Shelby County Today

12/09/2020

Billie Ruth Lee Permenter, 90, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020, in Nacogdoches.

Mrs. Permenter’s wishes were to be cremated and a private family graveside service will be planned at a later date. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Billie was born November 23, 1930, in Shelby County, to Guy Harris and Ellen Permenter Harris. Her hobbies included singing, playing the Omni chord, crocheting, and antiquing. Billie loved the outdoors, animals, and also enjoyed traveling. Above all, time with her grandkids was her favorite. Billie was a lifelong member of Lydia Baptist Church in Huxley.

She is survived by:

Children:
Dian Vaughn and husband Larry of Huxley
Tommy Lee and wife Judy of Center
Michael Lee and wife Viki of Center

Grandkids:
Doug Vaughn of Huxley
Dale Vaughn and wife Holly of Huxley
Tracy Anderson and husband Duane of Carthage
Gregg Lee and wife Shannon of Center
Sommer Herndon and husband Ward of Center
Renee Bush and husband Steven of Center
Jason Lee and wife Dorthea of Milan, Italy
Ellen Singletary and husband Ronnie of Carthage

Great-grandkids:
Jordan Anderson
Megan Anderson
Jesse Vaughn
Kaycee Vaughn
Mackenzie Shelton
Colton Bush
Ruston Bush
Janet Lee
Jacqueline Lee
Jacob Lee
Tyler Herndon
Hollie Herndon
Cam Lee
Arista Lee
Madison Bush
Chase Vaughn

6 great-great-grandkids

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Permenter; granddaughter, Katie Vaughn; father of her children, T.W. Lee; parents, Guy Harris and Ellen Permenter Harris; and brother, Guy Harris Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lydia Baptist Church in Huxley or a charity of choice.

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

12/09/2020

Javier “El Pichi” Gonzalez, 68, of Center, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2020, in Longview.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 11, 2020, at Iglesia Bautista Monte Sinai in Tenaha with Bro. Rafael Ramos officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mr. Gonzalez was born May 23, 1952, in San Jose De Aura, Coahuila, Mexico, to Enrique Gonzalez Cantu and Eulalia Gonzalez Gomez. 

He is survived by:

Wife, Maria Del Rosario Gonzalez of Center

Children:
Claudia Gonzalez-Tello and husband Alfredo of Center
Janeth Tello and husband Fausto of Center
Ruth Gonzalez and husband Juan of Center
Rosario Espinoza and husband Oscar of Center
Guadalupe Flores and husband Samuel of Center
Javier Jesus Gonzalez of Center

Grandchildren:
Maria Mendoza and husband Jhosue of Houston
Celia Del Rosario Gonzalez of Center
Jose Carlos Tello and wife Janet of Dallas
Abigail Tello-Rodriguez and husband Henry of Center
Johan Gonzalez of Dallas
Aaron Tello of Center
Roxana Arcibar of Center
Juan Gonzalez of Center
Eduardo Arcibar of Center
Ezekiel Arcibar of Center
Daniel Tello of Center
Alex Arcibar of Center
Emily Arcibar of Center
Ethan Arcibar of Center
Zaqueo Arcibar of Center
Alexee Tello of Center
Miguel Martinez of Center
Jocelyn Flores of Center
Angel Flores of Center
Xavier Martinez of Center
Eric Flores of Center
Ivan Espinoza of Center
Alexandra Tello of Center
Christian Tello of Center
Set Espinoza of Center

Great-grandchildren: Audrie Rodriguez, Michael Mendoza, Maria Tello, Jael Tello, and Baby Tello

Siblings: Lilia Gonzalez, Jose Maria Gonzalez, Velia Gonzalez, Enriqueta Gonzalez, and Luis Antonio Gonzalez

Best friend Oscar Gonzalez.

Preceded in death by his parents, Enrique Gonzalez Cantu and Eulalia Gonzalez-Gomez; father and mother-in-law, Bernardo and Nicolasa Morales; brothers, Emilio Gonzalez, Enrique Gonzalez, and Carlos Gonzalez.
Pallbearers will be Alfredo Tello, Fausto Tello, Juan Gonzalez, Oscar Espinoza, Samuel Flores, Henry Rodriguez, Jhosue Mendoza, Jose Tello, Aaron Tello, Juan Gonzalez, Ezekiel Arcibar, Daniel Tello and Zaqueo Arcibar. Honorary pallbearer Javier Jesus Gonzalez.

