Shelby County Today

09/25/2021

Albert Levi Dennis, 82, of Joaquin, passed away Friday, September 24, 2021, in Joaquin.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, September 26, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 27, 2021, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Michael Belgard officiating. Interment will follow at Sardis Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born April 11, 1939, Albert is the son of Albert Frank Dennis and Nancy Walling Dennis. He served as a Merchant Marine from 1956-1958.  Woodwork was his hobby. Albert loved getting together with his family. He was a member of Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin.

He is survived by: 
His children: 
Judy Smith and husband Jay of Center
Debra Perry of Joaquin
Johnny Dennis of Joaquin
Randy Dennis and wife Deborah of Joaquin
Diane Carroll and husband Dewey of Joaquin
Willie Dennis and wife Deena of Timpson
Dorothy “GeGe” Byrd and husband Steve of Joaquin
and Shane Dennis of Kentucky

16 grandkids

30 great-grandkids

Brothers and sister: 
Jimmy Dennis of Illinois
Gilbert Dennis of Huntington
Clara Blount of Joaquin
Thomas Dennis of Joaquin
Martha Blizzard of Pennsylvania

Special brother-in-law, Elbert Porter of Center

Also, numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by his wife, Helen Dennis; granddaughter, Mandy Rachelle Dennis; great grandson, Joseph Scott Coy; sisters, Martha Anthony and Margaret Leach; and brother, John Thomas Smiley.

Pallbearers will be Shane Dennis, Todd Clark, Chant Clark, Chris Dennis, Cody Renegar, Brandon Byrd, Draper Carrol, and Darrel McDaniel.

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

09/23/2021

Ruthie Christina Hill, 69 of Fort Worth, Texas, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 16 in Dallas, Texas. She was born November 13, 1951 in Center to Eula Moore Randle and Jeff Randle, Sr.

Funeral service is 1pm Saturday, September 25 at Center Triumph Church in Center. Interment is at Westview Cemetery in Center with Prince Cecil Washington officiating.

Ruthie Christina Hill attended Center High School and received her High School diploma. She moved on to further her education at Stephen F. Austin State University graduating with her Bachelor's degree in Business.

Ruthie became a member of Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ at an early age. She dedicated her life to God, her family and the church. While in the church she held many positions. Ruthie was a member of the National, State, and local choir. She also held the position as a church treasurer as well as the State and local secretary. She loved to praise God, and is probably up there having a great time with her family and friends!

Ruthie met Tony Hill and was united in Holy Matrimony; they had one child to this union, Christina Hill.

She moved to Dallas, Texas where she began a successful career at Texas Workforce Commission as a Team Leader and then later promoted to a Supervisor. After spending years at the Texas Workforce she retired to take care of her two grandsons after the death of her daughter, Christina.

She was a very dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Ruthie loved sports and was very supportive to her daughter's love for basketball and the participation of her grandchildren's sports. She was a strong, loving, caring, spiritual, and outspoken person. She will be missed by those who truly loved her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Hill; daughter, Christina Hill; father, Jeff Randle, Sr.; mother, Eula Moore Randle; and sister, Dorothy Randle.

She is survived by:

Grandsons:
Aaron Anthony Hill Smith
Christopher Alexander Price

Sisters:
Essie
Myrtle
Mary
Twanna (Charles)
Gisele

Brothers:
Jeff Randle, Jr. (Jessie)
James Randle (Jen)

A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center.

09/22/2021

Kyle Glenn Bush, 51, of Timpson passed away early Monday morning, September 20, in Tyler after a long, hard fight with Covid. During his 7 weeks in the hospital, he made a huge impression on those who cared for him. His doctor described him as being a “mule of a man” with a “heart of a lion” when speaking of his strength, determination and his will to fight. 

Kyle was born in Center on January 7, 1970 to Elton “Bubba” and Nancy McIver Bush. He was joined in 1975 by his brother, Kevin Dayton. As a young man, Kyle met the love of his life, Carla Ramsey, and they married in 1992. In 1994, their firstborn child, Kylie Renee, was born and died a few days later. After enduring such a devastating loss, their lives were forever changed on May 27, 1997, when they welcomed their greatest blessings, twins, Kaylie Renee and Keaton Kyle. For the rest of his days, Kyle’s world revolved around anything and everything that involved his kids. Barrel racing, softball, baseball, showing cattle, hunting, fishing and anything else they found to do along the way, Kyle was all in and spent every spare moment being Keaton and Kaylie’s biggest supporters alongside Carla. He was so proud of the brand Keaton has built, B Square, that began with he and Kaylie showing cattle as children. His kids were his greatest accomplishments and most cherished blessings. 

