Shelby County Today

10/26/2017

James E. Greer (76) of Center, died Thursday, October 26, 2017 at his residence.

Funeral service will be Saturday, October 28, 2017, at 1:00 PM at Hicks Chapel (804 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas 75935).

He is survived by:

Brother, Felton Greer of Giddins, Texas

Special Friends: Sam Thomas Jr., James Dodd, Bryan Swindel, Willie E Johnson, Darryl Jones, Robert Nickerson, Bart Booth, Willie Earnest Johnson, and Alton Edwards

Visitation will be held Friday, October 27, 2017 at Hicks Chapel with burial at St. John Cemetery in the Africa Community.

Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary, Center, Texas.

10/23/2017

Evelina Wright Morrison, 69, of Nacogdoches, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2017, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Pat Windham officiating. Interment will follow at East Hamilton Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Mrs. Morrison was born December 31, 1947, in Center, to Roy Buvis Wright and Allie Mae Nichols Wright. Her hobbies included photography and crafts. She loved RVing, being a mother and grandmother and her cats.  Mrs. Morrison was a member of Rice Belt RV Club and Calvary Baptist Church.

She is survived by
Husband: Larry Morrison of Nacogdoches

Children:
Carie Albury and fiancé, Joey Watts, of Nacogdoches
Waylon “Bubba” Griffith Jr. and wife, Margo, of Center
Monte Dale Griffith of Center
Micah Z. Griffith and wife, Tammy, of Center

Stepchildren:
Cindy Christie of Lufkin
Cathy Richards of Sealy
Suzy Childers of Lufkin
Karen Mata of Houston

Grandchildren:
Chris Albury
Brittney Griffith
Lauren Griffith
Amber Griffith
Zane Griffith
Jared Richards
Alexandra Burch
Dalton Burch
Nolan Childers
Graham Childers
Emily Martinez
Abbie Richards
Louisa Mata

Great Grandchild: Alaina Hill

Brother: Earl Wright and wife, Linda, of East Hamilton

Sisters:
Sonya Golden and husband, Rodney, of Center
Mary Jane McSwain of Center
Faye Boles and husband, Waylon, of Center
Thelma Wright of Center
Tammy Ledford and husband, Jackie, of Stonewall, Louisiana

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: Roy Buvis Wright and Allie Mae Nichols Wright
Brother: David Wright
Sister: Brenda Curry

Pallbearers will be Waylon Griffith Jr., Monte Griffith, Micah Griffith, Chris Albury, Jared Richards and Steve Albury.  Honorary pallbearers will be Rodney Golden, David Spratley, Joey Watts and Brandon Bailey.

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

10/21/2017

Jimmy John Grubbs, 43, of Center, Texas, passed away on Friday, October 20, 2017 in Center, Texas. He was born on February 22, 1974 in Corpus Christi, Texas to James E. Grubbs and Ann E. Ault Grubbs. Funeral services for Jimmy will be at 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Center First United Pentecostal Church with Pastor Andy Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Sardis Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM prior to service time on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Center First United Pentecostal Church.

Jimmy John was raised in Shelby County and attended Shelbyville ISD. He was one of the hardest working individuals around and was dedicated to his job at High Roller Wells. There he worked operating heavy equipment and also served as a mechanic. Jimmy John loved his job and took great pride in serving the company well. His co-workers were not just acquaintances, but were like members of his family. He loved and cared for each one of them. He worked six days a week, but it is guaranteed that on Sunday, you would find Jimmy John worshipping His Lord and Savior and in fellowship with his beloved church family at Center First United Pentecostal Church. He served his Heavenly Father and his church family in any way he could. Jimmy John was a simple man, but had the heart of a true man of God. Genuine and compassionate, Jimmy John was known for his sincere kindness and of course, the everlasting smile on his face. No matter the situation or the place, a shining smile would be what greeted you whenever you saw him. There was a peace in his smile that brought such joy to those who had the opportunity to experience it. Jimmy John very much enjoyed being surrounded by family, and his favorite pal was the family dog, Lil’ Pancho. He and Lil’ Pancho had an understanding and the two would enjoy one another’s company and conversation. He was a food connoisseur and definitely had a love for Dr. Pepper! His kind-heartedness and his earnest smile will be dearly missed among those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Jimmy John is survived by:

Son, Jonathon Grubbs of Martinsville

Brother, Gary Grubbs and wife, Margaret of Buffalo, Texas

Sister, Angela Bailey of Center

Nephews:
Treven Bailey and wife, Jill of Center
Brent Bailey of Center

Great-nephew, Trae Bailey of Center

Great-niece, Madison Bailey of Center

Former brother-in-law, Vernon Bailey of Center.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Ann Grubbs.

