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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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| (Lawn Longhorns) - Class Of 1952 |
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Billy Earl 'Bill' Richey
(November 14, 1933 ~ March 6, 2026)
Bill, son of James Earl Richey and Janie Bell Spikes, married to Jimmie Lee Hammack and will be buried in Counts Cemetery, Runnels County, Texas.
Billy Earl Richey passed from this life on Friday March 6, 2026 at the age of 92. A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Fry-Smith Funeral Home in Tuscola, Texas from 5:00-7:00pm. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Lawn Baptist Church at 2:00pm with a burial to follow in Counts Cemetery.
Billy was born on November 14, 1933 to James Earl Richey and Janie Bell Spikes Richey in Gustine, Texas. He moved with his family to Content, Texas as a young boy and continued to make his home there. He married Jimmie Lee Hammack from Abilene, Texas in 1952. She preceded him in death in November 1987.
Billy was a farmer and rancher and also worked for Union Texas Petroleum until his retirement. He loved riding horses and roping calves and up until his late 70's, could be found at his arena doing just that most evenings.
He is survived by his two children; son Roy Richey and wife Karen of Cross Plains, Texas and daughter Scharlyn Richey Henderson and husband Bryan of Ovalo, Texas; four grandchildren; Justin Richey and wife Jennifer, Brandi Purvis and husband Daniel, Whitney Cloud and husband John, and Zack Hudson and wife Shannon; 10 great grandchildren; Addison Richey, Garrett Smith, Kade Purvis, Kyndall Purvis, Kamryn Purvis, Tarrant Cloud, Teagan Cloud, Clarie Hudson, Lane Hudson, and Avery Hudson.
The family would like to thank the staff at Holiday Hills in Coleman, Texas for their excellent care and support these last three and a half years.
Upcoming Services
Visitation
Saturday, March 7, 2026
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Fry~Smith Funeral Home
502 KENT AVE, Tuscola, TX 79562
Funeral Service
Sunday, March 8, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Lawn Baptist Church
515 Ave D, Lawn, TX 79530
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| (St Flying Tigers) - Class Of 1956 |
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Billie Sue Shaffer Helm Vivian
(August 12, 1937 ~ February 20, 2026)
Billie, daughter of Milbern Clinton Shaffer and Maggie Mae Higgins, married 1st to Calvin Harold Helm, married 2nd to Robert 'Bob' Vivian and will be buried in Bluff Creek Cemetery, Bradshaw, Taylor County, Texas.
Billie Sue Shaffer Helm, age 88 of Winters, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026.
Billie was born August 12, 1937 in Bradshaw, Texas, to Milbern and Maggie Shaffer. Billie grew up in South Taylor county in the Moro community and graduated from South Taylor High School which is now Jim Ned CISD in 1956.
Her happiest times were spending time outside. She loved taking care of the many animals that were raised on her ranch and always had bottled lambs to feed. As she got older she moved into town and enjoyed growing beautiful flowers and caring for her yard. She always worried about the wildlife so she made sure to keep the birds who visited her yard fed and watered throughout the winter. Billie enjoyed playing cards with a local group of women at the senior citizen center for many years and enjoyed being around her friends.
Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren and loved them deeply. She cherished family reunions and loved her cousins with whom she grew up with. Billie loved being a grandmother and her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She went to various lengths to make sure they were never in need of anything that she could provide. She cheered them on in their many activities and attended as many as she could.
She had a strong christian faith and loved her church. She missed her church family as she became unable to attend and participate in their services.
Billie is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Vivian, son Mike Helm, daughter Teressa Helm Tekell and husband Nathan, grandsons Eric Tekell, Matt Tekell and wife Kelly, granddaughter Brittney Tekell Wright and husband Virgil, great grandchildren Kailynn Prewit, Brinley and Colton Wright, Mason, Avery, and Nathan Tekell. Her beloved twin sister, Emma Lou Shaffer Nix. Step-children BJ and Greg Vivian, and Cindy Crawford. Numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family will receive friends at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Winters Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2026 at Winters Funeral Home with burial following at Bluff Creek Cemetery.
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Gayle was the mother of Gregg (1982) and Scott (1984). Please keep the Waldrum family in prayer.
Gayle Waldrum was born in Abilene, Texas on November 28, 1942. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 29, 2026, in Arlington, Texas surrounded by her husband Jim Waldrum and her youngest son Scott Waldrum.
Gayle was preceded in death by her father Guy Griffin, who lost his life defending our country in World War II on January 4th, 1944; her parents Wanda Giles and her step- father and fellow soldier to her father, Guy, Max Giles; her father and mother-in-law Odus and Roma Waldrum; and also her beloved grandparents Tip and Faye Russell.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jim Waldrum; her sister Cynthia Waldrum and husband Wayne; her brother Tip Giles and wife Joy; and her sister Angela Rice and husband Joe.
Gayle had two sons that brought her so much love, pride, and joy. Her oldest son Greg Waldrum and wife Brissy. Mimi and Papa loved visiting Abilene to see all the grandkids and great grandkids whenever they could. Her youngest son, Scott Waldrum, lives in Arlington, and has always been there to support her when she needed it and loved her very much.
