Obituaries

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.

Betty Jean (Sparks) Cartwright was born on January 4, 1928, to Audra (Ford) Sparks and Ernest Sparks in San Augustine. In 1946, she married the love of her life, Baxter Polk Cartwright, Jr., and they shared 59 wonderful years together. Betty Jean lived a joyous and fulfilling life for over 97 years, and she was called home to be with her Heavenly Father on June 11, 2025. Betty Jean graduated from San Augustine High School with the Class of 1945. During her seventhgrade year, she became the drum major for the high school band. At a young age, her beautiful singing voice was discovered by a talent agent, who offered her an opportunity to move to Hollywood. However, her father encouraged her to stay humble, and the family chose to decline the offer. Betty Jean continued to share her gift of song with the community, even performing for troops passing through town.

Katy Jo Brownlee, April 29, 1993 - June 11, 2025 It is with profound sadness that the family of Katy Jo Brownlee, announce her passing following a car accident in Pearland. Katy was a kind soul, who touched many lives. She was also a world traveler, nature lover, and book enthusiast with a passion for life. Her family and friends miss her greatly. Katy was preceded in death by her grandparents Joe (James Wendell) McNaughten of Milam, Mary Mitchell McNaughten of Pineland, and Leo and Barbara Brownlee of Broaddus.

Maxine Pate, aged 85, of Bronson, passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at The Joseph House in Lufkin. Born on March 11, 1940, in Mount Holly, Arkansas, to A. J. Williams and Lynas Davis Hollamon, Maxine was a beloved member of her community. She graduated from Malvern High School in Malvern, Arkansas, and pursued further education at Southwestern Business University in Houston. Maxine dedicated 25 years of her career as an office manager and automobile title clerk at Pate Motor Sales in Houston and South House. Later, she served the United States Postal Service as a part-time clerk in Bronson and a Career Clerk in Hemphill, retiring after 21 years of service.

Charles Wayne Tatom, aged 75, of Magnolia, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at his residence. Born in Hemphill, on June 22, 1949, to Clyde Tatom and Marie Sanford Tatom, Charles was a longtime resident of Sabine County and had lived in Magnolia for the past 25 years. He dedicated his career to serving as a paramedic for the Houston Fire Department.

Lynn Jene Rogers, 54, of Pineland, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Pineland. Born March 3, 1971, in Corpus Christi, Lynn is the son of James Jefferson Rogers and Josephine Aquilina Rogers.

Raymond Hiram Butler, 87, of Hemphill, passed away on June 10, 2025, in San Augustine. He was born in Hemphill on October 28, 1938, to Buren Butler and Margaret Duke Butler. A lifelong resident of Sabine County, Raymond was a devoted member of Rosevine Missionary Baptist Church. After graduating from Hemphill High School, Raymond honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. His professional life was dedicated to the railroad industry, where he worked as a Senior Clerk until his retirement.

John Allen Reeves, 64, of San Augustine, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at his residence. Born on July 15, 1960, in Center, he was the son of the late Henry Oscar 'Isom' Reeves, Jr., and Vivian Alice Cochran Reeves. John spent his most of his life in Sabine County and was a graduate of Hemphill High School. Affectionately known as 'Pappy,' John was a man who exuded happiness and cherished time spent with his family, who he loved dearly. An avid outdoorsman, dog lover, and sports fanatic, he held a particular fondness for Alabama's Crimson Tide football team and NASCAR racing.