Pending Obituaries

Pending services for Scott Spivey.

Scott C. Spivey ( Bud) , 44, of Oakridge, Texas, passed away on September 11, 2021 from a work related accident in Kingston, Oklahoma. 

Scott was born on May 25, 1977 in Nocona ,TX. to Steven and Shirley Spivey. He graduated from Grapevine High School in 1995. He enlisted in the Marine Corp in July 1995. Scott continued his military service in the US Navy from 1997- 2005 as a Sonar Technician ( SST-2) on a USS Submarine. He was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Navy. Scott worked in the transport industry with a specialty in Hazardous Materials. Scott was a dedicated man with his service to others throughout his time as an EMT; Volunteer Fire Fighter and truck driver that provided goods and services to others. He also had a love of music and was a member of GHS marching and concert band. 

Scott married Danielle Mckinnon on May 22, 2009. 

He enjoyed operating the family tractor; spending time and teaching life lessons with his nephews. He listened to audio books and was and avid Ham Radio operator. Bud also enjoyed his time on the Houston Livestock and  Rodeo committee and was a member of Mardi Gras. Most of all, he cherished his time with his dog Dixie Anne. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Steven Spivey, Grandparents Arthur Spivey; Burtris Spivey- Hawkins and Glen Hawkins. He is survived by his wife, Danielle of Oakridge, Mother, Shirley Spivey, Sister, Shelby Martinez-Perez ( Jose), Nephews ( Kaydon and Andrew) all of Nocona Texas.  Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Friends and extended family will miss him and his quirky sense of humor. 

There will be a visitation from 1 – 2 P.M. followed by a memorial service Sunday, September 26, at 2 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home, 600 Clay Street in Nocona, Texas, officiated by Pastor Valleri Sewell. 

As a U.S. veteran, his burial will be at sea to honor his love of his military service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a local First Responder Agency ( Fire, Police, EMS), local animal shelter or charity of your choice. 

Dewey “Kevin” Moore went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 15th at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on October 27, 1964, in Bowie, Texas to Chester and Sandy Moore.  Kevin trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was a Pastor of The House of Prayer in Stoneburg, TX. Kevin was a very well known and respected roofer in Montague County and surrounding areas. Studying the Bible and family were the most important things in his life. He didn’t miss a moment on reminding everyone that Jesus loved them. He was a devoted father and had such a huge heart in helping people in all walks of life leaving his doors opened to his home. Kevin enjoyed watching his sons play sports, hunting, fishing, camping, and taking random adventures with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Sandy Moore, infant son Devin Moore, and nephew Justin Teeters. He is survived by his, spouse, Rachel Moore, sons, Dillon Moore, Lantz Perry, Luke Skinner and Justin Moore. Siblings: Jimmy and Kimberly Teeters, Michael and Carolann Moore and Trisha Moore. Nieces and nephews; Cassandra and Johnathan McElreath, Christin DeMoss and Garrett DeMoss and a Great Nephew Liam.  In 2019 he was blessed with his first grandson Daxton Moore who he adored and loved so much.  Pallbearers will be Daniel Hobbs, James Martin, Josh Moore, Rodger Dishman, Robert Kaiser, Steve Fincher. Honorary Pallbearers Dillon Moore, George Ramirez, Justin Moore, Luke Skinner, Tommy Bowman, and Richard Beagle. The family would like to give a special thanks to all the health staff and Hospice for the loving care they provided over the years and last moments. 

A viewing will be at The House of Prayer on Sunday September 19th from 5-6 PM in Stoneburg, TX. Funeral Service will take place on September 20th at 11 AM located at The house of Prayer in Stoneburg, TX. 

Burial to follow at Hopewell Cemetery in Stoneburg, TX. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the House of Prayer Church, 7296 U.S. HWY 82 N., Bowie, TX 76230.

“Hey! Jesus loves you!”

