Obituaries
12/26/2017
Mary Anna Menefee, cherished daughter, faithful friend and one of God’s special children died at Briarcliff in Carthage, Texas on December 22nd, 2017 at the age of 65.
On June 13, 1952 a long awaited child, a daughter, was born to Richard and Vivian Menefee in Shreveport, Louisiana. Mary Anna lived her entire life in Center, Texas and was blessed with so many who loved her. The Methodist Church was a cornerstone of her life and, as her health permitted, she rarely missed a Sunday. She and her mother kept the church nursery for over 30 years. In addition to God, family and friends, Mary Anna loved music. Countless hours were spent listening to everything from rock-n-roll, country, gospel and KDET selections of the day.
Always ready with a compliment or a gracious thank you on any occasion, her life was a testimony to honesty and sincere love for her fellow man. Truly, those who knew her loved her!
Mary Anna was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Richard & Vivian Menefee. She is survived by so many who loved her and were blessed to have shared her life.
The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the precious folks who so lovingly cared for her these past years. What joy each of you brought to her each day, and what began as employment moved into friendship and devotion. Words cannot express our appreciation for your care and kindness to our loved one.
The Celebration of Life will be held at First Methodist Church, 211 Porter Street in Center, Texas on Saturday, December 30th. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 am with the service immediately following. Arrangements are made with Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Memorials may be made to the First Methodist Church in Center or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
12/25/2017
Billy Wayne McGuire, 80, of Garrison, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2017, in Nacogdoches.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at Garrison Funeral Home in Garrison.
Mr. McGuire was born June 22, 1937, in Garrison, to Grady Gibson McGuire Sr. and Georgia Lavinie Wells McGuire. He served in the United States Army. His hobbies included spending time with his family, fishing and playing dominoes.
He is survived by
Wife: Lois McGuire
Children:
Debi Ann Moore and husband, Mark
Grady Wayne McGuire and wife, Kim
Gary McGuire and wife, Trish
James McGuire and wife, Tausha
Renee McDonald
Grandchildren:
Jaclyn
Jennifer
Christopher
Nick
Drew
Jake
Madalyn
Leslie
Averie
Cassie
Kevin
Stephen
Sister: Joyce Wingate
Brothers:
Grady Gibson Jr.
Raymond McGuire
A number of great grandchildren and great great grandchildren
Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Preceded in death by
Son: Billy Wayne McGuire Jr.
Parents: Grady Gibson McGuire Sr. and Georgia Lavinie Wells McGuire
Sisters: Juanita McGuire, Wanda Jean Thomas, Evelyn Marie McGuire
Brother: James H. McGuire, Grady McGuire Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Nacogdoches Shriners, PO Box 498, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.
Services are under the direction of Garrison Funeral Home in Garrison, Texas.
12/22/2017
Graveside service for John L. Menefee (91) of Lufkin, Texas will be Wednesday, December 27, 2017, 11:00am at Sand Hill Cemetery in Nacogdoches, Texas. Mr. Menefee was born on May 28, 1926. Mr. Menefee died at Woodland Height Hospital in Lufkin, Texas, December 21, 2017.
Mr. Menefee is survived by:
1 Daughter: Donnell Hood
1 Grandson: Tony Hood wife Allis and great-great grandchild
Special caring loving friend and provider Ms. Wanda Williams Davis, forever friend Billy H. Daniel, caring neighbor Louis Walker, many other neighbors and friends.
Visitation: Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 10:30am at Sand Hill Cemetery
Committal: Sand Hill Cemetery
Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas
12/22/2017
Gene Bates, 75, of Nacogdoches passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 in Nacogdoches, Texas. Gene was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on September 6, 1942, the son of Claude Bates and Inez Boatman Bates. Memorial services for Mr. Bates will be held at 1:00PM Thursday, December 28, 2017, at Laird Funeral Home, with Bro. Sonny Scarborough officiating.
