Shelby County Today

11/11/2021

Ferrell Laine “Doc” Bennett, 76, of Center, passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Services for Ferrell Laine “Doc” Bennett will be held Saturday, November 13, 2021. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. at Watson & Sons Funeral Home with graveside services to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Neuville Cemetery.

Mr. Bennett was born November 1, 1945 in San Augustine to the late Elonzo and Mittie Ann Gillis Bennett. A graduate of San Augustine High School, he went on to serve as an engineer in the US Army, earning the Gold Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Expert and Sharpshooter Badges (M14 and M16). He was honorably discharged in 1971.

He met Glenda Beth Spann at the Dairy Mart in San Augustine, and they married in 1968. They lived in the Choice community of Shelby County and had four children: Stuart, Carmen “Lisa”, Brandon and Alan. He was a great example of what a husband and father should be, not only to the children and grandchildren he loved so much, but to the youth of Shelby County as a longtime little league baseball coach.

Mr. Bennett was an employee at the Ray Craft plant in San Augustine for many years, and was a current employee of General Shelters in Center. He loved the outdoors, especially spending time fishing on the Sabine river, and believed almost anything could be fixed with a little duct tape, glue, bailing wire, and some common sense. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

He is survived by:

Children:
Stuart Laine Bennett of Center
Carmen “Lisa” Coker and husband Gary of Nacogdoches
Kelvin Brandon Bennett and wife Cherry of Center

Grandchildren:
Lucas Alan Coker
Alysa Beth Coker
Dustin Brandon Bennett
Emily Renee Bennett
Autumn Rose Bennett

Brother, Derrell Bennett and wife Sandy of Chireno

Brother-in-law, Charles Spann of Neuville

Sister-in-law, Connie Spann of Center.

Preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Beth “Gussie” Bennett; son, Alan Glynn Bennett; and parents, Elonzo Weldon Bennett and Mittie Ann Gillis Bennett.

Pallbearers will be Kelvin Bennett, Gary Coker, Lucas Coker, Dustin Bennett, Clint Bennett, and Dwayne Bennett.  Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Bennett, Jim Bennett, Chuck Spann, Roger Jackson, and Donnie Jackson.

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

11/08/2021

Beverly “Anne” Cooper, 88, of Tyler, passed away Saturday, November 6, 2021, in Tyler.

Graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born November 2, 1933, in Houston, Anne is the daughter of James Paul Rodgers and Clara Augusta McAdams Rodgers. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Center.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Milton Cooper Jr. and wife Carla of Houston
William Paul Cooper and wife Vickie of Tyler

Grandchildren:
Kathrine Cooper
Ashley Cooper
Rachel Cooper

Preceded in death by her husband, Milton H. Cooper Sr.; and parents, James Paul Rodgers and Clara Augusta McAdams Rodgers.
Thanks for all the help from her caregiver, Edna Keener.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.

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

11/05/2021

Derrick Donnell Brown was born on May 12, 1972 and departed this life on October 25, 2021

​He leaves to cherish his memory:

Mother, Vera Nell Brown of Nacogdoches

Father, Donald Ray Brown of Nacogdoches

Sons:
DeMarcus Brown of Center, Tx
DeKedrick Brown of Center, Tx

Daughters:
Daijah Brown of Forney, Tx
Ebony Jackson of Center, Tx

Granddaughter, Key’Arri Brown of Nacogdoches

Brothers:
Lester (Clarissa) Cartwright of Dallas
Nicky Carey of Fayetteville, North Carolina
Wayne Davis of Augusta, Georgia
Corey Flemon of Austin

Sisters:
Iva Nell Rushing of Nacogdoches
Tracie (Tajudeen) Dairo of Dallas
Phyllis Cartwright of Center
Denise Brown-Flanagan (Tim Flanagan) of Houston

He also leaves to cherish his memory, one aunt, one uncle and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friend.

One special friend, Vanessa McClelland of Nacogdoches

Celebration of Life will be held at Abundant Love Ministries, Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 12noon with Pastor Marlin Cloudy, Sr. officiating.

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during the funeral service. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.

Service entrusted to Sid Robert’s Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.

11/04/2021

Maxie Chumley, age 74, passed away Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Funeral service is 2pm Sunday, November 7, 2021 at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas with burial to follow at Spanns Cemetery in Neuville. Visitation is from 6pm to 8pm Saturday, November 6 at Mangum Funeral Home.

