Smyrna Cemetery Obits


Rains County Leader
Sept 17, 1909
The little one-year-old child of Mr. Pat Nichols died at the home of Mr. Champion in Emory Monday evening with congestion, and its remains were interred in the Smyrna cemetery Tuesday evening. Mr. Nichols’ wife died in Oklahoma week before last and he brought his two children here. The child was sick when they got here, but not serious until congestion set up Sunday night.

Unmarked Grave
Obituary from Rains County Leader
November 26, 1915
Death at Ginger
Peter Brown died at his home in the Ginger community about 11 o’clock Tuesday morning after an illness lasting several weeks, and his remains were interred the following day in the Smyrna cemetery. He leaves a wife, 3 children and other relatives to mourn his death. The Leader offers sympathy and condolence to the bereaved family.

April 4, 1913
George Cochran Dead
George Cochran died at his home in Dunbar neighborhood last week with tuberculosis. For some time Mr. Cochran has been running the small mercantile business at Dunbar and is well known throughout that part of the county. His remains were buried at Smyrna Saturday.
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November 19, 1913
The Leader sympathizes with Mr. and Mrs. Jim Kennemur of the Smyrna neighborhood in the loss of their 10-month-old baby, which died Wednesday.
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September 3, 1915
The 18-month-old baby of Mr. and Mrs. Sam McReynolds died last Saturday and was buried at Smyrna Sunday. The Leader joins with friends in offering sympathy and condolences to the bereaved parents.

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September 10, 1915
The Leader sympathizes with Mr. and Mrs. George Alkire of the Smyrna neighborhood in the loss of their baby, which died last Thursday night.

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September 10, 1915
Death Near Point
Mrs. Ida Chapman, residing in the vicinity of Point died last Thursday and her remains were buried in the Smyrna cemetery Friday. She had been afflicted with tuberculosis. The Leader offers sympathy to the bereaved family.
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December 24, 1915
Death from Pneumonia
Charlie Daniels died at the home of Mr. Turner in the Smyrna neighborhood Sunday night with pneumonia. He was about 22 years old and is survived by a widowed mother and a sister, who have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.

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February 27, 1920
Smyrna Dots
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Tadlock have our sympathy in the death of their infant, which died Monday morning.
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In Memory
Point, Texas, Oct. 23
On last Thursday evening about 6 o’clock Jesus came gathering jewels and took from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Bryam their daughter, Eula Bell. She was just in young womanhood, being only a few days over eighteen years of age. Not only was she missed from the home but also she was one of the precious buds of the community. She was loved by all who knew her but we have a hope of meeting her in heaven, as she said she was ready to go. Home is vacant but weep not dear father and mother, prepare to meet her in heaven where there will be no more sad parting. Her remains were laid to rest in the Smyrna graveyard Friday evening in the presence of a large host of friends, Bro. Tom Dement conducting the funeral service.—A Friend
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August 3, 1923
Mr. J.L. Russell Dead
Mr. J.L. Russell, a well known and highly respected farmer living in the Rocky Point community South of Emory died early Tuesday morning after a long illness with stomach trouble having been confined to his bed nearly two years. His remains were buried at the Smyrna cemetery about 4 o'clock Tuesday evening, the funeral service being attended by a large concourse of relatives and friends. Mr. Russell was a high-toned Christian gentleman and was held in high esteem by his many friends. The Leader joins with friends in extending sympathy to the bereaved family.

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Smyrna
The death angel visited Mr. Dudley King’s home and took little Forest. He was laid to rest in the Smyrna cemetery. Little Forest was 5 months, 15 days old. There was only 4 month’s difference in the twins’ deaths. May your sorrows be few and your joys many is the hope of this community to the family.

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January 6, 1933
A. Giles Dies Of Pneumonia Thursday
Mr. Alfred Amega Giles died at his home in this city, Thursday night, December 29th, after a short illness with pneumonia and his remains were buried the following day in the Smyrna cemetery. Rev. C.M. Martin conducting the funeral services at the home. Mr. Giles was well known in Emory and vicinity, having been engaged in the cafe and market business for many years and always had a kind word for neighbors and friends. Mr. Giles was a native of Georgia, coming to Rains County, Texas with his parents in early childhood and has lived in Rains County since. He was married to Almo Pound, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Pound. The wife and six children, two boys and four girls survive him. Also, he is survived by two sisters, Mesdames Mitt Mayes of Crocket and Carrie Gowins of the Dunbar community; and two nephews, George and John Giles. The Leader joins with friends in offering sympathy to the bereaved family.

