Shelby County Today

01/17/2023

Birdell “Bert” Tinkle, 79, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023, in Kingwood, Texas. Bert was born on March 22, 1943, in Dotson, Texas. He was one of nine children born to the marriage of Robert Virgil and Johnie Toy Lee (Burkes) Tinkle.

Bert began working in the gas and oil industry at a very young age. He spent years driving a truck and welding before becoming an inspector and eventually a project coordinator. Bert spent much of his life traveling the world while working. Although he enjoyed his travels and spoke of them often, nothing made him happier than spending time with his son and best friend, Randy, and grandchildren, Randy Jr., Mason, and Kathy. Bert was happiest on the farm in East Texas sitting outside with a cup of coffee telling everyone what to do. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and reading a good western novel. Bert was preceded in death by his parents, former wife, Linda Bryce Tinkle Kovar, and brothers, Danny, Fred, Rayford, Virgil, and Billy Ray Tinkle.

He is survived by:

Son, Randy Tinkle and wife Nelly of Kingwood

Grandsons:
Randy Tinkle Jr. of Timpson
Mason Tinkle of Kingwood

Granddaughter, Kathy Li of Bay Village, Ohio

Brothers:
Tracy Tinkle and wife Peggy of Gary
Raymond Tinkle and wife Connie of Garrison

Sister, Chris Gaston and husband Tom of Nacogdoches

Special friends:
Milton Kovar of Kingwood
Sue Bryce of Nacogdoches

Numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas, with Bro. John Elvis Raines officiating. Interment will follow at County Line Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Randy Tinkle Jr., Mason Tinkle, David Bryce Jr., Scotty Bryce, Jason Tinkle, and Shannon Tinkle.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the following caregivers, Micalyn, Dense, Jacki, Nichole, Susannah, Madyson, Ashleigh, Missy and Annette at Magnolia Trails Rosemont in Kingwood and Enhabit Hospice of The Woodlands.

01/15/2023

Olan B. Stevens, 79, of Joaquin, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023.

Visitation to be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 16, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 16, 2023 at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born February 28, 1943, Olan is the son of Olan Stevens and Reolus Thompson. He enjoyed tending to and raising his cattle, going to the sale barn, and visiting at the feed store. He worked pipelining all over the world before coming home to work here. 

He is survived by:

Children:
Ann McDaniel and husband Marty
Kristie Cummings and husband Scotty

Grandchildren:
Jeremy McDaniel and wife Beth
Zac McDaniel
Maci McDaniel
Holden Cummings and wife Brandi
Hailey Cummings

Great-grandson, Kohen Cummings

Sister, Gay Alford and husband Darrel

Brother, George Stevens and wife Nancy

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Olan Stevens and Reolus Thompson Stevens; and his beloved uncle and aunt, Vernon and Jimmy Haight.

Pallbearers will be Marty McDaniel, Jeremy McDaniel, Zac McDaniel, Scotty Cummings, Holden Cummings, and Badie Harvey.

Honorary pallbearer will be Darrel Alford.

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

01/13/2023

Lutie Faye Shadix, 71, of Center, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2023, in Center.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Holly Springs Baptist Church in Garrison.

Born November 30, 1951, in San Antonio, Lutie is the daughter of Branic Milton Keese and Margaret F. Ramos Keese.

Survived by:

Son, Luke Shadix and wife Jessica of Gary

Daughters:
Laura Carroll of Timpson
Tasca Shadix-Bednar and husband Jim of Austin

Grandchildren:
Marc Carroll
Jacob Carroll
Bo Bednar
Ally Carroll
Bailey Shadix
Josie Bednar
Cadence Shadix
Evan Shadix
Ethan Shadix

Great-grandson, Dirk Carroll

Son-in-law, Jim Bednar

Brothers:
Lenny Keese and wife Jessica
Ray Keese
George Keese
Gary Keese and wife Paula

Sister, Gloria Kyle

Also, many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents, Branic and Margaret Keese; brother-in-law, Howard Kyle; and sister-in-law, Sharon Keese.

In lieu of  flowers, the family is requesting that a donation be made to the Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service or Holly Springs Baptist Church.

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

01/12/2023

Robert Lewis Marberry “Huck”, 74, of Waterman, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on January 11, 2023, in Waterman, Texas with family at his side. He was born on December 21, 1948, in Lufkin, Texas, to the late Robert Enoch Marberry and Jackie Sharpe Marberry. 

Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 11AM with Bro. Dee Daniel officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Monday, January 16, 2023, beginning at 10AM until service time at Mangum Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery, San Augustine, Texas.

Robert attended Hudson ISD and followed in the footsteps of his father early in life developing his skills as a butcher in the family-owned grocery store. 

During his youth he became known to many that loved him as “Huck” and that was the name he carried with pride. Huck as he was called was full of life, love, loyalty, and adventure. Some may have best described him as larger than life with a knick to find many adventures along the way. He never met a stranger and to be honest he knew almost everyone. He was an entrepreneur cattleman and a trader of all things. I don’t think there was much he didn’t know about or hadn’t tried at some point in his career but the greatest blessing and title that he wore with the most pride, other than being the husband of the, “most beautiful woman in the world,” his Nurse Betty, was the title of Papaw and being a father to the children he shared with Betty. His children and grandchildren were always a priority and family came first. 

