Shelby County Today

02/06/2020

Mike Hudson, 72, of Nacogdoches, died Tuesday, February 4, 2020, in Nacogdoches after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born December 17, 1947, in Center, TX.

Graveside Service will be at 10am, Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Corinth Cemetery in Timpson, with Bro. Sonny Scarborough, Bro. Ronnie Sowell, and Bro. John Withem officiating.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 PM, Friday, February 7, 2020, at Laird Funeral Home.

Mike graduated Timpson High School in 1966 and went on to attend Stephen F. Austin State University where he graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ag Science. Mike retired from Tyson Foods in 2005 after 28 years of service that began in 1976 when the company was known as Holly Farms.

Mike’s brother, David, introduced him to Susan at a football game on November 2, 1967. They were married on May 24, 1968, and were happily married for 51 years, 8 months, and 11 days. Mike was a small-town country boy who loved his family, farming, raising cattle, and later, his tree farm. He was a quiet man who believed fiercely in love and loyalty. His love for his fur babies was exceptional, especially Trotline, his favorite dog. Trot and Mike were inseparable for 18 years. Trotline always rode on the center console of Mike’s truck directing him where to go, oftentimes, to Dairy Queen for ice cream.

Mike enjoyed all types of hunting, but dove and quail hunting around Abilene were his most favorite. Mike also loved fishing for crappie and catfish with his buddies. A favorite pastime was reminiscing the many years he spent fishing and hunting with his friends.

Mike was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church where he and Susan assisted with the Church’s Fall Festival and AWANA program for several years.

Mike is survived by:

Wife, Susan

Daughters:
Michelle Miles
Stephanie Romero and husband, Kevin

Grandchildren:
Benjamin Miles
Morgan Miles

He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Blanche Hudson; brother, David Hudson; and son-in-law, Brandon Miles.

Serving as pallbearers are James Hudson, Jayson Park, Mike Whiteside, James Allen, Daniel Quinn, Kenneth Quinn, and R.W. Reppond. Honorary pallbearers include Orlin Bergh, Jason Bergh, Joel Bergh, Benjamin Bergh, Trever Bergh, and Robin Willhoite.

Mike’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the employees of Happy At Home and Accolade Hospice.

Funeral service under the direction of Laird Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.

02/04/2020

Richard Ross Fabian, 50, of Houston, formerly of Center, passed away Friday, Janaury 31, 2020, in Houston.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, February 7, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Rev. Gary Suell officiating. Interment will follow at White Rock Cemetery in Center.

Mr. Fabian was born January 15, 1970, in Dayton, to Robert Fabian and Dorothy Bridwell Murphy. He loved spending time at the lake fishing, watching wrestling, playing dominoes, and singing karaoke. 

He is survived by:

Daughters:
Hannah Fabian
Alex Fabian

Mother, Dorothy Murphy and Junior Carroll

Sister, Stacie Stringer and fiancé Jeffery Board

Nieces:
Crystal Blackmon and husband Justin
Jessica Weathers
Kristen Stringer
Kimberly Murphy

Nephew, Justin Murphy and wife Savannah

Great-Nieces and Nephews:
Marley and Max Blackmon
Jackson Paul Murphy
Kailyn, Vanessa, and Sophia

Numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives; and a host of friends

Stepmother, Marina Fabian.

He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Fabian; grandparents, Aaron and Betty Bridwell and Lester and Virginia Ericson.

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

01/30/2020

Elijah Clay Riley, infant son of Jesse Clayton Riley and Miata Shanique Cartwright Riley of Center, passed away on January 29, 2020, in Nacogdoches.

Graveside service will be held at noon on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Johnny Jones officiating.

He is survived by:

Parents, Jesse Clayton Riley and Miata Shanique Cartwright Riley

Brother, Isaiah Kai Riley

Grandparents:
Wayne and Sherry Riley
Adric and Kelly Watts
James Cartwright
Lisa Rowland

Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his great grandmother, Annie Mae Pitts; uncle, Jason Edward Riley; and aunt, Naomi Rae Cartwright.

