Obituaries
08/23/2016
Sandra Jo Baldwin Barclay, 70, of Frisco, passed away Monday, August 22, 2016, in Nacogdoches.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 25, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Frisco. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, August 27, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Jimmy Bowlin officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Woods Post Office Cemetery in Panola County.
Mrs. Barclay was born August 18, 1946, in Nacogdoches, to James Edmond Baldwin and Jessie Lee Hartt Baldwin. She was involved with the Neighborhood Nine Group. Mrs. Barclay was employed by Houston Lighting and Power, Dallas Power and Light, Antec (Arris) and lastly Anixter. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Frisco. Mrs. Barclay took care of all her family and friends and loved them dearly. She was “Aunt Sandy” to all her nieces and nephews and all their friends.
She is survived by
Husband: Tony Barclay of Frisco
Brothers:
Mike Baldwin and wife, Joan, of Center
Sam Baldwin and wife, Shree, of Tenaha
Sister: Patricia Baldwin Edmundson and husband, Bill, of Waskom
Sisters-in-law:
Helen Baldwin Pleasant and husband, Otis, of Center
Jana Baldwin of Conroe
Brother-in-law: Heath J. Barclay and wife, Alice, of San Antonio
Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Step Daughter: Penny Budai of Redding, California
Step Grandchildren:
Angelina Budai of Redding, California
Tony Budai of Redding, California
Preceded in death by
Parents: James Edmond Baldwin and Jessie Lee Hartt Baldwin
Mother-in-law & Father-in-law: Ernest J. and Alma Barclay
Brothers: Jackie Lynn Baldwin, James “Jimmy” Edmond Baldwin
Nephew: Joseph Carl Baldwin
Niece: Pam Baldwin
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association (https://donatenow.heart.org/) and the American Cancer Society (https://donate2.cancer.org/).
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
08/21/2016
Clara Nell Warren Bradshaw, 90, of Center, passed away Sunday, August 21, 2016, in Longview.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
Mrs. Bradshaw was born February 24, 1926, in Leon County, to Reginald Vincent Warren and Winnie Kennedy Warren. She loved sewing and cooking for family and friends. Mrs. Bradshaw was known for her beautiful flowers.
She is survived by
Daughters:
Terry Rice and husband, Loyd, of Longview
Brenda Dean and husband, Bobby, of Center
Grandchildren:
Tammy Rice and husband, Danny, of Longview
Bobby Hunter Dean of Center
Brandy Dean and fiancé, Marc Gebala, of Fredrick, Colorado
Great-Grandchildren:
Amber Barber and husband, Jeremy, of Longview
Ashley Bridwell of Longview
Clara Grace Gebala of Fredrick, Colorado
Great-Great-Grandchild:
Alyvia Grace Barber of Longview
Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Preceded in death by
Husband: Hunter Bradshaw
Parents: Reginald Vincent Warren and Winnie Kennedy Warren
Brothers: R.V. Warren, Billie Warren, Gene Warren, Wyndell Warren
Pallbearers will be Bobby Hunter Dean, Jeremy Barber, Jessie Wiggins, Marc Gebala, Jared Wiggins and Darren Wiggins. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe McSwain, Burke Bounds and Jackie Hilton.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
08/19/2016
Jane Dyett Collins, of Center, passed away on August 18, 2016, at her home.
Her wishes were to be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
She was born on June 24, 1943, in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, to William Dyett, Jr. and O’Jean Crawford Dyett.
She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, Rosamond G. Doiron, Sr., and husband, Major Harold E. Bethel.
She is survived by
Daughter, Pam Howard and dear son-in-law, Howell
Grandson, Payne Howard and wife, Mallory
Great-granddaughter, Makenzie
Great-grandson, Kase
Sisters:
Jean Hall of Sedona, Arizona
Robbie Hefflin-Thompson of Terrell
Debbie Dyett of Scurry
Junior Parker and husband, Chris, of Japan
Brother: Rosamond G. Doiron, II and wife, Victoria, of Allen
Many treasured nieces and nephews
Beloved pets, Buffy and Frannie
Special thanks to Sara, Evelyn, Tara, and the entire staff of Affinity Hospice for their loving care.
