Shelby County Today

08/27/2021

Virgel E. Horn, Jr. (known to close family as Puggin) passed peacefully from this earth into the hands of the Lord on Thursday, August 26, 2021, in Center, Texas, surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, August 30, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Graveside service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Rest Haven in Rockwall.

Virgel was born October 26, 1942, in Center, Texas, to parents, Virgel E. Horn Sr. and Mildred M. (Andrews) Horn. He was raised on a farm in Nacogdoches County near the community of Melrose. He attended Melrose Elementary school and graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1961. He attended SFASU on a scholarship and graduated in 1965 with majors in physics and math. From there, he went to graduate school at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, graduating in 1967 with a degree in Instrumental Science. (This was during the Vietnam War.) He joined the Air Force in 1967, going to OCS at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, becoming an Air Force intelligence officer specializing in battlefield intelligence. He spent the next 30 years on active and reserve duty, serving during Vietnam and Desert Storm, retiring in 1997 as Lt. Col.

After active duty, Virgel attended the University of Texas at Dallas, getting a Master’s degree in computer science. He became a software engineer, working approximately 35 years with Texas Instruments, E Systems, and Raytheon. Virgel had a top secret military clearance working on top secret military defense contracts.

In 1978, Virgel met and married the love of his life, Cheryl E. Wesson. The marriage produced one child, a son by the name of Jeffrey. Cheryl and Jeff both preceded Virgel in death. He enjoyed traveling and camping with his wife and son and also loved anything church related. Virgel was a member of New World United Methodist Church in Garland.

Virgel is survived by:

Sisters:
Lamerl Yancey of Tyler, Texas
Linda Borders and husband Fred of Center, Texas

Brothers:
Edward L. Horn and wife Wanda of Blackjack Community
Ronnie Horn of Center

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Horn; son, Jeffery Horn; parents, Virgel E. Horn Sr. and Mildred M. Andrews Horn; and brothers, Harvey Horn and James Horn.

In lieu of flowers, family would prefer donations made to a cancer treatment facility of their choice, to Habitat for Humanity, his church, or a charity of choice.

Virgel was best remembered by his cousin as being “brilliant and kind”.

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

08/26/2021

Laurie Michelle Schriewer, 51, of Center, passed away Tuesday, August 24, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Per her wishes, she will be cremated and no services are planned at this time.

Born October 28, 1969, in San Antonio, she is the daughter of Woodrow J. Schriewer and Rebecca McCord Schriewer. Her hobbies included cross stitching and arts and crafts. Spending time with her kids and taking care of her family was the most important thing to her. She was a member of Saint Marks United Methodist Church.

She is survived by:

Son, Dustin Schriewer of Center

Daughter, Sydney Paige Schriewer of Center

Dad, Woodrow Schriewer of Tyler

Sister, Chris S. Holladay of Magnolia

Niece, Bailee Holladay of Magnolia

Aunt, Rethia Baum (Rudy) of Houston

Cousin, Nicole Baum of Houston

Preceded in death by her mother, Rebecca M. Schriewer; and grandma, Nell W. Logan.

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

08/24/2021

Billy Rayford Williams, 77, of Center, died Monday, August 23, 2021 in Memorial Hospital in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Graveside services will be held Friday, August 27, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Sardis Cemetery with Rev. Luke Holmes officiating.

Mr. Williams was born June 20, 1944 in Shelby County, Texas to Rayford (Jake) Williams and Zera Opal Waldon Williams. Williams was a resident of Shelby County.

Following his graduation as Salutatorian from Center High School in 1962, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Stephen F. Austin State University. He then went on to pursue his graduate work in History at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. Later, he earned his Master of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, after which he furthered his education at Baylor University.

Mr. Williams returned to Shelby County where he pastored local Baptist churches. For his family, he compiled genealogical histories, wrote humorous anecdotal accounts, narratives, and poetry, and he appreciated God’s creations such as the call of a whippoorwill or a hoot owl and the companionship of a faithful dog.