Gene was born and raised in Nacogdoches, the son of Claude and Inez Boatman Bates. He grew up with his siblings and enjoyed making memories as they played in the yard and woods. He learned from an early age, how to fit in with any group he was around. When he married and became a father, he realized how much love one person can have in their heart. His family was very important to him. Over the years, they enjoyed being together traveling in the old bus going camping and fishing, which many times included playing “telephone” at the lake. Gene always had a good time no matter what he was doing. Whether he was piddling around outside, working in the garden, playing 42, or telling stories and riddles to those around him, he was always happy. He worked very hard at everything he done, including providing for his family. Gene, also known as “Pan Handler” to his driving buddies, drove a truck for most of his life, and the workers at International Paper could set their clocks by the schedule he kept because he turned the corner every day at 2:17pm! Racing cars on dirt tracks was something else he enjoyed. The memories he made over the years will last a lifetime with his family and friends as they carry on his legacy of living life to the fullest.
Mr. Bates is survived by:
Wife, Patsy Bates of Center, Texas
Sons:
Lewis Britton and wife Bonnie of Lumberton, Texas
Tony Bates and wife Mary of Forney, Texas
David Bates of Jasper, Texas
Daughters:
Kathy Beck and husband Patrick of Plano, Texas
Drenda Wilson of Tyler, Texas
Susie McCauley and husband Shay of Nacogdoches, Texas
Brenda Hogue and husband Ronnie of Center, Texas
Numerous grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and numerous great-great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Claude Bates and Inez Boatman Bates; son Danny Bates; brothers, Wayne Bates and Phillip Bates; sisters, Mable Butcher and Dorothy Blankenship.
Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Pate and Verdell Christopher.
The Bates family is being served by Laird Funeral Home. To convey condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.lairdfh.net
12/21/2017
Faye Erwin Camp, 85, of Hickory passed away peacefully at Catawba Regional Hospice on Thursday, December 21, 2017.
Born Mary Faye Erwin in Rutherford County on September 27, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Claude Myers and Elizabeth Gettys Erwin. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hickory. Faye was a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Education. She taught English and Social Studies for 27 years at Grandview Junior High. Faye loved to spend time with her family, travel, and scrapbook. She had a great love for her grandchildren, a fondness of cardinals and was an avid reader. One of her favorite places that she truly enjoyed was the Biltmore Estate. Faye's special gift to each of her grandchildren when they turned six years old was to take them on an airplane ride for their birthday.
She is survived by:
Husband of 64 years, James "Jim" Camp Jr.
Daughters:
Bobbie Setliff and husband Rob of Hickory
Lisa Hahn and husband Harold "Tinker" of Denver, NC
Son, James "Jimmy" Camp III and wife Meg of Center, TX
Grandchildren:
Tripp Setliff and wife Erika
Drew Setliff and wife Mary Taylor
Luke Setliff and wife Leeann
Isaac Setliff and wife Carmen
Noah Setliff
Lauren Wilson and husband Luke
Eric Hahn
Jay Camp and wife Taylor
Amy Camp
Megan Camp
8 great-grandchildren
Brother, Max Erwin of Gastonia
The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 23, 2017 from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm at First United Methodist Church. Memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm with Reverend Paul Christy and Reverend Wil Posey officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 or First United Methodist, 311 3rd Ave. NE, Hickory, NC 28601.
12/19/2017
On Sunday December 17, 2017, A.L. Skeeter Stewart cast his last line on this earth. He was born January 22, 1944 in Center, Texas to Roy Stewart and Minnie Bell Wilburn (Myers). Skeeter is preceded in death by his father, Roy; mother, Minnie; brother, Donald; and infant son, Thomas Gregory Stewart.
Skeeter was raised in Tenaha and spent most of his time, when not working, on the Sabine River with a fishing rod in his hands. He retired from Texas Utilities Mining Co. as well as owned several businesses in Tenaha throughout the year;.among them, Skeeters Drive in Grocery and Stewart Electric. Skeeter graduated from Tenaha as well as played football there. He also raised his family in Tenaha and was always a supporter of Tenaha sports. His children never realized how much their father impacted the lives of others until now. “We truly love and appreciate hearing all of the stories of how our dad helped and influenced others. Some of which we never knew about until now.”