The true joy of her life was being Mimi to Justin and his wife Katelin, Cody and his wife Jessica, and Stetson. Her love and joy was only made bigger when she became a great-mother to Justin's sons Dash and Rush and Cody's daughter Celissa and his son Bently.
For 22 years, Gayle faithfully served at the Arlington YMCA working closely with adults with special needs. She made lifelong friends and met many Texas Ranger baseball players while there.
Gayle and Jim's biggest hobby was getting out every day to visit different resale shops. Gayle loved playing games with friends and also playing Bingo with her mom in her younger years. Jim and Gayle, like most Texans, loved trying their luck with lottery and scratch off tickets.
Nona Gayle Waldrum was dearly loved by many and will be hugely missed. She will continue to live in our hearts forever through her family and all who loved her.
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Please keep in prayer the family of Maelie Hutcheson. She was the granddaughter of Brad Hutcheson (1988).
Maelie Hutcheson
December 12, 2025 — December 12, 2025
Maelie Rynn Hutcheson was born into heaven on Friday, December 12, 2025. A visitation and funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 4:00pm at Fry-Smith Funeral Home in Tuscola, Texas.
Maelie was the daughter of Brad and Summer Hutcheson.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our precious baby girl Maelie Hutcheson, who unexpectedly passed away just before her due date of December 28th, 2025. She was deeply loved, eagerly awaited, and will forever be a part of our family.
While we do not yet know the reason for Maelie’s passing, we place our trust in God’s plan and His unfailing love. Scripture reminds us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” (Psalm 34:18), and we find comfort in knowing that Maelie is now held safely in His arms, surrounded by perfect peace. What we do know is that her short life has left an immeasurable impact on those who loved her. No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child, and the grief that comes with this loss is overwhelming.
We have created this GoFundMe to help support Maelie’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Funds raised will go toward medical expenses, memorial arrangements, and easing the financial burden that accompanies such a sudden and heartbreaking loss, allowing the family space to grieve and heal. Any donations, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated. If you are unable to give, please keep Maelie and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for your kindness, love and support as we honor the life of our sweet baby girl, Maelie. She will always be loved and never forgotten.
Fundraiser for Summer Hutcheson by Misty McQuade : In Loving Memory of Baby Maelie Hutcheson
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Steve was the father of alumni, John (1994) and Raynonda (1996). Please keep the Rogers family in prayer.
![]()  Steve Rogers Jr. passed from this life on Thursday, January 8, 2025. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10 from 5-7pm at Fry-Smith Funeral Home in Tuscola. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 11 at 2:00pm at the First Baptist Church in Tuscola with a burial to follow in McBee Cemetery.
Steve Raymond Rogers Jr was born in December 1950 in Groom, Texas, to Steve and Helen Rogers. He was raised in Clarendon, Texas, alongside six sisters and one brother, where strong family bonds and lifelong values were formed.
Steve lived a life defined by service. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Vietnam War veteran and devoted more than 40 years to law enforcement as a peace officer. His career included service with the Clarendon Police Department, Abilene Police Department, and Abilene Christian University Police Department. He was known for his dedication, toughness, and unwavering commitment to protecting others.
Steve spent most of his life in Ovalo, Texas, with his wife, Kathy, to whom he was married for 53 years. He was deeply involved in his community, serving on the school board and coaching soccer, always willing to give his time wherever it was needed.
Above all, Steve loved his family. He was the proud father of John and Raynonda, and his home was often filled with numerous nieces and nephews whom he joyfully guided, teased, and helped shape along the way. While he was known as a tough, no-nonsense officer, everything changed when his grandchildren arrived. The once-gruff bulldog of a cop became a softhearted "Poppa," rarely able to say no and overflowing with love.
Steve cherished time spent hunting and fishing with his grandchildren, attending sporting events, and faithfully showing up to support every activity involving his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His legacy lives on in the lives he protected, the family he loved fiercely, and the countless memories shared with those closest to him.
He leaves behind numerous family and friends that will miss him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Steve's honor to Safety City in Abilene, Texas. Mailing address: City of Abilene Attn: Safety City 4565 S 1st Abilene, TX 79605.
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| Class Of 1964VIEW PROFILE |
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Gary Don Aldridge
(May 23, 1946 ~ December 20, 2025)
Gary, son of Dalton Lincoln 'Dock' Aldridge and Princess Patricia 'Pat' McCasland, married to Shirley Kay McNeill and will be buried in Bradshaw Cemetery, Bradshaw, Taylor County, Texas.
 Gary Don Aldridge, 79, passed away on December 20, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. A graveside service will be held at Bradshaw Cemetery on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM.
He was born in Winters, TX on May 23, 1946, to Dalton "Doc" and Patricia "Pat" Aldridge and grew up in the Bradshaw, TX area. He loved to hunt, fish, and work on the family farm. He also enjoyed sports and excelled in basketball and football, earning a reputation as someone to avoid by opposing teams! While attending Jim Ned High School, he met the love of his life, Shirley Kay McNeill, and they married on December 18, 1964, in Tuscola, TX.