Lillian Harrell
1920 - 2001
Funeral services for Lillian Harrell, 81, of Irving were held at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home Chapel in Emory at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, September 2, with Rev. Montie Parker officiating.
Burial was in Smyrna Cemetery. Pallbearers were Elbert Sutton, Chris Post, David Watkins, Preston Hogue, Jimmy Cooper and Jasper Northcutt.
Mrs. Harrell died August 30 in Dallas Southwest Medical Center.
She was born in Rains County on February 22, 1920, to George W. Alkire and Emma Jane Covington. She worked at Harber Fabrics for several years. She was a Baptist.
Survivors include son, Albert Earl Harrell of Irving; daughter, Margaret Fay Oliver of Irving; sister, Ima Wyatt of Lebanon, Oregon; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Mary Lanham
1916 - 2001
Funeral services for Mary Lanham, 84, of Emory were held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Montie Parker officiating. Burial followed in Smyrna Cemetery with friends serving as pallbearers.
Mrs. Lanham died February 22 at Santa Fe Health-Rehab in Weatherford.
She was born in Van Zandt County on October 1, 1916, to Jacob and Victoria Lee Stallings.
She married Bill Lanham. She worked at E-Systems in Greenville for many years and was also a homemaker and a Baptist.
Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Jeannye Lanham of Millsap, and Bryant and Leta Fay Lanham of Mineral Wells; brother, Jack Stallings of Mabank; sister Elaine Wilson of Fairland, Okla.; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Lanham in 1973.

Rains County Leader
January 27, 2004
Opal Wright
1924 - 2004
Services for Opal Wright, 79, of Lindale were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Smyrna Church with Rev. Gale Galloway officiating. Burial was in Smyrna Cemetery under the direction of Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home of Emory. Mrs. Wright died January 19 at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler.
She was born April 20, 1924, to Thomas Jefferson and Myrtle Edna Williams Fleming. She married Clyde Ray Wright on Feb. 14, 1941. She was a homemaker and a member of Central Baptist Church in Lindale.
Survivors include her husband of Lindale; son, Thomas Wayne Wright and wife Amy of Bullard; daughter, Barbara Ann Scott and husband Arthur Glen of Lindale; brother, Willard Fleming of Azel; sister, Linda Perez of South Carolina; five grandchildren, Sherri Etemad, Glenda Vickers, Carmen Nunn, Toni Petty and Natalie Wright; and seven great-grandchildren, Michelle Furlow, Krystal Durrett, Jesse Bowman, Preston Nunn, Timothy Nunn, Kayla Vickers and Abby Petty.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, two sisters, and six brothers.
Donations may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701.

William “Bill” Akins
1946-2003
William “Bill” Akins, 57, passed away on November 19, 2003, in Houston. He was born February 28, 1946, in Dallas to William Thomas Akins and Dortha (Tadlock) Akins of East Texas.
He was an expert marksman and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Afterwards, he married Frances J. Houston of Dallas, and fathered two sons, Bill and Jake Akins.
For over a decade, he and his sons were members of the Irving Bass Club. Seventeen years ago he moved to Houston where he founded Bill Akins Construction. While in Houston, he married Harriet Tunick. Bill was of the Christian faith, and he cherished his family and friends throughout Houston, Dallas, and East Texas.
He is survived by his wife, Harriet Akins of Houston, two sons, Bill and wife Beth of Dallas, and Jake and fiancee Teal of Arlington, and the Akinses and Tadlocks of East Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Thomas Akins and Dortha Akins, and his brother Bobby Ray Akins.
Funeral services were held Friday, November 21, 2003, in the Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gene Vickrey officiating. Burial services were held on Saturday, November 22, in Smyrna Cemetery in Emory. The family gathered to remember Bill at the home of Delbert and Ruby Akins in Fruitvale.