Kyle worked mostly in construction but he wore many hats along the way and made many investments that allowed him to give his family the best possible life. He loved to be anywhere his family was but his favorite places were in the woods and on the riverbank. He was a true outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He spent many days with his friends and he had so many. People were just drawn to Kyle for his big personality. He was known far and wide for his ability to entertain and cook for a crowd. He could make a competition out of anything and was the best 42 player. He left this world as a champion as he and Kaylie claimed first place in the 2021 Grill Fest 42 Tournament this past April. He was larger than life and to know him was to love him. 

Kyle is preceded in death by: infant daughter, Kylie Bush; grandparents, Coye and Ima Jean Bush, Dave and Kathryn McIver; aunt, Brenda Bush Wright; uncle, Randy Bush;  father-in-Law, Doyle Ramsey; and cousin, Nathan Davis.

Kyle is survived by:

Wife, Carla Bush of Timpson

Son, Keaton Bush of Timpson

His princess, Kaylie Bush of Timpson

Parents, Bubba and Nancy Bush, of Center

Brother, Kevin Bush and wife Brooke, of Elkhart

Sister-in-law, Connie McSwain of Timpson

Mother-in-law, Imogene Ramsey, of Timpson

Nephews:
Hunter and Holden Bush
Casey and Cole Milford 
Colton McSwain 
Luke Johnson 
Cecil McSwain
Roscoe McSwain, Jr.

Nieces:
Gracie Johnson
Ashton McSwain Askew

Aunts and Uncles:
Beverly Slatter and husband Basel
Tammy Ramirez and husband Amando
Sandra Walsh and husband Bubba 
Kim Jarjoura and husband Jeff 
Dewayne Bush and wife, Jeneane
Margaret Bush
Martha Rushing and husband, Charles
David McIver and wife, Mary Beth
Garrison McIver and wife, Sharon

He also leaves behind a tight knit group of 20 first cousins and a host of children that thought he hung the moon and the stars. 

Pallbearers will be: Shelby Johnson, Darren Wiggins, Joseph Mast, Brian Stephenson, Brian Hendricks, Cecil Jackson, Bazil Moore, Shad Lout, Stacy Pledger, Eric Perry, Phillip Gore, Ryan Sitton, Casey Lee, and John Sparks.

Honorary pallbearers will be his first friends, his cousins: Brandon Slatter, Brent Slatter, Chris Paddie, Charlie Bush, Colt Bush, Clay Bush, Trae George, Andy Ramirez, Brad Rushing, and David McIver.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 23rd from 5-7pm. Funeral service will be on Friday, September 24th at 11am, all at Center First United Pentecostal Church in Center, Texas. Interment will follow at Mt. Herman Cemetery.

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

09/22/2021

Rhonda Lee Soto, 62, of Timpson, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at Watson and Sons Chapel with Bro. Travis Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Powdrill Cemetery in the Arcadia Community of Shelby County.

Born March 23, 1959, in Elkhart, Indiana, Rhonda is the daughter of Roland Smith and Leahoma Holt Smith. She enjoyed painting and gardening. Rhonda was a member of First Baptist Church in Timpson.

She is survived by:

Husband, Ralph Soto of Timpson

Children:
Christina Curtis of Anchorage, Alaska
Karla Jean Bright of Timpson
Rafael Soto of Timpson

Grandchildren:
Deserae Bright
Dylan Bright
Timothy Adams
Kayla Bright
Alyssa Bright
Madisyn Bright
Dakota Bright
Hunter Bright
Eliana Soto
Aubrie Soto
Kinsley Soto

Sister, Diane Ladd of Battle Creek, Michigan

Preceded in death by parents, Roland Smith and Leahoma Holt Smith.

Pallbearers will be Rafael Soto, Frankie Bright, Raul Soto, Israel Flores, J.R. Curtis, and Ruben. Honorary pallbearers will be Dakota Bright, Rudy Soto, and Timothy Adams.

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

09/19/2021

Bruce Howard Denby born Aug 21 1951, left his earthly home Friday, September 17, 2021, in Gary Texas surrounded by his loving wife and family. After becoming ill in January Bruce was no longer able to fight the mystery illness that was plaguing his body. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 20, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Brother Lamar Denby and Brother Rob Merriman officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with final prayer by Queenie Brinson.

