Joyce Faye Eggins passed away on August 2, 2016. She was born Aug. 9, 1942 in Marquez to Mary Carr Keeling and Luther Keeling. She moved to Mexia at an early age and attended Dunbar schools in Mexia. At an early age she dedicated her life to Christ at Mexia Revival Center under Rev. L.C. Wright. She attended Mexia Revival Center for over 40 years.

In her lifetime she worked at Wright’s Barbecue for over 30 years. Daily she greeted customers with her infectious smile. In her later years, she found a new way to show love as a caregiver to families in need.

She married the love of her life, Theddo Eggins on Sept. 2, 1960. They celebrated 51 years of marriage. No children were born to this union. He preceded her in death in 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents and step-mother Katherine Keeling; Three sisters, Luther Mae Smith, Mary Alexander and Beulah Debreuil.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Sisters Vera Quigley, Barbara Robinson, both of Mexia; brothers Will Keeling of Dallas, Daniel Keeling of Dallas, Jesse Keeling of Abilene, Wade Keeling of Mexia; Sister-in-laws Willie May Giddings, Glodean (JT) Hunt of Odessa, Ida Mae Eggins of Dallas; Uncle Clyde Chatham of Marquez; Aunt Lucille Chatham of Spring; Special Friends Mary Cobb, Ruby Reed, Carolyn Fanning, Doris Dixon, Doris Jean Freeman, James Wright, Jr.

She leaves behind a host of dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Services entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home in Mexia. Service will be held at 1 p.m., Aug. 10 at First United Methodist Church, 203 North Canton in Mexia.

Janie Graham passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at Providence Health Center in Waco. Memorial services for Graham will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Rock Island Full Gospel Church, 1101 N. 8th, Teague, with Bro. Earl Bell officiating. 

She was born in Teague on Oct. 29, 1946, to Verdell and Helen McAlpine, and lived in several locations during her childhood while her father served in the U.S. Army. She graduated from Sam Houston High School in San Antonio. Janie married David Graham on Oct. 15, 1966, and shared almost fifty years of marriage together. She moved around to several locations with her huband’s career in the U. S. Air Force before settling in Teague in 1985. She and her husband bought the Cleaners on Main Street in Teague and operated the business for ten years. Mrs. Graham also worked for Walmart in Mexia, Reliant Energy, and Brookshire Brothers in Teague before retiring. She was a Methodist by faith. 

She is survived by her husband, David Graham of Teague; one son, Joe Graham & wife Paulette of Teague; one daughter, Trista Graham of Hewitt; five grandchildren, Shelby Graham, Will Graham & wife Ashlee, Krista Barnum, Nathan Barnum, and Cameron Graham; five brothers, Bob McAlpine & wife Diane, Jim McAlpine & wife Rita, Travis McAlpine, Glynn McAlpine & wife Maureen, and Lynn McAlpine; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Mrs. Graham was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Kimberly McAlpine.

Visit website bowersfuneralhome.net to sign the memorial guestbook or to leave a message for the family.

Mr. John Finley passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at his residence in Cotton Gin. Graveside services for Mr. Finley will be heldat 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 12 at Driver Cemetery near Teague. Dr. Steven Diaz will officiate. 

Visitation will be held prior to the services at Bowers Funeral Home in Teague on Friday from 9-10 a.m. at which time a funeral procession will leave the funeral home and travel to the cemetery. 

He was born in Teague on April 18, 1946, to Vernon & Margaret Finley. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and returned to Freestone County after his service where he lived for all of his life. Mr. Finley spent a thirty-six year career working for the Railroad in Teague before retiring as an engineer in 2006. He enjoyed his retirement very much. John loved fishing and hunting, camping, rodeos, working on his land in Cotton Gin, and spending time with his family and friends. Mr. Finley was a Baptist by faith. 