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

01/29/2020

Dannie Calvin Hunt, 59, of Timpson, Texas passed away on January 28, 2020 in Timpson, Texas. Born February 22, 1960, in Houston, Texas, to Barbara Ann Truss. Funeral service will be held on February 1, 2020 at 2:00PM at Center United Pentecostal Church, Center, Texas, with Bro. Andy Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Blair Cemetery, Timpson, Texas. 

Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1PM on February 1, 2020, at Center United Pentecostal Church, Center, Texas.

Dannie was raised by his Uncle Melvin and Aunt Aggie Garlington. He graduated from Tatum High School. He married Maureen Dempsey, on May 2, 1987.  He and Maureen have made many memories over the past 32 years together. The two made their home in Timpson, Texas, raising their son, Joseph. Dannie was an amazing man. His greatest love in life was his wife, Maureen, son, Joseph, and grandson, Sawyer. They put the biggest smile in his heart. Dannie’s love for our family was his priority in life. He loved to cook large amounts of food on the grill to feed all of our extended family when we were all together.

Dannie loved the community he lived in. He was a school board member for over 13 years. This last term with much pride, Dannie served as President of the school board. Dannie was humbled by serving on this board for Timpson ISD. He loved the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, but most of all gardening. Dannie was a self taught master gardner. He was also a skilled meat cutter. He loved to learn and incorporated his knowledge in all aspects of his life. He loved his church and his entire church family. 

He continued to grow in his love for God, he truly followed this verse; Isaiah 40:31, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” He is soaring now.  

He is survived by:
His loving wife, Maureen Hunt

Son, Joseph Hunt

Grandson, Sawyer Hunt

Brothers: 
Terry Hunt and wife Starla
Allen Lunsford

Numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Dannie is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Ann Truss; brother, Randall Garlington.

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

Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.

01/25/2020

Nelwyn Whitley Hawkins, 71, of Marshall, Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 23, 2020. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Hawkins, and her parents William D. and Louise Whitley. While her unexpected departure has left a hole that can never be filled, we are comforted knowing she is finally reunited with her best friend.  

A farm girl from Lucky, Louisiana, Nelwyn loved gardening and could make almost anything not only grow but thrive.  She was a wonderful mother and natural-born caregiver who would drop everything to lend a hand to anyone who was sick or in need. The door to her home was always open to her family, her friends, her children’s friends, and more. Nelwyn enjoyed preparing delicious home cooked meals for those she loved.  Her 5-layer chocolate delight is practically famous!  Nelwyn never hesitated to help others when they needed it most; giving until it hurt was all she knew.  

Her husband, who affectionately nicknamed everyone, called her Opie and Ope because of her beautiful red hair. This unique nickname eventually evolved into Granny Ope and Guh when Nelwyn became a grandmother. While we all know she loved her family, her precious grandbabies were truly the light of her life.  We will definitely miss the “snuggle love!”

Nelwyn is survived by:
Her daughter, Judy Dill and her husband Brian of Atlanta, Georgia

Her son, Steve Hawkins and his wife Rachel of Marshall, Texas

Her grandchildren: 
Alex and Rebecca Dill
William and Elizabeth Hawkins

Her sisters:
Dell Priest and husband John
Paula Kaercher and husband Ron
Carla Peterson and husband Pete

As well as numerous relatives and friends

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Downs Funeral Home, 4608 Elysian Fields Road, Marshall, Texas. Burial will be at Liberty Hill’s Taylor Cemetery in Bienville, Louisiana on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to The Liberty Hill Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 44, Bienville, Louisiana, 71008.

01/23/2020

Keith Nichols, 67, of Center, Texas passed away on January 20, 2020, in Center, Texas. Born May 27, 1952, in, Dallas, Texas. Keith is the son of the late Norman and Lila (Scott) Nichols. Graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 3PM at Cedar Yard Cemetery, Center, Texas.