Alli Rose Walker was born and died on September 10, 2021 in Wichita Falls, TX. She is survived by her parents, Jimmy & Karli Smith Walker of Nocona, TX, grandparents, Jimmy & Lisa Walker of Nocona, TX and Cindy Lyles of Iowa Park, TX, great-grandparents, Robert & Mary Newton of Nocona, TX and Larry Jacobs of Nocona, TX and a sister, Tatum Walker of Nocona, TX. She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Jerry Smith. There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Nocona Cemetery with Minister Joe Caballero officiating. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Jerry K. Petty went to be wit the Lord on August 25, 2021 in Nocona, TX. Jerry was born on July 26, 1941 to Elda & Gladys Grottie Petty in Vernon, TX.. Jerry was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved the Lord, his country, and his family with all his heart and he will be greatly missed. Jerry served in the United States Military aboard the Naval Ship USS Capricorus, he was proud to serve. Jerry was the retired owner-operator of Petty Butane of Nocona. He courageously fought a long battle with cancer and heart disease. Jerry was a member of Shady Grove Church of Nocona. Graveside services will be held on August 31, 2021 at 2 P.M. at Shady Grove Cemetery. There will be a visitation on Monday, August 30, 2021 from 5 – 6 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. Survivors include his wife of 41 years Peggy Lee Petty of Nocona, TX, sister, Scarlett Johnson of Vernon, TX, daughters, Camille and her husband Chris Howard of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Kimberly and husband Brian Carpenter of Moalton, TX, Michelle and husband Scott Beard of Lubbock, TX, Kizzy and husband Chris Lewellen of Childress, TX, and one son, Kevin Petty of Saint Clairsville, Ohio. Thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandson. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Janet Haynes, 66, died on August 19, 2021 in Pearland, TX. She was born on August 12, 1955 in Wichita Falls, TX to James “Jim” & Mary Reed Nelson. Janet was a hardworking woman and friend to all. She worked as a lab tech for Nocona General Hospital for many years. She married the love of her life Dale Haynes on December 22, 1973 in Wichita Falls, TX who then preceded her in death on Sept. 5, 2015. She loved her family and showed great support for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children, James Haynes of Nocona, TX, Jessica Haynes of Galveston, TX, Joshua Haynes of Nocona, TX, sisters, Kyle Nelson-Cook of Wichita Falls, TX, JoAnn Nelson-Bell of Arlington, TX, brother, Jon Nelson of Onalaska, TX, 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation on Sunday, August 29, 2021 from 6 – 7 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona. A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 30, 2021 at 2 P.M. at Crestview Memorial Park in Wichita Falls, TX officiated by Minister Jack McBride. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Jeannine Stillwell Fitts departed to be with her Lord and savior on August 21, 2021 in Boerne, TX. 

Jeannine was born in Memphis, Texas on July 8, 1930, to Jess and Ora Mae Stillwell. She was the youngest of their four children. She married her high school sweetheart, Roy C. Fitts, Jr on December 25, 1947. She graduated from Nocona High School in the class of 1948. Jeannine and Roy went on to have 4 children Roy C III (C-Boy), Amy, Danny and Edwin.

Jeannine wore many hats in her lifetime. She worked at Nocona Junior High, Gilbert’s Hardware and was the secretary for her husband, Roy’s Texaco business. She retired in 1993. 

She and Roy traveled following the PBR in their retirement and gained the distinction of Fans of the Year. Jeannine loved to travel and was able to see many places. Her travels took her to Europe, across the United States and she documented her experiences. Jeannine and Roy C enjoyed watching and supporting the Nocona Indians play ball, it didn’t matter the sport. 

Jeannine was the president of the Maids and Matrons and remained involved for some time. 

Her zest for life is an inspiration to those who know and love her. Jeannine was always planning and doing, she liked to be busy. She was an avid painter and created beautiful images that will be cherished.  She enjoyed painting with her art club every week in Nocona. She shared her love of art with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Jeannine was a contributor to the Tails n’ Trails Museum and loved the history of Montague County. 

She was a believer in the Lord, she served and worshipped at the Church of Christ in Nocona. Her grandchildren loved to hear her sing in church. She was always proud to have her family with her in church and lived a good example for them to follow. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy C, her sister, Auvarie Dodson, her brothers JB Stillwell and Delford Stillwell. 

Jeannine leaves a strong legacy of love, faith and living well. She is survived by her children, Roy C Fitts III (Gina) of Arlington, Amy Lovett (Gary) of Boerne, Danny Fitts (Carol)of Nocona, and Edwin Fitts (Nancy) of Andrews.  She leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren who loved her so dearly.

