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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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| (St Flying Tigers) - Class Of 1949VIEW PROFILE |
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Billie Ruth Graham Pearce
December 16, 1931 - February 15, 2020
Obituary
TUSCOLA: Billie Ruth Pearce, 88, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2020, after a short illness. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 3:00pm in the Tuscola Cemetery, officiated by Ryan Goodwin, directed by Fry~Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola. A visitation will be held on Saturday February 22, from 1:00 to 2:45pm at the funeral home in Tuscola.
Billie Ruth was born on December 16, 1931 to John Eugene and Eunice Rae (Cranford) Graham in Tuscola. She attended school at Southern Taylor County and graduated in 1948. She married William O'neal Pearce on November 4, 1949, in Ovalo. They settled in southern Taylor county, where he went to work in construction and she was a homemaker, as they started their family. They moved to Oklahoma where O'neal worked as a building contractor. They moved their family back to Tuscola after eight years in Oklahoma.
The early years, Billie was a homemaker, after the children left the house, she went to work for the city of Tuscola as the city secretary. She was responsible for running the day in and day out business of a small town. She served the city and the citizens of Tuscola for thirty-three years. She was a member of the Texas municipal Clerk’s Association Bluebonnet Chapter.
She was a member of the Lions Club and VFW Aux.
Billie Ruth loved to sew, she enjoyed fishing, bowling, dancing, gardening, and even help manage the Bingo hall at the American Legion, Bingo being one of her favorite pass times. Her passion was traveling the great state of Texas. Billie believed that Texas was big enough to see about everything.
She was a devoted bible reader and was very active in the Tuscola United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her daughters, Connye Russell and husband Mike of Apache, Ok, Peggy Smith of Tuscola; sons, Billy Pearce and wife Gena of Abilene, Bobby Pearce and wife Dianne of Tuscola; sister, Betty Bedford of Abilene. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband O'neal (Dec 1997), parents, grandsons, Jason William Russell, Christopher Shane Pearce, father and mother in law, Bruce and Becky Pearce, and son in law Tim Smith.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tuscola United Methodist Church, 702 7th St, Tuscola, TX 79562.
To send flowers to Billie's family, please visit our floral section.
Services
VISITATION
Saturday
February 22, 2020
1:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Fry~Smith Funeral Home
502 Kent Ave
Tuscola, TX 79562
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Saturday
February 22, 2020
3:00 PM
Tuscola Cemetery
Hwy 83
Tuscola, TX 79562
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Keep in prayer the Brooks and Hudson families during this time of loss. Jake is the son of Marla Hudson Brooks (1982).
Marla wanted to share this message as it is difficult for her to express her thoughts at present. She is reading all the messages and is very much appreciative of your prayers. "Jake was in a good place in life and was excelling in his new job but made a bad fatal choice and died peacefully from an overdose. I’m proud of him, especially after hearing from so many people that I didn’t even know say how kind he was. Thank all of you who have shared your condolences and prayers." https://www.facebook.com/marla.hudsonbrooks
Jake Brooks, 26, of Abilene, Texas passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2020 in Canyon Lake, Texas. He was born on March 9, 1993 in Abilene to David and Marla Brooks.
Jake attended Bonham Elementary School. Jake was not only blessed with exceptional intelligence, but was also a gifted athlete. Jake developed lifelong friends at an early age, especially from playing youth sports. Jake was coached by his dad at Dixie Little League (baseball) and Big Country Youth Football. Many weekends were spent at Curly Hays’ Field at both Jets’ and Redskins’ games. He was known as “Jake the Snake” and played alongside his brother, Josh.
At Lincoln Middle School Jake excelled in academics as a straight “A” student. He continued to play football as well as track. After watching his oldest brother Chris play football for the Abilene High School Eagles, Jake was inspired to follow in his footsteps. As a freshman he excelled in track as a hurdler where his win in the 110 hurdles contributed to the Eagle Track Team win the District 3-5A title. Jake also ran the 110 hurdles at the Texas Relays in Austin and the Texas Tech Relays in Lubbock all while maintaining straight “A’s” in the classroom. Jake later joined his brother Josh as part of the Eagle’s varsity football team. As a junior, Jake played a critical role as a safety during the Eagle’s state title win. During this wonderful time not only did Jake win a state championship ring, but Jake also won lifelong friends. The team motto for this season was “Brother’s Keeper.” This was not only for the football field, but evident in the support they have shown and continue to show to this day, not only for Jake but for each other. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
It was inspiring for Jake and his family to witness the community of Abilene come together and rally around this team. Jake’s mother will forever remember the caravans of fans who traveled all over Texas to support the team.