Maxie Chumley was born on October 13, 1947 in Newton, Texas, the 9th of 12 children born to Ruben Augustus and Annie Lena Crawford Amburn. Maxie learned the ways of life from her parents and was specifically taught how to take care of herself, work for what she wanted, love people and most importantly, to serve her Savior, Jesus Christ. Maxie was a mother, sister, friend, and servant to those she loved the most. She helped her neighbors and the communities that she so adored. She was BIGGER THAN LIFE. Everyone who knew her would testify to her boldness and the love she had for her closest friends. No one ever wondered how Maxie stood on any subject. She was upfront with her thoughts and feelings. She was who she was and she never made apologies for that. She was proud of what she had accomplished in her life and her ability to be what she wanted to be.   

Maxie was dedicated to her beloved church of Neuville Baptist Church where she served and told everyone “There is no place like Neuville Baptist Church!” She attended Neuville Baptist where she was in charge of the kitchen and sang in the choir. Maxie was a very talented vocalist and music was very important to her. She was widely known for singing Dolly Partin’s “Coat of Many Colors.” This song defined Maxie’s life. She had many parts of herself that when put together, made a complete person. Maxie was petite but boisterous. Each of her traits made her who she was. Her “coat of many colors” shown in everything she worked on. However, in the midst of her colors, was a rhinestone…Maxie was the rhinestone.  

She loved to cook and her cooking was old fashioned. No one….and that is the truth….could make chicken and dumplings like Maxie. The kitchen at church, no matter what it was used for, always had her dumplings. And on the dessert table was all her beautiful, delicious pies. Her church family will have to get use to the tea glass being less full, but in return, the Lord’s table will be much sweeter and the heavenly choir will be louder.

Maxie was larger than life and helped out wherever she could. Her devotion to Christ led to being devoted to mankind as well. She found great pride in helping each year at the San Augustine “Night of the Stars.” Maxie always attended functions dressed to perfection with her “blingy” jewelry and adornments and the absolute best and most beautiful clothes. She was stylish and took pride in looking her best. The fundraiser brought her to another level when she was able to dress up like the celebrities and sing their songs. Maxie was a celebrity of her own and will be missed throughout the communities but her star will forever shine bright in the memories of those who knew her and loved her most.  

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Bridget Hughes and the staff at Pine Grove Nursing Home, and Melanie, Kari and Teresa at Texas Hospice for their special care of Maxie.

Maxie is survived by: 

Daughters:
Shonia Putman and husband, Keith
Lesa Robertson and husband, Randy
Tammie Jacobs and husband, Scott

Sisters: 
Dixie Cucco
Jane Robins and husband, Kelly

Grandchildren: 
Adam Copelin and wife, Jennifer
Jessica Greer and husband, BJ
Cade Copelin
Josh Windham and wife, Joni
Jennifer Sims and husband, Nick
John Parks and wife, Briget
Kasie Cacace and husband, Tony
Colton Norton and wife, Brittany
Caleb Norton
RT Jacobs
Shelby Jacobs
Jessica Jacobs
Keith Putman and wife, Angie
Kandace Meisch and husband, Victor
Amanda Linthicum
Kevin Putman
Matthew Putman and wife, Mariah
Ginger Garrett and husband, Luke
Toby Robertson

Great-grandchildren: 
Savannah Spann
Jorden Bollier
Cassidy Greer
Levi Greer
Avery Windham
Tyson Windham
Molly Windham
Kaden Sims
Preslee Sims
Kingston Parks
Kellon Parks
Stetson Waller
Gatlyn Caldwell
Ally Garrett
Lauren Hall and husband, Jeremy
Whitney Garrett
Savannah Lewis and husband, Travis
Lexi Robertson
Mikayla Putman
Gavin Putman
Ella Putman
Kaylea Webb
Kyndal Webb
Kreed Meisch
Kaydence Linthicum
Kamden Putman
Evelyn Putman
Weston Putman
Kinley Putman
Emma Putman
Waylon Putman

Sisters-in-law: 
Shirley Amburn
Jeanie Amburn
Barbara Amburn
Kathy Haley and husband, Richard
Dianne Chumley

Brothers-in-law:
Ray Hardy
Earl Chumley and wife, Verna

Special loved ones: 
Sue Dendy
Herbie Smith
Tristan
Jaysen
Jaxson

Maxie is preceded in death by her son, Rodney Waller; husband, Keith Chumley; parents, Ruben and Annie Crawford Amburn; brothers, Bonnell Amburn, Charles Amburn, Kenneth Amburn, Douglas Amburn, Tommy Amburn, Billy Amburn, and David Amburn; sisters, Gertie Leach and Patsy Hardy; mother-in-law, Corrine Chumley; son-in-law, Dale Copelin; and her best friend, Lorene Whisenhunt.