Bruce, the youngest of five children grew up in Denby Town, Texas. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1969 where he was involved in many clubs and sports but loved football the most.

At a very young age Bruce learned to use his hands and skills in carpentry and anything mechanical. If he attempted to build it or fix it it was done with precision and beauty! His love for all things Ford was never called into question. Older trucks and mustangs were his passion projects. When he was not using his skills building something you would find him tinkering on an old vehicle or 10 in his shop. If you knew Bruce for 5 minutes you would surely hear all about the15 vintage vehicles he had and his vision for every one of them. 

Although a back condition kept Bruce from serving his country in the military he was so proud to spend 2 years in Iraq helping to rebuild that country. He loved working where he felt like he was making a difference in the lives of those around him at home or on foreign soil. Bruce `made so many faithful friends during his time overseas that have remained close right up to the end. Bruce worked as a saltwater pumper for Nuverra Environmental Solutions the past 10 years. He loved to work and was only recently sidelined from doing what he loved due to his illness.

Bruce loved Jesus, his family and friends and his Country. 

One of the greatest singer/songwriters that never made it, Bruce Denby! When he decided to enjoy a little down time you could find him in his man cave lightly strumming his guitar to some Gary Stewart, #3 on his jukebox, or any old school country music song. Karaoke was for sure his favorite way to wind down from a week of hard work. If you were looking for some belly laughs and a great night he was your guy!

Bruce loved to garden and no matter what he planted or where he planted it, IT GREW! It was said by Carolyn, his wife of 19 years, “ I do believe Bruce Denby could plant a tire and grow a car”! His friends and neighbors would agree!

The heart that beat inside Bruce’s chest was as big as the State of Texas. He was quick to smile, generous with all he had, never judging and always ready to give a little grace. Bruce may have been smaller in stature but he was a Giant in kindness. 

Left to cherish his memory is wife and best friend Carolyn. 

Children:
Brian Denby and wife Brandi
Chris Denby
Brad Denby and wife Shannon.
April Campbell and husband Justin
Keni Jo Biggar

Grandchildren:
Dylan, Zachary and Brannon Denby
Cody and Brent Denby
Haley Lout and husband Shon
Presley, Kross, Kwade and Kroix Campbell

Great-Grandchildren:
Symber, Ava, Harper and Carter 
Kylin, Kambri

Brother-in-laws: 
Tommy Ishee and wife Vickie
Garry Ishee and wife Karen

Mother in law and friend for many years, Annie Jean Barbe. 

Preceded in death by his grandparents Francis Elizabeth (Fannie) and Cull Denby and parents Clifford Reeves and Versie Denby. Brothers, Weldon, Jack and Cliff Jr. Sister, Beatrice.

Lifelong best-friend, Leroy Wilburn.

Pallbearers will be Justin Campbell, JJ Ebarb, Dillon Ebarb, William Dutton, James Allen Ebarb, Tommy Ishee, Brandon Ishee, Moon Dog Johnny Brinson, and Robbey Dutton.

Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Harrell, Rickie Mayo, and Charlie Moore.

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

09/16/2021

Leona Lawson, age 96, passed away September 7, 2021, at RollingBrook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Baytown, Texas. She was born on February 21, 1925, in Runge, Texas to parents Emil and Mary Prasek Krauskopf. Leona moved to Crosby, Texas in 1941. Some years later, while working at Baker’s Grocery Store, she met the love of her life, Happy Lawson who was a RC Cola delivery man. Leona and Happy were married on August 4, 1952, in Crosby and were married for 52 years. She remained a resident of Crosby until Happy’s passing in 2005, then relocated to Baytown.

Leona’s greatest joys in life came from being with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved being outdoors, cooking and baking, especially kolaches, sugar cookies, sand tarts at Christmas time and Rice Krispies Treats for the grandkids.

Leona was reunited with her parents, husband, three brothers, son-in-law, Johnny Parker, and other family members that have gone before her. 

She leaves behind to cherish her memory:
Her daughters: 
Mary Jane Parker
Carol Emanis and husband Dwayne

Grandchildren: 
Heath Parker and wife Lindsey
Cody Emanis and wife Carmen
Kyleigh Halldorson and husband Brian
Audra Hinnant

Great-grandchildren: 
Zane Parker
Flint Parker
Branch Parker
Preslee Halldorson
Vaden Hinnant
Dash Hinnant 

Her sister, Lily Mae Harrison

Sisters-in-law: 
Georgia Krauskopf
Ruby Hughes
Wynell Lawson
Nadine Lawson
Clydie Lawson

As well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members

Leona’s family would like to thank all those who helped care for her over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. 