Pallbearers for Jimmy John’s service will be Treven Bailey, Brent Bailey, Larry McDonald, Steve Franks, Chad Chesser, and Charley Brittain.

Honorary Pallbearers are Travis Brittain, Tony Willoughby, Vernon Bailey, and Dustin Bailey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to an account set up at Farmers State Bank in Center, Texas for the benefit of Jimmy John Grubbs.

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

10/19/2017

Danny Jackson Foster, born February 25, 1957 in Columbiana, Alabama, knocked on the Pearly Gates of Heaven October 17, 2017. St. Peter opened the door and asked why he was here so soon, to which Danny likely replied, “If you wanted to hear one of my jokes about you in person, a phone call would have worked just fine.”  

A fine Auburn man who lived his life by the Auburn Creed, Danny earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from Auburn University in 1980. During his time at Auburn University, Danny played the tenor sax in the Auburn University Marching Band from 1975-1979. Danny co-wrote the Shelby County High School fight song still played today.

Prior to working in the wood industry for 34 years, Danny held many unique jobs, including working as a meat cutter, vacuum salesman, Bible salesman, boll weevil counter, butter factory worker, tomato plant deliverer, grass cutter and longshoreman forklift driver as needed. Danny served as Vice President of Ihlo Sales and Import Company for the past 25 years where his expertise included international marketing of wood products, importer of Blue Mountain Meranti plywood from Malaysia, importer of high end prosperwood birch from China, established Madenorte as the Brazilian high quality plywood standard and was a high quality exotic fancy plywood specialist.  Danny was a member of the Center Noon Lions Club and was the past president in 1997, and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Center, Texas. 

Danny was an excellent cook and loved to serve anyone his favorite dishes – BBQ Shrimp New Orleans style was a favorite specialty. A jack of all trades and an avid historian, Danny had a story about any subject and loved to share his passion for living life to the fullest.

Danny leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Andi (Johnston), two children, Dr. Alison Slade (David) of Spanish Fort, Alabama, Matt Foster (Brittany) of Center, Texas, sister Melissa Denney (Tom) of Auburn, Alabama and brother Jeff Foster of Columbiana, Alabama, and two nephews, Trey Denney (Sara) of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Foster Denney of Auburn, Alabama. Big Daddy also leaves behind seven grandchildren, whom he adored and cherished. Big Daddy had special names for all his babies: Austin Miller (Otis), Andrew Miller (Rufus), Lola Slade (Caledonia), Cora Slade (Sadie), Colton Slade (Slick), Roman Foster (RoRo) and Ivy Foster (Gertrude). Danny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles Eugene Bozeman, Ada Moore Bozeman, Charles Oliver Foster and Sadie Farr Foster, his parents, Lewis Mack Foster and Flora Mae Foster, and his grandson, Gabriel John Slade.  Danny also leaves behind a vast number of relatives and friends worldwide.

Danny had a heart of gold and his giving and loving nature did not end with his death.. Danny was an organ donor and was able to save and change the lives of many, which he would not brag about to anyone but we sure think it is an amazing, selfless act that he lives on in others.  

Danny was one of the most giving and amazing people to grace this world. Anyone who met him loved him and his ability to share his humor, wit and wisdom with all he encountered.  

Services for Danny Foster were held on Friday, October 20, 2017 at Noon with Rev. Karen Jones followed by a visitation at First United Methodist Church of Center, Texas under the direction of Watson Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Dan Johnston, Wayne May, Leroy Newman, Dr. Keith Miller, Jim Sawyer, Lynn Davis and Roy Blackshear. Honorary pallbearers were the Center Noon Lions Club of Center, Texas.

Visitation was also held on Monday, October 23, 2017 at Good Hope Methodist Church in Columbiana, Alabama from Noon until 2 p.m. with a graveside service immediately following at Williams Cemetery in the Kingdom Community under the direction of Bolton's Funeral Home with Rev. Marvin McCormick.