There will be a visitation from 1 – 2 P.M. at the Church of Christ in Nocona, TX, followed by a memorial service at 2 P.M on Saturday, August 28, 2021.  

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Tales N’ Trails Museum of Nocona..

Peggy Fern Green Holland went to be with her Lord on August 18, 2021 in Nocona, Texas.  Born in Forestburg, Texas, on November 8, 1937, to Carl and Gacie Green, Peggy graduated from Forestburg High School in 1956.  On December 28, 1956, Peggy married the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Holland, at Bethel Baptist Church in Nocona. They had 4 children and 5 grand children together, and would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this year.

Although she worked periodically for the Montague County ASCS office and as secretary at Bethel Baptist Church, Peggy's main job was her family.  She raised her 4 children with love and considered being a housewife and mother her most important accomplishment in life.  While raising her children in Nocona, the family attended Bethel Baptist Church.  In 1973, the family moved to their farm in Forestburg, the farm where Peggy lived as a child.  At that time, Peggy and Kenneth became members of Forestburg Baptist Church.  In later years, they returned to Bethel Baptist.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, John Carlyle Green and Gacie Pearl Kilpatrick Green, two sisters, Eva Crayton and Iva Elsworth, and a brother, Raymond, who died in infancy.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Kenneth, her 4 children, Christy Ruyle and husband, Marvin, of Aubrey, Mitch Holland of Nocona, Kendall Holland and wife, Leticia, of Aubrey, and Brent Holland and wife, Sharon, of Aurora, Colorado, and her 5 grandchildren, Jessica Golias and husband, Jared, of Denton, Kedrek Holland of Aubrey, Avery Holland of Aurora, Colorado, Evan Holland of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Jagger Holland of Aubrey, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Peggy enjoyed travelling and was fortunate to be able to travel twice to Australia to visit her son and family, then on to New Zealand while there.  She also visited many states with her husband and children during her lifetime.  Reading was another activity which brought her joy, and she spent many hours perusing a variety of materials, from cookbooks, to magazines, to novels.  Peggy also loved to sew, and sewed much of her family's clothing when her children were growing up.  She and Kenneth had a passion for listening to Polka music, and they spent many hours watching and listening to polka dancing on tv.  She always had a lovely smile on her face, and enjoyed visits from family and friends, always ready to lend a helping hand until physical limitations made that difficult.  

Peggy's biggest joy in life was always family. She loved having her family around her.  She loved her children, and her grandchildren brought her immeasurable happiness during her lifetime.  

The family will be having visitation on Saturday, August 28th, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church.  A celebration of life service will be held at Bethel Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m., with interment following at Dye Mound Cemetery.  Masks are requested and will be provided.

The family asks, in lieu of flowers, that memorial donations be made to Bethel Baptist Church.

Doyle Underwood, 97, died on August 15, 2021 in Wichita Falls, TX. He was born on December 3, 1923 in Nocona, TX to Tack & Nina Fowler Underwood. Doyle worked hard all of his life. He was a supervisor for Grant Construction & Maintenance at Nocona Hospital. He was a veteran of WW II in the US Army. He was also a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Nocona. He married the love of his life, Janet Brannon on March 19, 1983 in Nocona, TX. He is survived by his wife, Janet Underwood of Iowa Park, TX, children, LeAnne Baird & Husband R.J. Winston of Iowa Park, TX, Judy Morgan & husband Mark of Wichita Falls, TX, Tonya Norman & husband Rob of Nocona, TX, James Sidwell & wife Teresa of Greenville, TX, Kenneth Sidwell & wife Pam of Muenster, TX, sister, Doris Maxey of Wichita Falls, TX, grandchildren, MaKenna & Tate Baird of Iowa Park, TX, Destinee, Keegan, & Xander Norman of Nocona, TX, Kandace Hyden & Shelby Turner of Greenville, TX, Clint Sidwell of Muenster, TX and 5 Great-Grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Doyle Wayne “Rabbit” Underwood, grandson, Chris Sidwell, siblings, Gertie, Lola, Reuben, Pat, Wilton “Ross” and Mary. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 from 6 – 8 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 1 P.M. at Bethel Baptist Church in Nocona with Rev. Patrick Hill officiating. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Phillip Hyden, Keith Turner, Clint Sidwell, Triston Hyden, Corbin Hyden, and Robert David Molsbee. Honorary Pallbearers are Tate Baird, Xander Norman, Mack Turner, and Case Turner. Memorial donations may be made to Beyond Faith Hospice of Wichita Falls or University Park Rehabilitation and Health Care Activity Fund in Wichita Falls, TX.