With gratitude to the life of my brother, devoted husband, exemplary father, I make this brief remembrance as a tribute at this time.

Javier González González was born on May 23, 1952 in San José del Aura, Coahuila, Mexico, the son of Eulalia González Gómez and Enrique González Cantú, the seventh child of nine siblings.

In 1958, the whole family moved to live in Monterrey, Nuevo León, when he was around 6 years old, so he studied basic education in that city.

As a teenager, he started doing little jobs, traveling periodically to "Aura", where he decided to stay and live. We do not know who and when he was nicknamed "Pichi", which is how he was known in the town until recently.

He married María del Rosario González Balderas, they had six children, five daughters and one son; his three oldest daughters were born in Coahuila and the rest in Texas. 

He began traveling to the United States in the company of Don Beto Cárdenas, continually traveling back and forth to Mexico; then his wife and each of his daughters traveled, settling in Center, Texas. 

Together with his wife, they worked in the chicken houses, gathering eggs, among other jobs, with the whole family living together in a very modest way. At some point in those years, he suffered a serious accident, which required a plate to be placed on his skull. 

Over time, he always ventured alongside his wife and children in other jobs, but due to health problems, he found it necessary to experiment in different activities, such as selling clothes, boots, leather goods, bread, cleaning yards, repairing fences, etc., those who knew him, know what I'm talking about.
They lived in a mobile home; however, an unfortunate accident caused a fire in their home, forcing them to temporarily live with a nephew, subsequently managing to acquire the house that he lived in until his last days. 

Whenever there was an opportunity, their families from Mexico visited them until they adjusted their status in the United States, which allowed them to frequently travel to Mexico to see their relatives, my daughter and I were fortunate to see him on October 29, as always, he would look for ways to help me in everything I needed. 

Always a hard worker, he did not stop at any obstacle. With great effort and tenacity, he fulfilled his goals, including little by little the construction of a house in San José de Aura, his homeland, a place to which he was always deeply rooted ... one of his last wishes being to reunite his entire family from Mexico and the United States in his beloved town that saw him born. 

He leaves a great legacy in his large family in which he was always a pillar with his wife Rosario and of whom he was proud every day, his five daughters, one son, five sons in-law, twenty-five grandchildren, two grandsons in-law, one granddaughter in-law and five great-grandchildren.

As his granddaughter Abby aptly put it:

 “Javier González, Papá Javier, Grand Pa, was loved by many and loved nearly everyone he came in contact with. This great man would often sacrifice everything he had in order to take care of an immediate need in somebody’s life. Unfortunately, that often meant that he was unprepared for the unexpected. We greatly appreciate everyone who has been helping and continues to help in this time of our great loss. Thank you all for everything. His sister Velia Gonzalez Gonzalez

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

Javier “El Pichi” González, de 68 años, de Center, falleció el Martes 1 de Diciembre de 2020 en Longview.

El velorio se realizará a partir de las 5:00 p.m. hasta las 8:00 p.m. del Jueves 10 de Diciembre de 2020 en Watson & Sons Funeral Home en Center. El funeral se llevará a cabo a las 3:00 p.m., Viernes 11 de Diciembre de 2020, en la Iglesia Bautista Monte Sinai en Tenaha con el Hno. Rafael Ramos oficiando. Seguirá el sepelio en Oaklawn Memorial Park en Center.

El Sr. González nació el 23 de Mayo de 1952 en San José De Aura, Coahuila, México, hijo de Enrique González Cantú y Eulalia González Gómez.