Pallbearers included Trey Denney, Foster Denney, Jimmy Ray Bozeman, Terry Wayne Bozeman, Mike Blackwell and Bruce Russell.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to any of the following: Williams Cemetery Fund c/o of Good Hope Methodist Church, 2735 CR 61, Columbiana, Alabama, 35051; Alan R. Dimick Burn Care Fund, UAB Gift Records, Admin. Building 1230, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294-0112; Center Noon Lions Club, c/o Jim Sawyer, Shelby Savings Bank, 111 Selma St., Center, Texas, 75935; or First United Methodist Church of Center, 211 Porter Street, Center, Texas, 75935.

10/18/2017

Franklin Tom Hughes, 66, of Nacogdoches, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2017, in Nacogdoches.

Graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, October 19, 2017, at Sardis Cemetery in Center.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Mr. Hughes was born January 8, 1951, in Center, to Tom Hughes and Priscilla Jean Sullivan Hughes.  He retired as a custodian at SFA.  

He is survived by
Brother: James Hughes of Center

Sister: Margaret Gordy of Nacogdoches

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: Tom Hughes and Prisilla Jean Sullivan Hughes

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

10/16/2017

Austin Underbrink, 23, of Timpson, passed away on October 15, 2017. He was born on April 9, 1994 in Center, Texas to Barrett Underbrink and Tammy Redmon. Funeral services for Austin will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Son Windham officiating. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home.

Austin grew up in Shelby County. He attended Joaquin ISD and graduated with the Class of 2012. He was a proud member of the Joaquin Ram Football team and was known as the “Gentle Giant.” He was a fierce competitor on the field, but out of uniform he had a true heart of gold. He really liked attending Word of Faith in Joaquin with his friends. Austin was a hard-working young man that worked in the oil and gas industry on pipelines. While he did not have a lot of spare time off from work, when he did, he was surrounded by family and friends. Austin loved his family and treasured those moments spent around camp fires and just talking. He might show up at his aunts and uncles homes at any moment just to catch up. He also had a great time riding four-wheelers and mud-hogging. Never a negative word was spoken when Austin’s name came up. Everyone in the community knew him as a genuine and caring young man. He was selfless. He never worried about himself but always put others and their needs above his own. He even sent money to random churches and other organizations he would attend while off working just to help out. He was the purest soul you would ever meet.

Austin is survived by:

Mother, Tammy Diane Redmon of Timpson

Father and step-mother, Barrett and Jeneva Underbrink of Center

Brothers:
Shaquille Ingram of Center
Dakota Ingram of Timpson

Sisters:
Kaylee Underbrink of Center
Chelsey Windham and husband, Son of Huxley
Mikaela Stone and fiancé, Patrick of Center
Laela York and husband, Corey of Center

Maternal grandparents:
Joy Lynn Redmon of Center
Verl Redmon of Center

Paternal grandfather, Urban Underbrink, III of Center

Maternal great-grandmother, Johnnie Cassell of Center

Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his uncle, Jason Eli Redmon, great uncle, Jerald Goings, and paternal grandmother, Susan Sanford and paternal great-grandfather, Howell Cassell.

Pallbearers will be Chase Baker, Jeff Estes, Robby Dutton, Tyler McSwain, Lance Lawson, Skyler Gilpatrick, Hayden Ferguson, Dalton Willis, Jamie Carrol, and Justin Underbrink. Honorary pallbearers are Kurstan Underbrink and Joseph LeBlanc.

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

10/13/2017

Hildred Dempsey, 94, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on October 12, 2017. She was born on November 28, 1922 in Timpson to Arthur Thornton and Jewell Bell Morris Thornton. A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, October 16, 2017 at St. Mary’s of the Epiphany Catholic Church in Timpson, Texas with Father Nelson and Father Jose, Celebrants. Interment will follow at Blair Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Monday, October 16, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home. Rosary will be at 11:30 AM at Taylor Funeral Home.

Hildred was born and raised in Timpson, Texas. She graduated from Timpson High School and attended Stephen F Austin University. She worked for Southwestern Bell in Houston. She met the love of her life, Joseph John Dempsey, Sr. in Houston, Texas. They married three short months later on October 11, 1945. The two spent over 32 years together before his passing in 1977. After Joe’s passing, Hildred worked for 16 years at the Center Post Office.

Hildred is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe; her parents, Arthur and Jewell Thornton; son, Joseph John Dempsey, Jr.; and sister, Audrey King.

