Shelby County Today

05/28/2019

J.E. "Jimmy'" Jones went home to be with the Lord May 27, 2019, at the age of 98.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 31, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Center with Bro. Carl Smith and Bro. Bobby Bressman officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Virginia Lewis Jones and son, Ronnie E Jones; his father, James E. Jones Sr. and mother, Billie Bush Jones.

He is survived by:

Daughter, Suzanne Jucas and son-in-law, Dr. John Jucas, of Shreveport

Daughter, Carolyn Lovette and son-in-law, Bill Lovette of Charlotte, North Carolina

Daughter-in-law, A. J. Canales of Alice, Texas.

Grandchildren:
Ron Jones of Georgetown, Texas
Rebecca Jones of Austin, Texas
Allyson Jones of Brooklyn, New York
Don Lovette of Cartersville, Georgia
Jennifer Lovette of Charlotte, North Carolina

Great-grandchildren: Taylor Salinas, Madison Lovette, Jackson Lovette, Hudson Lovette, Kate Jones, and Tory Jones.

Jimmy was a native of Fort Worth Texas. He graduated from Pascal High school in Fort Worth, where he lettered in football and track.

He attended Baylor University in Waco and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He also attended Stephen F Austin University, where he earned a teacher’s degree and a certification to teach.

He moved to Tyler County in East Texas as a young man where he met and married Virginia Lewis.

It was also in East Texas that he taught school for five years. His love of working with young people brought some of the most rewarding experiences of his life. He taught all four grades of high school English and he served as high school principal and coached football, baseball and track. While in Tyler County, he pastored five different churches, three of them were in the county as well as Diboll and Burke in Angelina county. During this time, he experienced his most memorable service which was in First Baptist of Colmesneil, Texas. He would never tell these details, but in an article of the local newspaper it was written that the church closed one of its most successful revivals with twenty additions by baptism and five by letter. Of the twenty who were baptized, the average age of those joining was forty years which is unusual in conversions. The Lord allowed him to be part and preach every sermon of the revival. There were approximately five hundred people attending the last service and in a town of less than a thousand people it was an amazing experience.

In 1951, he moved to Center where he opened Dad and Lad's Clothing store for men and boys. He operated this for forty five years. Also, in the intervening years, he operated three other stores in Center as well as in San Augustine and in Carthage.

Through the years in Shelby county, he pastored Clever Creek Baptist Church, Antioch Baptist Church, Lonestar Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church of Timpson. With his work in the clothing business for so many years it enabled him to be able to help the smaller churches when he was needed. During this time he witnessed many life decisions and was a part of encouraging building and growth of the smaller churches. He always gave God all the credit and gratitude for using him in this capacity.

Through these thirty years, he conducted many revivals and more funerals that he could recall and was always available to preach for Bro. Chadwick at the First Baptist Church as he was needed.

For over fourteen years, he taught the Men's Bible Class at the First Baptist Church. Much of the time it was on radio and televised for the community.

In civic work, he served for approximately seventeen years on the Board of Trustees of the Center Independent School District where he served as president of the board.

Also, he served two terms as president of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce as well as two terms as President of the Center Lions Club.

For twenty years, he served on the Board of Directors of the Farmers State Bank. He retired from active business in 1995.

He always lived by three deep considerations as the guiding motivation of his life: be a friend to all, live by the Golden Rule and make this world a better place because you are permitted to pass this way.

In his life there were many things he loved and enjoyed, hunting and being in nature were at the top but it was his study of the Bible and teaching and preaching that were the things that meant most to his life.

To be with his Lord and Savior is gain. He is now home.

Micah 6:8 - And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

His family is so grateful for the people who have blessed and enriched his life. Cursandra Wade who he always said was his best friend. She truly was for six years. Jackie Collins who was was with him weekends and nights.

Special thanks to Charlotte Garrett, Tyronne Garrett, Kelsey Owens, Sherry Gibbs, Tricia Baker, Nicole Simpson, Karen Morris, Annie Wynn, Kathy Davidson, Betty Davis, Betty Ratcliff, Julie Dixon, Kay DeSoto, Kim Bridges, and Steve Fults. To all the wonderful staff at Pine Grove Heart to Heart Hospice.

