Shelby County Today

05/15/2020

James Eugene Hicks passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at the age of 50 on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

“Jim” was born on June 8, 1969 in Fremont, California to Charlotte Darlene and William Frank Hicks. He attended school in Tyler, Texas and Bakersfield, California.

Jim's passions included family, friends, music and cooking from his soul. He will be missed by many, and remembered for his kind smile, hearty laugh, and tremendous heart.

Jim is survived by:

His wife, Erica Hicks of Center and Tyler

His son, Nathaniel Hicks and wife Chelsea of Tyler

His Brothers:
Dale Jennings and wife Jani of Bellevue, NE
Dan Jennings and wife Susan of Morgan Hil, CA

Nephew, Shawn Elliott and wife Leah of Bakersfield, CA

Nephew, Daniel Jennings and wife Kate of Fairview Heights, IL

Nephew, Matt Jennings of Bakersfield, CA

Niece, Samantha Jennings of San Diego, CA

Nephews, Mike Jennings and Adam Jennings of San Jose, CA

Uncle, Bob Jones of O'Neals, CA

Aunt, Kathy Pasillas of Los Banos, CA

And many cousins and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Frank Hicks and Mother, Charlotte Darlene Hicks.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Hilliard Funeral Home in Van, TX, and there will be a celebration of his life at a later date.

05/12/2020

Joan Beard passed away May 10, 2020 in Garrison, Texas. She was born in Nacogdoches County to Bert and Lena McDuffie.

She leaves behind:

Sons:
Mitch of Whitehouse
Kerry and wife, Terry of Garrison
Clay and wife, Tammy of Corsicana

Brother, Fred McDuffie and wife, Carolyn of Jasper

Granddaughters:
Caty Beard
Mallory and Maggie Beard
Shelby Richey
Sarah Beard

Grandsons, Micah and Mason Beard

Nephew, Michael McDuffie

Niece, Kimberly Sanchez.

She is preceded in death by her parents and one granddaughter, Kristian Beard.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Garrison Nursing Home and Rehab Center and to Accolade Hospice.

A private graveside service will be held at Cold Springs Cemetery Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 2pm. Pastor Rick Anderson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Garrison United Methodist church or Garrison Nursing Home and Rehab Center.

The family is being served by Garrison Funeral Home in Garrison. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.garrisonfh.net.

05/09/2020

Edgar Robert Billingsley, 94, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on May 9, 2020 in Lufkin, Texas. He was born on December 8, 1925 in Shelby County to Travis Lamar Billingsley and Oris Martha Ramsey Billingsley. Funeral Service will be at 3:00 PM on Monday, May 11, 2020 at Taylor Funeral Home with Bro. Ronnie Sowell officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson.

A visitation will be held prior to service time from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Monday, May 11, 2020 at Taylor Funeral Home. 

Ed grew up in the Shady Grove Community of Timpson and graduated with the THS Class of 1943. In 1944, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Ed valiantly served his country during WWII where he was stationed on a naval carrier that was attacked by a Japanese suicide mission. He married the love of his life, Lou Nell Jackson on August 7, 1949 and the two built a beautiful life together over the next 70 years. Ed worked for Diamond Shamrock before retiring in 1981 and returning to East Texas with his family. After he built his underground house in the park, he wanted to make the area more suitable and safe for people to visit. He began cleaning and clearing and worked tirelessly until it became a beautiful landscape for families to come. In his earlier years, he loved cruising the town on his Harley. Daddy B, as he was known by his children and grandchildren, was an avid golfer, but most days you could find him outside gardening or spending countless hours making precious memories with his family. He was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church. 

Ed is survived by:
His beloved wife of almost 71 years, Lou Nell Billingsley

Son, Michael Billingsley and wife, Betty

Daughters: 
Kathy Askins and husband, Billy
Tina Ornelas and husband, Rick

Sister, Elaine Amos

Seven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren and soon to be one great-great-grandchild 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Travis and Oris Ramsey; son, William “Bill” Joe Billingsley and sister, Edith Cross.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Askins, Randy Askins, Chris Ornelas, Justin King, Ethan Askins, Brian King, Jarrod Campbell and Brandon Mince.