Rains County Leader
May 11, 2004
Lillian Pearl Willingham
1938 - 2004
Funeral services for Lillian Pearl Willingham, 65, of Emory were held at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 6, with Bro. Homer Morgan officiating. Burial was in Smyrna Cemetery with DeWayne Burns, James Cannaday, Mark Coats, Josh Willingham, Bradley Willingham, Cory Bates and Craig Perkins serving as pallbearers. Mrs. Willingham died Tuesday, May 4, at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. She was born in Emory on Dec. 7, 1938, to Willie A. and Bessie L. Shedd Byram. She married Charles Russell Willingham on March 6, 1958, in Balch Springs. She was a retired dry cleaner. Mrs. Willingham was a member of the Assembly of God Church. Survivors include sons, Charles Ray Willingham and wife Carla of Grand Saline, Gary Wayne Willingham and wife Kiristin of Terrell, and Donald Chris Willingham and Kim of Grand Saline; daughters, Sandra Marshall and husband Steve of Mesquite, Annette Middleton and husband Donnie of Balch Springs, and Cindie Pauline Mitchell of Grand Saline; sisters, Geneva Coats of Emory, Esta Lee Pope of Alba, and Betty Shreeves of Point; 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers, and two sisters.

Patsy Ruth Byram
1934 - 2004
Funeral services for Patsy Ruth Byram, 70, of Emory were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 23, at Emory Baptist Church with Rev. Rodney Williams, Rev. Billy smith, and Rev. Joe Perkins officiating. Burial followed in Smyrna Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ken Clifton, Reagen Teel, Ray Willingham, Don Smith, Ernest Holman, and Michael Gaby. Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Byram died Thursday, May 20, at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital. She was born in Rains County on January 11, 1934, to Bud and Simmie Hooten Huddleston. She married Orban Kenneth Byram in Emory on October 13, 1951. She was a homemaker and a member of Emory Baptist Church. She was also a member of the “Amazing Grace” Sunday school class. Survivors include a daughter, Bonnie and husband Terry Speed of Emory; a sister, Janie and husband Freddie Clifton of Emory; a brother, Robert and wife Lea Bishop of Point; grandchildren, Ken and wife Cody Clifton, Angela Robbins, Melanie and Chasity Speed, and Jason Bishop; great-grandchildren, Ryley Turner, and Kenlee Clifton. Mrs. Byram was preceded in death by her husband in 1994. Memorial donations may be made to the Emory Baptist Church Building Fund.

Rains Co. Leader
July 6, 2004
Darlene K. Riley
1918-2004
Funeral services for Darlene K. Riley of Emory will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 6, at Shady Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Wayne Wolfe and Rev. Joe Strebeck officiating. Burial will be in Smyrna Cemetery. Pallbearers are Paul Molidor, Odie Wayne Taylor, A.B. Gowin, Justin Wolfe, Charlie Paris, and Roy Weatherford. Mrs. Riley passed away Friday, July 2, at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital. She was born in Texarkana, Ark., Jan. 18, 1918, to William N. and Faye Butler Kennedy. She married Roy H. Davidson Nov. 16, 1961, in Los Angeles County, Calif. She was a retired attorney, and a member of Texas Bar Association, past judge of Wood County, and a member of Ladies Helping Hands at Shady Grove Baptist Church where she was a member. She is survived by her husband, Roy B. Davidson; sons, Joseph L. Riley and wife Charleen of Irvine, Calif., Stephen A. Riley and wife Jeannie of Huntington, W. Va; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters. Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Rains County Leader
August 10, 2004
Ella Ree O’Rear
1924-2004
Funeral services for Ella Ree O’Rear were held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 8, at Smyrna Community Church in Emory. Burial followed in Smyrna Cemetery. Mrs. O’Rear passed away Friday, Aug. 6, 2004. She was born Sept. 3, 1924, in Rains County. She is survived by her husband, J.W. O’Rear; grandchildren, Kyle O’Rear and wife Elizabeth Field of Denver, CO., Katie May and husband Keith May of Dallas, Kamy O’Rear of Prague, Czech Republic; great-granddaughter, Abby May; sister, Minnie Hogue; many nieces and nephews in Emory and many relatives in the Dallas area. Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home, Emory was in charge of arrangements.