Skeeter leaves behind a loving:
Wife of 54 years, Barbara Eaves Stewart
Daughters:
Lea Anne Blue and husband, Eddie of Carthage
Lori Alford and husband, John of Hallsville
Son, Jeff Stewart and wife, Sharon K. of Paxton
Sisters:
Pat Crump
Peggy Langley
His four legged best friend, Skippy.
He also leaves behind loving grandchildren, Cory Blue who was his Pops ride or die and wife, Samantha; Jenny LaBay and husband, Daniel; Zachary Alford; Taylor Breanna Pate and husband, Anthony; Emily Hemus and husband, Cody; and Trevin Hunter Stewart. He also left behind five beloved great-grandchildren and uncountable numbers of loving nieces and nephews.
Skeeter also leaves behind that old muddy water in the Sabine River. It was as much a part of his life as a flesh and blood loved one.
The family would love to thank Heartsway Hospice for the most loving, tender care anyone could have asked for. Instead of flowers, they humbly ask those who would to donate either to Hospice or Restland Cemetery in Tenaha. A memorial will be held at a later date after the Holidays.
Skeeter lived his life on his terms and met his end the same. You have to respect that.
The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
12/19/2017
Louis George Edwards, Jr. (65) of Center, Texas died Sunday, December 17, 2017.
Funeral service will be Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 1pm at Goodwill Baptist Church, Nacogdoches, Texas (Pine Flat Community). Rev. Clarence Dexter Yarbrough will be officiating. Visitation will be at Hicks Chapel Friday, December 22, 2017 from the hours of 7pm to 9pm. Committal is at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas.
Mr. Edwards is survived by:
Wife: Joyce Edwards of Center, Texas
Son: Jeremine Edwards of Nacogdoches, Texas
Daughter: Nichole Ellington of Center, Texas
Grandchildren: Brakia Roland and A’raiya Edwards
Great-Grandchild: Braikeria Roland
Father: Louis G. Edwards, Sr. of Nacogdoches, Texas
Sisters: Dolores Miller (Johnny Ray); Pambla Edwards; and Wanda Edwards all of Nacogdoches, Texas
Brother-in-law: Billy Gene Wingwood of Nacogdoches, Texas
Sister-in-law: Billie J. Daniels of Center, Texas
Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas
12/19/2017
Robbie Mae Lovell Clay, 86, of Dallas and a native of Center, died Thursday, December 14, 2017 in Dallas.
Services for Mrs. Clay will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Lott's Mortuary Chapel, 2434 Martin Luther King Drive in Dallas. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery.
Mrs. Clay was born January 20, 1931 in Center to the late Robert Lovell and Mary Kindle Lovell. She was a graduate of C. H. Daniels High School. She had resided in Dallas for a number of years where she and her husband, Wardell, owned and operated Clay's Liquors. She was a longtime member of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in Dallas.
She is survived by:
Son: Donald Clay
Nephew: Clyde Lister, Jr. and wife, Barbara
Grandniece: LaKeisha Lister Henry and husband, Renard
Grandnephew: Clyde (Trae) Lister, III
Great-grandnephew: Byron Lister
Great-grandniece: Bostyn McKinley Lister
Mrs. Clay was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her sister, Joy Lovell Lister.
Services entrusted to Lott's Mortuary, 2434 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75215.
12/18/2017
Bebee Darlene Metcalf, 73, of Center, Texas, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Center. She was born on September 19, 1944 in Denison, Texas to Whit Darrell Lewis, Jr. and Martha Jane Simms Lewis. Funeral services for Mrs. Metcalf will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Josh Sanford officiating. Interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery.
A visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home.
