sheppard, Dakota Hass, and Charlie Permenter.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at http://www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com