Shelby County Today

03/11/2025

Mary L. Biggers, 91, of San Augustine, Texas, opportunity to “Walk in the Light” came Saturday, the 8th day of March 2025, at Summitt Nursing Home in San Augustine.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2pm at the Reed Chapel Baptist Church in San Augustine. Rites of Christian Burial will follow at St. Luke Cemetery in San Augustine. Visitation will be from 12noon until 6pm on Friday, March 14th at Percy Garner & Son Funeral Home.

Mary Lousette Boyer Biggers was born December 9, 1933, in the Perkins Community in San Augustine to Sealy (Roberts) Boyer and Isom Boyer. A retired educator, she taught at San Augustine Elementary School.

A Deaconess at the Reed Chapel Baptist Church, she was also the “2023 Woman of the Year” at the church.

Survivors include:

Daughter, Mary Elizabeth Biggers Sanders of Longview

Granddaughter, Mariah Elyse Sanders of Longview

Grandson, Samuel Justin Hunter, III, “Sammy J.” of Longview

Brother, Ira Boyer (Lola) of Houston

Sisters:
Opal Boyer of Haywood, CA
Betty Robinson of Mansfield, LA

Sister-in-law, Marjorie Boyer of San Augustine

Brother-in-law, Wayne Sparrow (Francine) of Orange

She was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon John Willie Biggers.

Services are under the direction of Percy Garnder & Son Funeral Home of San Augustine and Sparrow Funeral Home of Orange, Texas.

03/11/2025

Dixie Whiteside, 88, of Center, passed away Monday, March 10, 2025, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5pm to 8pm, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Sister Melba Rodgers officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born September 11, 1936, in Center, Dixie is the daughter of George Mitchell and Lela Hughes Mitchell. She loved gardening and checking on her cows.

She is survived by:

Children:
Dannie Helton
Darrell Whiteside and wife Michelle

Daughter-in-law, Sheila Whiteside

Grandchildren:
Dan Helton and wife Stephanie
Charla and husband John Young
Darren Whiteside and wife Tina
Chad Nichols and wife Georgia
Connor Whiteside and wife Jaiden
Lindsey Eddins
Megan and husband Ridge Delahoussaye
Chavaletta Johnson and husband Brad
Waylon Whiteside
Jennifer Whiteside
Tiffany Whiteside
David Whiteside II
Colt Whiteside

31 great-grandchildren

4 great-great-grandchildren

Sister, Georgia Bloodgood

Family friends:
Aaron Stockton and wife Misty
Connie Hodges

Preceded in death by husband, Wayland Bacle Whiteside; children, Donese Whiteside and David Whiteside; and parents, George Mitchell and Lela Hughes Mitchell.

Pallbearers will be Jessie Rose, Shawn Whiteside, Darren Whiteside, Cecil Jackson, Aaron Stockton, and Zack Mahan. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Whiteside, Kenneth Noble, Shane Whiteside, and Chad Nichols.

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

03/09/2025

Michael Joseph Wulf, 75, of Center, Texas, passed away on March 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in Center, Texas. He was born on September 1, 1949, to the late Ed and Rose Marie (Nowicki) Wulf.

A funeral mass will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at St. Therese Lisieux Catholic Church, with Father Luis Pena officiating.

Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas. 

Mike proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. When called to duty to serve in the Vietnam War, he nobly answered the call. During his time of service, he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star and many other medals. As an honored Vietnam Veteran, he continued to “serve those who have served”, as the present VFW Post 8904 Commander and Gold Legacy Member. Mike was also a lifetime member of the Catholic War Veterans.

Mike Moved to Center, Texas in 1977 and made many friends and lasting memories. Known locally as “Uncle Mike”, he was a “people” person with a heart of gold and lived life to its fullest. Mike enjoyed hunting and other outdoor activities and serving the community. He was an avid sports fan, particularly college football and Notre Dame. He enjoyed watching his granddaughters, nieces, and nephews in all their sports activities. Mike regularly checked on and called his niece, Cori, who has suffered with a debilitating form of Stephens Johnson Syndrome for the past eleven years.

Mike was a past member of the Shelby County Cookers and currently served on the board of the Shelby County Outreach Ministries. He was the chief cook for the Friends of the Roughrider Athletic Booster Club.

Mike worked at General Shelters for eleven years and served as the plant manager for the production plant in Munday, Texas. He also worked for Port-a-Cool and was a Regional Sales Manager. In his travels as a salesman, Mike made many friends across the country. In his retirement, he enjoyed serving his community and spending time with his granddaughters and great-grandson. 