His word was his bond and if you were a friend, you were a part of that extended family he loved. He was loyal, honorable, kind, loving, brave and one of the most God fearing men, you would ever meet. Whether you called him Robert, Huck, or Papaw you were blessed in knowing a man that was indeed larger than life with a heart of gold. He will be missed beyond measure by all those who knew and loved him.

Robert is survived by:

Daughter, Brandi Meck of Lufkin

Sons:
James Butler and wife Verona of Center
Marlin Butler and wife Kelly of Shepherd

Granddaughters:
Wendy Brandenburg and husband William of Lufkin
Crystal Swanzy of Lufkin
Erin Scarber and husband Brett of Center
Karly Ishmael of Shepherd

Great-grandchildren:
Will Brandenburg
Elizabeth Brandenburg
Levi Brandenburg
Zach Swanzy
Joshua Berry
Christian Johnson
Aubree Scarber
Eli Scarber
Evan Scarber

Siblings:
Billy Marberry of Spring, Texas
Ricky Marberry and wife Cathy of Columbus, Texas
Steve Marberry and wife Michelle of Pollock, Texas
Malcom Marberry and wife Linda of Lufkin, Texas

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

Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Marberry; parents, Robert and Jackie Marberry; and sister, Karen Bowers.

Pallbearers serving will be Zach Marberry, Josh Marberry, Jarrod Wilson, William Brandenburg, Brett Scarber, and Keith Swearingen. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Don Lawerence, Gerrald Collier, Joe Don Clark, and Will Brandenburg.

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

01/09/2023

Ray “Lemon” Fitzgerald, 65, of Tenaha, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2023.

Visitation to be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service to be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Keith Keele officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born October 6, 1957, Ray is the son of Earl Vines Fitzgerald and Louise Goodwyn Fitzgerald. He was a loving dad, brother, and grandpa. Ray enjoyed his job as a truck driver, getting a chance to see all God’s creation. In his retirement, he loved fishing and spending time with his family and friends. Ray attended Ramah Baptist Church in Tenaha.

He is survived by:

Children:
Macy Fitzgerald of Tenaha
Michael Fitzgerald and wife Maddy of Huntington
Chelsea Fitzgerald and husband Gerardo of Corrigan

Grandchildren:
Bane Fitzgerald
Micah Fitzgerald
Kaylee Garcia
Addison Garcia

Sister, Gwen Hughes and husband Bill of Center

Brother, Frank Fitzgerald of Center

Mothers of his children:
Lawana McDonald
Debbie Bishop

A number of other relatives; and a host of friends.

We also can’t forget to mention his two canine companions, BooBoo and Louie, who are also feeling the loss of this great man.

Preceded in death by his parents, Earl Vines Fitzgerald and Louise Goodwyn Fitzgerald.

Pallbearers will be Johny Covington, Shad Lout, David Straus, Shannon Shofner, Shane Shriver, and Tanner Murdock. Honorary pallbearer will be Michael Smithhart.

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

01/09/2023

Lynn Smith Windham, 60, of Center, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023, in Jasper.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. Don Windham officiating. 

Born June 5, 1962, in Center, Lynn is the daughter of John Smith and Ella Mae Webb Smith. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and crafting. Lynn was of the Full Gospel faith.

She is survived by:

Husband, Richard Windham of Center

Daughter, Amanda Sigler and husband Purdell of Center

Son, Jeffery Windham and wife Jennifer of Center

Grandchildren:
Kira Windham
Karli Windham
Kelsie Waller and husband Dallas
Alyssa Waller and Kyle Clinton
Keaton Sigler
Kaylee Sigler

Sister, Cindy Adams of Marshall

Preceded in death by daughter, Caitlyn Windham; parents, John Smith and Ella Mae Webb Smith; sister, Georganna Smith-Lyday; and brother, John R. Smith.

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

01/07/2023

Billy Charles Mattingly of Bullard; loving husband, father, Pop-Pop, devoted family man, peacefully passed from this earth into the arms of his Savior on January 5, 2023 in Tyler, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family.

Billy lived his life with passion, courage and tenacity, as recently proven with his short courageous battle with cancer. His cancer diagnosis did not define him and Billy was ultimately healed. While on earth, Billy enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, Jansen; brother, Tony; and best friend, Randy. He enjoyed adventures with his family, and especially creating first experiences with his grandson, Cooper, who he adored so much. Billy traveled the country extensively with his career in industrial construction, where he attained the title of Project Superintendent. Billy was a great history buff and a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. Billy was a larger than life personality, always entertaining his friends and family with his stand-up comedy acts.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 8, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation at Noon. Bro. Joe Walker will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. 

