Shelby County Today

02/20/2017

Rayford Matthew Fountain, 79, of the Shady Grove Community, Nacogdoches County, passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017 at his home.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Nacogdoches with Pastor John Withem and Pastor Richard Skinner officiating. Burial will follow at Old Salem Cemetery in Center. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service beginning at 11 am at Shady Grove Baptist Church, 2548 FM 2112, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.

He was born February 11, 1938 in the Camp Worth Community in Shelby County to Walter William Fountain and Cora Lee (Love) Fountain. He worked for Blume Systems Tree Service for 15 years and was a heavy equipment diesel mechanic for 14 years and retired from Pilgrims Pride where he worked in maintenance for 11 years. Rayford accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on September 8, 2016 and was baptized at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Nacogdoches. He was a strong and devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. He cherished spending quality time with family, friends, neighbors and he loved planting a spring and fall vegetable garden to share with all. He helped with fencing, caring for livestock, and building whatever the community needed. His other great joys were hunting, fishing, farming, church, gospel music, singing, whistling and taking pictures for memories. Last of all, he loved Saturday night at the VFW to dance the night away. He worked all week, danced on Saturday night and went to church on Sunday. Always a friend to all; he was selfless, dearly loved and will be missed by many.  

He is preceded in death by his Parents, Walter and Cora Fountain, Daughter, Brenda Sue Fountain Williams, Granddaughter, Naomi Nicole Fountain, the mother of his children, Frances Josephine Fountain, Brothers & Sister, Walter William Fountain, Jr., T.S. Fountain, Mary Survell Fountain Golden, William Richard Fountain and Mannon Fountain.

He is survived by:

Daughter: Rose Fountain Sherrod & husband, James “Buck” of Humble

Grandchildren:
James A. Weaver & wife, Maria of Fountain, CO
Brittany M. Sherrod of Humble
Brandon M. Sherrod of Savannah, GA

Great-Grandchildren:
Kelton G. Sherrouse of New Caney and Lilly J. Webster of Humble
Gabriella E. & Eilliana G. Weaver of Fountain, CO

Sisters:
Sara Alice Fountain Gathright of Homer, LA
Dorothy “Dot” Fountain of Spring

Pallbearers: Dale Fountain, David Fountain, Ronald (Dip) Thorton, Laree Weeks, Jimmy Pipes & Robert Blanchard, Alternate, Fred Burnaman

Honorary Pallbearer: Kenny (T) Golden

You may sign the online registry book at www.mangumfuneralhome.com Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas

02/17/2017

Terry Glenn Bailey, 54, and Pamela Hitt Bailey, 57, of Center, Texas, passed away together in an accident on February 15, 2017.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 17, 2017, at First United Pentecostal Church of Center. Funeral service for the couple will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2017, at the First United Pentecostal Church of Center with Bro. Andy Wilson officiating. Interment will follow Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
 
Terry was born on March 13, 1962, in Center, Texas. He was a self-made man and rose to be one of East Texas’ most prolific entrepreneurs.

Pam was born on August 26, 1959, and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in business. After the couple married on September 27, 1980, she quietly became the firm foundation of their immediate and extended family.

For 36 years together, Terry and Pam impacted their families and their community with their truly unique partnership which blended very different gifts. Although their tribe seems to encompass a thousand cousins, the Bailey’s thrived on togetherness and the joy of a close-knit family.  That philosophy carried over into their businesses where partnerships often involved family members, but even those who were unrelated became indistinguishable from blood relations. Terry was larger than life and could not help but to inspire. Pam, marvelously drew no attention to herself, while almost invisibly making everything in their complicated lives actually work. Terry caused every man to measure himself. Pam on the other hand, made everyone feel as though they measured up. To her, status and stature were irrelevant. Pam had a servant’s heart and a genuine caring nature. She made everyone she came across feel worthwhile.  Terry and Pam Bailey had a passion for putting family first and have now left an enormous group with great sadness and an even greater legacy to carry on.

