JIMMY LYNN THOMAS
Jimmy Lynn Thomas, 74, of Center, Texas, died August 19, 2021, suddenly at his home.  Interment was in Bethel Cemetery, Logansport, Louisiana.  He was born November 12, 1946, in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, to Jack and Gertrude Adams Thomas. He was preceded in death by, Parents; Brothers-in-law, Jim Liles and Jimmy English; Sister-in-law, Jimmie Kay Thomas; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Ray and Marie Fletcher.  Survivors include, Wife, Carol Thomas; Daughters, Renee Rambin, Angie Conaster & spouse Billy, Tracy Hendricks; Brothers and sisters, Jerry Thomas, Joe Thomas, Jan Harvey, Ann Liles, Randy Thomas; Brother-in-law, Butch Fletcher; Sister-in-law, Nancy English.
Online condolences can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

PAUL M. ROSS
Paul M. Ross, 91, of Center, died August 20, 2021, at his home in Center.  Interment was in Fairview Cemetery, Center, Texas.  Paul Ross, born in Center, Shelby County Texas.  He served his country in the U.S. Army. He fought in Korea. Paul was appointed Sheriff of Shelby County on June 20, 1978 after the Sheriff that had won the election resigned. He was re-elected in 1980, 1984, and 1988. He served as Sheriff through December 31, 1992. That set a record as the longest serving Sheriff of Shelby County. That record stands to this day, 14 ½ years. A lot of people still refer to him as Sheriff or 'Too Tall Paul.'  He was preceded in death by, Parents, Lewis Allen Ross and Addie V. Swindle Ross; Brothers, Alton S. Ross, Robert B. Ross; Sister, Paula Ross.  Survivors include, Wife, Bobbie Ross of Center; Son, Lewis Allen Ross & wife Kay of Center; Daughter, Bobbie Jean Wood & husband Wayne of Center.
Online condolences can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

KARL WAYNE FOUNTAIN
Karl Wayne Fountain, 71, of Timpson, Texas, died August 19, 2021. He was born on June 14, 1950 to Dean and Wilda Charlene Fountain in Houston, Texas.  He served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He served for 4 years and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.  He was preceded in death by, Father, Dean Fountain; Brother, Michael Fountain; Sister, Ann Fountain.  Survivors include, Wife, Debra Fountain; Mother, Wilda Charlene Fountain; Daughter, Rachel; Step-daughters, Rachel, Amy; Step-son, Daniel Moore & wife Karen.

JACK MARDIS BALCOME
Jack Mardis Balcome, 88, of Richmond, Texas, died August 22 ,2021. Interment was in Old Home Cemetery, Shelby County.  He was born on September 23, 1932, to Hazen Paul and Jennette Rhae Balcome in Long Beach, California.  Jack served his country in the U. S. Army.  He was preceded in death by, Parents; Son, Paul Wane Balcome; Wife, Bertha Mae Shelton.  Survivors include,  Son, Jerry & wife Dianna Balcome of Joaquin, Texas; Daughters, Linda Pouncey of Joaquin, Alicia & husband Jeff Corimer of Richmond Texas.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

DENNIS HOWARD GILES
Dennis Howard Giles, 76, of Center, died August 21, 2021 at the Center Emergency Room.  Interment was in Friendship Bobo Cemetery, Shelby County.  He was born August 1, 1945 to Mr. Abe Giles, Sr. and mother Jimmie Lee Giles. Survivors include, Wife, Terrie Gail Giles; Children, Leticia Giles, Daphne Belin, Michelle Giles of Houston, TaShira McCollister (Pinky), William McCollister, Omeisha Williams of Center, Chavis McCollister (Dinky) of Dallas, Chansin Moore of Austin; Brother, Ronnie Giles of Nacogdoches; Sisters, Charlotte Adams of Nacogdoches, Shirley Calloway (Leon Calloway) and Dallas, Loraine Moore of Center.
Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

JERRY BOB NIX
Jerry Bob Nix, 80, of Nacogdoches, Texas, died August 20, 2021 in Nacogdoches, Texas.  Interment was in Shiloh Cemetery, Mt. Enterprise, Texas.  He was born on May 28, 1941 in Long Branch, Texas, to Chester and Gladys (Chaney) Nix.  He was preceded in death by, Parents; Brothers, CL, Charles, Lelan, Michael, David Paul Nix; Sister, Catherine Nix.  Jerry graduated high school in 1959 from Mt. Enterprise. He married Linda Kay Tyer of Timpson in 1962. Jerry was owner/partner of a CPA firm in Lufkin for several years before moving to Waco to attend Baylor Law School. After graduating law school in 1972, he moved to Dallas to practice law. He worked in Dallas into the late 70s before he and Kay decided to move to Timpson to help manage her parent’s lumber business.  He became owner and operator at Nix Forest Industries, Inc.  Survivors include, Wife, Kay Nix; Sons, Milt & wife Terrie, Jim & wife Karen.
Online condolences can be sent at www.taylorfh.net. 
Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas

RITA LYNN BATES DICKERSON
Rita Lynn Bates Dickerson, 74, of Joaquin, died August 23, 2021, at her home in Joaquin.  Interment was in Johnson Cemetery, Shelby County.  She was born October 21, 1946, in Logansport, Louisiana, to Robert Elmer Bates and Eula Merle Rhame Bates.  She was preceded in death by, Parents; Husband, Ray Dickerson Jr.  Survivors include, Sons, Richard Dickerson & wife Lena of St. Mary’s, Georgia, Randy Dickerson of Joaquin, Richell Prudhomme of Gloster, Louisiana; Brothers, Webb Bates & wife Jean of Joaquin, Milton Bates & wife Kay of Joaquin, Robert E. “Buddy” Bates Jr. & wife Tina of Millville, Utah.
Online condolences can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

BILLY RAYFORD WILLIAMS
Billy Rayford Williams, 77, of Center, died August 23, 2021 in Memorial Hospital in Nacogdoches, Texas.  Interment was in Sardis Cemetery, Shelby County.  He was born June 20, 1944 in Shelby County, Texas to Rayford (Jake) Williams and Zera Opal Waldon Williams.  He graduated as Salutatorian from Center High School in 1962. He was preceded in death by, Parents; Step-father, Jesse Waymon Brown.  Survivors include, Sister, Judy Williams Winger of Lufkin, Texas; Brothers, Rev. Charles Ronny Williams & wife, Betty, of Whitehouse, Danny Joe Brown & wife, Darlene, of Center, Larry Steve Williams & wife, Janice, of Tenaha, Jimmy Dale Williams & wife, Connie, of Van Alstyne, John Waymon Brown & wife, Mary Elizabeth, of The Woodlands.
Online condolences can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.