If desired, memorial gifts may be made to The American Cancer Society (cancer.org) or Affinity Hospice (2708 S. Medford Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75901).
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
08/18/2016
Mr. James Adolph Jones, age 78, of San Augustine, Texas. Mr. Jones passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 12 noon at the Reed Chapel Baptist Church. Interment: Haley Bush Cemetery with Rev. George Cartwright, Officiating
Visitation & Wake will be Friday, August 19, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Garner & Son Chapel
He is survived by:
wife: Mildred C. Jones of San Augustine, TX,
son: David C. Jones (Kathleen), of Houston, TX
daughter: Kimberly J. Sims (Kirby), of Houston, TX
daughter by marriage: Cynthia Nadine Weaver, of Houston, TX
son by marriage: Jeffrey Troy Weaver of Houston, TX.
two sisters: Vonzella Garner of San Augustine,TX, Marva Jean Roach of Tyler, TX
one brother: Johnny Davis Jones (Joyce) of Tyler, TX,
13 grandchildren
2 great grandchildren
A host of Nieces, Nephews, cousins, extended relatives and friends.
08/17/2016
Steve William Jameson, 65, of Center, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at his residence.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 19, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 20, 2016, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. James Goodwyn officiating. Interment will follow at Campti Cemetery in Center.
Mr. Jameson was born June 30, 1951, in Galveston, to L. W. B. Jameson and Doris Mae Bright Jameson. He served as a Peace Officer for the State of Texas for 27 years. He was a member of Campti Pentecostal Church.
He is survived by
Wife: JoAnn Jameson of Center
Children:
Christina Powell and husband, Thomas, of Center
Steve Jameson and wife, Deyonna, of Center
Dottie Jameson and fiancé, Doug, of Center
Grandchildren:
Rachel Powell of Center
Rebekah Powell of Center
Rileigh Powell of Center
Thomas Powell of Center
Will Montgomery of Mineral Wells
Sarah Montgomery of Mineral Wells
Ryan Jameson of Mineral Wells
Matthew Jameson of Mineral Wells
John Anthony Quintero of Center
Katelynn Pearl Willess of Center
Kimberlynn Snodgrass of Center
Sisters:
Serita Kennedy and husband, Randy, of Cypress
Judy Gerst and husband, Tom, of Katy
Aunt: Evelyn Hughes and husband, Travis, of Center
Pallbearers will be Donovan Palmerm, Will Montgomery, Anthony Quintero, Matthew Jameson, Eddie Palmer, Ryan Jameson, Tommy Powell, Thomas Powell and Doug Snodgrass.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
08/17/2016
Anne Conwell, 67 of Tenaha, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at Nacogdoches Memorial, Nacogdoches, Texas.
She was cremated and there will be no services held.
Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
08/17/2016
Stephanie Mitchell, 49 of San Augustine, passed away Monday, August 15, 2016 at Tomball Regional Medical Center, Tomball, Texas.
Funeral service will be at 12 noon Monday, August 22, 2016 at Mt. Dena Baptist Church, San Augustine, Texas with interment at Mt. Dena Cemetery, San Augustine with Pastor Anthony Jackson officiating.
She is survived by:
Husband, Draon Mitchell of Houston, Texas
Mother, Beatrice Weathered of San Augustine
Father, Nelson Ray Weathered of San Augustine
Brothers:
James Weathered of Center
Marvin (Linda) Weathered of San Augustine
Calvin Weathered of San Augustine
Anthony (Latoya) Weathered of Mississippi
Alex (Sherena) Weathered of San Augustine
Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
08/16/2016
Elma Swindall, 101, of Center passed away Sunday, August 14, 2016 at Lakeside Village Assisted Living Center on Loop 500.