After graduating from high school in 1964, Gary soon began a long and successful career in the aerospace industry where he performed highly technical roles that require strong math, science, and design skills. He quickly advanced to management positions that generally require industrial/mechanical engineering degrees. Even though he achieved remarkable success in the aerospace industry, his passion was always farming and ranching and he worked tirelessly to acquire land and build a profitable business doing what he loved. After 25 years, he was able to give up his city job and devote all his time to his own business.
After about 15 years of farming and ranching full-time, Gary returned to the aerospace industry to supplement his income doing contract work for Lockheed Martin, which took him to Europe and all over the continental U.S. While Gary only endured this experience, Shirley enjoyed traveling and spending time in new places-including Seattle, Baltimore, and St. Petersburg, FL. But his home in Morrow was the only place he ever wanted to be. In 2010, Gary was able to retire and spend the rest of his days at home.
After retirement, Gary enjoyed frequent visits from family and friends. Everyone looked forward to spending long weekends and holidays at the farm hunting, fishing, riding ATV's, eating good food and just spending time outdoors. He was a great storyteller and occasionally enjoyed a good debate. He might even have enjoyed stirring up a little trouble from time to time.
Gary was a good man and always had high expectations of himself and his kids. He was honest to a fault and there wasn't anything that he wouldn't do for his family or friends. He had old fashioned morals and high principals. While never a sentimental man, there was no doubt that he loved deeply. He felt closest to God when he was outside on his land, surrounded by nature. His family and close friends understood and respected him. He left his mark on many and will never be forgotten.
Gary leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Shirley Aldridge of Ovalo, TX; son Steve Aldridge and wife Sheryl of Aledo, TX; daughter Regina (Aldridge) Choyce of Prosper, TX; brothers Ronny Aldridge and wife Sherry of Lamesa, TX, Doug Aldridge of Lubbock, TX, Bobby Aldridge and wife Gayla of Bryan, TX; sisters Joan Pohovich and husband Al of San Antonio, TX and Vicki Liggins of Abilene, TX; grandchildren Samantha Elder and husband John, Austin Aldridge, Andrew Choyce and wife Molly, and Matthew Choyce; great grandchildren Jackstin Elder, Violet Elder and Grayston Elder. Survivors also include brother-in-law Ronnie McNeill and his wife Gerry of Floresville, TX and sister-in-law Gail Goldberg of Boerne, TX as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Wayne McNeill and his wife Doris and Ed Goldberg, as well as one niece and one nephew.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to the Morrow Volunteer Fire Department, 2718 Co Rd 184, Ovalo, TX 79541. Please contact Kenny Smith at 325-668-3635 for additional information.
Graveside Service
Saturday, January 3, 2026
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)
Bradshaw Cemetery
CR 622, Winters, TX 79567
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Terry was the father of alumni Tony (1994) and Tammie (1996) as well as the husband of our educator Judy Doyle Stubblefield. Please keep the Stubblefield family in prayer.
![]()  Terry Jean Stubblefield, age 86, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025 in Abilene, Texas. Terry was a longtime resident of Ovalo, Texas. A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 11:00am at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery.
Terry was born on May 8, 1939, in Tolison, Arizona, to Fred and Goldia Stubblefield. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for 21 years. During his first tour of duty in Germany, Terry met his first wife, Margot Kirchner.
Following his military service, Terry attended and graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a degree in Industrial Arts. While attending Hardin-Simmons University, Terry met the love of his life, Judith Ann Doyle. Terry and Judith were married on December 22, 1972, and shared a life full of love, travel, and adventure as they explored the world together.
Throughout his life, Terry worked in several careers, including teaching, owning and operating an environmental consulting firm, and farming. He was especially known for his passion for roping, trick roping, and leather tooling. While in college, Terry proudly performed trick roping for the Hardin-Simmons Band, a talent that brought him great joy and admiration and became one of the things he was best remembered for.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Goldia Stubblefield; his beloved wife, Judith Ann Doyle Stubblefield; his brothers Ted and Troy Stubblefield; and his sisters, JoAnn Henderson, Patricia Washuta, and Vonell Lacey.
He is survived by his children: son Andy Fred Stubblefield and his wife Brenda Moore of Burleson, Texas; son Anthony Noel Stubblefield and wife Melanie Griffin of Mineral Wells, Texas; daughter Tanya Nicks of Clyde, Texas; and daughter Tammie Stubblefield-Savely and husband Lem Brant Savely of Cisco, Texas. He is also survived by beloved grandchildren: Terra Dietz, Stefanie Mabry, William Stubblefield, Hanna Stubblefield, Holly Stubblefield, and Terry Ryan Nicks.
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Jim Ned Alumni Association
**2025-2026 JN Alumni Board Members**
Marissa Lynn Thomas - President
Kyle Burleson - Secretary
Juliann Kelley - Treasurer
Chantel Gallaway - Parade Co-Chair
Shanie Cannon Cunningham - Parade Co-Chair
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