This success was only made possible by the tremendous support of the Abilene community and the Eagle Moms. Jake’s mother, Marla, even brought both Josh and Jake lunch to school nearly every single day of this season. She and all the Eagle moms took pride in decorating the team lockers every pre-game night. Lifelong friendships developed for them as well.
Jake’s accomplishments included being in the Top 20 of his graduating class, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society, Optimist Boy of the Month in middle school, recipient of the Kiwanis Club of Abilene college scholarship.
After athletics, Jake found fellowship in online gaming communities, known to them as WonkyMoss. The family only realized the significance of the relationships Jake developed when his friends from online reached out to express their love and appreciation for the person Wonky was to them.
An avid skier, Jake’s favorite place on earth was Telluride, Colorado, where Jake, his father and brothers would go annually. Other activities Jake enjoyed included attending concerts, sky diving and playing golf. He was a fan of Houston sports and would attend games with his dad and brothers.
Jake attended Texas A&M and completed his Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology at Texas State University. Here his talents were recognized by a professor who eventually recommended Jake for a job. Jake was using his skills and education in engineering to help expand Del Sol, a foundry and frac service company. Jake was very proud of the work he did.
Furthermore, his family was very encouraged at the reports of his strong work ethic and the interpersonal relationships he cultivated.
As the family looked through the box of memories of Jake’s life, they found comfort in reading all of the positive and encouraging notes from numerous members of the community, teachers, and coaches. The family thanks the Lord that they were allowed to have Jake for nearly 27 years. The family appreciates the very kind words and stories that have continued to be shared. Jake was and is a light in many lives. We will always remember his warm personality, welcoming demeanor, infectious laugh and goofy smile.
Jake is survived by his parents, Marla Brooks, David Brooks and wife Maritza; brothers, Chris Brooks and Josh Brooks; grandparents, Patricia Hudson, Bea and David Reider, Tim Brooks and wife Peggy; uncle, Jeff Hudson and wife Suzy; aunt, Cathy Brooks; and cousins, Paige Hudson, Peyton Hudson, Brett Williams, and Jack Williams; and his beloved cat, “Calvin.”
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Donald Hudson.
A Celebration of Life for Jake is set for Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Broadview Baptist Church in Abilene. Brother David Cason, who baptized Jake, will be officiating. The family asks that those attending bring any pictures or other memories to share while we come together to honor the life of Jake Brooks. Donations to the Serenity House of Abilene are greatly appreciated.
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| Class Of 1974 |
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Douglas Howard Mayfield
March 12, 1956 ~ February 7, 2020
Obituary
TUSCOLA: Douglas Mayfield, 63, beloved Father, was called to his eternal resting place on Friday, February 7, 2020. He entered this world on March 12, 1956, in Abilene, TX, born to Ernest and Dorothy Mayfield. He graduated from Jim Ned High School and attended Texas Tech University. He worked as a Computer and Network Specialist for many years traveling all over the world. He was an avid reader and enjoyed discovering various types of coffee.
He is preceded in death by his father, Ernest Mayfield (Dec 2019).
He is survived by his mother Dorothy Mayfield; daughter, Dixie Wharton and husband David Wharton; daughter, Desirae Butler and husband Carl Butler; son, Daniel Mayfield and wife Jennifer Mayfield; granddaughter, Hannah Hughes and boyfriend James Van Horn; granddaughter, Mackenzie Codini; granddaughter, Natalie Mayfield, granddaughter, Kaitlyn Mayfield; and grandson, Johnny Dennisson.
A visitation with viewing will be held on Monday, February 10, 2020, at Fry-Smith Funeral Home in Tuscola, Texas at 12:00 p.m. followed by a grave side service at the Buffalo Gap Cemetery at 2:00 p.m
To send flowers to Douglas' family, please visit our floral section.
Services
FAMILY GATHERING
Monday
February 10, 2020
12:00 PM to 1:45 PM
Fry~Smith Funeral Home
502 Kent Ave
Tuscola, TX 79562
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Monday
February 10, 2020
2:00 PM
Buffalo Gap Cemetery
FM 89
Buffalo Gap, Texas
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| (St Flying Tigers) - Class Of 1953 |
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George David 'Dave' Lambert
September 7, 1933 - January 30, 2020
Dave Lambert
Tuscola - TUSCOLA: George David "Dave" Lambert, 86, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2020. A funeral service will be held at Broadview Baptist church on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 2:00pm, officiated by Davis Cason and Wes Terry. Service are entrusted to Fry~Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola. A visitation will be held on Monday, February 3, 2020 from 5 to 7:00pm at the funeral home in Tuscola.
Dave was born in his family home in South Taylor County, Cedar Gap, to Roy and Ruby (Glaze) Lambert on September 7, 1933. Dave grew up on the family farm and ranch, attending school at Southern Taylor County and working on the family place. Due to the passing of his father at an early age, Dave left school in the ninth grade to help provide for his mother and his siblings.