He is survived by:

Daughter, Delanda (Wulf) Agocs-Baker

Granddaughter, Shaelyn Agocs-Motichek (Skyliar)

Stepdaughter, Stevie Sanchez (Doug)

Granddaughters:
Madisen Sanchez
Mattilyn Sanchez

Great Grandson, “Big John” Agocs-Motichek

Siblings:
Fred Wulf (Mickey) of Center
Paul “Pickles” Wulf of Curtice, Ohio
Larry Wulf (Rita) of Toledo, Ohio
Lori Wieczorek of Toledo, Ohio
Tim Wulf (Jennifer) of Center
Mary Lou Lubinski (Ken) of Toledo, Ohio
Jim Wulf (Jenni) of Napoleon, Ohio

He was also survived by special friends, Derrick, Mary and Dylan Roberts, and Ashley Flick. 

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Rose Marie Wulf, infant brother, Joseph Michael Wulf; grandparents, Fred and Minnie Nowicki, and Anthony and Josefa Wulf; sister-in-law, Peggy Wulf; and brother-in-law, Larry Wieczorek.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one the following:
VFW Post 8904, PO Box 53, Center, Texas, 75935
Friends of Roughrider Boosters, 153 Foster St., Center, Texas, 75935
Roughrider Scholarship, 153 Fost St., Center, Texas, 75935

Pallbearers serving will be members from the VFW Post 8904.

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

03/07/2025

James David Rudd, 89, of Center, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Don Moore will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Herman Cemetery in Center.

Born December 28, 1935, in Center, James was the son of Anderson Bryan Rudd and Gladys Marie Brown Rudd. He raised cattle for many years. James was a member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a Deacon for 45 years.  

He is survived by:

Wife, Faye Graves Rudd

Children:
Randy Rudd and wife Cherie of Center
Ronny Rudd of Center

Grandchildren:
Randi Lunsford of Nacogdoches
Adam Rudd of Philadelphia, PA
Kristi Sibley of Center
Jamie Rose of Center

Great-grandchildren:
Ryan Lunsford
Lanie Lunsford
Josey Rudd
Bo Green
Tripp Green
Emmie Sibley
Jericho Rose
Joanna Rose

Preceded in death by his parents, Anderson Bryan Rudd and Gladys Marie Brown Rudd; and sister, Marie DuBose.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Providence Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 751 Center, Texas 75935 

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

03/06/2025

Bunkcome Wayne Williams, 67, of Center, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 2pm, Sunday, March 9, 2025, at White Rock Cemetery in Center with visitation beginning at 1:30pm

Born December 19, 1957, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Bunkcome was raised in the Waterman Community. He married the love of his life, Marlena Jackson, in 2007, and the two have enjoyed over 17 years together. Bunkcome was an exceptional truck driver. He was also a man who could fix anything and enjoyed doing carpentry work. Bunkcome enjoyed the outdoors, whether he was fishing, hunting, or just spending time in the sun. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Bunkcome loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren and was a good friend to many.

He is survived by:

Wife, Marlena Williams

Children:
Bunkcome John Williams and wife Krystal Fenley
Miranda Houston and husband Josh

Grandchildren:
Bunkcome Jaxon Williams
Brendan Jakeb Williams
Brilyn Jayd Williams
Kason John Williams

Sisters:
Marry Ann Rowe
Hattie Cochran.

Preceded in death by his parents, Bunkcome and Thelma Williams.

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

3/04/2025

Chelette Lavell Reed, 58, of Tenaha, passed away Monday, March 3, 2025, in Tenaha.

Funeral service will be held at 11am, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Triumph Church in Center with visitation beginning at 10am. Interment will follow at Friendship Bobo Baptist Church Cemetery in Tenaha.

Born January 11, 1967, in Carthage, Chelette is the daughter of J.D. Reed Jr. and Annie Equilla Evans Reed.

She is survived by her:

Siblings:
Robert Richards and wife Sandra of Tenaha
Thessa Dock of Center
Chinita Belin of Center
Tina Matthews and husband Jon Adams Matthews of San Antonio

Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; J.D. Reed Jr. and Annie Equilla Evans Reed; sister, Yvonne DeCarlo Smith; brother-in-law, James Belin; grandparents, Molly and Emerson Evans and Lenora Crawford; and stepfather, Roy Tillman.

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

02/26/2025

Louis S. Muldrow, 92, of Waco, died Monday, February 17 at his home.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 1st, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service in the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room.

Louis was born August 22, 1932, in Center, Texas to Louis S. Muldrow Sr. and Hazel Rogers Muldrow. He graduated from Center High School in 1949 where he played football and ran track. He was also very active in the local Boy Scouts. He earned his Eagle Badge and became a Ranger in Senior Scouts.

He attended Baylor University and graduated from Texas Tech University with a B.A Degree in Geology.

Louis served in the US Army from 1953 until 1955. He grew up during World War II which he believes shaped him. He saw the tragedy of war and always appreciated those who served their country. Louis entered Baylor Law School in the fall of 1955 and graduated with honors and was first in his class in the spring of 1958. He served as the Editor of the Baylor Law Review.

