Category: Obituaries

Funeral services for Jerry Davis, 70, of Athens, Texas are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2014 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Athens, Texas with Bro. Gene Bishop officiating. Interment will follow at Patterson Cemetery in Cross Roads, Texas.

Mr. Davis passed from this life on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 in Athens, Texas.

Jerry Davis was born May 26, 1943, in Athens, Texas to James Newburn Davis and Delia Francis Tolbert Davis. Jerry married the love of his life Roberta Richardson Davis in 1965. He soon started his career in the Oil Business as a Rig Superintendent for Santa Fe Drilling Company moving the family to Scotland in 1970 and later working in Japan, Egypt, Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, Greece and the Philippines for Dixie Lynn Oil Field Company. He was an avid outdoorsman, rancher and farmer who loved fishing and his dog Trixie. Jerry was a Baptist and a loving, caring family man who will be greatly missed by all he knew.

Mr. Davis is preceded in passing by his parents.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Roberta Davis of Athens, Texas; his children, Clay Davis and wife Christal of Frisco, Texas, Clint Davis and Sheila Durden of Athens, Texas, Amy Sherrell and husband Billy of New York, Texas; three brothers, Mark Davis and wife Ruby of Cross Roads, Texas, Nathan Davis and wife Mary Ann of Athens, Texas, Dan Davis and wife Barbara of Athens, Texas; one sister, Cathy Bishop and husband Gene of Cross Roads, Texas; ten grandchildren, Deven Davis, Taylor Davis, Chase Davis, Brandon Davis, Hunter Davis, Sarah Davis, Amanda Sharp, Haley Durden, Adam Logan, Laci Logan, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Serving as pallbearers will be Deven Davis, Taylor Davis, Chase Davis, Brandon Davis, Hunter Davis and Adam Logan. Honorary pallbearers will be Sarah Davis, Amanda Sharp, Haley Durden and Laci Logan.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 5, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made to: Shady Oaks Baptist Church Building Fund, 9536 F.M. 59 Athens, TX 75751.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Family in Athens, TX.

You may write condolences or light a memorial candle at: www.hannigansmith.com

Funeral services for Jan Aaron, 57, of Athens, Texas are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Athens, Texas with Bro. Kelly Joe Carnes officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens.    

Mrs. Aaron passed from this life on Sunday, March 2, 2014 in Tyler, Texas.

Janice Lorraine Grissom Aaron was born January 11, 1957, in Athens, Texas to James Hoyte Grissom and Mary Viola Barnett Grissom. She attended Cayuga Baptist Church and was a tax preparer by trade.  She later began raising and selling produce and buying and selling Bling Jewelry and flip flops to stay busy.  She was an avid outdoors woman, hunting elk in Colorado or fishing the many area lakes.   She was always happy as long as she was beside her loving husband George and their cat Jack.  Nan loved her family and will be greatly missed by all she knew.

She is preceded in passing by her maternal grandparents, A.F. and Alene Barnett and her paternal grandparents, L.R. and Ruby Grissom.

Jan is survived by her loving husband, George Aaron of Athens, Texas; her parents, James and Mary Grissom of Athens, Texas; two daughters, Kymberli and husband Paul Barrett of DeKalb, Texas, Renee and husband Buddy Davis of Forney, Texas; one son, Michael and wife Lana Aaron of Athens, Texas; ten grandchildren, Parker Barrett, Kailey Barrett, Emily Barrett, Brittany Aaron, Chris Aaron, Tanner Aaron, Tucker Aaron, Presley Crabtree, Riley Crabtree, Avery Davis, one sister, Jeannie Marshall of Athens, Texas;  a sister-in-law, Connie Aaron Norman of Athens, Texas; one nephew, Bryce Marshall; two nieces, Nichole Norman, Natalie Norman.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 4, 2014 from 6-8:00 P.M. at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to:

Hospice of East Texas Foundation; 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701; (903) 266-3400.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Family in Athens, TX.

You may write condolences or light a memorial candle at: www.hannigansmith.com

A Celebration of the life of Jason D. Thomas, 45, of Athens, Texas is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Athens with Dr. Kyle Henderson and Dr. Tony Romans officiating. At a later date Jason’s family will carry out his request to scatter his ashes in Texas and Arkansas, the two places he had the most fun with his family while growing up.

Jason went to be with the Lord on Feb. 21, 2014 after a battle with cancer.

Jason Thomas was born on March 3, 1968 in Athens, Texas the son of Larry G. Thomas and Mary Ann Aaron Thomas. He became a Christian at the age of 7 and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Athens his entire life. Jason Graduated from Athens High School in 1986 and from TVCC in 1988. After graduation he worked several places in Athens before going to work for Central Freight Company where he worked as a pick-up & delivery driver, a dispatcher and an over the road driver for the next 15 years. In January 2005 a truck wreck ended his career and left him a quadriplegic. Before his accident Jason enjoyed riding motorcycles, camping with family and friends, swimming, water skiing, deep sea fishing, disc golf, men’s softball and hunting. After his accident, thanks to special equipment, he continued to hunt. In 2009 he had a chance to go to Africa and returned with some very nice trophies he shot with his crossbow.

A few years ago Jason became interested in the Hope Springs water project of drilling water wells in other countries. In 2012, he was the Director of the First Annual Hope Springs Golf Tournament Benefit which was a huge success. In 2013, he was unable to head up this tournament but he helped with it as much as possible.