Audra Don Howard, 90, of Nocona, Texas, passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021. A graveside service honoring her life will be held Monday, August 16 at 11:00 am at Liberty Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Dave Woodbury officiating. Arrangements under the direction of Jerry Woods Funeral Home. A daughter of the late William and Ola Mae McCray Goldsmith, Audra was born October 6, 1930 in Nocona, Texas.  She graduated from Nocona High School in l948.  Audra married Phil Douglas Howard in November of l949.  She was a part of the office staff of the Nocona Boot Co. and retired from Allied Telephone Company. She was a loving mother and grandmother, her family was her greatest joy.  Audra loved gardening, canning and was known to make the best fried chicken and homemade peach ice cream. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Nocona. Audra was proceded in death by her parents, husband, Phil Howard, daughter, Debbie Brady Dennis, her sisters, Willie Mae Woolard and Clara Cardwell. She was loved and cherished by her surviving family, sons Gary Howard and wife Elaine of Folsom, CA, Danny Howard and wife Janell of Nocona, Texas, daughter Denise Groves and husband Marvin of Wichita Falls, Texas.  Grandchildren Chris Brady and fiance Kate Bloomingdale of Little Elm, Texas, Ashley Woodall and husband James of Fulshear, Texas, Bree Blais and husband Erik of Dallas, Texas, Blake Groves of Lubbock, Texas, Joshua Howard and wife Amy of Rocklin, CA, Lauren Fader and husband Dillon of Folsom, CA, Lindsey Warner and husband Andrew of Folsom, CA.  Great grandchildren, Preslee and Alex Woodall, Emily and Nolan Howard, Bebe Blais and Lucas Fader. The family wishes to express their personal thanks to the excellent care by the staff at Yester Year Home. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of their choice.

 Billie Marie Cook born December 21, 1930 passed away peacefully the age of 90 on August 11, 2021 with her loved ones at her bedside. Billie graduated from Nocona High School in 1948 and was married to Charles Houston Cook for 65 years until his death in 2015. Billie traveled the world and loved singing in the choir and teaching the children that attended Bethel Baptist Church and Vacation Bible School every summer. Those that knew her well would tell you she could brighten any room and her infectious smile will forever be missed. Billie enjoyed playing cards and dominoes and was forever the partner each of her grandkids always wanted to play with. She is survived by her daughter Pam Wein and her five grandsons Paul Wein Jr, Mike Caffey, Charlie Art Wein, Nick Caffey and Michael Scott Wein along with nine great grandchildren. She touched so many lives and those that were fortunate enough to call her mom, grandmother, and friend knew just how special of a person she was. The family invites everyone to share in her memorial service at 2 pm Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Bethel Baptist Church in Nocona, Texas with a graveside service to follow at Perryman Cemetery in Forestburgh Texas where she will be laid to rest next to her husband Charles Houston Cook and her son Michael Houston Cook both preceding her in death 

Linda Gayle Walters died on August 6, 2021 in Denison, TX.  She was born Linda Gayle Evans to O.O. “Calf” Evans & Mary Olean Chaffin Evans in Nocona, TX on June 27, 1947.  In 1955 the family moved to Gainesville, TX.  She graduated Gainesville High School class of 1965.  After that she graduated from CCJC in 1967 then East Texas State Commerce in January of 1970.  She spent 30 years teaching, 7 years in Tyler, TX, 2 years in Saint Jo, TX, and 21 years in Gainesville Cooke County Special Education which was her passion.  She married Leo Walters on August 20, 1977 in Nocona, TX.  Leo preceded her in death on Jan. 27, 2014.  They had one son Michael Paul Walters.  They lived in Saint Jo since August of 1977.  They traveled all over the country to Florida, Colorado, Wyoming, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky and all three loved to play golf.  She is survived by her son Michael Walters of Saint Jo, TX, brother, David Evans & wife Donna of Gainesville, TX, sister-in-law, Jacquelyn Gardner of Bowie, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother, Jack Evans.  There will be a visitation on Sunday, August 8, 2021 from 6 – 8 P.M. at the Church of Christ in Saint Jo, TX.  A funeral service will follow on Monday, August 9, 2021 at 10 A.M. at the Church of Christ in Saint Jo, TX officiated by Minister Steve Chism.  Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Chris Cannon, Chris Evans, Ritchie Evans, Mike Wiggington, Brent Baliey, and Heath Spruill.  Memorial donations may be made to the Church of Christ in Saint Jo, TX.

