Shelby County Today

05/18/2023

Robert Clinton “Clint” Lilly, 41, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on May 13, 2023, in Nacogdoches. 

Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Laird Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Laird Funeral Home.

Clint was born in Nacogdoches, Texas to Danny and Sharon Lilly on January 10, 1982. He was married to his wife, Heather for 20 wonderful years. He met his wife, Heather, at a gathering with mutual friends. He attended Timpson High School and loved to play football. Robert is known to his friends and family as “Clint.” He was a country man through and through and that showed in his outdoor activities and love for country music. He was an avid skydiver, hog hunter, and fisherman, even though he was never great at fishing. Some of Clint’s other hobbies included coin collecting, history, metal detecting, but most of all he enjoyed welding. Other than his wife his greatest loves were his children and grandchildren. His favorite people will miss their Pappy with all their heart. 

Clint is survived by:

Father, Danny Hoye Lilly

Wife, Heather Lilly

Children:
Rylee Carmela Lilly
Bailee Anne Lilly
Nathan Chase Lilly and wife Kristen
Carter Cheyenne Smith

Sister, Samantha Halstead and husband John

Brother, Greg Lanier and wife Genina

Grandchildren:
Kaden Chase Lilly
Harper Ailene Lilly
Haevyn Grace Lilly

6 nieces, 4 nephews, and 1 great niece, and his dog, Buddy.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Sharon Lilly; grandmothers, Ailene Lilly and Nellie Frasier.

Services are under the direction of Laird Funeral Home of Nacogdoches. Online condolences can be made at lairdfh.net.

05/17/2023

Linda Gayle Roe, 81, of Center, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home with visitation beginning at Noon. Rev. Doyce Whitton and Rev. Sam Roe will officiate. Interment will follow at Old Home Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born August 30, 1941, in Many, Louisiana, Linda is the daughter of Euell Fields Oliver and Alliwese Pugh Oliver. She enjoyed taking care of her flowers and her garden. Hobbies included reading and bowling, especially with the grandkids. Linda was a member of White Rock Missionary Baptist Church in Center.

Survived by:

Husband, George Roe

Son, Charles Roe and wife Cecelia

Daughters:
Cheryl Roe
Andrea Peacock and husband Courtland

Grandchildren:
Parker Roe,
Nicholas Peacock,
Alexander Peacock
Aaron Peacock
Reese Gonzalez
Olivia Roe

Great-grandchildren:
Jordan Peacock
Tarah Tracy

Sisters:
Lois Oliver
Francis Cole
Marcie Chisum

Preceded in death by parents, Euell Fields Oliver and Alliwese Pugh Oliver; and sister, Sharan Soltau.

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

05/16/2023

Frankie Blunt Scruggs, 82, of Joaquin, passed away Monday, May 15, 2023, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Joe Halliday officiating. Interment will follow at Lone Cedar Cemetery in Joaquin.

Born June 29, 1940, in Logansport, Louisiana, Frankie is the daughter of Lawrence Carroll Blunt and Pearl House Blunt. She operated Scruggs, Inc. Frankie loved fishing with her grandchildren, cooking, gardening, and her dog, Toto. Squirrel hunting was also among her hobbies in her younger years. She was a member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin.

She is survived by:

Husband of 64 years, Joe Scruggs of Joaquin

Son, Richard Scruggs and wife Wanda of Joaquin

Daughter, Vickie McFadden and husband Neal of Joaquin

Grandchildren:
Megan Paske and husband Matt
Lacey Scruggs
Dawson McFadden
Brooklyn Smith

Great-grandchildren:
Ella Paske
Nolan Paske
Walker Freeman

Brothers:
Bubba Blunt and wife Sandra of Grand Cane, Louisiana
Jimmy Blunt of Stanley, Louisiana

Sisters:
Linda Owens and husband Arnold of Frierson, Louisiana
Deborah Meisner of Converse, Louisiana

Sisters-in-law:
Eva Melton of Joaquin
Sylvia Scruggs Michael of Shreveport, Louisiana

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents, Lawrence Carroll Blunt and Pearl House Blunt; brothers, Johnny Blunt and Jerry Blunt; half-brother, Bill Blunt; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dan Meisner, Lera Childress and husband Russell, Hervy Scruggs and wife Lorene, Avis Lambert and husband ER, Errollene Brimberry and husband Lee, W.L. Scruggs, Audrey Dyer and husband Gary, Hilburn and Glenda Scruggs, and Zig Melton.

Pallbearers will be Larry Blunt, Lawrence Blunt, Paul Blunt, John Blunt, Jason Blunt, and Jeremy Blunt. Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Melton, Matt Paske, Dawson McFadden, and Rusty Lambert.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kenneth Fitzgerald, Dr. Kevin Gallagher, and Dr. Joyce Feagin of Willis Knighton Hospital and Willis Knighton Cancer Center for their care and compassion.

Memorial donations may be sent to Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 328, Joaquin, Texas 75954.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at http://www.watsonandsonsfh.com

05/15/2023

Willie B. Anderson Elliott, 99, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on May 13, 2023, in Shelbyville, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on September 3, 1923, in Shelby County, Texas, to the late Wright J. Anderson and Sybil (Lout) Anderson.

Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 2PM with Bro. Lamar Denby and Lynn Raymond officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Monday, May 15, 2023, beginning at 1PM until service time at Mangum Funeral Home. Interment will follow at West Hamilton Cemetery.

Willie was born and raised in Shelby County. She graduated from Shelbyville High School. She married the love of her life, Herbert A. Elliott, on January 24, 1942. They raised three wonderful children. She and Herbert enjoyed many wonderful years together before his passing in 2011. Willie enjoyed a wonderful long life. She was a loving, compassionate person. Even in her 80’s she was taking care of “old” people as a caregiver. She loved gardening, flowers, and the outdoors. Gardening independently into her early 90’s and enjoyed every minute of it. She was the most wonderful cook. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved the Lord and her church family.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Patricia Jackson and husband Jimmy

Daughter-in-law, Carolyn Elliott

Grandchildren:
James (the favorite) Elliott and wife Terrie
Jan Windham and husband Kyle
Bridget Hughes and husband Lance
Charles Elliott and wife Mandi
Stephen Elliott and wife Leigh Ann

Great-Grandchildren:
Konner Windham Dean and husband Brian
Holly Hughes
Emilee Elliott
Hunter Elliott and wife Alicia
Tanner Elliott and wife Harley
Physher Elliott
Clayton Elliott
Ainsley Elliott
Zac Hutchins
Liza and Jacob Kay

Great-Great-Grandchildren: 7

Willie is preceded in death by her loving husband, Herbert A. Elliott; sons, Wayne (Hub) Elliott, Aubrey Gene Elliott; granddaughter, Farrah Jackson; great grandson, Jacob Hughes; and brother, Cleveland Anderson.

Pallbearers serving will be Lance Hughes, Kyle Windham, Charles Elliott, Stephen Elliott, Brian Dean, and Lynn Raymond. 

The family would like to especially thank A Piney Woods Home Health, Affinity Hospice, and Brenda Hebert for the exceptional care given to Mrs. Elliott throughout this journey. Your exceptional, compassionate care has not gone unnoticed. 

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

05/11/2023

Dr. Joe Neal Lacy, beloved father, husband and friend, died suddenly and unexpectedly Sunday afternoon, May 7, at the age of 66.

A Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 15, at Christ Chapel Bible Church, 3701 Birchman Avenue. His family will receive friends following the service.

Joe was born to John Neal Lacy and Zelma Palmer Lacy on December 2, 1956, in Center, Texas.  He graduated from Center High School and Summa Cum Laude with a Biology degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. He attended medical school at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he also completed a Surgical Infectious Disease Fellowship, a General Surgery Internship and an Orthopedic Surgery Residency. He and a partner established an orthopedic surgery practice in Sherman & Denison Texas. Although entirely resolved later, upon learning of a health concern, Joe ended his surgical career and obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Texas at Austin. After several years of healthcare consulting with a prominent consulting firm in Dallas, Joe returned to medicine, completing a Radiology Residency at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, followed by a Musculoskeletal Imaging Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. For the past sixteen years, Joe has been a radiologist with Radiology Associates in Fort Worth. Joe received many awards and honors during his career and was a member of several professional medical organizations.

Far more significant than all those achievements were the things that gave meaning and purpose to Joe’s life. He worked to make a living and provide for his family, but his real passions were his family and forming meaningful relationships with those he encountered. His childhood experiences drove him to be a great dad and he pursued it intentionally, tenaciously and with God’s guidance. Together with Jane, he set an incredibly wonderful example for his children. When he made mistakes as a father, he was consistent with apologies and finding a way to use it for good. Joe’s children say because of their dad, they know and have confidence in who they are, and they’ve learned how to work and seek balance in life. Joe loved to be outside and work, getting his hands dirty. Wonderful times were spent in the mountains skiing and hiking with family. He rarely sat still and enjoyed productivity. He and Jane were working together on property they owned in the country when he died. Joe was deeply drawn to authenticity in relationships and shunned superficiality. He was a friend to many and was always generous with his time, willing to share his medical expertise with those having concerns. Joe, Jane, and their children are members of Christ Chapel Bible Church and Joe served on several missionary trips to El Salvador and most recently on a medical mission trip to Panama. Early in his life, Joe spent a great deal of time at First Baptist Church in Center participating in choir and other activities. He was a man of deep faith and routinely shared the difference Jesus Christ made in his life as his Lord and Savior. As he grew in his relationship with Christ, God transformed him to love and serve in deeper and greater ways.

Survived by:

His wife of 32 years, Jane Ann Freese Lacy

Sons:
Wilke
Grey
Luke

Daughter, Anna

Sisters: 
Nancy Warr
Linda Reinhart
Janice Compton 
and their families.

Memorial: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to Vida Nueva, a church in El Salvador, which Joe served during several missionary trips. Instructions to give online or by mail can be found at https://www.goodnewsinaction.org/donate. Or to The Roughrider Foundation, P. O. Box 152, Center, TX 75935, in Joe’s memory.  Please note Joe Lacy on the check.