Jason enjoyed watching his kids, Aaron and Natalie play all kinds of sports, taking them on trips and generally just enjoying life to the fullest, cherishing each moment God granted him. He was always upbeat and always had a smile on his face no matter what his circumstances.

In 2013 Jason wrote “In 2005 My Life Changed Forever. Some say it changed for the worse. I say it’s all relative as to how you look at it. Is it worse that I continue to live life despite my physical condition? Is it worse that I get to watch my kids grow up? Is it worse that this has brought me close to the best group of friends a man could have? I say these things are better than the alternative. Live Life To The Fullest, Cause You Never Know When It Might Take A Turn For The “Better”.”

Jason was a loving father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and a cherished friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all he touched.

Jason was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Burton and Dealva Thomas; maternal grandparents, Oscar and Lucille Aaron; maternal aunts, Myrtle Aaron McNew, Jackie Aaron Clement and maternal cousins, Lee Tanner and Wayne Carlile.

He is survived by his beloved children, Aaron and Natalie Thomas of Arp; his loving parents, Larry and Mary Ann Aaron Thomas of Athens; his sister, Lisa Thomas Johnson and husband A.J. of Spring; a nephew, Luke Johnson also of Spring; uncles and aunts, John and Mary Jo Aaron Tanner, Tony and Ann Hall Thomas of Athens, Ruth Aaron Faulkinbury of Oregon, Lynda Thomas Lewis of Richardson; numerous cousins from Henderson County and throughout the U.S. and too many friends to name.

Honorary pallbearers will be Shad and Sandie Moon, Aaron (Bubba) and Renee Smith, Eric and Tracye Smith, Brad and Amy Rogers, Junior and Amy Pirkle, Chris and Tammy Womble, Chris and Laci House, Billy and Lori Brewer, Tee and Angela Cotton, Don and Dawn Fitzmartin, Todd and Tanya Fowler, Phil and Melanie Oldham, Woody and Becky Paul, Mark and Terry Roman, Steve and Jill Kovar, Donnie Lewis, Blake McNatt, Cherie Exner, Angela Sessions, Jamie Wallace, Rhonda Dedear and the Omega Home Health Care Staff.

A Special thanks to Dr. Ted Mettetal and his staff and the Omega Home Health Care Staff for the loving care, above and beyond the call of duty. Jason loved all of you like family and we know you felt the same about him.

A gathering will follow his Celebration of Life in the Global Café at First Baptist Church.

Services were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Family.

You may light a candle or write a condolence to the family on www.hannigansmith.com

A Funeral Mass for Raymond “Pops” Gallegos, 72, of Palestine, Texas are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014 at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Athens with Father Pancras Savarimuthu officiating. Interment will follow at Indian Creek Cemetery in Palestine, Texas.

Raymond Gallegos went to be with his Lord and made his last ride into the sunset, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 in Tyler, Texas.

Raymond was born in Espirito Santo, Zacatecas, Mexico on Sept. 22, 1941 to Concepcion and Justina Gallegos. Raymond married Mattie Townley on Sept. 26, 1960 in Corsicana, Texas. From this 53-year union they raised two daughters of their own Diana, and Lana. In the early years he was a rancher, who went on to work for and retire from Getty Oil. He worked for Brushy Creek Timber Co/ White Capital Management at the time of his passing. Raymond, often said that working for Mr. White was one of his greatest pleasures in life. Many will remember him as a cowboy and one of the greatest horsemen of our time. The plain spoken legend always had time to help anyone who wanted to learn about horses, ranching, and life in general. His greatest joys in life where his grandchildren, helping others, spending time in the roping pen, and every minute spent with Mattie.

He is preceded in death by his parents Concepcion and Justina Gallegos; brothers Miguel Gallegos, Manuel Gallegos, Donaciano Gallegos, and Jose Gallegos.

He is survived by his wife Mattie Gallegos; daughters Diana Johnson and Michael Wheeler, Lana Walters and her husband Vance Walters; grandchildren Jordan Johnson, Lindsey Walters, Peyton Walters, Morgan Johnson, Jerett Walters and Kendall Wheeler; sisters Belen Adame, Maria Feaster, Margarita Rebeles and her husband, Baltazar: sister in laws Margarita Gallegos, Julia Gallegos; and numerous nieces and nephews and many friends, including his constant companions, Zack and Max.

Pallbearers will be James Whatley, Gary Almon, Rex Foster, Tim Conrad, Sebastian Landeverde, Will Brownlow. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Cotton, Mickey McCain, Bruce Barrett.

Visitation will be at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. A Rosary service will be held at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Chapel.

Services were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Family.

You may light a candle or write a condolence to the family on www.hannigansmith.com.

Services for Louise McGlaun Stringer, 89, of Murchison, are scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Murchison with Bro. Curtis Chandler officiating, under the direction of Eubank Funeral Home, Canton.

Burial will be in Allen Cemetery.

She passed away Feb, 10, 2014 in Athens.

Mrs. Stringer was born Oct. 27, 1924 in Wichita Falls to Fletcher Thomas and Ivy Mae Johnson Williams.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Murchison.

Surviving are two sons: Bobby and Annette McGlaun and Donny McGlaun; Daughter, Dixie McGlaun; 10 Grandchildren; Numerous Great-Grandchildren; 2 Sisters: Dixie Sue Taylor and Mary Lou Jackson.

Pallbearers are Bobby McGlaun, Brett McGlaun, Seth McGlaun, Aaron McGlaun, Ethan McGlaun and Mike McGlaun.

Family will receive friends Saturday one hour prior to the service.