Le sobreviven su esposa, María Del Rosario González de Center; hijos, Claudia Gonzalez-Tello y esposo Alfredo de Center, Janeth Tello y esposo Fausto de Center, Ruth Gonzalez y esposo Juan de Center, Rosario Espinoza y esposo Oscar de Center, Guadalupe Flores y esposo Samuel de Center, y Javier Jesus Gonzalez de Center; nietos, María Mendoza y esposo Jhosue de Houston, Celia Del Rosario González de Center, José Carlos Tello y esposa Janet de Dallas, Abigail Tello-Rodríguez y esposo Henry de Center, Johan Gonzalez de Dallas, Aaron Tello de Center, Roxana Arcibar de Center , Juan González de Center, Eduardo Arcibar de Center, Ezekiel Arcibar de Center, Daniel Tello de Center, Alex Arcibar de Center, Emily Arcibar de Center, Ethan Arcibar de Center, Zaqueo Arcibar de Center, Alexee Tello de Center, Miguel Martinez de Center, Jocelyn Flores de Center, Angel Flores de Center, Xavier Martinez de Center, Eric Flores de Center, Ivan Espinoza de Center, Alexandra Tello de Center, Christian Tello de Center, y Set Espinoza de Center; bisnietos, Audrie Rodríguez, Michael Mendoza, María Tello, Jael Tello y Baby Tello; hermanos, Lilia González, José María González, Velia González, Enriqueta González y Luis Antonio González. Mejor amigo Oscar González.

Precedido en muerte por sus padres, Enrique González Cantú y Eulalia González-Gómez; suegros, Bernardo y Nicolasa Morales; hermanos, Emilio González, Enrique González y Carlos González.

Los portadores del féretro serán Alfredo Tello, Fausto Tello, Juan González, Oscar Espinoza, Samuel Flores, Henry Rodríguez, Jhosue Mendoza, José Tello, Aaron Tello, Juan González, Ezekiel Arcibar, Daniel Tello, y Zaqueo Arcibar. Portador honorario Javier Jesus González.

Con agradecimiento a la vida de mi hermano, devoto esposo, padre ejemplar, realizo esta breve remembranza como homenaje en estos momentos.

Javier González González, nació el 23 de Mayo de 1952 en San José del Aura, Coahuila, México, hijo de Eulalia González Gómez y Enrique González Cantú, séptimo hijo de nueve hermanos.

En 1958, toda la familia se trasladó a vivir a Monterrey, Nuevo León, teniéndo alrededor de 6 años, por lo que curso su educación basica en esa ciudad.

Siendo adolescente, empezó a realizar pequeñas chambitas, viajando periódicamente a “Aura”, lugar en donde decidió quedarse a vivir. Desconocemos quien y en que momento le apodaron “Pichi”, siendo así como era conocido en el pueblo hasta últimas fechas.

Contrajo matrimonio con María del Rosario González Balderas, procreando cinco mujeres y un varón; naciendo sus tres hijas mayores en Coahuila y el resto en Texas.

Empezó a irse de “mojado” a Estados Unidos en compañía de Don Beto Cárdenas, viajando continuamente de ida y vuelta a México; luego pasó su esposa y cada una de sus hijas, estableciendose en Center, Texas.

Junto a su esposa, trabajaron en los gallineros, en la pizca de huevos, entre otras labores, viviendo unidos toda su familia, de forma muy modesta. En algún momento en esos años, sufrió un grave accidente, que provocó le colocaran una placa en el cráneo.

Con el tiempo, incursionó siempre a lado de su esposa e hijos en otros trabajos, pero debido a problemas de salud, se vio en la necesidad de experimentar en diferentes actividades, como venta de ropa, botas, artículos de cuero, pan, limpiando yardas, reparando cercas, etc, quienes lo conocieron, saben de que les hablo!

Vivieron en una casa rodante, sin embargo, un lamentable accidente provocó un incendio en su hogar, lo que los obligó a vivir temporalmente con un sobrino, logrando posteriormente adquirir la casa que habitó hasta sus últimos días.

Siempre que hubo oportunidad, sus familias de México los visitaban hasta que regularizaron su estancia en Estados Unidos, lo que les permitió trasladarse frecuentemente a México a ver a sus familiares, teniéndo la fortuna mi hija y yo de verlo el pasado 29 de Octubre, ya que como siempre, buscaba como ayudarme en todo lo que requería.

Siempre muy trabajador, no se detenía ante ningún obstáculo. Con mucho empeño y tenancidad cumplió sus metas, incluida poco a poco la construcción de una casa en San José de Aura, su tierra natal, lugar al que siempre estuvo muy arraigado… siendo uno de sus últimos anhelos reunir a toda su familia de México y Estados Unidos en su amado pueblo que lo vió nacer.

