Category: Obituaries

Funeral services for Nelda “Nana” Dowell, 76 of Athens have been scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday July 19, 2017 at the Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Dean officiating.

Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Mrs. Dowell passed away Saturday July 15, 2017 in Athens.

She was born December 3, 1940 in Athens to the late Jay and Katie Maureen Couch Williams. Nana was a resident of Athens her entire life and a member of Fellowship Baptist Church. Her and her husband loved to travel when they had the chance and had experienced many places. Nana loved to cook and had a passion for taking care of others.

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Billy Dean McWilliams passed away Monday, June 26, 2017. Billy was born in Canton, Texas to Marion Kellis McWilliams and Lovie Laurette Norman.

Billy spent most of his professional career as a terminal manager in the petroleum field and was a pedal steel guitar player extraordinaire. He is survived by three sons: Ricky Lynn, Keith, and Randy; his beloved companion: Gladys Bowman; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family invites you to a gathering from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home to remember and reflect on Billy’s life.

A Funeral Mass for Santiago Sanchez Ruvalcaba of Athens is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the St. Edwards Catholic Church with Father Nolan Lowry officiating.

Santiago went to be with his Savior on July 9, 2017 in Athens.

Santiago Sanchez Ruvalcaba was born September 19, 2015 in Athens, Texas the son of Samuel Sanchez and Yesenia Ruvalcaba Campa. He was a Daddy’s boy who loved helping his father work on the ranch and drive the tractors. He was a very energetic and loving little guy that held the heart of all that knew him.

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Funeral services for Luther Hamp Manning, 85, of Athens are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens with Bro. Joe Baxter and Bro. Hamp Manning officiating. Interment will follow at Becks Chapel Cemetery.

Bro. Manning went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 6, 2017 in Athens.

Luther Hamp Manning was born June 16, 1932 in the Brushy Creek Community, Texas the son of Riley “Bud” Manning and Winnie Dear Hurt Manning. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force before beginning a career that spanned many years as a heavy equipment contractor. Bro. Hamp was a tremendous man of faith who spent 60 of his 85 years as a Minister along with his beloved wife of 65 years, Vera “Johnnie” Manning. His most recent position as a Pastor was serving at Aley Family Worship Center, yet he continued the ministry at Park Highlands Nursing Home where he lived and he enjoyed preaching, praying and singing praises to the Lord. He was a loving father, grandfather and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

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Funeral services for Ernest Grubbs Sr., 68, of Athens are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2017 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens with Brother Scotty Short officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens.

Mr. Grubbs passed away on July 5, 2017 in Tyler.

Ernest Grubbs Sr. was born April 5, 1949 in Seagoville, Texas the son of Tommy Chester Grubbs and Leota Arlene Templin Grubbs. He was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church and was an avid Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys fan. He worked for Redman for over 28 years before moving on to self-employment where he worked with his son. He enjoyed camping and fishing but loved playing the Texas Lotto. Papa was a great family man who loved spending time with his grandbabies, especially his Little Man Blaine. Papa was a loving father, brother and grandfather who will be missed by all he knew and loved.

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