Radah Winona Taylor Russell

*( Sugar Mawmaw )*

November 19, 1927 – August 4, 2021

Radah Winona Taylor Russell, 93, entered the presence of her Lord and Saviour on August 4, 2021.

*(And there’s no doubt she went in waving and with a loud voice, saying, “HELLO EVERYBODY”, which would be very easy for her since she never met a stranger while she was here on this earth.)*

Visitation will be held from 6 - 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug 6 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona. 

A celebration of her life will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, Aug. 7 at the First Assembly of God Church in Nocona with ministers Calvin Durham and Donald Cheshire officiating, under the direction of Jerry Woods Funeral Home. 

Interment will follow in Molsbee Chapel Cemetery, Nocona, TX. Arraignments have been entrusted to Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona, TX

Radah Russell was born on November 19, 1927 in Montague County to William and Annie Murphy Taylor in Mountain Park, OK.  She was married to her sweetheart, Clarence Russell, on July 6, 1945 in Waurika, OK, and remained together for over 73 years, until he passed away in 2019.  She was the oldest living member of Nocona Assembly of God.  

Together, she and Clarence celebrated parenthood with the birth of their first son, Danny Joe and 7 years later they were doubly blessed with twin sons, Ronnie & Donnie.  Her joy was her Lord, her family, both in her home, her extended family, as well as her church family.

She served along side her husband in ministry for over 65 years.  Together they pastored several churches, including Saint Jo A/G, after which, they retired only to continue serving others in any capacity that they were called on to do so.  She loved to sing, play the piano and guitar, and enjoyed talking to everyone she could.  Radah had an extremely outgoing personality and a lavish, and unparalleled wit about her.  Many have commented on several occasions “she was always the life of the party.”  She knew how to enjoy life and she had a great time doing so.    

She is preceded in death by her parents; 9 siblings, her husband, Clarence Russell, one son, Danny Joe Russell, and one granddaughter, Cynthia LeAnn Russell

She is survived by 2 sons, Ronnie Russell and wife, Glenda of Chico, TX and Don Russell and wife, Diane of Gracemont, OK; 

12 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 1 sister, and many nieces, nephews, multiplied cousins, and a host of precious and deeply loved extended family and friends.

Memorials may be made to the First Assembly of God Churches in Nocona or First Assembly of God in Saint Jo, TX

** Special Appreciation to those at Grace Care Center who have kept a watchful eye on her and have shown her such amazing love and care.

And to those at Solarice Hospice who came onboard to bring additional love and care in her last few weeks here on earth.  

She loved you all and never missed a chance to brag about how good you were to her.  And for that we are forever grateful.  

Ruby Towery, 91, died on July 8, 2021 in Nocona, TX. She was born on March 29, 1930 to Raymond & Nell Perona Swearingin in Nocona. She worked as a Bootmaker for the Nocona Boot Co. and later became a supervisor. She married the love of her life Keith Towery on June 26, 1948 in Henrietta, TX. She is survived by her daughters, Janis Reed & husband Charles of Nocona, Cindy Robnett & husband Ray of Waurika, OK, Kathy Bell & husband Jim of Davis, OK, Billie Wolsey & husband Scott of Bowie, TX, grandchildren, Jennifer Reed Roby & husband Jeff, Casey Robnett & wife Sheila, Jessica Robnett Thompson & husband Eric, Neeley Barnett & husband Todd, Brandon Reed, Jimie Bell, , great-grandchildren, Evan Thompson, Hudson Robnett, Dallas Gonzales, Owen Robnett, Jaxon Roby, Preston Robnett, Addison Thompson, Griffin Thompson, Tinsley Lewis, Kobe & Chayton Humble, & Lexi Barnett. Ruby is preceded in death by her parents, husband, In-laws, Son & Pearl Towery, brothers, J.T. Swearingin and Dwayne Swearingin, sister, Mary Thomas & husband James.  There will be a visitation on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 1 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel followed by a graveside service at 2 P.M. at Nocona Cemetery officiated by ministers Charles Reed & Calvin Durham. Memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, 400 Boston, Nocona, TX 76255

