Shelby County Today

04/23/2018

Joe Ellis, 90, of Center, Texas, passed away on April 22, 2018 in Center. He was born on July 23, 1927 in Joaquin, Texas to Nathan Percy Ellis and Audrey Cole Ellis. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Center. Interment will follow at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin.

A visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Center.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Joe joined the faculty at Center High School and taught history from 1949 to 1950. He was called back to serve his country again during the Korean War. In 1952, he returned to Center High School where he served as history, science, aviation and chemistry teacher. He also led the Junior Historical Society. After teaching a number of years, Joe became Curriculum Coordinator and Superintendent of Center ISD and remained in that capacity until his retirement in 1985. To stay active and occupied after retiring, he became involved in raising registered shorthorn cattle and later, he raised cutting bred quarter horses. 

He married Winola Williams on May 31, 1953. They raised five children, three of whom became teachers. He joined First Baptist Church in Center in 1949 and taught a Sunday School class for over 50 years. He loved his Lord, his family and his church. 

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Winola; children, Julia Cassard, Susan Godfrey and husband, Michael, Joel Ellis and wife, Shannon, Jon Ellis and wife, Jackie and Cindy Harris and husband, Robert; grandchildren, Jonathan Godfrey and wife, Whitney, Jennifer Pirtle and husband, Justin, Clay Ellis and wife, Jesse, Lauren Gilbert and husband, Jeremy, Josie Harris and husband, Brad, Jace Ellis and Brandy Stringer; and nine great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Nathan and Audrey Ellis; two brothers and a sister. He is also preceded in death by his grandson, Joey Stringer and great-granddaughter, Olivia Ellis. 

Pallbearers will be Clay Ellis, Jonathan Godfrey, Randy Carroll, Jeff Young, Henry Suell, Brad Harris, Robert Harris and Justin Pirtle.

Honorary pallbearers are the members of Joe’s Sunday School class, Joe D. Anderson, Burton Brown, Jackson Pirtle and Cason Pirtle. 

The family requests that memorial donations be made to The Gideons, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, D.C., 20090-7251 or to a charity of your choice.

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

04/20/2018

William Travis Dorsey, 77, of Tenaha, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2018, at his residence.

Funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Ramah Missionary Baptist Church in Tenaha with Bro. Keith Keele officiating.  A military honors graveside service will follow at Ramah Cemetery.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Mr. Dorsey was born March 26, 1941, in Hemphill, to Frank Dorsey and Emma Maxine Davis Dorsey.  He served in the United States Army, during which time he was stationed in Korea.  He became a crane operator and following retirement, he owned and operated the Timpson/Tenaha Motel for over thirty years.  His hobbies included reading and spending time with his family. Mr. Dorsey was a member of Ramah Missionary Baptist Church.

He is survived by
Wife: Vickie Dorsey of Tenaha

Children:
Joshua Dorsey
Christopher James Cook
Kylie Dorsey and husband, Joshua Hendry
Carol Sardona and husband, Jerry
Valerie Jackson and husband, Larry
Vernon Mathis and wife, Jackie
Monica Jackson

Grandchildren:
Katelyn Kellar
Michael Kellar

Numerous other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Sister: Sherry Martinez and husband, Humberto

Preceded in death by
Parents: Frank Dorsey and Emma Maxine Davis Dorsey
Brother: Edward Dorsey
Sister: Christine Montgomery

Pallbearers will be Josh Dorsey, Michael Kellar, C.J. Cook, Ronny Kellar, Eugene Bowden, Humberto Martinez, and Vernon Mathis. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe White, Roy Wayne, and Red Odom.

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

04/20/2018

Tom Mays (Tim) Barton Boyd peacefully died on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Tim was born December 16, 1917, the youngest of six children in Cushing, Texas to parents Eryme Summers Barton and Doctor Yancy Pascal Barton. She graduated from Cushing High School and attended both the University of Texas in Austin and Stephen F. Austin State University where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. Tim obtained a degree in Home Economics and Nutrition and following graduation taught high school in Kilgore. A trip home for the Christmas holidays combined with the reconstruction of State Highway 21 provided an opportunity for a blind date with her future husband, William Riley Boyd, Jr. Their beautiful union spanned seventy-four years and was a testament of sacrificial love and commitment.
 
Tim had no greater appreciation than for family and friends. She was a matriarch to many, an open heart and an open door with her elegant Southern hospitality, charm and dignity perpetually present. Tim was fiercely loyal and supportive of her family. Her only true weakness was a scoop of Baskin Robbins coffee ice cream. Lovingly called “MomMommy” by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she never missed an opportunity to attend a game, recital or theater event. Her passion for the holidays shined the most as Chief Operating Officer of Christmas Preparations where she single handedly revolutionized the presentation of a gift from her headquarters commonly referred to as the “Wrap Room”. Tim’s love of Christmas and entertaining was especially evident at her annual Christmas Eve party. A recognized authority in Southern Table Manners, if you found yourself at her table, only the utmost etiquette would be accepted in exchange for the best meal you had ever eaten.