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

05/08/2020

Lee Roy Gendke, 78, of Tenaha, Texas passed away on May 7, 2020 in Center, Texas.  Born June 17, 1941, in Houston, Texas, Lee Roy is the son of Ervin Herman Gendke and Eleanor Arlee (Boldt) Gendke.  Graveside service will be held at 12PM on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at Gendke Cemetery in Tenaha, Texas.

Lee Roy grew up in Pasadena, Texas. He graduated high school and joined the workforce. He married Willie Sherll Hooper in 1967 and the two spent over 49 years together before her passing in 2016. Together they served as missionaries in Ukraine for over 18 years. Lee Roy worked many years for Houston Police Department before retiring. He was a very handyman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. Lee Roy loved his family but most of all loved the Lord. 

He is survived by:
His son, Isaac Van Gendke

Daughter, Elizabeth Oolyana Gendke

Grandson, Dalton Gendke

One great-grandchild

A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly

Lee Roy is preceded in death by his wife, Willie Gendke; and brothers, Michael Ervin Gendke, Harlon Dale Gendke; and sister, Jean Ann Gendke.

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

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

05/07/2020

Jimmy “Big Jimmy” Harville, 76, of Joaquin, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2020, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2020, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. Jody Hooper officiating. Visitation will be held prior to service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Harville was born January 22, 1944, in DeRidder, Louisiana, to Arthur Levi Harville and Oma Elizabeth Baggs Harville. He enjoyed woodworking, sports (especially the LSU Tigers), and racing. Mr. Harville loved his grandkids and greats.

He is survived by:

Wife, Patricia Ann Harville

Son, Rodney Harville and wife Tonya

Grandchildren:
Heather Harbison and husband Britt
Blake Harville
Caleb Harville
Bryant Harville
Sidney Smith and husband Tristan
Levi Harville
Jessica Tilley and husband Derrick
Gusto Minkler

Great-grandchildren:
Tucker Harbison
Chase Harbison
Bentlee Harville
Ashton Smith
Kenzie Tilley
Cameron Tilley
Jackson Tilley
Jacey Tilley

Brothers:
Arthur Harville Jr. of Many
Larry Harville of Stanley

He is preceded in death by his son, Jimmy Harville Jr.; parents; and sister, Helen Harville.

Pallbearers will be Mr. Harville’s grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Boo’s Battle Support Fund, 1130 CR 3182, Joaquin, Texas 75954. Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

05/06/2020

Virgil Walter Williams, 83, of Tenaha, Texas passed away on May 5, 2020 in Garrison, Texas.  Born September 25, 1936, in Burkeville, Texas. Virgil is the son of Walter Mack Williams and Verdie (Woods) Williams.  Graveside service will be held at 4PM on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Restland Cemetery, Tenaha, Texas with Bro. Jerry Gannon officiating.

Visitation will be held from 2-00PM – 3:30PM Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Mangum Funeral Home.

Virgil was raised in Newton, Texas.  He joined the United States Air Force in October 1954 and served his great country.  Virgil met the love of his life, Pauline Leavell, in a little diner in Newton, and the two were married in 1959.  They spent over 54 years together before her passing in 2013.  He had a large family whom he loved so much.  Virgil loved every moment of time he could spend with his family.  He enjoyed fishing, listening to old country music, and playing dominoes.  Those that knew Virgil knew he had a nickname for all family members, including nieces and nephews, except Jayne, the youngest daughter. Virgil loved the Lord, and was a faithful member of Northside Church of Christ, Center, Texas.

He is survived by:
His son, Roger Eppler

Daughters: 
Anna Koonce and husband Paul
Debbie Reidy
Pauline Herrington
Sandy White
Brenda Campbell and husband Marlin
Jayne Webb and husband Clifton

Sisters: 
Wanda Arnold
Maxine Whalen

23 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren

A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly

Virgil is preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Williams; parents, Walter Mack and Verdie Williams; sons, Andy Eppler, Bruce Eppler; son in law, Roy White; brothers in law, Wayne Arnold and Hubert Whalen.

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

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

05/04/2020

Douglas Eugene Lampley, 81, of Center, passed away Friday, May 1, 2020, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.  