Bebee grew up in Houston where she attended Smiley High School and graduated as a member of the Class of 1963. Bebee was very involved in school activities and was devoted to her studies as well. She was an honor student with straight A’s and was a member of the National Honor Society. Bebee was unbelievably smart and talented. She was the captain of the Colleenes, which was the drill team at Smiley High School. Her skill and finesse were beautiful to watch. After high school, Bebee began her higher education at Southern Methodist University in hopes to pursue a degree in nursing. Soon after, she met a young man, Jimmy Metcalf, through mutual friends. He was dating someone else at the time, but there was a spark there that would become a lifelong love story. Jimmy and Bebee dated on and off for seven or eight years before finally getting married.
Although Bebee never finished her degree as a nurse, she did pursue another passion. She loved working with children and began working at a Lutheran School in Houston. She and Jimmy eventually moved to Center to care for his mother and she went to work for Center ISD at CH Daniels and later, Center Intermediate School where she would remain for over 20 years until retirement. She was a dedicated and well-loved member of Center ISD caring for and reaching out to every student, teacher and staff member who had the pleasure of working with her.
Bebee was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman. She had to become an adult quickly as a child and helped to care for her own siblings. She was an amazing and wonderful sister and her love for family and helping with kids carried throughout her lifetime. She was selfless and willing to do whatever was necessary to help other people. Bebee was concerned about others above herself. She never asked for anything or wanted anything in return. She simply found satisfaction in knowing that she was able to care for another life. Bebee was independent and strong-willed, but was also compassionate and a true servant to mankind. Bebee had such a positive and upbeat personality. Even when diagnosed with cancer, Bebee stayed focused and did not let anything bring her down. She was a fighter and she fought hard for a decade. At her weakest, Bebee remained strong, filled with unwavering, immovable faith. She had a hope beyond comprehension and even in death, was filled with complete peace knowing that she had accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior.
Bebee did enjoy working at the school, but what a fun-filled and loving life she led outside of those walls. She loved to garden, cooking, buying from Home Shopping Network, doing her Bible study and attending Sunday School and fellowship with her Sunday School class at First Baptist Church. More than anything, she treasured spending time with her family, most especially her grandson, Jax. Bebee was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Center. Her sweet, gentle spirit and the sunshine that she brought to so many lives will be greatly missed among so many who loved her.
Bebee is survived by
Her sons:
John Wesley Metcalf of Center
Justin Wesley Metcalf and wife, Bethany of Center
Honorary daughter: Amanda Kirby and husband, Kris of Center
Grandson: Jax Wesley Metcalf of Center
Honorary grandchildren:
Madison Kirby of Center
Slade Kirby of Center
Sawyer Kirby of Center
Brothers:
Michael Lewis of Vista, California
Ted Lewis and wife, Lorrie of Pasadena, Texas
Sister: Paula Lewis of Pasadena, Texas
Niece: Kelly Finney and husband, Cary of Deerpark
Nephews:
Brandon Lewis of Vista, California
David Lewis and wife, Amanda of Vista, California
Darrell Lewis of Houston
Great-niece: Madison of Deerpark
Great-nephews:
Aiden and Ashton of Vista, California
Tanner and Colt of Deerpark
Numerous other family and dear friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Whit and Martha Lewis and her husband, Jimmy Wesley Metcalf.
Pallbearers are Bernard Metcalf, Shannon Metcalf, Justin Metcalf, Wesley Metcalf, Ted Lewis and Mike Lewis.
Honorary pallbearers are Kris Kirby and Alberto Campos.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Baptist Church, 117 Cora Street, Center, Texas, 75935.
The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
12/18/2017
Arthur Stewart, 73, of Tenaha, Texas, passed away on December 17, 2017 in Tenaha. He was born on January 22, 1944. Services are pending at this time.
Services pending at this time with Mangum Funeral Home.
12/15/2017
Linda Watson, 76, of Center, passed away Friday, December 15, 2017, in Lufkin.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, December 17, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, December 18, 2017, at Sardis Cemetery in Shelby County with Bro. Chuck Horton officiating.
