Shelby County Today

08/18/2021

Marlene Allen, 80 of Center, passed away on August 12, 2021 at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital.

Funeral Service is 1pm Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Center, TX. Visitation is from 10am to 6pm Friday, August 20th at Community Funeral Home in Center. Interment is at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Johnny Jones officiating. 

She is survived by:

Daughter, Adrenne (Bobby) Sparks of Center

2 Grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren

Brothers: 
Alonzo Moore Jr. of Center
Freddie Moore of Center
Zelma Moore of Center
Micheal (Ethel) Moore of Center

Sister:
Francis Casey of California

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, TX.

08/18/2021

Perry Anthony Pugh, 62, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2021, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 19, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 20, 2021, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Joaquin Cemetery in Joaquin.

Born February 16, 1959, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Perry is the son of Allen Robert Pugh and Reva Belsha Pugh. He retired from the City of Joaquin and also served as Chief of Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department from 2010 until present.

He is survived by:

Wife, Donna Pugh of Joaquin

Sons:
Tony Pugh and Dusti of Carthage
Brock Pugh of Joaquin

Grandchildren:
Hunter Gauger of Carthage
Madelynn Pugh of Carthage

Sisters:
Linda Belrose and Jim of Center
Danna Pugh Garett and Jerry of Nacogdoches

Brothers:
Ronald Pugh and Kim of Marshall
Max Pugh and Jean of Nacogdoches
Mickey Pugh and Stefanie of Bossier City, Louisiana

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents, Allen Robert Pugh and Reva Belsha Pugh; and brothers, Jimmy Pugh and Bob Pugh.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Boyett, Justin Boyett, Rusty Wilson, Stephen Ewing, Steve Cockrell, and Jessie Griffith. Honorary pallbearers will be Lloyd Parks and members of Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department.

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

08/17/2021

Bro. Roger Bois Elumbaugh, 79, of Center, passed away August 16, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 19, 2021, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Calvin Gould officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Herman Cemetery in Center.

Born May 13, 1942, in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas, Roger is the son of Arthur Elumbaugh and Bertha McClung Elumbaugh. He was a preacher for 53 years and spent 22 of those years as Pastor of Mt. Herman Missionary Baptist Church in Center. His hobbies included fishing, playing the guitar, and loving his grandkids, most of all spreading God’s word.

He is survived by: 
His wife, Nina Sharp Elumbaugh of Center

Daughters: 
Judy Harding (James) of Center
Susie Compton (Jackie) of Pleasant Plains, AR

Grandchildren: 
Josh Hannah (Sarah) of Timpson
Delaena Evridge (Boyd) of Joaquin
Dustin Emerson of Russellville, AR
Nikki Peer (Brent) of Floral, AR
Keith Harding of Killeen
Matthew Harding of Center
Michael Harding of Center

6 great-grandkids

Sisters: 
Lavine Trowell of Conyers, GA
Faye Branscum of Batesville, AR

Brothers: 
Bill Elumbaugh of Batesville, AR
Jay Elumbaugh of Burton, MI

A whole host of nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by his daughter, Janet Hannah; parents, Arthur Elumbaugh and Bertha McClung Elumbaugh; brothers, Arthur Elumbaugh, Ray Elumbaugh, Jim Elumbaugh, Chad Elumbaugh; sisters, May Harris, RosaLee Elumbaugh, Joyce Bush, and Lois Tate.

Pallbearers will be Josh Hannah, Dustin Emerson, Keith Harding, Matthew Harding, Jackie Compton, and Michael Harding.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Pastors of ABA of Texas.

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

08/16/2021

Bettye Hitchcock Grimsley, 90, died on Aug 15, 2021. Bettye was born on May 27, 1931 to Jesse A. Hitchcock and Elenora Phillips Hitchcock in the Providence Community of Burleson County Texas. She was the sixth of seven children and graduated from Caldwell High School in 1948.

After graduation, Bettye attended the Texas Business University Southwestern Branch in Houston. In 1949 she began working at the Houston office of the Hershey Company. There she met her future husband, Sergeant Choron A. Grimsley, who was a career NCO stationed at the Air Force recruiting office located in the same building. In October 1952 they were married and in 1953 had their only child, Gerald Randolph Grimsley. Soon afterwards, the Grimsleys were transferred to Goose Bay Labrador for a two year tour of duty, and after a brief return to Houston, again transferred to Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska, this time for a three year tour.

Bettye’s husband retired from the Air Force in 1962 and the family moved to Denver, Colorado. In Denver Bettye’s skills as a seamstress became widely known. Working out of her home, she always had customers coming and going. Here she also developed a keen interest in birds and bird watching, a hobby she pursued for the rest of her life.