He is survived by his best friend and companion for over 11 years, Kim Ethridge of Cotton Gin; two daughters, Lynda Finley of Wichita Falls and Mercedese (Sadie) Lee of Cotton Gin; two step-children, Jessie Lozano & wife Keri and Jennifer Lozano all of La Porte; four granddaughters, Heather Pope of Teague and Maelyn Lozano, Miranda Lozano, and Mykala Lozano; two brothers, Charles Finley & wife Ruth of Coolidge and Richard Finley & wife Kathie of Teague; one sister, Catherine Oliver of Wortham; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Mr. Finley was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Henry Finley and Willie Finley; and his brother-in-law, K. W. Oliver.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Providence Hospice, 107 East Commerce St., Mexia, TX 76667 or the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd Suite 300, Jacksonville, Fla. 32256 or online at  HYPERLINK woundedwarriorproject.org. 

Visit website bowersfuneralhome.net to sign the memorial guestbook or to leave a message for the family.

James Rodney “Rawhide” Gregory, 90, of Corsicana and formerly of Coolidge and Hubbard, passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2016 in Corsicana. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13 at Wade Funeral Chapel in Hubbard with Rev. Ricky Woodall officiating. Interment will follow in Coolidge Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Wade Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12 and from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday before the services.

Rawhide was born Nov. 27, 1925 in Bastrop, La. to George and Dovie (White) Gregory. He was raised in northeast Louisiana where he attended public schools, worked in a paper mill and helped his father on the family farm. Rawhide joined the Army in 1944 and proudly served his country in Europe during WWII before finishing his tour of duty stateside. He then worked as a pipefitter in numerous locations across the United States and later married Linda Lou Little on Dec. 17, 1960. After retiring from the pipeline, he and Linda moved to the Coolidge area in 1985 where they remained until purchasing land near Hubbard in 2002. Rawhide then spent his days ranching, tending his garden and animals and whittling while also spending most Mondays at Hubbard Livestock Auction before they moved to Corsicana in 2014.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Rodney Scott Gregory and five brothers.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Gregory of Corsicana; daughter, Lu Ann Cory and husband, Wesley of Corsicana, daughter-in-law, Suzanne Gregory of Picayune, Mississippi and son, Kevin Gregory and wife, Stevi of Crystal Beach; one brother, six sisters, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends.

Sign the memorial guestbook for Rawhide at  wadefuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Wade Funeral Home, Hubbard.

Jackie Mae Russell passed away in Colorado City on August 11, 2016 at the age of 91. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 13 in the Point Enterprise Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Daniel “Dan” Russell.

Jackie is survived by two daughters, Janet Stribling of Fluvanna and Carolyn Kitching of North Richland Hills; five grandchildren; and other relatives.

A complete obituary will be in Tuesday's edition of The Mexia News.

Visit blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Garland Ray Cain, 83, of Mt. Dora, Fla. was born Aug. 28, 1932 in Mexia and passed away Aug. 13, 2016.  Mr. Cain and his wife Jeanne lived in Leesburg for 20 plus years after his retirement from Jones and Laughlin, Continental Emsco later LTV Energy Products, where he worked for 40 years before retiring in 1994. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Leesburg, serving as a deacon as well as volunteering with the bus ministry and with maintaining and repairing the church facilities. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed golf and tennis, his daily walks and was renowned for his love of ice cream.

Survivors include: his beloved wife of 60 years, Jeanne of Mt. Dora; sons: Mark (Shari) Cain of Utah, David (Karla) Cain of Missouri and Greg (Karen) Cain of Texas; daughter Candace Cain of Alabama; grandchildren: Cody, Ashlee, Katie, Megan, Kylie, Mabrie, Sherri, Kelly and Kristen; 16 great grandchildren as well as other loving extended family.  He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel of First Baptist Church of Leesburg on Thursday, Aug. 18 beginning at 11 a.m. For those who wish and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ministries of First Baptist Church of Leesburg. 

Condolences may be left at beyersfuneralhome.com.

Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg is in charge of all arrangements.

A Celebration of Life for Keith (Bud) Retz will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31 at the Freestone Community Center in Freestone. Bro. Josh Gafford will officiate. 

Mr. Retz passed away on Thursday, August 18 at Parkview Regional Hospital in Mexia. 

He was born in Richmond, Ind. on June 24, 1931 to Eugene & Edith (Wright) Retz. Mr. Retz had lived in Freestone County for the past 21 years. He was an accomplished team roper and raised horses with his late wife, Virginia, operating their own brood mare business. Mr. Retz was a horse trader and loved his profession. 

He is survived by one son, Mike Retz & wife Donna of Donie; two grandsons, Keith Retz & wife Jennifer of west Texas, and Russell Retz & wife Nikki of Hewitt; one great-granddaughter, Lauriel Retz; other relatives and friends. 

Mr. Retz was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Retz. 

Visit bowersfuneralhome.net to sign the memorial guestbook or to leave a message for the family.

Johnnie Wash Medlock of Mart, passed from this life on August 19, 2016. Funeral services for will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 27 at First United Methodist Church of Mart. Seårvices and arrangements entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home of Mexia.

On Sept. 29, 1916, Johnnie was the third oldest of sixteen children born to Ike and Georgia Lee Medlock in Coolidge. Johnnie attended school near Prairie Hill in Limestone County. As a young man, he worked as a farmer and rancher at home. Johnnie, along with his four younger brothers, enjoyed singing around the kitchen table practicing harmonizing their voices. Together, they decided to form a gospel group calling themselves, The Medlock Brothers.  

Johnnie married Pearline Graves on Aug. 28, 1942 in Groesbeck. To this union eight children were born. Remembering his gift from God of singing gospel music, Johnnie, with his brothers, family and friends formed the gospel groups The Faithful Gospel Singers and The Faithfullette Gospel Singers. Johnnie was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Mart, Texas where he served as a deacon for many years unit his death.   

He leaves to cherish his memories three sons: Wilbert G. (Ziona) Medlock of Waco; Johnny W. (Eloise) Medlock, Edward Glen (Lessie) of Mart; Five daughters: Irene Slay of Ft. Worth, Melvie Lene (Jimmy) Swanson, Imogene (Rodney) Mack, Shena Medlock and Katie (Eddie) Lacy of Mart; One brother, Glen Medlock of Mart; One sister, Lillie Horton of Mart; One sister in law, Luevenya Medlock of Mart; One brother in law, Wade Graves, Jr. of Houston; several grand children and a host of relatives and friends.

Caldin Faye Mack Moffett White, also known as “Carolyn” went home to be with the Lord on August 16, 2016 with Robbie by her side during this transition.  

Caldin was born Feb. 20, 1958 to the late Rayford Lee Mack, Sr. and Lizzie Kirven in Limestone County. She graduated from Mexia High School and was employed at the Mexia State Supported Living Center for 20 plus years until her death. She was baptized at an early age at Union Baptist Church of Mexia.  

She was a devoted sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a devoted companion to Robbie Nolan whom they loved each other dearly.   

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She leaves to cherish her memories companion: Robbie Nolan; three children Kizzie (John) Holmes, Kristen (Matthew) Smith, Robert Earl Moffett, Jr.; seven siblings Shirley Mack, Ella Mack, Wonder Britton, Tammy Mack, Barbara (Terry) Dancer, Tricia Mack and Rayford Lee Mack; special brother  Stacy Medlock; six grandchildren Deontre’ (Fantasia) Mack, Skylar, Kimiya, Malachi, Ryland and Joroan; two great-grandchildren Alyza & Lizzie; a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Aug. 27 at First United Methodist Church of Mexia. 

Service and arrangements entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home of Mexia.

Georgie Ruth (Sanders) Murphey of Groesbeck passed away Friday, August 26, 2016 at Groesbeck. She was 89 years old.

Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 29 in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Randy Ayres officiating. Burial followed at Lost Prairie Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Tommy Rutledge, Gary Petty, Pete Sims, James Lewis, Kirk Petty and Cody Sanders. Honorary pallbearers were Doyle Sanders and Johnny Lowther.

Georgie was born May 6, 1927 in Groesbeck to George Sanders and Lilly Arenda Brown Sanders. She grew up and attended school in the Groesbeck/Thornton area.

She married L.D. Rutledge in 1945. They remained married until his death in 1976. While married, Georgie was mainly a homemaker. Later she worked at the Mexia State School. During her lifetime, her family and children were her life. She loved working in her flower beds and cooking for her grandkids. Her family said that she made the best chocolate fudge cake around. Raising her cows was another love of Georgie’s. Even after she sold her cows to her nephew, she still watched over them, making sure they were properly taken care of.

In 1983, Georgie married Jimmy Murphey of Groesbeck, and they remained together until his death in 2005. Georgie enjoyed going to church and when she was able to, she worshiped at the Word of Life church in Groesbeck. Reading and watching westerns on television was also a great joy to Georgie. She loved listening to Nat King Cole and country music.

Georgie was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; a daughter, Sylvia Jeanne Lipsey; a grandson, Larry Daniel Lee; a sister, Minnieola Fraizer; a sister, Mildred Armstrong Reedy; a sister, Lucille Carrole Humphreys; a brother, W.G. Sanders; a brother, R. T. Sanders; a sister, Ella Pearl Pendergrass; and a sister, Nona Faye Kruger.

She is survived by a daughter, Patsy E. Lee and husband Bobby of Groesbeck; a daughter, Barbara N. Morrison of Groesbeck; a granddaughter, Monica L. Marler and husband Jason of Groesbeck; a granddaughter, Lori L. Lowther and husband Johnny of Groesbeck; a grandson, Dennis Morrison and wife Jan of Mexia; a great granddaughter, Kourtney Masters of Salt Lake City, Utah; a great granddaughter, Rachel Marler of College Station; a great granddaughter, Rusti Morrison of Mexia; a great granddaughter, Makenzee Lowther of Groesbeck; a sister, Alice Petty of Kirbyville; a sister Ione Wynne of Lumberton; and a sister, Doloris Sanders of Centerville along with numerous nieces, nephews, and loved ones and many friends.

A memorial service will be held for Michael "Chris" Christensen at 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 2 at the South McKinney Street Baptist Church located at 828 South McKinney. 

Chris was born on Sept. 3, 1950 in Dallas. His parents were Chris and Jennie Christensen who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife Betty Christensen in 2012. Chris passed away on Aug. 28, 2016. at Parkview Regional Hospital.

He is survived by his brother Rick Christensen of Denison and his sister Nikki Christensen of Sherman.

Christ was decorated for honorably serving his country in the U.S. navy during the Vietnam War. 

Chris moved to Mexia in 1985 and worked as a psychologist at the Mexia State Supported Living Center until his retirement in 2014. He served as a psychologist on the Longhorn, Barnett, and Martin Units.

Christ was an active member of the South McKinney Street Baptist Church. Chris and his outgoing personality will be missed by all who knew him.

One of his favorite sayings was, “Only the rocks live forever.”

Melvin Russell Dempsey, 56, of Mexia, passed away September 6, 2016 at Providence Hospice Place in Waco. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9 at Mexia Cemetery with Chaplain Karen Hulsey officiating. Visitation with the family present will be Thursday evening 6-8 p.m. at Porter Funeral Home.

Russell was born Sept. 25, 1959 in Mexia to Robert Melvin and Hazel Dempsey.