Their survivors include
Daughter: Carmen Mackey and husband, Ryan

Son: Dustin Bailey and wife, Ginny

Grandchildren:
Falon Mackey
Ivy Mackey
Trevor Bailey
Taygan Bailey

Mothers:
Ann Hitt
Charlotte Bailey

Sisters:
Katha Bush
Vicki Tomlin and husband, Richard
Treasa Donnan and husband, Jim

Preceded in death by
Pam’s Father: Charles “Slick” Hitt
Terry’s Father: Millard Bailey
Terry’s Brothers: Mitchell Bailey, Delane Bailey, Johnny Bailey

Pallbearers will be James Butler, Dee Winston, Kevin Rash, Jinx Hutchins, Luke Garrett, Jeff Bailey and Rial Taylor.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made online to The Bailey Family Foundation at www.baileyfamilyfoundation.com.

The family of Dustin & Ginny Bailey and Carmen & Ryan Mackey wish to thank everyone for their prayers and continued support through this difficult time.

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

02/14/2017

Gloria Delores Richards Sklar, 92, of Timpson, Texas passed away on February 13, 2017 in Garrison, Texas. Born November 10, 1924, Gloria Delores Sklar is the daughter of the late Gus Richards and Mabel (Morris) Richards. Graveside service will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, February 16, 2017 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson, Texas with Bro. Ronnie Sowell officiating. Visitation will be held starting at 9AM until service time.

Gloria was born and raised one of eight children in Timpson, Texas. She graduated Timpson High School. Gloria spent over 40 years working for Southern Pacific Railroad as a Bill Clerk in the Accounting Office before retiring. She was a great caregiver to many of her family members that have preceded her. Gloria was a very loving, kind, helpful individual. She loved her Sunday School Class and her church family. Gloria was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church in Timpson, Texas.

Gloria is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dominick (Babe) Sklar; five sisters, and two brothers.

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

02/06/2017

Duke Ellen Taylor Swinney, 71, passed away on February 6, 2017 in Conroe, Texas. She was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on October 27, 1945 and grew up in Center, Texas. She graduated from Center High School in 1963. After receiving a BS degree from Stephen F. Austin State College, she continued postgraduate studies at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston to become a medical technologist. Her career included working as bacteriologist for NASA in Houston during the years of early space travel and the moon landing. She worked for many years as a medical technologist at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston. Later she worked for Curtin Matheson Scientific in sales and then marketing as a product manager. Her final career was as head of her own company Duke Ellen & Company Interior Design. 

Duke was a member of the Daughters of the Revolutionary War, an extremely talented pianist, and an avid gardener. She is preceded in death by her husband, Norman Swinney of Sugarland, Texas , her parents Virgie Duke and Jay Wiley Taylor of Center, Texas, and her sister, Jaye Jean Stewart of Nacogdoches Texas. Surviving relatives include her niece, Jan Colwell Dockendorf and husband, Bill Dockendorf of Asheville, North Carolina, and her nephew, John Colwell and wife, Gail Colwell of Conroe, Texas, two great nephews, Jay Dockendorf of Brooklyn, New York and Grant Colwell of Conroe, Texas, and cousins, Ross Dunn of Houston and Carla Dunn of Portland, Oregon.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 13th at 2:30 pm at St. Martins Episcopal Church in Houston. (Update): Due to weather the family of Duke Ellen Swinney postpone the graveside service until Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Oaklawn Memorial Park, Center, Texas. Memorial donations may be sent to St. Martins Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056-2199.

You may sign the online registry book at www.mangumfuneralhome.com
Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas

02/09/2017

Ramona Leigh Porter, 54, of New Caney, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2017, in Houston.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 12, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Rev. Robert Durham officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.  Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1:00pm.

Mrs. Porter was born January 29, 1963, in San Augustine, to James Campbell and Virginia Hughes Campbell. She loved her family and was a member of M.I.S.S.

She is survived by
Husband: David Porter of New Caney

Daughter: Summer Porter of Spring

Sons:
Jonathan Porter of New Caney
Joshua Porter of New Caney

Mother: Virginia Campbell of New Caney

Brother: Kris Campbell of New Caney

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends

Preceded in death by
Father: James K. Campbell
Grandparents: Tracy and Opal Hughes

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

02/09/2017

Margaret Ann Warren, 71, of Center, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2017, at her residence.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 10, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 11, 2017, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. Don Murphree officiating.

Mrs. Warren was born October 27, 1945, in Athens, to Benny Nix and Avis Mooney Nix.  She retired from Center ISD, where she worked in the administration office.  Mrs. Warren was a member of Center Christian Fellowship in Center.

