Rebecca Metcalf, 89, of Paris, passed away Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Paris Regional Medical Center.
Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled graveside services for 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 27th, at Meadowbrook Gardens with Rev. Ben Read & Rev. Glynn Vickers officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 – 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Metcalf, the daughter of O. V. & Henrietta Kelly Salter, was born Feb. 11, 1924, in the Shady Grove Community of Lamar County.
During World War II she worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and later retired from J. C. Penny. She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church.
She married Thomas Ladd Metcalf in 1945, and he preceded her in death in 1970. She was also preceded in death by a son, John Orion Metcalf and a great grandson, Colton Blake Cochran.
Survivors include two sons, Thomas Morgan Metcalf & wife Jean of Denison and Mark Metcalf & wife Dorothy of Blossom, grandchildren, Kristi Cochran of Paris, Morgan Metcalf of Denison, Kyle Metcalf of Denison, Jackson Tyler Brown of Blossom and Clint Moore of Paris, great grandchildren, Katelyn Metcalf, Rachel Metcalf, Harlee Cochran and Preslee Cochran along with several nieces & nephews.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.
Charles Leonard Ratliff, 88, of Powderly, Texas passed from this earth and was welcomed into the open arms of his Lord and Savior, March 22, 2013. Services are scheduled for 10:00 am, Monday, March 25, 2013, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4-6 pm, Sunday at the funeral home.
Leonard was born August 24, 1924 in Fisher County, Texas to Charlie and Katie Burk Ratliff. He was the older brother to two sisters, Jewell and Faye.
He grew up in west Texas, graduating from Roby High School when he was 16. He served in the Navy from 1943 – 1946, assigned to the Jasper PYC13 which patrolled the west coast along California and Baja California.
After his time of serving his country ended, he returned to Fisher County and married his sweetheart, Eva Crawford, on January 4, 1947 in Rotan, Texas. They made their home in Roby, Texas until 1951 at which time they moved to Midland, Texas. Leonard worked for Superior Oil Company in Midland for 19 years. In 1971 he purchased land in the Novice Community of Lamar County where he built a home and returned to his love of the farm and ranch life. In addition to raising cattle, he worked for Harrison Walker Construction Company for several years and later established his own construction business from which he retired.
Leonard was a kind and gentle husband, father and grandfather. He was a Godly man who loved his family with all of his heart and lived his life demonstrating his love of the Lord to all those around him. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Paris, where he had served as a deacon for many years.
Leonard loved the outdoors, gardening, and taking care of his horses and cows. He loved people and was always available to offer a helping hand to anyone in need.
Leonard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eva Ratliff and their children and spouses; son Randy and Carolyn Ratliff of Powderly, Texas, daughter Tanya and David Stout of Arlington, Texas and daughter Sherry and Brad Bush of Arlington, Texas; grandchildren Jeff and Carolyn Ratliff, Michael and Wanda Green, Angela and Ronnie Points, Casey and Candace Bush, Samantha and Chris Manzo, Cody and Heather Bush and Caleb Bush; great-grandchildren Tyler and Colby Ratliff, Bekah Green, Ben and Ava Points, Cadie and Chloe Bush, Wesley and Connor Crissey, Cannon Manzo and Kaitlyn Bush. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Kate Ratliff. His grandsons will serve as casket bearers.
Daddy, we will miss you but we are so thankful that you are celebrating your new life in heaven with our Lord and Savior – whole again and totally pain free! Thank you for showing us the joy that is found in living a Godly life. What a legacy you have left. We will try to fill your very big shoes!
The requests that memorials be given to the Finish the Race Program, % First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 489, Paris, TX 75461.
To leave a message or tribute for the family pleased visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.
Mrs. Dottie Troylene Massey, 65, of Paris passed away Thursday, March 21, 2013 at DuBuis Hospital.
She was born on April 16, 1947 in Dallas a daughter of Troy Digby Sr. and Dorthy Flynn Digby. She was a beautician and homemaker. Dottie loved to cook and everyone especially liked her enchiladas and german chocolate cakes. At Christmas time her family always looked forward to her pumpkin pies. Dottie will be remembered as a person who never met a stranger.
Survivors include her spouse C.D. Massey whom she married on August 8, 2003 in Lamar County; her son Richard B. Neal and daughter-in-law Selina Neal; grandchildren Christian Neal, Chance Neal, Cysilee Roper; brothers Troy Digby, Jr., Ronnie Digby; and her sister Donna Burnett; aunt Betty Flynn, cousin, Sue Steffey; niece Barbara Whitmier and sister-in-law Helen Morrison and numerous other close family and friends including neighbor Deborah Upchurch and long-time friend Julie. She was preceded in death by her parents Troy Digby, Sr. and Dorothy Flynn Digby Wilks; and a brother Larry Digby.
Graveside services were conducted at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, March 24, 2013 in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Rev. Mike Fortenberry officiating. Pallbearers will be Chance Neal, Christian Neal, Kenny Massey, Willie Hudson, Joe Rickman, Sr., Joey Rickman, Jr.and honorary pallbearers were Bubba Coston and Eddie Massey. Family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. Saturday at the Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home where online condolences may be sent by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.
Rudy (Rudolph) C. Shufeldt, 75, of Powderly, formerly of Fort Towson, OK passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. Cremation was under the direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home.