Rains County Leader
August 17, 2004
William David “Bill” Bevers
Graveside services for William David “Bill” Bevers, 68, of Emory were held at Smyrna Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 17. Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. He died Saturday, August 14, 2004, at his residence in Emory. Mr. Bevers was born in Fort Worth to W.W. and Evelyn Bevers. He married Barbara Ray in Stephenville on February 8, 1957. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Bevers was a retired Union Iron Worker. Survivors include his wife of Emory; his father of Garland; a son, Bill Bevers Jr. of Ft. Worth; a daughter, Debra Armon of Miami Beach, Fla.; a sister, Pamela Robelow of Garland; grandchildren, Madison Armon and Bentley Benard.

Rains County Leader
Feb 15, 2005
Lonnie Toles
(1927-2005)
Memorial services for Lonnie Toles, 77, of Malakoff are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Saturday Feb. 19 at the First Baptist Church in Malakoff with Dr. Robert Webb officiating. Burial will be in the Smyrna Cemetery in Emory under the direction of Tomlinson Funeral Home in Malakoff. Mr. Toles was born October 15, 1927, in Weston and then was raised in Emory. He served in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1947 and later retired from the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Linda Toles White of Huntsville and Paula and Paul Gaviorno of Desoto; one brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Jeannie Toles of Van Alstyne; five sisters and three brothers-in-law, Eulita Toles Harris of Dallas, Anne Remley of Malakoff, Janie and Roy DuBois of Orange, Newell and Doug McRimmon of Greenville, Ina Mae and Ed Green of Terrell; three grandchildren, Brandon and Dustin Ballard and Stacey Collins; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and friend Sonny Bland of Huntsville. He was preceded in death by his son Bobby Toles in 1984. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lighted Pathways Hospice, P.O. Box 43731, Seven Points, Texas 75143.

Rains County Leader
Feb 22, 2005
William Lawrence “Bill” Russell
1936-2005
Funeral services for William Lawrence “Bill” Russell were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 21, at the Believer’s Baptist Church in Emory, with Pastor Jason Rolan officiating. Interment followed at Smyrna Cemetery in Emory. Mr. Russell was born January 18, 1936, in Greensboro, North Carolina. On May 26, 1956, he married Joyce LaDean Johnson in Emory. He served in the United States Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Korean conflict. He was a painter and a Baptist. He is survived by his wife, Joyce LaDean Russell; son, Bobby Russell; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Danny Meek, all of Wylie, Sherri and Farley Fowler of Gunter, Terri Russell of Pecan Gap, and Nancy and Sidney Kile of Emory; sisters, Carolyn Freeman and Doris Coltrane, both of North Carolina; brother, James Tilley of North Carolina; nine grandchildren; his family in love, T.C. Johnson, Elwanda McAlpin, Willie Johnson, Chuck Johnson, Frank Johnson and Janelle Cantrell; and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Russell; and father and mother-in-law, Johnny and Clara Johnson.

Rains County Leader
March 1, 2005
Joe Lee Hill
1947-2005
Funeral services for Joe Lee Hill, 57, of Point, were held Saturday, Feb. 26, at Believer’s Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Rolen officiating. Burial followed at the Smyrna Cemetery under the direction of Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Jackey Heard, Rick Duelm, George Hopkins, Raymond Gomez, Lupe Martinez, and Roy Martinez. Mr. Hill was born in Dallas Oct. 13, 1947, to John Earl and Lucinda Marcum Hill. On Aug. 30, 1969, he married Lorene Foreman in Dallas. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and was an electrician for 30 years at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas. He was a member of Believers Baptist Church, and the Independent Order of Foresters. He is survived by his wife; son and daughter-in-law Joseph and Melissa Hill of Mesquite; daughter and son-in-law Jessie and Mickey Hicks of Brashear; grandchildren, Cari, Blake, Brett and Marissa Hicks, and Brooke, Bayleah and Abbie Hill; sisters, Dorothy Cox of Archer City and Betty Sue Zaiontz of Yorktown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Believers Baptist Church Youth Fund.

Richard Lee Johnson
1959-2005
Funeral services for Richard Lee Johnson, 46, of Melissa were held at 12:00 noon, Friday, Feb. 25, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel. A graveside service followed at 3:00 p.m. at Smyrna Cemetery in Emory. Pallbearers were Chuck Lorance, Keith Johnson, Randy Johnson, David Lorance, Cole Andrews, Chuck Beasley, Ivan Castle, Mark Bly, and Ronnie Bushland. Mr. Johnson passed away Monday, Feb. 21. He was born on Feb. 8, 1959, in Fort Worth to William David and Mattie Pauline (Terry) Johnson. He was a licensed electrician. He is survived by his sons, Jacob Johnson of Allen and Adam Fordyce of Whitesboro; daughters, Jenna and Jessica Johnson both of Allen, and Mattie Johnson of Whitesboro; father, William Johnson of Emory; brother, Mike Terry of Hemphill; sisters, Susan Reinis of Plano, Donna Johnson of Bells, and Vicky Johnson and Christy Akin, both of Whitewright. He was preceded in death by his mother.