Serving as pallbearers are: Josh Windham, Adam Copelin, John Parks, Colton Norton, Caleb Norton, Cade Copelin, Nick Sims, BJ Greer, RT Jacobs, and Gabriel Hoffman.

11/02/2021

Don L Dodd (59) of Center, Texas, died on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Nacogdoches Medical Emergency in Center, Texas. He was born to the late Spencer Dodd and Imogene Greer Dodd on August 10, 1962.

Graveside service will be on Friday, November 5, 2021, at 1:00 PM at Westview Cemetery in Center. Pastor Marlin Cloudy will be officiating. 

He is survived by:

Wife, Jerra L. Dodd of Center

Son, Terrance L. Dodd (Amber) of Nacogdoches

Daughter, Tashema S. Dodd of Nacogdoches

Brothers:
Vencer Dodd of Center
James Dodd of Center

Sisters:
Helen Davis of Houston
Margaret Baltimore of Beaumont
Brenda Dodd of Center
Onita Dodd of Center
Melba McClelland (Aaron) of Houston
Lonniece (Wilbert) Simmons of Center

Mother-in-law, Christene Kindle of Center

Brother-in-law, Broderick Kindle of Atlanta, Georgia

Sister-in-laws:
Veronica Perkins of Nacogdoches
Shannon Kindle of Center

Visitation is November 4, 2021, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1pm to 6pm. Committal is at Westview Cemetery.

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced. 

Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935. Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net.

10/28/2021

Mack Paul O’Rear was born in Huxley on August 12, 1937. He passed away on October 27, 2021.

A graveside service will be held on October 30, 2021 at 2pm at Wimberly Cemetery with Brother Michael McArthur officiating. Masonic ceremonies will be under the direction of the Sam Houston Lodge #32.

Mack is survived by:

Loving wife of 56 years, Wanda Hughes O’Rear

Son, Mark and wife Gladys

Daughter, Patti Hendricks and husband Craig

Grandsons, Seth and Sawyer Hendricks

Sister, Alice McCann and husband Eddie

Sister-in-law, Joan O’Rear

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Elzie and Netie Davis O’Rear; brothers J.P., Travis, Cindy, and Billie Joe; and sister Sue Boles.

Mack attended school in Huxley, Strong, and Shelbyville where he graduated in 1955. He also attended Panola College and Stephen F. Austin State University.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Mack’s early career was that of a grocery peddler. Being quite a businessman, he then built and operated Lakeview Grocery. This family business served the community for several decades. He later became a real estate broker working for Town & Country Real Estate. In addition to the grocery business and real estate, Mack had a love for all things agriculture. He was a poultry grower for over 30 years. He was also a full-time cattle rancher.

Mack belonged to the Sam Houston Lodge #32 for fifty-two years where he served as past Master. He was also a Scottish Rite member, a York Rite member, and a Shriner.

Mack was of the Baptist faith. He was also involved in various civic organizations. He was a member of Texas Farm Bureau, a Wimberly Cemetery Committee member, a past member of the Shelby County Appraisal District Board, a past member of the USDA Farm Agency Board, a past City of Huxley council member, and a past member of the Shelbyville I.S.D. Board of Trustees.

Serving as pallbearers will be Seth Hendricks, Sawyer Hendricks, Gary McCann, Sammy O’Rear, Larry O’Rear and Keith O’Rear.

Our family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Veluvolu and his staff as well as Sara Lloyd, Bennita Saylor, LaQuita Williams and the entire staff of Affinity Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wimberly Cemetery Fund, 11466 FM 2694, Shelbyville, TX 75973.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

10/28/2021

Lonnie D. "Sam" McDaniel, 80 of Joaquin, passed away Sunday morning, October 24, 2021, at Focused Care of Center.

Funeral service is at 1pm on Saturday, October 30, at First Baptist Church, Haslam, Texas. Interment is at Haslam Cemetery in Joaquin with Rev. Sherman Graham officiating. Wake is Friday, October 29 with walk through all day and family hour from 6pm to 7pm at Community Funeral Home in Center.