Born April 16, 1939, in Center, he was the son of the late Woodrow Lampley and Charlotte Swanston Lampley.  Mr. Lampley worked as a plant manager at General Shelters for many years.

He is survived by: 
His wife, Mary Jo Lampley of Center

Sister, Virginia Watlington of Center

Brother-in-law, Cecil Watlington of Center

Granddaughters: 
Christa Montgomery-Mitchell
Kassandra Montgomery
Brenda Montgomery

Step-daughters: 
Jill Chapman of Fort Worth 
Robin Smith of Fort Worth

Step-grandchildren: 
Natalie Ledyard of Fort Worth
Campdell Dick of Fort Worth

Special-nephew, Jasen Watlington (Peggy) of Center

Niece, Hope Frohbieter

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Stacy Montgomery; parents; and brother, Woody Lampley.

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

04/30/2020

Rachael (Andrews) Mitchell of San Augustine, Texas, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at Colonial Pines Healthcare Center at the age of 88 years, 5 months, 17 days.

Mrs. Mitchell was born November 12, 1931, in Patroon, Texas, to parents Georgia (Weeks) and Harvey Andrews. She was a member of the Baptist church and split her church visits between White Rock and Liberty Hill Baptist Churches. A longtime teacher, she retired from Broaddus ISD with 25 years of service. Several of Mrs. Mitchell's students remember her prayers and Bible stories before class everyday.

She loved cooking, gardening and canning vegetables, sewing, and quilting. After retirement, Mrs. Mitchell and her husband did woodworking and flea markets. He would cut and build with her painting. They enjoyed traveling to many different parts of the United States.

She was a loving mom, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt to her family.

Her survivors left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Margaret Johnson and husband Bobby of Nacogdoches, Texas; son, Steve Mitchell and wife Sheila of Saginaw, Texas; grandchildren, Jason Johnson and wife Amanda of Nacogdoches, Texas, Jennifer Johnson Enos and husband Chris of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Travis Mitchell of Saginaw, Texas; great-grandchildren, Austin and Blake Johnson of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Ryan and Amelia Enos of Nacogdoches, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Howard Mitchell; her parents, Harvey and Georgia Andrews; a brother, James Andrews and wife Evelyn; and sisters, Voncile Newton and husband Edward, and Syble Newton.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2020, at Liberty Hill Cemetery, located at 1289 Hwy. 147 North in San Augustine, Texas, with Bro. Rick Russell officiating.

Memorials may be offered to the Liberty Hill Cemetery Fund, c/o Tom McAbee, P.O. Box 633, San Augustine, TX 75972-0633.

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

04/28/2020

Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Linnie Price, 96, of Carthage, Texas will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at the Adams Cemetery with Rev. Joe Freeman and Rev. Robert Ortigo officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. A viewing will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2020 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Hawthorn Funeral Home.

Mrs. Linnie Faye Barnett Price was born February 14, 1924 in the Galloway Community of Panola County, Texas. She passed this life April 27, 2020 in Carthage, Texas. Linnie was one of 10 children born to the marriage of James Homer and Lessie Mae Baker Barnett. She was raised and schooled in Galloway. Linnie married Chester Ray Price and together they celebrated over 50 years of marriage and raised nine children in a loving home before he preceded her in death. Mrs. Price was a longtime member of the Logan Assembly of God. She loved singing at church, playing her guitar and spending time with her grandkids and family. 

She is also preceded in death by her parents, many siblings, sons, William Ernest Price, Billy Wayne Price, Jerold Ray Price; daughters, Frances Faye Hennigan, Deborah Lynn Price, and Donna Beth Jones.

Mrs. Price is survived by: 
Her devoted children: 
Son, Charlie Price of Lufkin

Daughters: 
Lessie Hughes of Carthage
Nettie McCray and husband Buck of Marshall

Brother, James Homer Barnett of Kansas

Sisters: 
Emma Ruth Bailey of Carthage
Olean Broadus and husband Jerry of Carthage

Numerous grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews

Special friend, Carolyn Harrison

Serving as pallbearers will be; Brenden Hughes, Chris Price, Billy Hughes, Anthony Hennigan, Kevin Jones, Kenneth Jones, Bosco Hennigan, and Mathew Hughes.