Keith grew up in Lancaster, Texas. He graduated high school in 1970 and attended El Centro College. He enjoyed working with computers and spending time with family and friends. Keith was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by:

Sisters:
Ruth Ann Satchfield and husband Samuel of Tenaha, TX
Phillis Kitten and husband Michael of North Ogden, UT

Brother, Lyndon Nichols and wife Janet of Lancaster, TX

Nieces and nephews:
Laurie Gilchrist and husband Lee of Tenaha, TX
Michelle Satchfield and husband Stephen of Port Neches, TX
Christine Gautreaux and husband Joseph of Duluth, GA
Kathryn Nichols of Boulder, CO
Shannon Kitten-Flores and husband Antonio of San Diego, CA
Jason Kitten and wife Linda of Ogden, UT

Great-nieces and nephews:
Joshua Gilchrist of Bethany, TX
Justin Gilchrist and wife Brittany Gilchrist of Timpson, TX
Meghan Satchfield of Port Neches, TX
Matthew Satchfield of Port Neches,
Reese Satchfield of Port Neches, TX
Kelly Satchfield of Port Neches, TX
Alexandria Gautreaux of Duluth, GA
Samantha Gautreaux of Duluth, GA
Lennox Nichols of Boulder, CO
Izan Nichols of Boulder, CO
Lila Kitten-Flores of San Diego, CA
Joseph Kitten of Ogden, UT
Ethan Kitten of Ogden, UT
Daniel Kitten of Ogden, UT

Great-Great niece and nephew:
Addison Gilchrist of Bethany, TX
Joseph Gilchrist of Bethany, TX and a host of friends

Keith is preceded in death by his parents, Norman Nichols and Lila Nichols

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.

01/22/2020

David E. McCall, Sr., 89, of Moline, Ill. passed away Friday, January 17, 2020, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the mortuary. Burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery in Illinois. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. 

David was born on June 16, 1930, in Rock Island, the son of James E. McCall and Margaret Van Hoeck McCall. He graduated from Rock Island High School.  He was a U.S. Veteran, serving in the Air Force.  He retired from the Rock Island Arsenal in 1986 where he worked as a machinist and in quality control.  David was a member of Friends Circle and the Moose Club.  He liked to be outdoors fishing, boating, hunting, and golfing; and watching the Chicago Cubs on television. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends at Jim’s Knoxville Tap.

Survivors include:
His children: 
Laurie McCall Partlow of Center
David (Joyce) McCall, Jr.
Dolores (DeeDee) McCall
James Eugene McCall II

Sister, Cynthia (Jim) Jordan

Grandchildren:
John (Tammy) Smith
Stacey Holt
Eric Partlow of Center
Amy (Jamie) Lindley of Shelbyville
James (Beth) McCall III

Great-grandchildren:
Evelynn Lindley of Shelbyville
Justin (Krystal) Smith
Matthew Smith
Logan Smith of Center
Zachery (Kelsey) Hass
Dakota (Madison) Hass
Cody Holt
James McCall IV
Zachary McCall
Lucas McCall
Emily McCall

Great-Great-Grandchildren:
Levi Smith
October Smith
Chevy Hass

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty; and ex-wives, Dolores and Judy.

Memories may be shared on the tribute wall.

01/19/2020

Richard Speedy, 81, of Tenaha, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020, in Tenaha.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Mr. Speedy was born January 10, 1939, in Peoria, Illinois, to Thelma Restler Speedy. He served in the United States Army and later worked as a truck driver.

He is survived by:

Wife, Louie Speedy

Son, Mitchell Holloway and wife Kathy

Daughter, Robin Holloway

Son, Michael Speedy and wife Cheryl

Grandsons:
Mark Holloway
Logan Speedy

Son, Richard Speedy Jr.

Son, Gary Speedy and wife Carol

Daughter, Sandy Speedy

Son, Craig Speedy

Sister, Roseann Wright

He is preceded in death by his son, Barry Speedy; parents; and brother, Jim Speedy.

Pallbearers will be Charle-s, James, Steve, Mark, Logan, and Shawn.  Honorary pallbearer will be Sheila Fountain.