Mr. Williams is preceded in death by his parents, Rayford (Jake) Williams and Zera Opal Waldon Williams Brown, as well as his step-father, Jesse Waymon Brown.

He is survived by:

Sister, Judy Williams Winger of Lufkin, Texas

Brothers, Rev. Charles Ronny Williams and wife, Betty, of Whitehouse
Danny Joe Brown and wife, Darlene, of Center
Larry Steve Williams and wife, Janice, of Tenaha
Jimmy Dale Williams and wife, Connie, of Van Alstyne
John Waymon Brown and wife, Mary Elizabeth, of The Woodlands

He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

The family will welcome friends prior to and following the graveside service at the Sardis Cemetery on Friday, August 27, 2021, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sardis Cemetery Fund, 6034 FM 414, Center, TX 75935.

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

08/24/2021

Peggy Lorraine Permenter Parker, 77, passed away August 16, 2021.

Funeral will be a graveside service at Holly Springs Cemetery in Shelbyville, TX on Friday, August 27th at 2pm.

Born at home in “Possum Trot”, Shelbyville, Texas on November 20, 1943, she was the daughter of Eldredge Ramsey Permenter and Mildred Lorene Permenter. Peggy worked in finance for many years and later with an investigative skip trace company that she truly enjoyed and she was very good at her job. She made a lot of lifelong friends along the way.

She graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1961 and later went to Nacogdoches Business College. Peggy was a member of Central Baptist Church for many years.

She loved creating beautiful cross-stitch masterpieces and crocheting doilies and she was so good at it. We have many beautiful lasting samples of her handiwork to last us forever. She also was a talented cake decorator and a seamstress.

She was preceded in death by her Father, Eldredge Ramsey Permenter and, Mother, Mildred Lorene Permenter; her brother, Reverend C. W. “Calvin” Permenter; and infant sister, Jimmie Permenter.

She leaves behind:

Beloved Son, Danny Parker of Nacogdoches

Older loving Sister, Barbara “Bobbie” Lout of Pittsburg, TX

Nieces:
Jimmie Taylor of Pittsburg, TX
Cathy Swearingen of Bridge City, TX
Paula Duggan and husband Billy of Pittsburg, TX
Angie Edwards and husband Mike of Mt. Pleasant, TX
Debbie Johns and husband Larry of Rowlett, TX

Grandson, Jacob “Jake” Parker of Trinidad, CO

Great-Granddaughter, Willow Parker of Paige, TX

Many great-nieces and great-nephews including Chelsea Jennings and husband Shaun of Bridge City, TX.

She leaves behind a number too high to count of loving cousins that all loved her like a sister.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit http://www.mangumfh.net.

08/24/2021

Jerry Bob Nix, 80, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2021 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on May 28, 1941 in Long Branch, Texas, to the late Chester and Gladys (Chaney) Nix. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Shiloh Cemetery in Mt. Enterprise, Texas.

Jerry graduated high school in 1959 from Mt. Enterprise. He married Linda Kay Tyer of Timpson in 1962. After graduating high school, he attended Stephen F. Austin where he majored in accounting and received his BBA in 1964. Jerry was owner/partner of a CPA firm in Lufkin for several years before moving to Waco to attend Baylor Law School. After graduating law school in 1972, he moved to Dallas to practice law. He worked in Dallas into the late 70s before he and Kay decided to move to Timpson to help manage her parent’s lumber business. After he became owner and operator at Nix Forest Industries, Inc., the sawmill prospered even more under his guidance.

When he wasn’t working, Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and brothers. He avidly collected antique cars; and enjoyed playing golf at Center County Club. He also owned and raised thoroughbred horses which raced at various tracks in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana for many years. Jerry had a quick wit and a big heart which was often put on display when people were around him. Additionally, he generously contributed to many organizations and individuals along the way and has truly left this world a better place.