Mrs. Watson was born November 3, 1941, in Center, to Max Samford and Ethel Fountain Samford. She enjoyed working in her flowerbeds and spending time with her family and church family. She was a member of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church.
She is survived by
Daughters:
Lisa Verrett and husband, Charlie, of Buna
Tena Moragas of Center
Grandchildren:
Elissa Taylor and husband, Cody, of Tenaha
Radi Verrett of Buna
Nathan Hathorn and wife, Cadence, of Center
April Victoria and husband, Gavin, of Buna
Charlie “Bubba” Verrett of Buna
Great-Grandchildren:
Kypton Taylor
Madyx Taylor
Elli Hathorn
Ahava Victoria
Gavin Victoria II
Ivory Victoria
Kamdyn Verrett
Brother: Gary Samford of College Station
Sister: Mary Lou Richards of Conroe
Preceded in death by
Husband: Bobby Doyce Watson
Parents: Max Samford and Ethel Fountain Samford
Sister: Maxie Wright
Pallbearers will be Nathan Hathorn, Jimmy Moore, Cody Taylor, Earl Hicks, Radi Verrett and Jody Wright.
12/15/2017
Michael Lee Hurst, 52, of Center, passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2017.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 17, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, December 18, 2017, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Keith Keele officiating. No graveside service to follow.
Michael Lee was born May 17, 1965, in Center, to Michael C. Hurst and Beverly Choron Hurst. He was a member of Center Christian Church. Michael Lee loved being with his family and friends, who affectionately referred to him as Beaux. He was always the life of the party. He loved the water, especially water skiing. Michael Lee always kept everyone honest around the pool table.
He is survived by
Wife: Maria Bush Hurst of Center, Texas
Children:
Colin Michael Hurst of Shreveport, Louisiana
Beverly Kay Hurst of Center, Texas
Nicholas Kade Hurst of Hemphill, Texas
Grandson: Jackson Kade Hurst of Center, Texas
Father: Michael C. Hurst and wife, Helen, of Youngsville, Louisiana
Sisters:
Maria Hurst of San Clemente, California
Madeline Hurst of Youngsville, Louisiana
Nephew: Ewan Oplt of San Clemente, California
Uncle: Dudley Wood of Tyler, Texas
Numerous cousins and other relatives
A host of friends
Special friends: Ruth and Virgil Duke of Center
Preceded in death by
Mother: Beverly Hurst
Stepson: Joseph Bradford Bush
Grandparents: Minnie and Virgil Choron, Alvin and Juanita Hurst
Aunt: Debbie Wood
Honorary pallbearers will be Troy Keele, Jeff Young, Kris Dockens, Royce Bolton, Mikel Sanford, Jon Tomlinson, Virgil Duke, Pete Owens, Howard May and Kevin Dockens.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
12/15/2017
Joann Hilburn, 82, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away on December 14, 2017 in Nacogdoches. She was born on October 7, 1935 in Caledonia to Callus Hilburn and Marjory Hardy Hilburn. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at Caledonia Cemetery with Orval Miller officiating.
Joann is survived by her brother, Jerry Hilburn and wife, Vina; nieces, Teresa Hilburn and Tina Hilburn; and great-nephew, Tristan Hilburn.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Callus and Marjory Hilburn.
The family is being served by Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson, Texas. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.taylorfh.net
12/14/2017
Mary Frances Baker (88) of Galena Park, formally of Tenaha, Texas passed away Saturday, December 9, 2017. Mrs. Baker's service will be Saturday, December 16, 2017, at Benford Chapel Baptist Church (126 Martin Luther King Drive) Tenaha, Texas 75974 at 11:00am. Elder W.G. Morris and Rev. Lynn Morris will be officiating. Burial is at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Center, Texas.
Visitation is Friday, December 15, 2017 from the hours of 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Hicks Chapel.