If anyone has been overlooked, thank you and God bless you!

Pallbearers will be Luke Motley, David Chadwick, Tim Morrison, Buddy Hancock, Bobby Watson, Don Lovette, Ron Jones, and Bill Stegall. Honorary pallbearers are the Farmers State Bank Board and Men’s Bible Class of First Baptist Church.

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

Jonathan F. Gray, 60, of Center, Texas, passed away on May 27, 2019 in Center. He was born on June 29, 1958 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Jessie Lee Gray and Lurline Stansberry Gray. Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Anthony Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Haley Bush Cemetery in San Augustine. 

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, May 31, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home. Repass will be at the John D. Windham Civic Center.

Jonathan grew up in Center and graduated from Center High School in 1976. In May of 1980, he went to work for Hallmark and next year would’ve have marked his 40th year of service with the company. That same year, he met Nancy Berry in San Augustine. The two courted for a couple of years and then were married just before Jonathan’s birthday. He was a genuinely kind-hearted, down-to-earth man who spent the best times of his life surrounded by family. There was nothing he loved more than those precious moments with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. The laughter and joy would resonate when they were together at cook outs and other gatherings. Jonathan also enjoyed the outdoors and would often go hunting and fishing. His caring and compassionate demeanor will be dearly missed, and those that had the pleasure of knowing Jonathan will treasure the innumerable beautiful memories made with him over the years. 

Jonathan is survived by: 
His beloved wife: Nancy Gray

Son: DeQuinn Nickerson and wife, Stefanie

Daughters: 
Katina Hubbard and husband, Gregory
Jennifer Gray-White and husband Garnet III 
Jessica Watts and husband, Justin

Mother: Lurline Stansberry Wade

Brothers: 
Reginald Patton 
Darryl Gray

Sisters: 
Saundra Hill
Felicia Cloudy and husband, Pastor Marlin Cloudy Sr.

Grandchildren: 
Sykera Hubbard
Gregory Hubbard II
Kylie Hubbard
Austin Randle
Cali White
Lia Nickerson 
Levin Nickerson

A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends that will miss him dearly

He is preceded in death by his father, Jessie Lee Gray and his brothers, Kelvin Patton and Dwynne Gray.

Pallbearers will be Marcus Williams, Jack Moore, Kenny Wayne Edwards, Keith Hinson, Billy Jackson and Tommy Jackson.

The family would like to extend extreme gratitude to the staff of Hospice in the Pines for their excellent care of Mr. Gray during his time of need. 

The family also expresses their sincere thanks to everyone who has called, provided meals, visited and prayed during Mr. Gray’s illness.

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

05/24/2019

Jerry Powell, 75, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Ronnie Wheeler officiating.  Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Mr. Powell was born January 7, 1944, in Dallas, to Marvin Powell and Maxine Nichols Powell.  He served in the United States National Guard, was an HR Manager at Tyson Foods and also raised poultry. Mr. Powell was a member of Ephesus Baptist Church in Shelbyville. 

He is survived by
His sons: 
James Powell and wife Kande of Center
Brian Powell and wife Jennifer of Lufkin

Grandsons: 
Nicklaus Powell of Center
Davis Powell of Lufkin
Clayton Powell of Center
Jackson Powell of Lufkin

Brothers: 
Don Powell and wife Priscilla of Sabine County
Milton Powell of Sabine County

Numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends

He is preceded in death by his wife, Nadine Hippler Powell; parents, Marvin Powell and Maxine Nichols Powell; sister, Karen Hadlock; niece, Crystal Vickers.

Pallbearers will be James Powell, Brian Powell, Nicklaus Powell, Davis Powell, Clayton Powell, and Jackson Powell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html or Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/

A special thanks to the staff of Pine Grove Nursing Home and Heart to Heart Hospice for their compassionate care.