Dave married Hazel Coffey on June 3, 1955 in Abilene. They welcomed two boys into their growing family. Dave and Hazel spent the next 64 years together, even sharing a room at Wisteria Place.
Dave went to work at Morris Ready Mix in 1953 he retired in the early 2000's. Dave loved to work, from Morris Ready Mix to clearing brush and running cattle on the family place, Dave was always doing some sort of work. His family recalls he was driven by work.
Dave's family was the only thing more important than his work. He had the honor to coach his sons' little league teams, teach them the fine art of fishing, camping, and deer hunting, but it was the lake that also allowed Dave to relax with his family. He loved to water ski. During the summer months weekends and vacations where spent at the lake water skiing and camping. A lot of those vacations where spent at Lake Brownwood State Park, and weather did not matter, sunny skies or driving rain, Dave was at the lake.
Dave was a devoted church goer and had deep love for Christ.
He is survived by his wife Hazel; son, Larry and wife Radonna of Tuscola; son, Gary and wife Brenda of Coleman; brother, Joel Lambert of Cedar Gap; sisters, Claudette Nevels, and Sandra Jackson, Shirley Coffey all of Cedar Gap, grandchildren, Nick Lambert and wife Kelly, Courtnie Robinson and husband Dustin, Larrisa Lambert, Crystal Long, and Wes Baumgrandner. He is also survived by seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard Lambert, and a great grandchild, Ricky Wilkinson (Dec 17).
Condolences can be left at www.fry-smith.com.
Published in Abilene Reporter-News from Feb. 1 to Feb. 2, 2020
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Wanda was the wife of Willard Ray Herrington, deceased, of the Ovalo Eagles Class of 1946.
Wanda Rae Ford Herrington, 88, formerly of Abilene, went to heaven to meet Jesus on November 24, 2019 in Austin.
A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held Saturday February 1, 2020, at 2pm at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel.
Wanda attended Caps Baptist Church and Southside Baptist Church of Abilene, Texas. Wanda married the late Willard Ray Herrington of Oval, Texas in 1949. Wanda is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Russell & Rhonda Herrington of Austin, Texas; her brothers and their wives and Families: Joe and JoAnn Ford of Abilene, Texas and Doug and Ann Ford of Clyde, Texas and her grandsons Rex and Lee Herrington of Austin, Texas.
Published in Abilene Reporter-News from Jan. 24 to Jan. 26, 2020
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| (Ovalo Eagles) - Class Of 1946 |
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Willard Ray Herrington
April 3, 1928 - September 12, 2009
Willard Ray Herrington, 81, loving and beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed into the Lords arms on Saturday, September 12, 2009 in Abilene. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 7:30 PM on Monday, September 14th at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 HWY 277 South. Graveside service will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 15th in the Elmwood Memorial Park, Garden of Prayer with a celebration memorial service to follow at Caps Baptist Church at 10:30 AM.
Willard was born on April 3, 1928 in Ovalo, Texas where he spent his childhood. He served in the U.S. Navy. He was Manager for American Optical in Abilene, San Antonio and Lubbock. From 1981-1996, Willard and his wife, Wanda, owned and operated Herrington Optical in Abilene. At the time of his death, Willard was working part time at Texas Midwest Optical in Abilene.
Willard married Wanda Raye Ford on April 1, 1949. He served as deacon at Caps Baptist Church. He enjoyed life and enjoyed helping others enjoy life.
His son, Ronald Ray Herrington, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Herrington, a brother, Leaman Herrington and sisters, Lottie Bates and Billie Lusk preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda; a son, A. Russell Herrington and wife, Rhonda; grandsons, Rex A. Herrington and Lee D. Herrington and wife, Lisa; sisters, Polly Williams and twin sister, Wilma Black and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Visitation
Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX 79606
Monday, September 14, 2009
6:30 7:30 PM
Service
Graveside Service
Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX 79606
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
10:00 AM
Memorial Service
Caps Baptist Church
6610 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX 79606
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
10:30 AM
Cemetery
Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX 79606
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| Class Of 2008 |
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Meredith attended Jim Ned from Kindergarten to 8th grade.
Meredith Danielle Paul
Octobery 22, 1989 - January 18, 2020
Obituary
ABILENE: Meredith Danielle Paul, 30, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at her home in Abilene. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 2:00pm in the Sanctuary of Jim Ned Valley Church of Christ, close family friend, Marcy Grun is officiating, funeral services are entrusted to the care of Fry-Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 22, from 5 to 7pm at the funeral home in Tuscola.