As the First Lady of W.R. Boyd, Incorporated, Tim made a home in numerous towns and cities. Those in Texas included Cushing, Beaumont, Jasper, San Augustine, Nacogdoches, Kerrville and El Paso. In 1954 Bill, Tim and their daughter Yancy moved to Center and proudly called it home for over 60 years. They were members of the First United Methodist Church where she served as MYF sponsor and readily donated her time arranging flowers and preparing food. Tim was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Center Garden Club where she exhibited her love of gardening and flowers. She was also a founding member of “The Pine Street Coffee Club.” Her commitment to caring for others led her to provide home care for relatives, often for months at a time, and to provide holiday meal for neighbors who were alone. Tim will always be remembered as the utmost in elegance and grace, as well as for her independence, strength, grit, love of all things beautiful, and sense of humor. 

Tim was preceded in death by her devoted husband William Riley Boyd, Jr; her brother, Winston Marion Barton and her sisters Beatrice Barton Rohrbaugh and Fanny Jo, Kathleen and Jeanette Barton. She is survived by her daughter Yancy Boyd Bradford (George) of Fort Worth; her granddaughter Phoebe Fleming Moore (Carl) of Dallas; her grandson Michael Graydon Fleming, Jr (Jana) of Saint Paul, Minnesota; her great grandchildren Graydon Elizabeth Moore, Watson Riley Fleming, Davis Boyd Fleming, Riley Kathryn Moore, Hughes Michael Fleming and her beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Monday, April 23, 2018 from 9 to 10:30 A.M. at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. A graveside service will follow at Cushing Cemetery with The Right Reverend Sam B. Hulsey officiating.

Pallbearers include William H. Wall, Jr, Wayne A. Davis, Michael G. Fleming, Dale C. Hall, Robert E. Havran and James B. Peterson. Honorary pallbearers include J. Timothy Byrne, William C. Moore, Frank Edward Parker, Jr., and William H. Wall III (Tripp).

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children 2222 Welborn Street Dallas, Texas 75219. Attn. Development Department.

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

04/17/2018

Stanley Dunning, 90, of Tenaha, Texas, passed away on April 16, 2018 in Nacogdoches. He was born on June 7, 1927 in Gilbert Pennsylvania to Stanley R. Dunning and Carrie Mae Everett Dunning. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha.
 
Stanley served as a merchant marine and was in the US Coast Guard during the Korean conflict. This endeavor took him around the world seven times and the opportunity to set foot onto every continent. The stories Stanley could tell from his world travels were almost unbelievable but were some of his most fond memories. After retiring from the service, Stanley lived a quiet and content life on his “Ponderosa” tending to his cows. He enjoyed indulging in his little whims and going wherever the wind would take him. Friends meant the world to Stanley and every moment he had to spend with them was a treasure beyond words. He loved the laughter and sharing beloved memories when they would get together.
 
Stanley is survived by family friends:
Carl and Vickie Jernigan of Tenaha
Joshua and Brooke Jernigan of Tenaha and their daughter, Sadie
Lauren Jernigan and Sean Smith of Appleby
Angela Paxton of Greenville, South Carolina
Sharon Risinger and her children: Lee and Misty Gibbs, Jenny Hicks, Jamie Gray and their families all of Tenaha.
Roger Paxton of Orange
Alan and Diana Tinsley of Port Neches
Barry and Lois Forsyth and their children Brittany, Max, Cypress and Marissa all of Orange
Adam and Pam Hall of Beaumont
Keith and Jenny Forsyth of Mauriceville
 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Carrie Dunning and siblings, Everett, Gary and Elda Dunning.
 
Honorary pallbearers are Carl Jernigan, Josh Jernigan, Lee Gibbs, Barry Forsyth, Keith Forsyth and Alan Tinsley.
 
The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

04/16/2018

William Doyle Millican, age 73, of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed away on Friday, April 13th, 2018, surrounded by family. He was born on October 6, 1944 in Stamps, Arkansas to Doris Marie Owen Millican & Doyle Rolan Millican. Bill was a proud member of the Stamps High School Class of ‘62 and graduate of Southern Arkansas University, with BS degree in Education and MS degree in Counseling.  Bill was retired from the United States Armed Services, having served a combined 38 years in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with a retired rank of Sergeant First Class. His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. He was last stationed at Camp Robinson in the 87th Troop Command. Bill was also known to many as Coach Millican, having coached football at Brinkley High School, Earle High School, and Center High School in Texas. He was also, an avid golfer, card shark, and longtime Dallas Cowboy and Arkansas Razorback fan, as well as being a John Wayne connoisseur and loyal supporter of Ducks Unlimited’s Greenwings program. Patriarch of the Millican Clan, he was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, coach, mentor, and friend. He was known for his selflessness and kind heart and will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his father, Doyle Millican, and son, Michael Don Millican.

Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Donna Cary Millican; his mother Doris Marie Owen Millican; Children: Wayne Millican and wife Angie of Cabot, Lin Schuster and husband Marshall “Dee” of Little Rock, Shannon Bloesch and husband Mike of Houston, Texas, and Tonya Millican (wife of the late Michael Millican) of Cabot. Grandchildren: Kristin Fitzgibbon (Brian); Jessalyn Otwell (Luke), Katie and; Olivia Schuster; Sydney, Simon, & Sawyer Bloesch; Christian, Addison, & Aviana Millican; Great grandchildren: Hailey, Emily, & Kaelin Fitzgibbon; Annie & Ruby Otwell; Siblings: Linda & Mokey Sparrow, Polly & Jerry Don Millican, and Linda & Mike Couch; Nieces & nephews: McRae Sparrow & Lindsay Nutt; Cary Mitchell, Lance Couch, and Lindsey Zigler; plus, a huge host of special friends.

Military funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, April 18th at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas with visitation to begin at 11:30 am. Eulogies delivered by Lonnie Medford, Bob Cofford, and Marshall Schuster, with special bagpipe salute by grandson, Simon Doyle Bloesch. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Southern Oaks Country Club in Jacksonville, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, the Millican family requests any donations be made to the Arkansas Ducks Unlimited Greenwings Program in memory of William D Millican. Online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

04/13/2018

Rubie Lou Humphreys Yarbrough, 98, of Nacogdoches, passed away Friday, April 13, 2018, in Garrison.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Cold Springs Cemetery in Garrison with Bro. Shack Arrington officiating.  A private family visitation will be held prior to the service at Garrison Funeral Home in Garrison, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Mrs. Yarbrough was born October 9, 1919, in Garrison, to Mr. Tom Humphreys and Mrs. Cora L. Barrington Humphreys.  She lived a life of service, caring for the elderly for over 35 years.  She was also a faithful, loving wife for over 35 years and a loving mother for 77 years. Mrs. Yarbrough worked at the Garrison High School Cafeteria for 10 years, and her cinnamon rolls are still remembered by the students.  She was voted the best cook in East Texas by her family and friends.

She is survived by
Sons: 
Thomas T. “Toddy” Yarbrough and wife, Linda, of Nacogdoches
Bill Yarbrough of Nacogdoches

Grandchildren:
Keith Yarbrough of Montgomery
Kelly Lynne Ressler of Crosby
Melonie Black of Alto

Great-Grandchildren:
Cody Ressler
Casey Yarbrough
Cade Black
Colton Black

Sister: Marjorie A. Johnson of Garrison

Preceded in death by
Husband: William Floyd Yarbrough
Daughter: Cindy Yarbrough Saxton
Parents: Mr. Tom Humphreys and Mrs. Cora L. Barrington Humphreys
5 Brothers
3 Sisters

Pallbearers will be Cody Ressler, Keith Yarbrough, Gary Corley, Jeff Hancock, Tracey Rucker and Cory Rucker.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Accolade Hospice, 2708 North University Drive, Suite 100, Nacogdoches, Texas 75965.

Services are under the direction of Garrison Funeral Home in Garrison, Texas.

04/10/2018

Bryant Haden Birdwell, 75, passed away Monday, April 9, 2018, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born to Lawrence Birdwell and Wanda Fountain Birdwell on June 29, 1942, at home on Flower Mountain, Nacogdoches County, Texas. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, better known as Pappy. He was an active member of Trawick Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed visiting Center First United Pentecostal Church with his son, Del, and his family.

Visitation is Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 5pm until 7pm and funeral service is Friday, April 13th at 10am with Rev Andy Wilson and Rev David O’Neal officiating. Visitation and funeral are at Dickie Allen Funeral Home in Cushing.

Bryant was the owner/operator of Lindy’s Grocery in Nacogdoches in the 70’s, then a salesman, and later manager of Crim Tobacco Company in Nacogdoches. He worked the last several years of his life for Tejas Paper and Chemical until he retired in 2016. Bryant was a true salesman and never met a stranger. 

He grew up working hard, had an “old-time” work ethic, whether on the job or at home, and his word was his bond. He passed all the things he learned or taught himself to his son, Del, and his grandkids. It has been said many times that Bryant could truly “live off the land.” One of his very favorite things to do besides being with his family, was gardening, and did he ever know how to grow a bountiful garden! Summer after Summer, he and Edna spent countless hours putting up fresh produce, which they shared with many.