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Gene Royal
1935-2005
Funeral services for Gene Royal, 69, of Wills Point, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, at Allan Fuller Funeral Home chapel in Wills Point with Rev. Tommy Goodwin officiating. Burial will be in Smyrna Cemetery in Rains County. Pallbearers will be Johnny Reeves, Ira Royal, Morris Royal Jr., David Renfro, Bobby Renfro and Donald Renfro. Mr. Royal died Feb. 26 in a Greenville hospital. He was born April 20, 1935, in Texarkana, Ark. to William Leslie and Edith Catherine Herring Royal. He grew up in Texarkana, and served in the Navy. He was a plumber, a steamfitter, and a member of Local Union No. 100 for many years. He lived in Dallas prior to moving to Wills Point in 1973. He attended Cottonwood Assembly of God near Golden. Survivors include his wife, Nola Royal of Wills Point; sons, Brian Royal of Garland, and Dale Royal of Seagoville; a daughter, Jeanna Goodwin of Golden; a brother, Morris L. Royal of Texarkana, Ark., sisters, Marjorie Reeves of Irving, and Catherine Renfro of Grand Prairie; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

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Mildred Threatt
1932-2005
Funeral services for Mildred Threatt, 72, of Dallas were held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, Feb. 25, at Wilson-Orwosky Chapel, in Emory, with Rev. Terry Blankenship and Rev. James Bishop officiating. Burial was in Smyrna Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ronnie Burns, Eddie Burns, Tracy Burns, and Robert Burns. Mrs. Threatt died Tuesday, Feb. 22, at her residence. She was born Oct. 2, 1932, to William Newton and Mattie Mae Ellis Harvey. She married Bobby Gene Threatt on August 28, 1948, in Rains County. She was a member of Betheny Baptist Church in Dallas; a volunteer for 12 years with Senior Citizens Center in Pleasant Grove, and she was a homemaker. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Daniel Martin of Mesquite; sister, Mary Ann Burns of Emory; grandson, Jonathan Martin of Mesquite; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1995; her parents; and three brothers.

Rains County Leader
March 15, 2005
Ethel Lorene King
1921-2005
Services for Ethel Lorene King were held Saturday, March 12, at Smyrna Union Church with Rev. Steve White officiating. Interment followed at Smyrna Cemetery, with Brian King, Jason King, Scott King, Branndon King, Robert King and Eric Catron serving as pallbearers. Ethel Lorene King of Lewisville passed away on Wednesday, March 9, at her residence in Lewisville. She was born on December 20, 1921, in Madill, Okla., the daughter of James Addison Catron and Bettie Elizabeth Kennemer Catron. She married J.T. King in Emory on November 26, 1943. Her husband preceded her in death on December 10, 1994. Mrs. King retired from Tom Thumb. She was a member of Pleasant Terrace Baptist Church. Survivers include: daughter, Linda Jenell Lyles and husband Jim of Lewisville; sons, Larry Thomas King and wife Sandy of Buena Vista, Colo., Gary Wayne King and wife Becky of Garland, Gerald Ray King and wife Wendy of Duncanville; sister, Mary Elain King of Duncanville; sister-in-law, Pat Catron of Irving; grandchildren, Brian Thomas King, Jason Wayne King, Scott Michael King, Sarah Elizabeth King, Jennifer Jennell King, Lindsey Meredith King, Branndon Kyle King and Lauren Ashley Lyles; great-grandchildren, Jordan Tyler King and Jaylne Marie King.