She is survived by:

Son, Thomas Dempsey and fiancé, Deanna Banks of Lafayette, Louisiana

Daughters:
Mary Gordon and husband, Jeff of Friendswood, Texas
Cathy Peters of Missouri City, Texas
Susan Roderick and husband, Homer of Joshua, Texas
Colleen Dickerson and husband, Mason of Lafayette, Louisiana
Maureen Hunt and husband, Dannie of Timpson, Texas

Brother, Ross Thornton and wife, Betty of Timpson, Texas

Fourteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hildred adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Hildred was a peacemaker, never spoke an unkind word, and always found something special in everyone. She was a shining example of Christ-like attributes. She found great joy spending time in her flower gardens, working in the yard, wading on the beach, and especially spending time with her children and grandchildren, whom she lived for each day.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Dempsey’s service will be Andrew Gordon, Michael Gordon, Adam Roderick, Tom Roderick, David Roderick and Joseph Hunt.

Honorary pallbearers are John Angenend and James Allen Sapp.

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

10/11/2017

Buford Burt Weaver, 77, of Center, passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at his residence.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 12, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2017, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Joe Walker officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mr. Weaver was born January 17, 1940, to Jay Elmer Weaver and Mary Maurine Koonce Weaver. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking. Mr. Weaver was very active in Logansport Missionary Baptist Church in Logansport, Louisiana.

He is survived by
Wife: Sue Weaver

Children:
Larry Weaver and wife, Pam
Denise Owens and husband, Pete

Grandchildren:
Lindsey Morris
Kolby Owens
Kelsey Owens
Karson Owens
Kamden Owens

Great Grandchildren:
Chesney Davis
Clint Davis
Tennyson Morris
Gentry Owens

Preceded in death by
Grandson: Clint Weaver
Parents: B.D. Koonce and Mary Maurine Koonce Weaver

Pallbearers will be Kolby Owens, Karson Owens, Kamden Owens, Wayne Hendricks, Chad Hughes and Terry Walton.

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

10/11/2017

Estelle Scott Burgay, 94, of Timpson, Texas passed away on October 10, 2017 in Garrison, Texas.  Born September 30, 1923, Estelle is the daughter of the late Leroy and Lizzie (Bass) Scott.  Visitation will be held Thursday October 12, 2017 from 6-8PM at Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Ross Graves Dr., Timpson, Texas.  Funeral service will be held Friday October 13, 2017 at 2PM at Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Ross Graves Dr., Timpson, Texas with Bro. Ronnie Sowell officiating.  Interment will follow in Blair Cemetery, Timpson, Texas.

Born and raised in Shelby County, Texas, Estelle was one of seven children.  She graduated Timpson High School. She then went to work at the local pharmacy where she met the love of her life, Dallas Burgay, whom she spent over 58 years with until his passing.  She had an abundant love for children, keeping many through the years.  Ms. Estelle loved working in her flower garden.  She enjoyed spending time outdoors She found great joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Nanny loved each one of them.  Ms. Estelle was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church serving the Lord in many capacities.  

Ms. Estelle is survived by
Her loving daughters: 
Judy Vaughn
Yvonne Ramsey

Grandchildren: 
Stephen Burgay and wife Belinda
Donna Vaughn Skinner and husband Ben
Amanda McAlexander Ross
Robin Ramsey Hooper and husband Tracy
Penny Ramsey
Chuck Kay and wife Kathy
Selisha Cockrell and husband Jay Dee

Great-grandchildren:
Margo Hooper
April Ramsey
Hannah Ross
Benjamin Skinner
Ashley Skinner
McKenzie Burgay
Chandler Burgay
Karly Kay
Michael Kay
Kade Cockrell
Jodi Cockrell

Great-great-granchildren:
Brantley Jeff Coat
Brylie Kay

Daughter-in-law: Betty Burgay

Sister-in-law: 
Sharon Scott

Brothers-in-law:
James Weber
Jerry Woodfin

A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Dallas Burgay; parents; son, Stanley Burgay; daughter, Patricia Ann McAlexander and husband Fred; sisters, Oleta Weber, Bobbie Woodfin; brothers, Edward Scott and wife Elizabeth, Bennie Mack Scott and wife Doris Faye, Bob Scott and wife Mary Ann, Jimmy Scott; son-in-laws, Walter “Buddy” Vaughn, and Glynn Ramsey.

Pallbearers serving will be Ben Skinner, Tracy Hooper, Benjamin Skinner, Rex Scott, Stephen Burgay, and Chandler Burgay.

Honorary pallbearers serving will be Smokey Beard, James “Cecil” Woodfin, Roger Scott, James Moore, and Charles Mackey.
 
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.