Mrs. Baker is survived by:
Son: Michael Baker of Tenaha, Texas
Sister: Maudie Richards of Galena Park
Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary, 804 MLK Drive, Center, Texas 75935.
12/13/2017
Lamar “Mac” McCowin, age 93, from Tyler and formerly Shelby County, passed away Monday, December 4, 2017 at his home in Tyler.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 11am at the St. Violet Baptist Church, 14129 FM 2767, Tyler, Texas 75708 with Rev. Richard McCowin as the eulogist. Burial will follow in Kilgore Memorial Gardens.
He is survived by:
His wife of 73 years, Lurline McCowin of Tyler, Texas
Children: Iva Nell, Pastor Richard, Willie, Louis, Jerry, Shirley, and Deborah McCowin all of Tyler, Texas.
8 Grandchildren
20 Great-Grandchildren
1 Great-great-grandchild
Services are entrusted to John R. Harmon Undertaking Company, Tyler, Texas and Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
12/12/2017
Sally Parks, 68, of Center, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2017, in Center.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 14, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Mrs. Parks was born September 22, 1949, in Houston, to Robert S. Ashworth and Sarah Bea Catchings Ashworth.
She is survived by
Children:
Troy W. Parks of Spring
Sally Reynolds of Center
Grandchildren:
Amber Myron of Timpson
Ashley Brown of Timpson
Alisha Dethloff of Trinity
Brianna Aldaco of Center
Benjamin Aldaco of Center
Kimberly Parks of Spring
Freedom Parks of Spring
Great-Grandchildren:
Parker Myron
Desera Myron
Austin Myron
Landon Myron
Jocelynn Rivera
Nehemiah Brown
Sister: Nena Sue Mullenix of Bedias
Numerous other relatives
A host of friends
Preceded in death by
Husband: Troy W. Parks
Parents: Robert S. Ashworth and Sarah Bea Catchings Ashworth
Sister: Cindy Davey of Center
Brothers: Oren W. Palmer, Jerry L.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
12/10/2017
Joseph “Joey” Michael Windham, Sr., 35, of Center, Texas passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2017 in Center. He was born on October 8, 1982 in Carthage, Texas to Kenneth Earl Windham, Sr. and Karen Denise Mikesh. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Mangum Funeral Home in Center. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Mangum Funeral Home with Rev. Andy Wilson officiating. Cremation services will follow.
Joey grew up in Center and attended Center ISD. He had a passion for sports and loved to play football and run track. Joey rode the bus to and from school each day. This is where Stacy Williams caught his eye. He was determined to get to know Stacy and would try to ask her out every day. She constantly told him no day after day, but Joey persisted. Finally, Stacy gave in and accepted and the two were both thankful she did. On March 8, 2003 in New Waverly, Texas, Joey and Stacy were married.
While Joey never received his diploma, he didn’t allow that to keep him from succeeding. There was nothing he couldn’t do if he set his mind to it. Often people would underestimate him because of his small stature, but it never took long for the doubt to disappear. Joey was willing to work hard and complete any task placed before him. He was always a positive thinker and knew that no matter what, things would work out for the best.
Joey, or “JoJo” as many would call him, was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and camping. He was also a life-long supporter of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns. His loyalty never drifted for his teams. He also was a member of Center First United Pentecostal Church and was involved with the Children’s Ministry. While Joey did enjoy many activities, his most treasured times were with family. He loved to fire up the barbecue pit and would invite everyone over. Joey had such fun socializing and being around people. Family time was his favorite and the laughter and love they all shared together will be some of the fondest memories for years to come. Some of the most precious moments Joey spent were with his granddaughter. The love he had for his little angel is indescribable.
Joey is survived by:
His beloved wife: Stacy Lynn Williams Windham
Father: Kenneth Earl Windham, Sr.