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

05/20/2019

Donald O’Rear, 86, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019, in Shelbyville.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Kevin Windham officiating.  Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Mr. O’Rear was born February 16, 1933, in Huxley, to Alvie H. O’Rear and Cassie Fleming O’Rear.  He served in the US Army, where he was a member of the I Corps Army Unit and served as Sergeant in the the 204th Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War. He later retired from the USDA as an inspector, where he received many honorable mentions throughout his career. Mr. O’Rear went on to work as a full-time farmer and rancher. He received the John Moosberg Award for outstanding broiler grower in Shelby County for Tyson Foods numerous times throughout the years, Mr. O’Rear also enjoyed working with his cattle.  More than anything, he loved spending time with his daughter, nieces, nephews, and other family children. Mr. O’Rear was a member of Oakland Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

He is survived by his wife: Lois Bell O’Rear of Shelbyville

Daughter: Sheila O’Rear of Shelbyville

Brother: Benny O’Rear of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Sisters-in-law: 
Margaret Kay of Shelbyville
Sue Bell of Tatum
Jean O’Rear

Extended family: 
Emigdio Valencia and wife Dionicia
Dana Valencia
Angelica Valencia Valdez and husband Ricard Caporali Farjardo
Cristian Alberto Valencia Valdez and wife Emerald

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvie H. O’Rear and Cassie Fleming O’Rear; brother, Kelly O’Rear; sister-in-law, Pat O’Rear; brothers-in-law, James Bell, Charles Bell and mother-in-law, Ruby Bell.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie O’Rear, Mark O’Rear, Sammy Furlow, Christian Valencia, Emigdio Valencia, and Jason Bell.

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

05/20/2019

Lynn Tatom of Pineland died Saturday May 18, 2019 in a local nursing home. He was born May 24, 1926 in the Plainview Community and was 92 years of age. 

Mr. Tatom was a service man for Tyson foods until retirement. There will be a visitation of friends and family Monday May 20, 2019 from 5 to 8 pm at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill, Texas. He will have a graveside funeral service Tuesday at 2:00 pm at Plainview Cemetery. Burial will follow in Plainview Cemetery. 

He is survived by: 
His wife of 69 years: Dorothy Tatom of Pineland

Son: Wade Tatom and wife Julie of Tenaha, TX

Daughters: 
Robin Shapley and husband Andy of Pineland 
Rhonda Gipson and husband Floyd of Pineland

Grandchildren: 
Shelley Adams & husband Mike of Arkansas
Mark Gipson and wife Shawn of Washington State
Justin Tatom & wife Stephanie of Tenaha
Candus Tatom of Nacogdoches
Lauren Shapley of Pineland

Great-Grandchildren: 
Lilia Adams
Sylvia Adams
Matthew Gipson
Mark Gipson
Tabytha Gipson
Henley Tatom
Presley Tatom

He was preceded in death by his parents Dewey and Etta Tatom and Brother Troy Tatom. 

Guest book may be signed and condolences may be left at starrfh@windstream.net

05/19/2019

Funeral services honoring the life of Rusty Evan Canton, 45, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Logansport High School in Logansport, LA with Brother Timothy Roberson and Revered Dean Register officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Many, LA. The family will receive friends at the school for visitation on Saturday, May 18, 2019, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Rusty was born October 30, 1973 in Shreveport, LA to Jack Evan Canton Jr. and Judith Gayle Hennigan Canton and entered into rest on May 16, 2019. Rusty was the Fire Chief of Desoto District One and served 21 years for Shreveport Fire Department. He was a hard worker, a loving husband and father, and a mentor to many.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack Evan Canton Sr. and wife, Eva Marie Canton, and  Opal Yates Hennigan and wife, Eva Bell Hennigan.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are:
His wife: Shannon Canton

Parents: Jack Evan Canton Jr. and Judith Gayle Hennigan

Sons: 
Benjamin Canton
Joshua Canton 
Parker Canton
Louis Sisk

Daughters: 
Isabella Canton
Logan Sisk

Sisters: 
Brandy Ward
Dusty Norris
Crickty Canton

Brother: Jody Warren

Grandchildren: 
Korbyn Spear
Kinsler Sisk
Harrison Sisk
Declan Sisk

A very special aunt: Lona Lee

A host of nieces, nephews, and friends

Honoring Rusty as pallbearers will be Heath Hayes, Mark Magee, Jody Warren, Pat Denney, Justin Markey, and Clint Walker.

Honorary Pallbearers will be all of DeSoto Fire District #1 firefighters and volunteer firefighters.