Services will be 11am Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Triumph Church, Greer Street in Center, Texas with the Rev. Robert Gipson, officiating.
Ms. Swindall was born November 9, 1914 to the late Mahalia Swindall. Ms Elma was employed as a teacher for 42 years, beginning with the Webb Rural School and then later with C.H. Daniels and Center Elementary. She retired from teaching in 1975 and traveled with her sister extensively until 1998.
She was a devoted member of the Mt. Zion CME Church until her health failed her in recent years, however, she continued to support her church. She served the Lord and her church in many capacities, one being church treasurer for many years.
She was proceded in death by her mother, Mahalia Swindall and her sister Selma Swindall McClelland.
She leaves to cherish her memory a host of too many cousins to number, including Anita Lister Gipson-Williams (Jackie) and Doris Annette Harris of Center, Retha Swindle of Baytown and Annie Nell Crockett of Timpson. She leaves a goddaughter, Doris Denise Sampson-Patterson of California, a very special friend, Mrs. Johnnie Price of Lakeside Village Assisted Living Center, and a devoted caretaker, Mrs. Kaye Powell of Lakeside Village Assisted Living Center and host of friends to numerous to mention.
A memorial service will also be held in her honor Friday, August 19th beginning at 7pm hosted by Mt. Zion CME Church, 921 Martin Luther King Drive in Center, Texas.
Pallbearers are: Darryl Nolan Gipson, Ernest Darnell Swindle, Charles Benard Swindle, Mervin J. Moore, Waymond Malone and Terry Harris.
Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home on the corner of Loop 500 and Neuville Street in Center.
08/16/2016
Jimmy Ray Scruggs, 75, of Joaquin, passed away Monday, August 15, 2016, at his residence.
Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 18, 2016, at Sholar Cemetery in Shelby County.
Mr. Scruggs was born May 2, 1941, in Joaquin, to Hervey Norris Scruggs and Syble Lorene Cockrell Scruggs. He served in the United States Navy.
He is survived by
Wife: Nancy Scruggs of Joaquin
Daughters:
Sarena A. Scruggs of Joaquin
Jamie Connor of Seguin
Tamra Piggot of Houston
Shelley Scruggs of Bacliff
Numerous grandchildren
Sister: Shirley Ann Cammack of Minden, Louisiana
Uncle: Jerry Cockrell of Joaquin
Preceded in death by
Parents: Hervey Norris Scruggs and Syble Lorene Cockrell Scruggs
Daughters: Linda Scruggs, Wendy Scruggs, Kimberly Scruggs
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
08/16/2016
Jimmie Shirl Noble Jr., age 60, of Milam, Texas passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at Sabine County Hospital in Hemphill, Texas.
Funeral service will be held 1pm Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church with interment at Buckley Cemetery with Rev. H. F. Johnson Officiating. A viewing will be held the day of the Service on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30am at Garner & Son Chapel and from 11:30 until service time at the Church.
He is survived by:
Wife, Terri Barkins of Milam, Texas
Son, Johnny Barkins of Milam, Texas
Daughter, Kera Bledsoe of Logansport, LA
2 Grandchildren
Mother, Creola Noble of Milam, Texas
Brother, Jerry Noble of Dallas, Texas
Sisters:
Shirley Williams of Milam, Texas
Kaye Nobles of Milam, Texas
Dorothy Williams of Nacogdoches, Texas
AS well as a host of other relatives and Friends.
Services are under Percy Garner & Son Mortuary, San Augustine, Texas.
08/14/2016
Gloria (Bowlin) Fiedler, 82, of Timpson, passed away Friday, August 12, 2016 at Green Acres Nursing Home.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service at Mangum Funeral.
She was born February 13, 1934 in Timpson, Texas to Jody and Frieda (Roberts) Bowlin. She was a teacher in Nederland, Vidor & Tenaha. She was a member of Paxton United Methodist Church in Tenaha and she was also a member of Delta Gamma Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
She is preceded in death by her Parents, Ben and Frieda Bowlin and her Brother, Barkley Bowlin.