In 1990 Bettye and Choron returned to Texas, living on Choron’s family property in the Short Community near Center, Texas. There Bettye continued sewing for folks and looking at birds. Bettye especially enjoyed visits from local friends she had made in the E Texas area. She attended the Short United Methodist Church.

Bettye is survived by:

Son Gerald and his wife Janet

As well as numerous nieces, grand nieces, nephews and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and her husband.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to The American Bible Society (www.americanbible.org) or The Humane Society of the United States (www.humanesociety.org), two of Bettye’s favorite charities.

A private service will be held at Short Methodist Church on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 2:00pm.

The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit http://www.mangumfh.net.

08/13/2021

Floyie Patricia Broyles, 68, of Tenaha, passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021, in Tenaha.

Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 15, 2021, at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha with Bro. Keith Keele officiating. 

Born January 11, 1953, in Chillicothe, Texas, Floyie is the daughter of Frederick Floyd Johnson and Dorothy Marie Burton Johnson. She enjoyed working in the yard, growing flowers, and crocheting. Floyie was a member of Ramah Baptist Church in Tenaha.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Alleena Odom and husband Bradley of Huxley

Grandchildren:
Andrew Evans and wife Amanda of the Woods Community
Amber O’Rear of Huxley
Austin Evans and wife Toni of Huxley
Allison Odom of Huxley
Brianna Bunting of Louisiana
Colby Bunting of Louisiana

Great-grandsons:
Luke Evans of Huxley
Colson Bunting of Louisiana

Sisters:
Dorothy Mae of Oklahoma
Diane Johnson of Oklahoma

Brothers:
Freddy Johnson of Oklahoma
Bobby Johnson of Oklahoma

Preceded in death by husband, Tommy Broyles; daughter, Sandy Michelle Broyles; and parents, Frederick Floyd Johnson and Dorothy Marie Burton Johnson.

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

08/11/2021

Timothy Lane Pate, 60, of Timpson, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2021 in Timpson, Texas. He was born on August 27, 1960 in Center, Texas, to the late Arvel and Dorothy Faye (Hendricks) Pate. Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 13, 2021 at Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas, 75975, with Bro. Jerry Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

Tim grew up in the Waterman and Huber communities of Timpson, Texas.  He graduated from Timpson High School in 1978.  Tim enjoyed boxing in his younger years and was known as a gentle giant.  Tim met the love of his life at a volleyball tournament and just fell head over heels for her.  He and Cheryl were married on Christmas day in 1994.  They enjoyed 26 wonderful years together before he was called home.  Tim worked for the county and retired after 18 years working as a heavy equipment operator.  Tim and Cheryl had a daughter, Chelsea, and she was the light of her daddy’s eye.  Tim loved to garden with his grandchildren, Brooklynn and Johnny.  He enjoyed just about any kind of music, especially 80s and 90s rock.  Tim loved watching Gunsmoke and The Andy Griffith Show.  Tim, or “TL” as he was known by his friends, will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  

Survived by:

Wife, Cheryl Pate

Daughter, Chelsea Pate Richerson and husband, Justin

Grandchildren:
Brooklynn Richerson
Johnny Richerson

Brothers:
David Pate and wife, Debra
Danny Pate and wife, Sue
Jeff Pate and wife, Cindy

Sisters:
Arlene Horton and husband, Hal
Pam Faussett and husband, Jimbo,
Susan Naron

Also by numerous family and friends.

Timothy is preceded in death by his parents, Arvel and Dorothy Faye (Hendricks) Pate; brother, Michael Pate; sister, Elaine Parker; nieces, Megan Mason and Cassie Faussett Bates.

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.

08/10/2021

Ralph Aaron Miller, 61, of Timpson, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2021 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on July 23, 1960 in Pontiac, Michigan, to the late Delmar Ralph and Darlene June (Carter) Miller.

Ralph grew up in Michigan and joined the Army after graduating from high school. While stationed in Germany he met Eleanor, a Drill Sergeant. They dated for 3 years and finally joined as one in 1985. While they were dating, they were always stationed together but after getting married the Army stationed them in different parts of the world. During their marriage they had seven beautiful children together and also fostered 15 children. He was a dedicated family man and loved his children with all he had. After the Army, Ralph, or Aaron as Eleanor called him, went to work for General Motors as a robotics engineer. He retired from GM and worked for a short time with Tyson.