He is survived by his mother, Hazel Matchett of Mexia; brother, Elmer Dean Dempsey of Mexia; sisters, Melba Barber of Glen Rose and Debbie Allen & husband, Robert of Dew; nieces, Lisa Marie Smith & husband, Dave of Tehuacana, Kristen Allen and Amy Allen both of Dew and Alexis Dempsey; nephews, Jeremy Allen of Mexia, Jason Allen of Rosenburg and Zeb Barber of Glen Rose.

Visit porterfuneralhometx.com to sign the guestbook and leave a message for the family.

Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Lee Roy Howard, 76, of Mexia, passed away September 5, 2016 at the Manor Nursing Home in Mexia. Funeral services will be held oat 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 10 at Porter Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Gerald Henderson officiating. Interment will be at Coolidge Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be held on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 6–8 p.m.

Lee Roy was born on June 15, 1940 in Munday to Curtis and Bonnie Suggs Howard.

He is survived by his sister, Becky Sims & husband, Jim; grandsons, Tim Krause & wife, Nancy and Howard Krause & wife, Glenda; six grandchildren, sevdn great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Nikki Krause, Kristi Krause, Matt Krause, Jim Sims, Anthony Conn and Terrell Conn. Honorary pallbearer will be Brandon Krause.

Visit porterfuneralhometx.com to sign the guestbook and leave a message for the family.

Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dora (Mema) Mae Means Miller joined the Angel of Sleep into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 23, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m., Sept. 3 at First United Methodist Church of Mexia. Service and arrangements entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home. 

Dora , the daughter of Essie Lee Sanders Means and James Means Sr., was born on Nov. 15, 1933 in Wortham. 

She received her formal education at W. F. Wheeler High School in Wortham where she graduated as the Valedictorian in 1952. In the early 1960’s Mrs. Miller united in Holy Matrimony to Tump Thomas, and to this union were born three children. In the late 1960’s she met and married J.B. Miller.

Mrs. Miller, in 1980, accepted Christ and became a dedicated follower, saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit, serving relentlessly at Mexia Revival Center under the leadership of Pastor and Mother Wright where she remained faithful until her sunset. As a devoted Christian, she has served both in her church and the community as superintendent of Sunday school, loyal and committed employee of Wortham Hospital and 17 years of service for Mexia Independent School District. She also volunteered for over 10 years in the Mexia State School Foster Grandparent Program.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Means Sr.; her mother Essie Lee Sanders Carter; her sister Ruby Means Bennett; her husband J.B Miller; and her daughter Anita (Delores) Thomas Mikes.

She leaves to cherish her loving sweet memory two sons, Alan R. Carter Sr. (Betty) of Fort Worth and Gerald W. Thomas Sr. (Diane) of Mexia; five grand-children, Imelda L. Dunlap (Deon) of Corinth; Alan R. Carter Jr. and Itavia S. Hendricks both of Fort Worth; Gerald W. Thomas Jr. (Breana) Waco; and Chimere Conner (Damian) of Streetman; eight great- grandchildren, Brandon W. Gordon II (Olivia), Trenika Williams, Patrick Curtis, Zion Porter, Christopher Bradley, Kantrell  Conner, Braylee and Brayden Thomas. She has one brother James Means Jr. (Grace) of Ana, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Brysen Jamal Rhodes also known as “BJ” or “B. Rhodes,” passed away on August 28, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sept. 3 at First Baptist Church of Mexia.  Service and arrangements entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home. 

Brysen was born Jan. 1, 1996 to Byron and Camilla Rhodes of Wortham. He attended Wortham Schools and later graduated from New Beginnings in 2014.

Brysen is survived by his parents, Byron and Camilla Rhodes; sister Kameron Rhodes; sister and brother-in-law, Ashley and Collin Brooks; brother Chaston Pruitt; niece, Ameeya Rhodes; maternal great grandmother, Willie Ora Thomas; paternal grandparents Ernestine and Major Kirven; Gene and Elaine Henry Rhodes; maternal grandparents, James and Rosie Thomas; and a host of other family and friends.