He joined the firm of Naman & Howell in Waco as a partner where he practiced law from 1958 until 1981 as a trial attorney. Louis thoroughly enjoyed practicing law for over 20 years. He loved trying cases and made many lifelong friends with his law partners.

Among his many accomplishments, Louis was President of the Baylor Law Alumni Association, President of Waco-McLennan County Bar Association, Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, Director Waco Symphony Association, Director Waco-McLennan County Child Welfare Board, Director Waco Evangelia Home, Member, Original Texas Ethic Commission, Member, Texas Railroad Trial Lawyers Association, Member, International Association of Insurance Trial Lawyers and Member, Texas Association of Defense Counsel.

Louis served as an Adjunct Professor at Baylor Law School from 1968 until 1981 when he became full-time faculty until 2000. He was Director of the Baylor Law Practice Court Program and was Jaworski Professor of Practice and Procedure. He was named Baylor Lawyer of the Year in 2000. Louis cherished teaching at Baylor Law School where he made more lifelong friends with both faculty and his students. He was always so proud of his students and enjoyed hearing from them and getting updates on the cases they were involved with.

Growing up during the Great Depression made Louis appreciative of everything. Louis valued his family, from his great-grandfather to his own grandchildren. He was forever grateful for his childhood in a small town, surrounded by loving parents, sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, beloved cousins and close friends. He spent many happy hours with his cousins Bill and John, playing in the woods, fishing, hunting, but mostly laughing. He loved family gatherings, especially at the large Victorian house of his grandparents.

Louis loved listening to music and watching soccer and was an avid photographer and even had a dark room in his home. He enjoyed reading multiple books at one time, especially involving history. He also loved the great outdoors watching birds, especially at his farm. Louis often traveled to the mountains taking his family to Red River, New Mexico at least on seven occasions. He loved his many summers in Scotland and Ireland.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Louis is survived by:

Son, John Muldrow

Daughters:
Elizabeth Rigney and her husband, Charlie
Catherine Parks and her husband, Kyle

Grandchildren:
Will Rigney
Reagan Rigney
Hannah Parks
Andrew Parks

Sister, Alice Sue Rhodes and her husband, Sammy

Mother of his children, Betty Flowers

Many beloved nieces, cousins and extended family.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Louis in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

02/26/2025

Derrick Derrell Barnes, age 52, better known as Fuzz, was born September 7, 1972 in San Augustine, Texas, and he passed away, February 16, 2025 in Mansfield, Louisiana.

Funeral service is at 11am on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at China Chapel Baptist Church, 2589 County Road 220, San Augustine, Texas with Eulogist Rev. Fred Dade. Visitation is from 2pm until 6pm on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, Texas. Burial is at Red Land Cemetery, San Augustine.

Services are under the direction of Sid Roberts Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.

02/25/2025

Gerald “Jerry” Wayne Smith, 87, of Tenaha, Texas, passed away on February 24, 2025, in Tenaha, Texas. He was born on February 20, 1938, in Hughes Springs, Texas, to the late Homer Harvey Smith and Myrtis (Ogden) Smith.

A graveside service will be held at 11AM on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Restland Cemetery, Tenaha, Texas, with Bro. Bill Holmes officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 5-7PM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Jerry was raised in Tenaha, Texas. Jerry proudly served in the United States Navy for four years. Jerry met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Alford, at her aunt’s house at the young age of twelve. Jerry was sure she would be his soulmate and the two high school sweethearts were married on January 23, 1960.  They spent over 63 wonderful years together raising three sons. After retirement you could find Jerry rebuilding and restoring old cars and trucks. He rebuilt three trucks, (54’, 56’, and 57’ models) one for each of his sons. He also spent time woodworking in the shop. Jerry loved spending time on the river fishing as well. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Family was precious to him and he enjoyed every moment spent with those he loved. Jerry was a Master Mason and a part of the Tenaha Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his sons:
Michael Wayne Smith and wife Robyn
Ronnie Alan Smith and wife Joann
Terry Brian Smith and wife Ramona

Brothers-in-law:
Johnny “Randall” Alford and wife Ione
John Bail Alford Jr. and wife Lori

Sisters-in-law:
Nancy Donahoe
Joyce Sloan and husband Mike

Grandchildren:
Kalen Smith and wife Jessica
Ryan Smith and wife Diane
Josh Smith and wife Val
Brittany Smith 
Jessica Smith
Stephanie McCallum and husband John
Shayne Stewart and wife Jasmine
Josh Stewart and wife Maddie

Great Grandchildren:
Makenna
Ethan
Sophie
Zachary
Zoey
Mason
Jenna
Khai
Jozie
James
Wesley
Davina
Karina
Mason
Miles
Madison

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry is preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara; parents, Homer and Myrtis Smith; Sister, Helen and brother-in-law, George Marshall; Brothers-in-law, Larry Alford and Kenny Donahoe; and sister-in-law, Brenda Daniels.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.