He had such a love for his family, and left his grandkids with wonderful memories such as, making up songs and singing and dancing with them before bed, riding them on his big, red tractor, teaching them his amazing cooking skills and secret recipes, and always reminding them to work hard and do well in whatever they did. He kept friends and family entertained with his story telling and super sense of humor, always had a joke to tell, enjoyed drinking coffee at the Country Kitchen with his lifelong friends, faithfully studied his Bible, and loved going to church. 

He is survived by:

Wife of 54 years, Edna Shofner Birdwell, of Nacogdoches

Son, Del Birdwell and wife, Joanna Lout Birdwell, of Center

3 Grandchildren: Bethany Lee Birdwell, Brynna Jo Birdwell and Levi Martin Birdwell, all of Center

2 Brothers, Jack Birdwell and wife Joyce of Nacogdoches and Lamar Birdwell and wife Judy of Conroe

3 Sisters, Beth Rogers and husband, Jerry of Athens; Barbara Hicks and husband, David of Dallas and Linda Wade and husband, Stanley of Sacul. 

Numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends. 

Preceded in death by:
Parents, Lawrence Birdwell and Wanda Fountain Birdwell
Brothers and Sister: Joe Birdwell, Bobby Birdwell, Jimmie Birdwell and Betty Birdwell

Pallbearers: Joe Henderson, Marty Cox, Billy Birdwell, Steve White, Brad Rogers, and Blane Wade 

Honorary pallbearers: James Shofner, Conrad Corley, Mike Russell, Ron Tooley, Wayne Hare, Jim Howell, and Gary Morse.

Services are under the direction of Dickie Allen Funeral Home in Cushing, Texas.

04/10/2018

Lorelei Sample, 76, of Center, Texas, passed away on April 10, 2018 in Center. She was born on January 16, 1942 in Center to Willie Sample and Alma Mae Metcalf Sample. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Oaklawn Memorial Park with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating. A visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM on Thursday April 12, 2018 at Mangum Funeral Home.

Lorelei grew up in the Dreka Community in Shelbyville, Texas. She loved the Lord and her family and chose to serve both for her entire life. Never having children of her own, Lorelei enjoyed spending time with and caring for her nieces and nephews. She made a living at home selling shoes throughout the area. Lorelei loved good food, her favorite being buttermilk and cornbread. If anyone was in need, she was quick to extend a helping hand, especially when it came to meals. It was no secret that Lorelei’s freezer was open to share with others. In her free time, she very much enjoyed coloring and working through puzzle books. Lorelei was of the Pentecostal faith.

Lorelei is survived by her brothers, Ronnie Sample and wife, Deborah of Jasper, Donald Sample and wife, Deloris of Quitman and Douglas Sample and wife, Myrtle of Pittsburg; numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Alma Sample; brother and sister-in-law, P.O. and Odelle Sample; and sister, Mildred Sample.

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

04/08/2018

David Whitton, 66, of Joaquin, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 12, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Sister Melba Rodgers officiating.  Interment will follow at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin.

Mr. Whitton was born August 21, 1951, in Center, to T.J. Whitton and Lexa Willoughby Whitton.  He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and building just about anything.  He was of the Baptist faith.
 
He is survived by

Children:
Rhonda Villarreal and husband, Luis, of DeBerry
Kimberly Griffin and husband, Billy, of San Augustine
Angela Whitman and husband, Goldman, of Joaquin
Crystal Berg and husband, Lydell, of Center
Michael Whitton of Huntsville

Grandchildren:
Vickie Espinoza
Dawntee Olalde and husband, Boti
Miguel Espinoza and wife, Julie
Justin Griffin and wife, Catherine
Wesley Griffin
Tyler Griffin and wife, Carolyn
Austin Griffin and wife, Destiny
Kellie Griffin
Catilyn Daniels
Conner Whitton
Blayne Whitton
Cody Berg
Breia Lout
Britni Davis and husband, Eric

13 Great-Grandchildren

Sisters and Brothers:
Annette Bradshaw of Timpson
Joyce Wolfe and husband, Ronnie, of Timpson
Francis Miller and husband, Rick, of Orange
Cecil Whitton and wife, Kay, of Timpson
Zaundra Whitton of Joaquin

Special Friend: Ricky Tindol of Shelbyville

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Wife: Peggy Whitton
Granddaughter: Maranda Whitton
Great Grandson: Ryder Griffin
Parents: T.J. Whitton and Lexa Willoughby Whitton
Brothers: John Whitton, Roger Whitton
Sister-in-law: Edith Whitton
Brother-in-law: Dale Bradshaw

Pallbearers will be Mr. Whitton’s grandchildren and nephews.

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