Deja un gran legado en su numerosa familia de la que siempre fue pilar junto a su esposa Rosario y de quienes cada dia estuvo orgulloso, siendo actualmente 5 hijas, 1 hijo, 5 hijos políticos, 25 nietos, 3 nietos políticos y 5 bisnietos.

Como certeramente dijo su nieta Abby:

“ Javier González, Papá Javier, Grand Pa, era amado por muchos y amaba a casi todas las personas con las que tenía contacto. Éste gran hombre, a menudo sacrificaba todo lo que tenía para atender una necesidad inmediata en la vida de alguien. Desafortunadamente, eso a menudo significaba que no estaba preparado para lo inesperado. Agradecemos enormemente a todos los que han estado ayudando y continúan ayudando en este momento de nuestra gran pérdida. Gracias a todos por todo. Su hermana Velia González González

Se pueden enviar condolencias y tributos en línea a www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

12/08/2020

Martha Marie Miller, 90, of Shelbyville, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 7, 2020.

Marie was born in Shelbyville, Texas on August 9, 1930, to Lonnie Burl Davis and Carrie Luman Davis. She graduated from Shelbyville High School as valedictorian of her class. She married Fearnon Learease (F.L.) Miller on September 3, 1949. F. L. and Marie then moved to Houston and worked for the telephone company. After 2 years of trying to get rich in Houston, they moved back to Shelbyville where F. L. worked as a rural mail carrier, water plant operator, fishing guide and jack of all trades. Marie saw an ad for a Census worker and signed up with her friend, Myrtle Yates. That job eventually led to her and F.L.’s postal careers, as those were political appointments during that era. Marie also worked for the tax office before finishing her career as the Shelbyville Postmaster.

Growing up, Marie’s mother, Carrie, sold eggs and butter so Marie could have piano lessons. Marie loved music and played for more than 70 years, playing for Doyle Boles and the Sunday Afternoon Singers and funerals, as well as being the pianist at Oakland Nazarene Church and then at Ephesus Baptist Church.

F. L. and Marie enjoyed playing 42 with their friends, and you could find them playing as often as they could. Marie enjoyed traveling in her younger years, packing her bags to go on cruises, family trips and more. They loaded up the kids and drove cross-country to see the Grand Canyon, the Smoky Mountains, Colorado, as well as many trips to Six Flags. She also loved going with her kids and grandkids to Disney World.

During the summer she called neighbors and friends to see if she could pick the figs from their trees to make her famous fig preserves. They were the absolute best to eat on one of her hot, homemade buttermilk biscuits. If you came to visit, you could almost count on her making a pan of biscuits in her cast-iron skillet, that made the best crunch on the bottom. She had it down to an art. AND if she made biscuits, she probably cooked at least a pound of bacon to go with them. All of the grandkids liked to pile it on their plates or go back for seconds.

If you ever visited T & R on a Sunday after church, or even on a week day, you could spot Marie filling her plate with her favorites: “green jello”, aka pistachio salad, and chicken fried steak with brown gravy. In her most recent years, if there wasn’t chicken fried steak on the buffet, she would ask one of the waitresses if they had any that day; and as she would tell us, “it magically appeared at the table.” She loved to go there on lunch dates with her friends, Ann Butler Curtis and Gladys Newman. If she was short on time, a quick trip to the Dairy Queen for steak fingers and onion rings was an option.
The first grandchild, Christie Gunter Adams, affectionately started calling her Big Mama, much to her dismay. However, the name stuck, she learned to love it, and she is known as Big Mama to many far and wide.

Big Mama loved to sew, and fashioned many outfits for our different occasions. She made a Halloween pumpkin costume that she kept passing down to the next child. She enjoyed quilting and had quite a collection of fabric. For many years, she appliqued matching Christmas shirts for all the girls in the family. As part of her love to serve, she made baby blankets and sent many of them to Ronald McDonald House in Houston. For a time, she also made Angel Baby Blankets for First Baptist Church in Center. She loved to sit and rock her grandbabies and greats and, sometimes it was hard for her to let them go and be put in their beds.