Jerry is survived by:

Wife, Kay Nix

Sons:
Milt and wife Terrie
Jim and wife Karen

Grandson, Marcus and wife Ashley

Granddaughters: Macy, Harper, Ellery, Tatum and Leah Kate Nix

Great-grandchildren: Sawyer and Annabel Nix

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Gladys Nix; by his brothers CL, Charles, Lelan, Michael and David Paul Nix and by his sister Catherine Nix.

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.

08/23/2021

Joshua Allen Blanco was born December 20, 1988, to Danita Jean Thomas and James Kelly Blanco in Port Arthur, Texas.  He passed August 21, 2021, at Home in Center, Texas.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., September 11, 2021, at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.

Joshua graduated from Nederland High School in Nederland, Texas in 2007.  He then went into the Air Force and received a General Discharge almost a year later.

Joshua loved playing video games, watching movies, spending time with his family and helping at church.  He was a member at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Center, Texas.

Joshua is survived by:

Mom and dad, Danita and Tom Morris of Center, Texas
Father and stepmother, James and Nicole Blanco of Nederland, Texas

Brothers and sisters-in-law: 
Donnie Blanco and Jennifer of Center, Texas
Tyler Morris and Jenna of Longview, Texas; 

Sisters and brothers-in-law:
Amber Beene and James of Alexandria, Minnesota
Ashley Trimm and Clayton of Corpus Christie, Texas
Ashlynn Kegley and Dillion of Nederland, Texas

Grandparents:
Karen Peddy and George of Garrison, Texas
Julie Blanco of Beaumont, Texas

Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Joshua was preceded in death by grandparents, Melvin Isace Thomas, Stephen Lee Morris, and Jeannine Ann Morris; and uncle, Richard Wayne Roberts.

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

08/23/2021

Karl Wayne Fountain, 71, of Timpson, TX, passed away on August 19, 2021 after succumbing to an aggressive form of Cancer.

Karl was born on June 14, 1950 to Dean and Wilda Charlene Fountain in Houston, TX. After graduating from Milby High School in 1968, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served for 4 years and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Karl was an avid outdoorsman and really enjoyed fishing and hunting. Karl and his now deceased cousin, Dale Risinger, Dale’s wife Shirley, daughters Tabitha, Ladonna and Connie and Dale’s son Adrian would  have yearly fishing and hunting excursions that Karl absolutely looked forward to.

Karl worked at Shell Oil and retired as an instrumentation and electrical technician. His friends Thibodeaux (Thib), Randy and Mary Dorsey, Craig Hervey, Danny Savage (deceased) and Donny Hewitt (who still has a shirt missing at the Turtle Club) were just a few of his co-workers whom he stayed close friends with through the years.

Some men are lucky to have a good female friend, but Karl was blessed to have two: Connie Gossage and Deborah Counts and husband Glenn.

Love didn’t elude Karl. He married the love of his life, Debra Ray, who he first met back in 1979 in Pasadena, TX at Nautilus Fun & Fitness. They remained friends for all those years until Debra accepted his marriage proposal. They were married in Clear Lake, TX on January 14, 2005.

Karl is survived by:
His wife, Debra Fountain

Mother Wilda Charlene Fountain

Daughter, Rachel

Granddaughter, Stella

Step-daughters:
Rachel
Amy

Step-son, Daniel Moore and his wife Karen

Grandchildren:
Kaitlyn Worthy and her husband Ty
Kassidy Dorsett and her husband Noah
Christian Feist
Makenzie Feist and her fiancé Brian Lewis
Jordan Moore and Laikyn Moore

Great-grandchild, Tyson Worthy

Nieces and nephews: 
J.D. Fountain
Bo Fountain
Jennifer Fountain
Sean Fountain
Michael and Anna Fountain
Talitha Acker

There are many family members from the Epperson’s, Smith’s, Morgan’s, Fountain’s and Risinger’s whom Karl held dearly to his heart and he would surely wish them a happy and successful life.  

Karl is preceded in death by his father, Dean Fountain, his brother and sister Michael Fountain and Ann Fountain.

Karl was a very special person and will be missed by all who loved him.

