Obituaries

Johnnie Pearl Jacks passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 78 in Orange. Born on August 4, 1946, in Alexandria, Louisiana, to John William Terrell and Addie Bell Christy Terrell, she had been a cherished resident of Orange for the past 26 years, having previously lived in Bay City.

Scott Erving Rodabough Jr., 81, passed away on July 8, 2025, in Houston. Born on January 21, 1944, in Houston, to Scott Erving Rodabough, Sr. and Lorraine Henrietta Davidson Rodabough, he spent much of his life in the city before relocating to Sabine County in 2015. Scott was a proud member of the Window Glaziers Union 1778 in Houston, dedicating years of skilled labor to his trade. His passion for craftsmanship extended beyond glasswork— he was also a talented motorcycle fabricator and the owner of Columbia Cycles in Houston. Through his shop, he built not only custom bikes but also a community of fellow enthusiasts who shared his love for the open road.

Helen Williams, 89, of Pineland, was called Home by our Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Lufkin. A devoted wife, mother, sister, Mam-Maw, and friend, Helen’s life was a reflection of faith, love, and service. Born on September 16, 1935, in Sabine County to Hamp and Abbie (Harvill) Tompkins, Helen was raised in Geneva and attended school in Hemphill. She was one of eight children and developed early in her years, a love for family, gardening, and cooking. On March 10, 1951, she married her lifelong love, Raymond Williams and together they built a joyful life centered around their children and faith.

In Loving Memory of Janis Sue Butler Bryant July 30, 1958 – June 11, 2025 It is with overwhelming sorrow that we announce the passing of Janis Sue Butler Bryant, 66, of Hemphill. Surrounded by her loving family, Janis entered into eternal rest on June 11, 2025. Janis was born on July 30, 1958, in Pasadena, to W.H. Butler and Martha Sue Butler. She later met and married the love of her life, Stephen Lloyd Bryant. The two shared nearly 45 years of marriage and built a life filled with love, devotion, and family.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Roy Clinton Hales of Pineland, who left this world July 4, 2025 just shy of his 78th birthday. Roy was a beloved husband, devoted father, proud grandfather and great grandfather whose legacy of love and strength lives on through the family he cherished.

Vonnie Ray Jones, age 91, of San Augustine, departed this physical life on, June 29, 2025, at his home in San Augustine. Mr. Vonnie Ray Jones was born November 02, 1933. Survived by his wife; Odeal Jenkins Jones of San Augustine, four sons; Melvin Jones (Rita) of San Augustine, Eddie Jones of San Augustine, Harry Jones of San Augustine, and K e n nith Jones of San Augustine, two daughters; Cheryl Jones of San Augustine, and Vonnie McArther of Tyler, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Francis Dwain Fuller, aged 79, passed away on June 23, 2025, in Hemphill. Born on November 19, 1945, in Rosevine, to James Herman Fuller and Ruth Mae McCroskey Fuller, Dwain spent his formative years in Rosevine before moving to Pasadena, where he lived for 40 years. Dwain was deeply rooted in his community and faith as a long-standing member of the Rosevine Church of God. His storytelling prowess made him a cherished figure locally, especially within the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo Association where he served on the Board of Directors. Dwain’s passion for horseback riding was well-known and brought joy to many of his days.

Paul “Pe Paw' Leroy Pierce Sr., 89, with great sadness departed this physical life on June 20, 2025, peacefully at his residence in Hemphill. Paul was born September 17, 1935, in Easterly, Robertson County, to Oscar Pierce and Helen Ramsey Pierce. He retired to Sabine County in 1995.

Leo Wright, Sr., a beloved resident of Bronson, passed away peacefully at his home on June 18, 2025. Born on June 9, 1936 in Bronson to William Cullen 'Cull' Wright and Margaret Ziegler Wright, Leo was a lifelong resident of Sabine County. He graduated from Bronson High School and went on to serve his country with distinction in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959, working as an electrician on the USS Hancock and the USS Oriskany aircraft carriers. He continued his service in the Navy Reserves until 1961. On August 23, 1956, Leo married the love of his life, Barbara Sue Byley Wright, and together they shared nearly 69 wonderful years. After his military service, Leo worked as an electrician at Temple-Inland in both Pineland and Diboll, where he dedicated many years before retiring. In addition to his work, he was a chicken farmer for many years.

With love in their hearts and profound gratitude for his life, the family of Ottis Lee Hamilton announces his peaceful transition into God’s embrace on June 4, 2025. He was surrounded by the unwavering love of his devoted wife, Dholly, his beloved brother, Denman, and his cherished support family in Washington, DC. A Life Rooted in Faith and Purpose Born on December 3, 1948, to the late Lenon “Jack” and Tenola Thomas Hamilton, Ottis grew up in Hemphill, where he cultivated strong values of faith, family, and perseverance. He graduated from Hemphill High School in 1967, and his spiritual journey led him to be baptized into Christ during his teenage years. As a dedicated member of the Fairdale Church of Christ, now known as The Thomas Johnson Church of Christ, his faith was the guiding light throughout his life. Ottis pursued higher education at Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, earning his degree in 1969, before continuing his studies at The University of Houston.