In honoring Leona’s requests, a private family graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Antioch Cemetery in Center, Texas 

Services are under the direction of Sterline White Funeral Home.

09/15/2021

Howard Leon Sandifer (Peanut), 63, born October 17, 1957, entered into into eternal rest on September 11, 2021 and went to be with loved ones who went home before him.                  
 
He loved hunting and he loved fishing and he loved his family and friends,  and his animals.  

Left to cherish his memory are: 
His children: 
Jennifer Patterson and Jeff
Chris England and Crystal
Aaren Wages and Allen
Logan Sandifer

Brothers: 
James Billy Sandifer
Michael Sandifer and Rhonda

Sisters: 
Sissy Norwood and Jimmy
Dovie Stahl
Rhonda Moore
Patricia Windham

Many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends and his constant companion dog Ruby.              

He is preceeded in death by his parents, Howard M Sandifer and Patsy Hilton Sandifer Still. 

The family will have a memorial day at Lovicks Saturday from 12 till ? 
Everyone that loved Peanut is welcome.

09/13/2021

Ernest Terrand Watts, 65, died on September 9, 2021. Ernest was born on August 30, 1956, to Cartelyou Brinson and Pearlie Mae Watts in Center, Texas. 

Visitation will be held Friday September 17, 2021, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas. Funeral Service will be Saturday September 18, 2021, at 11:00AM at Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas. Interment to follow at Mt. Gillion Cemetery.

Ernest grew up in Center, Texas, and graduated from Center High School, he played football, basketball and ran track. Ernest found the love of his life Shirley and married on July 4, 1975, and had 46 wonderful years together. He was a successful small business owner of Watts Transportation. He enjoyed church and was the treasurer, custodian, usher, and deacon. Ernest loved going to sporting event and spending time with family and friends. He was loving and caring and helped anyone that needed it. He was loving husband, father and PaPa and worked hard to provide and take care of his family. He could always make you laugh no matter what the situation was.

Survived by: 
Wife, Shirley Watts

Sons: 
Adric Watts and wife, Kelly Watts
Justin Watts and wife, Jessica Watts

Sister, Vanita Singleton

Grandchildren: 
Adrian Johnson
Jakadric Watts
Jakedric Watts
Miata Riley and husband, Jesse Riley

Great-Grandchildren:
Kaynen Johnson
Kai Riley

Preceded in death by: Parents, Cartelyou Brinson and Pearlie Mae Watts, Great Grandchild, Elijah Riley. 

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

09/13/2021

Timothy (Tim) Krantz, 80 of Nacogdoches and formerly of Tenaha, passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2021. He was born on January 23, 1941 in Fresno, California to Ralph and Callie Krantz.  

Memorial services will be held on September 19, 2021 at 3:00pm at First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas. Pastor Noel Dear will be officiating.

Tim worked for the United States Postal Service for 25 years, retiring as Postmaster from the Hemphill, Texas Post Office.  He went on to work the floor for the Jasper, Texas auction house for several years.  After marring Ruth Sumler they moved to Nacogdoches, Texas and went to work for Chick-fil-A.  He was known as Mr. Chick-fil-A of Nacogdoches, Texas. He enjoyed preforming magic tricks, visiting and praying for anyone who came into Chick-fil-A.  His heart was so big and full of love for everyone.  One of his passions was the Shoebox Ministry through Operation Christmas Child.  

He is survived by:

Wife, Ruth Krantz

Children:
Tim Krantz, Jr. of Lasara, TX 
Adam Krantz of Navasota, TX
Amber Walker and husband John of Corsicana, TX
Eric Krantz and wife Michelle of Rockwall, TX
Daniel Williamson of Nacogdoches, TX
Amanda Jones of Nacogdoches, TX
Anita Corning and husband Joe of Midland, TX 

Grandchildren:
Justin Krantz
Hanna Krantz
Matthew Krantz
Brazos Krantz
Brooke Krantz
Brynn Krantz
Jennafer White
Cheyenne Jock
Dakota Divin
MaCayla Keele
Eryka Krantz
JT Jones
Joey Corning
Jett Corning

Sister:
Edna Reeves of Gainesville

Proceeded in death by:
Mother, Callie Krantz
Father, Ralph Krantz
Brother, Bill Krantz

Special thank you to Harbor Hospice of Lufkin Texas and the staff of Nacogdoches Treatment Center.