Ralph enjoyed quick draw and shooting targets. He also had hobbies that included carpentry and leatherwork. Ralph was good with his hands and was said to be too smart for his own good. But he had a great love for traveling with his grandchildren. All 14 grandchildren loved their “Poppy” with all their heart. Ralph was totally dedicated to his children and grandchildren. They were his whole life.

Ralph is survived by:

Wife of 33 years, Eleanor (Gray) Miller

Sons:
Colt Miller and wife, Brittany
Camrron Miller and wife, Rachal
Chad Smidt, and wife, Leigh

Daughters:
Stacy Basshan and husband, Michael
Ricci Finch and husband, Steve
Cendra Miller
Jackquelynn Miller

14 grandchildren

15 foster children

Brother, Jon Miller

Sister, Melanie Alexander

Numerous family and friends that will miss him greatly.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Delmar Ralph and Darlene June (Carter) Miller.

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.

08/09/2021

Elbert D. Bailey, 89, of Joaquin, passed away August 7, 2021, in Joaquin.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at Neuville Cemetery in Shelby County with Dr. Randy Urwiller officiating.

Born April 2, 1932, in Shelby County, Elbert is the son of Drew H. Bailey and Gladys Johnson Bailey.  He retired as a fork lift operator. Elbert was a member of United Church of God for over 56 years.

He is survived by:

Daughters:
Kathryn Boehm and husband Leonard of Joaquin
Gladys Andrews and husband Rickey of Center

Grandchildren:
Shanna Andrews Pigott and husband James of Cypress
Jessica Gurley and husband Mac of Center
Shawn Lonergan of Joaquin

Great-granddaughter, McKinley Gurley of Center

Sister, Dorothy Askew of Longstreet, Louisiana

Brother, Vernon Bailey and spouse, Linda of San Augustine

2 nieces; 4 nephews; a host of other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by wife and mother of his children, Louise Windham Bailey; wife, Edna Ruth Luther Bailey; parents, Drew H. Bailey and Gladys Johnson Bailey; brother, Lewis Bailey; and sister, Velma Page.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Bailey, Richard Bailey, Walter Crane, Jim Moody, Shawn Lonergan, and Leonard Boehm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to United Church of God Building Fund, c/o Sarah Baker, PO Box 1111, Hawkins, Texas 75765.

A special thanks to Affinity Hospice for their compassionate care.

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

08/09/2021

Keith Powdrill was born in San Antonio, TX and died Sunday, August 1, 2021 at his daughter’s home. He died peacefully in his sleep.

As a young boy the Powdrill’s moved from San Antonio, TX to Huffman, TX on Lake Houston. Keith was proud of his accomplishment of never missing a day of school from kindergarten through 12th grade. He graduated in 1979 from Huffman Hargrave High School and attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, TX.

Keith then went on to live in Longmont, CO, and Cody, WY, before settling in Timpson, TX for the rest of his life.

Keith’s working career began at The Brown School in San Marcos, TX. He continued at Texas School for the Deaf, Austin, TX; Cody Ranch Resort, Cody, WY; and Railserve Inc., Longview, TX.

Keith enjoyed golfing, fishing at the pond, and bird watching. He looked forward to camping primitively and road trips where he often met up with longtime friends.

From an outpouring of his friend’s memories he was remembered as being “the connection, the glue that stuck his friends together.” Keith “made friends easily and he seemed to be the center of a wide circle of friends.”

At the Brown School in the 80’s and 90’s he was thought of as “a good friend and had a great rapport with the school population, the kids loved and respected him. He was the type of guy to leave a mark on colleagues even after he was gone.”

Keith’s infectious laugh and sly sense of humor brought smiles to the faces of family and friends. He had lots of adventures and good times over the years.  Keith was a good neighbor and thought of as a brother to some. He loved to laugh and enjoyed life. He was remembered as someone who truly cared about others. Kara and Kylie were always his pride and joy.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents Howell Lee Powdrill and Geraldine (Gerry) Lovelady Powdrill and uncle Johnny Ray Renfro of Timpson, TX.

He leaves his daughters:
Kara Dannette Powdrill
Kylie Lynn Powdrill of Timpson, TX

Grandsons:
Easton Kent Lee Carroll
Boston Blake Lee George
Porter Blake Bush
Kannon Drake Zamora

Sister, Melody Dannette Powdrill of Shreveport, LA

Aunt, Marcia Jean Kesterson and husband Hollis of Longview, TX

Aunt, Louise Renfro of Timpson, TX

Keith also leaves behind numerous cousins and lifelong friends.

A visitation and time for Remembering Keith will be held Friday, August 6 from 4pm-7pm at Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Graves Dr, Timpson, TX 75975.