He is survived by:

Daughters:
Jeanette (Robert) White of Center
Debra McDaniel of Joaquin
Teresa Salone of Joaquin

6 Grandchildren, 5 Great-Grandchildren

Sisters:
Sandra Harper of Joaquin
Belinda McDaniel of Joaquin

Brothers:
James McDaniel of Carthage
Lester McDaniel of Joaquin
Lonnie G. McDaniel of Carthage

Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

10/25/2021

Addie Mae Murphy, age 84, of Frisco, Texas, passed away Sunday, October 24, 2021, at Beehive Homes Assisted Living in Frisco.

Mrs. Murphy was a former longtime resident of San Augustine, Texas. She was born April 12, 1937, to parents David L. Kirby and Myrtle Garsee Kirby. She was a graduate of San Augustine High School and completed business courses at Stephen F. Austin State University. She served as Director of Medical Records for hospitals in the Orange/Port Arthur area for more than 30 years before retiring and returning to San Augustine.

Her survivors include:

Daughter, Judy Furney and husband Doug of Celina, Texas

Son, Michael Murphy and wife Kim of Kennewick, Washington

Sister, Ann Ham and husband Ronnie of San Augustine

Granddaughters:
Meghan Furney
Kate Furney

Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard E. Murphy; her parents, David L. and Myrtle Kirby of San Augustine; sister, Gladys Kirby of Silsbee; brother Glen Kirby of Stockton, CA; brother J.B. Kirby of San Augustine; and grandson, Ian Murphy of Galveston.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas. 

Funeral services are set for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 30, 2021, at the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Ronnie Ham and Rev. Frank Holrath. Interment will follow at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden in San Augustine.

Pallbearers include: Jerry Kirby, Doug Murphy, Lester Fatheree, Daniel Work, Jimmy Hardy, and Billy Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charitable organization of your choice.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for tributes, memories, and condolences.

Services are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.

10/25/2021

J.D. Thompson, of Hayneville, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2021, in Hayneville.

Celebrating 81 years - October 4, 1940 to October 20, 2021, Don was born in Laird, CO to his hard working, energetic parents Jim and Laura Thompson.

Don was raised in the country, with expanding farming, ranching and produce hauling operations. Don started riding in trucks at 3 months old with his Mother and Dad driving separate trucks across CO., over Loveland pass back and forth to Kansas.

Don learned to drive trucks and tractors in the fields before age 9, (it was a family working business) progressing to farm to farm hauling by the age of 10, which formulated his passion for driving trucks for 71 years. He enjoyed, hunting, fishing, riding horses and even broke a few. (The last one Jughead; also known as the “four legged officer.” Don commented it was a lot farther down to the ground than he had remembered and his hips felt different). Farm live has many adventures like catching his goat Gracie who decided to make the shed her slide as she neighed sliding down the roof expecting JD to catch her. JD told Gracie to stay off the roof and like-any kid, she did it again.  So JD had to block off the shed. The goats like everyone else performed and fought for JD’s attention including walking on the truck frame in the thick grease with their heads in the motor watching the repairs in process. When Dad asked for a different size wrench, the question was… ”are you asking the goat or me?” Dad taught his children how to ride horses, hunt, fish, clean guns with safety always first. Foot races, riding in the truck and on the back of the tailgate, to and from the ponds, watching out for copperheads, water moccasins, and rattle snakes; the dogs were great protection. 

Don was a true professional, as an employee and his preferred; independent business man in trucking, landscaping, farming, ranching, mechanic, and heavy equipment. Don received a gifting from the Lord to study and became an ordained pastor in his forties. He studied the Bible in depth every morning between 3 and 5 am, the “Waring hours.” Don would tell you, don’t believe me, go look it up in the Bible; it’s in John, 3:16 or Revelations or Psalms as examples. Don was a great story teller with lots of excitement and fun in his stories. 

JD was a volunteer for Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Posse, TX. Licensed: 11-24-1994 and later Milam, TX. Fire Department. Starting the departments First Responders Program with his friend and future wife Billie; “the Arkansas kid.”

An average work week was 80 plus hours per week, with weekends for agricultural necessities, killing snakes, and taking care of the farm and ranch, a true pioneer, with his final project. 

Hobbies included writing a book, (writing poetry, playing guitar), going on a day or weekend excursion & doing the “Texas two step” with his wife Billie in the last few weeks of his life. 