Born on August 21, 1921, Royce Frank Chism was a charismatic presence with a sharp wit, a shrewd businessman, a loving husband, a devoted family man and a masterful 42 player. He embodied the work ethic, commitment to family, and frugality characteristic of the “Greatest Generation.” On July 1, 2021, he passed away peacefully.

Born in Valley View, Texas, he was the oldest son of seven children born to a traveling preacher and stalwart mother who tried to keep him in line. Royce had a natural knack for business and was a whip-smart and scrupulous businessman. He began his career as a cattleman at the age of 11 when he started managing his family’s livestock in Acme, Texas and buying and selling his own. He was always on the lookout for the next deal--whether cattle, ranch land, flipping a piece of rusty farming equipment found at a yard sale, or anything in between. Making deals brought him a sense of accomplishment and he enjoyed the “game,” especially when it worked out in his favor (which it usually did). He closed his last land deal at the age of 94.

On August 18, 1940, at age 18, Royce was working as a truck driver when he made the best decision of his life--crossing the border into Oklahoma, exaggerating his age and marrying Doris Tatum of Quanah, Texas. They were married for 65 years, during which time they remained strongly in love while also becoming best friends and successful business partners. The pair moved to Dallas in 1941and later settled in Irving, Texas, where Royce pursued a career in the aviation industry. At 52, Royce retired from the LTV Corporation and focused solely on his real passion, ranchland and livestock businesses. 

He enjoyed travel and took Doris wherever in the world she wanted to go including China, Ireland, Spain, Thailand, Australia, and the Holy Lands, often returning to DFW sporting the typical headgear of the country they had visited--a tam, beret, or African bush helmet.

Royce was an elder in the Church of Christ, and in 1964 he was instrumental in founding a new, more accepting, ecumenical congregation, Central Church of Christ in Irving. Philanthropy was a significant part of Royce and Doris Chism’s married lives. They gave generously to their church, supported orphanages, and directly helped many people less fortunate than themselves. They often used their real estate business to give individuals and families a boost toward home ownership, which they saw as critical to financial success and wellbeing. Through his mentorship and financial backing he also helped many friends and acquaintances launch their own business ventures and propel future success. 

Above all else, Royce was a family man. He loved all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren fiercely, whether related by blood, marriage, or adoption. He demonstrated sincere interest and was intimately involved in all of their lives--sometimes more than they would have preferred--and he has passed this legacy down to at least four generations of Chisms. Of his family, he demanded honesty and hard work , always expecting good things to eventually come about for each and every one of them. Ultimately he hoped that they would find as much happiness and success in their lives as he had.

Doris preceded Royce in death in November 2005, and Royce remained loyal to her memory and the strong moral code the two espoused for the rest of his life. He moved to Nocona, Texas in 2006 where he was a member of the Nocona Church of Christ, a regular volunteer delivering groceries to the Senior Center and a major presence in the lives of his daughter De Brown, grandson Mac McEwan, and their families. In his final years, living at Cherry Street Village, he was always grateful and appreciative of every act of kindness and assistance he received by the amazing staff there led by Mary and Lyn Adams. He entertained all of his caregivers and visitors and continued to stir up as much trouble as possible.

Together, Doris and Royce raised three children who all survive their father: his daughter Linda Lott and husband Michael of Charlotte, NC; son Wayne Chism and wife June of Utopia, Texas.; and daughter De Brown and husband Clint of Nocona, Texas. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, along with all of their spouses and innumerable friends who all feel fortunate to have been part of Royce’s life.