She is survived by:
Husband: Joe Fiedler of Timpson
Daughter: Lesa Henning of Hot Springs, Ark
Son & Daughter-in-law: Ben & Robin Fiedler of Plano
Grandchildren:
Claire & Candace Fiedler
Logan & Jarrod Henning
Great-Grandchildren:
Taylor & Davin Henning
Sister: Kathy Birdwell & husband, Jimmy of Arlington
You may sign the online registry book at www.mangumfuneralhome.com
Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas
08/13/2016
O.B. Ratcliff, 70 of Dallas, passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at his residence in Dallas. Service will be at 11am Tuesday, at Community Funeral Home Chapel, Center, Texas with interment at St. John Cemetery, Center, Texas. Bishop W.C. Martin to officiate.
He is survived by:
Daughters:
Genera (Eddie) Bolton of Center
Betty (Joe) Berry of Center
3 Grandchildren, 4 Great-Grandchildren
Sisters:
Genell Smith of Wells, Texas
Vira Poole of Wells, Texas
Lella Davis of Lufkin, Texas
Brothers:
L.A. Ratcliff of Dallas, Texas
X.L. Ratcliff of Wisconsin
Willie Ratcliff of Longview, Texas
Services under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
08/12/2016
Funeral services for Meredith Koonce Reid, 86, of Lufkin will be held Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Jim McDonald officiating. Interment will follow in the White Rock Cemetery in Shelby County.
Mrs. Reid was born May 17, 1930 in Grigsby, Texas to the late Clifton Wesley Koonce and Essie (Hopkins) Koonce, and died Thursday, August 11, 2016 at her residence.
Mrs. Reid had resided in Lufkin for 50 years, and worked at Beall’s for 20 years. She enjoyed reading, embroidering, and flower gardening, and loved her grandchildren. Mrs. Reid was a member of Union Road Church of Christ.
Survivors include:
Son: Randy Reid of Lufkin
Daughter and son-in-law, Colleen and Ricky Barley of Lufkin
Grandchildren:
Clyde Brown
Courtney Rector
Samuel Reid
Matthew Reid
Christopher Barley
April Elrod
Great-grandchildren:
Damian Barley-Hudnall
Christian and Camden Elrod
Brittney
Taylor
Samuel and Daegan Reid
Jordan and Emily Rector
Best friend and co-conspirator, Dot Hankins
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clyde Reid; daughter, Derotha “Dee” Peavy; and brother, Lavelle Koonce.
Pallbearers will be Glenn Cummings, Chris Elrod, Matthew Reid, Samuel Reid, Mike Parker, and Phillip Hudnall.
Honorary pallbearer will be James Sanchez.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.
The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home.
Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.
Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.
08/12/2016
Richard Wayne McCullough, 71, of Timpson, Texas passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2016 in Timpson, Texas. He was born on February 28, 1945, in Healdton, Oklahoma, the son of Thomas Jefferson and Jewell Idella (Daniel) McCullough.
Wayne spent much of his life pipelining. He was a pipeline welder and enjoyed his job very much. He loved people, especially his children and grandchildren. Wayne enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors.
Wayne is survived by his girlfriend, Shirley Bolton; sons, Jim McCullough and wife Earline of Spring, Texas, Mike McCullough of Harlem, GA; daughter, Trish Arnold and husband Chad of Owasso, Oklahoma; brothers, Jimmie McCullough of Okarche, Oklahoma, Larry McCullough of Wilburton, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Heather McCullough, Jacob McCullough, Riley McCullough, Chris Arnold, Trey Arnold; great grandchildren, Alexia, Jace, and Jaxon Bagby; and a host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, TJ McCullough; and sister, Dean Vaughn.
The family of Richard Wayne McCullough is being served by Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson, Texas.