Don was a physically strong man, with a gentle soul, big heart, big smile, and great laugh. A stern Dad, who could tell when someone was telling a fib, and a great listener. After listening, he would say I hear you and have you thought about it this way? Chores and activities were to be done right, for the right reasons. Dad would ask ”Did you hear what I said? Or would you like a boot in the butt?” Which was the last resort when you decided not to listen. Most of the kids were heard to say “ yes sir.”  The circle of life for everyone has ups and downs, some people like it some people don’t. Some people were fair and some not. Illness was a rarity except when he got to tired and stressed and then his body would demand an aggressive time out. Life throughs curves and tribulations. For Don who was not ready to leave his journey on earth, met his greatest battle with aggressive cancer, causing an early retirement in September 2021. Don still did as much as possible no matter how hard it was, he was not a quitter. Like the day before his ascent up to heaven, Don had to try walking by himself. Showing off like Superman, without his super powers, his face took the boom. 

Don loved animals and the animals loved him too. Don could be seen checking the cattle with his entourage of several dogs, cats, goats, (ducks, and guineas the loudest security guards). Many people commented” he was like Dr. Doolittle. I’ve never seen anything like it!” 

When Don was in his later teenage years he found 2 abandon twin fawns; a male and female which he had been watching for 2 days, noticing the dead doe up the road. Donnie placed the fawns in his pocket from the hayfield. “Buckeyes” ( because he was a buck); lived, along with “ Squeaky” a baby raccoon, who came long shortly after the fawns that year. When you came to the farm, be prepared for the security guards” Buckeyes and Squeaky, they were inseparable. Buckeyes (with Squeaky at his side) would stand at the car door and not let you out until someone from the family let the animals know that the visitors were okay to be there.

One afternoon a tractor salesman came to the farm. Unknown to the tractor salesman when he got out of the car. Buckeyes and Squeaky noticed the stranger, and had to bringing up the rear, to investigate the circumstances. When the salesman saw the deer and raccoon he yelled:” Thompson if you want to buy a tractor you will have to come to town! This place is crazy!” Don and his Dad Jim laughed and laughed with the added entertainment for the afternoon. 

The local neighbors boys would throw sticks and rocks at Buckeyes as a growing fawn. As Buckeyes grew, Buckeyes got his revenge by chasing the neighborhood boys to and from the school bus nudging them in the fanny as they got on and off the school bus to their house twice a day.

Don loved his family very much, attending as many activities as he could as an independent, hard working business man. Who is loved and missed very much. Memories help to soften the loss. 

Don leaves:

Mother, Laura (Wilson) Thompson

Wife, Billie Speakman

His best friend growing up and later cousin, also known a “Laura’s second son” Bud Minnie (Sherri)

Children: Bonnie (Roger), Ed (Carmen), Rhonda, Karen (Wade), Christine, Jay (Melisa).

Stepchildren: Patricia, Steve (Connie), Tami, Stephanie, Christopher, and Lucinda (Josh). 

Grandchildren: Johnathan (Melisa), Christopher, Nicholas (Kawni), Josh (Mary), Brittany (Devin), Jason (Cassedy), Rihanna, Jasmine, Zoey, Logan, Lucius, Ashley.

Great-Grandchildren: Aspen, Madison, Cale, Addy.

Don is preceded in death by his Dad; James Allen, Joan and stepson; Christopher, his Grandparents: Thompson’s, Wilson’s, and Elliotts. Several Aunts, Uncles (who called Donnie “Butch) and Cousins.

A loving final vision from Don was seeing the light. Don turned around with a huge smile on his face, fell to his knees onto the couch. We can envision the welcoming committee; arms wide open with huge hugs from Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, the Angels singing with celebration followed by Dons family and friends, welcoming Don home. What a glorious day! 

Don would expect us to carry on our lives with love and compassion, doing what’s right to serve God and the Lords people, and take care of our families. Don’t be afraid. Rejoice because someday we will all leave a legacy too. 

Pallbears: Bud, Jay, Wade, Steve, Johnathan, Christopher. (In standing Roger and Josh)

Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM, Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with funeral service at Noon on Friday. Bro. Gordon Vaughn will officiate. A Graveside service for final resting will occur at Restland Memorial Park outside of Carthage, TX. Immediately after this service. Follow the precession with Dons final truck ride.

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