Mother: Karen Denise Mikesh Wilkinson
Sons:
Joseph Michael Windham, Jr. of Center
Dylan Matthew Windham of Center
Daughter: Taylor Nicole Garcia and husband, Dioney of Center
Brothers:
Kenneth Earl Windham, Jr. of South Carolina
Dustin Guy Windham and Hollie Jane of Martinsville
Sisters:
Cristy Lynn Dutton and husband, William Edward Dutton, Jr. of Center
Ashley Lacole Kunkel of Center
Granddaughter: Aubree Grace Garcia of Center
Paternal grandparents: Marshall and Bertha Windham of Center; and a host of family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Raymond and Betty Mikesh.
Honorary pallbearers will be Matthew Williams, Scotty Studie, Randy Alford, Josh Hannah, Mike Galaviz, Dioney Garcia, Brandon Bennett and Boyd Evridge.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mangum Funeral Home to assist with expenses for Mr. Windham’s services.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
12/10/2107
Kandy Lynn Nichols, 45, of Mittie, Louisiana, passed away Monday, December 4, 2017, in Pineland, Texas, as the result of an automobile accident.
Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2017, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Kandy was born September 22, 1972, in Carthage.
She is survived by:
Children:
Preslie Nichols of Timpson
Preston Nichols of Timpson
Kylie Jo Nichols of Timpson
Charles Wayne Higginbotham of Mittie, Louisiana
Grandson: Logan Scott of Timpson
Mother: Linda Burch and husband, Bill, of DeQuincy, Louisiana
Sister: Kasaundra Jones and Johnny Paul of Pineland
Brother: Jamie Cartwright of center
Numerous other relatives and friends
Preceded in death by
Father: Charles Windham
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
12/10/2017
Charles Wayne Higginbotham, 5, of Mittie, Louisiana, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2017, in Houston, Texas, as a result of an automobile accident.
Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2017, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Charles was born November 4, 2012, in Dallas, to Jim Higginbotham and Kandy Lynn Windham Nichols.
He is survived by:
Father: Jim Higginbotham of Dallas
Brothers and Sisters:
Shelby Taylor of Dallas
Preslie Nichols of Timpson
Preston Nichols of Timpson
Kylie Jo Nichols of Timpson
Nephew: Logan Scott of Timpson
Grandmothers:
Sue Higginbotham of Dallas
Linda Burch and husband, Bill, of DeQuincy, Louisiana
Aunt: Kasaundra Jones and Johnny Paul of Pineland
Uncle: Jamie Cartwright of Center
Preceded in death by
Mother: Kandy Lynn Nichols
Grandfathers: Charles Windham, Charles Higginbotham
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
12/07/2017
Bobby M. Leonard, 80, of Shelbyville, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2017, in San Augustine.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 7, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 8, 2017 at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Gordon Vaughn and Bro. Jim Moss officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Sundown Cemetery in Sundown.
Mr. Leonard was born August 7, 1937, in Altus, Oklahoma to Merl R. Leonard and Ophelia Palmer Leonard. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed playing golf. Mr. Leonard especially loved spending time with his family. He was a member and deacon of Toledo Bend Baptist Church and a member of Gideons International.
He is survived by:
Wife: Linda Grace Leonard of Shelbyville
Daughters:
Lari Williams of Dickinson
Sherie Willis and husband Joseph of San Leon
Son: Cary Leonard and wife Nanette of Katy
Grandchildren:
Kelsey Pennington of Shelbyville
Krystin Pennington Johnson and husband Austin of Huxley
Kyle Leonard Louisville, CO
Scott Leonard of Houston
P.D. Willis of San Leon
Ashley Williams of Dickinson
Great-Grandchildren:
Nicole Johnson of Huxley
Haylee Cooper of Dickinson
Alyssa Cooper of Dickinson
Trae Cooper of Dickinson
Brothers:
Mike Leonard and wife Patty of Midland
Donnie Leonard and wife Patsy of Lubbock
Numerous other relatives and a host of friends
Preceded in death by
Parents: Merl R. Leonard and Ophelia Palmer Leonard
Pallbearers will be Scott Leonard, Kyle Leonard, Tanner Williams, Austin Johnson, P.D. Willis
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
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