Eva Miller, 98, passed away in Mexia on September 10, 2016. She had been a resident of the Mexia LTC for the past three years.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 14 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Don Ellis officiating. Burial will be next to her husband in the Wortham Cemetery. John Ellis, Carmen Sanchez, Shanon Miller, Gail Cate, Keith Satterfield and Jakob Satterfield will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation with the family will be 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

Eva was born in Wortham  on May 7, 1918 to Earnest and Mary Ila Cate Rogers, the oldest of five children. Eva married L.G. “Buddy” Miller on Aug. 8, 1942. She lived most of her adult life in Mexia, where she raised her four children. 

Eva was employed at the Mexia State School and retired in 1979 after completing 22 years of service. She was a graduate of Wortham High School and returned to school, when she was in her early fifties, earning an Associates Degree in Childhood Development. Being loved by many residents at the State School, she was often referred to as “Mama Miller”; in their eyes, there was little that she could not do.

In the kitchen, Eva could take a little something and turn it into the best meal you ever ate. She was making handmade quilts long before it became a fad to do so. Every year she and Buddy would plant a garden and, happily, share a bag or two of black eyed peas with everyone they knew. The best pickles ever made, came out of her kitchen. All of her girls wore “designer clothes” that were made on her old Singer, and later, an updated Kenmore sewing machine.

Eating fried catfish and homemade ice cream will be remembered as some of the best times ever spent at the Miller’s. You never found Eva’s home in a mess, everyone was welcome and there was always something good to eat.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Ila Rogers; husband, L.G. “Buddy” Miller; two sisters, Mary Idell Cowart and Edna Frances Zuber; two brothers, Billy Morris Rogers and Estel Glynn Rogers; grandson, Carl Edward Cargile; and granddaughter, Jessica Ann Messer Barrientez.

Eva is survived by a son, Ronnie Miller of Mexia; daughters, Linda Messer of Mexia, Joan Roberts of Temple and Kay Ellis and husband, Don of Alba; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Visit blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

William Pascal Cornelius, Jr., 79, of Mexia, passed away September 10, 2016 at Hillcrest Hospital in Wacos.  Graveside services will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17 at Mexia Cemetery with Chaplain Karen Hulsey officiating. There will be no formal visitation.

William was born Jan. 23, 1937 in Paris to William Sr. & Dorothy Rawlins Cornelius.  

He is survived by his wife, Robin U. Cornelius of Mexia; daughters, Ruth Ellen Cornelius of Baytown and Lynn Lewis of Dickenson; sisters, Connie Buchanan of Houston, Joyce Klais of Jacksonville, Fla., Marion Bertaut of Thibodaux, La., Ellen Thomas of Slidell, La., Debbie Kimbrough of Pasadena and Dotsy Cook of Slidell, La.; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you donate to the charity of your choice.

Visit porterfuneralhometx.com to sign the guestbook and leave a message for the family.

Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

William Q. “Billy” Bozeman, 75, of Groesbeck, passed away in Waco on September 14, 2016. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17 in the Lost Prairie Cemetery.

Visitation was with the family from 5-7 p.m., Friday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

Billy was born in Texas City on Aug. 4, 1941 to William and Muzetta Mae Johnston Bozeman. He graduated from Mexia High School, Class of 1960. He also attended school in Texas City for a number of years. He retired from United Grocery Store in Dalhart after 19 years of service as an assistant produce manager.

On Dec. 29, 1962, Billy married the love of his life, Gathel Coonce, in Lost Prairie. Together, they raised six children. His life revolved around his family, especially, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Billy had a special place in his heart for children, he loved them all. He also considered “Mr. Hoss”, his dog and faithful companion, a part of his family.