Royce understood how to create his own luck and did so throughout his life. He always kept a positive outlook and expected everything to turn out for the best. He saw his success as a result of principled living and offered plenty of free advice to keep everyone around him on the straight and narrow. His dry wit and quick sense of humor impressed all who crossed his path. The world will be a much less interesting place without his mischief, his antics, his criticism, his love, and his unequivocal presence. Bon voyage, Royce. Enjoy Tahiti. We all look forward to meeting you and Doris there one day.

The family invites all those who loved Royce to join them for a memorial service at the Nocona Church of Christ, 311 Cooke St, Nocona, Texas, on Saturday, July 10, at 4 p.m. The service will be followed by a cowboy supper at the ranch. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Royce’s name to the Nocona Senior Citizens Center, 400 Boston St., Nocona, Texas, (940) 825-3148.

Millie Jean Waters Weaver, 89, died on June 23, 2021 in Nocona, TX. She was born on April 20, 1932 in Nocona, TX to Bill & Ethel Mae Ashcraft Waters. Millie Jean was a hard worker all of her life, raising 3 children, working in the furniture store, gas station & making envelopes. She loved to support her community while being a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Nocona & a 50 year plus member of Order of the Eastern Star. She married the love of her life, Bobbie Lee Weaver on March 6, 1949 in Montague County Texas. She is survived by her children: daughters, Bobbie Tuggle of Nocona, Sue Lemons of Nocona, and son, Robert Weaver of Henrietta, TX, 15 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren. There will be a visitation at 10 A.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home on June 26, 2021. It will be followed by a graveside service at 11 A.M. at Molsbee Chapel Cemetery officiated by Rev. Patrick Hill. The grandsons will serve as Pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church of your choice or the Scottish Rite Hospital for children.

Melba Joyce Shelton Lunsford was born on September 3, 1937 to Carson & Martha Cearley Shelton in Decatur, TX where she grew up. Her family was always her focus, and she volunteered for PTA and other school committees, Scouts, etc. She worked at Sears in Wichita Falls for many years, making many good friends there. Joyce was an avid cross-stitcher, and spent many hours researching the family’s genealogy. She loved gardening and watching all the birds attracted to her bird feeders. Joyce was very involved in the Friends of the Nocona Public Library and was proud to support their Summer Reading Program. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 10 A.M. at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Decatur, TX with Pastor Willard Kiper officiating. A reception will be held after at 11 A.M. at the New Salem Free Will Baptist Church, 4455 S. F.M. 51, Decatur, TX 76234. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Friends of the Nocona Public Library Summer Reading Program, 10 Cooke St, Nocona, TX 76255.

Mary K. Simmons, 81, died at her home on Thursday, June 17, 2021 in Nocona, TX. She was born on October 1, 1939 to Jodie & Mable Woodman Hancock in Portales, NM. She worked as a nurse most of her life. She married Dan Simmons who preceded her in death. She is survived by her sons, Jimbo Hancock of Nocona, TX, John Hancock of Belcherville, TX, Joe Hancock of Albuquerque, NM, 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. A private family memorial service will be held a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, 400 Boston, Nocona, TX 76255.

Larry M. Snell, 77, died on May 29, 2021 in Dallas, TX. He was born on July 10, 1943 in Arlington, TX to Penn Monroe Snell Jr. & Addie Louise Hartsfield Snell. Larry was a dedicated man and a hard worker all of his life. He graduated from college at UT of Arlington receiving a BBA in Economics. He worked at the Federal Reserve Bank & was the VP of the checking dept. He was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army and a part of The Green Beret Special Forces where he earned numerous medals including a bronze star & Purple Heart. He was also a 1stlieutenant of the Vietnam War. He married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Davis on Aug. 7, 1972 in Richardson, TX. He is survived by his children, Mark Randall Davis of Fort Worth, TX, Kevin Lowell Davis of Krum, TX, Christi McBride & husband Kent of Flower mound, TX, sisters, Brenda Pushie & husband, Raymund of Arlington, TX, brother, Monty Dean Snell of Wills Point, TX and four grandchildren, Maya & Abby McBride and Talon and Havyn Gilliland. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Shirley Snell, and sister, Sandra Jean Snell. There will be a graveside service on Sunday, June 6, at 2 P.M. at Elm Branch Cemetery in Bardwell, TX officiated by Minister Jack McBride. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation or Veteran’s Memorial Plaza in Nocona, TX.