To convey condolences or to sign an online register please visit www.taylorfh.net.
08/12/2016
Funeral services for John W. Rhinehart will be held on Monday, August 15, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Mangum Chapel in Center, TX with internment following at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center, TX.
Mr. Rhinehart went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 10, 2016.
John Wayne Rhinehart, 66, was born in Saluda, South Carolina, son of Douglas Rhinehart and Gennie Matthews Rhinehart. He Retired in 1992 after 22 years as a SGT Major in the United States Army. He was Military Intelligence and Head of Officers School. After 15 years, he retired from the State of Texas at BETO Unit as a SGT Guard. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and will be missed by all he knew and loved.
John worked with the VFW helping to organize trips and helping the advocate find vets who have served. He loved reading about WWII and collecting memorabilia.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; and one sister.
He is survived by his wife Judy of Athens; son Justin Rhinehart of Athens; brother Yates Rhinehart of San Jose, CA; sister Renee Rhinehart of Summerton, SC; sisters in law, Sue Oates of Athens, and Edith Oates of Athens; brother in law Robert Oates of Sugarland; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign the online registry book at www.mangumfuneralhome.com
Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas
08/12/2016
Donna Kay Cannon, 57, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, August 12, 2016 at her residence.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later time.
She was born April 19, 1959 in Port Arthur, Texas to Patrick and Carol (Sandifer) Rider. She worked for East Texas Home Health as a registered nurse.
She is survived by:
Husband:
James Cannon of Shelbyville
8 Children
You may sign the online registry book at www.mangumfuneralhome.com Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas
Funeral services for Mrs. Cheanette Bennett Lowe, 54, of Center, Texas, will be Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 1:00pm at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church in Center, Texas. Rev. Lucian Tatum will be officiating. Mrs. Lowe died Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at a local hospital in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Mrs. Lowe’s survivors are:
Husband: James Lowe of Center, Texas
Sons:
Arthur Bennett & wife Rhonda of Port Arthur, Texas
Marcus Lee Richards of Center, Texas
Brother: Ervin Lee Bennett of Center, Texas
Sisters:
Lyla Ann Pennington of Grand Crane La
Francis Mae Bennett of Center, Texas
Ella Bennett & Joel of Center, Texas
Grandsons:
Javarious Allen of Port Arthur Texas
Jalin Bennett of Port Arthur Texas
Visitation: will be Friday, August 12, 2016 at Hicks Chapel
Committal at Westview Cemetery
Repass: Bright Morning Star Baptist Church
Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas
08/11/2016
Melanie Monique Miller-Watts, better known as “Mel”, 36, was born October 26, 1979 in Center, TX; to Mr. Ira Joe Miller and Lola Pearl Rodgers-Miller. Mel passed away on Friday, August 5, 2016 in Houston, TX.
She leaves to cherish her memories; her loving husband Stacy Darnell Watts, of San Augustine, TX; Her parents, children Stadriana Watts, LaRenda Watts & Jordan Watts, extended children-Aneshia Hopkins, Bobbie Tanner, Ti’ler Barnes, Jasmine Martin, A’nesiya Burrell & Malakai Johnson all of San Augustine, TX; grandparents; Dr. Clois & Mrs. Siscile Rodgers of San Augustine, TX; Mother-in-law Mrs. Emma Jean Watts of San Augustine, TX; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, Brother-in-laws, Sister-in-laws, and friends.
Visitations will begin Friday, August 12, 2016 at Sid Roberts Funeral starting at 12 Noon until 4:00 p.m. Visitations will also be Friday, August 12, 2016 at 5:00p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, 301 Ironosa Rd., San Augustine, TX. Service is scheduled for Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 1:00p.m. at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, 301 Ironosa Rd., San Augustine, TX with the Rev. Amos Horton Sr., Eulogist.
Services Entrusted to the Professionals of Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, TX 75961.
08/11/2016
Rodney Lynn Emmons, 58, of Center, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Nacogdoches.
Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2016, at White Rock Cemetery in Center. Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Mr. Emmons was born April 15, 1958, in Center, to J. L. Emmons and Carolyn Sue Patterson Emmons. He never met a stranger and loved everyone. His love for God was unconditional.
He is survived by
Father: J. L. Emmons
Sister: Pam Bolton and husband, Billy
A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Preceded in death by
Mother: Carolyn Sue Emmons
Grandparents: Beulah B. Patterson, Leland and Johnny Lou Emmons
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to assist with final expenses. Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
08/11/2016
James Taylor “Jimmy” Daniels passed away peacefully on August 3, 2016, in Nacogdoches, Texas, at the age of 67.
Jimmy is survived by:
Mother: Catheryn Watson Shepherd
Wife: Susan Pitts of Nacogdoches
Daughter: Dixie Rose Daniels of Nacogdoches
Granddaughter: Izzabella Blue Daniels of Nacogdoches
Grandson on the way, Silas Ezra Risinger, of Nacogdoches
Stepson: N.G. Schmidt of Nacogdoches
Brother: Tommy Daniels, of Fort Myers, Florida
Stepbrothers:
Roy Daniels of Prattville, Alabama
Delbert Daniels of Prattville, Alabama
He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Cecil Daniels, and stepmother, Maggie Daniels, both of Prattville, Alabama, and stepfather, Bogard Shepherd, of Nacogdoches, Texas.
Jimmy was born on December 9, 1948, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Thomas Cecil Daniels and Catheryn Watson Daniels. She bought him his first guitar at the age of 9 from Max Greer’s Pawn Shop, and the first song Jimmy learned to play was “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. Jimmy was just beginning to develop his extraordinary musical talents, and later mentored many other guitar players who eventually became successful career musicians.
As a young teenager, Jimmy developed a love for riding motorcycles, and could often be found hanging around at Sonny Burgess’ motorcycle shop downtown. At the age of 14, he and close friends Fred Bright, David Lambert and Homer Tindall formed a band called the Guv’nors, and from that point forward, he worked the rest of his life as a professional musician.
Jimmy graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1967, then attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and later continued graduate studies in Biology. During and after college he toured the country with the band Everyday People, and played gigs on Telephone Road as well as all over Southeast Texas and surrounding areas. Other bands Jimmy played with included the Black Label Brand Band, Short Fuse Blues Band and of course the Jimmy Daniels Band.
When he moved back home to Nacogdoches in the late 1970’s, he started working for the Angelina Neches River Authority and spent much of his free time fishing on Lake Sam Rayburn. In 1982, the same year his daughter Dixie Rose was born, he became the recurring Texas State Pistol Champion for several years thereafter, and for the next 30 years continued to win numerous pistol competitions in Texas and place in several National matches.
Jimmy and Merry Anne Bright opened Eagle Signs in 1983, and he continued to paint signs for the next 30 years. Jimmy also served as Nacogdoches County Road and Bridge Commissioner for four years. After retirement, he continued to enjoy playing music, shooting pistols, riding horses, spending time with loved ones, and following and attending Moto GP races for the past 3 years in Austin, Texas. Jimmy was a natural comedian and constantly entertained us all. It was simply impossible to be around him without being drawn to him, and equally impossible to come to know him without loving him.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at Laird’s Funeral Home with Bro. Sonny Scarborough officiating. Visitation will be Friday evening, August 12, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, also at Laird’s. A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held at Lugnutz Sports Bar following Saturday services. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Bailey, AB Youngblood, Dickey Johnson, George Arriola, Rick West, Richard Bright, Fred Bright, Terry Brown, Ken Umbarger, Larry Nabours, Homer Dean Tindall, and David Lambert. Special thanks to Dr. Steven Potter and Dr. B.W. Henderson for their devoted friendship and the exceptional medical care they provided for Jimmy over the last several years. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The O’Malley Alley Cat Organization of Nacogdoches, Texas.
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