Arrangements Robertson Mueller Harper Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations 1500 Eighth Avenue – Fort Worth, Texas 817-924-4233

05/10/2023

Ruth Polley Cook, 83 of Houston, Texas, formally of East Liberty Community, died on May 6, 2023, in Houston, Texas. Ruth was born to the late James and Aree Eddins Polley on March 6, 1940, in Center, Texas (East Liberty Community).

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 11:00 AM at East Liberty Baptist Church (2980 CR 2569 Center, Texas). Pastor Jeremy Moore will be the eulogist. Visitation is prior to service from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at East Liberty Baptist Church on Friday, May 12, 2023. Committal is at East Liberty Cemetery.

She is survived by:  

Son, Jimmy R. Polley

Daughter, Ruthie M. Polley-Phone (Ivan)

Grandchildren:
Morgan A. Mathis
Brandon J. Polley
Alicia A. Polley

Great-Grandchildren:
Ezra J. Polley
Issac A. Polley 

Brothers:
Arthur J. Polley (Georgia)
Charles W. Polley (Annie)

Special Friends:
Ozell Garrett
Ernestine (Tina) Lister

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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

05/09/2023

Michelle Lee Parish, 44, of Center, passed away Monday, May 8, 2023, in Center.

Visitation will be held from Noon to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Center.

Born September 16, 1978, Michelle is the daughter of Jerry Akins and Mozelle Belsha.  She enjoyed her life of spending time with her grandbabies, visiting the beach, and swinging in her porch swing. Michelle was a member of Central Baptist Church in Center.

She is survived by:

Husband, Anthony Parish

Children:
Enedina Akins of Crockett
Maria and husband Josue Rodriguez of Center
Jose Tavera
Haley Parish of Center
Hannah Parish of Center

Grandchildren:
Zaylee Whitaker
Cielo Tavera
Zamaya Whitaker
Brianna Tarera
Camila Akins
Brandon Rodriguez

Brothers and sisters:
Jerry Wayne Akins II and wife Nikki Akins
Jeffery Akins
Jennifer Akins

Stepsisters:
Melissa Lovelady
Teresa Akins
Jimmie Bush

Mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dianne Parish and Bobby Adams

Aunts:
Nelda McCawley
Dianne Freeman

Uncle, Charles Belsha

Special cousin, Melinda and Jack Hughes

Numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved so much.

Preceded in death by parents, Jerry Akins and Mozelle Belsha; grandparents, James Akins, Mildred Louise Thomas, Earl and Ruby Belsha; uncles, Johnny Belsha, Tommy Rae Belsha, Robert Adams, Vera Nimitz, and Carolyn Moore.

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

05/08/2023

Darline (Renfroe) Smith of Timpson, Texas, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023, at her residence at the age of 71 years, 2 months, 29 days.

She was born January 31, 1952, in San Augustine County, Texas, to parents Eunice Eleanor (Morris) and Leon Tyson Renfroe. Darline worked several years in the family business, Renfroe Furniture and a resale shop. She was also a longtime employee of Hardy's Sawmill in Broaddus, Texas, and J&B Lumber in Neuville, Texas. She had a number of hobbies, especially enjoying jewelry making and coin collecting, and absolutely loved fishing.

Her survivors include:

Children:
Scott Edmond Smith and Bobbie of Timpson
James Michael Mangan and Cristal of Shelbyville
Anita Renae Smith and Timothy of Shelbyville

Sister-in-law, Kim Renfroe of Marietta, Texas

Special nephew, Danny Renfroe of Nacogdoches

Grandchildren:
James Michael Mangan Jr.
Roxanne Lizbeth Mangan
Rayleigh Ann Mangan
Mitchell Lee Tindol
Jessica Renae Smith
James Aaron Smith
Bradley Shane Smith

Great-grandchildren: Ryan, Sophie, Willow, Magnolia, Briar, and Clover.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon Tyson and Eunice Eleanor Renfroe; and her brothers, L.T. Renfroe, Donald Renfroe, Kenneth Renfroe, and Carlis Renfroe.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with Pastor Melba Rogers officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas. Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences.

05/08/2023

James Allen Sapp, 93, of Timpson (Blair Community), Texas, passed away on May 5, 2023, in Garrison, Texas. He was born on April 22, 1930, in Timpson, Texas, to the late Benjamin H. and Elva Mae (Tindol) Sapp.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Blair Cemetery with Bro. Levi Cohorst officiating.

James was born and raised in the Blair community of Timpson, Texas. He served in the Air Force as an aviation mechanic after graduating high school. James married Mary Margaret White on March 25, 1951, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They then moved to Houston, Texas where James worked for Gulf Oil Corporation and raised his family. He retired from Gulf Oil after 30 years. James then moved back to his hometown of Timpson in 1981. He was an avid trap and skeet shooter, winning many awards. James was a supporter of the NRA and NSSA-NSCA. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

James is survived by:

Daughters:
Deborah Hinz and husband, Eric
Susan Odom

Grandchildren:
Shea Colgin
Hali Mischo

7 great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret; and son, Ben Sapp.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Garrison Nursing Home or Heart to Heart Hospice.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net.