8/21/2021

Jimmy Lynn Thomas, 74, of Center, Texas passed away August 19, 2021, suddenly at his home.

Celebration of life service will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 23, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas with visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 22, 2021. Bro. Eric Pledger will officiate. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery in Logansport, Louisiana.
Born November 12, 1946, in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, he is the son of Jack and Gertrude Adams Thomas. Jimmy, better known as Paw, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Paw never met a stranger and everyone he encountered loved him. His smile was contagious. He was selfless, generous, kind, and most of all, he loved unconditionally. He loved his family larger than life and some of his favorite times were spent with them at the beach.

Jimmy was a hard worker and started his lifelong driving career at 16 years old, driving a dairy truck.  He spent the rest of his career hauling pipe where he made numerous memories and where he met many of his lifelong friends.

Jimmy is survived by: 
His wife, Carol Thomas

Daughters: 
Renee Rambin
Angie Conaster and spouse Billy
Tracy Hendricks

Grandchildren: 
Brandon Rambin
Derrick Conatser and spouse Janell
Tiffany Lucero and spouse Brandon
Brylee Hendricks
Bailee Hendricks

Great grandchildren: 
Jaxon Rambin
Hudson Conaster
Lucas Lucero

Brothers and sisters: 
Jerry Thomas
Joe Thomas
Jan Harvey
Ann Liles
Randy Thomas

Brother-in-law, Butch Fletcher

Friend, Buddy

Sister-in-law, Nancy English

Jimmy is preceded in death by parents, Jack and Gertrude Adams Thomas; brothers-in-law, Jim Liles and Jimmy English; sister-in-law, Jimmie Kay Thomas; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Marie Fletcher.

Pallbearers will be Cliff Richardson, Andy Stafford, Cody Sneed, Kenneth Earl Seago, Bryan Hendricks, and Eddie Fletcher Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

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

08/19/2021

Dr. Reba Ann Jernigan Powers, 70, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, August 15, 2021.

Graveside service for Reba Ann Powers will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 22, 2021, at Antioch Cemetery in Shelby County. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

She was born to the late Paul and Miriam Jernigan in Center, Texas. Paul was a baptist preacher, and Reba loved to reminisce about taking trips with her father to visit church members.

Her faith was abundant, but she also had a bit of superstition, which came from the Adams’ side of her family. She always said it was bad luck to have a weeping willow in your yard because as soon as it was large enough to shade your grave, you would pass away. She was known to pull a U-turn if she saw a black cat crossing her path and loved passing on the tradition of the scary stories that her grandmother (Mrs. Georgia) told her.

Reba was married to Harry Powers in September of 1975. She loved to tell everyone they had been married for 75 years.

Reba was passionate about literacy, learning and spreading the gospel. A lifelong scholar and educator, she earned her doctorate in 2000 from Texas A&M University in Commerce, Texas. Her research was about the importance of literacy, something she passed on to her children by reading several books aloud to them through the years. She had begun to teach her grandson, Huxley, the love of books as well.

One of the last things that she shared with loved ones was the old hymn, "Jesus is tenderly calling me home.” She would often hum a tune from the old Heavenly Highways Hymnal while keeping her hands busy by knitting or crocheting. A fresh glass of iced tea was never far away.

She taught countless people how to make the perfect biscuit in a cast iron skillet, using the same recipe that was passed down from generations of women in her family. Her legacy of biscuit making and fiber arts lives on in generations of people that she met throughout her life.

Reba is survived by her adoring husband Harry Powers of Amarillo, TX and their four children: Lucas Powers of Olean, NY; Dr. Liza Powers of Houston, TX; Liberty Powers and wife Kallie, beloved grandson Huxley of Amarillo, TX; and Lydia Powers of Lake Charles, LA. She is also survived by her siblings Rebecca Towns and Woodie Jernigan.

Reba’s family would like to express their gratitude to the immeasurable amount of students she taught throughout her life, who she treated like her own family.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Rickie and Fern Jernigan.

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