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

01/18/2020

Elpidio “Pidio” Hernandez, 56, of Center, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday, January 20, 2020, and from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Rafael Ramos officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mr. Hernandez was born May 5, 1963, in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, to Severano Hernandez-Garcia and Eufemia Mata Hernandez. He worked in the oilfield most of his life and was an extremely hard worker.  He was a member of Iglesia Bautista Monte Sinai in Tenaha, Texas. His kindness and compassion was seen in his willingness to help others in need. He was a comical man, providing others with a good laugh. Above all, Mr. Hernandez cherished his family, especially his grandchildren.  

He is survived by his wife, Sara Garcia Hernandez; children, Ana Campuzano and husband Jose S. of Winnie, Texas, Daniel Hernandez and wife Norma of Center, Texas, Raquel Medina and husband Eldy of Florida, Rebeca Hernandez of Center, Texas, Elizabeth Hernandez of Houston, Texas, Julio Hernandez of Longview, Texas, and Blanca Hernandez of Longview, Texas; grandchildren, Daleyza, Isaiah, Josiah, Jaylen, Coraline, Naomi, and Erick; sisters, Rosa Hernandez and Gumecinda Santana-Hernandez; brothers, Geronimo Hernandez and Roberto Hernandez; and numerous family members; and a host of friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Severano Hernandez-Garcia and Eufemia Mata Hernandez.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Hernandez, Roberto Hernandez, Geronimo Hernandez, Antonio Santana, Hubert Segovia, Manuel Garcia, Manuel Lopez, and Jose Angeles.  Honorary pallbearers will be Gabriel Ordaz and Rafael Rafael.

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

Elpidio "Pidio" Hernández, de 56 años, del Center, falleció el sábado 18 de enero de 2020 en Center, Texas.

Las visitas se llevarán acabo de 8:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m., lunes 20 de enero de 2020 y de 8:00 a.m. a 8:00 p.m., martes 21 de enero de 2020, en la funeraria Watson & Sons en Center, Texas. El funeral se llevará acabo a las 12:00 del mediodía, miércoles 22 de enero de 2020, en Watson & Sons Chapel con Pastor Rafael Ramos oficiando. Seguirá el sepelio en el Oaklawn Memorial Park en Center, Texas.

El Sr. Hernández nació el 5 de mayo de 1963 en San Luis Potosí, México, de Severano Hernández-García y Eufemia Mata Hernández. Trabajó en el campo petrolero la mayor parte de su vida y era muy trabajador. Tambien fue miembro de la Iglesia Bautista Monte Sinai en Tenaha, Texas. Su amabilidad y compasión se vieron en su disposición a ayudar a otros que lo nececitaban. También era conocido como un bromista, el que hacía reír a los demás. Sobre todo, el Sr. Hernández apreciaba a su familia, especialmente a sus nietos.

Le sobreviven sus esposa, Sara Garcia Hernandez; hijos, Ana Campuzano y su esposo José S. de Winnie, Texas, Daniel Hernández y su esposa Norma del Center, Texas, Raquel Medina y su esposo Eldy de Florida, Rebeca Hernández de Center, Elizabeth Hernández de Houston, Julio Hernández de Longview y Blanca Hernández de Longview; nietos, Daleyza, Isaiah, Josiah, Jaylen, Coraline, Naomi y Erick; hermanas, Rosa Hernández y Gumecinda Santana-Hernandez; hermanos, Gerónimo Hernández y Roberto Hernández; y varios otros miembros de la familia; y una gran cantidad de amigos.

Le precedieron en la muerte sus padres, Severano Hernández-García y Eufemia Mata Hernández.

Los portadores serán Daniel Hernández, Roberto Hernández, Gerónimo Hernández, Antonio Santana, Hubert Segovia, Manuel García, Manuel López y José Ángeles. Los portadores honorarios serán Gabriel Ordaz y Rafael Rafael.

Las condolencias y homenajes en línea se pueden enviar a www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com