Rains County Leader
April 5, 2005
Roy H. Davidson
1915-2005
Funeral services for Roy H. Davidson, age 89, formerly of Emory, were held on Saturday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the Shady Grove Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Smyrna Cemetery near Emory. Mr. Davidson died Sunday, March 27, in Huntington, W. Va., where he had lived for the past several months. He was born to parents Harry and Annie Olson Davidson on April 24, 1915, in Kingsburg, Calif. Mr. Davidson was a decorated veteran, having been honored more than several times with a Purple Heart medal while serving his country in the United States Army during WWII. He married Darlene K. Riley on November 16, 1961, in Los Angeles County, Calif. He was a retired rancher...raising horses was his pleasure. Survivors include Joseph L. Riley and wife Charleen of Irvin, Calif., Stephen A. Riley and wife Jeannie of Huntington, W. Va.; grandchildren, Erin Dunn, Matthew Riley, David Riley, Darren Riley, Kirk Riley, Jennifer Riley and Mark Riley; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Darlene, in July of 2004.

Rains County Leader
July 5, 2005

Herman “Bobby” Robert Ivie
1932-2005
Funeral services for Herman “Bobby” Robert Ivie were held Saturday, July 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Wilson-Orwosky Chapel with Rev. David Diller officiating. Interment was at Smyrna Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dr. Don Patman, Duaine Appleton, Floyd Greene, Bobby Bufford, Ray Alexander and Leon Clark. Honorary pallbearers were Ivan Alexander, Jr., Eddie Burns and Chris Ivie. He was born on November 30, 1932, in Point, the son of the late Hermon and Helen King Ivie. He married Elaine Stephenson on June 29, 1974, in Dallas. He was a retired school administrator and school teacher. Mr. Ivie taught at Carey Jr. High from 1960-1964 and at J.T. Lang Jr. High from 1964-1972. In 1971, he was the recipient of the Fullbright Scholarship and studied at the University of Bombay in India. In 1971 he became headmaster of Lakehill Preparatory School in the community of Lakewood in Dallas. He was superintendent of Melissa ISD from 1974-1976 where he was instrumental in helping Melissa keep its school district and get a much-needed tax refund. From 1976-1979 he was principal at Cotton Center ISD. From 1979-1980 he taught at the Amelia Earhart Montessori School in Dallas. He taught special education at Wills Point High School and at Grand Saline Elementary. Besides his 20 years in education, he served five years in the United States Air Force, becoming a navigator with the 622nd Air Refueling Squadron and also a BX Base Exchange Officer. He left the military service as a captain. He was involved with real estate as a hobby and later as a drudgery. Survivors include wife Elaine Ivie of Emory; sons and daughters-in-law Ryan and Sarah Ivie and Justin and Jessica Ivie; daughters from a previous marriage, Sonja Ortmayer and husband Roger, and Cheryl Garreau and husband Guy; three grandchildren, Travis and Tara Ortmayer and Dane Garreau; and finally, his pet dog, Pepper.

Emmit Wayne Williams
1936-2005
Memorial services for Emmit Wayne Williams, 68, of Downey, Calif. will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at Smyrna Cemetery. Mr. Williams was born August 24, 1936, and graduated from Alba High School. He went on to get his bachelors and masters degrees at North Texas State University. After teaching briefly in Dallas, he moved and taught in Downey, Calif. He retired there after more than thirty years of teaching. He was loved by his students and respected by his peers. The California legislature recognized his outstanding contributions as a teacher after his retirement. He is survived by one son, John; two grandchildren, Tony and Faye, all of California; one sister, Audrey Flowers of Alba; and one brother, Calvin, of Buffalo.

Rains County Leader
September 6, 2005 Harold J. Wallace
1938 - 2005
Funeral services for Harold J. Wallace, 66, of Emory were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, at Freedom Church of God, Emory, with Rev. Kenneth Ishmael officiating. Burial was in Smyrna Cemetery. Pallbearers were John Parish, Preston Miller, John House, Tim Forbes, Bill McGahee, Richard Dyess. Mr. Wallace died Friday, Sept. 2, at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. He was born on December 28, 1938, in Emory to John R. and Lillie Haught Wallace. He married Naomi House Wallace on August 17, 1957, in Point. He was a retired truck driver for Central Freight and a member of Freedom Church of God. He is survived by his spouse, Naomi Wallace of Emory; daughters, Sandra Miller and husband Matt of Emory, and Glenda Murray and husband Tony of Emory; son, Kevin Wallace and wife Catherine of Emory; brother, Floyd Wallace and wife Nina; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents

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