Billy enjoyed watching the University of Texas Longhorns football and baseball games, the LA Dodgers, the Cowboys, during the Tom Landry era, and bowling. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Normie Dean, Larston, Terry and Lester Bozeman; and sisters, “Little” Charlie Bozeman, Lanell Russell and Lynett Dockery.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Gathel Bozeman of Groesbeck; children, Dena Carol Vaught and husband, Scott of Hartley, Crystal Clifton and husband, Tim of Michigan, William “Bucky Bozeman and wife, Debby of Edmond, Okla., David Bozeman and wife, Kelly of Georgia, Anthony “Tony” Bozeman of Edmond, Okla. and Bryan Smally and wife, Patty of Dalhart; a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brothers, Delmer Bozeman and wife, Jane, Dale Bozeman and wife, Beverly, Troy Bozeman and wife, Alice and George Bozeman and wife, Peggy.

Visit blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a memorial message.

Kimberly Ann Manning, 49, of Opelika, Ala. passed away at her home on September 16, 2016 surrounded by her family. God relieved Kim of her pain after  three years of fighting the fight and is now in peace with loved ones.

Kim was born Sept. 23, 1966 in Wortham to Howard Watson, III and Becky Baldwin Oliver.

Visitation with family will be rom 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20 at Porter Funeral Home in Mexia. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Mexia Cemetery with the Reverend Richard Gillet officiating.

Kim attended Westfield High School, class of 1985. She went on to further her career and attended Lufkin Beauty School. Kim married Barry Manning and from that union had three daughters; Brandie, Candice and Amanda.

She was a beautician by trade; certified in hair, nails, pedicures, facials and make-up. However, Kim could do anything. Bake and decorate cakes as a professional, outstanding seamstress, lay bricks, pipe plumbing, do electrical and had the medical knowledge of the best doctor—all the time being a housewife (who was a wonderful cook), mother, grandmother and the very best daughter in the world. Kim was a great friend’s friend, loved by many. She loved life—especially camping—family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her precious and dearly loved grandmother, Jimmie Ruth Murphy Baldwin Grimmett and Hazel Watson; grandfathers Woodrow Baldwin and Howard Watson, Jr.; great-grandparents, James & Sarah Ruth Murphy and Howard & Elma Watson, Sr.

Kim is survived by her mother, Becky Oliver & step-dad Jimmy of Mexia; father, Howard Watson of Waco; husband, Barry Manning of Opelika, Ala.; daughters, Brandie Roberson & Bubba of Teague, Candice Boston & Jay of Cabot, Arkansas and Amanda Perez of Opelika, Ala.; granddaughters, Lexey Perez and Ava & Zoe Boston; grandsons, Brandyn Ty Carpenter, Racyn & Rylan Langley and Seth Garcia; father and mother-in-law, Jim & Linda Manning of Opelika, Ala.; brothers-in-law, Jimmy and Rob Manning also of Alabama and numerous nieces and nephews and her precious dog, Laila.

Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Ty Carpenter, Seth Garcia, Racyn & Rylan Langley, Randy Murphy, Bubba Roberson, Brandon Watson, Danny Ray Fortson, Heath & Kristen McCoslin, Lee Griffin and Jamie Boyd.

In lieu of flowers, donations to American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Visit porterfuneralhometx.com to sign the guestbook and leave a message for the family.

Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

R. Bennett Barham passed away on August 24, 2016 in Houston. He was 66 years old.

Bennett was born Aug. 5, 1950 to E.J. and Imogene Barham. He was the last remaining member of that family. He was proceeded in death by his parents, a sister - Ann Butler and a brother - John R. Barham.

He grew up and went to school in Mexia graduaitng in 1970. After graduation he joined the Air Force (1970-1974). He did two tours of duty in Vietnam.

After leaving the service he moved to Houston and began working for the Port of Houston until he retired in 2014.

Bennett never married and is survived by Bobbie Barham, sister-in-law of Mexia; a niece, Katie Allen of Fairfield; two nephews, Robert Barham of Mexia and Rhett Butler of Fairfield.

Bennett was cremated and his ashes will be spread at his deer lease in South Texas. A memorial service will be held at a later date for friends and family.