She is survived by
Husband: Clay Warren of Center

Cousin: Jamie Stubbs of Nacogdoches

Sister-in-law: Daphine Scott of Center

Nieces:
Jolene Busby and husband, Howard, of Center
Melanie Scott of Center

Numerous other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: Benny Nix and Avis Mooney Nix

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

02/09/2017

Ben Samford, 85, of Center, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Green Acres Nursing Home after a short illness.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Short Methodist Church in Center with Pastor Sherry Harding officiating and military honors given by VFW Post 8904.

He was born November 22, 1931 to Clarence and Polly Ford Samford.  He was a graduate of Center High School and graduated Lamar University School of Vocation with honors. He was also a life member of Iota Lambda Sigma fraternity and a life member of VFW Post 8904. A lifelong resident of Center, he served in the US Army and he was a veteran of the Korean War and had a career with various law enforcement agencies in and out of Shelby County. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and an associate member of Short Methodist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Polly Samford, brother Clarence Ford Samford and sister-in-laws, Janell Samford and Ann Samford.

He is survived by:
Wife:
Bette Samford of Center

Son:
C.A. Samford & wife, Connie of Denton

Grandson:
Benjamin Samford of Denton

Brother:
William Samford of Center

Brother-in-law and sister in law:
Claude and Bonnie Lucas of Center

Numerous Nieces, Nephews, and Friends

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Methodist Children's Home

You may sign the online registry book at www.mangumfuneralhome.com Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas

02/07/2017

Kathy Lynn Stafford, 58 of Lakeside Ca, formally of Center, Tx, passed away January 27, 2017. Services were held in Romona Ca. at the Church of Latter Day Saints on Friday February 3, 2017.

She fought a brave battle with breast cancer.

Kathy was born on August 6, 1958 in California to Verna & Ennis Chaffin. She loved being around family and spending time with her grandchildren.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 39 years Danny Stafford of Lakeside, Ca

Mother:  Verna Chaffin of Lakeside, Ca

Sons:
Rodney Smith & Fiancé Krystal Williams of Alva, Oklahoma
Michael Smith & Wife Mary of Center, Texas
Jason Smith & Wife Norell of Charlotte, NC
Bobby Smith & Wife Felicia of San Diego, Ca
Justin Stafford & Wife Dixie of Lakeside, Ca (Formally of Shreveport, La)

Daughter: Jennifer Stafford of Lakeside, Ca (formally of Center, Texas)

Grandchildren: Rodney Jr., Dalton, Brittany, Jessica, Joshua, Ashlyn, Riley, Jenica Myers, DJ, Brooklyn, Kinslee, Leland, Danielle, and Abigale

Sisters:
Denise Macdonald & Husband Tim, Lakeside, Ca
Gail Stobbs & Husband Martin, Alpine, Ca
Sandy Arlington & Husband Tom, Lakeside, Ca
Gerry Haynes & Husband Dave, Harveson, Ca
Judy Kirkman & Husband Bill, Romona, Ca
Elaine Icke & Husband Steve, Texas

Brother: Brent Chaffin & Wife Sherry of Lakeside, Ca

And numerous nieces, nephews & friends

Proceeed in Death by:
Father: Ennis Chaffin
Sisters: Cindy Spicuzza, Carol Ellis, and Linda Bowen
Brother: Larry Chaffin
Brother-in-law: Jack Bowen

Funeral Services was under the direction of El Cajon Mortuary & Cremation Services in El Cajon, Ca.

02/06/2017

Cecilia De Chavez, 40, of Center, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2017, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday, February 6, 2017, and from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Center.  Graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Neuville Cemetery in Shelby County.  

Mrs. Chavez was born February 15, 1976, in Comonfort, Guanajuato, Mexico, to Domingo Santana and Antonia Maldonado.  

She is survived by
Husband: Jose Chavez

Son: Jose Oliver Chavez

Daughters:
Yesenia Chavez
Brisa Chavez

Sister:
Loureds Chavez

Brothers:
Matias Santana
Martin Santana
Antonio Santana
Jose Santana
Nicolas Santana

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Mother: Antonia Maldonado

Pallbearers Matias Santana, Martin Santana, Jose Santana, Nicolas Santana, Antonio Santana, Javier Chavez, Juan Chavez, Alfredo Chavez, Armando Chavez, Gerardo Chavez and Jamie Chavez.

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