Meredith was born on October 22, 1989 to Shirley Paul in Abilene. She attended school at Jim Ned through junior high, she then transferred to Dorothy Perkins Christian Academy in Tye. Meredith graduated from high school with honors in 2004. She moved to Arkansas and attended school for her CNA degree. Meredith’s caring heart and her CNA degree allowed her to fulfill a dream of caring for the elders in retirement centers throughout Arkansas and later in Abilene. It was the birth of her son, Jessie, that taught her agape love and brought her back to Tuscola.
Meredith’s caring heart was also the source for the love of animals, any animal. It was not uncommon for her to come home with a stray she had found. She loved to laugh and always had a smile in every photograph. She had a passion for reading anything she could find. Meredith was a devout Elvis fan, even winning a guitar from the same store that sold Elvis his first guitar. She enjoyed the open road on a motorcycle and was her happiest when that motorcycle was a Harley Davidson.
She married Jim Cook, and they traveled the open roads of Arkansas on a Harley, stopping to camp and enjoy the beauty Arkansas had to offer. Though their marriage was short, their deep friendship lasted till her passing.
She is survived by her son, Jessie; mother, Shirley Mabes and her husband Clyde; brother, Wesley Paul and wife Autumn; maternal grandparents, Kathy and David Swaim; aunt, Betty Brown and husband Simon; great aunt and uncle, Tommy Ann and Gerald Waggoner; great aunt, Nancy Storie; cousin, Jakobi Brown. She is also survived by her nephew and niece Phoenix and Emma; and longtime friend and companion Duane Lanier.
She was preceded in death by her uncle Adam Swaim; grandfather, Wesley Odell Paul; great grandparents, Richard and Maxine Pierson, A.L. Meredith, and Marie Fuller.
Condolences may be left at www.fry-smith.com.
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| Class Of 1981VIEW PROFILE |
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Joseph Lyn 'Jody' Kelley
December 4, 1962 - January 17, 2020
Joseph "Jody" Kelley
Tuscola - Joseph "Jody" Kelley, 57, of Tuscola, Texas, passed away on January 17, 2020 at home surrounding by family in Dudley, Texas. He has now been reunited with his beloved black mare, Babe, riding those green pastures in Heaven.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursday January 23, 2020 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 24, 2020 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home. There will be a private cremation later.
Jody was born at HMC to James and Mary Ann (Dooley) Kelley on December 4, 1962. He attended and graduated from Jim Ned ISD. He went to work for R.B. Choate Plumbing not long after high school. From there he went on to establish his own plumbing company, simply Jody Kelley Plumbing. He served the smaller and outlying communities and towns that didn't have access to Abilene. He had a knack for remembering every house he worked on and those he served.
He has been involved with the RHAA and Western Heritage Classic since 1996. He has served as a member of the PRCA Rodeo Committee for the West Texas Fair and Rodeo since 1998. The committee was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2009; an award he was so proud of. He was first affiliated with the West Texas Rehabilitation Center through their spring and fall trail rides.
Jody met his love, partner and best friend, Ms. Pete, at the Pitchfork/6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas on one of those Rehab trail rides in 1995. They were truly a team for the next 24 1/2 years.
Jody is survived by Ms Pete (Putman) Giles, both parents, sister April (Wes) Brooks, brother Jeff (Deadra) Kelley, son Kolby (Shawna) Kelley, and daughter Ashley (Dusty) Rhea. Grandsons Cannon and Coleman Rhea. Nieces Jaycee Brooks, Juliann Kelley, Chelsey (Densman) Heller and Brittany (Densman) Roes. And a bonus nephew in Vinnie Heller. He was "Bubba" to Avery and Cooper Roes and Hesston and Haze Heller. He is also survived by numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins who he will be so missed by..
Honorary Pallbearers will be, Kelly Gill, Eric Pechacek, Calvin Cox, Jim Craft, Glen Pointer and John Barbee.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Taylor County Expo Center, West Texas Rehab Center and Hospice of the Big Country. I want to thank Dr. Ezeoke and Christine, Diana, Deborah, Kristy, Tammie and Pamela of Hospice of the Big Country for the gentle, loving care they gave my Jody.
And there are no words that convey the love, prayers and strength we all received from all our friends.
"You must judge a man's greatness by how much he will be missed."
Will Rogers
Memories may be shared and condolences submitted online at:
www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com
Published in Abilene Reporter-News from Jan. 19 to Jan. 21, 2020
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Tuscola's own Edward Alexander 'Ed' Sprinkle (3 Sep 1923 Bradshaw, TX - 28 Jul 2014 Palos Heights, IL) was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2020. Ed graduated from the Tuscola Tigers Class of 1940.
https://www.chicagobears.com/news/sprinkle-s-family-ecstatic-about-hof-honor
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