After Toledo Bend was built, F. L. bought a fishing boat and the family decided to learn to water ski. It took much practice and many falls, but Big Mama learned to ski and could hold her own. Many days you could see the family skiing four across from the Doyle English Marina.

Christmas was her favorite time of year. She wanted the tree up early, and loved decorating the house and yard.

A special thanks to Casey Lout and Affinity Hospice for all of their hard work in trying to bring our Big Mama home.

Marie is survived by:

Son, Dr. Keith Miller and wife Linda of Center

Daughters:
Ruth Gunter of Tyler
Wynema Payne and husband Steve of Greenville
Renita Hudman and husband Kelvin of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:
Christie Adams
Craig Gunter and wife Holly 
Steve Payne II
Seth Payne, wife April, and baby girl Payne
Spenser Payne and wife Courtney
Reid Miller
Ryan Miller
Amy Matthews and husband Luke

Great-Grandchildren:
Richard A. (Chipper) Adams Jr
Peyton Adams
Bailey Gunter
Kegan Gunter
Marlee Gunter
Jacob Payne
Carrie Matthews
Maggie Matthews
Sadie Matthews

Preceded in death by: The Late Fearnon “FL” Miller; parents, Lonnie Davis and Carrie Davis; and brothers, Early Davis and Barron Davis.

Interment will be at Rather Cemetery with a private family graveside service.

In lieu of flowers and food, please consider a donation in her memory to either Rather Cemetery % Cathy Taylor, 11883 State Highway 87 South, Shelbyville TX 75973; or Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Dept, P.O. Box 226, Shelbyville, TX 75973.

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.

12/7/2020

Mark Wayne Campbell, 64, of Port Arthur, passed away Saturday, December 5, 2020, in Port Arthur.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Carroll Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born July 14, 1956, Mark is the son of the late Carl Truman Campbell and Joyce Ann Carter Campbell. He was a member of Stone Gate Baptist Church in Port Arthur.

He is survived by a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Carl Truman Campbell and Joyce Ann Carter Campbell; grandparents, Jim Fred Campbell and Callie Tom Furlow Campbell and Smith Carter and Della Ballard Carter.

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

12/05/2020

Sharon Ann Railey Holt, 73, of Logansport, Louisiana passed away Friday, December 4, 2020, in Shreveport.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, December 6, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 7, 2020, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Frankie Mathis and Sister Melba Rodgers officiating. Interment will follow at Willow Grove Cemetery in Shelby County.

Sharon was born October 21, 1947, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Lewis and Sadie Davis Railey. On September 6, 1965, she married Gunter Holt. She adored her family and her wonderful friends and they adored her as well. Sharon was known as “Nanny” to not only her grandkids, but also to her extended family. Seeing the grandkids play ball was always a highlight and Sharon attended every game possible. She was a member of Cowboy Church in Bethel, Louisiana, where she had a church family whom she dearly loved.

She is survived by:

Children:
Denise Curry and Mack Ramsey
Larry Holt and wife Wendy

Sharon is “Nanny” to:
Michael and Kayce Curry
Hillary Rutherford
Ryan and Michelle Curry
Sarah and Matt Smith
Cody and Elisha Holt
Shelby Holt
Derik Holt.

She is “Great Nanny” to Taylor, Zoey, Easton, Madisyn, Jaxon, Mason, and Maizeleigh.

Brother, Mike Railey and wife Carol

A host of other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gunter Holt; grandson, Christopher Wade Curry; great grandson, Christopher Ryan Curry; and parents, Lewis and Sadie Davis Railey.

Pallbearers will be Michael Curry, Ryan Curry, Cody Holt, Derik Holt, Matt Smith, David Holt, Mack Ramsey, and Lennis Holt.

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

12/03/2020

Annie Pearl Pilot, 77, of Center died, November 29, 2020 at her sister’s home in Longview, Texas. 

Mrs. Pilot was born April 1, 1943 in San Augustine. She is a graduate of the 1961 C.H. Daniels High School.  

Graveside services will be Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Westview Cemetery in Center at 11:00 A.M. Brother Freddie D. Wilson will officiate. 