Funeral services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

05/16/2019

Gillis Earl, age 60 of Timpson, passed away Monday, May 13, 2019 at his residence in Timpson.

Memorial service is 11am Saturday, May 18th at Friendship Baptist Church of Tenaha with Pastor Jeremy Moore officiating.

He is survived by:

Daughters:
Ashley Earl of Carthage
Amber Earl of Carthage
Jasmine Earl of Carthage

Mother, Thena Moore of Tenaha

Sisters:
Bonnie Pearl Bizzell of Dallas
Thelma Moore of Tenaha

Brother, Dewayne Moore of Tenaha

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, Texas.

05/14/2019

James Arvis Lee Sr., 73, of Center, passed away Monday, May 13, 2019, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, May 16, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Ron Luman and Bro. Travis Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Mr. Lee was born April 16, 1946, in Ebarb, Louisiana, to R.D. and Emma Ebarb Lee. He retired from Asplundh Tree Company at the age of 62 following 39 years of service. Mr. Lee enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. He was a member of Center Bible Fellowship.

He is survived by:

Wife, Jean Lee

Children:
Sharon Bock and husband Richard
James Lee Jr. and wife Angela
Ricky Lee and wife Lorinda
Teresa Fletcher and husband Eddie
Denise McCauley

Brothers:
Wallace Lee and wife Mary Rose
Robert Lee and Glenda

Grandchildren:
Kim Shelton and husband Jacob
Donald Lee and Jessica
Amber Lout and husband Sawyer
Ricky Lee Jr. and wife Whitnee
Brandon Lee and wife Anna
Yolanda Alcudia and husband Aldemir
Jonathan Sullivan and wife Erichica
Christian Lee
Charity Lee
Ethan Lee
Brayden Lee
Trinity Lee
Bryson Lee
Easton Lee
Caden Lee
Makenna Lee
Peter Bock
Michael Bock
Devin McCauley
Shanan Lee

Great-grandchildren: Aidan Sullivan, Jerry Sullivan, Leah Sullivan, Branson Shelton, Kris Shelton, Shyanne Lee, Erica Lee, Allissa Lee, Kyleigh Lee, Zoey Robison, Alexis Lout, Katelyn Lout, Grayson Lee, Tristan Lee, Tate Lee, Tanner Lee, Nevaeh Lee, Bobby Hendricks III, Colton Lee, Jazmin Trejo, Juliana Trejo, Adrian Alcudia, Julio Alcudia, Brian Trejo, Chloe Bock, Emma Bock.

Preceded in death by grandchildren, Salazar Sullivan, Kayley Lee; parents, R.D. and Emma Lee; sisters, Arvelle Authur, Trudy Furlow, Nancy Lee, Doris Ebarb, Gertrude Lee; brothers, David Lee, Marvin Lee, Bryant Lee.

Pallbearers will be Donald Lee, Ricky Lee Jr., Jonathan Sullivan, Brandon Lee, Christian Lee, Sawyer Lout, Jacob Shelton, Aldemir Alcudia, Robert Lee Jr., and Bobby Hendricks III. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Jackson, Jimmy Jackson, Charles Ray Metcalf, Gaylon Howard, Johnny Magby, and Gary Snider.

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

05/13/2019

Robert Dale Bright, 67, of Center, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2019, in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at First United Pentecostal Church in Center with Bro. Andy Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Campti Methodist Cemetery in Shelby County.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time.

Mr. Bright was born November 23, 1951, to Roy Thomas Bright and Essie Callender Bright.  He worked in auto parts and service, and had a love for cars.

He is survived by:
His wife: Jeanette Bright of Center

Children: 
Sean Bright and wife Meredith of Austin
April Broomfield and husband Richard of Nacogdoches

Granddaughter: Kayla Reynolds and husband Ross of Tyler

Sister: Billie Holt of Center

Dog: Tigger

Preceded in death by his parents, Roy Thomas Bright and Essie Callender Bright; brother, Earl Bright; sister, Glenda Cordova.

Pallbearers will be Richard Broomfield, Sean Bright, Ross Reynolds, Clay Ihlo, Bobby Addison, and Tony Willoughby.

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