A family directed memorial service will be held at a future date and inquiries of the time may be made to his family.
Mr. Shufeldt was born April 5, 1937 in Kansas City, MO to Adolph C. Shufeldt and Minnie Wampler Shufeldt.
He was preceded in death by his parents of Fort Towson; and two sisters, Shirley Adams of Rosamond, CA and Judith Shrewsburg of Fort Towson, OK.
Survivors include his wife Patricia of Powderly; son, Rudy Shufeldt & wife Lisa of Elysburg, PA; daughter, Leslie Templeton & husband Gary of Powderly; granddaughters, Courtney Valdes & husband Lindsey of Austin and Tricia Shufeldt of Elysburg, PA; grandson, Erick Shufeldt of Elysburg, PA; great-granddaughter, Kelsey Valdes of Austin; great-grandson, Solomon Valdes of Austin; four brothers, Robert Shufeldt of Fort Towson, OK, Bill Shufeldt & wife Susan of Rome, GA, Steve Shufeldt & wife Cathy of Paris and Mark Shufeldt of Fort Towson, OK along with many dearly loved nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.
James Harold “Buster” Harbuck, 59, of Reno, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Paris Regional Medical Center.
Buster, the son of Henry & Neva Smith Harbuck, was born March 4, 1954, in Paris.
He graduated from Paris High School in 1972. Following graduation he began a career in the construction field working for Misso Construction Company of Paris from 1973 – 1985, alongside his father, Henry Harbuck, who was then superintendent. During those years he worked on projects at St. Joseph’s Hospital, L. P. McCuistion Regional Medical Center, North Lamar High School, Texas Highway Department, Texas Workforce, several physicians’ offices and the Aerofit Fitness Center. He then traveled across the state for twenty-five years working for various construction companies as their project superintendent until his retirement due to health issues.
Buster had a passion for outdoor sports; hunting, field trials with his birddogs and drag racing, but his greatest joys were his grandchildren, Daylan Whitley & Angelina Harbuck, who lovingly knew him as Pepa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Brenda Grizzle, a special aunt & uncle, Edith & Buddy Stephenson and in-laws, Dr. J. R. Jackson & Johanna Jackson.
Survivors include his wife, Jocasta Jackson Harbuck whom he married in 1977, two daughters, Alecia Harbuck & fiancé Christopher Brandon of Arlington and Angela Harbuck of Blossom, grandchildren, Daylan Whitley & Angelina Harbuck, sisters, Sandra Windsor & husband Ray of Reno, Lillie Cole of Paris and Patricia Jones & husband David of Blossom, a brother-in-law, Jon Grizzle of Faught, brother-in-law & sister-in-law, James Jackson, Jr. & Vickie Jackson of Sumner, his mother-in-law, Colette Jackson of Paris along with his precious nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.
Casket bearers will be: Joey Stanphill, Gary Robinson, Mike Barnett, Steve Hutchings, Jeff Smith and Micah Jones. Tommy Huddleston & Randy Locke will serve as honorary bearers.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.
James Eugene “Gene” Starks, a quiet, humble man of 83, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 20, 2013, at his home in Roxton. He was a loving husband, father, and Grandaddy.
He was born, December 26, 1929, in Clayton, New Mexico to the late George Starks and Sudie Wells. He was preceeded in death by brothers, George and Lloyd Starks and an aunt, Lillie Wells.Gene served in the Air Force as a Senior Propeller Mechanic. He received the Korean Service Medal, the UN Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal for his service to his country.
He worked for A & J Propane at the time of his retirement. He was a devoted member of the Roxton Volunteer Fire Department. He was one of the first members when the RVFD was established in 1967. He served as Fire Chief for 25 plus years, until he had to step down due to health problems. At that time the department gave him recognition as Honorary Fire Chief.
He was very instrumental in making sure the Roxton July 4th fireworks show happened each year. His last year to help was July 2011, when he was only able to sit in the fire truck and give instructions from there. He was known as a “man of few words” in the Roxton Community. But his words were meaningful and powerful when he did speak.
Gene is survived by his loving and caring wife, Ruthie Mae Akers Starks, whom he married on December 26, 1954; one son, Stanley Starks of Chicota; three daughters, Sabrina Rosson and husband, Jeff of Roxton; Nadine Brem of Paris; Anita Ellis and husband, Marcus of Roxton. He leaves to cherish his devoted grandchildren, Hank Bryant and wife Jennifer; Kathy Archuleta and husband Joseph; Sandra Ramsey and husband Shaun; Rachel Wood and husband, Marcus; Garath Rosson and wife Kara; Jacob Brem and wife Merrie; Michael Brem; Jerimy Bell and wife Stacie; Chase and Carlee Dake and Bryan Murphy. He had nine great-grandchildren, a host of brother and sister-in-laws, and nieces and nephews.
Serving as pall bearers will be Tony Brem, Jacob Brem, Michael Brem, Garath Rosson, Chase Dake, and Marcus Wood. Honorary pall bearers will be Evan Wood, Dakota Johns, Kain Rosson, Larry Bramlett, and the Roxton Volunteer Fire Department members.
Memorials may be made to the Roxton Volunteer Fire Department.
Online condolences may be sent to the Starks family at www.fry-gibbs.com.