Billy leaves behind to cherish his memory- 

Loving wife of 25 years, Tina Jansen Mattingly

Children: Ainsley Mattingly (Colton) of Flint Jansen Mattingly of Bullard

Grandson, Cooper Hatcher

Parents, Bill and Joan Davis of Joaquin

Siblings:
Tony R. Mattingly (Carla) of Shelbyville Dawn Carroll (Paul) of Carthage David Davis (Tammie) of Center

Best friend, Randy Newton (Angie)
Numerous nieces, nephews, and church family at Flint Community Church

Billy was proceeded in death by his sister, Urana Seidler; brother, Gordon Mattingly; and his father, Billy Ray Mattingly.

Pallbearers will be Randy Newton, Brad Newton, James Noble, Ronnie Alfred, Alan Loftin, Jansen Mattingly, Kolton Beam, and Colton Hatcher.

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

01/04/2023

Robert Clayton Thompson, 54, of Center, Texas, passed away on January 3, 2023, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on November 30, 1968, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to W.C. Thompson and Susan (Driver) Johnson.

Funeral service will be held at 11am on Friday, January 6, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Don Moore and Bro. Chris Collins officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 5-7PM at Mangum Funeral Home. Interment will follow at McClelland Cemetery.

Clay Thompson was raised in Huxley and he graduated from Marshall High School. The year of 1993 he met his soulmate, Donna, although it took her many years to see that he too was her soulmate. Six years later they finally reconnected and in April of 2001 he asked her to marry him. The two were united on September 15, 2001. Through the years they have been blessed with three wonderful children who were the light of his life. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. His children and grandchildren were very special to him. He cherished every single moment spent with them and enjoyed watching them grow into the adults they have become. Nothing, however, could beat spending time with his grandchildren, Zayden and Koa. He was certainly a proud Papaw. The love he has for each of them was out of this world. Clay was a welder over the years and worked hard to always provide for his family. On his days off he enjoyed spending time with his family. His daughter, Marissa, was definitely daddy’s little girl and those two had an unbreakable bond. He looked forward to all the days when she, Zayden, and Koa would come over to be with them. Clay was so proud of her and her two boys. He also never missed an opportunity to hunt with Seth and Gage. He also enjoyed hunting with friends Ronald, Cameron, Rodney, and a host of others. If he wasn’t hunting then most of the time you could find him roping or at rodeos for Gage and Seth. He enjoyed roping with Gage and Seth, his dad W.C., his brother Javey, friend Ronald, and many others. He was blessed to spend his last days hunting which he loved. Precious time was spent on the back porch visiting with his kids while drinking his favorite, a cold Dr. Pepper and smoking Marlboro Lights. Those that knew Clay knew he was a simple man that loved Donna and his children immensely.

He is survived by:

Loving wife, Donna

Father, W.C. Thompson

Mother, Susan Johnson and husband Jerry

Children:
Marissa Suzanne Thompson
Clayton Gage Thompson
Cody Seth Thompson

Brothers:
Glen Thompson and wife, Heather
Javey Jamison and wife Jamie

Grandchildren:
Zayden Williams
Koa Harp

Mother-in-law, Sonya Golden and husband Rodney

Father-in-law, Tommy Hicks

Special family:
Paige Shedd
Allison Robbins
Kolt Harp

Numerous nieces and nephews

A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Clay is preceded in death by his grandmother, Bessie Lanier; and grandfathers, Kenneth “Pap” Thompson and Fred Driver.

Pallbearers serving will be Javey Jamison, Ronald Stone, Cameron Hutto, Glen Thompson, Dylan Thomas, and Roger Patton.

Honorary pallbearers serving will be Shiloh Stone, Paul Thompson, Austin Patton, and Coby Barbee.

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

01/03/2023

John Waymon Cotton, age 52, born July 26, 1970, in Center, Shelby, County, Texas to the late Francis Louise Garner Cotton and Rev. R. L. Cotton, passed away, December 26, 2022 in West Texas.

Funeral service is 11am on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Greater Barbour’s  Chapel Baptist Church, 7420 Hwy 1765, Texas City, TX 77591 with Pastor, Rev. Kenneth L. Cotton, Eulogist. Burial is Monday, January 9, 2023 at Pine Grove Cemetery, Nacogdoches, Texas.

Visitations is from 12 noon until 8pm on Friday, January 6, 2023 at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches, TX.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

Loving wife, Willie Mae “LeeLee” Cotton of Houston

Sons:
Leon, of Louisiana
John “Tyvae’ of Houston

Daughters:
Jonmonique of Houston
Elaisha Jonea of Louisiana

Loving Daddy, Rev. R. L. Cotton of Nacogdoches

Siblings:
Sister, Joyce (John) Taylor of Jasper
Brother, Bishop Bennie Lee (Peggy) Oliphant of Inkster, Michigan
Sister, Lois (James) Davis of Houston
Sister, Evangelist Marilyn Cotton of Nacogdoches
Brother, Reggie Lamar Cotton (Deborah) of Nacogdoches
Brother, Claude (Tonnia) of Houston
Brother, Noel D. Cotton of Nacogdoches

5 grandchildren: Leah, Tyrion, Zyair, Carlson and Liam

3 god children: JaVion, JaCoby and Kaylee

Sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Services are under the direction of Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches, Texas.