In God’s care she leaves: 
Her adult son, Christopher Pilot of Center

Sister, Margie (Lamar) Turner of Longview

Grandchildren: 
Christal Jackson of Ft. Worth
Chataka “Danielle” Pilot of Lufkin
Christopher Jr. (Jennifer) Pilot of Temple
Jakayla Pilot of Shreveport, La.

Her only living Aunt Hazel Brown of Longview  

Nieces, nephew and a host of cousins, great-grands, family, and friends.  

Visitation will be Friday, December 4, 2020 at Hicks Chapel (804 MLK Drive Center, Texas 75935) from the hours of 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. 

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and graveside services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced. 

Service entrust to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935

Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net 

12/02/2020

Anthony Darwin Caraway, 60 of Timpson, passed away Monday, November 30, 2020 at his residence in Timpson

Visitation is 11am until 6pm Friday, December 4, 2020 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Timpson. Funeral service is at 12 noon on Saturday, December 5 at First Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church of Timpson. Interment is at Smyrna Cemetery in Timpson with Bishop Cedric Grace officiating.

He is survived by:

Son, Doyle (Marketta) Johnson of Timpson

9 Grandchildren

Sisters:
Berdie Richards of Timpson
Annie Hooper of Dallas
Cathy Caraway of Timpson
Mattie Caraway of Spring
Lisa Caraway of Timpson

Brothers:
Jr. Caraway of Timpson
Charles Caraway of Round Rock
Jerry Caraway of Mansfield, LA
Reggie Caraway of Timpson

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Timpson, Texas.

11/30/2020

Noble Ruth Ross, 89, of Logansport, Louisiana, passed away Monday, November 30, 2020, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Coy Hicks officiating. Interment will follow at Tennessee Community Cemetery in Tenaha.

Mrs. Ross was born August 3, 1931, in Shelby County, to Mood Anderson Woodfin and Ruth Arbith Despine Woodfin.

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Brenda Doggett of Logansport, Louisiana
Joyce Atwater of Washington State

Grandchildren: John Paul, Larry, Jamie, and Michelle

Sister, Doshia Ann Hamilton of Joaquin

Brothers:
Virgil Joe Woodfin of the Tennessee Community of Shelby County
Jerry B. Woodfin of Gary
Herbert C. Woodfin

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Edwin Ross; son, Paul Hollis Luman Jr.; and parents, Mood Anderson Woodfin and Ruth Arbith Despine Woodfin.

Pallbearers will be Jerry B. Woodfin, John D. Woodfin, James C. Woodfin, Andy Woodfin, Guy Woodfin, and Jeff Woodfin.

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

11/30/2020

Brigadier General Benard Wayne Gann, age 80, returned to his Heavenly Father on November 20, 2020. Ben was a great American patriot, husband, father, grandfather, and brother. We weep at the loss and at the same time are grateful to God that such men lived. He was a true hero. 

Ben was born December 28, 1939 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He attended Center High School where he was an accomplished student and athlete. In 1962 he earned his BBA from Baylor University where he met his future wife, Genelle Amason of Corpus Christi. 

In 1963, he began his Air Force career. He attended Air Command and Staff College, Air War College, and received a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Troy State University. He was an accomplished pilot and leader who accrued 6,000 flying hours. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam and Panama, commanded two combat bomb wings, and rose through the ranks to Brigadier General. Because of his courage and humility, he was admired and respected by those with whom he served. General Gann was awarded many commendations including the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the prestigious Defense Distinguished Service Medal. 

In 1995, Ben, Genelle and their family moved to Tyler, Texas, where he became a financial advisor. He was very involved in the community and in the church he loved, Marvin United Methodist. 

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Genelle, their son Scott, granddaughters, Deven and Avery; son Mason, his fiancé, Doctor Angela Smith, twin grandsons, Miles and Matthew; daughter, Ashley Lowrance and husband, Jason, grandchildren, Wyatt, Everett and Catherine; his sister, Edwina Samford, nephews, Randall and Jeffrey, niece, Sherry Oliver and husband, Ben. 

General Gann will be buried with military honors at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery with a private ceremony. A memorial service will be planned at a later date in Tyler, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eternal Flame Fund at Marvin UMC, 300 West Erwin St., Tyler, Texas 75702. 

“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth…I’ve trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand and touched the face of God.” From “High Flight” by John Gillespie Magee Jr.